www.mvsc.k12.in.us/mhs/
August/September
Volume 5.
2011 Edition.
The Merrillville Advantage
Merrillville High School
P A R E N T
/
“We Strive for Excellence”
E - N E W S L E T T E R
Dear Parents / Guardians of Students of Merrillville High School, It is with great pleasure that I write to welcome you and your student(s) to the 2011‐2012 school year at MHS. As usual, our team of teachers and administration are dedicated to working with you, as educational partners, to provide the academic rigor necessary for the continued success of our students. Every student can excel when we establish high expectations and work collectively to provide the needed support for students to meet and exceed those expectations. To support parent involvement and improve communication we will be guiding you through the process of opening Parent Access Accounts the evenings of re‐
registration, August 9 & 10 (Mandatory for grades 9 & 11). Parent Access accounts will provide more direct access to your child’s schedule, academic performance, attendance, discipline, and more! Additionally, our team of teachers will be posting Scope & Sequence syllabi to the school website this year to stress engagement and accountability and to foster greater communication of academic goals and expectations. I thank you for contributions and ask that over the next four weeks you continue to stress to your child the importance of regular attendance, wearing ID’s, and taking an active role in learning. I eagerly await welcoming you to another wonderful school year. Sincerely, Michael Krutz Principal
MHS LEADERSHIP TEAM
BUILDING PRINCIPAL
Mike Krutz 650-5307 x.7030
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL, SMALL
LEARNING COMMUNITIES
Lorri Covaciu 756-5920
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL GR.12
Marnita Taylor 650-5372
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL GR. 11
James Stamper 650-5373
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL GR. 10
Tim James 650-5378
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL GR. 09
LaFonda Morris 650-5371
DIRECTOR OF GUIDANCE
Michelle Sulich 650-5307 x.5478
Do You Know a Soldier?
Over the years, many of our
graduates have answered the call to
serve in our Nation’s military.
Sending care packages to our
deployed or wounded troops is one
way we can honor their service. If
you know of a Merrillville grad who
is currently serving overseas, please
contact Jean Lahm through email at
giesenfuneral@gmail.com .
’10 Yearbooks on Sale Now!
It’s not too early to purchase the 2012 yearbook.
Two options:
A) Order at school and pay in cash.
B) Order online at yearbookforever.com and use a
credit card.
Prices are lowest now and will increase as the final
deadline approaches. The books will be sold for
$55 until Oct. 1, $60 until Dec. 22 and $65 until
the end of April. Don’t delay. Order now to take
advantage of the lowest prices on the 2012
ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Janis Qualizza 650-5390
ASSISTANT ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
Amy Beckham 650-5340
DIRECTOR OF SECURITY
Brad Best 650-5307 x.5381
SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER
Tim Finnerty 650-5307 x.7157
High School Re-Registration, Addendums &
Textbook Rental Fee Payment
August 9 & 10, 5:30 - 7:30p.m.
M A N D A T O R Y !
Grades 9 & 11
MHS Freshman Café (Entrance I)
Due to increasing numbers of families who have taken advantage of new opportunities for changing residence, a large
number of residency changes are not made known to the school system. In fact, there is an increasing amount of school
mail being returned as undeliverable. Also, there are increasing numbers of telephone numbers, especially cell phone
numbers, that are no longer accurate. Therefore, a periodic update of residency registration, including student
emergency cards, will be required.
All students new to Merrillville High School, all 9th and 11th grade students and ALL STUDENTS registered with an
ADDENDUM must re-register at the times listed below. In order to receive your new school schedule, all book rental
fees (current and past) will have to be paid.
FRESHMEN:
Tuesday, August 9 … 5:30-7:30 p.m.
JUNIORS:
Wednesday, August 10 … 5:30-7:30 p.m.
* PLEASE NOTE ALL NEW STUDENTS AND STUDENTS REGISTERED WITH AN ADDENDUM MAY
COME EITHER NIGHT.
*STUDENTS AND PARENTS: THE ONLY REASON A SCHEDULE CAN BE CHANGED IS IF YOU HAVE
NOT MET A PREREQUISITE FOR A CLASS . THERE WILL BE NO OTHER SCHEDULE CHANGES.
*PLEASE ENTER THROUGH ENTRANCE “I” AND PARK IN THE FOOTBALL PARKING LOT BEHIND
THE FRESHMAN CAFÉ.
Entrance I
Parent
Registration
Parking
F
reshman
Orientation
Parents: Please Plan to Attend
Tuesday, August 9, from 6:00 – 7:00 p.m.
