Welcome Back!

It was my intention to post the first day of school, to reflect on returning after a year away, to discuss all of the smiling faces and the new opportunities at Perry this fall. Somehow the time escaped, and it is the third day of school.

Thank you for making the first few days successful. Working through scheduling issues, credit checks, and the anxiety that accompanies the beginning of the new school year is always a challenge, but we made it. The first Friday of the school year approaches, bringing with it an opportunity to show our spirit (wear red!), spend time celebrating our extracurricular strengths, and reflect on the week while looking forward to the coming year.

A few reminders as we enter the year:

1. We are still on an alphabet split - I work with students A-K.
2. No schedule changes to courses that you requested. We go over this many times in the spring. We mean it.
3. Visit us early and often. Show initiative and seek us out before we have to track you down.
4. We do much more than work with your schedule. Talk to us about college, careers, testing, social needs, extracurricular involvement - whatever you need. Think of us as the Help Desk - we will assist you in navigating your path through high school.

Look for announcements and other notes here. I will be updating our department web page soon, and will note changes. I look forward to a great year!

Registration UPDATE

Since the Jan. 8 meeting was canceled due to inclement weather, we have changed the dates for registration slightly. The new time-line is:

January 15 - Rising Freshmen (class of 2013) and Sophomore (class of 2012) Information Evening - 7:00, Goodwin Theatre

January 30, 2008 - Rising Freshmen, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior course requests are due

Registration for 2009-2010 school year

The registration process for the 2009-2010 school year is beginning. Here are some important dates to remember:

January 8 - Rising Freshmen (class of 2013) Information Evening - 7:00, Goodwin Theatre

January 15 - Rising Sophomore (class of 2012) Information Evening - 7:00, Goodwin Theatre

January 23, 2008 - Rising Freshmen course requests are due

January 30, 2008 - Rising Sophomore, Junior, and Senior course requests are due

Cleveland Clinic Internship opportunity

Are you planning on a career in science, nursing, or medicine? The Cleveland Clinic has a 9-week summer, paid internship program. The criteria for applications is:

* 3.5 or better GPA on a 4.0 scale
* you must be 16 years old before June 1, 2009
* You must be in 10th or 11th grade

Apply online at clevelandclinic.org/CivicEducation. The application deadline is 4:30 PM, February 6, 2009.

Scholarship opportunity

After disease, humanity’s deadliest scourge has always been hate… hate has killed hundreds of millions. It knows no season and no limit. It is irrational and it is deadly. It is in us all. And it will live forever – unless we choose to stop it. The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage challenges students in grades 6-12 to combat acts of hatred, discrimination, and intolerance by participating in the Stop the Hate: Youth Speak Out essay contest. The grand prize is a $100,000 college scholarship. Please see your Guidance Counselor for more details. The deadline is January 2, 2009.

"College May Become Unaffordable for Most in U.S."

Interesting NY Times article. Click here to read the article: http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/03/education/03college.html?_r=2&hp

Second grading period interims

Interims are approaching. The interim date of the second grading period is October 28th.

OGT - 11th and 12th grade

If you are a junior or senior and have not passed a portion of the Ohio Graduation Test (OGT), this is another reminder that testing is the week of October 27-31, 2008. The test dates according to subject area are:

Monday (27th) = Reading
Tuesday (28th) = Mathematics
Wednesday (29th) = Writing
Thursday (30th) = Science
Friday (31st) = Social Studies

Please refer to the reminder you will receive the day prior to testing for your testing location. If you have any questions, please see your counselor.

End of Grading Period

The end of the first grading period is this Friday, Oct. 3, 2008. Report cards will be issued the following Friday, Oct. 10, 2008.

Parents: When to back off, when to step in

• "Helicopter parents" may result from generational changes in work, values
  
• When safety becomes an issue, it's OK for parents to step in
  
• Generally, parents should not intervene with bad roommates, grades in college
  
• Experts say parents can pay the rent once, but don't make it a habit
  

By Elizabeth Landau
CNN

ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- Do you speed over to your child's school, or even college, whenever something goes wrong?

Many parents today insert themselves into even the most minute activities in their children's lives, a phenomenon that's known as "helicopter parenting."

But two child experts told CNN that parents should aim to empower their children to do things on their own.

"Parenting should be increasingly in the background as the child gets older," said Vivian Friedman, child-adolescent psychologist at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. "If you do for your child for too long, they never learn to do for themselves."

Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg, M.D., associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and author of the book "A Parent's Guide to Building Resilience in Children and Teens," said it's important to show children you believe they are capable of handling situations themselves, but always put safety first.

The "helicopter parent" trend may have arisen because the focus of marriage has shifted from the spouse to the child, Friedman said. An increase in divorce and a greater prevalence of two working spouses also contribute to parents' habits of spoiling their children.

