Jaguar Bytes
Seckinger High School Newsletter
August 9, 2024
Beginning of the Year Reminders
Thanks for a great first week, Jaguars! See below for some helpful reminders:
- Please remember your chromebook and charger every day. We do not have extra chromebooks for loaners this year. If you forget your chromebook you will need to have it dropped off at the attendance office in the back of the school.
- Reminder for SKG students who park on campus. Student drivers must enter campus through the back of the school using West Rock Quarry Rd. Please do not use the green route in the front of the school to access the student parking lot in the back.
- Student Drivers: please do not back into parking spaces. This slows down traffic and is a safety hazard.
- The new traffic plan for MORNING drop off has been very smooth. Please continue to follow the direction of the staff members on duty as you move through the parking lot. Please remember to drive slowly, and be aware that their are pedestrians in the area.
Block Schedule this Wednesday and Thursday
On Wednesday August 14, and Thursday August 15, we will be implementing a Block Schedule to allow for necessary MAP testing and to include an 8th period Personalized Learning Period. You can find details of the block schedule below. During this 8th period, students will engage in advisement lessons centered around "Getting to Know the Seckinger Standard." Additionally, they will have an opportunity to receive remediation in any subjects where they may need extra support. Students are already assigned an 8th-period teacher and classroom on their schedule.
Why is MAP testing important?
It provides teachers with accurate, actionable evidence to help inform instructional strategies regardless of how far students are above or below grade level.
Tardies begin on Monday August 12th
Please see information below from the student handbook regarding tardies.
Seckinger Traffic Plan
Our school hours are 7:10-2:10. Attached is the traffic pattern for bus and vehicle entry/exit to campus. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we all learn to follow the traffic pattern to ensure safety and efficiency.
Buses will follow the red pattern and enter/exit at the traffic light.
Parent drop off will follow the blue or green traffic pattern. Students may be dropped off at the lower attendance office entrance beginning at 6:20 AM and proceed to the Commons for supervision. The car rider line begins to back up at 6:50. Students may not exit cars in the parking lot. We encourage you to practice this traffic pattern beginning on July 29.
Parent pick up will follow the blue traffic pattern in the afternoons.
Student drivers will also enter/exit from W Rock Quarry Road (back of campus near baseball/softball fields). Student drivers will be provided a lot assignment at Open House. Each student who drives an automobile to school must register the vehicle by purchasing a parking permit. Parking permits cost $70.00 for the year. Parking will go on sale beginning July 17, through MyPaymentsPlus. Parking on campus is a privilege. Therefore, certain rules and regulations are expected of the student to maintain this privilege.
Walkers will use the sidewalks on Sardis Church Road and cross at the light. Walkers will leave campus through the side doors in the tower, cross at the gate at the top of our drive, and proceed to the traffic light.
Updated Carpool Route Video 2024
See below for an updated video showing our two morning carpool route options. Option #1 takes you through the original carpool route on West Rock Quarry Rd. Fast forward to minute 02:34 in the video to see the new Option #2 which takes you through the front of the school off of Sardis Church Rd, around the teacher parking lot and to the carpool drop off.
Homecoming Tickets and Court Nominations
We are excited to announce that our Homecoming tickets are now for sale on GoFan.co. Prices will increase on August 12th.
Homecoming Court nominations are now open. Nomination forms are on the eClass landing page.
Yearbook Updates
See below for Yearbook updates for this school year.
Superintendent's Student Advisory Council Applications now open...
The Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (SSAC) is a crucial avenue for middle and high school students to directly influence districtwide decisions, processes, and culture. It's an opportunity to share feedback, innovative ideas that address challenges, and school experiences with Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts on a variety of issues affecting students, schools, and communities.
The 2024-25 SSAC application will be available as a link through StudentSquare and in StudentVUE from August 7 through August 28. The application includes questions about you and your ideas for improving the school experience for all students, and how we can collectively address challenges facing our students and schools. In addition, the application outlines the expectations for those wishing to serve.
Applications must be completed by Wednesday, August 28, at 10:00 p.m. Learn more here: https://www.gcpsk12.org/.../superintendents-student
Student Devices (previously posted)
Students are assigned a device for the school year. The Chromebook and charger should be brought to school each day fully charged. Please note the following updates:
- Fine Amounts have been updated for Damaged and Lost Chromebooks. Please see chart below.
- Chromebooks and Chromebook chargers will no longer be available for a student checkout for the day. If a student forgets their Chromebook or charger, they need to call their parents and have them bring these items to the attendance office.
- Visit the Parent 1:1 Support Site for more information https://www.gcpsk12.org/about-us/divisions-and-teams/technology-and-innovation/instructional-technology-and-innovation/instructional-technology-services/11-parent-support
Pledge in the Morning
Students: are you interested in saying the pledge over the intercom each morning to help our Jaguars start their day? Please email Zulma.Differ@gcpsk12.org to sign up for this opportunity.
Student Parking (previously posted)
Each student who drives an automobile to school must register the vehicle by purchasing a parking permit. Parking permits cost $70.00 for the year. Parking for the 2024-2025 school year is on sale through MyPaymentsPlus. A parking application, a copy of a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance will be required to receive the parking decal. Parking on campus is a privilege. Therefore, certain rules and regulations are expected of the student to maintain this privilege. If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Principal Chris Bess at chris.bess@gcpsk12.org.
