WHHHS Update
Dear William Henry Harrison High School Families--
It’s hard to believe that we have made it to the end of the third quarter! Fourth quarter starts next week and it will go very quickly, as once we return from Spring Break, we’ll have state testing, AP testing, end-of-the-year celebrations, and all of our events to celebrate the Class of 2024 – beginning with Prom right after we return from Spring Break.
We have another exciting weekend of co-curricular and extracurricular events, as we have over 160 students competing at DECA’s Ohio Career Development Conference, we have a Robotics team competing at the state level in Marion, and we have four boys and eight girls wrestling this weekend in the State Championships at The Ohio State University.
As the third quarter is ending, teachers must submit grades by Tuesday night, and final grades will be published on Friday, March 22.
Please see below for some important updates and information.
Community Engagement Update
Throughout our town halls and throughout our public engagement efforts, there was a big focus on the state of our SLSD facilities. We strongly believe that the community should have access to all our buildings so they can get a clear picture of the current state of all our school facilities.
At the end of February, we hosted our first building tour at Harrison High School. We got some great feedback. It was clear to those in attendance that age has taken a toll on the high school, and that can be seen very clearly in certain areas of the facility, such as the boiler room. There was also a lot of feedback about how, after 23 years, the Activity Center remains in good condition. Residents believed this speaks to the ability of the district to effectively manage our facility assets over a long period of time.
Our facility tours continue in March and April, and we encourage you to sign up to attend! You can RSVP below:
March 19th at 7:00 PM at Harrison Junior School
April 29th at 7:00 PM at Miami Whitewater Elementary
Throughout our community engagement, the issue of bullying in our schools came up a lot. We work every day to ensure that our students can learn in an environment that is welcoming and safe. A big part of that process has been to prioritize ways to handle bullying when it arises.
A couple key facts that you should know. First, the SLSD bullying policy was updated and revised just a few years ago in 2020. Second, we recently added 3 new mental health specialists with expertise in youth mental health. These experts are on call to help students facing issues inside and outside the classroom. Third, we maintain a strict adherence to the code of conduct to ensure that everyone is treated fairly. And finally, we recently had a training for staff at the Junior High School on recognizing the bullying behaviors and effects of bullying on students.
This is a critical issue for us at SLSD, so we will continue to provide information and clarification based on what he heard from you in our town halls and surveys. Thank you for continuing to engage with us!
You can see the bullying policy HERE.
You can see the Code of Conduct in our student handbook, found HERE.
We're listening. We're learning. We're acting.
Parents/Guardians of SENIORS – BABY/TODDLER AND SENIOR PICTURES DUE NEXT FRIDAY
In mid-February, you should have received a mailing via the USPS containing the Parent’s Guide to Graduation, and information on the Senior/Baby Picture feature in both the Yearbook and Senior Video. The Senior/Baby picture section is a very popular feature in both the Yearbook and Senior Video, and we want to make sure everyone received the information.
Both parts of this project can be completed online. Click here for more information and the links to upload pictures and place orders. PICTURES ARE DUE NO LATER THAN NEXT FRIDAY, MARCH 15.
Prom Tickets on Sale/Prom Information
Prom tickets will go on sale ONLINE ONLY on Monday, March 11 (information will be sent to students via the Microsoft Teams Grade Level pages). Sales will end Friday, March 22nd. Prom is Saturday, April 6th at 7:00 PM at the Union Terminal Museum Center. Tickets are $70, and Harrison students wishing to bring a guest need to complete and turn in the guest form found here. After Prom will be at The Place and is included in the ticket price. As we did with our 2023 Prom and with our most recent Coronation, we will have an attendance requirement for Prom in April. To be eligible to attend Prom, a student can have no more than six (6) UNEXCUSED absences from school from 1/8/24 – 4/5/24. Absences with appropriate medical or other third-party documentation do not count as unexcused absences. Please contact the office with any questions. We addressed this with the juniors and seniors in our grade level assemblies in January.
Be Kind Harrison’s Annual Dance Dress Giveaway – Thurs 3/14
Harrison’s 4th Annual FREE Prom & 8th Grade Dance Dress Giveaway Day is scheduled for Thursday, March 14th from 6-8pm at the Harrison HS Activity Center (across from the high school).
We have over 1,000 gently-loved long and short formal dresses, shoes and accessories to choose from for FREE.
No registration or paperwork required, open to any student in any district.
*Student must be in attendance to take a dress home
*One dress, one pair of shoes and one set of jewelry per student.
DONATIONS NEEDED:
Do you have long or short formal dresses, dress shoes, jewelry or accessories you would like to donate? You can drop them off to Flex Nutrition (next to new Big Lots) during normal business hours or contact Be Kind Harrison at bekindharrison@gmail.com.
HOSA Spirit Week
Our Health Occupations Students of America classes are coordinating a spirit week next week (March 11 – 15):
Monday: Be The Match Monday – twin day
Tuesday: Take Care of Me Tuesday – pajama day
Wednesday: We Wear Blue Wednesday – wear blue for colon cancer awareness
Thursday: Dress to Impress Thursday – dress like a health professional
Friday: Wildcat Friday – wear green
New Mental Health Resources for Parents/Guardians
We are pleased to offer a FREE and confidential website for families, ParentGuidance.org. This site was developed by licensed therapists that provides trusted and specialized courses, professional support, and a safe community for parents, to learn how to support your child. Parents can also get answers to mental health questions, including anxiety, depression, self-worth, grief and loss, suicide ideation, family strife and other mental health concerns. Popular courses you may want to explore are: “Parenting with a Purpose” and “Unlocking your Inner Parent Superhero.” The courses within ParentGuidance.org will provide you with tools to form stronger bonds with your children. You and your child’s mental health are important to us! Additionally, you also have access to FREE webinars developed by licensed therapists. These are virtual and anonymous. Please see the flyer linked at the bottom of this email for the dates, times and links of these offerings.
