BATTLE MOUNTAIN
NEWSLETTER

April 2008 

Honors English 1
Applications distributed at middle school orientations and are due April 25th.  Non-ECSD students can pick up an application in the front office.
 
Biology
Biology admission is based on a test administered at each middle school.  Non-ECSD students should contact Lauren Wilson lwilson@eagleschools.net to arrange a test time.
 
Advanced Computer Applications
Test offered at BMHS Wednesday April 16th at 4:30, and Thursday,  April 24th at 6:30.
 
AP Human Geography
Submit a second copy of the essay for Honors English 1, due by April 25th.
 
Spanish 3, 4, or AP
Spanish placement tests will be administered at the middle schools on April 1st.  Non-ECSD students should contact Don Hohmann  dhohmann@eagleschools.net)  to arrange a test time.
 
Geometry
Math placement tests will be administered at middle schools in May.  Non-ECSD students should contact Mella Wheatley mailto:mwheatley@eagleschools.net to arrange a test time.

Interested in college classes in high school?

Listen for announcements for the Accuplacer test to qualify! Sign up for testing in the guidance office. You can also call CMC at 569-2900 to take the test there.

Pre-enrollment for next year's classes will take place after Spring Break in April. 

Travel to France:
Interested in traveling to France for Spring Break next-year?  See Ms. Chipman, ASAP, in Room 303 to enroll
[Marker]Project Graduation

Next Committee Chair Meeting: April 14th, at 7:15pm.

The final planning stages for Project Graduation are well underway.  NOW is the time to send in your $50 or more contribution!  More is always welcome as it costs more than $250 per student to put on this amazing event.  Project Graduation is a fun, safe celebration given to all graduating BMHS students on the night of graduation.  Please make your check out to:  Project Graduation.  Mail to:
 
Project Graduation
P.O. Box 6313
Avon, CO 81620

Dual Credit

Shakespeare News:

Students who registered for the Tri 3 Dual Credit Shakespeare Course are responsible for getting a copy of the COMPLETE WORKS OF WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE.  Copies can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Borders or online at Amazon.com.

Blood Drive

April 9th, 11am-2pm

Must be at least 18 years of age, or 17 with a signed parent permission slip.
Community members welcome.
Get a free T-shirt and save lives.
 
Prom

"Unmask the Night"

April 5th, Donovan Pavilion 8-12pm
 
Coming soon:
Darfur Benefit Dinner at Donovan Pavilion.
Help raise awareness and funds to fight the genocide in Darfur.
Catered dinner with live entertainment.

IMPORTANT
DATES FOR SENIORS
 
Tuesday  May 27th and
Wednesday May 28th
Senior final exams and checkout.  Cap/gown and college transcript requests by 1:00pm, May 28th.
Wednesday May 28th
Senior Awards Night 6:30 PM at VilarCenter for the Arts.  Open to the public. Award winners will be invited.

Thursday May 29th
Baccalaureate 7 PM at Beaver Creek Chapel

Friday May 30th
Graduation practice 10am -12 Ford Amphitheater

Saturday May 31st
12:30 PM Graduation. Seniors arrive at 11:30 AM No tickets, Seating first come-first served

Saturday May 31st
Project Graduation
@ Avon Rec Center
9:30pm to 1:30am

Musical News  
 The Boogie Man, an original musical by Steve Szindler, will be presented by the BMHS Players April 10-13, 2008.

The 36 member cast began rehearsals mid-February, and are learning the Lindy and swing dancing as well as the "Jersey accent."

 On April 10, an Opening Night Dinner will run from 6:00 to 7:15pm, with Curtain at 7:30 pm. 

No show scheduled for Friday, April 11. 

On Saturday, April 12, the curtain will be at 7:30, with a Silent Auction and Dessert Intermission.
On Sunday the 13th, the curtain will be at 2:00, with a Dessert Intermission.
Tickets can be reserved by calling 328-7834 beginning March 31st or they may be purchased at the door.
For Dinner and Show:
Adults $20--Students and Senior Citizens $15--Under 11 $10; for Show Only: Adults $15--Students and Senior Citizens $10--Under 11 $5.

