frequently asked questions.
Transitioning from a traditional school to an institution like HTH can be a big culture shock - for parents too! Below are questions I receive from parents year after year. For further questions or more information regarding your student's course work or progress, please contact teachers directly.
1. What is "project-based learning"?
See "About Project-Based Learning"
2. I'm new to High Tech - what should I do as a parent of a High Tech student to further support my child?
Most parents that are new to the HTH system initially how they can support their student. Gone are the simple, familiar textbooks and worksheets but just because your child is receiving an education that looks different from yours does not mean there is nothing you can do to help. See "About Project-Based Learning".
3. I would like to be actively involved either within High Tech or my child's class(es) - what can I do?
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in your child's school. See "HTH Village Parents Association" if you are interested in being a part of school-wide events and fundraisers.
In addition to the PA, each team also has a "Team Parent". This parent/guardian does not have to be a part of the PA (but can be) and acts very much like a "Class Mom" - he/she helps teachers with purchasing materials/supplies, finding parent drivers for field trips, organizing team events, etc.
If you are interested in being your child's team's parent, please contact the teachers directly or talk to the PA.
4. Where can I find the details of my child's grades?
All grades are updated and submitted digitally via PowerSchool. For questions regarding specific assignments, please contact the instructor directly.
5. What if I don't know my Powerschool login and/or password?You can obtain all PowerSchool information from our Site Manager Naiby Mencias [email protected] Teachers cannot reset passwords.
6. My child is struggling - what can I do?
The most important thing is that we identify the struggle early on so that we can try to resolve it. Here are some resources to keep in mind:
7. My child does not feel like they are being challenged at HTMMA - what can I do?
At HTH, we strive to support our students in becoming well-rounded, inquisitive, life-long learners. For many younger and newer students, this may be the first time they've been asked by a teacher to do such things. Without the traditions of tests and quizzes, many students struggle with identifying exactly what they have learned and how they have grown. Here are some resources to support students in this position:
8. How do grades work with projects?
See "Syllabus" for this specific courses' details on grading. However note that every teacher assesses differently. Please talk to your student's instructors for further clarification.
9. What is the school's dress code?
To ensure students are safe, comfortable and maintain a professional demeanor, all students are expected to dress "professionally". Generally, please maintain appropriate coverage, no t-shirts and no garments displaying inappropriate language/images.
10. What is an x-block?
X-block is a course that students attend every Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30. At HTMMA we strive to offer x-blocks that are physically oriented to encourage students to get outside and stay active. Talk to a staff member about starting an x-block of your choice!
11. What are the technology rules and requirements at HTHNC?
Students are not required to have any sort of technology at HTH. Every class is equipped with laptops and teachers will structure their classes so that if technology is necessary, every student will have access. If your child chooses to bring their own laptop/tablet please make sure they check in with instructors
Cell phones, mp3 players and any other technology must be turned off during the duration of school hours. Any misconduct will result in confiscation.
Video games are strictly prohibited during school hours through both personal electronics and school property.
See "About Project-Based Learning"
2. I'm new to High Tech - what should I do as a parent of a High Tech student to further support my child?
Most parents that are new to the HTH system initially how they can support their student. Gone are the simple, familiar textbooks and worksheets but just because your child is receiving an education that looks different from yours does not mean there is nothing you can do to help. See "About Project-Based Learning".
- Communicate - Use Project Launch emails from your child's teachers, their DPs and project descriptions to talk to your student about what he/she is doing at school and what his/her needs are.
- Classwork - Students will receive at least 1-3 hours of "Project Work Time" a day throughout the course of a project. Project Work Time is when students have the freedom and responsibility of working on their assignments as teachers guide them and answer questions along the way.
- Homework - If your student is spending "Project Work Time" (see above) productively, it may be understandable for him/her to have very little/no work to do at home. Understandably if a student is being unproductive during school hours, he/she may result in more homework. If your child is not doing any work at home AND his/her grades are not reflective of his/her ability, please contact your student's teacher(s)/advisor.
- Exhibitions - We have a lot of events that our students and teachers put together for our community but most importantly, for you! Exhibitions are an opportunity for our students to display their hard work and discuss with members of our community what they have learned so keep an eye out for those.
- More questions or concerns? Contact instructors directly.
