The Communicator
Volume 22, Issue 2 October 2008
Aurora High School
From the Principal’s Pen
Mr. Pat Ciccantelli We have had a great start to the school year here at Aurora High School.
Principal Our Open House was well attended; it is great to see the support our
community has for education and the support our students have at home.
Our fall sports programs are well into the conference portion of their
Mr. Mike Roberto schedules and ready to begin the tournament season. Our vocal music
Asst. Principal programs and orchestra are gearing up for their fall performances. We
have our fall Orchestra Concert on October 28th. Our instrumental music
program has looked great marching each Friday night entertaining the huge
crowds we have had this fall and will perform a special concert on Sunday,
Administration October 26th.
Mr. Russ Bennett Congratulations to John Rausch and Mitch Romito, our National Merit
Superintendent Semi-Finalists; and to Joshua Rose, who earned the award of Commended
in the National Merit Scholarship program. These students qualified for
these awards due to their very high test scores on the PSAT exam.
Dr. Alicia Lopez Congratulations to Rob Kirk and Michelle Cullen for being named Rotary
Academic Director students of the month in September.
We will hold our monthly Parent Communication Forum (PCF) for
October on Thursday, October 2nd at 10:00 a.m. We welcome all parents
Board of Education to come and dialogue with the administration about the programs in our
school. We will distribute our first grading period report cards at the end
Mr. Gerald Kohanski of the month sending them home on October 31st. We will also host our
President annual parent-teacher conferences on November 6th and November 11th at
5:30 PM. There is additional information regarding conferences in this
communicator.
Mrs. Ann Morrison
Vice-President We look forward to an exciting week of activities during our homecoming
celebration. Students will enjoy the competition of spirit week, where we
will have daily spirit themes for classes to compete to see which one has
Mr. John Sloe the most school spirit. We will host West Geauga in football on Friday,
Board Member October 3rd and finish the week with our Homecoming Dance on Saturday
night at the high school. Go Greenmen!
Mrs. Pam Mehallis
Board Member
Pat Ciccantelli
Principal, Aurora High School
Mrs. Beverly Kuch
Board Member
El Club De Español
Spanish Club welcomed over 100 members at it's first
meeting in September. Our next meeting will be Tuesday,
October 28th in the Commons. We will be celebrating Día
de los Muertos with a scavenger hunt and fiesta. Hope to
see you there!
Señora Foster
The 2008 “Pre-ACT” Test
called PLANwill be given to all sophomore
students on Thursday, November 6th
As a ―Pre-ACT‖ Test, PLAN is a good predictor of performance on the
ACT college admission test.
PLAN is given at Aurora High School to help 10th grade students gauge
their academic achievement and to give them helpful information for
educational and career planning.
PLAN is designed to benefit all students, whether they plan to enter the
workplace after high school, enter military service, go to college, seek
technical training, or are still undecided about their future plans.
PLAN will be given on the morning of Thursday, November 6th at no
cost to your sophomore student.
www.planstudent.org A site for students about to take or who have
already taken PLAN. The site describes test content and format, tips for
doing your best, and score interpretation information.
PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCES
Aurora High School
Thursday, November 6 & Tuesday, November 11, 2008
5:30 – 7:50 p.m. 10 minute scheduled appointments
8:00 – 8:30 p.m. Drop-in conferences in classrooms
The parent/teacher conferences provide an opportunity for you to
discuss your child’s academic progress with his/her teachers.
The following traveling teachers will be available at the high school
on only one date.
November 6: Miss King & Mr. Wason
November 11: Miss Waysack & Mr. Burdett
After October 15th you can schedule a conference appointment.
Contact Mary Jane Cech at mcech@aurora-schools.org or call 330-
954-2142 with date, start time and teachers name.
****ATTENTION SENIORS****
Caps and Gowns
Josten's will be at the high school on Thursday, November 6 and Thursday, November 13 during
lunch periods to take orders for caps and gowns. Orders can also be placed on line at jostens.com.
