Welcome to Stratford High School 2011-2012

1. Welcome toStratford High School2011-2012 An Overview

2. CORE VALUES Students will acquire content knowledge, strengthen higher-order thinking, and develop character in order to address 21st century challenges. BELIEFS • We believe that: • a safe, positive school climate that embraces diversity is essential to ensure respect and opportunity for each individual • students should understand the world beyond their community in order to contribute to a global society • parents and students must share responsibility and work in partnership with the school in order to improve academic performance and to develop lifelong learners • students should use technology effectively to acquire, process, and deliver information

3. Learning Expectations All students will.... 1. Use real-world digital and other research tools to access, evaluate, and effectively apply information appropriate for authentic tasks  (Academic)2. work independently and collaboratively to solve problems and accomplish goals (Civic-Social)3. communicate information clearly and effectively using a variety of tools/media in varied contexts for a variety of purposes (Academic)4. demonstrate innovation, flexibility, and adaptability in thinking patterns, work habits, and working/learning conditions (Academic)5. effectively apply the analysis, synthesis, and evaluative processes that enable productive problem solving (Academic)6. value and demonstrate personal responsibility, character, cultural understanding, and ethical behavior (Civic-Social)7. show competence in all core academic subjects and other fields of interest, including the ability to effectively communicate content information in multiple formats (Academic)

4. Staff 3.5 Office Administrators 3.5 Department Administrators 2.5 Pupil Service staff 1.0 Nurse 6.0 Special Education teachers 71 Certified staff 4 School Counselors 14.0 Classified staff 6.0 Secretarial staff 7.0 Custodial staff 1 S.R.O. 2 Security Officers Stratford High SchoolWho we are

5. Student population 1085 students 54% minority 45% free/reduced lunch 84 Special Education students ESOL District Program: 41 students from the following countries/regions: Africa, Asia, Central Europe, Poland, Central America, South America, & China Stratford High SchoolWho We Are

6. Facility 184,766 square feet 66 classrooms 600 seat auditorium self contained library gymnasium & auxiliary gymnasium, fitness center cafeteria 4 computer labs {1 mobile} green house & courtyard Devil’s Depot, school store State of the Art “virtual classroom” Stratford High SchoolWho We Are

7. Programs/Student Activities LINK Crew Collaborative teaming Peer Mediation Chorus: Select & Concert Band: Jazz, Marching, Concert Honor Society: National, French, Spanish & Latin Mentoring & Internships Formalized Fall, Winter, Spring team sports Broad spectrum of student clubs & organizations as noted on the school website Stratford High SchoolWho We Are

8. Services: Special Education Support Counseling (Guidance, Social Work, Psychologist) Focus Groups: decision making, attendance, social skills, grief & anger management…. Speech and Language Transitional Practices, OT, PT for identified students Health Office Tutorial Assistance in study halls “Double-Dose” literacy & numeracy instruction Athletic Trainer Career Planning Career Pathways: Health & Medical Careers (Pre-nursing) P.L.W. (Pre-engineering) Culinary Arts (Red Devil Inn) Stratford High SchoolWho We Are

9. Stratford High School2011-2012 Grade 9 Core Subjects • Language Arts: English I • Science: Studies in Science; Biology • Math: Intro to Algebra, Algebra I or Geometry • Social Studies: World Studies • Physical Education: 2 periods weekly for the year • Health Education: 3 periods weekly for 1 semester • Electives: one/two • “Double Dose” Literacy & Math

10. Typical School Day Warning Bell: 7:37 Period 1: 7:40 – 8:28 Period 2: 8:32 – 9:19 Period 3: 9:23 – 10:10 Period 4: 10:14 – 11:01 Period 5 {Lunch}: 11:05 – 12:28 Period 6: 12:32 – 1:19 Period 7: 1:23 – 2:10

11. Extra Curricular Eligibility • Athletic • Student Government

12. Attendance & Tardiness • Voice Messages: 385-4234 • Notes: Parent &/or Doctor • Tardiness: Must be in Period 1 by 7:40 am • School & Class Attendance Requirements: Greater than 10 absences in a semester or 20 absences in a year may result in loss of credit; 3 tardy unexcused = 2 absence • Early Dismissal: Students in attendance less than 4 hours are marked absent

13. STUDENT DECORUM • Follow guidelines as outlined in Student Handbook: passes, privacy, electronics, smoking, substance abuse, weapons, security/locker use • Respect/Cooperation • Hazing, Bullying, Sexual Harassment • Dress Code: safety, distracting, offensive, gang or drug related • Backpacks/book bags • Consequences: referrals, detentions, suspensions, other

14. Parent Volunteer Opportunities • PTSA: Pres: Peg Pancak; peg5@optonline.net Post Prom: Sandi Sarmiento; SANDSARM@aol.com • Red Devil Booster Club: Karen Newall; K-Knewall@sbcglobal.net • Music/Band Parents: Kathy Figgis; shsmpa@yahoo.com • Drama Club Parents: Doreen Moffat; doreenmoffat@sbcglobal.net • Principal’s Advisory Council • Library Media Center : Sara Kaluzynski; kaluzynskis@stratfordk12.org Monday & Wednesday 7:30-2:30 flex-time: Check books in/out, filing, phone Assist students Create Displays Assist w/ Web page

15. 10 Hints for Active Parent Participation is …The Formula for Student Success • Talk with your child daily: homework, friends, activities, concerns. • Talk regularly with teachers: e-mail/web pages, voice messages, meetings. • Talk regularly with support team members: guidance, school psychologist, social worker, nurse, administrator, SRO. • Encourage your child to keep peer and neighborhood issues out of school • Monitor home use of internet. • Support BOE Policies especially in regard to: electronic signaling & recording devices, clothing and safety issues. • Monitor attendance and timeliness. • Minimize late nights. • Become a member of the school community; join: PTSA, Band Parents, Post Prom, Drama, Red Devils. • 10. Attend events with your child and visit our community.