LOLHS IB In Focus

We would like to provide opportunities throughout the school year for IB students to connect with friends, build community, and take a moment to unwind from the rigor of their academic day. Events such as Soda Sip in the Stands , Donut Day, or Cookies and Conversation give students a chance to enjoy lunch outdoors, have a treat, spend time with their peers, and strengthen the relationships that make our IB Programme so special. These are just a few examples we have brainstormed.

To make these experiences possible, we are seeking support from families and local business partners. Donations help cover the small but meaningful extras, such as food, drinks, and event supplies, that make these gatherings memorable for students.

If you or your business would be interested in supporting our students through a donation, please contact Mrs. Leary. Your generosity helps create positive experiences that enrich our students' high school and IB journey.

aleary@pasco.k12.fl.us

Please complete the RSVP for the Pre-IB Commitment Ceremony for 9th Grade.

Join us as we celebrate our 9th Grade Pre-IB students and their successful start to high school. Students will recite the IB Commitment Statement, be recognized for their academic achievements, and learn more about the IB journey from grades 9-12, including the pathway to earning the prestigious IB Diploma. This special event honors student success while looking ahead to the opportunities and challenges of the IB Programme.

We welcome parents to share their positive experiences with the IB Programme. Your stories and insights help prospective families better understand the impact of the program and the opportunities it provides for students.

Parent Testimonials

We also welcome constructive feedback on how we can continue to strengthen and improve the IB Programme. If you have suggestions or ideas to share, please feel free to contact Mrs. Leary, Assistant Principal and IB Coordinator, by email. Your input is valued and helps us provide the best possible experience for our students.

aleary@pasco.k12.fl.us

As part of our ongoing commitment to student success, Mrs. Leary and Mr. Javaruski will meet with Seniors on October 29 and November 5 during Theory of Knowledge classes to review academic history and develop personalized IB Diploma point predictions. Students will calculate potential diploma point totals and create individualized plans to strengthen their pathways toward earning the IB Diploma.

Update: Ms. Melvin distributed last year's detailed score reports for IB exams. Please keep these handy to reference during Prediction Meetings.

9th graders and 11th graders are invited to pay $18 to take the PSAT/NMSQT. If a student brings cash or check (payable to LOLHS), please send them to Ms. Canter in Student Services; she can receipt their payment. They are also encouraged to pay online through Rycor!

**Deadline to pay is Thursday, October 1, 2026.

All 10th graders will test, no payment required.

Dates:

Monday, October 26 or Tuesday, October 27 - 10th Graders

Thursday, October 29 - Most 11th Graders

Friday, October 30 - Most 9th Graders

If you are taking an AP class on FLVS and were enrolled as of September 14, please check your school email from Mrs. Leary for the exam join code. All codes were sent to students mid-September to ensure that you have what you need to order your AP exam. If you started after September 14 or have any questions, please email Mrs. Leary.

Students taking AP classes through Pasco eSchool will get their exam code from their Pasco eSchool teacher.

Students taking AP classes on campus joined their teacher's AP Classroom. We will order exams using this information for classes taken on campus.

Exam codes for AP classes that start in January will be provided at a later date.

Mrs. Leary met with all students to review the Academic Honesty Policy and reinforce the importance of the IB Learner Profile attribute of being Principled. Students were provided with a copy of the policy to review and sign with their parent or guardian. The signed acknowledgment form should have been returned to their teacher, confirming their understanding of the expectations and responsibilities associated with academic integrity. (9th - Babij, 10th - Hicks, 11th - IB Junior Induction Ceremony, 12th - Melvin).

A copy of the Academic Honesty Policy and all other programme policies can be found on our IB website.

For Students:

✅ Check your grades regularly. Review your current averages and identify any missing or incomplete assignments.

✅ Communicate with your teachers. If you have questions about assignments, grades, or ways to improve, reach out as soon as possible.

✅ Stay organized. Keep track of upcoming tests, projects, and deadlines using a planner or digital calendar.

✅ Use available support. Attend tutoring sessions, study groups, office hours, or seek help from teachers when needed.

✅ Set goals. Focus on specific actions you can take before the grading period ends, such as completing missing work, improving attendance, or increasing study time.

For Parents and Guardians:

✅ Review your student's grades and attendance. Discuss both successes and areas that may need improvement.

✅ Encourage communication. Support your student in contacting teachers if they need clarification or assistance.

✅ Establish routines. Help create a consistent schedule for homework, studying, and adequate sleep.

✅ Monitor assignments. Check that work is being completed and submitted on time.

✅ Celebrate progress. Recognize effort, improvement, and achievements, while working together to address challenges.

Let's work together to finish the grading period strong! Every assignment, every class period, and every effort counts. 📚✨

Pasco County Schools Calendar

Portions of this communication were developed with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) and have been reviewed and edited by school administration.