August 4, 2010
Students/Parents:
I am eager to welcome you back to a new and exciting year at Moses Lake High School. This letter includes all of the important information you need to have a successful start to the new school year.
First, all students are expected to attend one of our Chief Days on August 17, 18, or 19, 2010 to prepare for the 2010-2011 school year. The schedule is as follows:
August 17 2:00 pm – 7:00 pm Chief Day Open for Students in Grades 10-12
August 18 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Chief Day Open for Students in Grades 10-12
August 18 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm Chief Day Open for Students in Grades 10-12
FRESHMEN ONLY
August 19 8:00 am – 12:00 pm Chief Day Freshmen Orientation Class of 2014
August 19 12:00pm – 5:00pm Chief Day Open for Freshmen Only
During these Chief Days you will be able to: pick up your schedule, get your annual/school picture taken, pay fees and fines, get clearance for sports (see the back of this letter), verify student information, complete free/reduced lunch applications, put money on your student lunch account, complete medication forms if needed, and more!
As you may notice above, this year we will have a session for freshmen only. This special session will include valuable information that is just for freshmen. The first part of this session is our Freshmen Orientation that will start at 8:00am. During this important session students will get a chance to work closely in a small group that will welcome them to Moses Lake High School. The session will also include a strand for parents. Freshmen will get a chance to meet their classmates, take a tour, get additional information, and have a special BBQ lunch. This session is for freshmen only, and no other students will be admitted. As soon as the orientation is finished students and parents will then be able to start the “registration” process. Students will be expected to participate in both the orientation from 8:00 – 12:00 and the registration from 12:00 – 5:00. The registration component is a walk-around rotation, so it will not take until 5:00pm if you are here in the beginning. If your family has children in different grade levels, unfortunately this session is still just for freshmen.
It is important that all students get their picture taken, even if they are not purchasing a picture package. Picture package information is being mailed separately to your home. The photographer will issue ASB/ID cards. This card will be needed to be able to eat lunch on the first day of school. If you do not get your picture taken you will need to obtain a temporary ID Card in the Commons on the first day of school.
The fee schedule for 2010-2011 is as follows:
ASB Card $35.00 Required for participation in all athletics, clubs, and activities
Annual $45.00 The price will increase to $50.00 after December 31
Parking* $15.00 with an ASB Required to park in the student parking lot
$25.00 without an ASB
Key Club Dues $20.00 Required for all members of the Moses Lake HS Key Club
* See the important information regarding parking on Page 2.
The Main Office will reopen on Wednesday August 11. The Counseling Office will open on August 9. Counselors will see students by appointment the week of August 9 – 13. If you would like to schedule an appointment with your counselor please call 509-766-2666 ext. 2907. Just another reminder that all fines must be paid prior to attending one of our Chief Days. Students will not be allowed to pick up their schedule until all fines have been paid, or the missing textbook or equipment is returned. I encourage everyone to take care of these fines on August 11-16 to avoid a long wait during Chief Days.
This year we will start school using a staggered start. All 9th grade students will start school at 7:45am on Wednesday September 1. All students in grades 10-12 will start school at 7:45am on Thursday September 2. The first day of school for 9th graders will allow our newest Chiefs an opportunity to navigate their way through their first day without the stress of being among the entire school. We are excited to spend this important day with the Class of 2014. Bus transportation will be on the regular schedule both days.
One of the exciting trends for us at Moses Lake High School is the opportunity to work with more and more students each day. We are expecting that in September we will start school with approximately 2100 students. As we manage this very large group of students we want to alert you of some important changes to school policies and procedures. Please review the changes below:
3 Lunches & Closed Campus
This year we will have 3 lunches, and the 2nd lunch will be for all students with 9th grade status. Students in the 1st and 3rd lunch who are in grades 10-12 will be permitted to have open campus privileges. Students in the 2nd lunch will have a closed campus during lunch, and will be expected to stay on campus. We encourage all students to utilize our school lunch program, as this year the student lunch is 30 minutes only. For safety reasons students should consider staying on campus.
Cell Phones, iPods®, and Other Electronic Devices
As a reminder cell phones, iPods®, and other electronic devices are not to be used during class time. Students who violate this expectation will have the item taken away according to our school policy. This year we are recommending that these items not be brought to school at all. If you choose to bring these items against our recommendation it is done so at your own risk. We will no longer investigate for lost or stolen cell phones, iPods®, and other electronic devices. If you bring them to school and they end up missing we will no longer be able to assist in attempting to retrieve it for you. My advice is to leave these items at home.
Parking Permits
Parking on the campus of Moses Lake High School is a privilege. Students who do not have a parking permit will not be permitted to park on campus, and they are encouraged to utilize the bus transportation to and from school. This year permits will only be sold to students who have earned this privilege by passing at least 3 classes during the second semester of last school year, who have not had any serious discipline issues last semester, who are at least a sophomore in standing, have a valid Washington State Driver’s License, and valid insurance. You will be required to provide proof of your license and insurance in order to have a permit sold to you, please bring those items to Chief Days. Students who are not in good standing at the end of the 1st semester will have their parking privileges revoked without a refund of the permit. Students or vehicles that are parked on campus without a permit will be subject to school discipline and/or have their vehicle towed. Additionally, all drivers in our parking lot are expected to drive within posted limits and directions. Violators of this expectation will also have their permit revoked without refund.
PE Uniforms
All students enrolled in a PE class are required to wear a uniform. The uniform is the same uniform as last year. If a student does not have a uniform they are now sold through TriState in Moses Lake. TriState is located at 1224 South Pioneer Way. These uniforms are available for approximately $25.00. Students should have a uniform before the first day of class.
And finally, we are excited that many of you choose to participate in our athletic program. Below is the information for the start of each sport.
Fall Sports Practice Schedules
You must have all paperwork (physical packet) turned in before the first practice to be able to participate. Below is the practice schedule for each sport.
| Sport | 1st practice | Location | Time | Picture Information |
| Football | August 18 | HS Practice Fields | 8:00am – 1:00pm | August 20 10:00 am at Lion’s Field |
| Volleyball | August 23 | HS Gym | 9:00am – Noon
1:00pm – 4:00pm
You must attend both sessions | August 27 3:00pm |
| Girls Soccer | August 23 | HS Practice Fields | 8:00am – 10:00am
Team Lunch
12:30pm – 3:00pm | August 27 4:30pm |
| Girls Swim | August 23 | HS Pool | 8:00am – 10:00am | TBD |
| Cross Country | August 23 | HS Track | 3:00pm – 5:00pm | August 26 at 3:00pm |
I look forward to seeing you later this month!
Joshua Meek
Principal