3. I would like to be actively involved either within High Tech or my child's class(es) - what can I do?
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in your child's school. See "HTH Village Parents Association" if you are interested in being a part of school-wide events and fundraisers.
In addition to the PA, each team also has a "Team Parent". This parent/guardian does not have to be a part of the PA (but can be) and acts very much like a "Class Mom" - he/she helps teachers with purchasing materials/supplies, finding parent drivers for field trips, organizing team events, etc.
If you are interested in being your child's team's parent, please contact the teachers directly or talk to the PA.
4. Where can I find the details of my child's grades?
All grades are updated and submitted digitally via PowerSchool. For questions regarding specific assignments, please contact the instructor directly.
5. What if I don't know my Powerschool login and/or password?You can obtain all PowerSchool information from our Site Manager Naiby Mencias [email protected] Teachers cannot reset passwords.
6. My child is struggling - what can I do?
The most important thing is that we identify the struggle early on so that we can try to resolve it. Here are some resources to keep in mind:
- Extended Services Program - Before school Tuesday-Thursday from 7:45-8:45 students may come to school and receive help from our Academic Coaches and Inclusion Specialists. Please see instructor for more details.
- Talk to the Instructor - Encourage him/her to approach the instructor during Office Hours. Allowing students to resolve issues on their own can be a first step to taking ownership of their success.
7. My child does not feel like they are being challenged at HTMMA - what can I do?
At HTH, we strive to support our students in becoming well-rounded, inquisitive, life-long learners. For many younger and newer students, this may be the first time they've been asked by a teacher to do such things. Without the traditions of tests and quizzes, many students struggle with identifying exactly what they have learned and how they have grown. Here are some resources to support students in this position:
- Challenge Options - Most projects and literacy homework should be accompanied by "Challenge Options". These options may include but are not limited to more complex topics and/or increase in workload. Students are also strongly encouraged to talk to their instructors if they have their own Challenge Option ideas in mind. Challenge Options are not always for credit.
- Talk to the instructor - If your child still seems unhappy or unsatisfied about the curriculum, encourage him/her to talk to the instructors.
8. How do grades work with projects?
See "Syllabus" for this specific courses' details on grading. However note that every teacher assesses differently. Please talk to your student's instructors for further clarification.
9. What is the school's dress code?
To ensure students are safe, comfortable and maintain a professional demeanor, all students are expected to dress "professionally". Generally, please maintain appropriate coverage, no t-shirts and no garments displaying inappropriate language/images.
10. What is an x-block?
X-block is a course that students attend every Tuesdays and Thursdays and every other Wednesdays from 2:30-3:30. At HTMMA we strive to offer x-blocks that are physically oriented to encourage students to get outside and stay active. Talk to a staff member about starting an x-block of your choice!
11. What are the technology rules and requirements at HTHNC?
Students are not required to have any sort of technology at HTH. Every class is equipped with laptops and teachers will structure their classes so that if technology is necessary, every student will have access. If your child chooses to bring their own laptop/tablet please make sure they check in with instructors
Cell phones, mp3 players and any other technology must be turned off during the duration of school hours. Any misconduct will result in confiscation.
Video games are strictly prohibited during school hours through both personal electronics and school property.
HTH Acronym guide.
- SLC (Student Led Conferences) - Kind of like Parent/Teacher Conferences but at HTH, students lead the discussion and answer parents' questions. Teachers are present to facilitate the discussion.
- **Students - SLC can also be Student Led Comments, a letter you write to your teachers and parents at the end of the semester.
- POL (Presentation of Learning) - Depending on the teacher, the team and the grade level this has been conducted in a variety of ways. In essence, it is an event at the end of the semester in which students display what they have learned in a public manner so that family and community members can watch.
- DP (Digital Portfolio) - Essentially a website but for students and teachers at HTH, it is a way to display what we are doing with the community and the world.
- KSH (Kind, Specific, Helpful) - We are a community of critique. Our students are constantly revising, giving each other feedback and striving to be better. To give our peers good feedback we use the norm "KSH" - always be kind, specific and helpful when giving feedback.
- HOHAM (Habits of Heart and Mind) - The habits that we strive to engrain in our students so that they may be successful, productive and empathetic adults in the world.