Dear GIHS Families,
I hope you are doing well and enjoying this gorgeous fall weather. As we make our way through the school year, I wanted to share a few important reminders about our online learning expectations, Focused Instruction Time (FIT), and our SAT preparation program, Progress Learning.
Our goal is to provide students with meaningful opportunities to grow academically, build positive relationships, and develop the skills they need to be successful after high school. These programs are important pieces of that work, and student participation and effort make a big difference!
Online Learning: Attendance and Staying on Pace
For students taking online courses, attendance is compulsory. Students must sign in and remain in the Commons during their scheduled online learning time. Collaborative spaces are not permitted for students completing online classes.
It is also essential that students stay on pace—or, even better, get ahead. Falling behind can create significant challenges later in the semester. Students should regularly check their online courses to monitor their progress, and both students and guardians should be receiving progress reports from online teachers. Please take a few minutes to review these reports together so you know whether your student is on track and can address any concerns early.
FIT: Focused Instruction Time
FIT is a valuable part of the school day designed to support the whole student. FIT attendance is mandatory, and we encourage students to take full advantage of this time. Whether they need help understanding a concept, completing homework, making up an assessment, or building connections with peers, FIT provides opportunities to do so.
Here is a quick reminder of our weekly structure:
Mondays: Homeroom connection and social-emotional learning lessons to build relationships, strengthen our school community, and support student well-being.
Tuesdays–Thursdays: Academic support! Students can visit teachers, get help with assignments, work ahead, complete homework, and make up missed work or assessments.
Fridays: Club meetings, fun activities, enrichment opportunities, and study hall time.
FIT is designed to give students dedicated time and access to the support they need to be successful. As with anything, students get out of FIT what they put into it. We encourage you to ask your student how they are using this time and whether they are taking advantage of the opportunities available.
Progress Learning: Building SAT Skills
Progress Learning is our SAT practice program, designed to help students strengthen their skills and become more comfortable with the types of questions they will encounter on the SAT.
Students are expected to complete 25 minutes of Progress Learning practice each week, beginning on Fridays. Once they complete their weekly 25 minutes, they may schedule themselves to travel during FIT from Tuesday through Friday.
We especially encourage students to complete the Red Dot Challenge in their SAT Reading/Writing and Math study pathways. By clicking on each red dot, students can access instructional videos and practice problems targeting the skills they need to improve. This targeted practice is an excellent way to address individual learning gaps and build confidence.
Progress Learning is most effective when students use it intentionally and consistently. Rather than simply completing the required minutes, students should focus on their red dots, engage with the instructional materials, and practice the skills they find challenging. With consistent effort, students can strengthen their readiness for the SAT and improve their performance over time.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your student's success. We want our students to understand that these programs are not simply requirements to check off a list; they are opportunities to take ownership of their learning, seek help when needed, and make meaningful progress toward their goals.
Please continue to check in with your student about their online coursework, how they are using FIT, and their weekly Progress Learning practice. Your encouragement and involvement can make a real difference!
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have questions or concerns. I appreciate your support and look forward to a successful year for all of our GIHS students!
Warmly,
Melanie Korczyk
Student Advancement Coordinator
Grosse Ile High School