StudentLink News
STUDENTLINK NEWS & VIEWS
Important Dates
Jan 18 . . . . . . . . . Martin Luther King Jr. Day/StudentLink closed
Feb 15-19 . . . . . . .Presidents’ Day & Mid-Winter Break/StudentLink closed
ANNOUNCEMENTS
NEW STATE ASSESSMENT INTRODUCED THIS SPRING
Beginning in the 2009-10 school year, the Washington Assessment of Student Learning (WASL) is being replaced by the High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE).
The HSPE name conveys the goal of the test: to measure a student’s proficiency of basic skills. Students in the classes of 2010-2012 must pass a reading and writing assessment to be eligible to graduate. If a student has already passed a specific assessment via the WASL (ie. reading), they will not have to take the HSPE in that content area.
The HSPE is shorter to take than the WASL and will be moved online over the next few years. Reading, math and science will take just one day each instead of two with the WASL. For now, writing will still take two days.
StudentLink and FamilyLink high school students will take the HSPE at FamilyLink from 8-10 a.m. on the following dates: Reading (March 16), Writing (March 17-18), Math (April 13) and Science (April 15).
SAT TEST PREPARATION
Saturdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 1:00 pm
Vashon Library
Instructor, Daphne Purpus
Four sessions will help you prepare for the SAT. They will focus on the exam format, how the questions are ordered, when to guess, how to guess, and general test-taking strategies. Students will receive suggestions about how to prepare further on their own. Prerequisite: Students must take the SAT practice test online BEFORE the first session. A library card is necessary to log in to the Testing & Education Reference Center, a database that can be accessed from the King County Library website. Register at Vashon Library, 463-2069
TEEN TIX
If you are 13–18 years old, you can join Teen Tix and purchase local music, dance, theatre and art events tickets for only $5. Here’s the catch—Teen Tix is a rush ticket program. That means, on the day of the show, if there are tickets available and you have your Teen Tix pass, you can buy one.
Sometimes, shows will be sold out and no rush tickets will be available. Concerned about this possibility? Just call the box office on the day you want to go and ask if they expect to have Teen Tix tickets available for that evening’s show or purchase your ticket for that evening over the phone.
Show up any time (that the box office is open) on the day of the show, go the ticket window, show your Teen Tix pass and your school ID or Drivers License, and buy a $5 ticket with cash (no debit or credit cards).
On Two for $10 Sundays (at performing arts organizations) and Thursdays (at museums) anyone, including an adult or a child too young for Teen Tix, can use your companion ticket, but you still need your pass, your cash and ID to get your tickets.
To join Teen Tix or view a list of participating organizations, visit Teen Tix webpage: www.seattlecenter.com/teentix/.
Important Dates for Graduating Seniors
January 1
This is the date when students may begin submitting FAFSA online. The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) will determine your eligibility for loans, grants, and work study.
February 9
Students and parents interested in learning more about the Running Start program are invited to attend an informational session at the VHS library from 6:30-7:30 pm.
Weather-Related School Closure
The onset of bad weather—snowfall, high winds—can force the closure of Vashon Island schools. If schools close, FamilyLink consulting appointments and enrichment classes also will be cancelled. You can stay informed about closures and change of schedule by tuning in to local radio and TV stations or via the internet at www.vashonsd.org, or www.schoolreport.org.
H1N1 Precautions
H1N1 virus is beginning to spread through Vashon schools. Although this is not a severe flu, it is very contagious. Please keep sick children home if they show flu-like symptoms. They should stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever breaks without the use of fever-reducing medications. Also, in case your child becomes sick while you’re away from home, please have a back-up plan. The best way to do this is to review the emergency contact information on your student’s enrollment card and keep it up to date.
To avoid getting sick:
Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue away.
Wash your hands often with soap and water, or an alcohol-based cleaner, especially after you cough or sneeze.
Gargle twice a day with mouthwash or salt water
Clean nostrils with salt water twice a day
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
For more information about the H1N1 virus, please go to our website: http://www.vashonsd.org where you’ll find links to a variety of helpful resources.