Dear Students and Families:

Welcome to the 2016 – 2017 school year! Our commitment at Diboll High School is to provide a safe, positive, intellectual learning environment that will empower students to become creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and inspired learners prepared for high school, college, and life in the twenty-first century.

As I enter into my first year as principal, I would like to make a commitment to the parents, community, faculty, staff, and students to high expectations to academic performance within the classroom, participation in co-curricular activities as well as responsible citizenship at school and in the community. I am asking each student to make a commitment to having Lumberjack Pride by being active participants in their learning and acting responsibly as an individual within our learning community. Doing so will enable all to have a successful and enjoyable school year.

High School is a time of a change and a rite of passage for our young adults. It is an exciting time, but it can also be challenging with the increase in workloads, social adjustment, and having multiple teachers through the course of the day.

TEKS Resource System (TRS) has been fully adopted this year. TRS makes for a more rigorous approach to learning as students will be challenged to develop their analytical skills, communicate their learning verbally, in writing, and/or in a presentation. With the use of Google Chromebooks, IPads, BYOD, and computer desktops as learning tools inside the classroom and at home to increase their 21stcentury learning experiences.

Lumberjack Students, I encourage to follow the Lumberjack Code:

• Protect the weak and defenseless
• Refrain from the wanton giving of offence
• Live by honor and for glory
• Fight for the welfare of all
• To respect those placed in authority
• To guard the honor of fellow Lumberjacks
• To eschew unfairness, meanness, bullying, and deceit
• At all times to speak the truth
• To persevere to the end in any enterprise begun
• To respect the honor of women/men
• Never to turn the back upon a challenge

Parents, please make time to:
 Ask your student(s) specific questions about their time at school. For example, “What was the most interesting thing you did in Math, English, Science, and Social Studies class today?”
 Use the Parent Portal early and often. The Portal will give you relevant information regarding your child’s performance on their homework, a test or quiz as well as their attendance. Your interest and concern in their school progress will motivate them to do their best.
 Communicate with your child’s teachers and staff members to establish a successful home/school connection. All of our teachers have classroom websites with their contact information, homework assignments, and useful resources.
 Watch for grades less a 75. Research shows that students that fall continuously fall below a 75 in their core subject are less likely to pass the End-of-Course exam or score well on the ACT/SAT.
 Ask your child about their friends. Who are they associating with at school?
 BE INVOLVED – BE A PART – BE SUPPORTIVE
We are looking forward to a positive, upbeat school year at DHS. Parents, please help us by reinforcing school expectations at home. With your help, DHS will continue to be a school community in which every person feels respected, valued, and is encouraged and challenged to achieve at the highest levels.

I encourage you all to be active in our PTSA and the Red and White Scholarship. Our partnership is essential for our continued success. If I can be of any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me and know that my door is always open.

Finally, I have just one question. I know you know the answer because it reminds us of how important it is have pride in our schools and community. Who are we? “Lumberjacks!!!” I am excited for the opportunity to work with you and your student to provide a productive and safe learning environment that supports student success. ! I am honored to serve as your Principal

Go Lumberjacks!!!!