DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012 - 2013

Defiance High School Newsletter 1755 Palmer Dr. 419.784.2777 Volume 6 Issue 3 www.defiancecityschools.org

Defiance High School

Robert Morton: Principal

Jay Jerger: Asst. Principal Jerry Buti: Athletic Director DHS Band of Class Marches in Chicago: Nancy McCann: Sr. Counselor Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade McCann/Manz: Jr. Counselor The DHS Band of Class was one of many bands to march in the Sam Manz: So. Counselor Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade, on November 17, 2012. For more than 50 years, the trees along Chicago's North Thom Singer: Fr. Counselor Michigan Avenue have been illuminated to signal the official kick-off of the holiday season. Each year it announces the arrival Cheryl Westrick: Admin. Asst. of the holiday season with beautiful floats, marching bands, Jenalee Niese: Guidance Asst. musical guests, dance teams and ample amounts of cheer. Linda Thomas: Athletic Asst. Prior to the parade, the Band of Class toured Chicago to enjoy the sights, sounds, and the life of The Windy City. In addition to the sights, the students got to enjoy Navy Pier, John Shedd Aquarium, Les Miserables, John Hancock Building, and more. Save the Date!

Christmas Break 1st Semester Exams 2nd Semester 12/24/12-1/2/13 1/9/13-1/11/13 1/14/2013 The last day of Exams are scheduled 2nd Semester classes will be for 3 exams on 1/9- begins 1/14/13. 12/21/12 and will 1/10 & 1 exam on NO School on resume 1/3/13. 1/11 and time for 1/21/13 MLK Day. make-up exams.

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013 Purchase Yearbooks The 2012-2013 edition of the Defiance High School Panorama Yearbook is now on sale. Orders can be made online using the Jostens website which can be accessed via the DHS homepage. There is a link at the bottom right side of the DHS page that says "click here to buy your yearbook." Clicking that link will take you to the Jostens ordering website. All yearbook orders are done online at this time. Do not send money and orders into the school. Yearbooks are ONLY $50.00 during the month of December only. After the new year, price will increase. This past year we ran out of extra yearbooks at the beginning of the school year and several people still wanted to purchase. Unfortunately, after our initial order we cannot order more. So if you want to be guaranteed a yearbook, the longest lasting physical proof of your time spent at DHS, make sure to order your edition TODAY!

Christmas Concert

On Tuesday, December 18, the DHS Choirs will once again take to the stage at the Defiance Community Auditorium to spread holiday cheer with the 64th annual Christmas show! This year's concert will feature a wide variety of traditional and contemporary songs performed by soloists, ensembles and our three main choirs. The concert begins at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $5 for adults and $3 for students and are available at the door.

2

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013 Family Consumer and Consumer Science Department The Food Choices classes have been busy focusing on positive nutrition habits. Part of this unit involved using math skills to figure personal Body Mass Index and Basal Metabolic Rates. The students were also learning about serving sizes and portion control as we move into the holiday baking season. The classes are currently learning about preparing different foods to create an entire meal. Breads, salads, soups, and desserts have all been covered so each student can plan and prepare a meal for his/her family.

Students in Family Living classes went through an inventory discussing teenage stress and how stress affects individuals and families. Students are now working on issues of respecting each other and individual sexuality. Positive decision-making, dating, and marriage are being covered through the New Year.

The Life Skills classes have had their hands busy cooking up a storm. They have been learning kitchen math, equipment, terms and measurements. They will be learning about the different types of recipes and learning to make more meals through the New Year

Parenting classes have wrapped up the Baby Think it Over projects and we have studied the first year of development. As the New Year approaches we are on our way to learning about toddlers and preschool children. To wrap up the semester, we plan on taking a look back to see how toys have developed and changed through the years. The students will also be creating a unit of study for preschool or kindergarten level children.

Design and Fashion has been busy learning different fashion techniques. They are currently working on researching fashion designers of the past and present. They have been currently working on different sewing projects. Throughout the New Year they will be designing their own fashion line.

Students in Independent Living class have been studying and analyzing spending plans and budgets. They are currently balancing checkbook statements and learning the importance of protecting personal identity to prevent identity theft. The students will finish the new year learning about the dangers of credit card debt and how to obtain a good credit score.

