Family Update
Week of November 4, 2024
Message from the Principals
Skyline Family,
Tough times can feel overwhelming, but they’re also moments that reveal our strength and resilience. Whatever challenge you are facing: every effort you put in moves you forward. Let’s finish this trimester with a strong mindset and determination to succeed!
End of Trimester Approaching – Let’s Finish Strong!
With the end of the trimester around the corner, now is the time to review, ask questions, and seek out support. To help everyone prepare for exams, we’ll be offering extra study support in the Learning Center on Thursday, November 14, after school. Our Learning Center tutors will be there to answer questions and help you feel confident for your exams. This is a fantastic opportunity to get focused support and make the most of these last weeks of the trimester.
Wizard of Oz Performances – Don’t Miss Out!
We’re thrilled to announce our upcoming performances of The Wizard of Oz! Our talented students have put in countless hours of practice, and the show promises to be a fun, family-friendly event. Mark your calendars for Nov. 15-17 to come support our cast and crew and enjoy a few hours of classic entertainment and creativity. Ticket information and showtimes are listed further down in the message!
Keep pushing through, and remember – you’ve got a whole team here supporting you every step of the way. Let's make these next weeks count!
With Eagle Pride,
Your Skyline Administration Team
Casey Elmore, Terri Patterson, Crystal Fluker, Delsie Sissoko, and Lamanzer Williams
Week At A Glance - Week of Nov. 11, 2024
Monday
- Veterans Day
Tuesday
- PTSO General Meeting 7:00 via zoom
Wednesday
- Skytime- EOS Survey
Thursday
Friday
- Wizard of Oz 7:00pm
Saturday
- Wizard of Oz 2:00pm and 7:00pm
Sunday
- Wizard of Oz 2:00pm
Upcoming Important Dates
- Nov. 22 - 26 - Trimester 1 Exams
- Nov. 27 - 29 - Late Fall Break
- Dec. 2 - Trimester 2 Begins
- Dec. 4- Early Release Day
- Dec. 5- Last Day for Tri 2 Schedule Changes
- Dec. 6- Coffee with the Principals 8:30am
- Dec. 20- Last Day of School
- Dec. 23-Jan. 3- No School- Winter Break
- Jan. 6- Return to School
AP Info
Detailed AP Test Registration and Payment Information can be found here: https://bit.ly/aapstestingap
TODAY ( by 11:59pm) is the last day to register for AP tests without an additional late fee!
Equal Opportunity Schools (EOS) Survey during Skytime Nov. 13
Our district is committed to fostering the highest-quality learning experience for its students. As
one example of this commitment, the district has partnered with Equal Opportunity Schools
(EOS), a non-profit education organization, to examine and develop the learning culture within
our schools and to develop strategies to increase student participation in challenging high
school coursework. and help all students reach their full potential. As part of this effort, we are
asking students to complete a survey to help us better understand their unique experiences,
encourage them to consider advanced courses and tailor the support they receive to help them
thrive in school.
Purpose of the Survey
Our school is working to make our advanced courses more equitable and accessible to all
students. These classes offer students the opportunity to dive deeper into interesting topics
while building the skills they need for success in college or their future careers. We believe that
every student deserves the chance to challenge themselves academically, and this survey will
help us identify how best to support their success.
Why Your Child's Participation Matters
The opinions your child shares will help our teachers and staff understand their needs and
perspectives. We know students can have a variety of feelings about school, and there are no
right or wrong answers. By learning more about each student’s experiences, we can better
assist them in reaching their goals and ensure a more inclusive learning environment for
everyone.
What to Expect
We appreciate your support as we gather this valuable information. During Skytime on Wed. Nov. 13, students will be asked to share their thoughts and experiences, and if any of the survey options don’t fully match their feelings, we encourage them to choose the closest response. At the end of the survey, there will be space for additional comments should your child wish to share more.
