Welcome to the Helen Thackston Charter School!

The Charter Board of Trustees has been working with Charter School Property Solutions on an addition to our building. You can see a picture above

January 24, 2012

Dear Parents / Guardians:

Attention students and parents: January 22nd was the last day for Buck-A-Book.

Please remember to turn in your Student Envelope by January 31, 2012.

Our 3^rd marking period closed on January 19^th. Student led conferences are coming up on Thursday, February 2^nd and Friday, February 3^rd. We will be sending your child’s report card and a letter home on Tuesday, January 31^st. Please review your child’s report card and determine if you want to attend a conference with your child and your child’s teachers. If you are satisfied with your child’s grades you sign the letter letting us know that you do not want a conference. Also, we are asking for updated information to ensure we have accurate addresses and numbers in case we need to contact you. Either way we need a returned signed letter from your child on Wednesday, February 1^st. All students that return their letter by Thursday, February 2^nd will receive a free dress down day on Thursday, February 2^nd.

We are only 32 school days away from Pennsylvania State System Assessment (PSSA). All 5^th – 8^th grade students are required to take their Math and Reading Assessments during the testing window of March 12^th – March 23^rd. Each student takes six different testing sessions, three of math and three of reading.

To provide the best possible testing environment, we will follow the following Charter Board approved scheduled.

5^th / 6^th Grades               March 12^th                                 9-1 in afternoon

7^th / 8^th Grades               March 13^th                                 9-2 in afternoon

5^th / 6^th Grades               March 14^th                                 9-1 in afternoon

7^th / 8^th Grades               March 15^th                                 9-2 in afternoon

5^th / 6^th Grades               March 16^th                                 9-1 in afternoon

7^th / 8^th Grades               March 19^th                                 9-2 in afternoon

5^th / 6^th Grades               March 20^th                                 9-1 in afternoon if make ups are necessary

7^th / 8^th Grades               March 21^st                                 9-2 in afternoon if make ups are necessary

March 22^nd resume normal schedule

All ninth grade students will be provided take home mid-terms throughout the testing window and report to school on assigned days at 12:00.

Upcoming dates to mark on your calendar:

       Wednesday, January 25^th           YSCD Public Board Meeting

       Tuesday, January 31^st                Report Cards Sent Home with Students

Parent Letter about Conferences with needed Signature Sent Home

        Wednesday, February 1^st          Charter Board Meeting at 6:00 PM at Lincoln

       Thursday, February 2^nd               Early Dismissal for Students 12:30 PM / $1.00 Dress Down Day

Student Led Conferences 2:00-7:00

        Friday, February 3^rd                   Student Led Conferences 8:00-11:00

No Classes for Students

        Thursday, February 16^th             Early Dismissal Day for Students 12:30 PM / $1.00 Dress Down Day

        Monday, February 20^th               No School Students and Staff

Our mission statement

The mission of Helen Thackston Charter School is to provide a challenging, enriching and meaningful curriculum that educates, nurtures, and respects the individual student and the diverse community of learners in an environment that is safe and conducive to learning. It is our belief that the ultimate ability of our students to achieve success lied in the commitment of the school and the community working together to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, civic responsibility, character development, leadership, and confidence, as well as a love of and appreciation for learning.

The vision of Helen Thackston Charter School will build a school where students are given the opportunity to develop, learn, and achieve in an environment that encourages everyone to reach their highest potential.