FROM THE DESK OF THE DIRECTOR OF ACADEMICS: DR JAMES DEMPSEY

The 2008-09 school year is history and on September 8, the 2009-2010 year begins anew. School years are precious and pass before we know it.  As a means of preparation, I mention a variety of things that are either policy, practice or good to know information. We are especially proud of our Business First ranking of #10 and realize that the hard work on the part of the faculty and student body made this happen. We also realize that there are many very good schools who are ranked behind us. My thoughts are as follows:

1. Strive for 85 (as a minimum), seek advanced diplomas and take the rigorous courses will be heard many times. Students and our school benefit from this attitude and can continue to do so in their future.
2. As the student handbook states, dropping a course once the school year starts will be extremely difficult. Any changes should be made prior to the year beginning through Sister Connie. Students will receive their schedules in mid August. Make your decisions before the school year begins and attack the year with vigor and enthusiasm. Remember that struggling in a course can teach the work ethic that you will need for college. It is not bad to struggle with a course!
3. Everyday is the first day of the rest of your life. Go for the best academic results you can do and enjoy your classmates while being involved in your school.
4. The Regents exam results for the 2008-2009 school year were better than the previous years. Over half of the subjects had a 100% passing rate with 10 of 11 exams having an over 92% passing rate. Ladies, you did very well-GOOD JOB!
5. Mastery rates were up almost 3% from the previous year. Once again “strive for 85 as a minimum grade.”
6. Improving student attendance and promptness to school are two items of which you will hear more this year. Those are two items that are very positive traits to develop for the college and work world.
7. The performance and attitude of this student body continues to impress me. 87% of the seniors graduated with advanced Regents Diplomas from the class of 2009.
8. The annual “Parent Go back to School Night” will be held on Thursday September 17, 2009 at 7 PM. Please report to the Auditorium where Ms Demert will give a short address prior to you going through your child’s schedule.
9. Welcome to the freshwoman class of 2013. The expectations at SHA are high but the help you receive and the memories you will have at graduation are all worth it. You were chosen for admission because you have proven that you can do well here!
10. We look forward to student arrival. Freshman and transfers will have their opening day on Wednesday September 2, 2009 for the morning while all students will report on Tuesday September 8, 2009 by 8AM for a full day to officially begin the 2009-2010 school year.

Enjoy the rest of the summer, we look forward to the dawn of the new school year and may God bless you all.

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