Tutoring is Available
The National Honor Society has started their weekly tutoring sessions. Every Tuesday and Thursday starting at 7:15 AM, the National Honor Society students will be available for free tutoring for anyone who needs help. There’s no need to sign up in advance, just show up to Room 104 (Mrs. Siemer’s room), and let the NHS students help you with any subject you need. Please reach out to Mrs. Siemer if you have any questions.
Spring Art Show Open at The Coffee Peddlar
Be sure to check out the Spring Art Show, hosting by The Coffee Peddlar. Selected artwork from students at HJS and WHHHS will be on display through April 4.
Color Guard Auditions –Tues 4/2
The Harrison Marching Band Color Guard will have auditions for next year on Tuesday, April 2 from 5:30 – 7:30 PM. This is open to any student in Grades 7 – 12. For additional information, please see the flyer linked at the bottom of this email.
Check Out The Paw Print – Harrison’s Online Student News Site
Mrs. Evanson’s Journalism class has been working hard, and they have launched an online news site entitled “The Paw Print.” Please be sure to check it out at https://harrisonpawprint.org/.
School Fees
School fees are now posted to our students’ accounts. Directions for how to log on and pay student fees can be found here. Thank you for your attention to this information!
Junior/Senior College Information
Seniors received instruction on how to complete transcript requests in Naviance on Thursday, August 31st during Advisory. The slide show is available for viewing on both the Guidance page of the school’s website and on the Class of 2024 Teams page. Students at Diamond Oaks/Scarlet Oaks received the same instruction during their individual meetings when their Harrison counselor visited.
Juniors and Seniors interested in visiting a college campus can sign up on that college’s website. We need a parent note stating the day and time of the visit. Please bring this note to the guidance office several days prior to your visit.
Senior Scholarship information
All seniors have access to Naviance. There is a scholarship section where the guidance office frequently uploads scholarship applications. We encourage all seniors to review the scholarships available and apply. If you have any questions, reach out to connie.acra@southwestschools.org
Senior FAFSA Information
There have been recent changes with FAFSA. Your FSA ID can be obtained at FAFSA.gov and registering for an FSA ID if you do not already have one. Every student will need their own FSA ID to apply for FAFSA as well as anyone that is considered a “contributor”. A “contributor” would be a spouse/parent/guardian of the student. In the past only one parent had to get an FSA ID even if the parents were married, now married parents BOTH must have their own FSA ID. (If the parents are not married/living together, then the parent that provides the most financial support must be the contributor) You must have different email addresses and phone numbers to register for the FSA ID, you cannot use the same email address or phone number when registering. By having your FSA ID registered and ready, the student and parent/guardian can immediately fill out and submit the FAFSA.
Seniors will attend a FAFSA Financial Aid package presentation on March 7th, during Advisory. Topics covered will include award letters, types of financial awards, interest rates, and tips on smart borrowing. Please know that with the rollout of the new FAFSA application, the government has announced delays in financial aid award notification. Many schools are pushing back their decision days due to this, check with each school to see if any decisions dates have been moved.
Harrison Night at the Cincinnati Cyclones – Sat 3/23
The Harrison Jr. Sr. High PTO is hosting Harrison Night on Saturday, March 23! The Acapella group and the Sign Language will be singing/signing God Bless America, and the Band Boosters are doing the Split the Pot! A portion of each ticket sold through our link is donated to our PTO! Buy your tickets here: Cincinnati Cyclones
Band Boosters Fundraiser: Egg Your Yard
Did you know that Easter is early this year?? Well, we are EGG-CITED to announce that EGG YOUR YARD is back!!!! Don't stress about Easter this year.... let our High School and Junior High band members do the work for you!!
Our band student volunteers are helping the EASTER BUNNY and will come to your house after dark to hide eggs for your little one(s) to find the next morning! We will also leave a note/sign from the Easter Bunny!
Pick a night: Fri 3/29 or Sat 3/30
25 eggs ~ $20
50 eggs ~ $40
75 eggs ~ $60
100 eggs ~ $75
To place your order, go to: www.harrisonmusicboosters.com
Please message us through Facebook Messenger with any questions. We are happy to include neighborhoods of Hidden Valley, West Harrison, Ross and Cleves in addition to Southwest Local School District.
PTO/Booster Organizations
We would like to invite you to join the Harrison Junior/Senior High PTO as well as our Booster organizations. You can visit https://harrisonjrsrpto.membershiptoolkit.com/home to join the PTO, https://harrisonwildcats.membershiptoolkit.com/Home to join the Athletic Boosters, https://www.harrisonmusicboosters.com/ to join the Music Boosters and the Harrison CAT Boosters’ page to support the Vocal and Drama programs.
UPCOMING DATES
WEDS 3/13: CHORUS CONCERT 7:00 PM
THURS 3/14: SLSD/GREATER HARRISON CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOB FAIR, 3:30-6:00 PM at ACTIVITY CENTER
THURS 3/14: PTO MEETING 7:00 PM (ACTIVITY CENTER WILDCAT ROOM)
TUES 3/19: HARRISON JUNIOR SCHOOL TOUR 7:00 PM
MON 3/25 – FRI 3/29: SPRING BREAK
Please feel free to contact us with questions. Thank you and have a great weekend!
Go Wildcats!
Joe Pollitt
Principal
William Henry Harrison High School
Facility Tours SLSD Anti-Bullying Dress Giveaway Mental Health Resources Guard Auditions