The Gifted Education Team presents:
ECSD District Leaders Panel:

A New Vision for Gifted 
Heather Eberts, ECSD Elementary Level Curriculum Director, will give a presentation detailing the changes that the District is considering for Gifted Education K-12 beginning with the 2008/9 school year.  She has assembled a panel of our District leaders in Gifted Education to discuss the different ways that our GT students will be served and what you can expect in our schools.  Questions and answers will follow.
Come with your questions, concerns and an open mind for change!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
6:30-8:30pm Eagle County Health Services Classroom
(Behind the Edwards Post Office)
 

PTA News 
Our April meeting is now an evening meeting on Tuesday April 8th, 6:00pm at the BMHS Library.  The entire meeting will be devoted to a presentation called "Walking the Talk". This is a free workshop to assist parents and other adults to effectively initiate discussions with their children and other young people about the use and nonuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco. It is an excellent prevention program for parents and their children.
 
Email Carri Tedstrom with questions at [mailto:tedstrom@centurytel.net ]tedstrom@centurytel.net

The Hospitality Committee would like to thank those who helped with treats for the staff on both Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day, especially Beth Levine Rosen, Netia Gerken, Teri Seibert, and Janet Windham. 
If you'd like to help with Teacher Appreciation Day, Secretaries' Day, or the upcoming Parent-Teacher Conferences, please contact Debbie Robbins at <[ mailto:debrobs@gmail.com ]debrobs@gmail.com> or 926-4470. Thanks!
A GREAT BIG THANK YOU goes out to the PTA parents who coordinated, purchased, and delivered food during the CSAP testing days.

Brian Hester:  Colorado High School Principal of the Year
 Thanks to all those that took the time to recognize Brian Hester as Outstanding Principal of the Year. Sometimes the good guy finishes FIRST!

 Read the press release!

Save the Date
Take Action!  Please join us as we host a Town Hall Meeting on the prevention of underage drinking.  This will be an opportunity to learn about the issues facing youth in Eagle County along with a dialogue about best practices and strategies to impact substance abuse and use. 
Who: Community Members, Parents, Teachers
What: Town Hall Meeting about preventing underage drinking
When: April 10th starting with a reception @ 5:30
Where: Berry Creek Middle School Auditorium
Why: To Make a Difference!
"The 2005 Eagle County Health and Quality of Life Survey, reported that 23 percent of responding households were affected by substance abuse, including alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs."

 Message from the Principal 
April is spring time in the Rockies - winter and summer conditions, often times during the same day.  Students dressed in parkas and flip flops.  The weather is a metaphor for the two diverse areas of emphasis at Battle Mountain this time of the school year: finishing the school year with our best effort in student achievement, and planning for the academic needs for the next school year. 
One of the most important messages we want to send this time of the year is to "finish strong."  This includes giving your best effort at the end of the academic classes,
athletic/activity seasons, and during the testing periods. Based on attendance and completion of the CSAP tests, the ninth and tenth grade students demonstrated a high level of effort at the close of the second trimester.  These scores will appear on the students' transcripts and will be considered as one of the criteria for course placement.  The eleventh and twelfth graders have the opportunity to demonstrate the sum of their academic learning through the highly challenging ACT and Advanced Placement Tests, scheduled for late-April and in May. During this school year we have served 80 eleventh and twelfth graders enrolled in the ACT Prep courses. In the academic arena, we will celebrate the improvement and strong finish of over 75 students as part of the "Strive for Five" program (April 4 at 11:00 AM in the cafeteria.)  All of these students improved their grade point average by .5, a half a letter grade, by the end of the second trimester, or were acknowledged for outstanding or most improved status in a specific subject area for the second term.  During the first two trimesters, a number of twelfth grade students have taken advantage of our new internship course to gain valuable experience for potential career pathways.
            Along with planning for the close of the school year, April is the time for school staff and stakeholders to finalize decisions related to school improvement for the next year.  Please realize that parent and community input is a major consideration.  We thank you for completing our survey on-line or in hard copy form.  The BMHS Accountability Committee, comprised of parents, community members, and school staff, compiled the results and will be using this data to identify strengths and weaknesses in our educational services.  Battle Mountain has realized significant improvement this year by focusing on the three themes for improvement identified in last year's survey:  the 9th grade program and transition, English Language Acquisition services, and academic rigor and opportunities in the upper grades.
Finally, please make sure you review your student's pre-registration course selections for next year.  During the month of April, the counselors will be working with your student to plan for the ensuing academic year.  Course changes will be approved sparingly in the fall, so it is very important that parents review the BMHS Planning Guide and their students' pre-registration course selections.  Also, please remember to attend parent-teacher conferences on April 28 from 4-8 PM.
Let's all finish strong and be prepared for next year's school year.  We hope to see you at graduation, end-of-the year awards, the middle schools, or other spring games and events.
 
