Jaguar Bytes
Seckinger High School Newsletter
July 26, 2024
Dear Seckinger High School Students and Families,
Just a reminder that communication and partnership with our students, parents, and guardians is vital to our success. We invite you to stay connected with us through our school newsletter (Jaguar Bytes), school website, and social media channels. Additionally, please do not hesitate to reach out to our administrative team with any questions, concerns, or suggestions.
As I mentioned in my last newsletter, relationships matter; we want you and your family to connect with our teachers and staff as we begin the school year. We invite you to join us for an Open House on Thursday, August 1, to gather all the information needed for a seamless start to school. Our “flipped” Orientation consists of the following components that should be completed prior to Open House.
1. Review the Welcome/Orientation Packet that you receive in the mail.
2. Review school processes and procedures by accessing MyPaymentsPlus at https://mypaymentsplus.com/ starting on July 22, 2024. You will electronically sign the receipt of these documents. You will be given the opportunity to complete the free and reduced application and make school contributions that will directly impact your specific academic programs. To assist your use of MyPaymentPlus, we have created two videos that will walk you through setting up an account as well as reviewing and signing documents.
a. How to Set Up A MPP Account for Parents: Streaming: https://vimeo.com/345028817
b. How to Review Signed Documents in MPP: Streaming: https://vimeo.com/345054468
3. Access your schedule and teachers through the GCPS Student Portal (eCLASS) on Wednesday, July 31.
4. Learn about Teaching and Learning in our building by watching content-specific curriculum videos. Open each teacher’s eCLASS Course Page on Wednesday, July 31. Record questions and bring them to Open House to discuss with your teachers.
5. Review and update the Student Profile (in this packet) and give it to your first-period teacher at Open House. If updates are needed, mark corrections directly on the Student Profile Sheet. Our primary form of communication is by email. Please inspect all emails that we have on record.
Open House hours will be extended this year to give you and your family time for a Red-Carpet Photo Op, Walk Your Schedule, Meet Your Teachers, Transportation, and more.
· Last names A-G should report anytime between 8:00-9:30
· Last names H-O should report anytime between 10:00-11:30
· Last Names P=Z should report anytime between 12:00-1:30
Please adhere to your allotted schedule. Student Ambassadors will greet you at the door with instructions for your visit.
Thank you for your continued support and dedication to Seckinger High School. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!
Warm regards,
Jimmy Fisher
Principal
Seckinger High School
Informational Items
Seckinger High School Student Handbook
Please be sure to take time to review the Seckinger Student Handbook (attached below).
Homecoming Tickets Available Now
We are excited to announce that our Homecoming tickets are now for sale on GoFan.co. Prices will increase on August 12th.
"Phone Paws" Cell Phone Lockers
To maximize instructional time and keep students focused on teaching and learning, cell phones are not permitted to be out during class time. We ask that all students keep their phones put away during each class period. Of course, there are exceptions for emergencies or medical reasons. Reinforcing the importance of this rule at home will help us maintain an environment focused on learning. Your cooperation in emphasizing the importance of keeping their cell phones stowed away during class time is greatly appreciated.
As a possible alternative to the bookbag, we've installed 12 - 15 cell phone lockers in each classroom. These are voluntary for students and/or their parents that would like the phone distraction removed from the learning environment.
If you'd like for your child to use a cell phone locker in one or more classes, please talk about this option with your child and/or reach out to their teacher by email.
Students may use cell phones to connect to family and friends during all class changes, before/after school, and at lunch.
Seckinger Traffic Plan - NEW
We want to provide information on traffic patterns to our entire community early and often! The good news is that our campus has two entrances. Our school hours are 7:10-2:10. Please help us spread the word. Attached is the traffic pattern for bus and vehicle entry/exit to campus. Thank you for your patience and flexibility as we all learn to follow the traffic pattern to ensure safety and efficiency.
Buses will follow the red pattern and enter/exit at the traffic light.
Parents are now able to drop off in the front of the school and in the back of the school.
Once the buses have exited the bus lanes, students will be permitted to be dropped off at the front entrance between 6:55 and 7:10. All after school pick up will remain in the back of the building.
Parent drop off will follow the blue or green traffic pattern. Students may be dropped off at the lower attendance office entrance beginning at 6:20 AM and proceed to the Commons for supervision. The car rider line begins to back up at 6:50. Students may not exit cars in the parking lot. We encourage you to practice this traffic pattern beginning on July 29.
Parent pick up will follow the blue traffic pattern in the afternoons.
Student drivers will also enter/exit from W Rock Quarry Road (back of campus near baseball/softball fields). Student drivers will be provided a lot assignment at Open House. Each student who drives an automobile to school must register the vehicle by purchasing a parking permit. Parking permits cost $70.00 for the year. Parking will go on sale beginning July 17, through MyPaymentsPlus. Parking on campus is a privilege. Therefore, certain rules and regulations are expected of the student to maintain this privilege.
