|
|
Panther Creek High School Parent Teacher Student Association |
|
Newsletters
2010-2011 4th Quarter May 2011
From the desk of Principal Nelson THOUGHTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
The 2010-2011 school year at Panther Creek has had many positives. As is true with each school year, it has been quite busy for students and staff. As we approach the end of the school year, I encourage you to help us keep your student focused on an outstanding finish. The remaining weeks of school are crucial weeks for students and staff as we complete instruction and measure learning through teacher-made and state assessments. I encourage you to pay careful attention to student attendance during these final weeks. Your student’s academic progress is important, and each student’s achievements help to determine the overall success of Panther Creek. Thank you for your part as parents in assuring that our school’s award-winning results continue.
The Class of 2011 is fortunate to have talented members, and we look forward to celebrating their accomplishments in the coming weeks. June 3 will be a day of celebration when we have our Senior Assembly, followed by our traditional Senior Picnic in our stadium. Graduation will be on June 11 at 4:00 p.m. at the Raleigh Convention Center. Each graduating senior is provided eight tickets for families and guests to attend. The Class of 2011 truly has made a positive mark in our school’s five-year history. They were freshmen when we launched SMART Lunch, which now is a point of pride for our school as well as a goal of many other schools who continue to visit Panther Creek to see the engagement of our students and staff. Members of the Class of 2011 have done an outstanding job in the classroom, in extracurricular activities, and in athletics. Our school and community will long remember the way this school year began with the outstanding school spirit that our varsity football team generated as they won the Tri-9 Conference with one exciting win after another and then advanced to the 4AA Eastern Championship game. The contributions of this graduating class have strengthened our culture of excellence. We trust that they will always proudly remember their PCHS days. We wish each graduate the best in future endeavors.
Successful students and schools often have strong parental support. On behalf of the PCHS faculty and staff, I commend our PTSA for honoring two core commitments: student recognition and staff appreciation. We also are fortunate to have supportive booster organizations for athletics, band, choral music, and fine arts. The many first-place finishes achieved by students can be closely aligned with the high level of parental support. For the many hours and your generosity, we thank you.
The 2011-2012 school year will be upon us quickly. Enjoy a safe and relaxing summer. To the parents whose students will return to PCHS next year, we look forward to working with you again when the bell sounds on August 25!
Rodney C. Nelson Principal
A Word from Tammy Pressley, PTSA President I can't believe it's already May and another Panther Creek graduation is just around the corner. What a great year it has been and how blessed I feel to be a part of such a wonderful school. Fortunately, my daughter has two more years here, so I get to be involved a little longer with Panther Creek!
It has been a privilege to serve as your PTSA president these past two years! I will be stepping down in June because our bylaws only allow someone to serve in an executive committee position for two years at a time. I have enjoyed getting to know the administration, staff, parents, and students on a more personal level and hope each one of them know what an honor it has been to help support our school. When I was elected president in 2009, one of my main goals was to increase communication to parents. I think this has been accomplished through the weekly email updates and so I am planning to continue sending those out next year.
I would also like to personally thank each of the members who served with me on our PTSA board. Without them, I could not have done my job. They are a fabulous group of people who have worked hard to support Panther Creek!! THANK YOU to each of the following: Jennifer Simis VP Community Relations Meg Clarke VP Programs Suzanne Will VP Volunteers Barbara Green VP Ways and Means Jennifer Tuttle Secretary Doreen Salembier Treasurer Valerie McDevitt Business Rewards Chair Mona Harris Catamounts Nights Out Chair Libby Ruba District 8 Representative Chair Jenny Cass Membership Chair Jill DeCandio Newsletter Chair Kathleen McDonald Reflections Chair Eileen Clute Senior Class Activities Chair Michelle Lombana Staff Appreciation Co-chair Tracy Barth Staff Appreciation Co-chair Cindy Musciano Student Recognition Chair Jay Williams Website Chair
For those of you whose youngest child will be graduating in June, I want to wish you and him/her the very best of luck as you both leave Panther Creek for good. For those of you who have students returning next year, I have to put in a plug for PTSA membership and donations! Since we do not hold any fundraisers, we depend solely on your financial support to be able to provide the programs for our students and staff. Please set aside some money over the summer to join PTSA when school resumes in August!!
In closing, I hope you all have a wonderful summer!! Enjoy some much needed vacation time with your family! I know I certainly will.
The PTSA General Membership Meeting, originally scheduled for May 9, has been rescheduled for May 24 at 6:30 p.m. in the PCHS Auditorium. This meeting to elect PTSA officers will occur prior to the 7:00 p.m. PCHS Band Concert.
PTSA news….. BUSINESS REWARDS, $$ for Panther Creek If you’re looking for an easy and FREE way to show your support for Panther Creek, linking your shopping cards to Panther Creek High School is the way to do it. Last year PCHS families contributed almost $2,500 to the PTSA simply by linking their cards. The sooner you link your cards, the sooner the school starts earning funds.
Harris Teeter:
· Go to www.harristeeter.com and click Community then select Together in Education. · Click Link to Your School from the menu options on the left side of the screen. · Fill out your contact information, including your VIC card number. Enter 6087 beside School Codes to link to PCHS.
Food Lion:
· Go to www.foodlion.com, then click Community Outreach and MVP Rewards · Click Register Your MVP Card then click Shoppers Register Here. · Enter your your 12 digit MVP Card number and click Submit · Last, click Add a School to Support and enter the code for PCHS: 214016.
Target: · Go to www.target.com/tcoe, click Enroll in Take Charge of Education, enter our School ID #123668 · Click Select This School when Panther Creek in Cary is displayed · Enter your contact information and RedCard number (if you don’t have a RedCard you’ll have the opportunity to apply for one) then click Complete Enrollment.
