PrincipalÕs Message
January 6, 2005
Dear Parents,
The end of the first semester is near and I am thankful for the tremendous support I have received from the Malibu High community including students, teachers and parents. My level of appreciation is heightened as I reflect on my own good fortunes amidst the tragic loss of life and continued hardship in Southern Asia. As we continue with our lives I hope that we all join with our global community to provide the support that so many in our world desperately need.
When such events happen, I ask that we remember to care for ourselves, friends, family and especially our young people. We, as the adults in their lives, have to help them comprehend the devastation that occurred and, despite our often-hurried existence, remember to give them the time and care they need. Young people may not outwardly demonstrate stress or anxiety, but may internalize their emotions in a way that psychologically or physically affects them. It is important to watch for signs of stress such as sleep difficulties, headaches, stomachaches, irritability, sadness, anger or inattention that may indicate that your student is struggling to understand what has happened. Talk openly and honestly with your students, help them seek ways to get involved in relief efforts, or return them to routines that are familiar and safe. We are fortunate that we are able to move on with our lives, yet such events are a chance for us to teach our young people that each day we have is an opportunity to live life to its fullest. With this said, I return to life at Malibu High.
Final exams will take place the last week in January. The exam schedule is shown below. During final exams teachers will be provide students with a culminating experience that taps into knowledge, concepts, skills and habits that have been developed over the course of the first semester. I think such experiences are important for students because it gives teachers and students the chance to reflect on work done with an emphasis of pulling ideas together. Closing out one term gives students the opportunity to make changes in areas they want to improve. I find a fresh start is nice to have once-in-a-while. You can help your student by making sure they know the schedule and are prepared to meet the expectations that their teachers will ask of them during final exams.
Exam Schedule Bell Schedule
Wednesday, January 26 Periods 1 and 4 8:00 Ð 10:00 First Final
Thursday, January 27 Periods 2 and 5 10:00 Ð 10:30 Break
One of many important events in the second semester is the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE). All students, starting with the Class of 2006, are required to pass the CAHSEE. Nearly all of 11th graders have already passed both the Language Arts and Mathematics sections of the test. In March our 10th graders will get their first chance to pass the exam. We have already begun working with 10th graders by having them take a mathematics pre-test. We did this in order to identify students who we could give extra tutoring to before the March test in an effort to ensure that 100% of our students pass the first time. Some of you will receive letters letting you know about our after school CAHSEE Test Prep courses. From February 1st Ð March 10th we will offer CAHSEE test preparation classes. The English Language Arts sessions will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the mathematics sessions will be held on Tuesdays and Thursdays. In addition, every 10th grade student will receive a test preparation booklet that they can use to prepare for the exam. We hope that 100% of our students pass the first time, and, that our students score significantly high on both portions of the test because these scores get reported as part of our Annual Yearly Progress calculation. In the coming weeks parents of 10th Graders can expect more information about the CAHSEE test administration.
I have written several times reminding parents that we have to cooperate with each other when dropping students off and picking them up. I ask that everyone make safe driving near the campus a priority. People need to obey the traffic signs, follow the traffic flow, drop off and pick up in appropriate areas, and always be on the look out for students. Parents of student drivers need to remind their students to slow down and pay attention to both the people and vehicle traffic. Our number one concern is safety. Once an accident happens we cannot take it back, but we all can take preventive steps to ensure accidents donÕt happen. Be safe!
The staff in the Attendance Office has asked me to remind parents about important attendance procedures. Parents are reminded that students must clear absences through the Attendance Office before returning to class. Students who leave school early must check out with the Attendance Office or the absence is considered a Òcut.Ó Students who become ill during the day need to go to the NurseÕs Office and, if necessary, the nurse will contact parents. Unfortunately, we are unable to deliver phone messages to students during the day. If you feel you have an emergency, the Attendance Office staff can help get the information to your student. We know that sometimes students forget items such as lunch money, homework, etcÉ you are welcome to bring it to the office for your student to pick up. We do not disrupt classes to deliver these items. Lastly, Malibu High is a closed campus. We ask that you do not visit your studentÕs classroom without this being arranged in advance through the office. Our teachers want to ensure that they are able to have productive meetings with you so we ask that you give us at least 24 hours notice rather than visiting a teacherÕs classroom unexpectedly. Your cooperation is appreciated.
On behalf of the faculty and staff at MHS, I thank every person who has volunteered their time or made a contribution to Malibu High. We have been so very fortunate to have had so many parents help with copying, planting, picking up trash, stuffing envelopes, lending their Òparent-eyes,Ó donating items, attending meetings, supporting teams, watching concerts, etcÉ I could go on-and-on listing the time and dedication of our parent community. We value your commitment to our students. In particular I am thankful for the time and energy of the volunteers who comprise The Shark Fund. Their extraordinary efforts in December paid off as contributions improved at the close of the year. We are still far from our goal of 100% participation by all MHS families. If you have not yet to made your donation, now is the time. We ask that every family contribute what it can. 100% participation will demonstrate that we all are a community that commits to giving our students all of what they deserve.