STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL (Newsletter for Parents and Students)
Braves Bulletin
S.V.H.S. Selects New Vision and Mission Statement
Before the start of the 2008-09 school year, Star Valley High School was focusing on its goals for not only the
next year, but also for the next five years. To this end, a committee comprised of school board members,
administrators, teachers, parents, and students met throughout the summer to define the vision and mission
statements for the school.
MISSION POSSIBLE
Homer Bennett, who is serving as the
Chairman for the School Improvement Team,
conveys the following message to the patrons
of Lincoln County School District #2:
The employees of Star Valley High School
have always worked hard at providing the youth
of our community the best education available
in Wyoming and the surrounding states. Our
teachers, administrators, and support staff have
all dedicated themselves to helping our
students become ready for the 21st century
challenges they will face when they leave us.
As we begin the NCA accreditation process
[North Central Accreditation ensures that a
school is committed to raising student
performance and held accountable for
improving learning], we’re excited at the
prospect of defining ourselves as a school that
prepares students through a vision of Rigor
(higher- order and higher-level instruction),
Relevance (real-world application), and
Relationships (personalizing instruction for
every young person, in a safe, secure, learning
environment). Our journey will allow us to take a
good look at ourselves and, with the
participation of our stakeholders, continue
towards a goal of consistently improving our
instruction.
We would like our patrons to know how
privileged we feel to work in a community that
holds education in such high regard, and we
would like to welcome your involvement in
moving our students forward. Please feel free
to communicate with us either in person, or
electronically through the links provided via the
Star Valley High School website.
SVHS Phone Number: 885-7847
SVHS Web site: www.svhs.lcsd2.org
OCTOBER 2008
Star Valley High School’s Vision Statement Logo
Proposed
Rigor
Bravely
Relevance preparing Relationships
for the
ever-
changing
world
Academics Activities
SVHS’s New Vision: Bravely Preparing
Students for the the Ever-changing World
through Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships
in Academics and Activities
Star Valley High School’s Mission Statement (Proposed)
The mission of Star Valley High School and its stakeholders
is to provide a safe, secure, respectful, and stimulating
environment where all students will be engaged in a
rigorous, relevant curriculum.
Success will be measured through local, state, and national
testing. All students will be challenged to become
collaborative workers, effective communicators, and critical
thinkers with problem solving skills.
Their development will be fostered by positive relationships.
All students will be guaranteed equal access to available
resources.
Upon graduation, they will demonstrate personal
accountability, become responsible citizens in a democratic
society, and be prepared for the challenges of an ever-
changing global society.
 STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
FRESHMEN IN THE HOUSE
A house full of
freshmen? A nightmarish
thought for some teachers
and parents. However, Star
Valley High School’s (SVHS)
Freshman House is not at all
scary. In fact, it is proving
to be a great program.
Since Freshman House is a
new program, there are
probably a few questions.
1--Who put the freshmen in
the house?
Jamie Holyoak, Activities
Director, felt a need for
“Every Student to be Known—
Valued—Inspired—Every day,”
which became the theme of
this unique program. Fusing
similar programs in Kentucky
and Florida, Holyoak created
a pilot program during the
2007-08 school year. The
goals of the Freshman House
were to help students
entering high school feel
connected, academically and
socially, and to help students
stay in high school and to
succeed. Eighty students
were randomly selected to
participate in the program;
five teachers (Kevin Waldron,
Polly Erickson, Linda Linford,
Rachael Taylor, and Julie
Aagard), and School
Counselor Josh Frazier were
chosen to mentor and to
monitor these students.
2--What happened in
Freshman House? A
teacher carefully monitored
PAGE 2 OCTOBER 2008
For Your Information: You
may be the winner of an Ipod
or an Itunes gift certificate!
Keep reading and learning
about SVHS!
each student’s grades,
discipline, and attendance.
during homeroom. Character
Counselling Office Information
UPCOMING EVENTS
education assemblies were
held monthly, focusing on Oct. 10 12:30 University of Wyoming room 120
traits like excellence,
understanding, attitude, and Oct. 13 8:30 am Brigham Young University
compassion. In addition,
OCT. 14 PSAT- 10th and 11th Grades
when a student was eligible
academically and 12:30 Bridgerland Tech. room 120
disciplinarily, he or she was
able to attend fun activities, OCT. 17 FALL BREAK
like two plays and dinner in
OCT. 22 12:30 Utah State University room 120
Jackson, a trip to Simplot, a
ski trip, a picnic, and a 6:00 to 8:00 Utah State Univer. Open
movie. House
3--What were the results of 2:00 Wester Wyo. Comm. College room
Freshman House the first 120
year? Based on the data,
Oct. 27 2:30 Casper College
Freshman House was a huge
success during its first year. NOV. 12 4:30 to 7:30 Parent-Teacher Conference
Among last year’s freshman, ETNA
a record 0% drop-out rate
NOV. 13 4:00 to 7:30 Parent-Teacher Conference
was attained.
AFTON
4--What are the plans for NOV. 14 NO SCHOOL
Freshman House this year?
Motivated by the success of NOV. 18 2:00 Central Wyoming College room 120
the program, SVHS decided
NOV. 25 8:30 AM - ASVAB Test 11th Grade
to include all freshmen in
the House for the 2008-09 NOV. 26 BRAVES IN ACTION (SERVICE DAY)
school year, and over 16
teachers are involved in EARLY RELEASE FOR THANKSGIVING
mentoring and in tracking
DEC. 3 PLAN Test for 10th Grade
these students’ progress.
Even though the number of 10:00-2:00PM Univ. of Wyo. Applic. Day
students and teachers in the
program have changed, the DEC.23 EARLY RELEASE FOR HOLIDAYS
goal is the same: “Every NOTE: Due to travel, weather, and schedule changes,
Student: Known—Valued—
dates and times may be changed. Please call
Inspired—Every day.”
 STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PAGE 3 OCTOBER 2008