Catamounts’ Night Out is a school spirit night at a local restaurant where students and families dine, and the restaurant gives the school Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) a percentage of the sales. It is a great way to show your school spirit while generating funds for the PTSA which helps every student and staff member at PCHS. Catamounts’ Night Out is over for the current school year but will resume again in August or September.If you own a restaurant, work in one, or otherwise have ties to a restaurant that would like to participate in Catamounts’ Night Out, please contact Mona Harris @ harrismw@ymail.com or 267-6582. These restaurant nights will be planned in late spring/early summer so there will be plenty of time to get the word out to families and get the dates on calendars. Proposed Amended Budget
If you have any questions, please contact Doreen Salembier, Treasurer, at jdkksalem@earthlink.net. The amended budget will be voted on at the general PTSA meeting held on May 24 at 6:30pm in the school auditorium.
ATTENTION PARENTS OF SENIORS – CLASS OF 2011
The count down is on. As of this writing, there are thirty four calendar days until graduation. Below are a few items to highlight .
1. Graduation is Saturday, June 11, 2011 – 4pm at the Raleigh Convention Center 2. If you did not order a cap/gown and your son or daughter is planning to attend the graduation ceremony, please contact Kim Fegley or send her an email at kfegley@wcpss.net. They are $85. 3. Each family will receive a maximum of eight tickets for graduation. Tickets will be received at the mandatory rehearsal Wednesday, June 8, 2011. If you need more tickets OR you do NOT need your tickets, please work with each other to accommodate everyone’s needs . 4. The Senior Awards and picnic will be held on Friday June 3, 2011. 5. Yard signs for “A Proud Parent of a PCHS Graduate” are available for purchase. They are $5 each. They will be available for sale on Friday’s at school during lunch and at the Senior picnic June 3, 2011. 6. Check out the Graduation 2011 page on the Panther Creek website for periodic updates. Go to the Student Life tab on the home page and click Graduation 2011.
Eileen Clute Senior Activities PCHS PTSA
Student Recognition Honor Roll students were recognized during their second period classes on Thursday, May 12th based on their third quarter grades for the 2010-2011 school year. Students who received all A's or a combination of A's and B's received an honor roll certificate as well as a PCHS honor roll pencil compliments of the PCHS PTSA. A listing of these students is located in the Honor Roll display case located in the lobby of our front entrance. There were 267 All 'A' students and 718 A/B students who received this award. Congratulations to these students on their outstanding academic achievements.
Faculty Choice Awards: During our annual Award's Day in June approximately three hundred of our PCHS students will receive a Faculty Choice Award during their second period classes. These students were nominated by PCHS faculty and will receive an Award's Day 2011 T-shirt that is being provided by the PCHS PTSA. These students were nominated for consistently exemplifying WCPSS character traits in addition to consistently meeting and exceeding the PCHS Basic Expectations.
Kudo's For Catamounts:
Our PCHS PTSA provides weekly $15 gift certificates as well as a $25 gift certificate at the end of each quarter for our Kudo's For Catamounts programs that recognizes students nominated by PCHS staff members. The most recent recipients are:
April 8 - Nick Sweeney April 15 - Clint Wagner April 4/29 - Maddy Stevens May 6 - Taylor Mixon
Exam Schedule
Schedule Friday, June 3 Period 1 Monday, June 6 7:25-10:25 10:25-10:30 10:30-11:30 11:35 Tuesday, June 7 7:25-10:25 10:25-10:30 11:35 11:30 ‐ 3:00 Wednesday, June 8 7:25-10:25 10:25-10:30 10:30-11:30 11:35 11:30 - 3:00 Thursday, June 9 7:25-10:25 10:30 10:30-2:00 Friday, June 10 7:25-10:25 10:25-11:00 11:05-2:05 2:10 Monday, June 13 Regular Schedule Exam Review Early Release Period 1 Exam Class Change Period 2 Review Buses Depart Early Release Period 2 Exam Class Change Buses Depart Period 1 Retest & Lunch Early Release Period 3 Exam Class Change Period 4 Review Buses Depart Period 2 Retest & Lunch Early Release Period 4 Exam Buses Depart Period 3 Retest & Lunch Early Release 1st Make-up Exam Period Period 4 Retest Lunch 2nd Make-up Exam Period Buses Depart Teacher Workday
Special Notes • Students are expected to take exams at the scheduled times. Students must be present at the beginning of the exam period to take the exam and must remain for the entire exam period to receive credit for the exam. Students are expected to be present for the review periods unless prior administrative approval has been granted for an excused absence. Seniors who qualify for exam exemptions may choose not to attend the review period for the exam for which they are exempt. Exempt seniors should not be on campus during their exemption period without prior administrative approval. • Any student seeking principal approval to take an exam earlier than the scheduled time must present clear evidence supporting the validity of the request. Requests should be submitted to the attendance office no later than Friday, May 20, 2011. • Exam make-up times are coordinated by the teacher for teacher-made exams and the assessment coordinator for state exams. If absent from an exam, students should submit parent notes to the Attendance Office when they return. • In courses that have state tests, the exam shall count as 25% of the final grade. In non-EOC courses, the final exam shall count as 20% of the final grade. • For five state-tested subjects (Algebra I, English I, Biology, Civics & Economics, US History), students who entered high school for the first time in 2006-07 or later must earn a Level III or higher on the EOC if they pass the course. One retest is required for any student who earns a Level 2 on the exam. Students who score a Level 1 will retest only if they have a signed waiver form from their parent/guardian. The grade on the retest can be used to calculate the student’s final grade in the course. • In addition to the five state-tested subjects listed above, students who fail to earn a Level III or higher in Algebra 2 and Physical Science must retest. One retest is required for any student who earns a Level 2 on the exam. Students who score a Level 1 will retest only if they have a signed waiver form from their parent/guardian. When possible, retests will be scheduled at the first available time. • Buses will depart campus only at the times listed on the schedule to the left. Students who remain on campus after the listed bus departure times are responsible for their own transportation. • Under no circumstance can students be on other school campuses on exam days. • The exam schedule is subject to change.
