SEM PTSA 2020-2021 Executive Board Slate

AP EXAMS, MAY 11 TO MAY 22

On AP Exam Day

Remind students to click their e-ticket to check in 30 minutes before exam start time. Students should allot 80 minutes for each exam—30 minutes to enter their AP ID, name, and other information, and 50 minutes to draft and submit their responses. Make sure your students know their local testing time, since each subject's exam will be taken simultaneously worldwide.

Ensure your students know what to do if something goes wrong. If a student accidentally closes the browser, their device crashes, or they temporarily lose internet access, they can quickly click their exam e-ticket again to return to the exam. They should continue the exam, and if they feel at the end of the exam that the temporary disruption negatively impacted their performance, they can request approval to take the makeup exam at cb.org/requestmakeup. Students can also request a makeup exam if they've lost too much time due to a technical problem, can't connect to their exam, or experienced some other serious disruption.

What Students Need on Exam Day

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School Calendar

Mon, May 11 (A day)

Tues, May 12 (B day)

Wed, May 13 (A day)

Thurs, May 14 (B day)

Fri, May 15 (A day)

Mon, May 18 (B day)

Tues, May 19 (A day)

Wed, May 20 (B day)

Thurs, May 21 (A day)

Fri, May 22 (B day)

Mon, May 25

Tues, May 26 (A day)

Wed, May 27 (B day)

Fri,June 12

SENIORS: Diploma Pick Up Day (including drop off technology, etc.)

Videos (update)

PROM BOMB 2020

Scheduled for 8 pm on Saturday, May 16, Bomb Prom 2020 is VIRTUAL PROM streaming live from the Bomb Factory (a venue in Deep Ellum).

This virtual event is to celebrate the class of 2020 and to provide them the prom they deserve while practicing safe social distancing. This multi-platform live production will include local DJs and scenic backdrops designed for a totally unique experience, streamed right to your computer or mobile device.

The event is open to all graduating seniors, from anywhere in North Texas or nationwide.

• Log on to participate on Twitch, Facebook Live, Instagram Live, Vimeo, or YouTube Live
• Music will be clean radio edits, (the DJ firms contracted are experienced in school proms)
• All sponsors are guaranteed appropriate
• Participating schools can have chaperones if they wish - anyone can log on
• There is no registration of students, nor expectation of principals or district
• Students can connect to the event via social media across all platforms and head to the website at https://www.thebombfactory.com/bomb-prom

Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/thebombfactorydallas/
Instagram- @TheBombFactoryDallas
web- https://www.thebombfactory.com/bomb-prom


Diploma Pick Up Day - June 12th

Senior Swap Day (senior checkout) (additional details coming)

• Diploma pick-up

• Technology return (laptop, hotspot, etc.)

• Textbook return

• Outstanding Balances

• Band Equipment

• Choir Equipment

• Orchestra Equipment

• Senior will receive locker contents

• Schedule TBA

SEM Graduation Day/Time

Tuesday May 26, 2020 7:00 PM

The ceremonies will broadcast on three platforms:

• MyVRSpot will have individual URLs for each ceremony
• Four separate Facebook accounts to post the URLs
• Three district’s Spectrum cable channel 98, 1300, and 1301

Dallas ISD's 2020 graduation ceremonies will be streaming live and can be viewed and/or downloaded from www.dallasisd.org/graduations.

― Each ceremony will have a separate link as they “go live” on the date and time scheduled.

 

DISD Senior Ovation

May 21st

Senior Ovation Asking the Dallas community to step outside from 7:00 pm 7:10 pm to honor our graduates; https://thehub.dallasisd.org/2020/04/29/dallas-isd-tohold-virtual-commencement-ceremonies-for-class-of2020-districtwide-ovation-planned/

 

Timeline for Students & Parents

• Accurate as of 4/30/2020
• Click below to download

Ceremony Timeline (click here to download)

SEM Senior Swap Day

Sign Up Here. By appointment only.

SEM Senior Swap Day (Tuesday 5/12 & Wednesday 5/13)

The expectation is that graduates will receive their cap and gown and drop off technology (optional), sports equipment, etc. while in the car; the district’s expectation is a no contact transaction.

The students will need to have a name to display in the window as they drive up. Their items will be placed in the trunk so that no contact is made with the students or their family members.

Our "SWAP" location is in the inner drive way (inside mini-parking lot) by the theater)...



Student & Parent Graduation Handbook 2020
Click below to download.

SEM Student & Parent Graduation Handbook 2020 (click here to download)

Senior Dates

• May 4th - Start working on your deliverables
• May 12th & 13th - Senior Swap Days, more info TBA. By appointment only. Click Here.
• May 14th - deadline to submit all your deliverables to Ms. Tangman & Ms. Foster by 12PM
• May 19th - Senior Award Ceremony, Virtual Meeting @ 5:00 PM
• May 19th - Seniors Last Day
• May 21st - As a special way to show support of this year’s senior class, Dallas ISD invites the community to step outside their residence from 7 to 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, and recognize all senior students during a districtwide ovation.
• May 26th - Virtual Graduation, 7PM
• Likely between June 10-16th; exact date(s) TBA; Diploma Pick Up

Students Deliverables - Things You NEED To Start On Right Now

Here's what I know, as already mentioned, every element of the ceremony will be pre-recorded with several segments edited together by the Communications department. I am asking that all of you follow the guidelines listed in the Best Practices documents (below).