Brian Hester
Principal  
 

The Tire Rack Street Survival® School is a safe teen driving program designed to go beyond today's required driver's education and give teens across the U.S. the driving tools and hands-on experience to become safer, smarter drivers. Trained and qualified in-car driving instructors as well as classroom experience for each student is provided.
 
The primary emphasis of the Tire Rack Street Survival® is a "hands-on" driving experience in real-world situations! We use your own car to teach you about its handling limits and how you can control them.
 
DATE:  APRIL 26, 2008 
LOCATION:  EAGLE COUNTY AIRPORT - JET CENTER 
AGE:  LICENSED DRIVERS - STUDENTS 16-21 YEARS OF AGE 
TIME:  8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM                     
COST:  $60.00 PER STUDENT
                       
Half reimbursed to each student completing the driving program by co-sponsor, Edwards Rotary Club. Visit StreetSurvival.org for more information.  Full day participation required.  Available to Eagle County Residents only.
                                            
Pre-registration required.  Register online at the street survival website.  The street survival website provides an in-depth overview of the program with details for students and parents.

 http://www.streetsurvival.org/school-schedule.php Click on Eagle County Regional Airport link for details and forms.  Visit the FAQ section for Frequently Asked Questions.
 
The Edwards Rotary Club has made the Street Survival possible for Eagle County residents.  We would like to thank Eagle County Government and the Jet Center for their donation of the facility and the help of the Eagle County Sheriff's Department and Sheriff, Joe Hoy.
 
Adults interested in training to become future instructors, please contact Edwards Rotary Club members Linda Hill, Linda@hillncompany.com or Joe Hoy, joseph.hoy@eaglecounty.us.  Instructing is easy and fun with training provided onsite by the Street Survival instructors.

Dear Parents,

Project Graduation is compiling a picture "Wall of Fame" for the Project Graduation party at the Avon Rec Center on Saturday night, 5/31/08.
 
Please look through your old photographs (you know, the ones in the shoe boxes, scrap books and photo albums around your home!) and look for pictures featuring this year's seniors with their friends and/or teammates.  Group photos will be appreciated as we want to display as many students as possible in our limited space.  These pictures can go all the way back to pre-school, kindergarten through this school year.  We ask that you take photocopies and turn them in (or have your student turn them in) to Tania Landauer in the BMHS Guidance Office by May 9, 2008.
 
What:  Pictures of 2008 seniors - particularly group photos (will not be returned)
Size:  8 ½ x 11 photocopy (black & white or color are both acceptable)
NON-RETURNABLE
When:  Any time between now and May 9
DEADLINE:  May 9, 2008
Where:  Please turn in to Tania Landauer in the BMHS Guidance Office
Why:  To be used at the Project Graduation party the evening of graduation, Saturday, May 31, 2008

 
Thank you in advance for your assistance with this fun project!  We hope all the kids will enjoy looking back at pictures from the past and from this school year and sharing memories with each other!
 