OTHER INFORMATION The PCHS Junior-Senior Prom "Enchanted Paris" will be held Saturday, May 21, at Sisters' Garden. Tickets will be available for purchase starting Monday, May 2, through Tuesday, May 17. The prices are $40 online and $45 cash or check. All tickets must be picked up or purchased during SMART lunch in room 2613. You must have the 2011 Code of Conduct/Date form, your student ID (or photo ID copy for date), and online receipt/cash or check with you for pick up or purchase.
Carolina Lily Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. Looking for ways for Moms and daughters to give back to the community? The Carolina Lily Chapter of the National Charity League is currently accepting new members (girls in 7th -12th grade). The Carolina Lily Chapter is the fourth NCL Chapter in North Carolina and was founded in August 2010. The chapter is based in western Wake County and has members from Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and Raleigh. Currently there are 120 members in the Carolina Lily Chapter which is comprised of moms and daughters in grades 7-12 representing over 20 area middle and high schools.
National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) for more than 50 years has thrived as one of the nation’s most distinctive and well-respected mother-daughter membership organizations. It is the only national organization committed to fostering the mother-daughter relationship through philanthropic, leadership, and cultural activities together and in peer groups. NCL gives mothers and daughters unique opportunities to strengthen their bond while growing together, sharing of themselves, and improving their communities.
MEMBERSHIP is now open for girls in 7th through 12th grades in the Carolina Lily Chapter. For additional information and to obtain membership forms, contact Eileen Clute, VP membership at eclute@nc.rr.com
From the desk of Principal Nelson THOUGHTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
When the Wake County Public School System (WCPSS) recently released first semester results for 2010-2011, Panther Creek again was a leader among high schools. Our proficiency results for the state-tested subject areas are listed below and are compared to first semester results for all Wake County Schools:
SUBJECT PANTHER CREEK WCPSS
Algebra I 90.9% 74.2% Algebra II 96.0% 87.5% Biology 92.1% 85.3% Civics and Economics 93.5% 84.1% English I 96.9% 85.1% Physical Science 91.2% 80.1% U.S. History 94.4% 80.3%
In addition to high percentages of proficient students in the tested areas, our individual students consistently demonstrated high growth. In the five core tested subjects (Algebra I, biology, civics and economics, English I, and U.S. history), 73.5% of the students tested at Panther Creek showed “academic change” compared to 57.4% for all WCPSS students. The state target for high growth is 60%. Our staff members continue to set high expectations for all students, and our students are responding. Of course, collaboration among teachers, students, and parents plays a significant role in our outstanding results. As second semester progresses, our professional learning teams are using first semester achievement data to identify and address strengths as well as areas of improvement in their instructional programs for second semester. In addition to looking at our challenges and mapping strategies to increase student achievement, it is important for our school community to celebrate our successes. Thank you, parents, for your part in helping us to maintain a culture of excellence. Second semester is moving quickly and will continue to do so, especially for our seniors. For all students and parents, monitoring academic progress via SPAN and through regular communication with each other and with teachers is critical to positive outcomes. Parents, please encourage your student to attend class daily, prepared to achieve, and insist that your student takes advantage of SMART Lunch and the opportunities for remediation and enrichment that our teachers provide during this time built into our school day. It is our goal for all students to achieve at their highest potential and to advance to the next grade level, ultimately graduating in four or fewer years. Best wishes for a great spring and a successful second semester!
PTSA news….. The search is on….. For PTSA Board members and committee chairs for 2011-2012. Taking an active leadership role in the PCHS PTSA is a fun and rewarding experience. There are a number of positions available. Please contact Barbara Green, nominating committee chair, if you are interested in filling a role or would like additional information. Barbara@Cary-NC.com Panther Creek PTSA Position Responsibilities
Board Positions: President - Secretary - Responsibilities as Secretary for Panther Creek PTSA include being present at each Board and General PTSA meeting. At the meeting, you will take attendance and record the minutes. In the days following the meeting, the minutes should be distributed to the Board members for approval and any changes required should be made and redistributed in a timely manner. You will maintain a notebook of past minutes as well as a notebook at the school for public viewing. At the beginning of each Board members term, you will ensure they sign a confidentiality agreement and keep these on file. Treasurer - Treasurer consists of paying expenses, collect & deposit all monies brought in by PTSA, have an audit done of the account and file any required tax forms. VP Programs - Oversees Student Recognition, Reflections, Staff appreciation, Presidential Service Awards and Senior Activities VP Ways and Means - Oversees Membership, Business Awards and Catamounts Night Out VP Communications (was Community Relations) Facilitate good communication between the school, the PTSA, and the school families. The VP is responsible for overseeing the PTSA newsletter, PTSA web site, and the PTSA weekly email update, as well as the district 8 representative. VP Volunteers (change to VP Services?) Responsible for recruiting and tracking parent volunteers and providing contact names to other PTSA or school groups in need of parent volunteers. Chair / Committee Positions
Ø Programs:
Student Recognition Chairperson: Kudos for Catamounts: The “Kudo's For Catamounts” program rewards students who have been recognized by a staff member for exhibiting positive character traits. Historically gift cards purchased from local businesses are given for the weekly awards, and a larger amount up to $25. have been awarded at the end of each quarter. Academic Letters: The Academic Letters Program recognizes PCHS students for outstanding academic performance in their classes during a school year. In order to qualify for this award, students must have a 3.75 or higher unweighted GPA for one school year while enrolled in four courses during each nine week period for the entire school year consisting of two semesters. Qualifying students receive a chenille ‘PC’ letter, lamp of learning pin, or a bar pin depending on the number of years they have qualified for this award. Honor Roll Recognition: Students making all A’s or a combination of A's and B's qualify for the Honor Roll Program. These students receive a certificate and small reward at the end of each nine week period. A list of students receiving this honor is displayed in the front lobby display case which is updated at the end of each nine week grading period. End of Year Awards Day: The PCHS PTSA supplies the end of the year Awards Day T-Shirts for the Faculty’s Choice Awards. The PCHS faculty nominates students who strive to excel and demonstrate WCPSS character traits and PCHS basic expectations. District 8 Board Advisory Representative- Attend 4-6 meetings per year with other area Representatives, Principals and our School Board Member. Report back to the PTSA.
