June 11, 2010

Dear Students and Parents,

As the Principal of Heritage High School, I would like to thank you for a phenomenal first year.  In our inaugural year of existence, we experienced some tremendous successes together; and as a result, our future looks very bright.  As a part of our equation for success you the students, staff and community have impressed me in the way you embraced our new school’s sense of pride and the establishment of a new culture—a culture represented by programs that have challenged the students academically, artistically and athletically. Students, we have only just begun to challenge you to achieve your best.  As always, our goal is for you to develop a life-long love of learning.  Our extracurricular activities have helped you to become well-rounded students who have embraced many different experiences and achievements. And finally, the framework at Heritage High School is designed to help you meet the current and future demands you will encounter on your educational journey. 

You have been a huge part of our success, and this year you brought to life the programs that represent who we are (Commitment to Graduate - C2G™, C.L.A.S.S and Rachel’s Challenge).   Our culture and climate will continue to rely on your input and ideas to make this a school of which we can all be proud. As we look ahead to our second year and strive for even more success, thank you once again for your dedication and for making Heritage High School a family.

In addition to this letter we have listed below some important information you will need to know over the summer. 

Please be advised that the federal education code policy of “No Child Left Behind” requires schools and districts to provide remedial assistance to any child who fails the state of Texas annual academic assessments or TAKS tests. Heritage High School will be providing this mandated remedial assistance in the upcoming 2010 – 2011 school year through courses during the school day.  The subject area(s) in which each student needs remediation will be addressed.  Students who scored 2150 or below or who failed one or more areas of TAKS for the 2009 – 2010 school year will have their class schedule altered. An elective will be dropped and will be replaced by the remedial core class in the TAKS area failed. This change will be inserted into their class schedule.

Due to a change mandated by the Texas Legislature, The Texas Education Agency is no longer distributing study guides to students.  Online versions of the study guides will be available for download.  These online versions can be found at the following URL:  http://www.tea.state.tx.us/index3.aspx?id=60&menu_id=793.

During the week of August 9th – 13th, we will have Freshmen orientation and schedule pick–up for the Sophomores and Juniors.  Please make note of these important dates as you schedule your summer activities. A specific calendar of events will be communicated to you in July.

FRISCO ISD IS GOING GREEN 

Frisco ISD is implementing an exciting new enrollment system this year from Infosnap.  In an effort to reduce paper waste, improve accuracy, increase efficiency, and save parents time, we will be replacing some of our previous paper practices with online alternatives. This new process will begin in the 2010-2011 school year.  Parents will receive a letter and/or email from Frisco ISD with a unique website login and information on how to complete the required forms online.  These forms will be required for student schedule pick up.  This letter from Frisco ISD will not arrive until late July.  Parents will be instructed to go online to fill out the information required annually.  At the end of the online session, a signature page will be generated. This form must be signed and delivered to the school office along with a current proof of residence to pick up student schedules on the dates (Heritage High School dates to be communicated in July). 

Acceptable proof of residence is a current electric or water bill, lease or rental agreement or contract on a new home.  Parents without internet access at home can utilize the public library; schools will also be providing opportunities for access and a district night for assistance and support will be communicated in the letter.

In another effort to save paper, gas, to reduce clutter in the schools, and to address safety concerns, FISD will utilize a community website folder for distribution of all non-school related materials from youth-oriented groups in lieu of distribution tables at each campus.  With the above referenced online registration and reenrollment process, we believe we will improve our ability to capture accurate email addresses of all our parents and this will enable us to more effectively send periodic reminders to link parents to the electronic folder displaying information on community, youth-oriented services and programs. This practice will take place with the beginning of the 2010-2011 school year. New information will be updated on the FISD website at the end of June. Parents without internet access may utilize the public library or ask school staff for assistance in printing items of interest.

Have a great summer!

With regards,

Mark S. Mimms

Principal

Heritage High School