Hawk Freshman Success Newsletter

There are just 3 weeks left this semester! This means that students are almost halfway into their first year of high school! This month we will close off the the first half of the school year full of new beginnings, challenges and opportunities to discover your passion. What have you learned? What do you hope to continue in 2025? What needs to change in your world to pursue your goals?

Everyday, I am communicating with teachers, students and families individually about the importance of freshman year and being on the right side of the statistics. It is important to discuss our freshman on track data in the classrooms now and help them understand that it is IMPERATIVE that they start now in the journey toward graduation! It is never too early!

Why is Being on Track Important?

Studies show that being on track as a 9th grader is a BETTER indicator of HS success than race, income, neighborhood, and prior tests scores combined. These students are 3 1/2 times more likely to graduate within four years than those "off track". Furthermore, freshman year is vital in setting a strong foundation for a successful high school career.

What Should STUDENTS be Doing Now?

• Make a list of SPECIFIC items you need to finish before grades are final.
• Make plans to retake any assessments that you are allowed to redo to improve your grades.
• Communicate with your teachers for additional support. Be sure to check your emails and IC for the latest updates.
• Plan for next year's schedule. Reminder that counselors will be meeting with you on December 4 (Periods 1-4) or December 5 (Periods 5-8), during your Biology classes for course selection. Please refer to LAST MONTH'S NEWSLETTER or the DISTRICT COURSE CURRICULUM GUIDE for additional information regarding sophomore course selection.
• Establish goals for next semester based on your experiences thus far.

What can FAMILIES do to help?

• Look on Infinite Campus at your child’s grades. Parents can set up an account by clicking HERE.
• Talk with your child about their grades - encourage them to put forth their best effort.
• Encourage your child to email their teachers to see what they can still do to improve their grades.
• Encourage your child to go to the Hawk Center during their lunch period.
• Encourage your child to attend Before/After School Study Centers in the library.
• Get in touch with teachers or me if you need help.

Lastly, as we close out the final weeks before break. I hope everyone enjoys time with their family and loved ones. Take time to reset and recharge. Enjoy your break but be sure to FINISH STRONG!

Thank you for your time,

Jeff Villarreal

AP of Freshman Success

Bartlett High School

(630) 372-4700 ext. 4632

Bartlett High School currently has 526 Freshmen enrolled. As we enter the final month of the semester, 93.1% of Freshmen are ON TRACK to earn enough credits to become sophomores and graduate within 4 years. This means that about 36 Freshmen are OFF TRACK. Our school FOT goal is 97.7% by the end of the 2024-2025 school year. For additional information regarding FOT and steps to take, please refer to this ON TRACK CHECKLIST.

97.6% - Excused Absence Rate

92.9% - Overall Attendance Rate

20.7% - Rate of referrals for first time freshman in Dean’s office to date (Behavior, Tardies, Cuts Class, etc.)

20.7% of Freshman are considered “Chronically Absent” by Illinois State's definition:

Illinois law defines "chronic absentee" as a student who misses 10 percent of school days within an academic year with or without a valid excuse. That's 18 days of an average 180-day school year. Excused absences include illness, suspension, need to care for a family member, etc.

What do I do with this information?

• If you call your student in sick, you should still turn in documentation of the illness if possible.
• Be very careful about taking off days in which there is no need to, missing a day in HS is like tearing pages out of a book and still needing to stay in touch with what happened while you were out.
• Cutting classes puts students at risk of referrals, Loss of Privileges, In-School Intervention, etc. NOTHING good happens where students are NOT where they are supposed to be.
• Communicate with the attendance office which can be reached at (630) 372-4700 ext. 4710.
• If there is a case of extreme or prolonged injury/illness/hospitalization, make contact with the nurse (Leiann Neitzke). We can help arrange everything for you!

• Have I learned all my teachers names and gotten my second semester schedule ready?
• Have I talked to my teachers ABOUT my grade or anything that I am confused about?
• Have I been present and on time to class, demonstrating that I care about my education and the teachers' time/expertise?
• Have I managed my time well and gotten rid of distractions like friend drama/phones/social media?
• Have I attended tutorials, utilized the Hawk Center or asked for help?
• Have I attempted or completed any available retakes?
• Have I spoken to my parents/guardians about the difficulties of high school?
• Have I identified the specific items that need to be done in order for my grades to improve?
• Have I done all I CAN to be in charge of my own grade?
• Have I gotten enough sleep?
• Have I found a way to prioritize all the new tasks I have confronted as I started High School?
• Have I realized that I am NOT alone and that I have resources available to me at all times?
• Have I been checking my school email regularly?
• Have I realized that I want 10th grade to be on next year's ID, and NOT 9th Grade again?

If you answered 'no' to any of these it is time to take action. Reach out to your teacher or contact me at jeffreyvillarreal@u-46.org for any assistance in these areas.

All counselors and social workers are listed below by LAST name, alpha sort & contact information:

Vanbooven (A-CAM) Ext. 4191 thomasvanbooven@u-46.org

Miranda (CAN-FR) Ext. 4689 dianamiranda@u-46.org

Fullhart (FU-KA) Ext. 4636 stephaniefullhart@u-46.org

Laursen (KE-ME) Ext. 4637 lauralaursen@u-46.org

Hilvert (MI-PEN) Ext. 4686 cherylhilvert@u-46.org

Ortiz (PEO-SIL) Ext. 4639 melissaortiz@u-46.org

Bean (SIM-Z) Ext. 4687 erinbean@u-46.org

For mental wellness, social-emotional support, your social workers are listed below:

Huggins (A-G) Ext. 4716 amandahuggins@u-46.org

Andrews (H-O) Ext. 4707 alisonandrews@u-46.org

Johnson (P-Z) Ext. 4786 markjohnson@u-46.org

Additional Resources:

Library - Open Every day, EVERY hour. Come during your lunch or study hall.

Before/After School Study Centers - Located in the library. 7-7:30am everyday. Tuesday, Wed, Thur. 3-4:30pm. ***Activity Bus available on Tues, Wed, Thur.***

Hawk Center Tutoring - Located in A-130 next to the cafeteria. Open during ALL lunch periods for study groups, review or quiet study space.

Bartlett High School strives to be an environment where EVERYONE has a sense of belonging. With 32 athletic teams and over 90 clubs, there is a wide variety of opportunities to explore your passion. Check out the ATHLETIC WEBSITE or LIST OF CLUBS for more information. Winter sports have officially started! Additionally, flyers are posted throughout the building and be sure listen in on the daily announcements for updates.

12/3: Band Concert

12/4-12/5: Course registration for current Freshman during Biology Classes.

12/6: Madrigals

12/11: Early Release Day

12/12: Cocoa & Cram

12/20: Last Day of 1st Semester

12/23-1/3: Winter Recess