With the second semester four weeks underway, and, remarkably, February already showing on the calendar - I want to take a minute to thank both the students and parents of Elkhorn High School for not only the academic work which has been done, but also the school climate our community has continued to embody. This time of year is always difficult, and EHS is taking extra steps to help prioritize student mental health this Spring. Between counselor lessons, Mental Health Awareness Week, as well as year two of the HOPE Squad - Elkhorn High School is committed to being a partner with families in helping students who are struggling with their mental health to navigate the often trying winter months of the school year.
I would like to take some time to discuss one of the next phases of the school year. EHS has a long history of success in academics and extracurricular activities - and I know one of the key pillars to this success has always been planning for the future and challenging students at every turn. Now is the perfect time to speak with your students about their goals, extracurricular involvement, and future course selections. We have begun the process of course selection for the ‘25-26 school year, and few things are as impactful on a student’s future as a rigorous course load which opens doors for post-high school careers, builds capacity for young adults to take on future challenges, and shapes a student’s vision of what the next step is after they leave the doors of Elkhorn High School. Far too many districts and schools allow student’s self-doubt to limit their preparedness for college and careers. Without question, the conversations you have at home will continue to drive the culture of Elkhorn High School, one where all kids are welcome and encouraged to take rigorous course loads to ensure their futures are determined by the student, not by a class they didn’t take. Thank you for all of the work you have done and continue to do.
IMPORTANT SCHEDULE NOTICE FOR APRIL 8th.
On Tuesday, April 8th, all Juniors will take five sections of the ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science and Writing. Juniors will be dismissed at approximately 1:00pm.
EHS 9th and 10th Graders will take the pre-ACT on April 8th which includes English, Math, Reading and Science tests. 9th and 10th grade students will be dismissed at approximately 12pm. No lunch will be served on April 8th.
Seniors will not be in school on Tuesday, April 8th.
Please see schedule below for important spring dates:
Parent-Teacher Conferences: 2/11 & 2/12; 4:30-8:00pm
No School: 2/13 & 2/14
Spring Break: 3/14-3/21
Junior/Senior Prom: 3/29
State ACT and Pre-ACT at EHS: 4/8 (no school for Seniors this day)
No School 4/18 (In-Service)
ACT National Testing Day at EHS: 2/8 & 4/5
I send these dates out as far in advance as possible in order to have your assistance in ensuring that all Juniors are present at school these days. Please do your best to plan vacations, trips, and the like during Spring Break. As we get closer to the ACT dates, I will send emails with full details. The administration and counselors work to ensure that loss of instructional time to all students is minimized during these assessments.
I would like to personally invite all EHS parents to our Parent Teacher Conferences on Tuesday, February 11th and Wednesday, February 12th from 4:30pm-8:00pm. Please note the dismissal time for these two days is 2:20 pm and school is not in session
on Thursday and Friday, February 13th and 14th. Parent-Teacher conferences are focused on affording stakeholders the opportunity to have conversations regarding the achievement of students.
February may indeed be the busiest month of the year with fine arts, activities and athletics in full swing. We continue to encourage students to take care of themselves by proper hydration, plenty of rest, quality nutritional diet, exercise and appropriate winter wear. I appreciate your continued conversations, as I believe hearing the same message from multiple sources makes a difference.
If your student has missed days of school, you may notice zeros, incompletes, or failing grades in PowerSchool. Please understand that this is our teachers’ way to encourage students to get caught up as soon as possible when they return. It also serves as a reminder for students and teachers that work is missing. Please encourage your students to meet individually with teachers if they miss school for any reason. This will greatly reduce their stress levels and get their grades back on track. Thank you for your assistance.
Please know that we care about your students and their academic success and strive to maintain a solid working relationship with all parents. I encourage you to call or email your students’ teachers with questions or concerns. I have enjoyed the many conversations with parents this year and I welcome your call or email as well. Amazingly, we are already in February, and the second semester always goes more quickly than the first. I am proud to be your students’ principal, and I am proud of the students and staff of Elkhorn High School!
Mark Schroeder