Reflections Chairperson
This would involve coordinating the Wake County Reflections program at PCHS. The materials are available through Wake County and the state and national PTA web sites. The program usually begins in late fall or early winter by making the materials available or announcing where the information can be printed off. The students submit their entries which the chairperson would be responsible for delivering to the drop off point and sharing the news of any PCHS winners. At the April PTSA meeting the participants are recognized with certificates, ribbons, etc.
Staff Appreciation
This position is often co-chaired. Provide gifts and treats to the staff throughout the year. Gifts are provided typically around holidays and birthdays. Funds to support staff appreciation are budgeted and provided through the PTSA.
Presidential Service Award
The chairperson oversees the Presidential Award program which is awarded to students that have a minimum of 100 hours of volunteer service and civic participation over a course of a 12-month period.
Senior Coordinator - Works with student council leaders and PCHS staff to coordinate and communicate senior activities. Events may vary based on senior class interests. The Senior Coordinator will draw support from senior parents for donations and help with various events. Communication may include both activities and dates of which to be aware including senior pictures, yearbooks, graduation rehearsals, and other dates relevant to the senior class.
Ø Ways and Means
Membership Chairperson- This person works with the board to help drive membership to the PTSA from the parent and staff community. Memberships are promoted at various parent nights and ongoing throughout the year through email communication, Facebook, and staff announcements. The coordinator also tracks membership and funds received and communicate results periodically. Since we historically have had no fund raisers, membership is our primary source of funds.
Catamounts Nights Out coordinator - This person arranges PCHS nights at local businesses that will give a portion of the proceeds from the night to our PTSA. It involves contacting businesses and making the arrangements for a specific night and amount/percentage that they are willing to donate. Word is spread to our families and students through the use of the school announcements, PTSA web site Facebook and PTSA email list. This does not require a great deal of involvement but can supply the PTSA with much needed funds.
Business Rewards Coordinator - This person is responsible for spreading the word and encouraging people to sign up for our local business rewards through partnerships with Harris Teeter and Target and Food Lion. The coordinator also tracks the funds received and reports precede amounts to the board. It involves providing information to parents on how to sign up at these businesses and any others that could be added. The word could be spread through the PTSA web site, email list, Facebook and by handouts at parent nights, etc.
Ø Communications
Email Update Chairperson - Publish weekly emails to parents to communicate upcoming events and reminders of PCHS activities. Input for the email may come from parents, staff, or previously published announcements on the school website or WCPSS sites. (email publications have historically been carried out by the PTSA president, but may be the responsibility of another board or PTSA member with agreement from the board / school staff)
Web Site Coordinator - This job would involve adding things to/ improving/updating our PTSA web site that is linked on the PCHS web site. PTSA officers will periodically ask for items to be placed on the site such as minutes, budgets, etc. It is very helpful to have our web site current and inviting to keep our families involved of PTSA happenings and opportunities for involvement.
e-Newsletter Coordinator - Contact and obtain submissions from the Principal, PTSA President, PTSA Board and committee members, faulty, staff, and club and booster leaders once a quarter to create the e- Newsletter which is then posted on the PCHS PTSA website.
Ø Volunteers
Volunteer Coordinator – (suggest changing this to VP Services) This officer / PTSA member (s) are responsible for taking volunteer signup sheets that are filled out at the parent's night in the fall at the beginning of school and creating a list of volunteers that will then be distributed to the appropriate person. This person is also be responsible for recruiting volunteers for pictures days and proctors for testing days. OTHER PTSA NEWS….. Kudos for Catamounts The PCHS PTSA Kudo's For Catamounts program rewards students who have been recognized by a staff member for exhibiting positive character traits. Gift cards purchased from local businesses in the amount of $15 are given for the weekly awards, and a $25 gift card is awarded at the end of each quarter. The students receiving this award this year are as follows: January 7 -Lucas Zanota January 14 -Krystal Cole January 21 -Sarah Rando January 21 -Chris Escobar January 28 -Paul Yakovenko February 4 -James Shannon February 11 -William Barnes February 18 -Carson Lee February 25 -Jonathan Scott
Honor Roll Recognition Students making all A’s or a combination of A's and B's qualify for the PTSA sponsored Honor Roll Program. These students receive a certificate and small reward at the end of each nine week period. A list of students receiving this honor is displayed in the front lobby display case which is updated at the end of each nine week grading period. Honor roll recipients for the second nine week period of the 2010-2011 school year will be recognized for their academic accomplishments on Thursday, March 3rd during their second period classes. During this time 259 students who made all A’s and 751 students who made a combination of A’s and B’s during the second nine week period of 2010-2011 will receive an honor roll certificate and a small honor roll reward item.
Reflections Update:
Two PCHS students placed first in the District level of the PTSA's national Reflections arts program. Caynon Dell'Omo placed first in the film category and Mijung Shim placed first in visual arts. Their entries are now at the state level of competition. Out of six total District award categories, PCHS captured two top spots!
For the students who placed first, second or third in the Wake County PTA Council level of the competition, a Reflections celebration is scheduled for March 21st at Middle Creek High School. Students will be sent an invitation for the event and are asked to RSVP.
Catamounts Night Out There are only two more spirit nights for the year, so don’t miss the chance to show your school spirit! Plan to meet some friends, or eat with your family at the restaurants listed below. Just tell them you’re from Panther Creek when ordering, and the restaurant will give your PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) a percentage of sales from that time period. It’s a fun, easy way to help your school PTSA do more for students and staff. Note that Rosati’s is including lunch. Five Guys at Davis Dr. and High House Tues., March 15 from 4pm – closing Rosati’s Pizza (Chicago Style) at Morrisville Carpenter and Davis Dr. (behind Walgreens) Tues., April 12 ALL DAY---delivery, take-out, small eat-in
OTHER INFORMATION Carolina Lily Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. The Carolina Lily Chapter is the fourth NCL Chapter in North Carolina and was founded in August 2010. The chapter is based in western Wake County and has members from Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and Raleigh. Currently there are 150 members in the Carolina Lily Chapter which is comprised of moms and daughters representing over 20 area middle and high schools.
