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Welcome Message
Dear Students, Parents, Staff Members, Community Members and Friends of HSGC,
Last year I began this welcome message with a statement about the potential for excellence that existed in creating a new small high school. This fall I can report progress toward achievement of that goal. Year One at HSGC was indeed a success. A sampling of our accomplishments includes:
- Our average daily attendance rate was 91% for the 2004-2005 school year, including seven students with perfect attendance for the entire year;
- Forty-two students (40% of student body) achieved honor roll or high honor roll recognition at least one time during the year;
- 81% of our second year students successfully earned promotion to status as sophomores;
- Of the 106 students who completed year one at HSGC last year, 104 (a retention rate of 98%) returned to HSGC to start year two;
- HSGC was selected and visited by Deputy Chancellor Carmen Farina so she could observe our successful partnership with Global Kids;
- HSGC initiated three new core learning experiences for grade nine - Spirit Week, Global Citizenship Week, and Math Olympics;
- Thirteen HSGC students were selected as HSGC Ambassadors. These students helped plan, facilitate, and lead activities at this summer's retreat;
- Six HSGC students and two HSGC staff continued their study of global sustainability issues at the Heifer Ranch in Arkansas for a week in July.
While we take great pride in these early indicators of success, we recognize that the creation process is a four-year development project that will require the same energy and drive this year. This year, we welcome over one hundred new students and over ten new staff members. We will occupy new rooms and spaces in our building (including a new state-of-the-art science laboratory). We will implement our grade ten curriculum (including foreign language) and initiate our honors program. For the first time, we will offer supplementary courses in the arts and technology. 2005-2006 promises to be an exciting year.
Every fall, the beginning of a new school year brings a feeling of optimism. In an effort to capture and focus this positive energy, I want to kick off the year by sharing a favorite quote from Mohandas Gandhi. Gandhi said, "We must become the change we want to see in the world." At HSGC, we seek out students, parents, staff and community organizations that live by this commitment to getting involved. Our opportunity for change lies before us again this year. Let's take full advantage of this opportunity and be the change that we want in the world.
Best wishes for the school year. HS..GC!
Brad Haggerty,
Principal
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