Golden Bear News: Oct 11, 2024

Dear UAHS students and families,

As we wrap up the first quarter of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to provide you with a little bit of info regarding how grades are calculated. Quarter one grades are calculated into the semester grade, which is the grade that will appear on a final transcript. Be at ease and know that quarter grades are only a piece of the puzzle as it relates to final grades. Ultimately, you are not your grades -- so do your best and forget the rest.

On Wednesday, October 16, we will be administering the PSAT to tenth and eleventh grade students, while the ninth and twelfth grade students will have a digital learning day. Students with a digital learning day will not report to school, as their teachers will be providing online learning through Canvas. Students taking the PSAT will report to school at the regular time and will be dismissed at the conclusion of the test administration.

Additionally, I would be remiss if I did not address the rumors regarding many of our seniors who are planning to skip school on Tuesday. While this is a choice you are welcome to make, please know that skipping a whole day of classes will result in at least one Saturday School assignment. Also, teachers are not obligated to allow students with unexcused absences to make-up school work, and students who are absent unexcused for the second half of the day are not eligible to compete or practice in extra curricular activities after school that day. When considering your options, please consider the consequences of your decisions.

Make it a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Theado

Principal

Our Mission: Challenge and support every student, every step of the way.

• Oct 13 ~ Columbus Suburban College Fair, 1:00pm-3:30pm at Otterbein University
  
• Oct 14 ~ Teacher Work Day (No Students)
  
• Oct 14 ~ Bear Essentials Community Shopping Hours, 10:00am-12:00pm at UAHS
  Note: Use Zollinger entrance. No returns or exchanges.
• Oct 15 ~ Screenagers Showing & Panel Discussion, 6:30pm-8:00pm in the UAHS Performing Arts Center
• Oct 16 ~ PSAT/NMSQT for Grades 10 & 11
• Oct 16 ~ Digital Learning Day for Grades 9 & 12 (freshmen and seniors do not attend school)
  
• Oct 16 ~ College Planning Meeting for Juniors, 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Performing Arts Center
• Oct 17 ~ Parent-Teacher Conferences, 5:00pm-8:15pm at UAHS - Online Scheduling Link
  

• Oct 17 ~ Senior Panoramic Photo, 9:40am in the Competition Gym

• Oct 18 ~ Altered Schedule for Fall Pep Rally
  Period 1 ~ 8:05-8:48
  Period 2 ~ 8:53-9:35
  --Kickin’ It ~ 9:35-9:49
  Period 3 ~ 9:54-10:36
  Period 4 ~ 10:41-11:24
  Period 5 ~ 11:31-12:14
  Pep Rally ~ 12:14-12:42
  Period 6 ~ 12:49-1:31
  Period 7 ~ 1:36-2:18
  Period 8 ~ 2:23-3:05

• Oct 24 ~ Bear Essentials Community Shopping Hours, 3:30pm-4:30pm at UAHS

  Note: Use Zollinger entrance. No returns or exchanges.

• Oct 24 ~ Senior Financial Aid Meeting, 7:00pm-9:00pm in the Performing Arts Center
  

• Oct 25 ~ PSAT Make-Up, 8:00am-12:00pm (location TBD)
  

• Oct 27 ~ Orchestra Spooktacular Concert, 2:00-3:30pm in the Performing Arts Center
  

NOTE: Nov 1 ~ Online Order Extension for Graduation: https://view.vidreach.io/q/HPjfaVl3

On Tuesday, October 15 will be the community showing of Screenagers from 6:30-8:00 PM in the UAHS Performing Arts Center. This free event will be followed by a panel discussion that includes local experts in the areas of children’s mental health, safety, district device management, and administrative and student perspectives.

Students: As you prepare for the upcoming PSAT on Wednesday, October 16, we want to share the PSAT Student Guide with you. This guide includes key information about the test, tips for success, and an overview of what to expect in the Reading/Writing, and Math sections. While reviewing the guide is not required, it’s a helpful resource if you're looking for extra support. You'll find explanations on the types of questions and topics covered in each section, which can help you feel more confident on test day. Click this link if the one above doesn't work: https://satsuite.collegeboard.org/media/pdf/psat-nmsqt-student-guide.pdf.

Please click HERE for information regarding Parent-Teacher Conferences on Thursday, October 17.

