Golden Bear News: Oct 25, 2024

Dear UAHS students and families,

I hope you had a wonderful week!

Congratulations to all our fall sports teams who have wrapped up their seasons! Best of luck to the Golden Bears still competing this weekend. Do not miss the UAHS Orchestra's annual Spooktacular performance on Sunday—be sure to get out there and cheer on your classmates!

Make it a great weekend!

Sincerely,

Andrew C. Theado

Principal

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

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

• Oct 29 ~ Facilities Master Planning Phase Two Community Kickoff, 6:30pm-8:00pm at Jones Middle School, 2100 Arlington Ave

• Oct 30 ~ Facilities Master Planning Phase Two Community Kickoff, 9:00am-10:30am at the Graf Center, 2020 Builders Place

• Oct 30 ~ Fall Band Concert, 7:30pm-9:00pm in the Performing Arts Center

• Oct 31-Nov 2 ~ Fall Play, 7:30pm-9:30pm in the Black Box
  

• Nov 1 ~ Deadline for Online Graduation Orders: https://view.vidreach.io/q/HPjfaVl3

• Nov 3 ~ Daylight Saving Time Ends (clocks back 1 hour)
  

• Nov 5 ~ Election Day - No School for Students
  

• Nov 7 ~ Winter Sports Meet the Team, 6:30pm-8:30pm at UAHS
  

• Nov 7 ~ Bear Essentials Community Shopping Hours, 3:30pm-4:30pm
  Note: No returns or exchanges.

• Nov 12 ~ PTO Meeting, 8:30am-9:30am in Conference Room 1308J
  

• Nov 13 ~ Early Signing Day, 7:15am-8:00am in the Competition Gym
  

• Nov 19 ~ Town Hall Meeting: Strategic Plan Update, 6:00pm-7:30pm at UAHS

Nearly 10 years ago, the Upper Arlington community began working together to plan for the future of our schools, leading to a new high school and all new or renovated elementary schools. Now, it’s time to come together again — to determine the best path forward for the aging middle schools and Burbank Early Childhood School. Join us for the community kickoff to phase two of facilities master planning:

• Tuesday, October 29 from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. at Jones Middle School, 2100 Arlington Avenue

• Wednesday, October 30 from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. at the Graf Center, 2020 Builders Place

The Upper Arlington Community of Theatre (UACT, the high school theatre company) is pleased to bring Arthur Miller's iconic play, The Crucible to the stage October 31, November 1, and November 2, with a 7:30 curtain time each evening. All shows are in The BOX (the black box theatre at the high school). Tickets for these nights are available through hometownticketing.com (or use the QR code on the flyer).

In 1692, the Salem Witch Trials led to the conviction of many citizens based upon accusation and opinion. In bringing the text to stage unchanged, we are opting to set the show in 2024 where cancel culture persists.

The show does include some language that might not be suitable for children. And it is a "cerebral" show (more words than action) which might not be suitable for some children (or adults).

We have finalized a date for this year's junior/senior prom. It will be held at COSI on Saturday, April 5, 2025.

Students who are not enrolled in an AP course but feel that they can study on their own and would be able to successfully pass the exam are welcome to contact Mrs. Ballheim at cballheim@uaschools.org to receive a "join code" and register for the test. The last day to register for the exam, with the College Board is Friday, November 8. Encourage your student to think it over and make a wise decision.

If your student will be taking IB examinations in April/May of 2025 and utilizes accommodations, IB requires both a current IEP as well as an ETR or a physician's/psychologist's diagnosis. Both documents must have been written within the last three years. If you have questions, please contact Mrs. Ballheim at cballheim@uaschools.org.

Please join us at Upper Arlington High School on Thursday, November 14 for a luncheon to honor your service. The luncheon will begin at 11:00am and end at 12:35pm. During this time, you'll be sitting at a table with at least one other service member and a small group of students (4-6). The students will have lunch with you and ask a few questions about your time in the service. Please use this form to RSVP and complete the information. The deadline to respond is Wednesday, November 6. We hope you can join us!

Kim Brown (kbrown@uaschools.org), Social Studies Teacher and Student Council Advisor

Learn more about the strategic planning process by joining district leadership for a town hall meeting on Tuesday, November 19 from 6 until 7:30 p.m. at Upper Arlington High School. Attendees will hear a review of the research and work done to date and then break into smaller groups to learn about the steps planned to implement each strategy during the next five years.

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

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 (Recording)
• 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

It is now time to submit your senior photos for the yearbook. Submit your photos to the Senior Yearbook Photos Google Form. Norwester staff requests that your photo be a “head shot” only. Photos do not have to be from a professional photographer but should meet the requirements listed on this 2025 Senior Photo Flyer.

Submission deadline is Monday, December 16. Be sure to submit your photo by the deadline to be included.

In addition, you can purchase the 2024-2025 Norwester Yearbook and Senior Tribute Ads are now available to purchase.

Lastly, Norwester Staff will once again be featuring the senior destinations on their Instagram page, uahsnorwesteryearbook. Submissions will begin January 7, 2025.

Click HERE for important senior dates and information.

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