Penncrest High School
April 2016 Freshman Newsletter
April Calendar
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Junior Prom, 6:30 p.m., Springfield CC
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College Night, 7:00 p.m., D-wing and Library
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End of Third Marking Period
8-10 All-School Musical, Auditorium
19
Spring Band Concert, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium
27
Spring Choral Concert, 7:00 p.m., Auditorium
Good News
Congratulations to Penncrest Freshman Claire Walsh! Claire earned the Silver Medal in
the 50 Free and a 4th place medal in the 100 Free at the PIAA State Swimming
Championships. Congratulations to Coach Levy as well!
Naviance Registration
Last month, students received registration information for Naviance, a web-based
program used to help track your progress in high school, explore careers, interests, and
colleges, and to complete the college application process. It’s important for all students
to register so that you explore the site and receive communication about programs and
services at Penncrest. If you need your log in information, please contact Mrs. Graham.
Home Access Center
Parents and student should continue to check HAC on a regular basis. Student, it’s
important for you to keep up-to-date on your academic progress. Parents, you should
know how your child is doing so you can best support him/her. Students who do not pass
a class for the year will need to make up the credit in summer school. Please do your best
to finish the year strong. Seek help if you need it!
Community Service
The holiday break is a good opportunity to fulfill part of your community service
requirement. Some ideas include: assisting in a nursing home, helping in a library, or
participating in a canned food drive. Use your vacation time wisely, and earn that service
credit! Remember, upon completion of a school or community service activity, you must
fill out a card and turn it into Mrs. Graham in guidance.
Listening 101
One of the best ways to earn better grades is to become a better listener. But did you
know that being a good listener could help you to become a better friend? Everyone
could use a good listener, whether you are talking about a difficult problem or trying to
decide what to do on the weekend.
The most common listening obstacles
1. Talking instead of listening
2. Thinking of what you are going to say instead of listening
3. Mentally arguing with the speaker
4. Thinking about something else when the speaker is talking
5. Growing impatient with the speaker
6. Giving in to a poor environment—too noisy, too hot!
7. Dividing your attention—getting homework, writing a letter, daydreaming.
8. Not being motivated to listen. The subject is boring!
9. Not listening actively—taking notes, asking questions.
10. Being distracted by the speaker’s mannerisms, voice, or appearance.
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How to improve your listening
Come to class prepared.
Sit close to the person you are listening to.
Listen for verbal clues that something is important. Stories, examples.
Watch for non-verbal clues—watch eyes, facial expressions, posture.
Make eye contact.
Ask questions to clarify your understanding.
Restate what you heard to someone else.
Happy Spring!
Mrs. Graham
610-627-6207
sgraham@rtmsd.org