SCH Weekly

Scott E. Miller, Superintendent

Issue 17 - December 16, 2019

Greetings SCH Family,

As this is the last newsletter of the year (and the decade) I want to thank each of you for your contribution to student success in 2019. I know the blood, sweat and tears that you’ve shed and you’ve earned the next 2 weeks off. As much as possible, try to unplug and give yourself some physical and mental rest from all the challenges that we face on a daily basis.

As we look forward to 2020, I am resolute in providing both students and staff with as many opportunities as possible for success. Organizational change will still be prevalent in 2020, but I look forward to working and serving alongside each of you as we make the needed changes for SCH to grow and adapt.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

- Scott

Area Career Center

Thanks to a generous partnership with the Hammond Education Foundation and the American Writers’ Museum, ACCU Sophomores visited the AWM and learned about many great Americans’ literary contributions. Students were engaged with the museum’s numerous interactive displays, from the typewriters to magnetic poetry and poetry builders, and more.

Food & Nutrition

Happy Holidays from the Department of Food and Nutrition!

Hammond Academy for the Performing Arts

Christmas Joy - Yavette McGee (HS Junior at Morton HS)

People are like Christmas trees

Walking around

Decorative evergreens

We don't lose our leaves

But we can't live forever

We know snow melts in the heat

And grief brings us together

In this of cheer

Children with bright eyes

Like the diamonds in chandeliers

Hold on to their families

That pull them near

We never seen to appreciate the cold

But it isn't christmas without snow

It's that time of year when people decide

to give a little joy

And be grateful for things we never thought about before

Wrapping paper littered on the floor

But how would you feel if it stopped

Would you be grateful for life

That you survived through the night

Cause there's children alone

Wondering why the world is so cold

With no presents under the tree

And some without a family

So hold yours close

Cherish the moments

And the ones you love the most

Appreciate every breath

Every drop of sleep

That you have

Blankets to sleep underneath

Find the beauty in every snowflake

Whisper secrets

In the smoke of the air

Fall in love with yourself

And wish a merry christmas to everyone else

Security, Safety, & Energy

I would like to thank all the staff members at the various schools for allowing me to attend their staff meetings and giving me the opportunity to introduce myself this year. I appreciate all the feedback that you all have shared with me. If I have not yet attended a staff meeting at your school please know that I plan on attending more staff meetings in January after the Winter Recess.

Since the school will be closed for Winter Recess, please remember to turn off or unplug any electronics that will not be used during the break.

Additionally, since winter is here, this is the perfect time to go through your car checklist:

Make sure your tire pressure is accurate according to your manufacturer’s suggestion; cold air will affect tire pressure.
Inspect your tire tread for uneven tread wear or insufficient tread.
Make sure your wipers and defrosters work; replace any worn blades.
Have the windshield wiper fluid filled, as well as the coolant in the cooling system and check for any leaks on the hoses.
Check your headlights, brake lights, emergency lights.
Have the battery checked to make sure your vehicle has enough power because the cold will lower the battery power.
If possible, try to keep a bag of rock salt or kitty litter and a shovel in your vehicle in case you get stuck in the snow.

I hope that these tips will help you make it to-and-from home and to all of your holiday travels safer. Merry Christmas to all!

Special Education

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When celebrating the holidays, keep in mind the unique needs of students with disabilities. For example, children with Autism can experience heightened anxiety with increased social demands. They can also be sensitive to sensory overload such as loud noises or bright lights. Students with emotional or behavioral challenges can escalate before the holidays, especially if there are substantial issues in the home. Upcoming breaks, (especially long ones), may cause nervousness in some children because they need the structure and the routine that a school schedule provides.

Depression can be a huge issue during the holidays, especially when fueled by the loss of a loved one. Students with depression often fall through the cracks because they tend to be “silent sufferers” who are often overlooked because children with behavior problems consume staff attention. Remember that therapy provided by Regional Mental Health or Crown Counseling is available in most schools.

For staff with anxiety or depression issues, don’t forget that the Employee Assistance Program is a very generous benefit that our district provides free of cost to all full-time staff and their families. Call 219-662-3730 for more information.

On behalf of the Special Education Department, have a wonderful, restful winter break.

