Troy High | Troy High-Lites Newsletter
November 2023 High-Lites Edition
- Dear Parents
- Page 2 News
- Counseling Office News - 12th Grade
- Counseling Office News - 9th, 10th & 11th Grades
- Counseling Office News - College Rep Visits & Scholarships
- French Club News
- Band News
- Orchestra News
- Yearbook Orders
- Senior Yearbook Photo Specifications
- 2024 Senior Yard Signs
- Senior All Night Party
Dear Parents
Dear Parents:
Fall is a natural time for us to focus on the good things in life. "We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives" (John F. Kennedy). I know that I say this every year, but I want to make sure you know how grateful I am to work with such a great community of people. I want to say, "Thank you!" I am truly fortunate to work at Troy High. Each day I get to interact with a great staff, great kids, and great parents, all surrounded by a great city, county, state, and country. Great schools don't just appear; they are the result of a unified effort by all constituents to do all that is possible with the resources that are available. Thank you for helping us help your student. I'm thankful for the excitement that your students bring with them on the first day of school to the last day of school; from the first bell at 7:20 a.m. until the last bell rings at 2:10 p.m. I'm thankful for the opportunity to watch your children grow in so many ways. It is so very rewarding to see our students get closer and closer to achieving their hopes, dreams, and aspirations. My hope for you is that your Thanksgiving holiday gives all of you a well-deserved break and the opportunity to celebrate the day with a wonderful meal with family and friends. Schools are similar to a well prepared dish, it's all in the ingredients. Just add Great Teachers with Great Students and stir in Great Parents and you will taste Success. I hope that you have a great month and Go Colts!
Go Colts! We are TC!
Sincerely,
Remo Roncone, Principal
Page 2 News
Academic Support Program:
This program is going on now. Our After-School Academic Support Program designed to assist students in becoming successful. The focus of the program will be placed on the core subject areas: English, Math, Science, and Social Studies. This program will assist students to make-up missing work, study for tests/quizzes, improve understanding of concepts, and in general stay focused on their classes. The program is offered two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday) from 2:15 - 3:00 p.m. in the Troy High Media Center through June. Please go to the Troy High Home page on the main page under Academic Support Information to find more information and fill in the form.
Now Accepting Student & Staff Vehicles in the Troy High Body Shop for maintenance and light repairs.
Contact Mr. Christopher Lubiato at email, clubiato@troy.k12.mi.us, for more information.
Procedure for Deliveries & Communication with Students During the School Day
Again this year, we are asking for your cooperation with deliveries to and communication with students.
- If you have an item or written message for your student, please drop it off at the Security desk located outside of the Main Office.
- Since guests are not permitted in school, we do not allow siblings, friends, or relatives to visit during the school day or make deliveries to students.
- All items must be dropped off at the Security desk.
- We cannot allow fast food or take out lunch deliveries from parents, relatives, or friends.
- Early dismissal phone calls should be made as early as possible to provide the greatest amount of time possible for us to call students to the
- Attendance desk to pick up their early dismissal passes.
- Finally, if you have a THS graduate in your household, please advise him/her to make arrangements to visit his/her former teachers and school before or after regular school hours. We restrict alumni visits during the regular work day unless special arrangements have been secured in writing by the host teacher.
Troy High Ski & Snowboard Club - Non-Competitive
The first meeting is November 4, 2023 after school in room 290. Club Sponsor, Ms. Lisa Danhoff.
Counseling Office News - 12th Grade
12th Grade News
Michigan Competitive Scholarship is available to undergraduate students pursuing their first degrees at an approved Michigan postsecondary institution. Students must demonstrate both financial need and merit. Eligible applicants must have a qualifying SAT score of at least 1200. Applicants must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 1 to receive priority consideration. For more Information, please visit Michigan Gov Student Aid Website.
Any senior who is considering playing Division I or II athletics next year needs to register with NCAA Eligibility Center. It is the student's responsibility to make sure they are meeting eligibility requirements, and we are here to help. Students should see their counselors if they have questions.