Math Tutoring Math Department: Andrew Coressel, Cyndi Heighland, Kevin Meiring, Steve Wahl, and Rick Weaver,

Starting in January, the schedule for tutoring changes a little.

Mondays: 7:15 – 7:45 am, and Wednesdays: 2:45 – 3:30 pm with Mr. Wahl (Rm. #103)

Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 – 7:45 am with Mr. Weaver (Rm. #105)

3

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013

Senior News and Information

Thank you for encouraging your senior to www.ohiocollegegoalsunday.org. complete their college applications before FAFSA4caster is a financial aid estimator you may Thanksgiving. If your senior has not completed use before officially completing the FAFSA. Access their applications please continue to “push” them the FAFSA4caster at to accomplish this process before Christmas. www.FederalStudentAid.ed.gov.

Beginning January 1st you may complete the The list of scholarships received at DHS is FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. FAFSA is the continually updated on our website. Free Application for Federal Student Aid and must be completed to receive both government and Seniors who still want to take the ACT, (the ACT is institutional aid. 2012 tax information is needed needed to attend college) please register ASAP at to complete the FAFSA. Also, both the student www.actstudent.org. The next available tests are and a parent must request a PIN number at in February and April. www.pin.ed.gov before completing the FAFSA. Please be aware of FAFSA deadlines for the A complete list of graduates is included in this college/university your senior has applied. newsletter. Please contact Ms. McCann immediately if there is an error in your The Defiance County Counselors, Defiance son/daughter’s name. The name listed will be the College and Northwest State are sponsoring a name on their diploma and must be correct. Financial Aid Night on Wednesday, January 9th, Seniors must meet all graduation requirements to 7:00 pm, Schomburg Auditorium on the Defiance walk in the ceremony on June 5th. College campus. Financial Aid personnel from Defiance College and Northwest State will guide If you have any questions, please call or email you through completion of the FAFSA and answer (419-784-2777 or [email protected]). Have a questions. This is general information for all wonderful holiday! Thank you! college bound seniors, not just those attending Defiance College or Northwest State. Please attend if you have questions regarding the Financial Aid process.

To receive free assistance to file the FAFSA, please attend College Goal on Sunday, February 10th, at Northwest State at 2:00 pm. Please register for this event at

4

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013 Junior’s Forum

PSAT – Mr. Manz expects to distribute and explain PSAT results to junior test-takers prior to Christmas break. For more information on how to benefits from this test-taking experience, please go to http://bit.ly/VC6PYO. By taking the test, students have free access to "My College QuickStart," an online college- and career- planning kit that is powered by their PSAT responses (personalized to each student). The College Board can help use the PSAT to further prepare for taking the SAT test between now and graduation.

ASVAB – Juniors took the ASVAB on Thursday, November 15. Areas tested were general science, arithmetic reasoning, word knowledge, paragraph comprehension, mathematics knowledge, electronics information, auto and shop information, and mechanical comprehension. A representative returned on December 12 to explain results and how they can help students toward career planning, regardless of whether they enlist in the military. To explore further, go to http://asvabprogram.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=parents.main.

ACT – Now is the time to consider taking the ACT, which is designed for juniors and seniors. ACT scores influence scholarship and college admissions decisions, so taking the test seriously and more-than-once can increase your likelihood of achieving an impressive score. You may register http://actstudent.org. You are now required to upload a photo and meet stricter security standards. For the February 9 test, the registration deadline is January 11.

Junior College Fair — On March 5, juniors will travel to Northwest State for a morning college fair. Maintain focus to arrive at life-after-high-school with no regrets and a well-executed goals. Band 4th Annual Taste of the Bands: Tuesday, February 5, 2013 at Defiance High School Gym & Cafeteria.

Soup Cook-Off Dinner Begins at 5:00 pm $5.00 Meal cost includes: choice of Shredded Chicken or Pulled Pork Sandwich, Chips, Drink, Dessert, and all the Soup you can eat!

Soups will be prepared by high school band students and staff. Concert in the gym starts at 6 pm and includes all bands grade 5-8.