Project Graduation, Decorations Committee
Sue Fontanese, Ellen Gannon, Deb Davis, Becky Maddux, Kristena Wyatt, Margie Shepard, Claire Van Hee and Gaby Sirotkin

Math Club 
Battle Mountain Math Club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 pm to 5:30 pm.  The club creates an environment for students to receive help with their math homework or prepare for math exams.  We will encourage students who are strong in math to help their fellow students for volunteer-hour credit.  No commitment necessary - students may show up whenever they choose and for however long they like.  At least one of the many talented math teachers at BMHS will be available as a resource.

This club will be held in Room 100, near the gym at BMHS.

Contact Daisy Matthews at daisy.matthews@eagleschools.net or at her office phone (970) 328-7930 for further details.  If you are interested in having your student(s) participate in this after-school club, encourage them to seek out Ms. Matthews before or after school.

Evening of Stars

Mark your calendars!
The 15th annual Evening of Stars Teacher Recognition event will be held on Saturday, April 12, at the Vilar Center for the Arts at 6:00 p.m. with dinner and dancing to follow at the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek at 7:15 p.m. Please nominate your favorite teachers for the Outstanding Educator Award and/or your favorite volunteer for the Friend of Education Award by Monday, March 3.  Nomination forms for Outstanding Educator, Rookie of the Year and Friend of Education can be found on your school's or the district's websites.  
 We encourage parents and community members to attend this fun-filled event to honor the outstanding teachers who make such a difference in the lives of children each day. Please sign up to attend at your school or by filling out the Reservation/Donation Form, posted on
www.eagleschools.net.   

Event prices are as follows:
 $35 Community members
$15 Teachers
$20 Spouses of teachers

Evening of Stars is made possible by the Public Education Foundation of Eagle County.

Thanks to everyone who nominated teachers at BMHS to win the Outstanding Educator Award. They were touched by your effort and kind words.  
 Who would like to send the BMHS staff to the event to support these nominees? It only costs $15 to sponsor the teacher(s) of your choice. Please download the form or send an email and let me know who you'd like to "comp". Then send a check, payable to Public Education Foundation of Eagle County to me (P.O.Box 6133, Vail 81658) or drop it off at school. The staff member(s) will receive a form from me that tells who the sponsors are. 
And once again, feel free to join me as a community member in attending the Evening of Stars.
 
 
PROJECT GRADUATION
CELEBRITY DINNER
 
Volunteer wait staff will be some of your
High School coaches.
 
ETOWN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9TH, 5:30-9:00
 
Come and take advantage of some great deals at the silent auction.  Checks, CC, and cash accepted.  Auction closes at 8:00. 
All tips earned directly benefit Project Graduation
(A drug and alcohol free environment for BMHS graduates held on graduation night.) 
Enjoy dinner with family and friends, and service from your favorite coaches.  Your support will help keep our kids safe.
Another fun dinner will be held at
Zacca Za on Wednesday April 23rd.

Important Notes from Guidance
 
Freshman, Sophomores, and Juniors
Registration for 2008-2009 begins in April. You will attend an orientation March 31, April 1st or 2nd and receive the Planning Guide and registration sheet. You will then talk to your parents, teachers and counselor to choose your classes. Then meet with your counselor in the following weeks to pre-register for your classes on PowerSchool. Contact your counselor if you have any questions.
 
Juniors                                                                  
It is college test taking season!
The SAT will be given on May 3rd (Vail Mountain School), and June 7th.  Register at  http://rs6.net/tn.jsp? collegeboard.com.
The ACT will be given on April 12th, June 14th (BMHS) visit [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?actstudent.org to register.

The ACT college entrance test will be given here at BMHS to all juniors on Wednesday April 23rd in the morning (without writing). Students do not need to pay or register. BMHS takes care of everything.
 
Sunday April 6th is the RMACAC College Fair at 1-4 PM in the Ritchie Center at University of Denver. There will be over 150 colleges attending as well as breakout sessions open to the public. This is the one college fair held in the spring in Colorado. It is a good time for juniors to start shopping for schools. Visit [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp? RMACAC.org for details.

