Q: What is the weighted GPA for Honor and AP Classes?
A: Students can earn an extra GPA point in Honor and AP classes (ie. A= 5 pts, B=4 pts, etc) versus a non-honors/non-AP course (A=4 pts, B=3 pts).
Q: To follow up from the last PTSO discussion about the SSR: Would it be ok to give a few samples of the counselor's recommendation that are sent to colleges so that we know what information is included and the level of detail?
A: Here is a copy of the Common APP school report form, the Common App Counselor Recommendation form and a Sample Letter. We cannot share our letters on account of the FERPA waiver.
Q: Student stress: I would particularly like to understand student stress at SHS. I listened to the 13-hours audiobook of "How to Raise an Adult" by Julie Lythcott-Haims per Ms. Satake's recommendation. It was a great book to help me re-think my parenting style, and other parents I meet in SHS, and how we, as parents can learn to improve.
A: Maybe we can create a parent group Book Club with PTSO and host discussions about this book and other books that may be helpful with supporting our students as they learn to manage stress.
Q: There are second options for major/school selection when you apply to a university in the Common application system. I was told some universities will put you into the second option school pool if you were rejected by the first option, while some universities don’t count it. Is there any difference between UC / public schools or private schools? Would you please talk about which universities will consider the second option?
A: It is very individual by college, even within the same system.
Q: Lunch time is too short. Tutorial time should be more dedicated to office hour/home work time and have tutorial on at least one red day a week.
A: We are looking at the Bell schedule to figure out how to best support our students with regards to tutorial, passing periods, lunch, etc. A District bell schedule survey will be shared with students, staff, and parents/guardians in the near future.
Q: We had discussed forming an SHS alumni group in the past so that our students can reach out to them and we can seek feedback from them. Is that still under consideration?
A: Yes. This is on our to-do list, but we have been addressing more pressing items. We hope to have an Alumni Group launched before the Graduation of the Class of 2022.
Q: Do we have survey results from students regarding their stress levels in each grade, and the percentage who feel the stress levels are unmanageable? How many seek Wellness Center services? What do students think would help them mitigate stress? Are there certain classes that cause more stress than others?
A: Stress is a very individual concern for each child. We try to remind students that a certain amount of stress/anxiety is normal and appropriate; it's how we grow as people. What is a stressor for one may not be for another. The Wellness Center will be tracking and publicizing their own data in the coming months, but they are definitely seeing a lot of students. We have not recently surveyed students regarding stress and wellness.
Q: We have had difficulty getting students to complete their college admission results. Is it reasonable to make it an in-class Naviance assignment in English 12 classes in May? The assignment could be worth a small number of points, so students have the option of not completing it and it won't affect their grade.
A: This is a great idea that we have been considering. Getting students to report their College Application results is important. It would need to be a collaborative effort with the senior English teachers.