National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) for more than 50 years has thrived as one of the nation’s most distinctive and well-respected mother-daughter membership organizations. It is the only national organization committed to fostering the mother-daughter relationship through philanthropic, leadership, and cultural activities together and in peer groups. NCL gives mothers and daughters unique opportunities to strengthen their bond while growing together, sharing of themselves, and improving their communities.
MEMBERSHIP is now open for rising 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th,11th, and 12th graders in the Carolina Lily Chapter. For additional information and to obtain membership forms, contact Eileen Clute, VP membership at eclute@nc.rr.com There will be an information / registration meeting held on Sunday April 3 from 3-4:30 pm (location TBD) for those wanting to learn more about NCL and / or wanting to join.
Fine Art Boosters
The PCHS Fine Arts Booster Club is a non-profit, parent run organization that is commited to helping our Fine Arts Students and Faculty. Throughout the year the Booster Club meets regularly, hosts special events, and provides ongoing support to our outstanding Art, Dance, and Theater Students and Faculty. Funding is made possible through Booster Club Membership, Sponsorship, Advertising, and FUN-draisers. As boosters, not only do we support the Fine Arts with monetary support, we also strive to encourage participation and promote enthusiasm and interest in these great programs. Membership is open to all individuals interested in promoting the ideals of Art, Dance, and Theater.
There are several ways to get involved, and we would love to have you join us! We have found throughout the years that to be successful our students and teachers need our support during shows, whether they be dance, theatrical or artistic. If you join the Booster Club, you will be immediately connected with a group of families representing Art, Dance and Theater who have all come together for one purpose and that's to support our students! For your convenience, the Booster Membership Form can be found on our website, www.PCHSFineArtsBoosters.org. We would love to have you join us!
Meetings are held each month and are open to all members, students and guests. We encourage you to join us! We are always looking for new ideas and suggestions!! If you have any questions, e-mail Vicky Felden at Vicky@PCHSFineArtsBoosters.org or Claudia Czap at
Upcoming events? We will be traveling to NYC March 31 to April 1 for our First Annual PCHS Fine Arts Booster Club Trip!! We are looking forward to seeing a Broadway Show, attend 2 Broadway workshops, and tour Radio City Music Hall and the Empire State Building among other things. Then, the very next weekend, we hope that you will join us for our Spring Musical, The Sound of Music on April 8 and 9. As a special surprise...to commemorate the 45th Anniversery of the Academy Award Winning film, Dan Truhitte, who played "Rolf" in that original film will be attending the performance, and will be giving a special 45 minute performance himself on Saturday, April 9!!! Please check our website for further details of this special event!! Vicky Felden Co-President Panther Creek Fine Arts Booster Club Vicky@PCHSFineArtsBoosters.org
919-699-7912
From the desk of Principal Nelson THOUGHTS FROM THE PRINCIPAL
JUST A MATTER OF DAYS!
The finish line for first semester is in sight for students and staff. Recently, we posted our exam schedule link on the home page of the PCHS web site. For several weeks now, we’ve been reminding students each Monday regarding the number of days left before winter break and the number before the first exam day on Friday, January 14. Thank you, parents, for setting high expectations for your students. Your partnership is the key to our success with our students.
Our teachers know the value of each instructional day, and the significance does not change during the final days of the semester. Because most of our courses are semester classes, earning credit toward graduation requirements is the ultimate learning goal for the remainder of this first term of the school year. As you monitor your student’s academic progress, continue to ask key performance and achievement questions. Individual accountability, just as is true for us as adults, is a key ingredient for academic success for high school students. Our teachers are available to provide extra support during SMART Lunch. We frequently remind our students SMART Lunch, now used in a few other schools, had its origin at PCHS in 2007. We continue to believe it is a great privilege that our students must value and appreciate. The best demonstration of appreciation for SMART Lunch is meaningful participation by each individual student. Please hold your student accountable for SMART Lunch engagement. If you need to communicate with a teacher, feel free to email the teacher directly (addresses are available via the staff directory on the school’s web site) or contact Student Services at 919-463-8657 to request a phone or personal conference with a teacher and/or counselor.
While we will not know the school’s first-semester academic results until after the semester ends, we certainly recognize that this semester has been one with numerous significant accomplishments by our students. We just watched our varsity football team’s thrilling march to the Tri-9 Conference title, the Mideast Sectional title, and the 4AA Eastern Championship game. The positive energy that resulted from their great season was electrifying among our student body, our staff, our parents, and our community. Our marching band powered its way to several grand championships during the fall marching season and impressed audiences at home and on the road. Visual arts students were among the top ribbon winners at the State Fair. When Wake County compiled last school year’s data for the five tested subject areas required for graduation (Algebra I, biology, civics and economics, English I, and United States history), PCHS was the only high school in Wake County to meet the growth target for each of the five subjects; growth often is seen as the most important measurement because it shows how a school achieved with all students from the time they started the course until they finished the course. On October 13, the Department of Public Instruction hosted a ceremony during which Governor Perdue recognized PCHS for our four-year graduation rate, which at 92.8% was the highest in Wake County for the second consecutive school year and one of the top two for large high schools in North Carolina. Our five-year graduation rate was 97.7%. While the list of accolades could continue for individuals and other student groups, my most important message is a grand “high five” to our students, parents, faculty and staff. Being a School of Excellence is the result of much planning, hard work, and a true commitment to exemplary standards.
Have a safe and happy winter break. In just a matter of days, the first semester will end and the pace toward graduation for the Class of 2011 will increase dramatically. When students return to school on January 4, 2011, there will be only eight instructional days before the first exam day. Join me in committing to a positive and successful end to first semester and a great start to 2011.
Rodney C. Nelson, Principal
A Word from Tammy Pressley, PTSA President I want to personally thank each one of you who financially supported the PTSA with your abundant donations! This is the first year since Panther Creek opened that we have met our goal; in fact, we actually surpassed it a little!! It is because of your generosity that we are able to fund all the programs we hope to for our students and staff. Remember, our two main goals are student recognition and staff appreciation so 100% of your money goes towards these two programs.
