Turner High School Newsletter
November 2023 Newsletter
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Principal Note
Turner High School Parents and Families,
It's amazing that we are nearing the start of the holiday season already! This time of year typically comes with more activities and opportunities for students to get involved. Some of our students are conducting a food drive in advance of Thanksgiving. This effort will directly benefit families in the Turner community. Be on the lookout for more information in this newsletter.
At Turner High School, the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priorities. In line with our commitment to creating a secure learning environment, we have been actively engaged in discussions surrounding the dangers of opioids and fentanyl. Last week, as an additional safety measure, we conducted searches using drug dogs within our school building and parking lot. Periodically, we will be requiring all students to pass through metal detectors along with bag checks at the beginning of the day. These exercises are part of our ongoing efforts to ensure a safe environment for everyone in our school community.
Winter sports are right around the corner! We look forward to seeing as many students as possible getting involved this winter. Coaches will be conducting parent meetings for all sports in the coming weeks. I can't wait to see our students participating this winter!
Sincerely,
Mark Farrar
Principal
Thinking Beyond Graduation
Counseling had a representative from the TRIO program come to help with FAFSA ID's. Everyone is still waiting on more details with FAFSA changes, but seniors can start making ID's if they have not already. Please have students reach out to Mrs. Coenen or Ms. Harris with questions.
Another highlight students can be looking out for is academic planners during seminar. Teachers will be helping students to map out and build their four-year plans. You can encourage your students to start thinking about what their post-secondary plans are. They can also start to decide which electives would coincide with those plans and what they would enjoy taking next year.
The annual TEC field trip is coming up November 8th. The interest form has been on the daily announcements at THS. There are still spots available to join the trip, so students may come by counseling and get a form. Mrs. Copple sent out an initial e-mail to students who have already expressed interest in seeing the building trades at KCKCC.
Apply Kansas - Seniors Apply to Kansas College
Senior Ads - Purchase Yours Today!
Do you want to sponsor an dvertisement for your SENIOR in the YEARBOOK?
Contact Mr. Walleck for assistance!
Email: wallecka@turnerusd202.org
STEM Opportunity
Sponsored by Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
Noche de Ciencias helps teach K12 students and their parents about STEM, through interactive activities and by sharing your experience in the field. Our learners and their parents have been invited to join families at Bishop Miege High School on Wednesday, November 8, from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM to learn more about STEM Opportunities.
Being the largest Hispanic STEM student organization in the United States, SHPE focusses on four main values: familia, service, education, and resilience; building an inclusive group of people focused on constant improvement, embracing diverse cultures. This is a fun night for Hispanic or first-generation students grade 6-12 and their parents to meet with professionals and college students in science, teachnology, engineering, and mathematics. Free food and admission is offered for those that register to attend. Information will be provided during this session.
Registration for attendance is required. Click the link below to attend:
November Schedules
School Dates to Know:
11-03: Blood Drive - Small Gym
11-08: Pre-ACT - Grade 9
11-10: Picture Retakes - Must pre-register with Mr. Walleck
11-16 through 11-18: Little Shop of Horrors - THS Auditorium
11-18: THS Band Booster Craft Fair
Finals at THS
Finals will be December 19 and 20. The finals schedule is attached. If you have an issue with attendance during finals, please reach out to your student's assistant principal as soon as possible. Contact information is at the end of this newsletter. Thank you!
Little Shop of Horrors to PREMIERE at THS
Get Holiday Gifts at THS Band Holiday Fair
Community Food Drive - KAY Club
Mental Health Check-In
Just Checking In: 10 Minutes, 10 Questions
THE BEST WAY TO CHECK IN WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE, NO MATTER WHERE THEY ARE.
JAG-K Induction at THS
Wednesday, October 25, we joyously celebrated the highly anticipated Initiation Ceremony for our esteemed JAG-K students. It was a truly momentous occasion where we had the privilege of welcoming back former specialists who graced us with their wisdom and insights, sharing their profound experiences of the transformative JAG-K journey.
The atmosphere was nothing short of extraordinary as the event unfolded. More than 60 exceptional students were formally inducted into the program, marking a significant milestone in their educational voyage. The palpable sense of pride radiating from each student was palpable, as they embraced the opportunity to be an integral part of the JAG-K community.
The initiation ceremony served as a poignant manifestation of the resounding success and impact of the JAG-K program. Former specialists, individuals who had previously embarked on this transformative educational odyssey, returned to our midst to impart their invaluable knowledge and wisdom. Their presence enriched the occasion, inspiring the students with their stories of personal growth, academic achievement, and the profound positive influence that JAG-K had on their lives.