Walkers will use the sidewalks on Sardis Church Road and cross at the light. Walkers will leave campus through the side doors in the tower, cross at the gate at the top of our drive, and proceed to the traffic light.
Updated Carpool Route Video 2024
See below for an updated video showing our two morning carpool route options. Option #1 takes you through the original carpool route on West Rock Quarry Rd. Fast forward to minute 02:34 in the video to see the new Option #2 which takes you through the front of the school off of Sardis Church Rd, around the teacher parking lot and to the carpool drop off.
Student Parking
Each student who drives an automobile to school must register the vehicle by purchasing a parking permit. Parking permits cost $70.00 for the year. Parking for the 2024-2025 school year is on sale beginning July 22nd through MyPaymentsPlus. A parking application, a copy of a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance will be required to receive the parking decal at Open House on August 1. Parking on campus is a privilege. Therefore, certain rules and regulations are expected of the student to maintain this privilege. If you have any questions, please reach out to Assistant Principal Chris Bess at chris.bess@gcpsk12.org.
SKG PTSA
SKG PTSA is excited to kick off our 3rd year! Membership dues are only $10. Sign your student up, too! We are working on student incentives, and scholarship opportunities are available for SKG PTSA Seniors.
SKG Dress Code Policy
A student's appearance should not be a distraction/disruption to the learning environment of any other student. Instruction is interrupted when a student has to be seen by an administrator because of inappropriate clothing. The guidelines for student dress are not intended to be punitive, but to promote academic success. The administration may have to address students whose clothing is disruptive to the learning environment.
The following guidelines are to promote a positive learning environment for Seckinger Students:
Avoid any attire that includes, but is not limited to, the following:
- Attire in which undergarments are visible.
- Attire that exposes the buttocks, midriff area, or with low or revealing necklines.
- No headgear is to be worn inside. (Exceptions are granted by the administration)
- Any attire that depicts, promotes, or advertises gang affiliation, illegal activity, illegal drugs, alcohol or tobacco, sexual references, and offensive words or designs.
- Jewelry or accessories that could be deemed unsafe or injurious to self or others.
- House-slippers are not permitted.
- No blankets or pillows.
A Message from GCPS
Gwinnett County Public Schools is excited to welcome all students to the 2024-25 school year on Wednesday, August 5! In-person learning will begin for all grades on Monday, August 5. Download the 2024-25 Student Calendar today!
To ensure a smooth transition into the 2024-25 school year, we encourage you to review GCPS’ 2024-25 Virtual Back-to-School Backpack for Families. This comprehensive toolkit is designed to equip you with all the necessary information and district resources, fostering a strong partnership for student success.
- Get connected! Find the resources to support student success in GCPS!
- Nourish growing minds...Energize with Café Gwinnett!
- Power Up for Success!
- Support for Safe and Healthy Students!
- Be Ready for a Great School Year!
Stay in the loop with our key messages through ParentSquare, your go-to platform for important updates all school year long. Download the ParentSquare app to ensure you're always connected and well-informed about your school and the district!
Join us as we count down to the first day of school on Monday, August 5! We hope you’ll share photos of your child’s first day of school with us @gwinnettschools on Facebook, X, and Instagram using the hashtag #GCPSBTS24.
GEMS Oversight Committee Applications Now Open
GCPS invites parents and guardians, community members, and school district employees to apply for the GEMS Oversight Committee, a group of community and school system representatives charged with the annual review of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) curriculum standards.
The next meeting is tentatively scheduled for October 29, 2024. Those interested in serving should complete the online application no later than Friday, August 9.
Learn more and find the link for the online application here: https://www.gcpsk12.org/.../gcps-accepting-applications...
We are excited to announce that our school district will continue with Parent Square for all school-to-home communication. This unified communications platform is designed to keep parents and guardians informed and encourage greater engagement and connection with your child’s school and Gwinnett County Public Schools.
ParentSquare provides a safe way for district administrators, school principals, teachers, staff, and parents to receive and send information, such as:
- Weather-related closings & delays
- School and class information
- Share pictures and files
- See calendar items
- Upcoming class activities
Free and Reduced Lunch Applications - Required Every Year
Be sure to complete the Free and Reduced Lunch application by Monday, September 16, 2024. Families need to apply every year. The online application for the 24-25 school year is available now at www.gwinnett.schoollunchapp.com and you can find more information about the application using the following link: https://ow.ly/y1u050SBCnV
It's More Than a Meal! Beyond the Free & Reduced meal price benefits, filling out an application has other positive benefits. Check out the image below for those added benefits!
K&K Student Insurance
K&K Insurance provides coverage for Student Accident Insurance if needed. For more information please visit K&K's website at www.studentinsurance-KK.com.