"When [the kids] have little failures, they feel like our own failures," Ginsburg said. "What we need to understand is that our job as parents is not to finish our kids or produce perfect kids. It's to start our kids."

Here's what Friedman and Ginsburg recommended for various situations that may arise in your child's life:

1. The elementary school is putting on "Peter Pan" tomorrow. While you prepare a presentation for an important business meeting, your daughter calls and tells you she forgot her Tinkerbell costume for the dress rehearsal. "I'm the only one who's not dressed up," she tells you.

Friedman and Ginsburg agreed that it's OK to take care of it the first time she forgets the costume, but not if it becomes a habit.

"The first time: Find a housekeeper or neighbor to bring it over," Friedman said. "But if she does this routinely, she needs to suffer consequences to learn from the experience."

"One time, two-time mistake -- it's wonderful to pick up the pieces," Ginsburg said. "If, in fact, you always end up picking up pieces, you can't expect a kid to learn the valuable lesson that they can do it themselves. Learn from failure -- failure's a great thing when you learn how to recover yourself."

2. You're at the playground reading a newspaper and suddenly your daughter runs up to you crying. "They won't let me make sand castles with them," she whines.

Friedman said this one depends on age. For a 3- or 4-year-old, it's appropriate for the parent to go over to the group as a neutral adult and help the children learn that they need to include everybody.

But for a 7-year-old, it's borderline. "You could say, 'What seems to be the problem? Do you think there's a way we could all play together?' rather than 'You can't exclude my child,' " she said.

Ginsburg, on the other hand, said you can suggest to your child what to say, or recommend that she find someone else to play with, but you shouldn't communicate that your child isn't capable of handling the situation.

"Learning how to play nice with other people in the sandbox is a great metaphor for life," he said.

3. Kids in the seventh-grade class just won't leave your son alone, not even online. Besides shoving him against the lockers once in awhile, they've also set up a MySpace page making fun of his appearance and name.

Experts agree that you should step in here and notify the school. Friedman would also notify the parents of the children involved -- "Most rational, reasonable parents would not support their child doing that," she said.

Ginsburg emphasized that safety always comes first. "You don't allow your daughter to put her hand in the oven to learn it's hot," he said. "You don't allow a kid to be bullied when there should be systems in place to prevent bullying. "

4. Your son started college a month ago, and every time you call him he has a new story about his messy, party-loving roommate who distracts him from studying and interrupts his sleep. "I wouldn't mind as much if it were my own vomit on the floor," your son tells you. He says he'll just stick it out for the rest of the year.

Friedman and Ginsburg said they would not approach the college housing department and ask to have the young man moved, except in extreme or difficult circumstances -- such as if the child is in a special needs program and can't help himself, Friedman said.

"There's nothing wrong with asking open-ended questions to help your son figure it out," Ginsburg said. "It's OK to say 'Who can you talk to at the university to change your living situation?' What's not OK is to call the dean and say 'Move my son.' "

5. Always a technical genius, your daughter majors in electrical engineering and will surely become a pioneer of great innovations. But this semester, the last of her junior year, she failed her 18th-century literature class, which she took to fulfill the subject-area distribution requirements. This is going to look pretty bad on graduate school applications.

While the daughter can speak to the professor on her own, Friedman and Ginsburg said they would not intervene in this situation.

Special circumstances would be if the grade was truly unfair and there was real foul play involved, or if the professor was drunk -- but otherwise, Friedman said, "It's her F, it's not your F. I would do absolutely nothing."

6. Your daughter has been in the real world for a year, but she says she's not ready to keep herself afloat financially. For the third time this summer she asks for help paying the rent -- "phone bill would be extra nice," she adds. You also notice that she's got a new pair of Manolo Blahnik pumps, and an iPhone is sticking out of her purse.

Friedman said she would not allow this to come up a third time -- she would have made the daughter set up an automatic debit system early on so her child's rent comes out of the account when her paycheck is deposited. "By the third month, I would let her sink, but I'm not a helicopter parent," she said.

Ginsburg emphasized again the safety component: He would never want his daughter to become homeless. He would pay the first month's rent with clear expectations: She needs to learn how to make a budget, she can't spend money on other things until things like rent and food are taken care of, and she needs to know that this is a loan. "Seven months in a row: she needs to find a roommate," he said.

Finally, note that there are no villains here, Ginsburg said.

"The parents who we think do too much are still doing their very best," he said. "Real success involves resilience: the capacity to learn to bounce back on your own."

All AboutEducation • Parenting

Find this article at: http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/family/09/17/helicopter.parents/index.html

College students: Don't limit dreams with debt

Huge school loans can hinder future growth. Think about potential income before signing the dotted line.