Seniors
It is scholarship time!
Check the scholarships that are posted in the guidance office as well as on our [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp? [ http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?Fastweb.com is also a great resource. Confused about financial aid? We have information that we can pass on to you.  Just come by and pick up a copy of Get A Jump Start. 
 Yes, the end is in sight but it is not here yet! It is important to remain engaged in school until the end of the year! Those of you taking Dual Credit classes are in college. Colleges will often ask that you take placement tests over the summer and you want to be as well prepared as possible. Colleges can also revoke acceptances if you have not maintained the level of academic rigor. You don't want to take a class in college that you could have taken in high school.

Drug Influence Recognition Class

Thursday - April 24, 2008

6:30 PM - 8:30PM
Avon Municipal Building - Council Room
Call 970-748-4040 to register (Free Class)

 The class is designed to teach parents how to recognize signs and symptoms of drug influence associated with the below seven drug categories, commonly abused by teenagers in America:

 CNS Depressants (Soma, Valium, Diazepam, Alcohol)
CNS Stimulants (Cocaine, Methamphetamine, Ritalin)
Hallucinogens (LSD, Mushrooms, Ecstasy)
Dissociative Anesthetics (PCP, DXM "Robo")
Narcotic Analgesics (Heroin, Oxy, Demerol)
Inhalants (Whippets, Nitrous Oxide, Gas, Glue, Paint)
Cannabis (Marijuana, Hash)

Superbooster News
 Battle Mountain Superboosters invites you to join our monthly meetings every third Wednesday at 6:30pm held in the Teachers Lounge.  Our next meeting is April 16 and we welcome your participation!  
 
The final 2007/2008 Meet the Teams event was held on Monday March 10 and was a huge success!  Thank you everyone who attended and volunteered.  A HUGE THANK YOU to Lori Brown who initiated this event at Battle Mountain this school year.  We look forward to growing this event next year making it even more fun and successful. 
 
The next 2008-2009 Sports Program ad sales meeting for all team parent representatives is Wednesday April 9 at 6:00 in the Teacher Lounge. 
 
The American National Bank sponsored Sports Scholarship forms will be available in the office on April 1 and are due back by 3:00 April 30.  These scholarships are available to students to attend sports camps related to the BMHS sport in which they participate.  The generosity of American National Bank made it possible for 27 student athletes to attend sports camps last summer.   
For more sports related information including schedules and results visit huskyteams.com.    

Walking the Talk
 TUESDAY APRIL 8, 2008 at 6 PM
MEDIA CENTER
BATTLE MOUNTAIN HIGH SCHOOL
 
Presented by:
THE EAGLE COUNTY PARENT NETWORK (ECPN)
In collaboration with the
Battle Mountain High School PTA
 
Walking the Talk is a free workshop to assist parents and other adults to effectively initiate discussions with their children and other young people about the use and nonuse of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco and to understand their unique and important role in influencing their children's alcohol, tobacco, and drug use behavior.
For information, please contact Janet De Clark at 390-4180 or jdeclark2904@comcast.net

Advanced Placement Students

AP Exams will be held on May 6-16th in the morning at CMC, in Edwards.

Tuesday:        May 6th AP Spanish
Wednesday:   May 7th AP Calculus
Thursday:       May 8th AP Lit
Friday:           May 9th AP US History/Art due
Monday:        May 12th AP Biology
Tuesday:        May 13th AP Environmental Science
Wednesday:   May 14th Language
Thursday:       May 15th AP World
Friday:            May 16th Human Geography

Ms. Abbott will be visiting AP classes to provide you with information on test dates and how to be best prepared for the exams. ALL test fees need to be paid by March 10th. If there is financial hardship, please contact Ms. Abbott. All requests are kept confidential. Specific dates can be found at  http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?Guidance web page.

Battle Mountain High School | P.O. Box 249 | Minturn | CO | 81645