Counselors have met with all seniors who signed up for an individual meeting to review their post-secondary plans. At this time, many seniors have completed college applications, and some are still busy working. We encourage students to submit applications as soon as possible to meet all application and scholarship deadlines. Also, do not forget to request official transcripts to be sent and follow each college's requirements for reporting standardized test scores if necessary. The College Application Process Handout and Parchment directions are available on the Class of 2024 course page in Schoology.
Transcripts for Seniors
Seniors should all be registered at www.parchment.com In order to request transcripts be sent to Common Application, if they are applying through Common App. If seniors are not submitting a Common App, they will send the transcript directly to the college or university via Parchment. Counselors uploaded necessary Information for all Common App schools with Nov 1 deadlines once they received a Common App email request. Seniors were informed of this process during individual senior meetings in September and through various methods on Schoology and the Troy High announcements. Students can also use Parchment to request transcripts for scholarships or for themselves In the future.
Federal Student Aid
Funding Your Education: The Guide to Federal Student Aid helps students understand the financial aid process and is available as a PDF at Federal Student Aid Funding. Detailed ·information on federal student aid for students and parents is available at the Federal Student Aid website. Visit Oakland Education Financial Event to sign up for a zoom FAFSA event or watch the "Financing Education Beyond High School" video from Dr. Carrie Gilchrist at Oakland University.
Scholarship Resources
From the Michigan Department of Treasury: Ml Student Aid has a scholarship database containing thousands of place-based scholarships for Michigan students. A Michigan place-based scholarship means that one of the scholarship components is linked to a Michigan school, county, city, or region. Just call Ml Student Aid at (888) 447-2687 or fill out our online scholarship search form. We will use the information provided to search for scholarships available in your county.
Also, take a moment to check out our Scholarship Best Practices Tips when visiting the website. Find guidelines on putting together a strong scholarship application as well as links to Michigan colleges and national scholarship opportunities.
Local scholarships and Troy High-Specific scholarships are available on Schoology. Seniors can visit the Class of 2024 Schoology course to find upcoming due dates and applications throughout the year. Scholarships may or may not include criteria such as: GPA (not always required), situational such as hardship or financial need, specific to degree pathway, or short essay. Scholarships will be added throughout the year, so we encourage students to check back frequently.
College visits occur each fall at Troy High School. Representatives from colleges in Michigan and around the country are still being scheduled to visit and present information regarding their admissions process, financial aid, tuition costs, program offerings, updates and more. Students are encouraged to attend to learn more about a college and to ask questions. College visits are open to seniors and junior students only. Information for college visits including dates and times can be found in the Class of 2024 Schoology course for seniors and Class of 2025 Schoology course for juniors.
Keep Calm and See Your School Counselor
Counseling Office News - 9th, 10th & 11th Grades
11th Grade News
Counselors will be presenting 11th grade students before the end of semester 1 with a lot of important information concerning junior year issues: post-secondary opportunities, preparing for the college selection and application process, standardized testing, and more. Many resources for testing, college searches, and more, including mobile apps, are available to students and parents at SAT Suite of Assessments and Big Future.
9-11th Grade Testing Information
*Tentative standardized testing dates at THS for the spring are as follows:
- M-STEP (grade 11): April 9
- SAT w/Essay (grade 11): April 10
- PSAT9 (grade 9): April 10
- ACT WorkKeys (grade 11): April 11
- PSATlO (grade 10): April 11
PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test)/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test was administered in October to juniors. Results will be available in December through sat.org. We encourage students to link their CollegeBoard account to Khan Academy for personalized, free online test prep. There is no make-up day for the PSAT. Juniors might wish to take an SAT on a Saturday before/after the April exam. Students can register for another SAT exam date at SAT Suite of Assessments. Juniors wishing to take an ACT can find dates and registration information at ACT Test Registration.
