Our second semester is in full swing. Thanks for your patience with all of the weather-related special schedules, late starts, and school cancellations that have been necessary with this Iowa winter. This particular letter is timely as I have some information to share–some is new and some comes by way of reminders–in no particular order:
• A reminder for parents of the members of the Class of 2013 (and following)–we are doing away with the “valedictorian” and “salutatorian” designations at our graduation ceremonies–Mr. Marcouiller has addressed this in an earlier note to you in Maroon Minute.
• Registration for the 2010-2011 school year is underway–juniors will be given their packets on 1/25, sophomores on 2/1 and freshmen on 2/8. The same information that the students are getting will be posted on the Dowling website for your information.
• Parent-Teacher Conferences-as per an earlier note in the Maroon Minute and a recent e-mail from my office, we are moving to a new system of scheduling conferences where you will self schedule your conferences with our teachers. On January 29, we will open the system for your access. You can get to the scheduling system through a link on the DCHS website.
• We’re starting a new program–Project Lead The Way (PLTW) – PLTW is a pre-engineering program for qualified students in grades 9 thru 12. It is a four-course sequence (students don’t have to take all four of the courses) and it is opening up to our students for Fall, 2010. It is described in the Course Guide posted on the website–it will be an elective offering for our students.
• The Healthy Kids Act continues to be in force–please watch Mr. Marcouiller’s information and reminders in the Maroon Minute for information on this piece of legislation. We will be getting information to you about the nutrition component of the legislation, which goes into effect in Fall, 2010, and will effect school lunches–more to come on this!
We continue to feel blessed with your support of all of our efforts here. Thank you for that!
Sincerely,
Dr. James Dowdle