PowerPoint Slide should include:

• Photo of each graduate in their cap and gown; Include your full name

• List your high school achievements/honors

• What are your next steps after graduating high school?

• Message (not to exceed 300 characters) from graduate’s parents or family

Video:

• Video of graduate turning their tassel from left to right and tossing their cap; Turning the Tassel

For Val/Sal:

• Video of Valedictory Address and Salutatory addresses.

For ALL:

• Reach out to Ms. Tangman & Ms. Foster for assistance on any speech

• Direct all questions to your senior sponsors: Ms. Tangman and Ms. Foster.

• Written speeches must be submitted for approval to your principal, Mr. Palacios

• Graduates that paid for cap, gown, stole, tassel and diploma cover (ONLY) will receive a full refund.
• Graduates that partially paid for cap, gown, stole, tassel and diploma cover (ONLY) will receive a partial refund.
• Graduates that paid for cap, gown, stole, tassel, diploma cover and additional items will get a refund for the following items: cap, gown, stole, tassel, and diploma cover.
• Graduates that partially paid for cap, gown, stole, tassel, diploma cover and additional items money will go towards the balance due for the additional items.

STUDENT 12th Grade Assembly (virtual)

From April 30th (repeated)

I'm looking forward to seeing you (virtually) and having an opportunity to conference with you via ZOOM. I think it will be neat for us to see one another on ZOOM together. I've also had a great time slowly going around town visiting some of you - I wish I would be able to visit everyone. For our ZOOM meeting, we have many important items to discuss, like graduation. Let's focus all our efforts around making this experience a special one. I'm counting on everyone's concerted efforts. I'm also inviting some of your teachers to join us for our 12th Grade Assembly scheduled for Tuesday, May 5th from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Did you know that ZOOM has a capacity limit? That's why I will only be admitting students into the session. Be sure to identify yourself with your correct, full name.

Parents, I have scheduled a ZOOM meeting to go over same content on Thursday, May 7th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM. Likewise, due to ZOOM's capacity limit, please limit one device per family. Be sure to identify yourself with your correct name.

You are in my thoughts daily. I recognize you have worked extremely hard and made sacrifices throughout your entire high school career in preparation for your future undergraduate, graduate, and professional careers. When you accepted admission to SEM 4 years ago, no one could have predicted this pandemic.

Your safety is always our #1 priority. Truthfully, I'm joyed to learn that we will be able to honor your incredible achievements while maintaining your safety #1 priority. SEM will be graduating per the detailed outlined in the attached letter; SEM will not be holding a separate graduation this summer/fall. This is going to be the most unique graduation ever and we will get to maintain as much of our tradition as possible. As with all graduations, they are never perfect... but I think they aren't meant to be perfect... they are meant to be significant, special, and memorable!

I want each of you to know how much we all care for you - all your SEM teachers & faculty!

Again, I'm looking forward to seeing you at our 12th Grade Assembly (virtual) this Tuesday. Parents, I hope to see you for our 12th Grade Meeting (virtual) this Thursday to re-share updates from your student's meeting. As always, feel free to message me any questions and also great news or shout outs!

Sincerely,

Mr. Palacios

p.s. read the attached Dallas ISD 2020 Graduation Letter

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AP EXAMS, MAY 11 TO MAY 22

On AP Exam Day

5 steps to get ready. https://apcoronavirusupdates.collegeboard.org/students/taking-ap-exams/getting-ready-for-exam-day?excmpid=SM48-ED-CB-tw

Remind students to click their e-ticket to check in 30 minutes before exam start time. Students should allot 80 minutes for each exam—30 minutes to enter their AP ID, name, and other information, and 50 minutes to draft and submit their responses. Make sure your students know their local testing time, since each subject's exam will be taken simultaneously worldwide.

Ensure your students know what to do if something goes wrong. If a student accidentally closes the browser, their device crashes, or they temporarily lose internet access, they can quickly click their exam e-ticket again to return to the exam. They should continue the exam, and if they feel at the end of the exam that the temporary disruption negatively impacted their performance, they can request approval to take the makeup exam at cb.org/requestmakeup. Students can also request a makeup exam if they've lost too much time due to a technical problem, can't connect to their exam, or experienced some other serious disruption.

What Students Need on Exam Day

The College Board cancelled the AP exam registrations of a ring of students who weeee developing plans to cheat... read more at https://twitter.com/AP_Trevor/status/1259561915241676801.

