Perry High School Welcomes LEAF

The Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation (LEAF) will be working with all Perry High School students to assist with post-secondary education and financial aid planning. Their mission is to link students to resources that open doors to higher education. LEAF fulfills their mission by encouraging all individuals to meet their highest potential through education through one-on-one counseling regarding post-secondary opportunities.

LEAF was founded in 1989 by a group of Lake County leaders who discovered that many students were not continuing their education because they believed they could not afford the cost of college. These founding members provided education on college access and financial aid, and continue to work with every public high school in Lake and Geauga counties to ensure that all students who wish to pursue post-secondary education have that opportunity. Since LEAF began counseling students, an average of 70% of all seniors has received counseling with an advisor, and there has been an 11% increase in the number of seniors reporting that they will continue their education after high school.

All students and parents are encouraged utilize the services provided by LEAF. Barb Meinen, Perry High School’s advisor, will be available for one-on-one appointments on Tuesdays from 8:00 AM until 2:30 PM to discuss four-year universities, community colleges, and vocational and technical programs, and how to finance these opportunities. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to receive specific financial aid information and assistance in completing financial aid forms (FAFSA, CSS Profile, etc.). Parents and students need to set up an appointment with the LEAF advisor by contacting the High School Guidance Office at 259-9306.

If you are unable to meet with the LEAF advisor during the school day, you may contact the LEAF Resource Center at 358-8045 to arrange for an evening or Saturday appointment. The Resource Center is located in the Technology Learning Center at 8221 Auburn Road in Concord, Ohio.

Tip of the Day - College/Career Prep

Do you need some help figuring out a career or college path? See your counselor to learn more about the Ohio Career Information System (OCIS). OCIS is FREE and is open to all students. You can search for careers, college majors, colleges, scholarships, and more!

Log on to: ocis.ode.state.oh.us

User name: PerryL
Password: ohiocis03

After you log in, set up your own account so that you can save and build on your information. Need help? See your counselor or Mrs. Meinen from LEAF.

Tip of the Day - Study Skills

Look at your surroundings when you are studying. Is it loud or quiet? Do you have bright light, or are you squinting in the dark? Do you have all of your supplies? Here are some study environment suggestions:

1. Turn off the TV, radio, computer (unless you're using it to write a report), cell phone, I-Pod, etc. A quiet environment provides fewer distractions.
2. Turn on a light. Go into a room with good overhead lighting (like the kitchen). Proper lighting will make it easier for your to read and prevent eye strain.
3. Collect all of your supplies before you begin. Running around the house every minute or two to find something you need will take away precious time.
4. Don't multi-task! Yes, this is a skill we all need, but if you are studying for a U.S. History test, it won't help you to talk on the phone and watch TV at the same time. Concentrate on learning one thing.
   

Online Health

Online Health registration is currently open in the Guidance Office. All students must take 0.5 credits of Health to obtain their diploma. If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.

Tip of the Day - Meeting New People

The beginning of the school year is a great time to try something new. Join a club or sport that seems interesting, and you'll get more than just volunteer experience or exercise... you'll meet lots of new people and develop new friendships. Common interests join people, and by exploring your own interests outside of the classroom, you may meet people that you never expected to find. If you need some help finding a new club, see your counselor. We'd be happy to help you explore your options.

Here are some links to get you started:

Perry High School Clubs and Organizations
Perry High School Athletics
Perritech

Standards-Based Grading

I have had several calls regarding our new Standards-Based Grading policy. For more information, please see the FAQ section on the district web page. If you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact either myself or Mrs. Reigert, Mr. Mueller, or Mr. Eisler.

Tip of the Day - Time Management

You know that nifty little red agenda we gave you on the first day of school? Use it! After scrolling through all of the Student Handbook information, there are several different calendars. The first is by month. The second, by week.

Use your monthly calendar to:

• Keep track of evening events, like club meetings, presentations, or sporting events
• List birthdays or anniversaries
• Note days off of school
• List due of dates of large assignments - final exams, research papers, presentations, etc.
  

Use your weekly calendar to:

• Keep track of homework assignments
• Plan out big projects - i.e. write pages 1-3 of English research paper on Monday, pages 4-6 on Tuesday, etc.
• Make a "to do" list for the "others" in life - buy a birthday card, call your grandma, bring in lunch money, etc.

Once you get used to writing things down, you will develop a habit. Keep the lists going on paper so that you do not have to remember them in your head.

College Information Night

College Information Night
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
7:00 PM
PHS Cafeteria

Presented by Becky Hoyt and Lori Reigert, Guidance Counselors

Please join us to learn more about:

• The college search
• Financial aid basics
• Scholarships
• College applications
• The college matriculation process

The presentation is open to parents and students in all grades.
Seniors and juniors are especially encouraged to attend.

Please contact the guidance office at (440) 259-9306 with any questions.

Tip of the Day - Stress relief

The biggest concern I hear from students and parents is the level of stress our students experience. I do not see this as a Perry-only occurrence, but instead a phenomena that is growing. To compete in our current world, we have to do so much more than in the past, and many people struggle with the balance that is required.

When stress is taking control of your body, here is a tip that helps many people... BREATHE! When your body experiences stress, many things happen, including increased heart-rate and reduced breathing. Take a moment, close your eyes, and concentrate on breathing. The increased oxygen will help you focus and regain control.

Extra-curricular eligibility

Eligibility for ALL extra-curricular activities - including athletics - requires a 2.0 GPA from the most recent report card with no failing (F) or incomplete (I) grades. Students must also be enrolled in 5 credits for the school year. Because of our block scheduling, students must have 2.5 credits in the semester of eligibility at minimum.

Please review your schedule and confirm that you are, indeed, eligible.

Tip of the Day

Beginning Monday, I will introduce a daily entry - Tip of the Day. I will rotate topic areas:

Monday - wellness and self-care
Tuesday - Time management
Wednesday - Relationships
Thursday - Study skills
Friday - College and career prep

First Day of School

Congratulations on a great first day back to Perry High School! It was nice to see so many smiling faces and students eager to learn. I look forward to a great year!

Freshman/New Student Orientation

Freshman and New Student Orientation is Thursday, August 14, 2008 at 6:30 PM in Goodwin Theatre. We will have new student schedules. You can tour the building, find your locker, and talk to staff and students about the transition to high school. See you then!

Schedule Changes

If you need to make a correction to your schedule, you must call the office at 259-3511 to make an appointment. The only changes we are making are due to conflicts. You may not change what you requested this spring.

The approaching school year

A few items in preparation for the 2008-2009 school year:

1. Schedules are being mailed today. The only changes that will be made are those where classes do not fit. Otherwise, you must take the courses you requested in the spring.

2. If you need to make a change, you must make an appointment. Contact the high school at 259-3511 to make an appointment.

3. Freshmen and New Student Orientation is August 14. Students will have an opportunity to walk through their schedule, find and open their locker, and discuss expectations with students (and parents).

More to follow as we near the first day of school (August 21). See you then!