Students planning on using a past graduate's cap and/or gown must bring it in to school for
Mrs.Lewis's approval prior to the ordering deadline. All students need to purchase a 2009 tassel. The
price of caps and gowns will increase on November 26, 2008 so be sure to order on time.
Diploma Information Cards
These cards are in the Josten's envelope. Please complete the cards neatly and accurately as these are
what we use to print diplomas. Full, proper names, no abbreviation or nicknames should be on the
diploma information card. If the card is lost, an index card can be used. Cards can be turned in any
time before the deadline to Mrs. Lewis in room 104 or to our Josten's rep when placing cap and gown
orders. Those ordering on line, please remember to turn in the information card.
Deadline for Diploma Information Cards Thursday, November 13.
Baby Pictures for the Senior Slide Show
Work will soon be underway on the Senior Slide Show. Please turn in baby pictures to Mrs. Lewis in
room 104 as soon as possible but no later than Wednesday, December 10. Write student's first and
last name on the back of the picture to ensure it's return. Pictures can also be e-mailed glewis@aurora-
schools.org. The students who produce the slide show volunteer their time and strive to be accurate
and inclusive. Please help them with this production by getting photos in as soon as possible.
Attention Parents of Seniors:
SENIOR PHOTOS DUE
DECEMBER 10, 2008
It is time to set up appointments for your Senior’s photographs. Get pictures taken
over the summer rather than waiting until September when schedules become
overloaded.
The requirements for senior photos are:
DUE TO COLOR PROCESSING, OUTDOOR AND
BLACK/WHITE PHOTOS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
FOR PUBLICATION IN THE YEARBOOK.
Photo must be a head/shoulders shot.
TRADITIONAL BACKGROUNDS STRONGLY
RECOMMENDED.
HEAD SIZE: 1-1/2 inches from the top of the head, excluding puffy
hair, to just under the chin.
Wallet size color print.
RESOLUTION IF DIGITAL, 640x800 @ 250 DPI—no larger than
300 DPI. The file should be a .tiff file and FROM A
PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER.
Soft focus photos do not reproduce well and are not accepted.
The nature of the photograph must be vertical—no horizontal shots.
IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO BE SURE THAT YOUR STUDIO
FORWARDS THE PHOTO TO US. Please be sure to provide us with a copy as
soon as available. Any questions regarding senior photos should be made to Mrs.
Wiemken via email over the summer at kwiemken@aurora-schools.org.
LATE PHOTO’S WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED
Aurora High School
Senior Year Calendar
2008-2009
October 3 & 4 Homecoming Weekend
November 6 & 13 Order announcements, cap & gown during lunch periods (10:00 – 1:00 p.m.)
November 10 Kick-Off Meeting for After-Prom Committee @ 7:00 PM (Room 100)
November 13 Diploma information cards due
November 24 Last day to order yearbooks with options (regular price $48)
December 1 College applications to Guidance for processing before Winter Break
December 10 Senior picture due for yearbook and baby picture for Senior Breakfast
January 1, 2009 F.A.F.S.A. application can now be filed
January 6 Financing College Education, 7:30 p.m.
January 27 Senior Panorama Photograph
March 5 Last day to order yearbooks (higher price $55)
March 12 Distribution of announcements from Jostens during lunch periods (10:00 – 1:00
p.m.)
April 9 Senior Internship Project application due
April 9 Commencement participation forms due
International Baccalaureate Exams
Advanced Placement Exams May 4 English
May 4 Government & Politics May 5 History
May 5 Spanish May 6 History
Statistics Biology
May 6 Calculus May 7 Biology
May 7 English Literature Math
May 8 US History May 8 Math
Studio Art May 11 English
May 11 Biology May 12 Physics
Physics May 13 Physics
May 12 Chemistry May 15 Music
Psychology German
May 14 Macroeconomics May 18 Spanish
Microeconomics Chemistry
May 19 Chemistry
May 21 French
May 6 Start of Senior Internship
May 9 Prom
May 10 After-Prom
May 18 Academic Awards, 7:30 p.m.
