Saline High School News

Create a learning environment that nurtures the holistic development of every student. By implementing a comprehensive approach that integrates balanced assessments, Culturally Responsive Instruction, and aligned pacing and standards, we are committed to providing each student with a common and rigorous educational experience.

2024-25 Calendar and Bell Schedule

Tri 3 Lunch Schedule

Attendance Matters Document

Job Aid for Entering Absences (full or partial day) in PowerSchool

Work Permit Information

Parking Passes

SHS LinkTree

*NEW* 8th Grade Curriculum Night Presentation and FAQs

Tri 3 Refresher: Click Here to quickly review our Attendance Policy, Absence Reporting Options, Medical Absences, Make Up Work Guidelines, etc.

2023-24 Newsletters

2024-25 Newsletters

We will send this message again on Sunday, March 30, before we return from break.

We hope everyone has a safe, happy, and restful break, and we look forward to seeing you back on March 31!

Dear SHS students and families,

Musetta Deneen, the 9th-grade Principal, will be on maternity leave beginning January 25th, 2025, and expected to extend through April 29th, 2025.

Mr. Rafko, 10th and 11th grade Assistant Principal, will also be on paternity leave beginning March 21 and expected to extend through April 28, 2025.

During that time, they will be unavailable; however, Kit Moran will be your contact person should you have any questions or concerns.

We appreciate your understanding and look forward to their return in April.

Please remember that the parking lot south of the main entrance, on the east side of the building (the teacher's lot) is reserved for the drop-off/pick-up of students with special needs and mobility concerns. All other parents should be dropping off/picking up students in the north lot by the main entrance, on the east side of the building, or on the west side of the building by the pool/gym. In addition, please follow the one-way traffic pattern in the special needs drop-off/pick-up lot as indicated below on the map.

Over the last few months, Saline Area Schools has engaged in strategic planning to update Saline's Learner Profile (known as the “SAS Compass”) which was established in 2016. The Compass serves as the cornerstone for the SAS District Strategic Framework, reflecting important skills and competencies that are critical to post-graduation success and future employment.

After multiple focus groups and planning sessions, we are ready to share a draft update with the community to gather broader input that will help guide the final design. Your feedback will help shape the future of Saline Area Schools, ensuring that we continue to meet the needs of our students, families, staff, community, AND local businesses.

You are invited to share your thoughts on the draft updated version of Saline's Learner Profile/SAS Compass by completing this quick questionnaire.

We want to remind everyone of the importance of our Closed Campus Policy. For the safety and well-being of all students, leaving campus during school hours is strictly prohibited unless prior approval has been granted. This policy helps us ensure a secure learning environment and maintain accountability for all students.

Skipping has always been against school rules as students are expected to follow their class schedule as printed unless a parent has called them out sick or released early/late due to a purpose indicated by a parent or guardian. Leaving campus for lunch is also considered skipping. Saline High School is a closed-campus for lunches.

Students who choose to violate this policy will be subject to appropriate consequences. We appreciate your cooperation in reinforcing these expectations to help keep our school community safe. Our primary focus has always been educating the youth of Saline, and to do so, they need to be in class participating in their education.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school.

With Ramadan underway, should families need any specific accommodations for students related to fasting, resting, prayer, or other supports, please do not hesitate to reach out to your building principal and/or classroom teacher. We are dedicated to collaborating to ensure student needs are met so they can continue to learn and grow during this sacred month, and during any other important religious observance our families celebrate.

• Attendance Matters! Welcome to the final Trimester of 2024-2025. Click HERE to review attendance related reminders.

Trimester 3 allows for a lot of seniors to have a reduced schedule due to having their credits completed! 🎉

Please note: if you do not have a class, you should not be in the building - that includes if you have a 5th hour reduced and are playing a spring sport. You will need to return for your practices.

If you are arriving 2nd hour, you will need to park on the EAST side (by the auditorium) to enter.

Do not ask your friends to open the door for you. This creates an unsafe environment and could have consequences for both of you.

Our testing out application will open on March 3rd for grades 8-11 who will enter the 2024-2025 academic school year this fall. This is an optional opportunity to receive potential credit for the following school year. Advanced students can demonstrate mastery of a subject to receive credit without taking the class. Each class’s requirements to satisfy this may be in the form of a test, performance, portfolio, or other form deemed by the department. This is a challenging task for most students. If you do not pass the assessment, there will not be another option to test out of that particular subject. The assessments are made with the perception that the student has mastered the content, which would be assessed as if they were already in the class. This is an excellent option for some students who are accelerated and proficient in a specific subject to move ahead and take courses that are more appropriate for their skill level.