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
Freshman Orientation is Tuesday, August 9, from
6:00-7:00 p.m. this year in the high school
auditorium. This is an opportunity for freshmen and
their parents to meet high school staff and mentors,
tour the Freshman Center, and find out what
Merrillville High School has to offer you! This is also
a re-registration evening so parents can register their
child for the upcoming school year while the mentors
acquaint the freshmen with Merrillville High School.
Please use the football parking lot and enter through
Entrance I.
We look forward to seeing you at Orientation and
welcoming you to Merrillville High School! Please
refer any questions to Mrs. Covaciu, Assistant
Principal at 756-5920 or lcovaciu@mvsc.k12.in.us.
GUIDANCE
DEPARTMENT:
__________________________________
Michelle Sulich
Department Coordinator
219-650- 5478
Veronica Maldonado
Counselor for A - Come
ext. 5476
Michelle Wilson
Counselor for Comf-Gull
ext. 5374
Grace Dewald
Counselor for Gulm-Leek
ext. 7208
Cari Hooper
Counselor for Leel-Phil
ext. 5477
Betty Jordan
Counselor for Phim-Stoj
ext. 5479
Greg Geimer
Counselor for Stok-Z
ext. 5379
Kerry Wiersbe
9th Grade Counselor for A-L
ext. 5735
Lora Sterley
9th Grade Counselor for M-Z
ext. 5734
Cheryl Albers Secretary ext. 7052
Katie Wiser Secretary ext. 7046
Judy Vassalo Registrar ext. 5375
“Get Involved in Your Child’s Everyday School Life” What is in Parent Access ?
• Enrollment information
• Grades – past and present
• Attendance- past and present
• Discipline- past and present
• Student schedule – past and present
• District-wide assessment data- past and present
• …and much more!
Before creating an account in Parent Access Online you will need to
have received an activation code letter from your child’s school. If you
have not received this letter please contact the office of your student’s
school. If you have multiple students in different schools throughout the
district you will need to have an activation code for each student.
Log on today at: www.mvsc.k12.in.us/parentaccess.
M H S C e l e b r a t e s
AYP Achievement!
We are thrilled to share that Merrillville High School has not only made AYP in both Math and English, but also scored the highest passage rates in the history of the school! The continued emphasis on high rigor, relevance, relationships and resiliency is what has empowered our students to reach this goal. The results demonstrate our schools resilience and commitment to excellence. For more information on AYP visit: www.doe.in.gov/ayp/. SU B TO TA L
Pirate Athletics
E
BA LA NC E DU
Girls Golf!
(Varsity)!
Boys Soccer
(Varsity)!
•  Aug 2 Valpo Aberdeen Classic
•  Aug 12 Rensselaer Central
•  Aug 18 Hammond Clark
•  Aug 24 Munster
•  Aug 30 Chesterton
•  Sept 17 Sectional
•  Aug 13 Andrean Jamboree
•  Aug 24 LaPorte
•  Sept 2 Hoosier Cup Invitational
•  Sept 10 Munster (H)
•  Sept 21 Crown Point
•  Sept 28 Lake Central (H)
Aug 8 KV Invite
Aug 15 DAC Invite/Chesterton
Aug 22 Lake Central/ Valparaiso
Aug 25 LaPorte
Sept 1 Michigan City
Aug 17 Portage
Aug 27 Kankakee Valley (H)
Sept 3 Hoosier Cup Invitational
Sept 14 Michigan City
Sept 24 West Lafayette/Laf. Jeff
Aug 22 Andrean (H)
Aug 31 Chesterton (H)
Sept 7 Valparaiso (H)
Sept 17 Hobart (H)
Sept 26 Highland (H)
Boys Tennis
•  Aug 23 Highland (H)
•  Aug 30 Lake Central (H)
•  Sept 6 Crown Point
•  Sept 13 Portage
•  Sept 19 Hobart (H)
•  Sept 26 Lowell (H)
Boys Cross
Country!
• Aug 27 Gavit Invitational
• Sept 6 MC,Lake Central Tri Meet
• Sept 13 Hobart, MC,LaPorte,Valpo Tri Meet (H)
• Sept 20 Chesterton, Crown Point Tri Meet
Aug 30 Portage (H)
Sept 10 Rensselaer Central
Sept 17 New Prarie Invite
Sept 24 Highland Invitational
• Aug 12 Lowell Scrimmage (H) 6:30p
• Aug 26 Andrean (H) 7:00p
• Sept 9 Portage (H) 7:00p
• Sept 23 LaPorte (H) 7:00p
Aug 20 Warren Central (H) 6:30p
Sept 2 Crown Point 7:00p
Sept 16 Michigan City 7:00p
Sept 30 Valparaiso 7:00p
(Varsity)!
