On Tuesday, April 9 we will be administering the ACT to all 11th grade students. This is possible due the Federal "GearUp" Program. The ACT is accepted by every college in the United States. It serves as an admissions test, informs course placement at college, and includes a career planning component. A major barrier for students taking the test is the cost of the exam ($46) and transportation to the test site on Saturday testing. GearUp Iowa is covering the cost of the exam and by holding the test during the school day, transportation is not a barrier. Schools who administer the ACT during the school day must create a standardized setting. This is why we are not having our 9th, 10th, and 12th grade students attend this day.

Why we want students to take the ACT?

The obvious reason for students to take the ACT is to get into college (this includes 4-year and many trade schools). The higher the test score the greater the chance of acceptance and the greater the chance of scholarships. The ACT will be the only national assessment our students will take. It allows the school and district to identify needs area for college readiness. College dropouts and completion is a major problem in our country. One reason is that some students are not adequately prepared for the stamina needed for college rigor. Currently, the only students taking the ACT are those who know they are going to college. By increasing the access to the assessment, we will get a better picture of our student body in regard to college readiness.

How will the school use ACT information?

North will use this data to identify areas for focus. It will help the school identify individual students who may be college ready and not college bound. By identifying those students, we can better support their needs on making college a reality.

How can students improve their ACT scores?

Choose college preparatory classes. We are currently looking on how to expand our student access to Advance Placement and CollegeNow courses. We currently offer a course, College and Test Prep, at our Career Academy for students to focus on what it takes to enter college and have access to ACT test prep materials. The target group is 2nd Semester Sophomores and Juniors. However, there are a few things parents and families can do to support:

1. Ensure you student attends school regularly and does the work assigned. Data is consistent connecting school and college success to attendance.
2. Take advantage of ACT study groups and courses. Throughout the year, we advertise local ACT Test Prep courses. Sometimes they are even offered at North High. These are an additional cost to families and can range from $30 to $800. A few years ago, our district examined the effectiveness of a variety of test prep programs. We had students participate in solely online programs, programs that were mixed online and in front of an instructor, and one that that was solely in front of an instructor. Our results showed that all three had similar results and solely depended on the students focus, attention, and time spent engaging in the program.
3. Practice, Practice, Practice! Many students take ACT multiple times. The first time allows students to prepare themselves for what to expect. The second (third, fourth) allows students to study and target areas they may not have scored well on. Test prep materials are available everywhere. There is a great deal offered through ACT themselves (http://www.act.org/content/act/en/products-and-services/the-act/test-preparation.html).

If you would like more information on ACT test prep, the ACT, or college readiness, please contact our Counseling Department at 712-239-7007. We also recommend following their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/StarsCounseling/

Iowa Immunization law requires that all students entering 7th grade have both a Meningococcal vaccination and a Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis/whooping cough) vaccination before school starts in the fall. Here is a link to specific requirements: https://idph.iowa.gov/ohds/oral-health-center/school-screenings

Iowa law requires that all students entering 12th grade have a Meningococcal vaccination. The requirement is 2 doses of meningococcal (A,C,W,Y) vaccine for students in grade 12, if born after September 15, 1999; or 1 dose if received when students are 16 years of age or older are required before school starts in the fall.

The Tdap requirement has been in place since the 2013/14 school year and requires a booster dose of Tetanus, Diphtheria, and acellular Pertussis containing vaccine for students entering 7th grade, regardless of the interval since the last Tetanus/Diphtheria containing vaccine. Pertussis (whooping cough) is a very contagious disease that causes violent coughing fits that make it hard to breathe.

The meningococcal vaccine has been required since the start of the 2017/18 school year. Meningococcal disease is a life threatening illness that is caused by bacteria that infects the brain, blood, and spinal cord. It easily spreads in crowded settings. The vaccine is required prior to both the 7th and 12th.

What does this mean for you? You will need to call your physician’s office to make an appointment for these vaccines. You will need to check your home records or call your physician’s office to see what your student’s status is. If you do not have insurance, you can contact the Siouxland District Health Department at 279-6119. Please send a copy of your student’s updated immunization record to the school nurse prior to the first day of school. Thank you in advance for your cooperation in this matter.

As the weather has gotten better, our parking has gotten worse. We have reminded all students that parking is only allowed in designated parking places. Designated parking places are all indicated by pavement markings. Students, guests, parents, and staff must use identified spots. Creating ones own parking place or parking on non-paved (grassy) areas are subject to towing.

FASFA and Scholarship Workshops are held every Thursday from 1:00-7:00 PM in the Media Center. Donna from Americorp will be here to answer questions about FASFA, Scholarships, and other college related topics. Donna is a great resource for students needing help with scholarship essays, FASFA Completion, and many more topics. Come in and see her! No appointment needed.

