TOPS High School Newsletter

This week, we got some updated information regarding the rest of the semester. Most of the things we had already changed for this semester, but we did want to let you know that one major change is that we will not be giving final exams at TOPS High School.

For some of you, this comes as a welcome relief. Others of you might be a bit sad because you've worked diligently to earn your final exam exemption. If you're someone who has earned an exemption, we are still going to be doing those, just a bit differently. Your teachers will reach out to you at the beginning of next week to discuss this with you, so please look for that email, and reach out to your teachers if you have any questions.

For those of you in third party/dual credit courses, this does not apply to you, so please check with your instructor on any changes with those entities.

Your teachers will be sending out some information this week regarding an optional amnesty opportunity for our TOPS High School students. This is an entirely optional activity meant to help our students who might need to catch up a bit. Please know that this is entirely optional, it will only help your average, and you'll hear more about it this week from your teachers.

Last week, we met with our Class of 2020 and let them know that we will be having a virtual graduation this year. If you missed that recording, you can access it by going to your CC scheduler and looking on April 15 at 12:15 pm.

Our virtual ceremony will be streaming on June 6, 2020 at 6:00 pm. More info to come!

We want you all to know that we care about you so much and know that this time in life is so stressful. Linked here is a helpful article about how to cope in uncertain times. Linked here is one for learning coaches about how to best help your student. Learning coaches, you're welcome to join our Facebook group and discuss how we can best help our students right now.

Some companies are offering free or reduced rate internet during this time. Spectrum and Comcast are two that are offering so far, and there are several wireless carriers that have eliminated limits on data for the next 60 days. Please check with your local service company to see if you might qualify for these opportunities.

If you haven't signed up for Tallo yet, there is really no better time than now to do so. If you have, take a moment to update your profile with all your new skills that you're learning while at home!

Tallo also has monthly scholarship opportunities, so go check out the April scholarships before the month ends next week!

Here are two videos that show how learning coaches can check your student's progress.

This video was created by our own Mrs. Horton (excuse her cold):

https://screencast-o-matic.com/watch/cq6Vl5u65U

This is a K12 Resource:

https://www.help.k12.com/s/article/Checking-Grades-and-Progress

Checking progress is a "best practice" action that can help you find both the praise points and pain points of your student's day!

Link: How to check your students’ grades and progress

Link: How to check your students' grades and progress

Link: Computer Graded Assignments

Website: tops.k12.com
Location: 1955 Lakeway Drive, Suite 250B Lewisville, TX, USA
Phone: 972-420-1404

Mrs. Smith is honored to serve as the principal of TOPS High School. 2019-2020 marks her fifteenth year in education. Previously, Mrs. Smith has been a mathematics teacher, instructional coach, taught as an adjunct faculty professor, and worked in curriculum and instruction. Her favorite thing about TOPS is the families and the unique story that make up the fabric of our school.

Email: rasmith@texasonlineprep.org
Phone: 682.233.5723

As a new assistant principal, Mrs. Laechelin is excited to serve the families and students at TOPS HS. This is her 16th year as an educator. Prior to becoming an assistant principal, Mrs. Laechelin has been an instructional coach, a supervisor, a master teacher, and a secondary science teacher: she has taught all science courses from 6th - 12th grade. Her favorite thing about TOPS is the ability to help students all across Texas soar and write their own stories.

Email: jlaechelin@texasonlineprep.org
Phone: 832-356-8166