WHHHS Update-November 22, 2024
WHHHS Update-November 22, 2024
Dear William Henry Harrison High School Families—
We are now into the second half of the second quarter. When we return from Thanksgiving Break, we’ll have just three weeks until the end of the quarter, which is also the end of the first semester. As a reminder, we’ll also have our winter conference night in just under two weeks – Thursday 12/5.
Please see the information below for some important reminders and updates:
Understanding and Responding to Bullying
Bullying is defined as aggressive behavior that is intentional, involves an imbalance of power, and is repeated over time. It can take many forms, including physical, verbal, and social bullying. Recognizing and identifying bullying is critical because it allows us to address the issue effectively, support those affected, and create a safer school environment for everyone.
At Southwest Local School District, we have a clear and accessible system for reporting bullying. If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, please know that you are not alone. We are here to support you! Our dedicated staff is committed to addressing all reports promptly and seriously. Resources are available for students who are struggling. Don’t hesitate to reach out to school counselors or visit our website for more information. Together, we can create a safe and inclusive environment!
ProgressBook Information
As we approach our second quarter conference date, please take some time to review your student’s grades in ProgressBook. You and your student can also set up alerts for low grades and missing assignments as well. Please feel free to contact your student’s teacher, guidance counselor, or an administrator with any questions. Our expectation is that grades are updated in ProgressBook once per week and that any email or phone call is returned within 24 business hours.
Here is a video on how to set up Missing Assignment and Low Assignment Marks Notifications in the Frontline Parent and Student mobile app v1.0.2: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mi5QanEAhoM
If you are experiencing problems accessing ProgressBook, please reach out to us at parentaccess@southwestschools.org.
Inclement Weather
As winter approaches and the chances for winter weather increase, please make sure your contact information is current in Final Forms. If you are already getting emails, texts and phone calls from us via the School Messenger Mass Notification system, you should be all set to receive weather-related information. You can also check the District website (southwestschools.org) and the official District social media accounts for the most up-to-date, accurate information. As a reminder, our doors open at 6:45 AM every morning and students should wait in the Commons. Likewise, we need the Activity Center cleared at 3:15 PM every day after school, however, students who still need to wait for a ride may wait as long as necessary in the Commons or the lobby of the Main Building.
Annual Food & Clothing Drive Sign-Ups Underway
Sign-ups are now open to receive holiday assistance with food, toys and clothing through the Harrison Mayor’s Community Fund, Christ’s Loving Hands, and the Southwest Local School District. Click HERE to register online or to get information on in-person sign-ups.
Coronation
Coronation, the biggest dance of the year, will be held on Tuesday, November 26 from 8:00 – 11:00 PM at the Activity Center. Students from all four grades will get dressed up, snap tons of pictures, and dance the night away in this year’s red carpet-themed venue.
The evening includes light snacks, drinks, AND mini-donuts served with hot chocolate.
Tickets went on sale on Wednesday, November 13 online here and will remain on sale through November 22 for $25; sales will continue through 3:00 PM on November 26, but the price will rise to $30. The deadline to purchase tickets is 3:00 PM on Tuesday, November 26. You will NOT be able to purchase tickets at the door.
We have shared the link to purchase tickets in the Grade Level Microsoft Teams pages. The access code will be your Student ID (lunch) number. If you plan to bring a guest from another school, you will need to complete a guest permission form, which is available in the office or on Local Level.
Also…to be eligible to attend Coronation, students can have no more than six (6) unexcused absences from school since the first day of school. Days of out-of-school suspension count toward the six (6) unexcused absences.
Email jane.hinterlong@southwestschools.org with any questions.
Senior Reminder – Cap & Gown Order Deadline Approaching
This is just a reminder to families of Class of 2025 graduates that the last day to order a cap & gown without paying a $20.00 late fee is Monday, December 2. To order, please visit www.graduateserviceinc.com or reach out to Graduate Services at 513-272-5890. We also have some order packets still available in the Main Office.
Fall Art Show Now Underway
The Annual High School/Junior School Fall Art Show is now open at the Harrison Branch of the Public Library, now through Friday, December 13. Please stop by to see some amazing artwork from our very talented students! A big thank you to our Art Department for working with our students and for assembling this wonderful display!
College Credit Plus Information Session – Thurs 12/5
Any student that is interested in participating in the State of Ohio’s College Credit Plus program needs to attend the Information Session with a parent/guardian on December 5th. There is a morning session at 7:15 AM in the Activity Center theater and an evening session at 6:30 PM in the High School gymnasium. This presentation is for first-time CCP students only and a sign-in sheet will be used for attendance.
AP Parent Night – Thurs 12/5
Are you interested in having your child take an AP class, but not sure what Advanced Placement (AP) is all about? Please attend our AP Parent meeting during our next conference night on December 5th at 7:30 PM in the High School gymnasium. Please contact Steve Barnes at 513-728-8430 with any questions.