Boys
Football
(Varsity)!
Girls
Volleyball
(Varstiy)!
Girls
Soccer
(Varsity)!
Girls Cross
Country!
Aug 25 Wheeler
Sept 1 Valparaiso (H)
Sept 8 LaPorte
Sept 15 Michigan City (H)
Sept 20 Chesterton
Sept 27 Munster
Aug 11 Boone Grove
Aug 16 North Newton
Aug 23 Portage
Aug 29 Hobart
Sept 6 Crown Point
Aug 27 Noblesville Tourney
Sept 3 LaPorte Tourney
Sept 10 Warsaw Invite
Sept 17 Varsity INVITE (H)
Sept 24 CP, Mun, High,Low,Port, LC (H)
Sept 29 Sectionals (H)
•  Aug 16 Griffith
•  Aug 22 Calumet Christian (H)
•  Sept 1 Valparaiso
•  Sept 8 Lake Central (H)
•  Sept 19 Wheeler
•  Sept 24 Crown Point Tourny
Aug 17 Lowell
Aug 24 Andrean (H)
Sept 3 Kankakee Valley
Sept 13 Chesterton
Sept 20 Portage
Sept 27 Valparaiso (H)
Aug 20 LaPorte Tourney
Aug 30 Michigan City
Sept 6 LaPorte (H)
Sept 15 Crown Point
Sept 22 Michigan City (H)
Sept 29 LaPorte
•  Aug 13 Andrean Jamboree
•  Aug 25 Highland (H)
•  Sept 1 Kankakee Valley
•  Sept 10 Griffith
•  Sept 20 Crown Point (H)
•  Sept 29 Hobart (H)
Aug 16 Portage (H)
Aug 27 Wheeler
Sept 3 Lowell
Sept 13 Michigan City (H)
Sept 22 Munster (H)
Aug 23 LaPorte (H)
Aug 30 Chesterton
Sept 6 Valparaiso
Sept 15 Wash Township (JV ONLY)
Sept 27 Lake Central
• Aug 27 Gavit Invitational
• Sept 6 Tri Meet MC, Lake Central
• Sept 13 LaPorte Valparaiso, Tri Meet (H)
• Sept 20 Tri Meet Chesterton, Crown Point
Aug 30 Portage (H)
Sept 10 Rensselaer Central
Sept 17 New Prarie Invite
Sept 24 Highland Invitational
Pirate Policies
Student Drivers, School Closings & Attendance
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STUDENT DRIVING PRIVILEGES AND DRIVING
MERRILLVILLE’S ATTENDANCE POLICY
PERMITS
All licensed students have the privilege to drive to school and
park in the student parking lot at Merrillville High School.
This privilege has many responsibilities. Parents and students
need to be aware of the driving rules and regulations at
Merrillville High School, which are outlined in the student
handbook (Pirate Planner). Our driving rules have changed a
bit this year and it is imperative that the following procedures
are followed or a “MHS Parking Permit” will not be issued.
PHILOSOPHY
Regular attendance and promptness are essential to good performance in school.
Absence from school is often the greatest single cause of poor performance and
achievement. Since the learning process is a progressive activity, each day’s
lesson is built upon those class activities that took place on previous days.
Whenever a class is missed, for whatever reasons, that experience can never be
completely made-up. Since responsibility is a learned behavior and regular
school attendance patterns encourage the development of responsible patterns of
behavior, each student attending Merrillville High School is expected to make
every effort possible to be in school each day. The attendance policy is
developed with the idea that if a student is not present in school he/she is not
learning. Merrillville High School attendance regulations are expressed to
encourage attendance and to encourage an “on the job” attitude for students to
follow and to maintain throughout life. Attendance is recorded per semester.
In accordance with the Merrillville High School attendance philosophy, a
student must be in attendance in each class for a minimum of seventy-five (75)
percent of each trimester in order to receive credit for a course or courses.
(NOTE: ALL ABSENCES REGARDLESS OF REASON WILL COUNT
TOWARD THE TWENTY-FIVE (25) PERCENT MAXIMUM.)