Recently, first quarter honor roll recipients were recognized and given a certificate and Honor Roll Magnet. Several of our students’ pieces were chosen to move to the county level for judging in the Reflections Competition, which is a PTSA sponsored event. The PTSA also sponsored the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards and certificates were issued in recognition of students’ volunteer hours. In addition to these special events, the PTSA continues to have weekly Kudos for Catamounts drawings where students who go above and beyond are eligible to receive a gift card to local stores.
Our staff continues to be reminded how much they are loved by our wonderful Staff Appreciation Committee. Teachers and administrators often find holiday surprises in their mailboxes as well as monthly birthday cards with a Duncan Donut gift card attached. I know the committee is planning some special events for the spring, as well as the annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in May.
In closing, I want to remind you that it’s never too late to join PTSA or give a donation. I also want to take time again to personally thank each of our board members!! They work hard to insure the success of our PTSA!!
Best wishes for a great ending to first semester and a successful second one!
PTSA news….. **Proctors Needed** Although EOC’s will not be held until January, it has been brought to our attention that ALL proctors must be registered with the Wake County School System through the Intra-Net. This can be done from 8:00 am until 4:00 pm on Mondays only (with the exception of Dec. 20, 27 and Jan. 17) at any Wake County Public School in their media center. Please make sure to check off Panther Creek HS on your form. This process must be completed each school year because as of July 1, 2010 all school volunteer data bases expired and all volunteers need to be registered again for the current school year. Make sure to register as soon as possible as it can take up to two weeks to be cleared as a volunteer. In addition, if you are planning to proctor for finals in June, the volunteer registration system will close on April 25th, so you need to go ahead and register soon. To sign up for proctoring, please email Suzanne Will at SMWill@nc.rr.com.
$$ for Panther Creek If you’re looking for an easy and FREE way to show your support for Panther Creek, linking your shopping cards to Panther Creek High School is the way to do it. Last year PCHS families contributed almost $2,500 to the PTSA simply by linking their cards. The sooner you link your cards, the sooner the school starts earning funds.
Harris Teeter: · Go to www.harristeeter.com and click Community then select Together in Education. · Click Link to Your School from the menu options on the left side of the screen. · Fill out your contact information, including your VIC card number. Enter 6087 beside School Codes to link to PCHS. Food Lion: · Go to www.foodlion.com, then click Community Outreach and MVP Rewards · Click Register Your MVP Card then click Shoppers Register Here. · Enter your your 12 digit MVP Card number and click Submit · Last, click Add a School to Support and enter the code for PCHS: 214016. Target: · Go to www.target.com/tcoe, click Enroll in Take Charge of Education, enter our School ID #123668 · Click Select This School when Panther Creek in Cary is displayed · Enter your contact information and RedCard number (if you don’t have a RedCard you’ll have the opportunity to apply for one) then click Complete Enrollment.
PCHS PTSA’s 2001-2011 Reflections Program Winners “Together We Can …”
These entries are moving on to the WCPSS PTSA for judging at the county level.
PTSA MEMBERSHIP On behalf our PTSA board, I would like to personally thank all parents who have joined and given donations so far this year. At this time, we have exceeded our $12,000 goal. Since we do not hold fundraisers, we rely solely on parental support to fund our programs. While we have met our goal, it is still not too late to join!! All money given to Panther Creek's PTSA goes to support student recognition and staff appreciation, so the more money we collect, the more programs we can offer our students and staff. THANKS again for your wonderful generosity!! Jenny Cass, PTSA Chairperson
SERVICE AWARDS Congratulations to our students receiving the “Presidential Volunteer Service” Awards! They are:
Bronze Awards: (100 – 174 Hours – October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010) Kara Oravetz, Josh Kakarlamudi, Heather Hust, Aishwarya Nag, Annette Llanes, Alexander Bisi, Jill Green, Julia Shen, Sameer Kak, Krina Patel, Coleton Musciano, Fariha Syed, Kurthana Velappan, Brooke Namboodri, Kaitlin Garfield, Olivia Sanders, Kayla Hillson, Holly Meehan, Coleton Musciano, Peter Soares
Silver Awards: (175 – 249 Hours – October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010) Jenny Liao, Supriya Sadagopan, Rashmitha Vasa, Krishna Mallupeddi, Eric Meehan, Hari Joy, Sara Mumford, Brittany Martinez
Gold Awards: (250 Hours + - October 1, 2009 – September 30, 2010) Aishwarya Hariharan, Anshuleena Vipparla, Erica Kakarlamudi, David Mackanic, Linran Zhou, Nitin Goel, Myles Travitz, Sarah Morton, Aaron Srivastava, Krishna Gorrepati, Maria Kelly Soares, Ritika Patil, Olivia Boorom, Deekshita Ramanarayanan, Shona Sharma, Samantha Ongchuan, Ariel Wong, Cameron Olesen, Keifer Smith, Angela Zhou, Moni Chow
Our 2011 award year has begun October 1, 2010… track your hours online at www.presidentialserviceawards.gov. If your name is not included on this list and you turned in hours or if there or any questions or changes, please contact Meg Clarke at mclarke001@nc.rr.com.