May 28 Senior Internship Symposium
May 29 Senior Breakfast at AHS, 7:30 a.m.
May 29 Distribution of Caps & Gowns
June 1 & 2 Senior Exams (if applicable)
June 4 Baccalaureate, 7:30 p.m.
June 9 Commencement Practice, 9:00 a.m.
Senior Cookout, 11:00 a.m.
Commencement, 7:00 p.m.
AHS ABSENCE HOTLINE
330-995-7726
Parents/Guardians .... please call the Absence Hotline
before 8:30 am to report the absence of your child. By calling in, we
will be able to verify that you are aware
of the child’s absence and it will prevent
a call being placed to your place of employment/home, as every attempt
is made to verify that the student is excused to ensure their safety.
Early Dismissal Policy
If your child needs to leave school, please send in a written note to
be given to Mrs. Prochaska in the attendance office before the school
day begins. An early dismissal pass will be given to the student to
excuse them from class. A note turned in first thing in the morning
prevents unnecessary class interruptions. Parents may be contacted to
verify early dismissals. Valid reasons for early dismissals are
doctor/dental appointments, emergency at home, illness, court
appearance, driver’s license testing, and/or a family trip or valid
planned absence. The student must sign out in the main office, and if
returning to school that day, must sign in upon return.
********
Aurora High School policy states that even if a student is
18 years of age, he/she is under the jurisdiction of the home and is
required to have a parent/guardian call to excuse any absence or early
dismissal. The student may not call himself/herself off school or
write their own excused notes.
Thank you for your assistance in these attendance issues!
NEW YORK CITY 2009
February 13-14-15
5th Annual Junior Class Trip
Aurora Junior Class has the opportunity to tour New York City! The tour will depart on Friday,
February 13th @ 7:00 AM and will return on Sunday, February 15th @ 11 PM.
THE COST OF THE TRIP IS: $419.00. This includes round-trip deluxe motorcoach
transportation, 2 nights lodging in deluxe New York City area hotel, 8 meals (2 Friday, 3
Saturday, 3 Sunday), all admissions listed in tour schedule, Broadway Show Ticket, guide fees,
all taxes & gratuities.
*Chaperones are Ms. Stroy and other Aurora Administrators/Staff Members*
Registration/Payment/Refund Information & Policies
*$150.00 Non-Refundable Motorcoach/Hotel/Show Ticket Deposit Due October 30th *$269.00
Refundable Balance Due January 13th (see extended refund policy)
*Checks/Money Orders made payable to TRAVELING CLASSROOMS
*Cash will also be accepted. Students will receive a receipt for all cash payments.
*Detailed Refund Policy: Deposits are non-refundable. These deposits secure the
transportation, lodging, admissions, and meal reservations per student. Balance Refund Policy:
Cancellation 22+ days from departure – Full Balance Refund. Cancellation 15-21 days from
departure – 50% of total tour cost ($180), 8-14 days from departure – 25% of total cost ($90), 0-
7 days from departure – No Refund. This policy is due to the pre-payment of the various aspects
of the tour. Traveling Classrooms will issue tour vouchers for all participants if tour is
rescheduled due to conditions beyond its control.
SIGHTSEEING AREAS: Chinatown ―Top of the Rock‖ OB Deck
Rockefeller Center NBC Studio Tour
St. Patrick’s Cathedral Dinner at Hard Rock Café
Central Park Carriage Ride Trump Tower/Trump Plaza
Statue of Liberty Island Ellis Island
Times Square Sightseeing Wall Street/Trinity Church
Little Italy 9-1-1 Ground Zero/St. Paul’s
**$67.50 Orchestra Seat for “Mama Mia” has been ordered! Our 2nd choice will be
“Chicago” – once deposits have been received, we will confirm the show.**
We look forward to a GREAT NEW YORK CITY TOUR!! DON’T MISS IT!