First and foremost, parking permits for the 2011-2012 school
year may be purchased during Re-Registration days (August 9
& 10 5:30-7:30 p.m.)
All students who want to drive to school must consent to
participate in the school’s random drug testing program and
sign the consent form/driver’s agreement.
The permit cost is $10.00. Please keep in mind that the
administration at Merrillville High School has the right to
revoke these driving privileges. It is also an Indiana State Law
that any student who has been suspended from school two (2)
times can have their Indiana Driver’s License suspended by the
State of Indiana.
SCHOOL CLOSINGS/DELAYS
Weather conditions can delay the opening of school for one or
two hours or can call for an all-day cancellation. With this in
mind, we are asking parents to please plan for these types of
emergencies. REMEMBER, IF SCHOOL IS DELAYED
FOR ONE (1) HOUR, THE BUS WILL PICK STUDENTS
UP ONE (1) HOUR LATER; FOR A TWO (2) HOUR
DELAY, THE BUS WILL BE THERE TWO (2) HOURS
LATER. It is the goal of our school corporation to transport
students and have our students arrive and leave school under
the safest conditions. Also, please keep in mind that if school is
cancelled for a day, it will be made up at a later date.
When severe weather hits Merrillville, there are a few ways to
find out if our school is delayed or closed.
1. Early dismissals, late starts & school closings will also be
reported on these local radio stations: WZVN-107 FM, WJOB1230 AM, WAKE-1500 AM; Chicago radio stations: WGN720 AM & WBBM-780 AM, & TV stations WYIN (Channel
56 or Cable 17), CBS (Channel 2); News Channel 5; ABC
(Channel 7), WGN (Channel 9); FOX (Channel 32 or Cable
6), & CLTV News (Cable 31).
2. Visit web sites including: www.cancellations.com &
www.emergencyclosings.com
3. Call the Emergency Closing Center to check the status of
school closings at 1-900-407-SNOW (1-900-407-7669) and
enter the school corporation’s main number, 219-650-5300, for
the latest information.
4. This information will also be posted on the MHS homepage
at: http://merrillville.schoolwires.net/msrhs/site/default.asp
5. Call MHS as a last resort as lines may be busy.
STATE LAW
Following is the Indiana compulsory school attendance statute (IC 20-8.1-3-20)
Parent to Produce Certificate of Child’s Incapacity on Demand: If a parent does
not send his child to school because of the child’s illness or mental or physical
incapacity, it is unlawful for the parent to fail or refuse to produce a certificate of
the incapacity for an attendance officer within six (6) days after it is demanded.
The certificate required under this section shall be signed by an Indiana
physician or by an individual holding a license to practice osteopathy or
chiropractic in this state or be a Christian Science practitioner who resides in
Indiana and is listed in the Christian Science Journal.
Tardies
Tardies are defined as arriving late to class without an excused pass from any
where in the building. The excused pass must be given by a staff member.
Students are considered tardy to class if they are less than 15 minutes late
without an excused pass. Students will receive detention slips from teachers
within the 15 minute time period.
1. Tardy:
1st .....Written Warning
2nd .....Written Warning
3rd .....ONE after school detention-Teacher will assign
4th .....Student may continue in the class with a grade of “W/F”,
withdraw to study hall with a grade of “W/F”, audit, or may elect to
go through the expulsion process.
2. Loitering, more than 2-14 minutes late to class (a detention will be issued)
3. Truancy, more than 15 minutes late:
1st........ 2 Detentions for each period/day missed.
2nd...... 3 Friday Schools
3rd....... 5 Friday Schools
Truancies
Students truant from school will be assigned to after school detention or Friday
School(s). The Principal or his designee will make this determination based upon
the student’s record. A truancy occurs when a student fails to attend a
class or classes without permission from the administration or the
student’s parents/guardians and a valid reason.
Truancy applies to students who remain in restrooms due to illness without
reporting to a teacher, administrator, or nurse.
Pirate Policies
Attendance Policy:
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CALLS FOR ABSENCES
Parents/guardians must call STUDENT SERVICES (650-5380) by 10:00 a.m. if a student is going to be absent, tardy, or leave school for an
appointment. (If the parent explains on the student’s first day of absence that they will be gone for an extended period of time, long illness, etc.,
there is no need to call back everyday.) Absences without a parent phone call will be considered truancies / unexcused. Calls can be received on a
24-hour automated voice system. Calls must be received within three days of the absence. THE FIRST 5 CALLS GUARANTEE AN
EXCUSED ABSENCE. Beginning with the Sixth (6TH) phone call the absence is considered unexcused unless a doctor’s note
is presented. Secretaries answering the phone will ask the reason for the student’s absence. Parents should ask to discuss unusual circumstances
for a student’s absence with the student’s principal.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
Absences will be designated as Excused or Unexcused.