SC North Girls Basketball Camp will be held June 3-6th for girls entering 3rd-8th grade in the fall from 1-4pm at Sioux City North High School. Check in will be at 12:30 on June 3rd. Registration sheets will be sent home to all feeder school and middle school. Any questions or concerns please contact Coach Groth (grothm@live.siouxcityschools.com) and see the flyers.

Sioux City, IA – On April 9, each of the three Sioux City Community School District high schools will host an ACT exam date for all 11th grade students, in order to encourage college readiness and preparedness for the work force.

Data from this exam will inform the District on how current curriculum aligns with the ACT, as well as suggest areas of improvement. It will also assist in providing students with a smoother transition into college and increase their potential for future success.

In order to eliminate distractions and secure proctors for the exam, 9, 10, and 12th graders will not have school on this date.

Beginning this academic year, the Sioux City Community School District (SCCSD) will offer a Seal of Biliteracy to graduating students who have attained proficiency in two or more languages, one of which being English.

Students in SCCSD that complete requirements for AP Language and Culture, pass the AP Spanish language and culture exam with a minimum score of 3, and complete district determined requirements will be awarded the Seal of Bilteracy on their diploma, and receive a certificate of completion.

Being able to know and use more than one language is a critical skill for the 21st century. The seal of biliteracy recognizes the value of language diversity & cultural identity, prepares students with 21st century skills that will benefit them in the labor market and the global society, and provides employers, universities, and grant/scholarship providers with a method to recognize applicants for their dedication to attainment of biliteracy.

New location this year. We recommend patrons park on the East side of the building, behind the gym. The pantry is now located between the industrial technology and music department.

LAST FOOD PANTRY of the YEAR!

Wednesday, April 17 - 2:00-4:00 pm

If school is cancelled or released early, there will be NO food pantry. Of course, if needs arise outside of the times listed above, please call the school counseling office at 712-239-7007.

The 2018-2019 Calendar has been set and is available here: http://www.siouxcityschools.org/calendars/ There are snow days built in this calendar. Please use this calendar when planning vacations. Please also consider leaving a few days, after the end of the year, as possible school make up days.

Due to the non-school day for cold on 1/29, school will be in session on Friday, April 5. There is one more snow day scheduled in the school year on May 17. If we have another non-school day due to weather, we will use that day. Additional days will be added to the end of the school year.

The words above are the most common words within the communication of our Let's Talk system. When you utilize the "Let's Talk" feature (the link for which is always at the bottom of the newsletter) the message goes right to the building administration. The average response time is 7.2 hours with a satisfaction score of 9.6 out of 10. Whether you have a question, comment, concern, or praise, feel free to connect with North High on Let's Talk. This is a district wide resource and is available at all schools and departments. If you do not know who to message we can help direct your request to the appropriate person.

Homework Help is available after school from 3:05-4:05 pm every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The time is staffed with a teacher from each of the core content areas (Math, English, and Science). Students report to the area, sign in, and get support. Student tutors are also available for support. They can use the space as a quiet place to complete work or engage one of the teachers for reteaching or support.

Transportation is provided for those who participate. A bus picks students up around 4:10 pm each afternoon and drops students off at feeder school locations.

"Saturday School" will be offered on the following dates:

April 13

April 27

May 11

May 18

Transportation is not provided to or from Saturday School. The hours are 9:00-12:00 pm.

Yearbooks are now for sale on https://yearbookforever.com/

Or

Students can pick up a yearbook form in Room 329 or the Main Office.

Prices are $75.00 and on sale until May 15th.

Senior pictures can be submitted (electronically or hard copy) to Mr. Gerch's email (gerchd1@live.siouxcityschools.com). The last possible day to submit a senior picture will be December 31st, unless otherwise communicated with Mr. Gerch.

The yearbook staff will start announcing and advertising around the school this coming week.

Last year, we launched a program to engage our seniors in school. When we give tours to alumni, many times they comment that they wished they would have been more involved. This program allows us to "gamify" the experience. Seniors will complete a variety of missions to earn 15,000 points. Each student who earns those points will recieve a "Uniquely North" Medallion at graduation practice to wear at graduation. In 2018, we awarded 31 medals and placed 6 students on the Hall of Fame (25,000 or more points).

Who is Eligible?

All North High students who would like to help the community and others.

How Do I Qualify to receive the Silver Cord for Graduation?

Students must complete a minimum of forty hours of committee-approved community service in their sophomore, junior and senior years at North High School. You cannot average 40 hours over the three year span; forty hours must be completed within each school year. Our goal is to instill the idea of community service as a life-long pursuit. If students successfully complete the amount of hours necessary they will receive a silver cord to wear at commencement similar to the gold cords worn by academic award winners.