To attempt to test-out the student and family must take the following steps:

• Read through the information on testing out on the school website.

• Discuss the opportunity between the student and parent/guardians.

• Speak with the student's school counselor to begin the application process

• Complete all signatures on the form

• If all forms are incomplete, the high school will not notify you of your location and time of your exam and your student will need to wait until the next testing out season.

• Verify that you have completed the application process with Mrs. Wilson at the High School after the final signature is submited.

• Monitor your email for a date to test out. Your results may require you to change a schedule; if needed, promptly contact your counselor.

• Arrive early on your test day. Good luck!

If your student would like to attempt to test out, begin the conversation with your parent or guardian and review the testing out materials now.

Standardized testing is happening the week of April 7. The test is below. If your Senior has not completed a part of the MME, they should plan to do so during the dates below.

Seniors are expected to be in class each of these days. Thank you.

Standardized Testing Information:

• Monday, April 7th: PSAT-10 for sophomores
• Tuesday, April 8th: M-STEP Science/Social Studies for Juniors
• Wednesday, April 9th: SAT with Essay for juniors
• Thursday, April 10th: ACT WorkKeys for juniors (workplace skills assessment)
• Friday, April 11th: PSAT-8/9 for freshmen

As a reminder, per school board policy, juniors are required to take all three assessments that make up the Michigan Merit Exam as a graduation requirement.

Students and families will receive additional communication in the coming weeks, including information on daily schedules, what to bring on test days, and how to access practice materials. Please check your email frequently for these updates.

Save the date: Graduation is June 1, 2025 at 6 PM. The event is usually about 90 minutes long.

There is no rehearsal.

Facebook event to share

Dear Seniors:

Senior year is a memorable experience and a time of great anticipation and excitement. It is also a hectic time for both students and parents.

This letter provides important dates and activities to assist you in organizing your year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Dawson & Mrs. Bekkala

Graduation Coordinators

• Tuesday, April 8th: M-STEP Science/Social Studies for Juniors
• Wednesday, April 9th: SAT with Essay for juniors
• Thursday, April 10th: ACT WorkKeys for juniors (workplace skills assessment)

As a reminder, per school board policy, juniors are required to take all three assessments that make up the Michigan Merit Exam as a graduation requirement.

You will find instructions on how students can practice with the Bluebook app at this link, though please note the app does not work on personal Chromebooks. Mr. Rafko will also be sending families a letter soon with more information on accessing Bluebook as well additional information that will be provided to students during Hornet Time next week.

Be sure to join us for the College and Career Fair at Pioneer HS on April 4, and College 101 at SHS on May 8.

Standardized Testing Information:

• Monday, April 7th: PSAT-10 for sophomores

Students and families will receive additional communication in the coming weeks, including information on daily schedules, what to bring on test days, and how to access practice materials. Please check your email frequently for these updates.

Standardized Testing Information:

• Friday, April 11th: PSAT-8/9 for freshmen

As a reminder, per school board policy, juniors are required to take all three assessments that make up the Michigan Merit Exam as a graduation requirement.

Students and families will receive additional communication in the coming weeks, including information on daily schedules, what to bring on test days, and how to access practice materials. Please check your email frequently for these updates.

Michigan's Hot 50 Job Outlook

Saline High School is partnering once again with Ann Arbor Area Schools to host our annual college and career fair. We alternate locations yearly and this year's fair will be held at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School on April 2, 2025 from 6:00-7:30. We are expecting 75+ colleges to attend. This is a great event for sophomores and juniors to enhance their college exploration experience.

The Saline High School Counselors will be hosting College 101 on Thursday May 8th at 6:30

PM in the auditorium. This event is for juniors and their parents. At this event, the counselors

will discuss: timeline of events related to college application and admission, college search,

finding the right fit, admissions criteria, application process, transcripts, testing, letters of

recommendation, scholarships, financial aid, and the Common App.

Students will attend Hornet Time on Wednesday each week.

Students in an SWWC class during 2nd hour will have Advisory with their 2nd hour teacher. They will not have a "Hornet Time" listed on their schedule.

