September, 2010
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  • 9/02
  • Institute Day
  • 9/02
  • Make-up registration--grades 9, 10, 11 and 112
  • 9/03
  • Institute Day
  • 9/06
  • Labor Day
  • 9/07
  • First day of School. Students should arrive in uniform by 7:45 am.
  • 9/13
  • LSC Meeting--Room 115--6:30 pm
  • 9/23
  • Special meetings for parents of IB, MYP, Bilingua and AVID students
  • 9/23
  • SES Provider Fair
  • 9/23
  • Early Progress Report Pick-Up Night for parents of 9th graders from 4:30 to 6:30 pm
  • 9/23
  • NCLB Title 1 Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Organizational Meeting in Room 115 at 6:30 p.m.
  • 9/24
  • Staff Development Day--No classes for students
  • 9/30
  • EXPLORE and PLAN tests (9th amd 10th graders)
  • 9/30
  • AVID Welcome Back party
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Announcements
  • Ms. Susan Lofton has been selected as Principal of Senn High School. Her four-year term began on July 1. She was welcomed by faculty, staff, parents, students, community, and CPS representatives at the LSC meeting on July 1.
  • Thanks to a Walmart Foundation grant, the National Energy Education Development Project selected Senn as one of 20 schools nationwide to receive solar panels and curriculum, teacher training & hands-on science kits. Senn was chosen because of a grant written by science teacher Dr. Constance Doyle.
  • The AVID Program was again awarded certification in its second year of eligibility.
  • MAKE UP REGISTRATION September 1 from 1:00 to 2:30; September 2 from 8:30 to 10:00 and from 1:00 to 2:30; September 3 from 8:30 to 2:30
  • FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL September 7th is the first day of school. All students go directly to their division. Arrive by 7:45 to make sure you have time to get to division. Doors open at 7:15.
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Publications
 
From the Principal:

Welcome to the start of a new school year!

Much has happened over the summer and will continue into the regular year. Here are some of successes and important actions that have been taking place:

  • Eight seniors achieved the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma;
  • Over 90 members of the class of 2014 became part of the Senn family through Freshman Connection activities in July;
  • Senn took part of the neighborhood Midsommarfest, which allowed me to meet many community members;
  • Thirty students from all grade levels and programs participated in a student forum to update the Senn Dress Code. As part of the updated look, all students will be sporting a newly designed Senn polo;
  • Over $1 million in capital improvements have been taking place within the building. Included are fresh paint for the classrooms, new flooring, security cameras, and repaired intercom;
  • Major physical improvements beyond the above include a new chiller system to help cool the building. Neighbors have been most patient during this heavy construction period, and I thank them for bearing with the noise;
  • A new Safe Passage initiative has been developed and is ready to go at the start of the school year;
  • Early planning for Senn’s centennial has begun. Senn will be 100 years old in 2013;
  • Core teachers have been training to use Atlas Rubicon curriculum mapping software and are using the proven Heidi Hayes Jacobs’ curriculum mapping design to increase curricular cohesion, rigor, and student achievement for all classes;
  • The new Middle Years Programme (MYP), which is part of the International Baccalaureate (IB) program, is fully enrolled. Through the MYP an exciting partnership has been established with Peirce Elementary School, with teachers from both schools attending summer workshops to create the best program possible;
  • Renovation of Senn Hall has been completed, and legal approval for hall rental and community use is soon to be finalized;
  • Mr. David Darroch joins us as the new assistant principal in charge of attendance and discipline;
  • Mr. Carter Carey will be working more with curriculum and new academic initiatives.

The most momentous event for me personally and professionally was becoming the contract principal of Senn on July 1st. Nicholas Senn High School will be making great gains in all areas. My first priority is to establish a solid learning climate, which will occur through a number of initiatives targeting attendance and discipline, with an emphasis on academic programs.

Concurrent with this is to expand the success of the IB and AVID programs and create new programs that will meet the needs and interests of a variety of learners. Obviously there is a lot of work to be done, and the Senn staff and I are ready to start. I invite neighbors and community members to assist in this great effort. I am providing my email address (slofton@cpsmail.cps.k12.il.us) with the hope that you will share insights, offer suggestions, and perhaps volunteer for the Safe Passage initiative. Senn High School is poised to become the premiere neighborhood school!

Sincerely,

Susan Lofton,

Principal

Academic Highlights
  • Advancement Via Individual Determination
  • The AVID Program is designed to provide academic support and to prepare students for college eligibility and success. This program emphasizes writing, inquiry, note-taking, tutoring, and parent-student commitment. AVID is currently used in more than 1600 school districts nationwide.
  • Advanced Placement Courses
  • AP courses provide college level academic work in English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Spanish Language, Calculus, Biology, US History, US Government and Politics, and Art with the opportunity to earn college credit while attending classes at Senn. AP courses are offered in school districts nationwide.
  • ESL-Bilingual Program
  • English as a Second Language and bilingual courses and services are available to meet the individual needs of English-language learners.
  • National Defense Cadet Corps
  • JROTC is a military-based leadership training program.
  • Chicago Police & Firefighter Training Academy
  • CPFTA offers training by police and firefighter personnel for students interested in pursuing careers in public safety.
  • College Bridge
  • Through the College Bridge program, qualified students enroll in college level courses at area colleges and universities to receive high school and college credit.
  • International Baccalaureate
  • The International Baccalaureate (IB) provides challenging programs that help students develop the intellectual, personal, emotional, and social skills they need to live, learn, and work in a rapidly globalizing world. Founded in 1968, the IB has sustained its reputation for high quality education for over 35 years. IB programs focus on international mindedness and on promoting a positive attitude towards learning. Collectively, they represent the best curricula from around the world. The IB now has programs in over 3000 schools in over 135 countries. Senn has been an authorized IB World School since 1999.
 
Updated dress code:

There’s a new look at Senn

Over thirty students from all grade levels and programs participated in a forum to update the Senn Dress Code. A new Senn polo, designed by students, has become the new look. Here is the full dress code:

  • The only acceptable shirt is the new Senn polo shirt. Any other shirt, including old Senn shirts, is not part of the new look. Two shirts were given to each student at registration. Additional shirts will be made available at the start of the school year.
  • Pants, skirts, and shorts must be plain black, khaki, or dark blue.
  • No patterns, rips, fades, logos, or designs of any kind are allowed. Pants must fit and be on the waist. Below the hips is unacceptable.
  • Socks should match the outfit (e.g., no red socks).
  • Shorts and skirts should not be more than two inches above the knee.
  • Shoes should be as plain as possible in black, white, or dark blue. Laces should match.
  • Head coverings and hats are not allowed unless for religious purposes.
  • No hoodies are allowed ever.
  • Plain white shirts may be worn under the Senn polo shirt. Long-sleeved Senn polos will be arriving soon.
  • Students arriving to school out of uniform will be allowed to rent a uniform immediately upon entry. Students may pick up their non-uniform items at the end of the school day. Parents, please check that your children are in full Senn professional dress before they leave home. Your effort here will help us focus on academics.

Students who did not participate in registration will be issued shirts the first day of school. The Senn Dress Code is being fully implemented immediately.

It is the policy of the Board of Education of the City of Chicago not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, disability or sex. Inquiries concerning the application of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the regulations promulgated thereunder concerning sex discrimination should be referred to the Title IX Officer, Chicago Public Schools, 125 South Clark, Chicago, IL, (773) 553-2688 (TTY-773-553-2699).
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