INVENTING EDUCATION


Fuel and energy costs are climbing daily.; as a result, costs for fueling vehicles, heating homes, and
feeding families are sky-rocketing. With prices increasing without an end in sight, the interest in finding
alternative fuel sources is at an all-time high. Who will help solve the world’s, nation’s, and region’s rising
costs for energy? Who will help develop alternative forms of energy? Amazingly, the answer may come from
Star Valley High School’s Technology Department (Tech Dept.).


In May 2008, SVHS’s Technology Department submitted a grant proposal to investigate alternative
sources of energy. In early August, SVHS was awarded a $53,000 grant funded from the State Advisory
Council for Innovative Education. SVHS Teachers Randy Hokanson and Farren Haderlie acted quickly to
integrate a new course: Inventor’s Club. The class, which appeals to technology students and to academic
students, develops projects with such skills as construction, welding, drafting, math, computers, writing, and
science. The chief goal of each project is to create a workable, alternative energy source.


“It’s an amazing teaching experience,” says Technology Teacher Randy Hokanson. “The students
have to deal with resources, develop interpersonal skills as they explain and plan their ideas with other
students, research information from alternative energy sources, integrate innovative technology, construct
their projects using various technical skills, and then evaluate the effectiveness of the finished product.”


Who knows? Perhaps SVH’s students will aid in solving energy problems and reducing every-day
costs for the essentials.

Parent/Teacher
Conference Reminder
November 12 in Etna
from 4:30 to 7:30
November 13 in Afton
from 4:00 to 7:30
SVHS would like all
parents to attend.

If you have any suggestions,

questions, or comments
about “The Braves Bulletin,”
please contact Melanie
Robinson by phone 885-7847
or by e-mail:
mrobinson@lcsd2.org

Members of the Inventor’s Club cook hot dogs using solar power on a sunny fall day.

A FRIENDLY REMINDER…….
Parents/Guardians: You can check your student’s grades 24/7. With today’s technology, a parent/
guardian can check a student’s grade and know exactly how that student is doing in each class. Many
parents/guardians check grades daily or weekly. Lincoln County School District #2 has an Internet-
based program for attendance and for grades. A parent/guardian can check a student’s grade anywhere
there’s Internet access. What’s more...checking a student’s grades is easy, and grades can be e-mailed to
you daily or weekly. If you do not know how to check grades on the Internet, call 885-7847.
Administrators, counsellors, and secretaries can teach you how.
 STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL PAGE 4 OCTOBER 2008

WHEN DOES GPA + ACT X (307) = $$$

In the state of Wyoming, when you have the right GPA and ACT score and go to college in
the 307 area code, you can receive up to $1600 per semester from the Hathaway Merit Scholarship.