The "Be Good People" curriculum is referenced often throughout the year. Information on this curriculum can be found here: Life Skills - 9-12 Core Edition (google.com)

Lessons for April 2:

Class of 2025: Rewarding Yourself

Class of 2026: Managing Stress

Class of 2027: Communicating Honestly

Class of 2028: Link Crew lesson: Words of Affirmation

All classes will also view Hornet Nation and SHS Today student news shows each week as they are published.

The Saline High School PTO needs your help with their NO SELL FUNDRAISER! Simply click on this link to help achieve our fundraising goal of $15,000 this year. Funds are used to support our hard-working teachers by providing teacher reimbursement for classroom learning supplies and grants to support class resources and educational opportunities for students. Thank you for your support!

Find out more about the South & West Washtenaw Consortium (SWWC) here

Access prior SWWC Newsletters

https://marsal.umich.edu/events/spark-festival-learning

Announcing a Poetry Slam on April 12, 2025 for Saline area students held by Saline Main Street and the Saline Arts & Culture committee! Unleash your creativity at our upcoming Youth Poetry Slam, designed to showcase the poetic talents of local youth in grades 7 through 12. This is your chance to perform original works, engage with fellow young poets, and and let your voice be heard in a supportive and dynamic environment.

Share your unique perspective through the art of poetry! Earn accolades and recognition for your poetic talents, including specialized graphics to put on your Facebook, Instagram, or SnapChat. Additionally, prizes will be awarded through 3rd place!

Details, Rules, and Registration information for this FREE event can be found on Saline Main Street's website or using the QR code below!

https://www.salinemainstreet.org/2025/04/12/241725/youth-poetry-slam/

Learn a New Culture!

Do you have an interest in learning another culture while sharing America with an excited teen whose dream it is to study abroad? Do you have an extra bedroom or a room a student can share with your teen? If so, becoming an Educatius host family might be a great role for you!

Partnership

Educatius, the world’s largest organization helping international high school students across the world study abroad for 20+ years, is partnering with Saline High School, and we are qualifying families now to serve in this role for next school year – 2025-2026!

Program Details

Click here to learn how you can expand your family by saying YES and “unlock your world” by hosting an international student!

Families who host through Educatius receive a monthly stipend to offset costs, training and local support throughout the year, and students come with their own spending money and health insurance and pay tuition to our school partners, bringing cultural diversity and financial support into the communities they call home (less than a year commitment that will create memories for a lifetime).

Meet Incoming Students for Saline!

• Bruno from Spain (12th grade male)
• Enjoys playing soccer, cooking his own, healthy meals and spending time with his family. He hopes to improve his English while studying abroad as he believes it is a valuable life-long skill. Bruno has already spent a year in the United States studying, and he is excited to come to Saline!
• Letter to Host Family

• Stepanka from Czech Republic (12th grade female)
• Enjoys sports such as volleyball and basketball, traveling, art and cooking. She also loves winter (skiing and snow in general). She is an animal lover and would enjoy living with pets.
• Letter to Host Family

• Vinicius from Brazil (12th grade male)
• Has dreamed of living in the United States his whole life! He is passionate about playing soccer, swimming, and track and field. He is very curious about Brazilian and international current events, geopolitics, and economics, and loves learning about new cultures.
• Letter to Host Family

• Finn from Switzerland (10th grade male)
• Enjoys cycling, skiing and cross-country skiing, and anything having to do with snow. He loves traveling with his family, and computer engineering, and he assembled his own computer that he uses for school! He describes himself as a very curious person who enjoys learning new things.
• Letter to Host Family

• Pedro from Brazil (10th grade male)
• Enjoys playing basketball and practices mixed martial arts and wrestling. His goals are to develop and improve his English skills while studying abroad, as well as learn about a new culture.
• Letter to Host Family

Sign up Now!

If you are interested in learning more about our program or signing up to become a host family for the 2025-26 school year, please contact Local Coordinator, Jyl Barnett Nolan, at (262) 468-8035 or at jylnolan.educatius@gmail.com.

SMS - Boys Bike Helmet
Harvest - Snacks (no fruit snacks please)
Heritage - Case of Flavor Freeze Pops
Woodland Meadows - Yogurt Pouches
Woodland Meadows - Applesauce Pouches
Woodland Meadows - Snacks *IMMEDIATE NEED*

As spring approaches, we will be doing a "spring email" clean up. If you no longer wish to receive these emails, please let us know. We thank you all for your continued support!

Sign up to receive email alerts for needed support. Thank you!