Central IB Programs

January 2024 Newsletter

Upcoming Events

January 9th-12th: IB Sophomore Presentation week
Jan. 9th: All Sophomore Assembly 8th block in the Auditorium
Jan. 9th: IB Sophomore Family Night at 6:30 pm in the Auditorium
Jan. 10th: All Sophomore Assembly 1st & 3rd blocks in the Auditorium
January 11th: "IB Signing Day" 2nd block for Sophomores committing to an IB Program
DP in the Auditorium
CP in the Commons

January 9th: FAFSA Frenzy Night 5-7pm in the CHS Library

January 11th: Central Robotics Night from 5-7pm in Central Commons

January 12th: Selection of Studies google form released for the 2024-2025 School year

January 15th: MLK Day--No School!
IB Exam Fees due for juniors and seniors testing in May

January 16th: 8th Grade Showcase at 6 pm in the Auditorium

January 18th: Senior Sendoff Parent Meeting at 6pm in the CHS Commons

January 19th: Selection of Studies due for grades 9-11 and Junior's IB 2-Year Plan and Contract due

January 25th: FAFSA Frenzy Night 5-7pm in the CHS Library

January 31st: Incoming 8th Graders Selection of Studies due

Please check out our Central IB Website for program information, policies, and so much more!

https://sites.google.com/sps.org/central-ib-programs/home

Coordinators' Corner

Are you ready for 2nd Semester? It's here and it's packed full of important events! January is a busy month with the scheduling process beginning for next year, and all the senior event planning that is ramping up. February won't slow down with with actual scheduling beginning the week of February 5th for grades 8-11. Please make sure you stay up on the all the scheduling events and requirements so that you don't miss out on important deadlines.

We focus on Sophomores in the month of January as they make the important decision about which IB Program to choose--the Diploma or Career-related Programs. We encourage families to use all the resources at their disposal to make informed decisions on what is best for students and their future college or career goals. We are always here to help answer specific questions and to help guide students and families through the process!

Our IB Juniors and Seniors are entering "IA Season"--the time of year where they are working hard on the Internal Assessments that are required for Diploma classes, as well as the important core components for the Diploma and Career-related Programs. These assessments make up a large percentage of course scores, which in turn help determine if students receive the DP Diploma or Career-related Certificate. We encourage students to take IA's seriously and do the best job they can! Students, please rely on the advice, feedback, and support of your teachers as they get you across the finish line!

Here's to a great 2nd semester and a wonderful new year!

Molly Gray, DP Coordinator

mgray@spsmail.org

523-9605

Donita Cox, CP Coordinator

dcox@spsmail.org

523-9606

Gretchen Teague, MYP Coordinator

gteague@spsmail.org

523-9706

CHS Bell Schedule

SPS District Calendar

Red/Black Day Schedule

Sophomore Scheduling for Next Year

Counselors will begin visiting English classes starting January 8th to cover the scheduling process.

January 9th: IB Sophomore Parent Night 6:30pm in the auditorium (in the event of weather cancellation we will reschedule)

January 9th-11th: Students attend Informational Assemblies in the Auditorium (if school is cancelled we will release a revised schedule)

January 9th: Overview of IB Programs & Requirements for ALL sophomores (8th block)

January 10th: Subject Group & CP Pathways Presentations (1st & 3rd blocks)

January 11th: Students ready to commit to DP/CP or Individual courses finalize Program Choice & 2 Year Plans (2nd block)
Diploma and Individual Course report to the Auditorium
Career-related Program report to the Commons

January 19th: Selection of Studies online form due for all students. IB Two-year Plans and IB Contracts due for juniors.

February: Students schedule individually with your counselor in library (during English classes)

Mrs. Gray & Dr. Cox will be in the library to assist with any questions!

Visit our IB Program Sophomore Site for more details!

https://sites.google.com/sps.org/ib-sophomore-program-info/home

CALLING ALL 8TH GRADERS--You can still apply for next year!

If you know an 8th grader who is interested in coming to Central to pursue IB, please share the following information with them:

Students need to complete an "IB Application of Intent" and submit an Immediate Transfer Request with the district (if living outside Central's attendance area) Both are linked below, but can also be found on Central's IB website:

IB Application of Intent

Immediate Transfer Request

CHS IB Website

IB Parent Advisory Board

We would like to create an IB Parent Advisory Board, made up parents/guardians of students grades 9-12.

We are seeking a diverse group of parents to serve in an advisory capacity to help support IB program implementation, fidelity, and growth. We would like parent perspective to provide insight into student support and inclusion of IB students at Central, and also to help with networking to community opportunities and needs. Meetings would potentially be held two to three times a year, depending on stakeholder interest and availability.

If you would be willing to serve, please fill out the google form linked below.

IB Parent Advisory Board Interest Form

Central Robotics STEM Night

Hey Bulldogs, do you have any interest in pursuing a STEM related degree or career? If so you should come to Central’s STEM Night this Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM in the Commons.

STEM Night will feature a panel of STEM professionals who will discuss their education and careers, and will be available for any questions you may have.

For more information visit Central Robotics social media.

Senior News

An Important Note From Our Registrar

Updated Transcripts. If you have previously applied to a college/university and are continuing the process, most schools will want an updated seventh-semester transcript. Our transcripts will have updated grades, GPA, and class rank once they are finished processing mid to late January.

Be sure to submit a new transcript request form to Connie McCrite, or contact your counselor if applying by Common App.

Buy your student a yearbook today at jostensyearbooks.com. The price is currently $50 and will increase on March 1.

The yearbook senior tribute deadline is rapidly approaching! Senior tributes range from $75-$200 and are an optional additional purchase to a yearbook. Visit jostensyearbooks.com to purchase space to honor your senior with a personalized note and upload a collection of your own photos by January 31.

IB May 2024 Exam Schedule

The IB May 2024 schedule is hot off the presses! Please save the dates below if you are taking one of these exams (this only applies to Junior and Senior students).

Please submit your exam fee payment by January 15th.

Exam Fee Notification

CHS Counselor Information

Mrs. Bri Smith

417-523-9661

blsmith@spsmail.org

Students Last Name A – L

IB DP/CP; Scholars

Mrs. Bekah Bartels

417-523-9663

rbartels@spsmail.org

Students Last Name A - K

Ms. Kendra Peak

417-523-9667

kfpeak@spsmail.org

Freshman Counselor

Ms. Emily Bass 417-523-9662

embass@spsmail.org

Students Last Name M – Z

IB DP/CP; Scholars

Mr. Anthony James

417-523-9665

awjames@spsmail.org

Students Last Name L - Z

Meghan Sweckard-Counseling Secretary

417-523-9660

masweckard@spsmail.org

How Can IB Help With College?

Check out the link regarding how IB can help with college! You can also find this on the IB page on Central's website. Details include statistics on DP/CP student success in admissions and persistence rates in college, as well as scholarship and college credit information from regional schools.

How Can IB Help With College?