Intersect Newsletter

Principal

Angela Milanov - amilanov@troy.k12.mi.us - 248-823-5156

Counselor

Derek Mohamedally - dmohamedally@troy.k12.mi.us - 248-823-5157

Administrative Assistant

Lori Uchwal-Hollier - luchwal@troy.k12.mi.us - 248-823-5163

Coordinator/Mentor

Olivia Svacha - osvacha@troy.k12.mi.us - ‪501-518-0635‬

Mandatory Work Completion

All students must complete one gradable assignment per class between October 7th and October 9th.

Mandatory Weekly Communication

All students MUST respond to their mentor's weekly check-in as they normally do every Wednesday.

The particularly important days this year are October 7, 14, 21, and 28. Please be sure to put a reminder on your phone to respond to this required message.

Messages must name an online class you are checking in for, indicate something you are working on in the class, and explain how your progress/grade are going.

• October 7-9 - Complete one gradable assignment in each class
• October 7, 14, 21, and 28 - Respond to the weekly mentor communication as you usually do
• October 16 - Student Pictures for ID's and Yearbook

**ALL work is due by 11:59 pm on January 14**

Students may expect to hear from their district mentor for a check-in every Wednesday. Students MUST respond to this message every week. The message can be found in the student's webmail in Pearson Connexus.

Here are the semester timelines:

Semester 1 - 8/25/2026 through 1/14/2027

Semester 2 - 1/19/2027 through 5/19/2027 for graduating seniors and 5/25/2027 for everyone else.

Please note that your semester ends earlier than the rest of the district. Since students can submit assignments for full credit throughout the semester, teachers need the final five business days to review submitted work and complete grading accurately.

Students are welcome to join us at Troy College and Career High School on Friday, October 16th from 8 am to 10 am for student picture day. We are located at 1522 E. Big Beaver Rd., Troy, MI 48083. If you are unable to make this day but would still like a school photo, there will be another opportunity during the 2nd semester.

If you plan to take an AP Exam this school year, please review the attached flyer for important registration information and instructions.

All AP Exam registrations must be completed by November 3.

Please do not wait until the last minute to register. If you have any questions, please reach out for assistance.

LiveLessons are hosted between 11am and 4pm Eastern Time to accommodate for time zone differences. For more information about LiveLessons and the schedule of sessions, review this link.

Teachers offer three hours per week of office hours called “Teacher

Time.” Students can sign up for 1:1s using their teacher’s YouCanBook.me link. These offerings ensure continuous support and assistance for students throughout the school year.

Student Technical Assistance is available from 9 am - 9 pm ET - 1-888-597-3224, Option 1

Parents, you are able to set up Pearson Connexus to notify you when certain actions and changes occur.

As an observer of a student, you can choose to receive the following notifications:

• a student submits something (This is only available as part of a digest that summarizes all of the notifications you've selected.)
• a student's grade drops below passing
• a student receives a score or feedback
• a student receives a badge
• a student's enrollment status changes

Click here to be directed to Pearson's article regarding notification settings.

Please download or print this year's calendar for your review during the school year. Please take note of:

• Semester beginning and end dates. All work is always due by 11:59 pm on the final day of the semester.
• Holidays
• The last day to submit course changes for semester 1 and 2
• Count Month - Students MUST complete work in each class AND respond every Wednesday to their mentor teacher throughout the school year as part of our count procedure to the State of Michigan

DAILY SCHEDULE:

• 10:00 am: Wake up, get dressed, eat breakfast
• 10:30 am: Start working (work on class 1 or 2 depending on preference / pacing)
• 12:15 pm: LUNCH BREAK
• 12:45 pm: Continue working on classwork
• 2:00 pm: BREAK (15 minute)
• 2:15 pm: Resume working on classes
• 3:30 pm: BREAK (15 minute)
• 3:45 pm: Resume working on classes
• 4:30 pm: End of day!

(HYDRATE Throughout the day with water, tea as needed)

*Work on assignments from each class following the pacing guides. As a reminder, please call / text / or email your mentor if you have any questions or need any help.

Saturday and Sunday

Take the weekend off (unless there is something you need to catch up on)!!!

Mrs. Clippard put together this website for students to visit while going through the College application process.

https://tcchscollegeinformation.square.site/

https://michiganlegion.org/oratorical/

https://michiganlegion.org/scholarships/

https://michiganlegion.org/trade-scholarship/

To prevent tech/gamer neck, focus on ergonomics (screen at eye level, supportive chair with lumbar support), regular breaks (20-20-20 rule), and strengthening/stretching exercises (chin tucks, rows) to improve posture and build neck/back support, while incorporating activities like standing desks and proper sleep positioning to reduce strain. Resources include health sites (Mayo Clinic, Jefferson Health, Baylor Scott & White) for tips, YouTube for exercise guides, and potentially physical therapists for personalized treatment.

Ergonomic Setup & Habits

• Screen Height: Position monitors at eye level to keep your head balanced over your spine.
• Supportive Chair: Use an ergonomic chair with good lumbar support or add a rolled towel for lower back support.
• Breaks: Use the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 mins, look 20 ft away for 20 secs) and take longer breaks to stand/stretch every 30-60 mins.
• Posture: Keep shoulders back, ears aligned with shoulders, and spine tall.
• Device Stands: Use stands for phones/tablets to raise them to eye level.
• Standing: Consider a standing desk to vary positions.

Exercises & Stretches (See YouTube for Demos)

• Chin Tucks: Strengthens deep neck muscles for proper alignment.
• Rows: Strengthens upper back and shoulders (use resistance bands if needed).
• Shoulder Blade Squeezes: Helps counteract forward slouching.
• Chest & Trapezius Stretches: Relieves tightness in front and neck/shoulder areas.