PCHS Pirate News

November 13, 2023

Pirate Families,

I hope this message finds you well. As I gather my thoughts in the days after our Veterans Day assembly, I am compelled to express my deep appreciation for the powerful and moving experience it was.

Our school community came together, with local veterans, to honor and pay tribute to the heroes who have selflessly defended the values we hold dear. The Veterans Day assembly was not just an event; it was a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who have donned the uniform and stood on the front lines to protect our freedom.

We were able to hear from Lieutenant Colonel Aric Raus who shared his story and allowed us a glimpse into his experiences, challenges, and triumphs. His story served as a powerful reminder that behind every uniform is a person with a unique journey, bound by a shared commitment to something greater than themselves.

The musical performances by our talented students added a layer of emotional resonance to the assembly, reinforcing the idea that art and expression play a crucial role in conveying the depth of our appreciation.

We extend our deepest thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of the Veterans Day assembly – from the organizers to the speakers, performers, and, most importantly, our veterans themselves. Your participation made this event a powerful and meaningful experience for our entire school community.

Mr. Kiel Giese

Interim Principal, Platte County High School

Nov. 14: Semester Grad Meeting, 11:00 am, Wilson auditorium

Nov. 22-24: NO SCHOOL, Thanksgiving Break

Dec. 6: ACT Bootcamp, 8:00 am -12:00 pm

Dec. 7: Choir Winter Concert, 7:00 pm

Dec. 14: Band Winter Concert, 7:00 pm

Dec. 18: Semester Graduate Ceremony, 3:00 pm -4:00 pm, Wilson Auditorium

Dec. 20: First Semester Ends - Early Dismissal, 11:40 am

Dec. 21-Jan. 2: NO SCHOOL - Winter Break

Jan. 9: Sophomore Class Meeting, 11:00 am, Wilson Auditorium

Jan. 12: PLD Day - No School

Click here to view the full calendar on our website.

High Demand Occupations

The Department of Economic Development annually identifies occupations in which a critical need or shortage of trained personnel exists in the labor markets in this state.

For a direct link to the FY25 High Demand Occupations list, please click here.

Scholarships

Students - Check the local & regional scholarships page often to see what you can apply for.

This document will be added to periodically, so bookmark this page and keep checking!

UPCOMING DATES:

November 14: Semester Grad Meeting, 11:00 am, Wilson Auditorium

December 18: Semester Grad Ceremony, 3:00-4:00, Wilson Auditorium

Parents: Don't forget to complete the NAME form for graduate's names on their diplomas.

We have several upcoming events to assist in completing the FAFSA. On November 16th, senior students will have the opportunity to attend a PLT information session that will cover FAFSA basics, as well as provide an opportunity to help students create their FAFSA accounts. Sign up here (students have also been emailed sign ups- look for an email from Ms. Murphy).

January 17th we will host a FAFSA completion event for students and families. This event will be from 5pm-7pm in the cafeteria at PCHS. Families are encouraged to attend, and sign ups will be sent out in January.

Is your student interested in gaining real world experience this summer? PCHS students are eligible to apply to the ProX Internship Program through the Kauffman Foundation. This is paid experience working with business partners across the Kansas City Metro. Applications are open now, and will close on Dec 31st. More information can be found here.

Our Library Media Center Staff have put together a newsletter to share any events and what is available to our students. Please take a look!

DID YOU KNOW?

Student can access many of the PCHS School Library Resources remotely from home (or other places) 24/7 via the Virtual Library Media Center.

https://pchs.plattecountyschooldistrict.com/library

Northland Law Enforcement warns of very dangerous counterfeit pills containing fentanyl that are circulating and causing poisonings and deaths among teens and young adults in the KC Northland. As caring adults, parents, and guardians, it’s crucial that we let our teens know the very real dangers of misusing prescription pills and counterfeit pills laced with fentanyl. Here’s what you can do:

• Emphasize to your kids to never take a pill from anyone or anywhere that isn’t prescribed to them by a doctor and out of its original container. Too many teens have the false perception that “medicine is safe, medicine can’t hurt me.” Let your kids know the dangers. Say something like this: “You have to assume that any pill that isn’t prescribed to you and in its original container could be fake, and very possibly deadly. NO RANDOM PILLS!” and “Never take any pill unless it is prescribed to you by a doctor or given to you by…(list the people you trust to distribute over-the-counter and prescription medicines to your child). Never share pills with anyone else.”
• Assure your child that their mental wellbeing is a priority and then make a plan to get help together. Let teens know you will help them if they are seeking relief from feelings of anxiety, restlessness, depression, or trouble sleeping. The reasons kids turn to pills are very real. They need to hear from caring adults that they have options for relief other than taking matters into their own hands. Discuss the steps to legally and safely obtain appropriate medications from a doctor, if needed. Warn them that buying a pill or taking any pill from anyone else to cope is too dangerous and very possibly deadly.
• Practice scenarios and talk through what to say if your teen is offered something. These roleplays let your child know you support them and help give them confidence if a situation arises where they need to say “no.” You can also work with your teen to come up with a code word to text you if they feel like they need your help to get out of an unsafe situation. Talk to your teen about protecting their friends and help them practice how they will warn their friends about fentanyl too.

