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End of first 9-weeks on Horizon

Sunday, October 4, 2020

Dear Parents,

We are nearing the end of the 1st Nine Weeks and it is surprising how quickly these first six weeks have passed. While we have not been able to do all of the events and activities that come with the normal start of the school year, it has still been a great start. We were able to celebrate our Seniors of 2021 with an awesome Senior Sunrise and we held our first virtual pep rally that all students viewed from their 7th period class. All of our Fall Sports Teams are back in action along with many of our Performing Arts teams. Attendance to many of these events has been limited to meet all health and safety guidelines, but we are excited to see our Bulldogs back in competition and our students, parents and community members back in the stands cheering them on to victory. As a reminder, masks are required for entry and attendance to all of our McKinney North events. Even if the event is outside, we are still expecting all fans to keep their masks on throughout the event. Our HOME games for Varsity Volleyball and Varsity Football will have a live streaming option in the event you or other family members are unable to attend. Please use the link below to access the MISD Athletics webpage and use the quick links on the right side of the page for information on the live streaming options: https://departments.mckinneyisd.net/athletics/

In our classrooms our teachers are working extremely hard everyday to provide lessons to engage and promote learning for all students. We know there have been some difficult days with interruptions to internet connection or technology glitches. Our MISD Technology Department continues to investigate the source of each issue and plan for how to overcome any future problems. Thank you all for your patience and understanding but I would ask that you not hesitate to reach out to your child’s teacher if you have any questions or concerns about how your child is doing in their class. Throughout the 1st Nine Weeks we have been continually reminded that communication is the key to solving problems and planning for future success. As we approach the end of the 1st Nine Weeks we are once again offering parents the option to adjust their choice for how their child is attending school The deadline for making changes to your commitment to attend decision for your child for the 2nd Nine Weeks is Friday, October 16, 2020. If you would like to make a change from Virtual to Face to Face or vice versas, please email Stacy Tate ( [email protected] ) by 2:30pm on Friday October, 16th. If you are happy with your child’s current educational setting there is no reason to respond or send an email. This is only required if you would like to make a change to the current decision. Changes will go into effect on Monday, October 19th.

The end of nine weeks brings other opportunities for change. Students in AP or PreAP classes may drop to an academic level equivalent course if available. All requests for AP or PreAP drops must be completed through the student Naviance account. All requests for drops must be submitted by 2:30pm on October 16th. Counselors will begin to process requests for changes on Monday, October 19th. Students must continue to follow their assigned schedule until counselors have notified them of the change.

MNHS has many upcoming events that are beginning to make our school year feel a little more normal. Please see the list below for upcoming events:

  • Oct 5 – Yearbook Picture Day for all 9th graders and 10th graders in Academic English II. Senior portraits are by appointment only. To schedule a senior portrait please use this link.  Virtual learners in 9th grade or 10th graders in Academic English II may come to campus for yearbook pictures between 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Virtual learners will need to enter through the G Hall entrance by the Gym.
  • Oct 9 – Yearbook Picture Day for all 11th graders and 10th graders in PreAP English II. Senior portraits are by appointment only. To schedule a senior portrait please use this link Virtual learners in 11th grade or 10th graders in PreAP English II may come to campus for yearbook pictures between 2:30pm and 4:00pm. Virtual learners will need to enter through the G Hall entrance by the Gym.
  • Oct 12 – Parent Conference Day – No School for Students
  • Oct 14 – PSAT – All Seniors will attend school virtual with asynchronous lessons.
  • Oct 16 – End of 1st Nine Weeks Oct 16 – Deadline for AP or PreAP drops
  • Oct 16 – Deadline to change commitment to attend virtually or face to face
  • Oct 26 – MISD Professional Development Day for Teachers – No School for Students

For a full list of activities and events please check our MNHS Website and calendar of events. Thank you again parents and students and our entire MNHS Community for the support of our teachers and staff throughout the many changes that the beginning of this school year has brought us. Our teachers continue to plan and implement lessons to support learning for all students. We know that all has not been perfect, but we continue to do all we can to make this year the very best it can be for our students. As mentioned above, if you have any questions or concerns about how your child is doing in their classes the classroom teacher is the best person to contact. They will be able to share what is going on in their class and the supports available to ensure your child’s success. We will get through this together and I know the challenges we are facing will make us better overall.

Sincerely,

Jae Gaskill