School Fees Updated for 2024-2025
School fees for the 2024-2025 school year have now been posted to our students’ accounts. Directions for how to log on and pay student fees without a service charge can be found here. Please contact the Main Office with any questions.
Stay Connected
Get your updates straight from the source! Follow our official school and district level social media pages, listed here, for the most up-to-date, factual information. For questions or concerns, call the school or email the appropriate administrator or staff member directly. Let's work together to make it a great school year!
Junior ACT – February 25, 2025 & Opt-Out Opportunity
As with previous year, our juniors will be scheduled to take the state-funded ACT college readiness examination. This year’s date will be Tuesday, February 25, 2025, and students on a Great Oaks campus will be scheduled to take their test at Harrison High School.
Recognizing that not all students will enter a two- or four-year college or university right after graduation, and that some students may have already taken one of these assessments during high school, the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce has created an opt-out option for families to exempt their high school junior from taking the state-mandated test. This opt-out option begins with the Class of 2026. To opt-out, please complete and return the form found here to the Main Office by Friday, November 22, 2024. We will also have hard copies of the form available in the Main Office.
Extracurricular Activities
As stated above, our district goal is that 100% of our students will participate in at least one extracurricular activity (club, group, or sport). As we end the first quarter, we are at 91% participation among our student body. We want all of our students to connect with at least one extracurricular activity because research consistently connects involvement with higher achievement, and because high school is just better when you are a part of something bigger than yourself! Our school newspaper, The Paw Print, has highlighted the growing list of all of our clubs and groups here.
College Visits
Any Junior or Senior that would like to go on a college visit can sign up on that college’s website. In order for this to be counted as a field trip day, students need to bring a note from their parent several days prior to the visit so we can fill out the proper paperwork. This is a great way to learn about colleges and college admissions. The guidance office is organizing some college visits for Harrison Juniors and Seniors. These will be visits to the college campus for just Harrison students. Students sign up on Naviance and provide their own transportation, and parents are welcome to join just as they would for an individual college visit.
College Applications
All seniors learned about how to request transcripts on Naviance and if seniors need a refresher on the process, they can check their teams page for the slide show. Transcript requests need to be submitted on Naviance at least THREE open school days before the deadline. See your guidance counselor with questions.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open EARLY!!!! Both the parent and the student need separate FSA ID’s to submit the application. Go to https://studentaid.gov/ to get the FAFSA started!
Harrison Music Boosters 15th Annual Thanksgiving 5K Run
You only have a few days left to pre-register and guarantee your shirt sizes for our 15th annual Harrison Thanksgiving day 5K fun run/walk!! Come run or walk through beautiful historic downtown Harrison and work up an appetite!! Sign up today: https://www.harrisonmusicboosters.com/shop/ gobble gobble!
DATE: Thursday, November 28, 2024 TIME: Registration open: 8:00 AM / Race Start: 8:30 AM
LOCATION: Legacy Christian Church Worship Center 207 N. Vine St. Harrison, Ohio Help our Harrison High & Jr School Band and our community! Registration is $25. Children under 10: $15 REGISTRATION
ALSO...
Donations of nonperishable food items for our local food pantries will be accepted.
After race refreshments provided! Please Note: Shirts MUST be pre-ordered by 11/25/2024 otherwise not guaranteed.
Athletic Booster Cat Cash Raffle
We could all use a little more green in our lives! Buy your tickets now for a chance to win some Cat Cash! Only 300 tickets are being sold and must be purchased before the first drawing. Two drawings per day from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11. You can win more than once, so get those tickets before it's too late!
There will be two $100 prizes drawn on 12/9, two $250 prizes drawn on 12/10, and two $500 prizes drawn on 12/11. Additionally, if we sell out of all 300 tickets, we'll give away an EXTRA $500! PLUS: Athletes who sell a $500 prize-winning ticket will have their sports fee covered for one season!
All proceeds support the Harrison Athletic Boosters and Harrison Jr and Sr High athletes.
For more information or to purchase tickets, please visit: https://harrisonwildcats.membershiptoolkit.com/packet/170045781
PTO/Booster Organizations
Finally, we would like to invite you to join the Harrison Junior/Senior High PTO as well as our Booster organizations. You can visit https://harrisonjrsrpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home to join the PTO, https://harrisonwildcats.membershiptoolkit.com/Home to join the Athletic Boosters, https://www.harrisonmusicboosters.com/ to join the Music Boosters, and the Harrison CAT Boosters’ website at https://harrisoncatboosters.square.site/ to support the Vocal and Drama programs.
UPCOMING DATES
TUES 11/26: CORONATION – ACTIVITY CENTER 8:00 – 11:00 PM
WEDS 11/27 – FRI 11/29: NO SCHOOL/THANKSGIVING BREAK
THURS 12/5: CONFERENCE NIGHT 3:30 – 8:30 PM
Thank you and have a great weekend!
