The Family "Celebration" Chronicle

Greetings Margaretta Middle & High School Families,

It is hard to believe that October has already arrived! There were so many amazing activities and events throughout the month of September that it was over before we knew it. It was amazing to see the support and community involvement with our homecoming spirit week. Students have so much fun decorating the hallways, dressing up, and participating in the Powder Puff football game. The Snake Dance Parade and Bonfire is always full of school spirit and provides an opportunity for our Margaretta community to come together to celebrate the treasured traditions at our school.

As we settle into October, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on some of the exciting work happening at Margaretta Middle & High School, especially regarding our district’s literacy initiatives. Literacy is a key focus again this year, and it’s happening in all content areas. Whether in math, science, social studies, or electives, reading, writing, and discourse are central to our students' daily learning. These skills are foundational for student success, and our goal is to ensure every student engages in these activities in every class, every day.

We are fortunate to continue our partnership with adolescent literacy specialist, Rachel Daniels. The training she has provided for our teachers has been exceptional, and we are seeing the benefits as best practices are implemented throughout our classrooms. Teachers are working hard to make sure literacy is not just an English class focus but a part of everything we do. This commitment to literacy will prepare our students for success in all areas of their lives.

Career exploration and opportunities continue to be a top priority at Margaretta. Recently, several of our high school students had the chance to attend the Water Career Fair at Heidelberg University. Students engaged in meaningful discussions with professionals from various water-related career fields. The trip was well-received, and it opened students' eyes to potential career paths in this important industry.

We’re also working closely with the Erie County Business Advisory Committee, which continues to provide valuable career experiences for our students. Career Camps are in full swing, and selected Margaretta students will have the opportunity this month to explore careers in health sciences. Using Youscience data, we’ve identified students with aptitudes and interests in health-related fields, and we’re excited for them to explore further into these career options. This is just one of many career experiences planned for the year, and we’re committed to helping students explore a wide variety of future pathways.

Margaretta students will participate in a unique civic learning experience. Four Erie County commissioners, on the ballot for the November election, will debate various community issues. Our students have been learning about these topics and are preparing thoughtful questions for the candidates. The debate will be broadcast on BCSN’s website, and it’s a wonderful opportunity for students to engage in the democratic process, especially with the election just around the corner.

Finally, a quick reminder that the end of the first quarter is approaching fast, with October 25th marking the end of this grading period. It’s important to stay on top of assignments and check in with teachers if you have any concerns. Let’s finish the first quarter strong!

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to all the great things that October will bring for our students and community.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 419-684-5351 or at jtheis@margarettaschooldistrict.com.

Dr. Jennifer Theis

OST Ohio State Tests (End of Course Assessments) ORC 3301.0712 | College and Work Ready Assessment System

WHY DO WE TEST?

State achievement tests tell us how well our students are growing in the knowledge and skills outlined in Ohio’s Learning Standards. These tests help guide and strengthen future teaching so we can be sure that we are preparing our students for long-term success in school, college, careers, and life. Test results also allow citizens to know how their local schools are performing compared to others around the state of Ohio. ORC 3301.0712 requires testing to be completed within 15 consecutive school days

WHO MUST TEST?

Margaretta High School Students must demonstrate competency in Algebra 1 and English Language Arts II. The State of Ohio requires that all students in the graduating classes of 2023 and beyond must take end-of-course assessments in the following areas: ELA II, Algebra 1, Geometry, Biology, American History, and American Government.

Middle School Students in grades 6, 7, and 8 take the End of Course Assessments in English Language Arts and Math, and eighth-grade students will take the science assessment too.

On September 25th Mrs.Bohn & Mrs.Lott had a Senior Meeting regarding Scholarship Application Procedures and College Application Tips. Below is a list of the information that was reviewed with students.

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PROCEDURE

Scholarship opportunities will be processed through the Student Services Office. Following is a list of procedures that will aid you in making the application process as easy as possible:

1. Be sure to either listen to the daily announcements as they are read each day or stop by the Student Services office and take a copy from the file on the board. The daily announcements are also sent to your school email every day. Mrs.Bohn will also email all seniors scholarships as they become available.

2. All available applications are placed in the plastic file folders on the Student Services office wall. Feel free to review the requirements listed on the cover page to see if you qualify. If you do, please take a copy. If you do not, please return to the folder.

3. Return to the Student Services Office by the due date listed on the cover page if you want the Guidance Office to process. If you wish to do this on your own, you can follow the due date on the application. You will see that our due date is a week in advance which gives us time to process our part. Do not expect the Student Service Office to be able to process your application if you bring it in a day or two before you need it back when doing it yourself. PLAN AHEAD!

SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION TIPS

1. Fill out your application when you have plenty of time to concentrate on what you are doing and saying.

2. Read and follow all the instructions as stated. For example: Handwritten means handwritten; typed means typed; black ink means black ink.

3. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time to complete your application by the deadline.

4. Prepare a student information sheet of your personal information and activities for use in addition to your application. (Samples are included within the “Your Senior Year” packet).

5. Make sure that you meet all of the qualifications that are required.

6. Be sure to give those who are writing recommendation letters for you plenty of time to compose them.

7. Don’t be afraid to elaborate on your accomplishments.

8. Keep all your papers and materials neat and unfolded. Turn your application in paper clipped together so you do not lose any parts of it.

9. Be creative and professional with the appearance of your application.

10. SELL YOURSELF !!!!!!

RECOMMENDATION LETTER TIPS

Please take into consideration the following information when deciding who will be composing a recommendation letter for you.

1. Be courteous enough to give the person who you ask plenty of time to consider what to write, to gather information, and to compile this into a letter for you. At least two weeks prior to the due date should be appropriate.

2. Choose someone you know and respect.

3. Choose someone who can speak about your character.

4. Make sure that you follow instructions on the application as to who you ask such as teacher, minister, counselor, etc….

5. If you need a letter from a teacher make sure it is a current teacher.

6. Make sure that the person writing your recommendation letter addresses the request made of them for the content of the letter.

7. Choose a teacher from a class that you excel in so they can express your academic achievement.

Each student was given a packet of written information including useful examples of scholarships and resume sheets. Students were encouraged to start their own scholarship/college application folder to refer to when the time comes to sit down and fill out scholarships and applications.

Important Upcoming Events

October 1st - 8:30 am. In the cafeteria, Wes Sanderson (EHOVE Counselor will be here to speak with all Sophomore Students regarding EHOVE Career Center Programs.

October 3rd - 10:00 am until noon at Fremont Rec Center all Freshman will be taken to the THINK Manufacturing Event. Chaperones are Mrs.Lott & Mrs. Coffamn

October 10th - 8:15 am until 2:15 pm at Firelands Hospital. Health Science Student Career Camp.

October PSAT to be announced

Two opportunities for Financial Aid Information

1. EHOVE Career Center will be hosting a Financial Aid Information Night on Monday, October 28, 2024 at 6:00 pm. Please see the flyer on the next page for more information.

2. Bellevue High School will be hosting a Financial Aid Information Night on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 6:00 pm in their Library.

Mrs. Lott, High School Counselor

The 8th graders recently enjoyed a tour of EHOVE Career Center, to see what pathways are available to students during high school.

Remember as always, should you have questions or concerns about your student please email me at hwiley@margarettaschooldistrict.com.

Mrs. Wiley, Middle School Counselor