For your security, all confidential records provided by the district are subject to the Family
Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and to any state law student confidentiality
provisions. EOS and will ensure that in the course of the work, confidential information of any
individual student or parent will not be accessed by anyone other than district personnel and
EOS personnel performing services for the district.
We foresee only positive benefits for your student(s) and are excited to gather data that will
enable us to better prepare all students to succeed. If you have any questions or concerns
about the survey or the partnership more generally, please do not hesitate to contact us. Please
know that you may also withdraw your child’s participation at any time and for any
Why this Matters:
The data from these surveys helps us build tools like Student Insight Cards and Outreach Lists. These tools show us which students could benefit from advanced courses, providing key information to ensure equitable access to these opportunities.
Thank you for your help in making the EOS Fall Survey a success! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
National Signing Day
Wednesday, November 13th will be our first National Signing Day for our senior athletes. Please complete the google form linked here if your student plans to attend. Please complete this form no later than Monday, November 11th.
The athletic department will have a backdrop, table, chairs, decorations and we hope to have the Eagle in attendance as well! If you would like to bring decoration's please do so. We have had families bring photos, college flags and gear, skyline awards, trophies, balloons, etc. We ask you are respectful of the next student's time and clear the signing area promptly. Everyone will have about 5 minutes to set up, sign and take pictures at the signing table.
Following the National Signing Day we will have a meet and greet with our new Strength and Conditioning Coach. Any staff member, family or students wishing to meet our new coach please plan on being near the main gym around 6:00 pm!
Sky SAS (Student Action Senate )Gobble for Goods Fundraiser
Each year during the Fall Thanksgiving season SAS does one of their annual fundraising events for the Community. Running Monday, November 11th through Friday, November 15th (and Skytime on Wed 11/13), SAS Reps and Officers will be collecting money that will be donated to Food Gatherers and our own Sky Food Pantry.
Students will donate money and receive a paper cut out (each grade level is a different color) and they will write their name on them, then these items will be hung on the wall backdrop that SAS created.
$1 - Turkey Feather
$5 - Leaf for the Tree
$10 - Pumpkin for the Truck
$20 - Turkey for the Fence
At the end of the event there will also be a drawing from the cut-outs for the students to win prizes.
Cash, Check (Skyline HS School) and Electronic payments will all be accepted (charge will show up as GoFan).
As you can see by the picture, we are waiting for next week to get our backdrop filled in!!
Skyline Swag
Also - there there are a handful of Class Shirts, Sky Shirts($15) and Sky Hoodies ($35) left from Registration Week/Homecoming Week. Cash, Check (Skyline HS) and Electronic payment will be accepted.
Good News!
Skyline Blues' Latest Album: Better to Be
Skyline Blues' latest album, Better to Be, was released this morning!
Better to Be, link to Spotify and YouTube but you can find it on all the platforms (within the next few hours anyway)
The following students are featured in this album; please congratulate them on this awesome accomplishment:
Allen Hoover, Andrew Chen, Annie Pasque, Brenden Kaiser, Timothy O'Connell, Dublyn Bottom, Ellie Westhoff, Halle Woodard, Kaitlyn Dolan, Leif TenBrink, Leo Stone, Lorenzo Soto Booker, Michael Riccinto, Michelle McGuinty, Petra Bora, Sadie Barber, Will Powers, Zoe Sangsland
Rising Scholars Host After-School Study Session
Yesterday (Thursday), the Skyline Rising Scholars hosted an after-school study session in the Library. Students were able to socialize, get something to eat, and get help with their schoolwork. With only two weeks left in the first trimester, it's good to see our students finishing strong!
Congratulations to our NAACP Freedom Fund Scholars!
The NAACP Freedom Fund Scholars were recognized at the Ann Arbor NAACP's annual banquet on Sunday, Nov. 3. These are students recognized for their academic achievements, community involvement, and commitment to social justice and equality. These scholars are awarded recognition by the NAACP to students of color who have maintained at least a 3.2 GPA during their time in high school. A special shout out to Karma Bailey and Jaden Drake who spoke beautifully at the event and represented Skyline well. We are proud of our Eagles!
