Golden Bear News: May 3, 2024
5/6/24-5/10/24
Message from the Principal
May 3, 2024
Dear UAHS students and families,
As we make our way to the end of the school year, I want to share some of the amazing things that are taking place at Upper Arlington High School in the area of career readiness. Last school year we started with a small team of teachers focused on career readiness. Over the course of the school year we have expanded opportunities for students within the high school. One great example is the career fair that we had today with approximately 40 different organizations represented.
Over the next few Friday’s, I want to share with you a few examples of the work that is taking place within our building.
Business:
In our business department, the emphasis is on helping students better understand how business functions as well as helping students develop as entrepreneurs. This year, Matt Scheibeck taught Entrepreneurship and Business Management. His students took the test to earn the Entrepreneurship and Small Business credential with a 100% passing rate. Additionally, Eva Frustaci created an in-school field trip for her IB Business Management HL students to hear local businessman and entrepreneur, Cameron Mitchell, speak about his experiences in February. Eva also took her IB Business Management HL Year Two students to Worthington Steel for a full day field trip. While there, students visited the Innovation Center, toured the plant, and listened to the Vice President of Operations as well as members of the Human Resources department speak about their experience in those positions. Students learned about changes at Worthington Steel as well as ways to encourage innovative thinking about business practices. These experiences help students to consider future careers in business and help them understand the many ways they can pursue a career in business.
Capstone:
The Capstone has been a part of UAHS curriculum for 17 years—longer than that if you count the Senior Thesis that predated the Capstone. Through its time as part of the program of studies, the Capstone has undergone many iterations. The Capstone is evolving yet again to meet the needs of the students taking the course. For the 2024–2025 academic year, Capstone will have two categories: pedagogical and practical studies. The pedagogical Capstone courses will include the traditional Capstone course, the IB Extended Essay that is part of the IB Diploma Programme, the IBCP diploma, IB LABS Ethnography, Engineering Design and Development, Curriculum and Instruction in the Teaching Profession, and Honors Science Research. The practical studies will include career education courses like those offered at Fort Hayes, Downtown Columbus High School, Zoo School and other programs like those. UAHS will also be offering a practical studies section of the Capstone called Odyssey (an opportunity for students to pursue internships or passion projects which will be piloted in the coming academic year, 2024–2025). The Capstone changes are driven by student feedback on the Capstone gathered informally by teachers and confirmed by the data gathered by the student focus group gathered by the Martha Holden Jennings grant to work on student agency. As the news about changes in the Capstone permeate the high school, we anticipate increased opportunities for students to pursue meaningful experiences that will help prepare them for their futures.
Make it a great weekend!
Sincerely,
Andrew C. Theado
Principal
Our Mission: Challenge and support every student, every step of the way.
Upcoming Events
- Apr 25 - May 17 ~ IB Exams, AP/IB Exam Schedule
May 3 ~ The BOX Set, 3:30pm-5:30pm and 7:30pm-9:30pm in the Black Box Theatre
May 4 ~ The BOX Set, 7:30pm-9:30pm in the Black Box Theatre
May 9 ~ Bear Essentials Community Shopping Hours, 3:30pm-4:30pm
Note: No exchanges or returns.May 9 ~ Strategic Planning Info & Feedback Session, 6:00pm in the Black Box Theatre
May 10-11 ~ Spring Follies Choir Concert, 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Performing Arts Center
May 13-17 ~ Device / Fee / Textbook Collection for Seniors
May 16 ~ Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, 7:00am-8:00am in the Performing Arts Center
May 16-17 ~ Senior Exams
May 20 ~ Last Day for Seniors (Senior Breakfast / Senior Celebration / Graduation Rehearsal)
--8:05-8:35am Senior Breakfast (served by Alumni Association and UAEF)
--8:35-8:45am Competition Gym for seating and attendance
--9:00am-12:30pm Pin Mechanical (pizza served at Pins)- 8:45 buses arrive at UAHS
- 9:00 students board buses at high school
- 9:15 buses depart to Pins (Dublin, Bridge Park location)
- 9:30 buses arrive at Pins
- 12:00 Students load buses at Pins
- 12:15 buses depart to UAHS
- 12:30 buses arrive back at UAHS
--12:30-2:00pm Graduation Rehearsal in the Competition Gym --2:00-2:45pm (right after rehearsal) Senior Countdown (Guy Court Yard)
--Optional --> 8:15-9:15pm Senior Sunset at Turf Field on Ridgeview (sun sets at 8:47pm)May 21-23 ~ 2nd Semester Exams
May 23 ~ End of 4th Grading Period
May 23 ~ Last Day for Students
May 24 ~ Last Day for Teachers
May 26 ~ Graduation, 9:30am-11:30am at The Schottenstein Center, 555 Borror Dr.