Important Details:

Documentation: Students MUST document all service activities on the Silver Cord Award Form provided by North High – one form for each site or project, signed by a supervisor at the site. (A note confirming the students’ service signed by the supervisor at the project is also acceptable. It must be attached to the Silver Cord Form). Forms can be submitted to Ms. Larson at North High School at any time during the year. For sophomores and juniors: if you don’t turn in forms by the end of the school year, you may submit them at any time during the following fall. There is no specific deadline for underclassmen to submit forms, although it is best to turn them in as soon as they are completed. Seniors should submit all Silver Cord forms by May 2nd of senior year. Forms may be picked up from the office or can be printed using the links below.

Summer Service: Service hours earned during the summer after the academic year may be applied toward EITHER the prior or following year – student’s choice. (For example, the summer after the sophomore year can apply toward either the sophomore or junior 40 hour requirement or divided between the two as needed). It is recommended that all summer projects be pre-approved in writing by Mrs. Larson or a principal to make sure they are acceptable. Summer service that complies with the Silver Cord criteria will be accepted even if students were not able to submit pre-approval forms. Students should pick up blank Silver Cord Award forms before the end of school to use for documentation summer service. Please keep completed forms until you return to North in the fall. The Silver Cord Adviser will be responsible for keeping students’ Silver Cord files.

Important details regarding the Silver Cord Award:

Acceptable service activities: Silver Cord hours must be for providing a SERVICE or meeting a clear NEED for a non-profit agency, church, school, park, charity program, fundraiser or community event. The service should be “above and beyond” one’s usual scope of involvement and could be part of required service for a program such as Scouts or religious education. While some organizations meet during the school day, only hours outside of school time could be applied to Silver Cord service. If there is any question about whether a specific volunteer experience meets the criteria of “providing service” or “meeting a need” students should get prior approval from the Silver Cord Committee by submitting a pre-approval form. The Silver Cord Review Committee makes final determinations regarding service.

Organizations/Activities that have been approved:

Blood Bank/Blood Drives

Food Bank

United Way

Gospel Mission

Friendship Connections

Beyond The Bell

Goodwill

Watchful Eye Foundation

Local church activities

YMCA

Red Cross

Peer Tutoring/Extended Day

S.T.A.R.S

Humane Society

Head Start

Local medical centers

Retirement Homes

Salvation Army

Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Habitat for Humanity

Special Olympics

Ronald McDonald House

Junior League

American Heart Association

Art Splash

Ragbrai

Mid-Steps Service

Santa House

Political Organizations or Candidates

Important details regarding the Silver Cord Award:

Silver Cord hours CANNOT BE for a relative, or for pay or compensation of any kind. Other activities that would not be acceptable: NHS sports team managing, training or event timing or administration; most NHS music program events; concession stand or fundraising events in which proceeds benefit a NHS program; serving as a camp counselor while receiving free room and board (some exceptions made for camps for children with disabilities); performing in a musical, dance, or theater group unless related to a social cause or charity benefit; participation on committees in which the focus is on one’s own leadership development and does not include outreach to larger community. Court ordered community service hours are not eligible.

Four years ago, we completed the renovation of our auditorium. There is still work to do. Seats are still available for those who would like to donate a seat. Please visit Northside Activities Association's website for more information. To stay up-to-date on the happenings of the association, please like our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/northsideactivities/)

We expect students to continue their education after high school. The ACT is one of the college entrance requirements of many schools. Here is the latest information on the upcoming tests:

Next Test Date: April 9, 2019 (School day for all Juniors; all other students will not be in attendance that school day - the school will register students) or April 13 for non-juniors

Visit here to sign up and log in!

Future Test Dates:

April 9, 2019 - During the school day and free for all current juniors.

April 13, 2019

June 8, 2019

July 13, 2019

The Sioux City Community School District offers career and technical programs in the following areas: Business & Marketing, Family & Consumer Science, Health Science, and Industrial Arts, Technology, & PLTW.

The Sioux City Community School District is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. It is an unfair or discriminatory practice for any educational institution to discriminate on the basis of race, creed, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information (for employment), national origin, religion, age (for employment), disability, socioeconomic status (for programs), marital status (for programs), or veteran status (for employment) in its educational programs and its employment practices.

Inquiries or grievances, including Section 504 grievances and grievances under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, may be directed to Jen Gomez, Director of Student Services & Equity Education at 627 4th Street, Sioux City, IA 51101, (712) 279-6075, gomezj2@live.siouxcityschools.com. Please see District Board policies 103 and 504.4 for additional information on available grievance procedures.

Sioux City North serves over 1,500 students as one of three comprehensive high schools in Sioux City, Iowa.

Website: http://www.siouxcityschools.org/north-high-school/
Location: 4200 Cheyenne Boulevard, Sioux City, IA, United States
Phone: (712)-239-7000
Facebook: facebook.com/SiouxCityNorth
Twitter: @SiouxCityNorth