• Learn how you can Parent Up to help prevent any substance use in your kids.
• Read the warnings, tips and pictures about Fentanyl straight from the DEA.
• Song for Charlie has great Real Talk videos for youth.
• Read this Facebook Post from Clay County Sheriff about Fentanyl in the Northland.
• Visit this page: Buying Drugs Online – What You Should Know & How to Protect Your Kids.

There’s a place for you in education! Three exceptional school districts along the Highway 92 corridor are coming together for a special recruitment event, and we want YOU to be a part of it! Platte County, Smithville, and Kearney School District are all actively seeking passionate individuals to join our teams. We’re accepting applications for teaching openings for the upcoming school year. Paraprofessional, substitute, custodian, and maintenance roles are available now.

Connect with representatives, learn about their unique cultures, and explore the wonderful opportunities that await you. Take your first step towards shaping the future of our students.

School Messenger is our automated phone calling and text notification system. We use this system to notify parents quickly for sudden changes in schedules due to emergencies, school cancellations, or just important school announcements.

If you aren't receiving the District's text reminders and notifications and would like to opt in to receive these, simply text "YES" to 67587. Standard text messaging rates apply.

Click here for information on school cancellations/modifications due to inclement weather, how the District will notify parents, as well as information on recess, Y Club, and Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days. As a reminder, PCR-3 will implement traditional inclement weather days (no school and no virtual learning), until we reach a threshold that would push the school year past Memorial Day. We will make those days up per our academic calendar, and if we go past our planned make up days for inclement weather, we will implement our Inclement Weather Virtual Learning Days.

When a student needs to be dismissed for an appointment, please give us plenty of time to find them. Some students may be in band rehearsal outside, PE classes may go outside, and sometimes a class is somewhere other than the classroom.

It also helps if students can tell their teacher to check for an eHallpass because they will be dismissed during that hour.

Thank you!

Parent/Student Handbook 2023-24

• Click HERE to see how our Athletics/Activities performed this week.
• Click HERE to see our Athletics/Activities Calendar.
• Click HERE to visit our online Pirate Store.

Safety is one of our district’s top priorities, and to help safeguard our school community, our District uses Safe Schools Alert, a tip reporting service by Vector Solutions, that allows students, staff, and parents to submit safety concerns to our administration.

You and your child can easily report tips on bullying, harassment, or any safety issue you're concerned about through this online reporting system. On the homepage of the District website (www.plattecountyschooldistrict.com) and on each school building's homepage there is a Safe Schools quicklink which links to the reporting tool. Every tip Vector Solutions receives about our District is immediately logged in the system and our administration is notified so that they can investigate and take appropriate action. Tips may also be submitted anonymously if you prefer. Together, we can make our District a safer place to learn.

Please consider joining PTSA!

Thank you

PCHS PTSA Membership Form

We have had growing crowds for our Friday night home football games! The community support is amazing but it requires the need for more volunteers to help in the concession stands to make it more efficient. We will also have the Softball/Baseball concession stand open on Friday nights to help and to serve the Band during the 3rd quarter. Here is the link if you are able to help: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084BACA92EA1FB6-booster4

If you are not able to help on Friday nights we still have lots of other opportunities to help throughout the week and even a few Saturdays. We know everyone is extremely busy with work and families so we really do appreciate any time you can dedicate to help! If everyone chips in then we can make sure we have the concessions stands open for all of our home events! https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084BACA92EA1FB6-booster4

Feel free to reach out to us if you have any questions or concerns. Personal emails are below or you can respond to this email directly.

The Board of the Platte County High School Booster Club

President: Krista Wimberly kwimberly12@gmail.com

Vice President: Kim Macias-Lewis kimmacias@hotmail.com

Treasurer: Kate Harmon and Robin Herron harmons42@yahoo.com and herronr@platteco.k12.mo.us

Secretary: Jennifer McClure mcclurej@platteco.k12.mo.us

References:

Website: http://www.pchsboosterclub.com/ (Links to everything there!)

Twitter: @PirateBoosterPC

Signup Genius: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/805084BACA92EA1FB6-booster4

Email: pcpirateboosterclub@gmail.com

Pirates ROCK (Raising Outstanding Character Kids) is a program designed to surround our families with examples of strong character traits through school experiences, at home, and reinforced in their community. Each month our community focuses on a specific character trait and students are recognized for exhibiting these traits: Self Confidence, Pride, Responsibility, Citizenship, Compassion, Individuality, Self Control, Integrity, Perseverance, Respect, Honesty, and Cooperation.

November's #PiratesROCK trait is CITIZENSHIP: providing service and duty to your community.