October 16, 2019 Principal's Bulletin Looking Back Recently, a team of parents, students, administrative team member, a coach, and faculty members made the trek north to Stanford University to a launch the Challenge Success program for St. John Bosco High School. The weekend consisted of several workshops that guided us to critically examine the meaning of success for high school students in the United States today and how schools play a role in facilitating healthy vs. unhealthy definitions of success. After a weekend of several workshops, activities, and discussions with the Challenge Success staff, we returned to Bosco with a plan to start spreading awareness and analyzing our student data. Looking Ahead
Mid Semester Grades Mid-semester grades are now published on PowerSchool. This progress report gives the most accurate grades at the halfway point of the semester. These grades do not "count" and are not recorded on official records or transcripts. They are, however, used to determine eligibility. Please note that the letter grades are accurate and correct, but not necessarily the percentage. Students and families can check Schoology for detailed information on how the grade is calculated. Within the next couple of weeks, the percentages and assignment grades will also transfer to PowerSchool. Thank you for your patience as we integrate the two systems.
Parent, Student and Teacher Conferences Conferences are approaching! Parent-student-teacher conferences create a space to productively discuss the state of your son's student learning. It's also important to discuss factors that can affect his learning, such as his behavioral, social, emotional, spiritual, and physical development. Other topics might include test results, learning adjustments, peer relationships, classroom behavior, motivation and work habits, as well as students' strengths and challenges. Historically, parent teacher conferences were held after school once each semester which created some obstacles. The most significant was that it impeded the inclusion of students in the conference since most of our students are involved in some type of after school activity. The inclusion of students in a conference about their learning will lead to a more effective outcome for them, and will teach them to advocate for themselves and ask for help as they prepare for college. High school years are our last chance to guide all students towards being active participants in their own education.
In efforts to maximize our effectiveness of conferences we have made some adjustments to the format of parent teacher conferences this year.
The following dates and times will provide opportunities for parent-student-teacher conferences:
Format 1: First Come, First Serve Basis in the MPR from 7:30am-8:45am Teachers will keep conferences to about 5 minutes in length if a line develops. Doors will open at 7:25am and close at 8:30am on the following dates:
Format 2: Conference by appointment from 2:00pm-3:30pm Conferences in teacher's classrooms will be reserved in 15 minute blocks. Please contact your son's teacher to setup a time.
Please note that the above dates are not the only dates you can meet with your sons teachers. Teachers are available to you via email, phone call, or in person. To schedule a time other than the above dates, please reach out to any teacher and they will coordinate with you to find a time that works.
Counseling Personnel Update Recently, Mr. Dan Coates moved on from St. John Bosco High School. We thank him for his service to the school and keep him in our prayers as he transitions. During the transition, we have full confidence in our Counseling Staff to continue in the successful implementation of providing guidance to all students. Students who were in Mr. Coates caseload can visit with any of the counseling staff for guidance. We have already began the interview process for a replacement, and will have an update soon.
Open House October 20 11am-2pm Spread the word! This Sunday is our annual Open House. It's a great time for prospective families to visit the school, meet our wonderful staff, and decide if St. John Bosco High School should be their home for the next four years. Please tell your coworkers, family members, friends, and acquaintances about this event and about your experience as a Brave family! For more info, click here and spread the link. Thank you for having faith in the Blue and Gold.
In the Spirit of Don Bosco,
Dr. De Larkin
Transportation Services
St. John Bosco High School 13640 Bellflower Blvd. • Bellflower, CA 90706 • (562) 920-1734 |