SCH Events

Monday, December 16th

Clark MS Boys Basketball @ Whiting - 5 p.m.
Clark HS Girls Basketball @ Calumet HS - 5:30 p.m.
East Chicago Girls Basketball @ Gavit HS (C Team) - 5 p.m.
Irving ES - 5th Grade Field Trip to the Museum of Science & Industry
Lincoln ES - Pictures with Santa (Dress to impress)
Morton HS - Football Award Dinner - 6 p.m.
Morton HS Girls Basketball @ 21st Century - 6 p.m.

Tuesday, December 17th

Clark MS/HS Winter Band Concert (Auditorium) - 6:30 p.m.
Lincoln ES - Student Leadership Team Meeting - 8:15 a.m.
Lincoln ES - Think First & Stay Safe Presentation
Lincoln ES - Student Council Meeting - 3:30 p.m.
Morton HS Boys Wrestling @ Clark HS - 6 p.m.
West Side Girls Basketball @ Gavit HS (C Team) - 5 p.m.
West Side Girls Basketball @ Morton HS - 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, December 18th

Harding ES - Family Movie Night - 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Irving ES - Christmas Program
Irving ES - PTA "Cookies with Santa"; Class pictures with Santa
Lincoln ES - Leadership/Plan Team Meeting - 8:30 a.m.
Lincoln ES - MTSS Meetings
Lincoln ES - PTSA Movie Night - 5:30 p.m.
Lincoln ES - Think First & Stay Safe Presentation
Morton HS - Dress Down Day
Morton HS - Meeting with the Principal (Library) - 5 p.m.
Munster HS Boys Basketball @ Morton HS - 6 p.m.
West Side HS Boys Basketball @ Clark HS - 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, December 19th

Clark MS/HS Winter Choir Concert (Auditorium) - 6 p.m.
Gary Lighthouse Girls Basketball @ Clark HS - 5:30 p.m.
Gavit HS (C Team) Girls Basketball @ Munster HS - 6 p.m.
Hammond HS Boys Basketball @ Morton HS - 6 p.m.
Hobart HS Swimming @ Morton HS - 6 p.m.
Hobart HS Girls Basketball @ Morton HS - 7 p.m.
Irving ES - H.O.M.E. Parent Meeting - 9:15 a.m.
Lincoln ES - Think First & Stay Safe Presentation
Lincoln ES - Preschool Side-by-Sides

Friday, December 20th

Clark HS Boys Basketball @ River Forest HS - 5:30 p.m.
Highland HS Boys Basketball @ Morton HS - 5:30 p.m.
O'Bannon ES - Pajama Day for students and staff

Saturday, December 21st

Gavit MS/HS Wrestling @ Hobart Super Duals - 9 a.m.
Hammond HS Girls Basketball @ Gavit HS - 12 p.m. (JV) & 1:30 p.m. (Varsity)
Merrillville Girls Basketball @ Morton HS - 5:30 p.m.
Morton HS Swimming @ Rensseleaer Central - 9 a.m.
Morton HS Wrestling @ Crown Point - 9 a.m.
Morton HS Boys Basketball @ Lake Central - 5:30 p.m.
Valparaiso HS Girls Basketball @ Clark HS - 5:30 p.m.

SCH Highlights of the Week

Gavit MS/HS

Gavit National Honor Society, Key Club, and National Junior Honor Society members spent the week playing “Secret Santa” to the Gavit staff members. Seventy staff members participated and throughout the week they were surprised with decorated doors, ornaments, letters of appreciation, small gifts, and a culminating breakfast in their honor. Staff members that participated brought a gift for a child in need to be donated to the Salvation Army. During breakfast, the staff members eagerly awaited to find out who their Secret Santa was and the kids couldn’t wait to tell them! At last, students were able to surprise the staff by announcing who their teacher(s) were. Many thanks rang through the room as the students and teachers talked about this week and all the wonderful things that were done. Many of our teachers even surprised the kids with a small gift of appreciation for all of their hard work throughout the week! This was such a successful event beloved by the staff and students! Happy Holidays!

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Morton HS

Morton High School has a monthly character focus for students and staff called “Governor Character Focus.” We encourage our students and staff to exemplify the character focus for that month and use them as the basis for our student and staff member of the month nominations. The Governor Character Focus for November was Responsibility. Responsibility is defined as the ability to act independently and make good decisions without the need of someone else telling you to.

The November students and staff of the month are Valarie Jiminez (9th), Gabe Coleman (10th), Abd Ahmed (11th), Eduardo Gallardo (12th), Ms. Michalski (Teacher), and Mrs. Zimmerman (Teacher).

Congratulations to our students and staff of the month for November! We are glad you are a part of the Governor Family!