Red Devil Ready: Weekly Message

Week 31: The Homestretch

zoom_out_map

Decatur County Community High School

605 E Commercial St, Oberlin, KS 67749

March 31, 2024 (Schedule at the bottom, Skip What You Want)

Follow us on Twitter at @DCHSREDDEVILS or

Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Oberlin294/

Decatur community,

A week ago, I was writing about the weather and "Old Man Winter" rearing his head. A snow day, followed by a late start, proved that winter wasn't quite ready to pass the baton. Track meets and golf events were canceled as the students' excitement for spring sports was put on hold.

It's a dreary Easter day (almost as dreary as my NCAA basketball bracket), and April will greet us tommorrow with an even gloomier one yet, but as school picks up again on Tuesday, spring comes along with it, 60 and above the rest of the way, no more breaks between now and the last day of school, and no more looking back at winter.

Spring sports kickoff. The NWKL Art Show is this week. Prom is this weekend. State Assessments are a week away. Graduation is on May 11th. There is only a month and a half left of school.

I'll keep it brief this week, as there is a lot to discuss over the next few.

We're in the homestretch!

SHOUTOUTS

Shoutout to all of our sophomore students. This past week they finished the 4th session of Teen Mental Health First Aid, all becoming certified. Youth mental health has become a more and more concerning issue over the past decade, and it's often very hard to recognize when someone is struggling. These students were able to address a lot of things that we are to shy to discuss.

Shoutout to the junior class that took the ACT this past week. The ACT has a rule that you have to take a test on the exact date that you said you were. Even if we have hard copies, the test cannot be given on a different date. Our juniors took it last Tuesday on the Late Start day. They came off a snow day, had a late start on Tuesday, and ended up taking a test in the afternoon that they were supposed to take first thing in the morning. They were very flexible, and I look forward to their scores coming out soon.

Shoutout in advance to all the volunteers that are helping with the Forensics tournament on Tuesday. A forensics competition is one of the more complicated cometitions that a school can have. It requires a lot of help to make it run smoothly, and I am already thanking those that have agreed.

Things You Should Know

zoom_out_map

Reality U Comes to Oberlin

This Tuesday, our 8t and 10th grade students will participate in Reality U. We will also be hosting Atwood's 8th and 10th grade students as well.

What is Reality U? Reality U. is a simulation experience where students make real life decisions and see the effects of insurance, having children, and how much easier it is when you have a job that allows for you to make those things more comfortable.

They took a survey last week that asked them a variety of questions. They had to tell if they wanted to have kids, if they wanted to be married, and they had to choose a job. However, they also had to put in their current cumulative GPA. Based off of GPA, certain job choices were potentially eliminated from choosing.

Come Tuesday, depending on their choices, they may be paired with another student as part of the simulation.

Here are some key components of Reality U.

Teach teens that their performance in school today can affect their financial future.
Provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice personal finance skills.
Mobilize the community to become involved stakeholders in education, particularly financial literacy education in their local schools.
Integrate Individual Plan of Study components into the Reality U ® preparation, the simulation/booths, and the debriefing process.

It should be a great experience for our students.

zoom_out_map

Updated Cell Phone Policy (Repeat Info.)

Starting back in December, the DCHS staff began discussing our cell phone policy, particularly how much of an impact they were having on classroom instruction. I called around to every other league school and others to see what they had done, and most were discussing the same thing, the effect on class time.

The state of Florida passed a State law banning cell phone usage during class time back in October, making the decision for every school in the state, while leaving other usage up to the schools.

Before spring break, students were informed that we were updating the cell phone usage policy. The biggest change that we have put in place is the use of phones during class time. Parents, if you need to contact your student in the case of an emergency, please reach out to the office. Other than that, they will be able to check for messages between classes.

Below you will see an updated cell phone usage policy with consequences for misuse. We will continue to monitor the cell phone situation in our school, and we will reevaluate at the end of the year.

1. No Cell Phones/Smart Devices During Class Time: From the moment that the bell starts a class to the moment the bell rings to end the class, there should be no phones out, including the hallway during class time. Students can carry phones with them and are fully responsible for them. During class times, phones should be kept in pockets, backpacks, or lockers. Teachers can take additional steps like mandating they be put at the front of the room, in a calculator pouch, or visible on the desk if they choose.

2. Students Can Check Cell Phones During Passing Periods: Students are allowed to check their phones during passing periods. There should be no reason for earbuds or headphones to be out in the hallway.

3. Emergency: If a student says it is an emergency that they make a call, they can be sent to the office. Parents can also call the office when there is an emergency.

4. Those Who Earn Free Time Can Use Phones in Designated Free Time Zones: Homeroom is still class time, so there will be no phones in your classes. Students that choose to remain in classes must use the time to study, read, or use their Chromebooks. If they want to use phones, they will need to go to either the gym or library/cafeteria. This free time is strictly the designated 18 minutes during Homeroom on the three days a week we have free time. This is also only for students that earn free time.

5. Students will be allowed to use their phones and devices during lunch: Lunch is the student’s time. They are allowed to use their phones and devices during this time.

First Offense: Phone sent to the office for the remainder of the day, parent called and informed of the policy, 30 minute detention.

Second Offense: Phone sent to the office for the remainder of the day, parent picks up the phone, 60 minute detention served over 1 or 2 days. Phone stays in the office for a week.

Third Offense: Phone sent to the office, parent picks up phone. 1 day of ISS. Phone turned in to the office in the morning for the remainder of the semester.

As always, please reach out to me if you have any questions or would like clarification.

Red Devil Ready

zoom_out_map

You know, I think back to last week on Wednesday. I remember making the comment that I couldn't wait until Friday. Like many others wishing the same thing, I was excited for the extended weekend. Having said that, this was my first Easter since my daughter went to college. I have so many amazing memories of egg hunts, egg dyeing, and telling tales of the Easter Bunny.

It all goes by so quick.

I would sure love to have some of those wished away days back.

Until next week,

Jeremy Holloway

Red Devil Ready!