Please contact Ms. Stroy (hstroy@aurora-schools.org or 330-954-2347) with any questions
regarding the trip!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE RETURN WITH DEPOSIT
STUDENT PERMISSION & PARENT REGISTRATION
ACCEPTANCE
I give my son/daughter _____________________________ permission to participate in this activity and I
understand the registration/refund policy as outlined above and the AHS standards as stated.
Signed: ________________________________________ Date: _________________________
**OVER FOR AHS TRIP STANDARDS**
AHS Trip Standards
1. Medical release form specific for this trip turned in to Ms. Stroy (Room 118)
before departure date.
2. No out of school suspensions.
3. No more than 2 Saturday schools having been assigned during the current
school year.
4. No failing grades the previous grading period up to the date of departure.
5. No more than 5 tardies to school -- excused or unexcused.
6. No more than 7 excused absences from school.
7. Zero unexcused absences from school.
If you have any questions regarding the AHS trip regulations as stated, please see
Mr. Roberto (mroberto@aurora-schools.org or 330-954-2306) in the main office.
CHICAGO 2009
January 17-18-19
5th Annual Sophomore Class Trip
Aurora’s Sophomore Class has the opportunity to tour Chicago! The tour will depart on
Saturday, January 17th @ 7:00 AM and will return on Monday, January 19th @ 10 PM.
THE COST OF THE TRIP IS: $399.00. This includes round-trip deluxe motorcoach
transportation, 2 nights lodging (4 per room) in Chicago area Hampton Inn Hotel, 8 meals (2
Saturday, 3 Sunday, 3 Monday), all admissions on tour schedule, Orchestra Ticket for “Blue
Man Group,” guide fees, all taxes & gratuities.
*Chaperones are Ms. Stroy and other Aurora Administrators/Staff Members*
Registration/Payment/Refund Information & Policies
*$125.00 Non-Refundable Motorcoach/Hotel/Show Ticket Deposit Due October 30th *$274.00
Refundable Balance Due December 12th (see extended refund policy)
Traveling Classrooms representative will be in The Commons during your lunch period.
*Checks/Money Orders made payable to TRAVELING CLASSROOMS
*Cash will also be accepted. Students will receive a receipt for all cash payments.
*Detailed Refund Policy: Deposits are non-refundable. These deposits secure the
transportation, lodging, admissions, and meal reservations per student. Balance Refund Policy:
Cancellation 22+ days from departure – Full Balance Refund. Cancellation 15-21 days from
departure – 50% of total tour cost ($180), 8-14 days from departure – 25% of total cost ($90), 0-
7 days from departure – No Refund. This policy is due to the pre-payment of the various aspects
of the tour. Traveling Classrooms will issue tour vouchers for all participants if tour is
rescheduled due to conditions beyond its control. This refund policy has been selected from
aspects of the ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents) & NTBA (National Tour Brokers
Association).
SIGHTSEEING AREAS: Sears Tower Observation Deck Niketown
Shedd Aquarium Chinatown
Museum of Science & Industry Navy Pier Sightseeing
Field Museum of Natural History Lincoln Park Zoo
Orchestra Seat ―Blue Man Group‖ Dinner at Hard Rock Café
Shopping on Michigan Avenue Notre Dame Gift Shop
Please contact Ms. Stroy (hstroy@aurora-schools.org or 330-954-2347) with any questions
regarding the trip!
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PLEASE RETURN WITH DEPOSIT
STUDENT PERMISSION & PARENT REGISTRATION
ACCEPTANCE
I give my son/daughter _____________________________ permission to participate in this activity and I
understand the registration/refund policy as outlined above and the AHS rules.
Signed: ________________________________________ Date: _________________________
**OVER FOR AHS TRIP STANDARDS**
AHS Trip Standards
1. Medical release form specific for this trip turned in to Ms. Stroy (Room 118)
before departure date.
2. No out of school suspensions.
3. No more than 2 Saturday Schools having been assigned during the current
school year.
