Guidance Newsletter

February 2011

Dear parents,
January is almost over and frankly I don’t know where it went! Having lessons on Blackboard certainly helped students keep up with the work, and it is becoming easier to manage as they become more familiar with it and become increasingly adept at using it. And it definitely helped students to ease back into the daily routine when they returned to school, as they had been able to keep up with the work instead of feeling lost. We will see what February has in store for us weather-wise….

The fall semester report cards were mailed home earlier in the week, and the honor rolls will be posted shortly. Most students did well on the whole, and we are very proud of them for putting forth their best efforts. For those who did not do so well, if you hear the excuse that Blackboard pulled their grades down then please know that when we returned to school after the snow, on January 18, that week (Jan. 18 to 21) was devoted to making up work and finding those lost assignments. So there were plenty of opportunities to pull up those grades and most students took advantage of that. Those who chose to cling to their excuses need to remember that these grades will go on their transcripts.

The PSAT scores as well as the End Of Course scores, for those who took these tests, were included with the report cards. The PSAT test booklets will be returned to students during the first week of February, so that students can have the chance to review their answers.

Parents of seniors: Hopefully you have done your estimated income tax return and filed the estimated FAFSA. If you still need help in submitting the FAFSA then please note that LMU will be hosting College Goal Sunday on Sunday Jan. 30, 2011 in order to help you file your FAFSA. It will be held at the Student Center from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., on the LMU main campus in Harrogate. Please check out www.lmunet.edu for details.

Please note the February calendar listed below:

1 – TCAP Writing Assessment (grades 8 & 11)
2 – Make-up day for TCAP Writing Assessment
11 – SAT registration deadline for March 12 test
12 – ACT Test
16 – Progress reports mailed
21 – Preview Day
25 – Last day to drop LMU class without “WD”
Feb 28 –Mar 4: LMU mid-term exams
March 5 – LMU Preview Day

The TCAP Writing Assessment for grades 8 and 11 is scheduled for Tuesday Feb. 1st. In case of inclement weather it will be rescheduled and students will be informed regarding the new testing date. The TCAP Writing Assessment is a good indicator of our Grammar and Writing program as well as our Creative Writing program, and is good practice for the SAT Writing component.

Please mark your calendars for our Preview Day – Monday February 21st. On that day area students can visit the Academy, attend a couple of classes, and have lunch with our students. The Academy staff also meets with their parents and provides an information session. It is a wonderful chance for our visiting students to get a taste of the Academy, and for parents to have their questions answered. And you – our parents – are invaluable in spreading the word!

LMU spring semester classes are in full swing and LMU mid-term exams will be held during the week of February 28 to March 4. A word to the wise: do not let those assignments pile up! The month will go by fast.

Seniors and juniors: Please note too that LMU Preview Day is March 5. Please go to www.lmunet.edu, or call 423.869.6280 to register. Even if you are not planning to attend LMU, or you are not sure which college to attend, it is always a good idea to attend Open Houses and Preview Days for as many colleges as you can, because it will give you a good idea of what each college is all about.

Please check our website (www.lmunet.edu/academy) often for updates, or call the information line at 423-869-6404.

- Nuzhat Nadvi, JFWA