As the ceremony unfolded, the students were captivated by the heartfelt speeches and anecdotes shared by the former specialists. These exceptional individuals painted a vivid picture of the JAG-K experience, illustrating the endless possibilities that lay before the students who were now embarking on this remarkable journey themselves. The former specialists' words resonated deeply, igniting a sense of excitement and anticipation among the newly inducted students.
The Initiation ceremony was a testament to the power of education, community, and personal development. It was a celebration of the commitment and dedication exhibited by both the students and the mentors who guide them. The event not only marked the beginning of a new chapter in the lives of the students but also reinforced their sense of belonging and pride in being a part of the JAG-K program.
As we reflect upon the Initiation ceremony, we are filled with gratitude for the remarkable individuals who have paved the way before us. Their presence and words of wisdom continue to inspire us, reminding us of the transformative potential that lies within each and every student. The event was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all those in attendance, and serving as a powerful reminder of the incredible impact that the JAG-K program has on the lives of its participants.
- JAG Specialist: Mr. Trinity Hall and Ms. Jasmine Sims
Students Participate in Mentoring Day
Yesterday, Turner students participated in Disability Mentoring Day at the MidAmerica Nazarene University. Disability Mentoring Day (DMD) is a large-scale national effort coordinated by the American Association of Persons with Disabilities (AAPD) to promote career development for students and job seekers with disabilities through hands-on career exploration and ongoing mentoring relationships. Several of our students received excellent scores on their mock interview and received praise on their resumes.
Attendance Matters
Regular attendance is a strong predictor of future employment and earning potential, with a significant impact on lifelong success (U.S. Department of Education).
Turner High School Attendance Raffle
Students who maintain great attendance during 2nd quarter will automatically be entered into a raffle to win some awesome prizes - Another REASON - ATTENDANCE MATTERS!
Goals - No more than 2 excused absences, 0 unexcused absences, No more than 3 tardies during 2nd quarter - WINNERS ANNOUNCED DECEMBER 19!
What's a MINGA Pass?
When students are out of class during class time, teachers use a MINGA PASS to allow us to track where in the building students will be. We limit passes at the start and end of class, and we restrict passes during Skills Time, a 30 minute time during seminar to building skills in future planning, math, reading and character development.
THS Athletic and Activities
If you will be participating in Winter sports, it is the time to turn in your physical for this school year.
If you are not sure you have a valid physical on file, check with Mrs. Gutierrez in room A103.
Winter Sports:
- Girls/Boys Basketball
- Girls/Boys Wrestling
- Girls/Boys Bowling
- Boys Swim
What are Learners Involved In?
A goal at THS is that students find a way to be involved. Whether that is athletics, music, or clubs, please encourage your students to find their space at THS!
THS Boys' Soccer Team Gives Back
THS Boys' Soccer Team gives back to the community by volunteering at The Hub food pantry. The boys unloaded their food delivery and stocked shelves for this valuable resource that serves the Turner Community.
Follow us below on FaceBook for more stories about what keeps the Golden Bears busy in and about the community and school!
Are you following THS Facebook?
Join Turner High PTSA
Want to know more about PTSA:
- Kansas PTSA Mission Statement: To make every child’s potential a reality by engaging and empowering families and communities to advocate for all children.
- Our local PTSA provides scholarships to learners, participates actively in community events, and gives back to the school and community.
Turner Pride Award
THS Contact Information
Front Desk - Ms. Salazar (Spanish-speaking)
913-288-3303 or SalazarT@turnerusd202.org
Attendance Secretary - Ms. Stephanie Rinehart
913-288-3350 or rineharts@turnerusd202.org
Counseling Office - Ms. Fitzgerald, registrar and counseling secretary
913-288-3320 or fitzgeraldk@turnerusd202.org
Bookkeeper - Ms. Tolle (Spanish-speaking)
913-288-3304 or sanchezk@turnerusd202.org
Administrative Staff
Head Principal - Mr. Mark Farrar
913-288-3302 or farrarm@turnerusd202.org
Associate Principal - Mr. Stephen St. Louis (10-12 L-Z)
913-288-3307 or stlouiss@turnerusd202.org
Assistant Principal - Dr. Frankie Lizar (10-12 A-Z)
913-288-3306 or lizarf@turnerusd202.org
Assistant Principal - Ms. Alex Supple (9th grade)
913-288-3311 or supplea@turnerusd202.org
Athletic/Activities Director - Mr. Rick Byers
913-288-3354 or byersr@turnerusd202.org
Helpful Links
Turner Rec and Community Activities
If you know of anyone who is experiencing a mental health emergency, encourage them to dial 988. The calls are answered by a licensed mental health professional.