Raider Reporter Staff Edition

Amazing Raider Families,

"The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically, Intelligence plus character – that is the true goal of education." ~ Martin Luther King~

Happy Martin Luther King's Day!

One of the things I love about this weekend is that I always get to celebrate my birthday with the late esteemed Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As I was preparing for Semester 2 to begin, I came across this quote from Dr. King, "The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically, Intelligence plus character – that is the true goal of education." This is the work we do at SOH - the balance between the HEAD and the HEART. And we do this in community where we (students, teachers, parents and families) work together to produce a future generation that is hopefully better than our generation. Our actions in the present will always shape our future.

Demonstrating Safe Behavior at All Times

Dr. King also said, "Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly. I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of our school community. Every day that I am on campus, I remind you with this statement, "Let's choose to make today a great day." It is as Dr. King stated; that what we say and do AFFECT all of us. We are not an island. And yes, it is a choice; your choice. Last Friday during lunch, we had a a few students CHOSE to behave in such a way that promoted what I consider an unsafe environment albeit temporarily. I am thankful that I have a teamt that work diligently to stop such unsafe actions immediately or as quickly as they can. However, they should not have to do that because you choose to act negatively. We need to stop demonstrating unsafe behaviors. Know that should you decide to act in unsafe manner, consequences will be given immediately, which could include suspension from SOH. If you continue to behave in this manner, you are building a case for us to transfer you out from SOH permanently. So, let's be respectful of each other and act kindly.

Balancing Classes

Raiders, per the teachers' contract, we are required to balance classes by the 10th day, which is January 28, 2025. While the counselors are working hard to minimize the change, know that if one or some of your classes changes, it is because it was necessary. Thank you for understanding.

Credit Recovery Classes During Semester 2

Students, we will be offering Credit Recovery in the following courses listed below. If you failed one or more of this classes, you will called in by your counselors that you will need to potentially attend credit recovery before school, after school, Saturday or a combination of all three times. These courses are being offered because they are not available in APEX or in Summer School.

• PE (Ms. Bush will be the teacher)
• World Language (Spanish and/or Spanish Speakers) (We still need a teacher)
• Chemistry (We still need a teacher)

Black Student Union RISE Conference is January 28, 2025

Students, we want to send a delegation to the RISE Conference, which will be held at Southwestern College on January 28 from 9:00am - 2:00pm. This will be considered a field trip and you will need to register and complete a field trip permission form. Please see Ms. Huntley in Room 310.

• Click HERE to register.

Coffee with the Principal: Financial Aid Edition this Friday, January 24, 2025

Senior parents, we will be hosting a Coffee with the Principal just for you this Friday, January 24, 2025. Whether your senior will go to a four-year college, community college or vocation schoo, it is important that you know what it takes to apply for financial aid. Your child needs your help, especially with financial documents. Please join me to learn about the support you need to give to your senior so that they can complete their FAFSA form without delay. This is in preparation for Saturday's big county-wide financial aid event called Cash4College. Please take time to join us. Please ready the flyer below.

Cash4College Event this Saturday, January 25, 2025

Parents, learn from experts in the the field of college fund opportunities and attend the event. Please read the flyer below and register.

Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) begins January 29, 2025

Parents, please join us for a four-week workshop series taught by PIQE. Please call our State and Federal Office at 619.628.6303 and speak to Ms. Rodriguez. You may also email her at gloria.rodriguez@sweetwaterschools.org. Also, read the flyer below for more information.

SAT Prep for 11th Graders

Juniors, the SAT is back as part of the college admission process. We have created a test prep session just for you. Please read the flyer below. If you are interested, click HERE to register. Space is limited so sign up now.

Let's have a wonderful week!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Finley

Raider families,

Safety is our top priority here on campus. If students do not feel safe, it is difficult to learn. One of our biggest challenge is that our main gate is not attached to the main office like so many schools have. Consequently, the area between the main gate and the main office presents a challenge when potential or imminent threat arises. In meeting with the admin team, the Director of Safety and with campus assistants, we have created new safety protocols for access to the campus. I have included them in this newsletter. Thank you for your compliance is these safety protocols.

Students, let's send a bus load of students to attend the BSU conference at Southwestern College. Since this is during the day, it is a field trip. In order to participate, you must register and then complete the field trip form that asks your teachers permission for you to attend. Ms. Huntley is the BSU Faculty Advisor. If you have any questions, please see here in room 310.

• Click HERE to register.