KUDOS for Catamount Recipients 2010-2011 KUDOS WINNERS
September 3, 2010 – William Clark /Mr. Hoey September 10, 2010 – Casey Bowman/Ms. Nosal September 17, 2010-John Wilkes/Mrs. Marquart September 24, 2010-Cassie Pacanovsky/Mrs. Stocum September 30, 2010-Karly Perkins/Mr. DeStaebler October 8, 2010-Daniel Zogbi/Ms. Daetz October 15, 2010-Devonte Smith/Ms. Wooten October 22, 2010-Jenna Bullard/Ms. Wooten October 28, 2010-Ivan Jacombe/Ms. Marquart October 28, 2010-Francesca Pino/Mr. Mabe (Quarterly Winners) November 5, 2010-Erik Legaard/Ms. Holley November 12, 2010-Cameron Ellison/Mr. Ray November 19, 2010-Ellie Arnold/Ms. Laycock December 3, 2010-Lesley Tillotson/Ms. Justice December 10, 2010-Brittany Jewett/Mr. Davidson
Catamounts Night Out Don’t miss the chance to show your school spirit! Plan to meet some friends, or eat with your family at the restaurants listed below. Just tell them you’re from Panther Creek when ordering, and the restaurant will give your PTSA (Parent Teacher Student Association) a percentage of sales from that time period. It’s a fun, easy way to help your school PTSA do more for Panther Creek students and staff. Note that two of the restaurants are allowing lunch as well! Buffalo Wings & Rings at Morrisville Carpenter and Davis Dr. Wed., Feb. 9 ALL DAY! Five Guys at Davis Dr. and High House Tues., March 15 from 4pm – closing Rosati’s Pizza (Chicago Style) at Morrisville Carpenter and Davis Dr. (behind Walgreens) Tues., April 12 ALL DAY---delivery, take-out, small eat-in
First Semester Exam Schedule Please go to the Home Page of the Panther Creek website at http://panthercreekhs.wcpss.net, click on “First Semester Exam Schedule,” and read the information under “Special Notes.”
Thursday, January 13—Regular School Schedule. Period 1 will have an exam review for one hour of the class and Periods 2 – 4 will be on a regular schedule
Friday, January 14—Early Release. · 7:25–10:25 Period 1 Exam · 10:30–11:30 Period 2 Review · 11:35 Students Released
Monday, January 17—Holiday (No School)
Tuesday, January 18—Early Release · 7:25–10:25 Period 2 Exam · 10:30–11:30 Period 3 Review · 11:35 Students Released · 12:00–3:00 Period 1 Retest
Wednesday, January 19—Early Release · 7:25–10:25 Period 3 Exam · 10:30–11:30 Period 4 Review · 11:35 Students Released · 12:00–3:00 Period 2 Retest
Thursday, January 20 · 7:25-10:25 Period 4 Exam · 10:30 Students Released · 11:00-2:00 Period 3 Retest
Friday, January 21—Early Release · 7:25-10:25 1st Period Make-up Exam Period 4 Retest · 10:25-11:00 Lunch · 11:00-2:05 2nd Period Make-Up Exam · 2:10 Buses Depart
OTHER INFORMATION Carolina Lily Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. The Carolina Lily Chapter is the fourth NCL Chapter in North Carolina and was founded in August 2010. The chapter is based in western Wake County and has members from Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and Raleigh. Currently there are 138 members in the Carolina Lily Chapter which is comprised of moms and daughters in grades 7-11 representing over 20 area middle and high schools.
National Charity League, Inc. (NCL) for more than 50 years has thrived as one of the nation’s most distinctive and well-respected mother-daughter membership organizations. It is the only national organization committed to fostering the mother-daughter relationship through philanthropic, leadership, and cultural activities together and in peer groups. NCL gives mothers and daughters unique opportunities to strengthen their bond while growing together, sharing of themselves, and improving their communities.
MEMBERSHIP is now open for girls in 7th, 8th, 9th, and 11th grades in the Carolina Lily Chapter. For additional information and to obtain membership forms, contact Eileen Clute, VP membership at eclute@nc.rr.com
Choral Boosters PCHS Chorus will be performing their final concert for the school year at the PCHS Auditorium on Tuesday, 25th May at 7:00 pm. Tickets are $5.00 for adults and students. A variety of music will be presented, including a musical tribute to the TV show, Glee! Please come!
PCHS PTSA E-NEWSLETTER From the desk of Principal Nelson At our second semester Parent Night on February 11, I had the first opportunity in a large-group gathering of parents to share some exciting Panther Creek news. It’s my honor now to share it with parents through the PTSA newsletter. Late last fall we learned that Panther Creek appeared seventy (70) times on the Wake County Schools “Tops List” for student achievement in 2008-2009. That number of appearances was significantly higher than any other Wake County school. Achievement measured by proficiency and growth as well as effective indices determined placement on the list. All tested subject areas and the performance of subgroups (achievement level, race, students with disabilities, limited English proficiency, free and reduced lunch, etc.) factored into the number of times a school appeared on the list. In addition, I shared that Panther Creek’s graduation rate last year was 96.6%. This percentage was the highest of all Wake County high schools and was based on students finishing their high school program in four years or fewer. While Panther Creek’s graduates were judged on a four-year period, the members of the Class of 2009 began their freshman year the year before Panther Creek opened. Thus, Panther Creek is credited with only three years of the four years for the Class of 2009 and did not qualify for state recognition for its outstanding graduation rate—one of the highest in North Carolina. First semester results for 2009-2010 just have been released, and we are excited to report some of our school’s top results ever. Our proficiency results for the state-tested subject areas are listed below and are compared to first semester results for all Wake County Schools:
SUBJECT PANTHER CREEK WCPSS
Algebra I 84.9% 70.9% Algebra II 94.4% 88.0% Biology 92.7% 83.8% Civics and Economics 92.6% 83.0% English I 98.7% 85.4% Geometry 93.1% 85.7% Physical Science 94.7% 79.8% U.S. History 94.4% 82.0%
In addition, during first semester thirteen (13) of our Career and Technical Education courses had standardized testing. In twelve (12) of those courses, our students earned proficiency scores ranging from 92.7% to 98.9%. The one area under those percentages was 85.5%. Such results do not occur by accident. We commend our students, our teachers, and our parents for their commitment to high expectations. Collaboration among teachers, students, and parents plays a significant role in outstanding achievement. Already, our professional learning teams are using first semester achievement data to identify and address strengths as well as areas of improvement in their instructional programs for second semester. Celebrating success is vital to continued positive results, but the challenge is to examine how to increase results, achieve growth, and enhance learning for all students. Congratulations on a successful first semester! The school administration, faculty, and staff value your continued support as we work with a great student body and community. Panther Creek is stronger because of our partnership.