- Viviann Brabec 10
- Jada Bruce 10
- Braylon Byrd 10
- Amaya Canada 10
- Asa Cokley 10
- Amaya Dawson 10
- Sean Goodson 10
- Kyler Hogan 10
- Akeen Johnson 10
- Seth Merges 10
- America Mota-Bojorquez 10
- Julianna Peoples 10
- Taylor Phillips 10
- Marcus Rodriguez-Burch 10
- Patrick Sawyer 10
- Irie Scrase 10
- Isaiah Turner 10
- Xzavier Turner 10
- Kamari Wright 10
- Arliene Armstrong 11
- Shola Bailey 11
- Thomas Berhe 11
- Elizabeth Davenport 11
- Keith Forest 11
- Jacob Haddis 11
- Lee Jackson 11
- Malcolm Jemison-Blais 11
- Shamya Jones 11
- Kyle Krasan 11
- Nana-Kwesi Kwakye 11
- Shyanna McCraney 11
- Maya Neblett 11
- Lila Ogden 11
- Cameron Powell 11
- Jalen Roberts 11
- Jordan Salazar 11
- Limamou Seck 11
- Christianna Stephens 11
- Kenyon Miles Tinsley 11
- Amir Abston 12
- Karma Bailey 12
- Angel Benki 12
- Alexander Brabec 12
- Owen Carnegie 12
- Jaylah Cotton 12
- Jaden Drake 12
- Johnnae Foster 12
- Amira Fritzsch 12
- Jahzara Hamilton 12
- Wesley Jenkins 12
- Antwan McCraney 12
- Jamarion McGowan 12
- Sanou N'Diaye 12
- Amita Nathan 12
- Devin Palmer 12
- Taylor Patterson 12
- Noah Silkworth 12
- Sarina Thomas 12
- Preston Zabinko 12
Counselors Connection
Schedules for Trimester 2 & 3
It's hard to believe we are already nearing the end of the first trimester! Counselors are putting the finishing touches on schedules to ensure everything is accurate and complete.
Students requesting a schedule change MUST request through bit.ly/skylineschedules. Counselors will not accept schedule change requests through email.
Schedule changes will only be considered for one of the acceptable reasons:
- Hole in schedule
- Level change
- Double scheduled
- Repeat Class
- Missing a graduation requirement
- Space needs to be created for another program/class (A2Virtual, Dual enrollment, etc)
All requests for the remainder of the year must be completed no later than December 6th.
Join Skyline's National Honor Society
10th, 11th, and 12th grade students please consider being a part of Skyline’s NHS! Our NHS chapter is a vibrant group of students that focus on the four pillars of NHS: Scholarship, Character, Leadership and Service.
In order to be considered for NHS membership, you must complete the following:
- Maintain at least a 3.5 Cumulative GPA
- Complete this application
- As part of the application process, we want you to provide a list of at least 6 hours of community / school service. Service hours can only be counted if you did not get paid for them.
- You need to have 2 Recommenders. These can be Skyline teachers, staff, coaches, community members, or employers. It cannot be a family member. Please share this form with your recommender.
The deadline for completed application is Wednesday,December 4th.
If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the NHS Advisor- Ms. Dedvukaj
Senior Section
Link to Senior Packet for the Class of 2025
Here is your one stop shop for everything for seniors! Please review and be aware of important info.
College Application:
October is "Michigan College Application Month." A lot of Michigan college applications are free or have a reduced application fee this month. Please see the linked information for details. Please review the important information linked in this senior slideshow.
College application season has officially started at Skyline!
Here are some important dates to remember:
Monday December 2, 2024 - Final day to request materials needed from the school for college applications if applying for regular action with a January 1st deadline.