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#1 in Best Public High Schools in Texas 2020

SEM, you did it again!

Niche school rankings.

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Junior Parents - College Access Info.

The information from your traditional "Spring Parent Meeting" is strategically spread out into various opportunities for you to receive LOTS of needed information.

Everything, including the sign up form, is available on our events page.

Such as:

Mon 5/11

4:00pm-5:30pm

JUNIORS / PARENTS: Test-Optional Admissions & Holistic Review with UChicago

Tues 5/12

3:00pm-5:00pm

(3:00pm-4:00pm with Q&A to follow)

JUNIORS: Introduction to the College Process

Tues 5/12

5:00pm-7:00pm

(5:00pm-6:00pm with Q/A to follow)

Junior PARENTS: Introduction to the College Process

Wed 5/13

4:00pm-6:00pm

JUNIORS: Introduction to the College Process

Wed 5/13

4:00pm-6:00pm

Junior PARENTS: Introduction to the College Process (in Spanish)

Thurs 5/14

3:00pm-5:00pm

JUNIORS: Introduction to the College Process

Friday 5/15

12:00pm-2:00pm

Junior: Lunch & Learn / College & Conversation

Friday 5/15

2:00pm-4:00pm

JUNIORS AND PARENTS: Applying to College as a Non-US Citizen

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Weekly Update - Senior Parents

Hello all,

I hope that you are doing well. Below is the list of online sessions for this week. Of course, Ms. Ashmead and the college access team have covered much of what ASP would cover in our sessions, however we are still happy to have any juniors!

Everything, including the sign up form, is available on our events page.

Mon 5/11

2:00pm-4:00pm

Senior: Financial Aid Verification

Mon 5/11

2:00pm-4:00pm

Townview Office Hours #1

Wed 5/13

2:00pm-4:00pm

Senior: Financial Aid Verification

Thurs 5/14

2:00pm-3:00pm

Senior: Financial Aid Verification

Thurs 5/14

2:00pm-4:00pm

Townview Office Hours

Thurs 5/14

4:00pm-6:00pm

Senior: DCCCD - Promise to Transfer

Thurs 5/14

4:00pm-6:00pm

Senior: ASP Alumni Panel: Leaving Dallas & What Comes Next?

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James Bond Theme - Performed by Townview's "No Strings Attached"

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2020 EEI Summit Proposals

An Update from the EEI Program; Thank you Ms. Carver!

Four new projects have been accepted for underwriting by UNT and the city of Dallas. The independent research projects were proposed by our rising Juniors and will be carried out next year. Research findings for the projects will be presented at the EEI summit the following spring for a chance at winning a paid summer internship with UNT.

This year we have four new proposal which received underwriting and will begin research this fall. Congratulations and good luck to Katelyn Cumplido, Sneha Chandak, Arjun Vikram, Evan Branson, and Uma Claire Teelock.

In addition to our four teams which received underwritting for the fall, we have two teams which completed their research and placed 1st and 3rd overall at the 2020 EEI Summit.

Congratulations to Rohan Cherukuru for winning 1st place with his research on Activated Carbon for Water Purification and Brianna Jimenez for placing third with her research on Renewable Cooking for Reduction of Thermal Pollution. Below is the video announcing the winners.

An Update from the EEI Program (continued)

Statement on program:

The Environmental Education Initiative (EEI) is a program sponsored by the University of North Texas and the City of Dallas which supports independent research through underwriting and mentorship. Students interested in participating in this program begin by submitting a research proposal related to conservation efforts. Proposals are reviewed by potential mentors and, if accepted, receive funding for research in the fall.

Students carry out their independent research over the course of the year and then defend their findings at the annual EEI Summit. Research projects are judged on scientific accuracy, depth of study, and potential impact on the environment. Winning teams are awarded a paid summer internship with the City of Dallas.

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In case you missed it: Dallas ISD News Briefing - May 4, 2020

Dallas ISD COVID-19 Update: May 4

DALLAS — Following news briefing, Superintendent Michael Hinojosa updated local media on Dallas ISD’s plans for the end of the current school year and the beginning of 2020-2021.

• All 37 graduations for almost 9,000 seniors will be held virtually.
• To support this year’s senior class, Dallas ISD invites the community to step outside their residence from 7 to 7:10 p.m. on Thursday, May 21, and recognize all senior students during a districtwide ovation.

• While all options about the reopening of schools in the fall remain on the table, the most likely scenario will be a hybrid model that combines at-school instruction with remote learning.
• All plans will be based on safety considerations regarding the capacity to screen students and staff, maintain social distancing on campus, and the availability of safety and cleaning supplies.

• Hotspot availability has been a positive short-term solution—as of May 1 the district had distributed 15,800 mobile hotspots—and all requests to date have been fulfilled.
• Dallas ISD will work with local, state and national civic and business leaders to bring broadband internet service to all families in the district. Operation Connectivity aims to be a permanent solution in the face of periodic school closures and a matter of social justice that must be addressed.

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