4. No failing grades the previous grading period up to the date of departure.
5. No more than 5 tardies to school -- excused or unexcused.
6. No more than 7 excused absences from school.
7. Zero unexcused absences from school.
If you have any questions regarding the AHS trip regulations as stated, please see
Mr. Roberto (mroberto@aurora-schools.org or 330-954-2306) in the main office.
AURORA HIGH SCHOOL
OCTOBER 2008
MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY
1 2 3
Breaded Chicken Bun Diced Chicken and Noodles in Greenman Pizza
Mashed Potatoes Gravy Blue Raspberry Fruit Shape
Steamed Carrots Peas & Carrots Up
Assorted Fruit Gummi Fruit Snack Garden Salad w/dressing
Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk
6 7 8 9 10
Beef Ravioli Mini Corn Dogs Breaded Chicken/Bun Taco Fries w/Cheese Greenman Pizza
Vegetable Medley Cheesy Potatoes Scalloped Potatoes Kernel Corn Garden Salad w/dressing
Chilled Fruit Assorted Fruit Assorted Fruit Garden Salad PBJ Bar
Low Fat Milk PBJ Bar Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk
Low Fat Milk
13 14 15 16 17
Taco Pizza Wedges Cheeseburger/Bun Chicken Patty/Bun Hot Dog/Bun NEOEA DAY
Garden Salad Golden Fries Vegetable Medley Fries/Corn
Apple Crisp Assorted Fruit Assorted Fruit Vanilla Pudding NO SCHOOL
Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk
20 21 22 23 24
Mini Pancakes Cheeseburger/Bun Baked Chicken Patty/Bun Beef Ravioli Greenman Pizza
Pork Sausage Peas & Carrots Green Beans Garlic Breadstick Garden Salad w/dressing
Orange Juice Fries Apple Crisp Garden Salad PBJ Bar
Low Fat Milk Flavored Applesauce Low Fat Milk Assorted Fruit Low Fat Milk
Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk
27 28 29 30 31
Maple Pancake Wrap Grilled Cheese Hot Dog/Bun Nacho Supreme Greenmen Pizza
Scrambled Eggs Tomato Soup Fries/Chili Sauce Vegetable Garden Salad W/Dressing
Hash Browns Potato Chips Chocolate Pudding Fruit Cup PBJ Bar
Orange Juice Applesauce Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk Low Fat Milk
Low Fat Milk Low Fat milk
October 2008
Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
1 2 3 4
All-Sports Boosters AHS PCF @ 10:00 am Homecoming Game Homecoming Dance
Meeting @ 7:30 pm HMS – DC Parent
AHS Meeting @ 7:00 pm SAT Test
Homecoming Bonfire
5 6 7 8 9 10 11
AOA Meeting Elem. PTO Board Mtg. LES PCF @ 10:00 am AOA Fall Hayride
@ 7:00 pm HMS @ LES 9:30 am @ 6:30-8:30 pm
HMS Picture Day Moore Property
Registration ends for
PSAT
12 13 14 15 16 17 18
HMS/AHS PTO PSAT @ AHS HMS PCF @ 10:00 am NEOEA Day
General Meeting No School
@ 10:00 am HMS MES School Pictures
CES School Pictures
AHS Choir Concert @
7:30 pm
19 20 21 22 23 24 25
HMS Choir ACT Test
Concert @ 7:00 pm End of 1st Grading
MES/CES PCF Period
@ 10:00 am
IB–General Meeting
HMS – Washington @ 7:30 pm
D.C. Trip
26 27 28 29 30 31
Marching Band HMS Fall Sports Senior Class Presidential Senior Class Presidential LES, CES & MES
Concert @ 2:00 pm Awards @ AHS Orchestra Grades Debate Debate Fall Festival
@ 7:00-9:00 AHS Aud. @ 7:00-9:00 AHS Aud.
7:00 pm 6-12 Concert Report Cards
BOE Meeting @ 7:00 pm AHS Distributed
@ 7:00 PM LES AHS Picture Retakes
OGT Testing
11th & 12th Grade