Join PTSA and be entered to win a Family All-Sport Pass
Want a chance to win FREE entry for you and your family to every sports event at SKG? SKG PTSA is giving away one Family All-Sports Pass to every home game at SKG for the 2024-2025 school year (excluding GHSA State Playoffs). Join PTSA now for a chance to win! Sign your student up, too! We have student incentives planned for this school year. Membership is only $10 per person. The prize drawing is 08/19/2024.
If you have already joined SKG PTSA, you are already entered into the drawing. We have 56 members so far. Thank you for supporting our school! Our membership goal is 175 members for this school year.
SKG Dress Code Policy (previously posted)
A student's appearance should not be a distraction/disruption to the learning environment of any other student. Instruction is interrupted when a student has to be seen by an administrator because of inappropriate clothing. The guidelines for student dress are not intended to be punitive, but to promote academic success. The administration may have to address students whose clothing is disruptive to the learning environment.
The following guidelines are to promote a positive learning environment for Seckinger Students:
Avoid any attire that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Attire in which undergarments are visible.
- Attire that exposes the buttocks, midriff area, or with low or revealing necklines.
- No headgear is to be worn inside. (Exceptions are granted by the administration)
- Any attire that depicts, promotes, or advertises gang affiliation, illegal activity, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco, sexual references, and offensive words or designs.
- Jewelry or accessories that could be deemed unsafe or injurious to self or others.
- House-slippers are not permitted.
- No blankets or pillows.
A Message from GCPS (previously posted)
Gwinnett County Public Schools is excited to welcome all students to the 2024-25 school year on Wednesday, August 5! In-person learning will begin for all grades on Monday, August 5. Download the 2024-25 Student Calendar today!
To ensure a smooth transition into the 2024-25 school year, we encourage you to review GCPS’ 2024-25 Virtual Back-to-School Backpack for Families. This comprehensive toolkit is designed to equip you with all the necessary information and district resources, fostering a strong partnership for student success.
- Get connected! Find the resources to support student success in GCPS!
- Nourish growing minds...Energize with Café Gwinnett!
- Power Up for Success!
- Support for Safe and Healthy Students!
- Be Ready for a Great School Year!
Stay in the loop with our key messages through ParentSquare, your go-to platform for important updates all school year long. Download the ParentSquare app to ensure you're always connected and well-informed about your school and the district!
Join us as we count down to the first day of school on Monday, August 5! We hope you’ll share photos of your child’s first day of school with us @gwinnettschools on Facebook, X, and Instagram using the hashtag #GCPSBTS24.
Free and Reduced Lunch Applications - Required Every Year (previously posted)
Be sure to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application by Monday, September 16, 2024. Families need to apply every year. The online application for the 24-25 school year is available now at www.gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com and you can find more information about the application using the following link: https://ow.ly/y1u050SBCnV
It's More Than a Meal! Beyond the Free & Reduced meal price benefits, filling out an application has other positive benefits. Check out the image below for those added benefits!
K&K Student Insurance
K&K Insurance provides coverage for Student Accident Insurance if needed. For more information please visit K&K's website at www.studentinsurance-KK.com.
Seniors: Class of 2025
Senior Portraits
Seniors! Booking for your senior photo has begun! To make things extra easy for the class of 2024, CADY has created a step-by-step senior booking guide. Please see the attachment using the button below. The last day to be photographed for the 2024-2025 yearbook is Tuesday October 15, 2024.
Please note: Some scenes and session types are available in-studio only and will not be available when CADY is at SKG. If a senior is booking a session at SKG, they will need to book a SIMPLE or STANDARD session. For seniors with any additional questions, our customer experience team can be contacted at 678.722.3449.
Senior Tributes
Senior Tributes are now on sale on yearbookordercenter.com through October 31, 2024 to be included in the 3rd volume of the Seckinger Rosarium Yearbook. Use code 25067 when ordering.
SKG In the News
SKG Athletics, Arts, & Club Activities
The Seckinger Standard
Please have a look at the following document for detailed information about Seckinger Athletics. It contains crucial details about the athletic calendar, spirit wear, and available sponsorship packages.
Athletic Events
- Only Seckinger HS students and opposing HS students will be permitted in games without a parent. High School IDs will be checked.
- Students must leave school on game day and can return thirty minutes before the start.
- All games are available for purchase online. Visit the GoFan website here: https://gofan.co/
- All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all sporting events.
- Please click here to access the head coach's directory and email the coach for more information.
Find Your Spot in a Club!
See attached for a list of clubs and when they meet. E-mail the club sponsor listed for more information. https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/14382
SKG Chorus at the Braves
Our Seckinger Chorus has been invited to sing at the Braves game on September 24th vs. the METS at 7:20. If you would like to go, please consider purchasing your tickets through us---it is a fundraiser! The game has a promotional Jersey give away for the first 15,000 in the stadium. The Game looks to have a lot of sold seats—but we have 700 seats reserved in the economical sections 414, 415, 416, but only costs you $22.00 (plus very small processing fee). We also have parking passes and Singing Jag shirts available. Visit the following link to buy tickets: https://seckingerhschorus.ludus.com/
Communication
Connect with Us
To support your child’s individual needs and interests, we offer multiple ways to connect with your family to address questions.
- Phones – Our main line is 678-288-0800.
- Email – You may email Administration with your child’s name, questions, and a preferred method of contact, email or phone. Administration Directory
- SKG Student Handbook - Check out the Student Handbook for useful information to help you navigate Seckinger HS.
- SKG Student Calendar - Follow our SKG Student Calendar to keep up with all events at Seckinger.
- Social Media - Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. See details below.