On or before December 1st - 2025-2026 FAFSA application opens
Community Resources
Academic Support
Free K-12 Afterschool GED, ACT/SAT Weekly Online Tutoring through End the Cycle
End the Cycle, a group run by University of Michigan Students, offers free tutoring. Parents can learn more and sign up their child at endthecycleatum.org/students.
Eviction Help
Need help with an eviction? FREE legal help is available for low-income Washtenaw County residents at Legal Services of South-Central Michigan.
Be sure to bring your court papers.
If you can’t make walk-in hours, call 734-665-6181
Help Applying for Benefits
Need help applying for cash assistance, food assistance or health coverage? The University of Michigan Law School students can help anyone with online applications for public benefits.
Call 734-274-9538 or email pbapboard@umich.edu to ask questions and get support. Link
Winter Giving Resources
Free Winter Clothing and Household Items
Free Winter Clothing for Children and Adults as well as Household Items at House by The Side of the Road. No referral needed. Learn more here.
MDHHS Holiday Assistance Program (2024)
Families with an MDHHS case manager may be eligible for support. Learn more here.
Washtenaw County Salvation Army Christmas Sign Up
In person appointments to apply for gifts through the Salvation Army begin October 21st. Learn more here: Christmas Sign Up Flier.
Monday, November 18th, 6-7:30pm: PTO Council’s Community Resource Fair
Representatives from community organizations will be there to share about their services. Learn more here.
Next Weekend- November 15th - 17th
Skyline Theatre presents the classic musical "The Wizard of Oz" from November 15-17th. Showtimes are at 7:00 PM on Friday and Saturday and 2:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are available at showtix4u.com
The talens of over 80 students, between those onstage, backstage, or in the orchestra pit, combine to bring this story to life. Come experience Wizard of Oz like you've never seen it before... and just as you remember it.
What's New in the Cube!
Check out these Quick Hits in The Cube this week:
"The best way to predict the future is to invent it"- Alan Kay. The Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education has a unique STEM opportunity. Calling all Juniors🫵 The Coolidge Scholarship opportunity is waiting for you! Check to see if you meet the requirements. Current seniors, we have something for you as well. Let's talk about your legacy! The Lloyd F. Hutt Scholarship is offering several scholarships based on a written essay centered around what your legacy is. Don't hesitate~ apply now! Click the link in the picture to access what's new!
Coffee with the Principals
Monthly, we will hold informal opportunities for parents/guardians to come in and meet with the administrative team in a main office conference room. There is no set agenda and we discuss the topics you bring while we sip some coffee and have a few treats. All are welcome!
Upcoming Dates:
Fri. Dec. 6- 8:30 am
Mon. Jan. 13- 1:30 pm
Feb. 10- 8:30 am
March 10- 1:30 pm
April 11- 8:30 am
May 12- 1:30 pm
Athletic Update
Greetings Eagles!
On Thursday our Fall Athletic Feedback survey was emailed to athletes and families. If you did not receive the automated message from School Messenger please reach out to the athletic department. Please know that your feedback is essential in helping us enhance the experience for our athletes.
Wednesday, November 13th will be our first National Signing Day for our senior athletes. Please complete the google form linked here if your student plans to attend. Please complete this form no later than Monday, November 11th.
Strength and Conditioning Coach Meet & Greet
Any family or students wishing to meet our new coach please plan on being near the main gym around 6:00 pm on Wednesday, November 13th. We will take a quick tour of the weight room and you will have the opportunity to chat with Coach Harshaw.
Winter Tryout Schedule is linked here: 2024 Winter Sports Tryout Schedule!
High School Spectator Expectations
Skyline Families please take a moment to read the High School Spectator Expectations.
New Winter Admissions Procedure: Beginning for the winter season Skyline students will only get into any competition for free when Skyline is either the guest or home team. If a Skyline student wishes to attend a Pioneer or Huron game and Skyline is not competing they will have to pay.
Winter Athletic Study Table
Winter athletes can attend the athletic study table after school from 3-4 pm in the Poolside Lounge. Athletes must be listed on the fall roster provided to the Teaching Assistant or Community Assistant.
