• On behalf of the staff at Beloit Memorial High School, I welcome you to the remainder of the 2009-2010 school year.  My name is Mark Smullen and I am Beloit Memorial High School's Interim Principal.  This is my third year in an administrative position at BMHS, and this school's spirit and dedication to diversity is paramount to our success here at Beloit Memorial.
   
• Welcome back to the BMHS  Administrative Team Assistant Principals David Luebke and Dr. JB Elzy.  Their service to the School District of Beloit and our community is limitless, and we welcome their service to our student body.  
   
• Congratulations to our Advanced Placement students who are taking their much anticipated AP exams this month.  We wish you the best on your exams.  Last year, BMHS students took 202 AP exams and 432 ACT tests and earned $3.4 million in grants and scholarships.  
  
• Our proud traditions will be on full display this month as BMHS edges closer towards graduation.  BMHS students will be awarded this month for their dedication to academics, athletics, theatre, military service and music.  Check out our Evening of Jazz, incredible choir and award winning Orchestra. 
    
• Celebrate with us as our Academic All-Stars Awards  presented on May 12th for grade 9, 10 and 11 students.  Outstanding academic and departmental awards will be presented to our students who have dedicated themselves to their academics.  On Wednesday, April 19th, come and see our best and brightest at the Senior Academic Scholarship Awards.
  

• Returning this year are the BMHS Athletic Awards.  Our Athletic Director, Steve Ferger, has brought this honored tradition back to Beloit Memorial.  The athletic teams and individual sports will reflect and celebrate this year's accomplishments. This will be held on June 9th.
   
• Continue Purple Knights as you "Dare to Dream" because no one can hold you back in what you believe you can do.  Take your passion with you and continue doing the little things right until the big things come easy.  Enjoy the rest of the year and continue making Beloit Memorial proud of all past, present and future Knights. 

Students will register for classes with their counselor.   There is a $10.00 fee to attend Summer School.  Registration forms will be available in the Guidance Office on April 26, 2010.  Students will not be considered enrolled or able to attend the summer school program until their $10.00 has been paid.

The summer school schedule will include enrichment courses, credit recovery and  courses for credit such as Physical Education.  Enrichment programs offered include Advanced Placement classes and College Prep Academy.  Classes in Strength and Conditioning and Physical Education will be available.  Credit recovery classes are available in the core areas include English, Science, Social Studies and Math.  These courses will be taught on the computers using the NOVANET program.  A complete list of course offerings is available in the Counselor's Office on the registration form.

The prom and graduation activities soon will be here and so is the possibility that your kids may be offered alcohol and/or drugs as part of their celebration.  As parents, you are the most important prevention specialist in their lives.

Research shows that every day kids confirm the fact that you, the parents, make a critical difference in whether they use alcohol or drugs.  When they are faced with the choice whether to use alcohol or drugs or not, the relationship between you and your child will be the most important determining factor.  Your influence is the strongest.  Parents remember - you are the most important group in the fight against alcohol and drugs. 

You can make a huge difference in your teen's life.  Here are a few helpful prom and graduation tips (for everyday also).

¨        Set clear rules and discuss in advance what expectations of behavior you have and what the consequences will be if violated. 

¨        Set a curfew time for prom and graduation.  It may be negotiated, but it should be strictly enforced.

¨        Set clear rules about no alcohol or drug use.

¨        Absolutely no riding with someone who has been using alcohol or other drugs.

¨        Make sure that if they go to a party, that you contact the parents.  Make clear to the parents your expectations of no alcohol or drug use at the party and that you expect that there will be adult supervision at all times. 

¨        Do not allow your kids to go to hotels, motels or after Prom and Graduation parties.  This is trouble waiting to happen. 

¨        Be awake when your teen gets home.  Ask questions.

¨        Remember, providing alcohol to non-family minors at home parties is illegal. Providing alcohol to non-family minors at home parties is illegal. It could result in a fine of $428 per child.

The Beloit Police Department, together with the School District of Beloit, encourages you to talk to your students about the consequences of alcohol use.  Let them know that drinking alcohol leads to risky behaviors, such as driving while intoxicated.

Let's make this prom and graduation a happy, fun experience for all kids.  It begins with you, the parents, by setting limits and boundaries and communicating these expectations to your children. 

Norm Jacobs                                          Mark Smullen

Norm Jacobs                                                  Mark Smullen

Chief of Police                                                 Interim Principal, Beloit Memorial High School

Beloit Police Department                                School District of Beloit