UAHS Student Council is working with the high school Social Studies Department to create an event to honor our community veterans this November. We need your help to make these connections happen. We’re looking for active or retired service members within our staff, families, friends, and community. We’ve set aside Thursday, November 14, 2024 to hold this event. Breakfast and lunch will be provided for our guests. We’ll pair these individuals with our social studies classes, so the service members can share their experiences and students can ask questions in a smaller setting. Please complete the following form if you are an active or retired service member or if you know of a service member we can contact. We’d love to hear from you!

For a second year, the district is partnering with the Tri-Village Packers (TVP), a group of community volunteers who work to reduce food insecurity in Upper Arlington. Families with UA students can register throughout October and early November to receive grocery items that supplement their pantries during the upcoming Thanksgiving break. This is not a Thanksgiving meal but support to offset food insecurity by providing breakfast and lunch items during the extended break from school. Last year, TVP provided food for more than 90 students during Thanksgiving break, and we believe there will be a greater need this year.

Thanksgiving TVP Flyer

Registration Form

In addition...

We are quickly approaching the fall semester break October 11-14. Long weekends can sometimes be stressful for families. If you are in need of some extra help feeding your family during this extended weekend, please reach out directly to Lydia Smith-Lockwood. (All information shared with Dr. Lockwood is confidential.) The PTO will assist by putting together grab bags of groceries, which will be supplied to her.

We invite you to join us for regular conversations about key topics at Upper Arlington High School. Whether you choose to actively participate, listen in, or catch the recording later, it's a great way to stay connected and informed about what's happening at UAHS.

Family Connection Webinars 2024-2025 (Topics subject to change)

• September 18 - State Report Card Review (Recording)
• October 9 - Preparing Students to be Successful Post-High School (postponed - recording will be available 10/18/2024)
• Learn about high school programming, supports, Profile of an Engaged Learner, and more
• November 13 - Challenging and Supporting Students: Rigor and Interventions at UAHS
• December 11 - Innovation and Engagement
• January 15 - Academic Scheduling for 2025-2026
• February 12 - Program of Studies Review
• March 12 - Senior End-of-Year Information
• April 9 - Summer 2025 Academic Options

Click HERE for important senior dates and information.

Click the following link for the 2024-25 Senior Checklist: https://docs.google.com/document/d/19yBO1cAvOhpYQW5QHep_g31uR3zelNGUZqgTRJ9_0IA/edit?usp=sharing

Attendance is a critical component to learning. Students need to show up in order to take full advantage of the education programs we offer. Student and parents/guardians will be notified of the unexcused absences. Consequences (detention) may be assigned for each unexcused absence. Be sure to check your attendance each day to ensure it is accurate.

In order to streamline the absence reporting process, we ask that parents/guardians leave a voicemail on the attendance line (614-487-5213), or complete the Absence Notification Form available on the high school website and on the Upper Arlington City Schools APP. We will no longer accept emails. By using the Absence Notification Form, we are able to organize and record absence requests in a more efficient manner. Note that the form will collect your email address, which we will use to verify the request, so please use an email address that is on file in PowerSchool. Additionally, parents/guardians should follow the instructions in the online form to submit Pre-Planned Absence Requests.

A Planned Absence Excuse Form should be printed, signed and turned in to the Attendance Secretary in the Main Office at least 10 days in advance, when possible.

If a parent/guardian submits an Absence Notification Form or calls Attendance at 614-487-5213 to inform the office that their student needs to be dismissed during the day, they will receive an e-hallpass (EHP) to leave class at the designated time. The student can use the EHP to notify their teacher of the dismissal and then should come to the Attendance Office to sign out before leaving.

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.

Announcements for the current week are available on the high school website.

Online form for absences (no longer accept emails)

Email if you’ve stopped receiving communication from us

The Daily Bell Schedule and Modified Bell Schedules (Early Dismissal & Two-Hour Delay)

Links to the District Calendars, the UAHS Calendar and the UAHS Athletic calendars

Our webpage with community service options and the link to enter hours

The website for school portraits, club photos, senior class photo

Use LightSpeed Parent Portal Support Page to monitor your student’s internet activity

2024-25 Program of Studies including courses descriptions, academic options, graduation requirements, awards, etc.

The form to report a concern related to safety, bullying, harassment, etc.

The link to purchase season passes for UAHS athletic events

How to Get Help at the high school and familytechhelp@uaschools.org for families with tech support questions or situations