Athletic Attendance Policy (not new)
Athletes must be present 3 of the 5 hours to practice or compete in a game. Coaches are receiving a daily list of ineligible athletes due to attendance.
Weekly Schedule beginning November 10, 2024
Sunday:
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday: Girls Varsity Hockey @ Vets
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday: Boys Varsity Hockey @ Grosse Pointe, Girls Varsity Hockey @ Grosse Pointe
I want to remind everyone of our Skyline Athletics Core Values:
INTEGRITY - We do what is ethical under all circumstances.
EXCELLENCE - We strive to be our best on and off the field.
RESPECT - We honor and value ourselves and others.
TEAM - Together as one we pursue common goals.
COMMITMENT - We give total effort and sacrifice to achieve our purpose.
Thank you and Go Eagles!
Delsie Sissoko
Athletic Director/Assistant Principal
Skyline High School's Holiday Giving Program
Support Our Holiday Giving Program
As the holiday season approaches, we invite you to join us in supporting our school community through our reimagined giving program. With a focus on empowerment, we’re moving away from a traditional wish list model to providing gift cards, allowing families the freedom to choose gifts that are meaningful and meet their unique needs with dignity. This year, the need is especially great, and every contribution makes a meaningful difference for our families.
We’re seeking donations of gift cards in $25 or $50 increments. Please feel free to donate as many gift cards as you are able. Sign up to select which gift card(s) you’d like to donate, and drop them off in the Main Office during school hours. To ensure we have everything ready, please submit all donations by November 26th, before Thanksgiving break begins. Thank you for giving what you can to help make the season brighter for everyone in our community. For questions, please contact Kate Waanders (waandersk@aaps.k12.mi.us) or Chaundra Randle (randlec@aaps.k12.mi.us).
District Level Giving
Attendance Reporting
To Report an Absence or Tardy, email sky_attendance@aaps.k12.mi.us
Emailed is preferred, but If you cannot email, please call (734) 994-7842
When reporting an Absence or Tardy, please include the following information:
- Student's full name (spell out the last name)
- Student's ID number
- Reason for absence
- Day (date) and time(s) of absence(s)
- Your name and your relationship to student
If you are reporting a student’s early release from school, please include:
- Student's full name (spell out the last name)
- Student's ID number
- Reason for early release
- Exact time and day of release
- Your name and your relationship to student
- Report morning early releases by 8 am
- Report afternoon early releases by 12 pm
There is no need to call the main line.
AAPS - 24/7 Securely Tip Line 1-833-300-STOP
In conjunction with Securly’s email and web search monitoring, we are pleased to introduce the Securly Tip Line. Note that OK2Say is also still available via the Michigan State Police.
The Securly Tip Line is specific to AAPS and will follow the same notification process used for email and web searches. The Securly Tip Line app can be downloaded from the AppStore or Google Play.
Students, staff and parents can initiate an anonymous tip outside of the app via:
Tips can be made for any reason:
- Bullying
- Harm to self or others
- Mental health concerns
Mental Health Resources for Students, Parents, and Staff
It’s Okay to Ask for Help!
Care Solace is AAPS’s free Mental Health Care Coordination Service. Care Solace is available 24/7/365 to connect students, staff, and their families to mental health, substance abuse, and ABA service providers. Using Care Solace is easy!
Call 888-515-0595 any time. Multilingual support is available 24/7/365. A dedicated Care Companion will help you every step of the way to research options, secure appointments and follow up with you to make sure it's a good fit.
Search anonymously by visiting caresolace.com/aaps
Contact your student’s counselor, social worker or principal and they will submit a referral on your behalf.
Learn more about Care Solace here. Information is also available in Arabic, Mandarin and Spanish.
Cancer Support Group for Students Affected by Cancer
The Cancer Support Community of Greater Ann Arbor is offering a four-week support group for students who have a parent or loved-one with cancer.