By Kathleen Connell

from the September 15, 2008 edition

A college education has long been viewed as a ticket to a better quality of life. It is probably the most important decision a student will make and it may have the highest rate of return in achieving life goals. Unfortunately, some students do not think clearly about this decision, buying the "hot" college brand and assuming large amounts of debt. By overinvesting, they destroy their chances for a brighter future.

"Excessive student debt, often made without an explicit decision on its impact on future life choices, not only restricts traditional career choices but the basic ability of young people to take risks – requiring them to defer their dreams," says Robert Shireman, executive director for the nonprofit Project on Student Debt.

Carmen Berkeley, a 23-year-old who graduated from the University of Pittsburgh last year, assumed a huge financial burden to attend a public university as an out-of-state student.

"My life is definitely impacted by my $80,000 college debt from the University of Pittsburgh," she says. "I really want to go to law school, but can't unless I get a scholarship. Though I believe my college education was a good investment, I doubt I will ever own a car or a house."

The nonprofit US Student Association, where she serves as president, contributes a $200 monthly stipend to assist in retiring her loans. Once she completes 10 years of public service, Ms. Berkeley will also qualify for loan forgiveness under the 2007 Higher Education Act for a portion of her outstanding federal loans. Even with the stipend and loan forgiveness, it will take her more than 20 years to repay her debt.

Berkeley did not consider future income before assuming her loans, although she anticipated always working in the nonprofit or public sector. Her choices confirm a recent survey by student-loan provider Sallie Mae that post-graduate income was not a factor for 70 percent of students and parents in determining how much to borrow to finance a college degree.

So after the glossy college brochures arrive in the mail and the visits to leafy college campuses are over, students need to ask themselves: Can I afford this school without excessive borrowing? How long will it take to pay off that wonderful four-year experience at the campus of my dreams?

Students, remember: You will be deferring other dreams for a cool car, well-furnished pad, weekend ski trips, summer beach vacations, and the latest tech toys.

According to the Project on Student Debt, the average 2006 graduate carried $21,100 in loans. But student debt has a disproportionate effect on middle-class families. Families with incomes between $50,000 and $100,000 will borrow nearly $5,000 a year to pay for college. Those that make less than $50,000 will borrow on average $3,900, and families that earn over $100,000 will borrow $3,710.

To begin paying off those loans, graduates of the class of 2008 will receive an average salary of $36,400 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers. Sounds great, until those graduates have to pay taxes, bringing net income to $27,500 or approximately, $2,300 a month. According to federal tables, they can expect to spend $1,800 to $2,000 a month for rent, utilities, out-of-pocket healthcare, car payments, gasoline, insurance and, entertainment. The remaining $300 to $500 a month may seem comfortable enough for the $230 a month needed to repay a $20,000 student loan at 6.8 percent over a 10-year period.

But repaying college tuition is only one part of the debt equation.

"Social debt is another concern as students face the pressure of keeping up with other students, hanging with the right crowd," says Sharon Fries-Britt, an English professor at the University of Maryland. "Credit cards are being overextended, and students are indebting their future, limiting their life choices."

For students who don't want to have daunting repayment obligations, consider these ideas:

•Know the average amount of debt that students carry at each of your potential colleges. Check economicdiversity.org for more information.

•Use the 2009 US News college ranking table that values schools based on debt load (usnews.com/sections/rankings/index.html).

•Remember, you may not qualify for a grant based on need if your family's income exceeds $100,000, so don't assume a grant unless you are certain you qualify.

•If short on funds, choose a cheaper route. Live at home for two years, attend a community college, and transfer to a state university.

•Check out your likely starting salary at naceweb.org – don't plan to borrow more than your first year's income.

• Dr. Kathleen Connell is a professor at Haas Graduate Business School, University of California, Berkeley.

Find this article at:
http://www.csmonitor.com/2008/0915/p14s01-wmgn.html

Underclass Student Pictures

Picture Day for all underclass students is Wednesday, September 10, 2008. Order forms will be distributed in sixth block classes.

ACT and SAT Registration

The ACT and SAT testing schedules have begun for 2008-09. All seniors who are planning to apply to college need at least one test prior to submitting their applications.

** If you are a senior and have not yet take the ACT or SAT, take the Fall (October or November) test.**

Basic registration information:

ACT:

• Go to www.actstudent.org to register, or pick up a packet in the Guidance Office.
• Cost = $31; $46 with writing
• Take the writing test at least once
• 4 parts: English, Reading, Science, and Mathematics
• closest test date = October 25

SAT:

• Go to www.collegeboard.com to register
• Cost = $45
• 3 parts: Critical Reading, Mathematics, and Writing
• closet test date = October 4
  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.