General Information
The BOX Set
The Upper Arlington Community of Theatre (UACT) invites you to experience this year's edition of The BOX Set--a collection of original works written and produced by members of the high school theatre company.
The show runs May 3, 2024--with a 3:30 matinee and a 7:30 evening show--and May 4, 2024 @ 7:30 pm in The BOX (the Mirolo Black Box Theatre) at Upper Arlington High School. Admission is "Pay What You Want" at the door.
Prom Photos
Parents of Juniors and Seniors: Candid photos from this year's prom can be found at the following link: https://uamcginty.smugmug.com/Graduations/Class-of-2024. Thank you to two staff members for volunteering to snap these free pics!
Listen Learn Lead Panel Discussion on Strategic Planning
Join us for a Listen Learn Lead panel discussion regarding the strategic planning process at 6:00pm on Thursday, May 9 in the Black Box Theater at Upper Arlington High School. During this session, attendees will hear updates from each of the Strategic Inquiry Teams, be able to submit questions for the teams and provide feedback on the work to date. For those who cannot attend, an alternate online update and feedback opportunity will be available the week of May 13.
You Belong UA Family Book Read
You’re invited to join the inaugural You Belong UA Family Book Read! This collaboration between UA Schools and PTOs is meant to build community through shared experiences. Our first book is Just Roll With It, a middle-grade graphic novel that focuses on the themes of wellness and belonging.
Join us Saturday, May 11 from noon until 2 p.m. at Thompson Park for a great family event featuring a discussion with the illustrator and author of Just Roll With It, Veronica Agarwal and Lee Durfey-Lavoie.
For more information on the You Belong UA Family Book Read, please visit youbelongua.org. If you have any questions or need support in order to participate, please email wellbeing@uaschools.org.
Yearbook Order Deadline 5/24/24
ATTENTION ALL PARENTS: Don't forget to order the yearbook! The deadline is quickly approaching. Order by Friday, May 24 at https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1049738/Upper-Arlington-High-School/.
Family Connection Webinar Series
Family Connection Webinars 2023-2024
- April 10 - Summer 2024 (slide deck)
- March 13 - Senior (Class of 2024) End-of-Year Information
- February 21 - Program of Studies Review
- January 31 - Academic Scheduling Overview
- December 13 - Updates from Parent Coffees and Student Lunches
- October 18 - Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
- September 13 - Understanding the State Report Card
A Message From Hope Squad Student Leaders
This week, as the start of May and Mental Health Awareness Month, the UAHS Hope Squad planned Hope Week, a week where students engaged in activities such as shred your stressors, outdoor “recess” and lunch outside, arts and crafts, and other stress relieving activities. Hope Squad serves as a resource for UAHS students who may be struggling with their mental health. We aim to create an environment of compassion and support for our fellow peers.
We understand that the topic of mental health is very heavily stigmatized in many communities, and we are here to tell you that struggling with mental health doesn’t mean someone is “weak” or “undisciplined”. In fact, those who struggle with their mental health have faced so many challenges many of us can’t recognize outright. While Hope Squad serves as an excellent resource for our peers when they are struggling in school, we encourage parents to have open conversations with their children about mental health, and what can be done to support them. This discussion isn’t one that might come naturally for all families - and that’s okay!