The state of Wyoming has established a generous scholarship program, in the name of
Governor Stan Hathaway, that rewards eligible Wyoming students with scholarship money to attend
the University of Wyoming or a Wyoming community college. The program provides merit- and
need-based awards to eligible students.

What are the chances of a student receiving the Hathaway Scholarship? Parents and
students can look at the chart (below) and see what type of scholarship a student can get.

Merrit Award Opportunity Performance Honors For more information

about the specific course
Eligibility Criteria
requirements on the
Award Amount $800. SEM $1200 SEM $1600 SEM Hathaway Scholarship
Program, contact the
Minimum High 2.5 3 3.5
School gpa Counseling Department at
Star Valley High School or
Minimum ACT 19 21 25 contact
Score
(Composite) Kay Post, Director
State Department of
Length of Award 8 Full-Time 8 Full-Time 8 Full-Time
Semesters Semesters Semesters
Education
School Improvement Unit
High School See Next Chart See Next Chart See Next Chart
Curriculum 2020 Grand Avenue, Suite
500
Need Award 25% of annual 25% of annual 100% of annual
Amount unmet need. $100 / unmet need. $100 / unmet need. $100 / Laramie, WY 82070
semester minimum semester minimum semester minimum
award. $750 / award. $750 / award. Total unmet 307-777-5599 or
semester maximum semester maximum need is maximum
award. award. award.
kpost@educ.state.wy.us

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM in the fall

In October 2007, approximately 600 The main characters have morphed into Dick
students attended William Shakespeare’s Clark and Olivia Newton John, and the songs
Romeo and Juliet at the Center for the Arts in are right out of American Bandstand.
Jackson. Attending the play was a positive
experience for students; hence, SVHS is
The SVHS administration strongly
preparing to take the students to see a matinee encourages the arts and visual and cultural
performance of another Shakespearean play, A literacy, and SVHS encourages all students to
Midsummer Night’s Dream on October 23 attend the performance. This is an amazing
(Thursday--red day) and October 24 (Friday-- experience at a rock-bottom price.
gold day).

The Off the Square Theatre

SVHS recognizes the generous
Company along with the Center for the Arts
offering from the Center for the Arts and the
has graciously invited SVHS students to see
Off Square Theatre Company. The English
the timeless comedy at a reduced price of
Department at SVHS believes that there’s
$5.00 per student. (The non-school ticket
nothing quite like seeing a play performed.
price is $20 for students, $30 for adults, and
When a student sees a live-performance of a
$55 for the gala event.)
Picture courtesy of the Center play, the cultural and artistic influence upon
for the Arts and the Off Square

Interestingly, this age-old comedy has students becomes apparent. It’s like reading a
a modern twist. This magical tale of love and transcript of a Monday night NFL game versus
Theatre Company, Jackson, WY.
marriage is set in 1958, a far cry from the 16th watching the game. There’s no comparison.
century, when Elvis was king, and poodle
(P.S. SVHS is going to attend Scrooge on Dec.
skirts, black leather jackets, and greased-back
hair was the norm. 17th and 18th at the Center for the Arts.)
 STAR VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL

PAGE 5


OCTOBER 2008

GREASE IS THE WORD

Principal’s Corner
Don’t Forget
Mark your
calendars.
November 6, 7,
and 8 (Thurs,,
Fri., & Sat.)
7:00 pm



SVHS students will perform the musical Grease.
Admission is FREE!
With a school version (edited for content)
and with the original songs, this musical is sure to be
entertaining.

Left to Right: Principal Shannon Harris,

Activities Director Jamie Holyoak,
Assistant Principal Shelly Cowell
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRINCIPAL HARRIS
The year is just sailing along. It’s hard to believe we are already a third of the way through the first
semester. It has been a great start in spite of the many construction projects we have had going on during
the beginning of the year.

The sidewalk project is nearly finished and has been open for about a week. It will be well worth the
inconvenience we have had to deal with once the snow starts falling, as the new sidewalk has hydronic heat
in it and should stay clear and ice free all winter long. The track and field projects are also completed at this
time. They are still fine-tuning the new heating and air controls, but we are nearly finished with that project
as well.

