AN INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE WORLD SCHOOL
Lamar High School is an International Baccalaureate school whose goal is to provide the best opportunity for a diverse group of students to receive a rigorous, internationally accredited education, with a broad range of extracurricular activities, in a safe and nurturing environment. The goal of the IB is for students to be challenged academically, while also finding creative and physical fitness outlets, getting involved in the community around them, and developing a global view that takes the student beyond their immediate environment.
STAAR EOCs and Your Student
There was a bit of a buzz recently in the news about students who are learning virtually not being required to take STAAR. It is important for you to know that does not apply to our high school students in Texas. This recent announcement is only regarding grades 3, 4, 5, 7, and 8.
STAAR End of Course Exams are a requirement for graduation. Students who are scheduled for an EOC and then don’t take it will have to take it at another time. Let me tell you why that is a terrible idea for students.
STAAR EOCs are required for Biology, Algebra 1, English 1, English 2 and U.S. History. With the exception of English, the content covered in these courses may not be seen again during high school. For example, a student who is currently taking a Biology course should take the Biology EOC this year. But what happens if the student doesn’t report to take the exam? The student is still held responsible for taking and passing the exam to graduate. Can you image how difficult that exam will be when you are in the throws of a chemistry class and have not seen the biology content in a year?
It is important that all students report for STAAR EOCs to keep them on track for on-time graduation. We have safety measures in place to help you and your student feel a little safer coming to campus to test.
Please plan in advance for your student to be on campus for the scheduled STAAR EOC exams. Here is the schedule:
April 6 English 1 – 9th graders and any student who previously did not pass the English 1 EOC
April 8 English 2 – 10th graders and any student who previously did not pass the English 2 EOC
May 4 US History – 11th graders and any student who previously did not pass US History EOC
May 5 Algebra 1 – 9th graders enrolled in an Algebra 1 class and any student who did not previously pass the Algebra 1 EOC
May 6 Biology – 9th graders enrolled in Biology and any student who did not previously pass the Biology EOC
Juniors and the SAT
Our 11th graders will be provided the opportunity to take the SAT for free during the school day administration on March 3. This is an important opportunity for students and will be used in making college admission decisions and will help us identify if a student is on track for college and career readiness. We will use the same precautions noted above, and look forward to having our 11th graders on campus next week for the SAT.
Cycle 5 Learning Preference
Today and tomorrow you will be receiving an email reminding you to make a selection for the Cycle 5 Learning Preference as in-person or remote. The selection window will open on March 1 and close on March 5. It is important that our records are up-to-date, and important that your child maintains the preference they have chosen. Please make sure the learning preference accurately reflects your family’s needs and contact us should you need to make modifications after the selection window closes on Friday, March 5.
Progress Reports and Report Cards
Friday is the final day of instruction before the close of grades for Progress Reports. Progress Reports will be visible on the HISD Connect Parent Portal next week, and will be mailed to the address on file. The end of the 4th grading cycle ends March 12th and report cards will be available on March 26. This is a tight grading cycle with the weather days, so check grade books and attendance often to ensure students get credit for their classes.
Failure Recovery Plans and Credit Appeal
Assistant Principals are contacting students and parents to discuss a recovery plan for students who failed one or more courses during the first semester. Students who passed their course but failed to secure credit because of attendance were provided an opportunity over the weather days to complete the credit appeal process to regain credit. Many were not able to take advantage of the opportunity because of lost power and wifi. Another opportunity will be available over spring break. Students who have any missing credits will be expected to participate in Academic Boot Camp during the spring break. This will be available virtually and in-person, and may not be accessed from outside of the country. Save the Date!
Every Thursday Lamar sends out a newsletter via school messenger to keep parents and students in the loop on what is happening on campus. Make sure you check here each Thursday to see what exciting things happened on campus.
Many Lamar students, teachers, and families continue to be affected by the winter storm. Ms. Harris and Ms. Merci with Lamar Wraparound Services are asking for the items below which will make a world of difference for the Lamar families in need.
With the unforeseen weather, some changes have been made to the spring testing. Please make sure you know what your new testing dates are.
The District will be utilizing two asynchronous learning days on Monday and Tuesday of next week in light of the inclement weather expected in our area. No students will report to campus on Monday or Tuesday.
The faculty, have agreed upon a later work policy that should give kids a little bit of grace when they do not turn in assignments on time. It is critical that students log in every day, but if they miss the 11:59 deadline there is a short window of time in which teachers will accept the work with a penalty to the grade. Failure to sign in to a class will result in an absence and may cause a student to lose credit for the semester for that course.
Calling all Texans, join Lamar's Stuco in showing love to your friends, family, and community next week by joining us for a daily challenge to spread love.
Lamar PTO and College Corner have scheduled FOUR new CWW presentations that you will not want to miss. Mark your calendars and plan to attend!
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM JV Baseball vs Klein Collins (Atascocita)
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM Band and Guard Practice(LHS)
4:30 PM - 6:30 PM UIL One Act Play Rehearsal (Performance Hall)
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM Varsity Track Meet (LHS)
3325 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77098-1003 713-522-5960 fax: 713-535-3769Accessibility
Lamar High School
3325 Westheimer Rd.
Houston, TX 77098-1003
713-522-5960
fax: 713-535-3769