Good Morning! I trust everyone is rested and ready for our young people to get back in the swing of things. Exams are over and a new semester is sbout to begin. I must tell you that the exam grades were lower than I expected them to be. For 4 da. prior to the exams, I gave my students an oportunity to study from a comparable copy of the exam. During this time they could look up terminology from their terminology sheets, ask for word pronunciation, further explanation of ques. provided, etc. The only thing they could not do was copy from the exam and/or remove a copy from the classroom. Some of them studied, and others tried to make me think they were studying. Only a few took the opportunity to ask questions and have material explained to them further. Nothing can be done about 1st sem. at this point, but we can make the next sem. a successful one. These students have known all along that if they give me 100% effort, I will recognize what they have done as will they. I have tried many tings to motivate my students; some have partially worked and others have failed misdrably. In my opinion, the only thing left to do at this point is hold students accountable for their own choices. I will continue to do my job as their teacher, but they must step up to the plate and go after what they KNOW they must do to get where they want to be. I have explained this to them these first 2 da. back in class, and I will remind them periodically. I want nothing but a succeswful first year for them so that as they progress through the next 3 yrs. with their education as smoothly as possible. Someone made the statement, "If you believe it, you can achieve it!" As far as my young people go, I believe this is the key to accomplishing a firm educational foundation. I wish you the best and look forward to the rest of the year.

I would also like to congratulate my HSAP students that passed the HSAP exam in Oct. 2007! I am SOOOOOOOOO proud of them and wish them happiness and success in life. For those who need to work a little harder before they test again in April, I say continue to believe that you can achieve what you cannot see and know that I am with you for the duration. I already believe in you but you must believe in yourself. Together we will be a success!!

Nancy E. Kennington