After a student has accumulated his/her fifth excused and/or unexcused absence from any class in a semester, he/she will be notified that a sixth
absence may result in a loss of credit. The student may continue in the class without credit (audit), withdraw to study hall, or may elect to go
through the expulsion process. Students may elect to appeal this decision by going to the high school principal or designee. A student may be put
on an attendance contract after the 4th absence.
GUIDELINES FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES: THESE ABSENCES ARE LIMITED
Prolonged Medical Conditions: An illness that results in long-term illness must be verified by a written doctor’s statement as to the length of
the illness and necessary absence.
In accordance with the Merrillville High School attendance philosophy, a student must be in attendance in each class for a minimum of seventy-five
(75) percent of each trimester in order to receive credit for the course or courses. (Note: ALL ABSENCES REGARDLESS OF REASON WILL
COUNT TOWARDS THE TWENTY-FIVE (25) PERCENT MAXIMUM.) Students may appeal to his/her grade level administrator.
1. Parent phone call, ONLY on the first five (5) absences;
2. Student illness, ONLY with a doctor’s note or the first five (5) absences with a parent phone call;
3. College visitation – seniors are allowed only two (2) per school year. The college must be beyond a 25-mile radius from the high school. A signed
statement on their letterhead, with your name and date visited, to be returned to the Attendance Office the next day;
4. Family Vacation, (limited to 5 days);
5. Other emergencies and unusual circumstances as approved by principal;
6. Physician’s statement (doctor’s note must be presented to Student Services Office the day of return) If student fails to return without a doctor’s
note, this absence will be considered an unexcused absence;
7. Death in the immediate family;
8. Death of someone outside of immediate family with prior parental consent;
9. Required court appearance;
10. Medical/dental appointments that could not be scheduled outside the school day. (Students are expected to attend school except for the time of
the appointment). Students must bring verification of doctor’s appointment upon return. If student fails to bring verification upon his/her
return, it will be considered an unexcused absence.
11. Religious holidays;
12. Military examinations (arrangements must be made in advance and appointments must be verified);
13. Working at the polls;
14. Serve as a page in the Indiana General Assembly;
15. National Guard duty;
16. Driver’s examination.
UNEXCUSED
These are unlimited absences up to 25%.
1. Out of class suspensions;
2. Out of school suspensions;
Students can make up work, and may receive credit for work.
1. No phone call from parent (parent has 72 hours to call from time of absence). No exceptions.
2. Truancy from class/school. If you are more than 15 minutes late to class it will be considered truancy.
3. Bus service is provided, if you choose other transportation and are late it will be considered unexcused.
4. Sixth (6th) absence with or without a parent phone call. (See guidelines for excused absences for exceptions)
Merrillville High School
276 E 68th Place
Merrillville, IN 46410
Non Profit Orig.
U.S. Postage
Paid
Gary, IN
Permit No. 277
TO PARENT OR CURRENT RESIDENT
The Merrillville Advantage
M errill ville High School
/
“ We Stri ve f o r Exc el l en c e ”
P A R E N T
E - N E W S L E
A u g u s t / S e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 1 E d i t i o n .
New MHS Website Helps
Parents Stay Involved!
Parent Access is a web-based program
that
gives
personalized
student
information, such as demographics,
learning trends, testing data, student
interests, learning preferences, and much
more! Parent Access is available on the
internet; allowing instant, but secured
access. All users must have a unique and
confidential password to access the site.
Parents see information about their
children only, and students see information
about themselves.
Log on today at:
www.mvsc.k12.in.us/parentaccess.
T T E R
V o l u m e
5
MHS CALENDAR: MARK THESE DATES!
August
September
1 - Parent Access Sign-ups Open Online
5- NO SCHOOL/Labor Day
9 – Freshman Orientation
10 - ACT Test Date
9 – Re-Registration Gr. 9 & 11: 5:30 p.m.
22 – Homecoming Parade
10 – Re-Registration Gr. 9 & 11: 5:30 p.m.
23 – Homecoming– vs. LaPorte
17– First Day of School
24 – Homecoming Dance
18 - 19 – Pictures & ID’s
30 – 1st Grading Period Ends