Sometimes, simply letting your child know that you will always be there to provide a listening ear is enough to spark the conversation. Understanding that high school can be an incredibly stressful time, and that your child may not adhere to every expectation is a great start.
Teaching and Learning
AP/IB Testing
- 7:35am ~ AP US Government & Politics in the Varsity Gym
- 8:45am ~ IB Environmental Systems SL Paper 2 in the Field House | IB Computer Science HL Paper 2 & 3 at The Graf
- 11:50am ~ AP Chemistry in the Field House
- 12:45pm ~ IB German HL – P1 & Reading Comp in room C2101 | IB German SL – P1 & Reading Comp in room C2102
- 7:35am ~ AP Microeconomics in the Field House
- 8:45am ~ IB German HL – Paper 2 Listening in room C2101 | IB German SL – Paper 2 Listening in room C2102
- 11:50am ~ AP Statistics in the Field House
- 12:45pm ~ IB History HL – Paper 1 & 2 at Amelita Mirola Barn
- 7:35am ~ AP English Lit & Comp in the Field House
- 8:45am ~ IB History HL – Paper 3 at Amelito Mirola Barn
- 11:50am ~ AP Computer Science A in the Field House
Thursday, May 9
- 7:35am ~ AP Environmental Science in the Field House
- 12:45am ~ IB English Lang & Lit – Paper 1 in the Field House
- 7:35am ~ AP Euro in the Field House | AP US History – Field House
- 8:45am ~ IB English Lang & Lit – Paper 2 in the Varsity Gym
- 11:50am ~ AP Macro in the Varsity Gym
- 12:45pm ~ IB Psychology – Paper 1 in the Field House | IB Social & Cultural Anthro – Paper 1 in the Field House
- 4:00pm ~ AP ART PORTFOLIOS Due
Note: Students with small group testing accommodations will receive emails regarding their location over the weekend, if they haven’t received those already. Please remember to check your school email.
Special Education Family Survey
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) would like to invite parents/caregivers to participate in a short, 25 question survey about your involvement in your student’s education. Research suggests that parental involvement is a key predictor of positive educational outcomes. You may be eligible to participate if your child has an IEP and receives special education services. The purpose of collecting this information is to improve services for students with disabilities across Ohio. If you are eligible to participate and you enroll in the study, you will be entered in a drawing for a $50 gift card. Your chance of winning a gift card is approximately 2.0%. The survey is open now until May 7, 2024. Please click on this link or use the QR (Quick Response) code to find out more about the survey and if you are eligible.
Sincerely,
David Julian, Ph.D.
Special Education Family Survey Director
(Collecting surveys on behalf of the Ohio Department of Education)
Summer Academy
Upper Arlington Schools is proud to offer exceptional summer academic and well-being programming for our students free of charge for 2024 thanks to federal funding. For more information, visit our website: https://www.uaschools.org/SummerAcademy.aspx.
Technology
Graduating or Leaving UA Soon?
Don’t forget to update your email address for college applications or job hunting. Your UASchools email will stop working 1 month after you leave! Check out the Leaving UA Soon? page on UA Mobile Learning Resources for what to do next and tips on how to take important files with you.
Attention Seniors:
Please turn in your iPads during the week of May 13th thru 17th. We will be collecting them on the south end of Golden Bear Boulevard. We look forward to seeing you then.
Student iPad Distribution Information
Each student will return their old iPad and receive a new 10th-generation iPad as the 2024-25 school year begins. These new devices are equipped with a ruggedized case featuring an attached keyboard and trackpad plus increased storage, processor speed, and a USB-C charging cable and power adapter.
Middle and High School Students:
All Middle and High School students will need to pick up their device over the summer during the weeks of July 29th and August 5th. Families will need to reserve a time slot during those dates prior to picking up their student’s device when the full schedule is announced.