5

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013

Exam Schedule Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013: 1st, 3rd, 5/6/7th Thursday, Jan. 10, 2013: 2nd, 4th, 8th Friday, Jan. 11, 2013: 9th, make-up, make-up

Exam Time Schedule First Exam of the day: 8:05-9:55 Second Exam of the day: 10:05-11:55 Lunch: 11:55-12:55

Senior Exam Exemptions Seniors who have maintained a cumulative average of “A” through Jan. 4, 2013, have no disciplinary record, and fewer than 8 absences may become exempt for 1st Semester Exams. Seniors need to check with their teachers and the office to see if you are eligible for this exemption. Seniors are still expected to properly fill out the Parent Permission forms for exam days.

Parent Permission to Arrive Late/Leave Early for Exams Students may arrive at DHS late (if they don’t have an early exam) or depart early after an exam period (if they have no need to return for a later exam that day). Students must complete the necessary paperwork and have it turned into their 1st period teacher no later than January 7, 2013. There will be NO EXCEPTIONS for this deadline. Paperwork can be found in the office or at www.defiancecityschools.org

6

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013 Sophomore and Freshman Updates

Four County – Sophomores explored 2 programs at Find out about the differences in the types of Four County Career Center on Thursday, December institutions you can attend after high school. 6. Now, they can better decide whether they want Become familiar with college entrance to remain at DHS full-time or spend their final 2 requirements. Research college costs. years of high school gaining valuable skills — in addition to earning their diplomas. Sophomores: Find out what kind of education/training is needed Applications are now available in Mr. Manz’s office. for different careers. Start collecting college If attending Four County is even a possibility, apply information. Visit colleges and start comparing well in advance of the priority deadline (February them. (Source: ACT’s “News You Can Use” — 1st) to reserve a spot — some programs fill up fast. December 2009, November 2010) (Leaving both options [going or staying] open gives you time to make an informed decision.) PLAN – Around 50 sophomores took the PLAN test on 11/8. This helps prepare for the ACT and gives *Parents, mark your calendars to accompany your valuable career information. Results should be child to an evening Open House on Monday, available soon. Mr. Manz "plans" to have a review January 14, 2013. At that time, students may session soon to explain results with the students explore any program to find their appropriate who tested. match. Note: students who attend Four County may continue to participate in athletics and go on to We Are STEMM – On 11/16, 24 ninth- and tenth- college. Some learners thrive with a full half-day of graders attended this career event, which hands-on instruction. emphasized opportunities in fields of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine. Hosted at Northwest State, the students How to start your college planning gained insight on available options for their Whether you plan to attend Four County or not, vocational futures. there are things you can do listed below. For all students, planning for college and a career doesn’t OGT – Ohio Graduation Testing is set to take place happen overnight. It’s a process, filled with research for all sophomores during the week of March 11 – and exploration. ACT encourages high school 15, 2013. Proficient scoring on all 5 parts is a students to do some of the work each year. requirement to receive a high school diploma. Our Take challenging courses in English, social studies, teachers incorporate OGT preparation into their math and science. Think about careers and lessons for your student. This provides all the more investigate possibilities with ACT's PLAN® (10th reason to take class work seriously and maintain grade) and the ACT® (Junior/Senior). Participate in satisfactory grades! Feel free to contact Mr. Manz’s extracurricular activities. Visit with your counselor school counseling office with any questions and talk about your plans. smanz@defcity.

Many high school freshmen and sophomores do not Improving study skills know what career they want, let alone where they Whether preparing for success in general academics want to go to college or what they want to study. or on the OGT, you can always improve your study skills. Developing good skills and habits in high Freshmen: school will help you make learning the material Think about reasons for (or against) attending more effective and ease the transition to college college or some training program. classes. 7

DEFIANCE HIGH SCHOOL NEWSLETTER DECEMBER/JANUARY 2012-2013 In the Holiday Spirit On December 7, members of the Defiance National Honor Society and Student Council conducted their annual Santa Shop at Good Samaritan School. Each year members purchase and organize gifts in advance and arrive to the school to set up the gym for the kids to shop for family members. The students help the Good Sam students shop for, wrap, and label gifts.

Santa and the Varsity Blues make an appearance, and the DHS foods classes also contribute treats for the students and faculty of Good Sam. This was the 26-year of this event, and once again, great fun was had by all! Happy Holidays!

DEFIANCE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL

NONPROFIT 1755 Palmer Dr. ORGANIZATION U.S. Defiance, OH. 43512 POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 352 DEFIANCE, OH. RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED 43512