| INDIAN HILLS NEWS |
November 2023 |
Contents
01: Principal’s Message
02: Upcoming Events
03: Library
04: Student Center
1. Principal’s Message
As fall gives way to wintry weather, and as the school year passes the first quarter mark, it gives us pause for reflection.
We have been working on building connections in our school this year in order to foster a sense of belonging. Our goal is for every student in our school to feel connected to a peer and to a caring adult. We also know that when we build connections, it helps us to see the best in our students. A short heartwarming video that we shared with our teachers at the beginning of the school year entitled “Be a Mr. Jensen” delightfully illustrates this goal. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4p5286T_kn0)
I love our students at Indian Hills, and I love the connections that we are making with them. I love it when students ask if I knew their siblings at Alta (this happens frequently). I love it when I observe a classroom and students are collaborating together to solve math problems as they do in Ms. Muhlestein’s math class. I love it when students want to tell me they were on time to every class or that they got a star for acing a quiz in Ms. Afualo’s science class. This past week I loved it when a student asked if we could have a girls basketball team and could I please be the coach.
While it can be easy to underestimate the power of positive connections, especially when the school year starts to feel long and behaviors
increase, it’s vital that we remember how important our connections are to our students and for all of us.
2. Upcoming Events
1 – Red Ribbon Week – Wear School Colors
2 – Red Ribbon Week – Wear tie-dye or neon
2 – Family Night at Classic Fun Center, 5:00-8:30 p.m. (flier following)
3 – Red Ribbon Week – Wear Crazy Socks
6 – 17 IHMS Food Drive
6 – PTSA Board Meeting 9:00 a.m.
6-10 – Utah College Week
8 – Spirit Day
8 – PTSA Student Board Meeting – 3:00
17 – Citizen of the Month, 7:30 a.m.
22-24 – Thanksgiving Break
3. Library
News from the Library:
Thank you to everyone who participated in our White Ribbon Week last month. Students learned how to be good digital citizens by being informed, balanced, inclusive, engaged, and alert. On the last day we emphasized using technology and our talents to do good in the world. We are excited that we received over 300 colored pictures that will be sent to senior centers, troops overseas, and anyone else in need of a smile. In the coming months, you will see more digital citizenship messages with dinner discussion topics to help you discuss keeping everyone safe and using digital resources effectively.
Miss McGowan, our teacher-librarian, recently attended a meeting with a county library representative and learned something exciting! Did you know the county library offers FREE live tutors? As long as you have a library card, the library offers live online tutoring from 1:00-11:00 P.M. every day. These tutors can provide homework help in math, science, reading/writing, social studies, PSAT/SAT, ACT, AP and state standardized tests. They can help with skill building, too. There is a 24-hour writing lab available. You can submit homework questions for expert guidance. There is an adult learning center and Spanish-speaking support, as well. Click here to register with your library card.
4. Student Center
Welcome to IHMS Student Center, where we are committed to creating a positive learning environment for every student. To ensure our availability to help your student, please email or call the Student Center at 801-826-7120 to set up an appointment with your counselor. Please look at the Student Center staff to know who to contact.
8th Grade Plan for College and Career Readiness
In November we will be focusing on 8th graders’ Plan for College and Career Readiness (PCCR). We will do this with a PCCR canvas module, which focuses on high school preparedness. Parents/guardians are required to complete the canvas module with their student. We will also be meeting with each 8th grade student individually to review their PCCR module. We encourage parents/guardians to schedule an appointment with their 8th grade student and counselor after completing the module, to clarify and address any questions or concerns.
College Week
The week of November 6th-10th we will be celebrating Utah College Application Week! The week will be full of college information, trivia, fun activities, and spirit days! See attached flier for more information.
Academic Support
Warrior support will continue to run on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays throughout the school year. Any student who wishes to get extra help in any subject can go to the library from 3:00-4:00 p.m. for help from teachers.
Wellness Supports
The Canyons Family Center offers a variety of services including individual counseling, student-support groups and parent-education classes.
Mental Health screener
Canyons School District is sponsoring free mental health consultations for students, ages 10-18, and their parents. Families are welcome to register for any date and location that fits their schedule. At the event, parents will sign a consent and complete a questionnaire, and students will be asked to complete a screening tool. During the consultations, licensed counselors will discuss available resources to meet your child’s needs. Click here to register and see dates questions please 801-826-5187
Safe UT
The SafeUT app provides a way to connect to licensed counselors that are ready to listen to any sized crisis or concern. Support is immediate and confidential, and as easy as reaching for your phone and sending that first message.