Device pickups will happen at Upper Arlington High School, on the south end of Golden Bear Boulevard. Families can park in the lot on Brandon Road, and enter through the main doors. In order to receive your new iPad, you must turn in your current device. Please be sure to back up anything you need on your current iPad as your device must be erased before it will be accepted. Be sure to enable iCloud sync within Notability prior to wiping your device or your notes will be irrevocably lost. Students may opt to take their devices home to activate them, otherwise support staff will be available to assist.
For students that cannot pick up their devices during these 2 weeks, we will have iPads available for pickup in each building’s tech office after the start of school.
Stay tuned for additional details in future updates.
Class of 2024
Senior Tribute Ads Due 5/9/24
ATTENTION SENIOR PARENTS: Don't forget to honor your senior with a Senior Tribute Ad in the yearbook. Several size options available, from baby photos to larger ads for more photos and text. Deadline is Thursday, May 9!
https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/customer/1049738/Upper-Arlington-High-School/
Senior Exit Survey
It’s time to complete the Senior Exit Survey! Please take your time and read through each question carefully.
- ALL SENIORS must complete this survey regardless of your post high school plans.
- If you are attending college in the fall, this will tell us where you’d like your final transcript sent.
- Complete the online survey in Naviance. Click on the “ blue circle with your initials” (top right hand corner) and then “Surveys from Your School.”
Please complete and submit this survey by Sunday, May 5.
Celebrate a Senior 2024
Please join the Upper Arlington Alumni Association as we celebrate the Class of 2024 and consider donating $10 to help provide a t-shirt to all seniors!
Senior Graduation Yard Banners
Class of 2024, you can now start ordering Senior graduation yard banners. Orders are online only and will be taken now through May 8th. Banners will be available for pick up at the high school on Friday, May 10 from 2:00pm to 4:00pm. Use the link http://gradbanners.com/ and then select Upper Arlington from the list of schools. By ordering through the school, the Class of 2024 will receive proceeds to put towards their reunion fund.
Graduating or Preparing to Leave Upper Arlington Schools Soon?
Now is the time to consider the use of your uaschools.org email address if you are graduating or leaving UA at the end of this school year. UASchools Google accounts stop working 30 days after your graduation/departure. Please update important accounts/subscriptions now to a personal email address.
Senior Destinations
The yearbook staff is starting to compile their list of senior destinations for Instragram. Please see the Class of 2024 Canvas page for the form or follow uahsnorwesteryearbook for the link in bio. This is an exciting time for seniors, so please tell us your after high school plans.
Senior Info
As your student begins the final semester of high school, we want to provide you with important information necessary prior to graduation on Sunday, May 26 at 9:30 a.m. at the Jerome Schottenstein Center, on the campus of The Ohio State University.
Please review the following link for graduation requirements, important reminders, and senior events: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1D_ZD_Eknu55giYyGymjMBZFmZeRngZ1y0PZF0IkMX14/edit?usp=sharing
Nutritional Services
Attendance Procedures
Student Attendance
Attendance is a critical component to learning. Students need to show up in order to take full advantage of the education programs we offer. When a student has an unexcused absence from class, both student and parents/guardians will be notified the next day and a consequence (detention) will be assigned for each unexcused absence. Be sure to check your attendance each day to ensure it is accurate.
Reporting an Absence
Pre-Planned Absence Forms
e-hallpass
Medical Notes
Please submit your medical notes to uahsattendance@uaschools.org. In order for attendance hours to not accumulate towards habitual absence triggers, medical documentation is needed.
Morning Announcements
Announcements for the current week are available on the high school website.
Helpful Links
Absence Notification Form
All Call Email
Bell Schedules
Calendars
Community Service Info
HR Imaging
The website for school portraits, club photos, senior class photo
LightSpeed Parent Portal Support Page
Program of Studies
Speak Up Safety Hotline
Season Passes
The Stand Project
Tech Support
How to Get Help at the high school and familytechhelp@uaschools.org for families with tech support questions or situations
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