A Word from Tammy Pressley, PTSA President
At the writing of this article, I can still see a few piles of snow on the ground. I sure hope the old southern saying “it’s just lying there waiting for more” is not true in this case! While I enjoy watching the pretty, white, fluffy stuff fall from the sky, I’m not so thrilled with snow when it prevents us from getting out or it causes school to be closed, especially when we lose a day of spring break.
Time continues to march on, and I can’t believe that we are now into second semester. In fact, I was reminded today that we are about halfway through the first quarter already! I hope your children have had a good beginning to their second semester and have adjusted to new classes and teachers. It was nice to get to follow their schedule and meet their new teachers at February’s Open House.
The PTSA continues to work hard at our two main goals: student recognition and staff appreciation. Honor roll recipients for second quarter of first semester will be awarded soon with a certificate and Panther Creek High pencil. Several of our students’ pieces were chosen to move on to the District Judging of the Reflections Competition, which is a PTSA sponsored event. The PTSA also sponsored the Presidential Volunteer Service Awards and certificates were issued to students in recognition of their volunteer hours. In addition to these special events, the PTSA continues to have weekly Kudos for Catamounts drawings where students who go above and beyond are eligible to receive a gift card to local stores.
Our staff continues to be reminded how much they are loved by our wonderful Staff Appreciation Committee. Teachers and administrators often find holiday surprises in their mailboxes as well as monthly birthday cards with a Duncan Donut gift card attached. I know the committee is planning some fun events for the spring, as well as the annual Teacher Appreciation Luncheon in May.
Don’t forget, it is never too late to join the PTSA or give a donation. Without your support, we cannot fund these wonderful programs. We depend solely on membership and donations, so we can always use your financial assistance. Again, a huge THANKS to all who have given so far this year.
I would like to close by saying how blessed I am to work with such a fantastic board and can never tell them enough how much I appreciate their contributions. It is because of their dedication that our PTSA is successful! THANKS again to each one of you!
Additional PTSA News REFLECTIONS Congratulations to Rachel Krauza who was named a District winner in the PTSA's Reflections contest in the literature category. She was a winner at the District Level and her work will now be judged at the state level. The theme this year was "Beauty is...”. The poem she wrote is lovely and quite thought provoking. This is a huge honor! Marching Band Update
Now that marching band season is over, the Panther Creek Band has moved on to symphonic season. The band is now divided into a symphonic band and a wind ensemble. The symphonic band and the wind ensemble will perform in a pre-festival concert at Green Hope High School on March 11th. This concert is used to prepare students for the North Carolina Band Festival which will be held on March 24th and 25th at Holly Springs High School. Students from the band also auditioned in January for spots in the Central District symphonic band and wind ensemble. The following Panther Creek band students were selected for the All District bands: Nick Ciulla, Cameron Cobb, Joe Figuero, Jae Ha, Jack Hu, Danny Khalil, Jim Liao, Nicole Linderman, Drew Lombana, Sarah Montoya, Julia Shen, Christian Sutherland, and Bethany Wilkes. Of these students, Nick Ciulla, Cameron Cobb, Jack Hu, Jim Liao, and Nicole Linderman are eligible to audition for spots in the North Carolina All State Band. Auditions for the All State Band will take place in early March. Members of the Panther Creek Band are also participating in indoor guard and indoor drumline competitions this spring. Come out and support the guard and drumline on March 20 at Green Hope High School.
Panther Creek High School Fine Arts Boosters The PCHS Fine Arts Department presents Pippin on April 22, 23, and 24th at 7pm each evening. Tickets are expected to be $8 in advance or $10 at the door. Pippin is a fun, rock musical that first appeared on Broadway in 1972. Pippin is a prince, looking for something to do with his life. He becomes a soldier for his father's army, but soon finds he dislikes war. His grandmother then tells him to start living. Pippin is upset that his father is killing thousands in war, and murders him. Pippin, now king, looks around for different careers. The moment he is about to give up all hope, Catherine, who has a boy and young estate, picks him up off the street. Pippin, still thinking that love isn't for him, leaves her. In the end Pippin looks at his life and finds that what he was looking for the entire time, was there all along.
More information will be available at http://www.pchsFineArtsBoosters.org/ .
Panther Creek High School Athletic Boosters The 2nd Annual Silent Auction to benefit Panther Creek Athletics will be held on April 9th at Six String Cafe in Cary.
Please save this date now and look for additional details in the coming days.
PCHS Coral Boosters --Panther Creek's Got Talent, our school's annual talent show, will be presented at 7pm on Friday, March 19th and Saturday, March 20th. Tickets are $5 in advance (sold during lunches the week of the show) and $7 at the door. The show will feature a variety of talent including singers of various styles, dance, instrumental music, juggling, 2 excellent rock bands and other exciting variety acts. Proceeds will benefit the PCHS Choral Boosters as well as Duke Children's Hospital.
--The chorus at PCHS will be presenting a Spring Concert on March 23 at 7pm. Tickets are $5 for adults, $2 for students and children 12 and under are free.
From the Yearbook Staff
We are getting down to crunch time when it comes to the yearbook and are in desperate need of pictures. We could really use your help! Right now, we are currently working on pages in the yearbook involving what students do on the weekends, those who have jobs, and the senior pages. We would like any pictures you may have of students at their jobs, or having fun with friends on the weekends. If you have a child who is presently working a job, could you please send a picture of the student either at the job or in the job attire to pchspictures@gmail.com? If you do not have a picture of them, you can simply send us their name, grade and where they work to the email address above. If you have pictures of your child going to some sort of event on the weekends, we'll take that too! Anything outside of school would be great! We can use all the help we can get! We are also in need of pictures of Seniors from Panther Creek. We are working on the pages dedicated to senior life and would love to have any pictures you might have from the Senior Brunch, Senior Parade, Senior Nights, or any groups of seniors hanging out together. We could really use your help! Send us your pictures ASAP!
2009-2010 Quarter 2 PCHSNewletterQ2.pdf October 2009 
 |
|
