Greetings Pointer Students and Families,
I’d like to start off by extending my sincere thanks to our students, parents and community for a wonderful Homecoming celebration last week. The level of participation in the dress up days, class competitions and pep rally were outstanding! We had a record crowd for the JV and Varsity Football Games (wins for both teams) and a great Homecoming Dance. Thank you to our staff and event sponsors for helping to make a memorable weekend for our students.
This week we celebrate Kindness Matters and Anti-Bullying Week. Students and staff are asked to wear the following colors this week:
Tuesday: Green for Equity
Wednesday: Orange for Unity or “Kindness Matters” Shirts
Thursday: Red for Respect
Friday: Purple for Positivity
I’m also excited to share that we had hundreds of student signatures on the “Kindness Matters” banner available during lunch periods. Lastly, we hosted a successful “Mix It Up Day” at lunch, where students are encouraged to talk with new classmates during lunch shifts.
Please join us at Woodlawn High School on Sunday, November 3 at 3:00 pm for the Marching Band Show Case. Guest parking is in the school parking lot, there are no tickets required for this free event. Sparrows Point High will be leading Mass Band, with all of the bands performing "This is My Country" directed by our very own Music Department Chairperson Mr. Kennis Rolle!
Focus on student attendance:
Did you know that a student who is fifteen minutes late each day will have missed a full 2 weeks of school in one year? At SPHS we want all students to be in school, on time (7:45 am), every day, ready to learn.
Did you know that a student who is chronically absent any year between grades 8 and 12 is more than 7 times more likely to drop out of high school than a student who is not chronically absent? Good attendance also supports success in the workplace and college. Students should be absent no more than 2 days per marking period to remain on track for meeting the 94% BCPS Attendance Standard.
We are excited to welcome parents and guardians to visit during American Education Week, November 18-22. Please be aware of the following system wide procedures related to American Education Week:
-individuals who visit must be listed in the Student Information System (SIS)
-visitors must bring government issued identification such as a driver’s license.
-please arrange for the care of small children so that they will not interrupt the educational program.
-please push the buzzer to be admitted. Do not hold the door open for others- safety over courtesy.
-all visitors must sign in at the main office or designated location and go through the visitor identification process. Please wear your visitor badge at all times and return the badge to the main office before leaving.
We look forward to your visit during American Education Week!
As a reminder, Marking Period 1 ends on Friday, November 8. We ask that all students and families are closely monitoring student grades and progress as we near the end of the marking period.
Congratulations to our newest Pointers of the Week- Jacob P. and Adie T.! Thank you for being outstanding representatives of the "Pointer BARK!"
Kind regards,
Emily J. Caster
Principal
Upcoming Events and Information:
Class of 2020 Parent Booster Club Meeting- Tuesday, October 29, 6:00 pm, SPHS Library
SPECIES Magnet Showcase for interested middle school magnet applicants- Wednesday, October 30, 6:00 pm, SPHS Auditorium
Class of 2022 Parent Booster Club Meeting- Thursday, October 31, 7:00 pm, SPHS Library
PTSA Meeting- Thursday, November 7, 6:00 pm, SPHS Library
The Modell Lyric is proud to announce its third annual Dream BIG Contest, in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech during the historic August 28, 1963, March on Washington. Dr. King had an incredible vision for the United States built on principles of justice, equity, and love. In honor of his memory, the Modell Lyric is asking students to share the important dreams they have for their lives, communities and families. Students in Grades 5-12 living in Baltimore City and Baltimore County are eligible to enter the contest with either a 300-word essay or 60 second edited video. Ten selected finalists will have the opportunity to share their work at the Modell Lyric and receive a $100 honorarium.
The entry period is from Monday, January 6, 2020, through Friday, March 6, 2020. Entries can be submitted via our online submission portal. Students may also mail their essays to The Modell Lyric, 110 W. Mt. Royal Avenue, c/o the Education Department Baltimore 21201. Late submissions will not be accepted. The ten finalists will be announced on Wednesday, March 18, 2020.
https://modell-lyric.com/education/