Our test results arrived just before students returned. I am happy to report that last year our students
did very well on the state PAWS assessment. We made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) under the No
Child Left Behind Act requirements. In quick summary, our 11th grade students in the district led the state
(in districts of similar size) in the number of students proficient or advanced in both reading and writing.
We were also second in math. This is a reflection of the great students, parents, and teachers that we have as
well as a community that values education. The test results for PAWS and ACT will be featured in more
depth in a future issue.

A couple of important events coming up are parent-teacher conferences in November. We will be at

Etna Elementary on Wednesday, November 12th from 4:30-7:30 p.m and then on Thursday, November 13th
we will be in the SVHS cafeteria from 4:00-7:30 p.m. We look forward to seeing you there to discuss your
child’s progress. We will also be having our “Braves in Action” service day on Wednesday, November 26th.
This is a half-day service opportunity organized by the SVHS student body officers. It is a great
opportunity for our students to give back to the community that supports us in so many ways. Please have
your students join us ready to work on that day!

We invite you to look at our district and school websites for more information and to look at a
calendar of events. The district website is: www.lcsd2.org. From the district page you can click on the
school link or a calendar link. The school’s website is: www.svhs.lcsd2.org. Please feel free to contact
teachers, counselors, or administrators if you have any concerns or suggestions. We look forward to more
continued success throughout the year.
Hey, Students! Would you like to win an Ipod? An Itunes gift certificate? Here’s what you have to do. Clearly
write your student i.d. number __________________ Return by October 31 to Attendance Office.
1. Take “The Braves Bulletin,” this newsletter, home.
2. Have your parent(s) or guardian(s) read “The Braves Bulletin,” which includes some useful information about what is happening at Star
Valley High School.
3. Have your parent(s) or guardian(s) answer all the brief questions (located below).
4. Bring this page, not “The Braves Bulletin,” to the attendance office. Bring this form back by October 31
5. We’ll draw for the prizes during one of the upcoming assemblies.
6. Don’t try to cheat. IF THIS PAPER WITH YOUR STUDENT I.D. IS DRAWN AS THE WINNING PRIZE, WE WILL CALL
YOUR PARENT/GUARDIAN TO MAKE SURE THAT HE OR SHE FILLED OUT THE BOTTOM PART OF THIS FORM
BEFORE YOU GET YOUR PRIZE. Remember--cheaters don’t win Ipods!
When you bring this form to the attend. office, the top part of this sheet will be separated from the bottom part, and the top part will be
put in a box for the drawing.

DETACH HERE
DETACH HERE
DETACH HERE
DETACH HERE
DETACH HERE
DETACH

Parent/Guardian Questionnaire The information /comments that you provide the school will be used to help SVHS make decisions about goals,
instruction, and technology. Because the top part is separated from the bottom part, this questionnaire is anonymous. If you have any questions,
please call Melanie Robinson at SVHS 885-7847 or e-mail (mrobinson@lcsd2.org) Thanks for your input! We value the opinions of parents, guardians,
and community members.
On the first (front) page ( bottom, left corner) of “The Braves Bulletin,” SVHS has been working on a mission statement to guide the
school for the next five years. Please answer the following questions about the mission statement:

1. Please write down two parts of the mission statement that you liked.

2. Please write down something that you think is the weakest part of the mission statement or something that needs to be added to the
mission statement.

3. Please circle one of the choices for this question: Do you feel that the proposed mission statement for Star Valley High School
addresses the challenges in education in today’s world?



Choice A: Not at all

Choice B: Somewhat
Choice C: Mostly

Choice D: Completely

4. Please circle one of the choices for this question: Do you feel that Star Valley High School has a rigorous (higher-level, appropriate
instruction to prepare students for college or the workplace) curriculum?

Choice A: Not at all
Choice B: Somewhat

Choice C: Mostly

Choice D: Completely

5. Please circle one of the choices for this question: Do you feel that Star Valley High School has a relevant (real-world application for
college or the workplace) curriculum?

Choice A: Not at all

Choice B: Somewhat

Choice C: Mostly

Choice D: Completely

6. Please circle one of the choices for this question: Do you feel that Star Valley High fosters relationships (personalizing instruction
for every young person, in a safe, secure, learning environment)?



Choice A: Not at all
Choice B: Somewhat

Choice C: Mostly

Choice D: Completely

7. What are the three most important skills that students need when they graduate?
1.
2.
3.

DATE:______________________________________ Please write the date that you finished this questionnaire. Thank you!

PAGE 8

PAGE 9