Seckinger High school is looking for substitute teachers for the upcoming school year. At Seckinger we value everyone who walks through the doors of our school and would love to be able to support you as a substitute teacher. As a sub at SKG we will provide you with detailed lesson plans, maps of the school, seating charts, and other helpful information and support. Information regarding perks and compensation can be found on the district website. https://www.gcpsk12.org/Page/24537
If you are interested in being placed on the preferred substitute list at Seckinger High School, please complete the form using the following link: tinyurl.com/SKGSub
Seniors: Class of 2025
Seckinger Scholastic Images will be at Open House on August 1st
Scholastic Images, our official supplier for Letter Jackets, Class Rings, Caps & Gowns, and Senior Jerseys will be on campus during OPEN HOUSE on August 1st from 8:00am-1:30pm. See attached Custom Seckinger PDF with details for all products.
- Letter Jacket Orders for any student who has earned a letter!
- Bring proof that you earned your letter (actual award letter or certificate) and a $150 deposit to get the order started!
- We’ll custom size you and walk you through the rest!
- Class Ring Orders for any junior or senior!
- Bring payment in full for the Mascot Ring Special ($333.85)!
- Bring $100 deposit for Ultrium metal or $200 deposit for all other metals!
- We’ll custom size you and walk you through the rest!
- Seniors (Class of 2025), last chance to order your Senior Jersey ASAP!
NOW is the LAST CHANCE to order your Official Seckinger, Senior Jersey at https://www.scholasticimages.com/?sid=3979
- The online order form is ONLY open until Sunday, August 11th at 11:59PM so don’t miss out on the tradition of wearing it your senior year with your class!
Seniors, pay your Seckinger Senior Dues (which includes your Cap/Gown/Tassel/Stole) during open house and check it off your list!
- Payment required in full at time of order. (Cash, Check, or Card with $4.95 processing fee)
You can also order anytime online at https://www.scholasticimages.com/?sid=3979! We can’t wait to Celebrate Your Most Meaningful Moments!
Senior Portraits
Seniors! Booking for your senior photo has begun! To make things extra easy for the class of 2024, CADY has created a step-by-step senior booking guide. Please see the attachment using the button below. The last day to be photographed for the 2024-2025 yearbook is Tuesday October 15, 2024.
Please note: Some scenes and session types are available in-studio only and will not be available when CADY is at SKG. If a senior is booking a session at SKG, they will need to book a SIMPLE or STANDARD session. For seniors with any additional questions, our customer experience team can be contacted at 678.722.3449.
Senior Tributes
Senior Tributes are now on sale on yearbookordercenter.com through October 31, 2024 to be included in the 3rd volume of the Seckinger Rosarium Yearbook. Use code 25067 when ordering.
Senior Sunrise for Class of 2025
To mark the beginning of our journey toward graduation, we will hold our Class of 2025 "Senior Sunrise" event the day before school starts. It will occur at our football field on August 2nd from 6:15 AM - 7:30 AM. It’s time to SHINE, to set examples for the younger classes, to make the most of your final year, and to make lasting memories. Let's step into this year together, cheering each other on as we venture toward the finish line of high school!
SKG Athletics, Arts, & Club Activities
The Seckinger Standard
Please have a look at the following document for detailed information about Seckinger Athletics. It contains crucial details about the athletic calendar, spirit wear, and available sponsorship packages.
Athletic Events
- Only Seckinger HS students and opposing HS students will be permitted in games without a parent. High School IDs will be checked.
- Students must leave school on game day and can return thirty minutes before the start.
- All games are available for purchase online. Visit the GoFan website here: https://gofan.co/
- All elementary and middle school students must be accompanied by an adult at all sporting events.
- Please click here to access the head coach's directory and email the coach for more information.
The Falcons at SKG
The Falcons are coming to the Jaguar Stadium! This open practice at Seckinger High School will take place on Saturday July 27th from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. This event will be first come, first served with free walk-up entry beginning at 5 p.m. until capacity is reached.
More information can be found here: https://www.atlantafalcons.com/training-camp
Find Your Spot in a Club!
See attached for a list of clubs and when they meet. E-mail the club sponsor listed for more information. https://www.gcpsk12.org/domain/14382
SKG Chorus at the Braves
Our Seckinger Chorus has been invited to sing at the Braves game on September 24th vs. the METS at 7:20. If you would like to go, please consider purchasing your tickets through us---it is a fundraiser! The game has a promotional Jersey give away for the first 15,000 in the stadium. The Game looks to have a lot of sold seats—but we have 700 seats reserved in the economical sections 414, 415, 416, but only costs you $22.00 (plus very small processing fee). We also have parking passes and Singing Jag shirts available. Visit the following link to buy tickets: https://seckingerhschorus.ludus.com/
Communication
Connect with Us
To support your child’s individual needs and interests, we offer multiple ways to connect with your family to address questions.
- Phones – Our main line is 678-288-0800.
- Email – You may email Administration with your child’s name, questions, and a preferred method of contact, email or phone. Administration Directory
- SKG Student Handbook - Check out the Student Handbook for useful information to help you navigate Seckinger HS.
- SKG Student Calendar - Follow our SKG Student Calendar to keep up with all events at Seckinger.
- Social Media - Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. See details below.