10th Grade - Oakland Schools Technical Campus News
Cosmetology; Tenth-grade students competing to get the one spot in Cosmetology that is granted to Troy High each year must attend the Cosmetology Information Night for OSTC- Pontiac.
The Cosmetology Information Night will be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 beginning at 6;00 p.m. Our campus partners with all Oakland County high schools and we are located at 1371 North Perry Street, Pontiac, Ml 48340. Enrollment for the 24-25 school year will begin at this event! So, we can plan accordingly, please RSVP by Friday, November 10, 2023, either by clicking on the link and completing the Google form https:ljforms.gle/k52d7BtixxmF6TfcA, or by phone (248.451.2710), or via email (Randy.Maddock@oakland.k12.mi.us).
Keep Calm and See Your School Counselor
Counseling Office News - College Rep Visits & Scholarships
COLLEGE REPRESENTATIVE VISITS:
Troy High School
- November 1, 2023: Oakland Community College (Time: Lunch at S-table)
- November 1, 2023: University of Detroit Mercy (Time: Lunch at Counseling Conference Room)
- November 2, 2023: Baker College (Time: Lunch at S-table)
Scholarships
- Due: 11/01/2023: Michigan Tech- Leading Scholar Award
- Due: 11/08/2023: Regeneron Science Talent Search- due to organization
- Due: 11/16/2023: Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Scholarship
- Due: 12/01/2023: Visionary Scholarship Program-due to organization
- Due: 12/06/2023: Presidential Schools Award-Bowling Green State University
- Due: 12/31/2023: A1AA Lockheed Martin Marillyn Hewson Scholarship
- Due: 01/05/2024: LMCU- Hutt Scholarship
- Due: 01/19/2024: Asian and Pacific Islander American Scholarship Program (Recommender date is earlier)
- Due: 04/30/2024: VFW -Kenny Evancho VFW Scholarships
- Due: 05/03/2024: Troy Education Association Building Scholarship
On-going Ferris State University Tuition Incentive Program (TIP).
French Club News
Bonjour tout le monde!
In last month's meeting, French Club members had lots of spooky fun with the always anticipated, annual Halloween scavenger hunt and enjoyed treats such as dirt pudding, candy, donut holes, and more!
However, this year's scavenger hunt had a twist-starting with an indoor portion, groups hunted around the school for clues, which contained French phrases indicating the location of the next one. The final clue led them outside into the forest, where their mission was to find all ten of their assigned paper shapes (for example, ten orange pumpkins) hidden between colorful leaves and trees. The triumphant winners were able to decode the clues and find atl of their shapes before
any of the other teams!
Members also learned about how the French celebrate Halloween and various spooky tourist attractions in France. The catacombs, a historic tunnel under Paris lined with millions of bones and human skeletons placed in decorative shapes evoked a shocked reaction from some members.
The meeting concluded with a delicious spread of Halloween-themed snacks like dirt pudding - a giant bowl of chocolate pudding mixed with M&M'S, mini-marshmallows, crushed Oreos then topped with worms (Gummy!@) coming out of it-Tim Hortons Tim-bits and assorted traditional Halloween wrapped candy and cookies. Some generous club members signed up to bring in other treats, earning them a point towards membership!
If you are interested in learning about French culture, bonding with other students through activities, and enjoying French food, consider joining us for our next meeting in November! Anyone is welcome to join, but please make sure to pay your $50 club fee and $10 French Club fee by that meeting (each payment counts as 1 point towards earning your membership). Don't feel discouraged if you haven't earned any points yet- there are many more opportunities to come and you
can start by paying your two club membership fees.
For updates and announcements, contact Susie Fortuna, Room 140 or by email at sfortuna@troy.k12.mi.us.
Also, make sure to check out our lnstagram for extra information and pictures from club meetings {1 point towards membership for a follow)!
Band News
Band News
October brought the best that Fall has to offer and the 175 members of the TCMB have enjoyed every moment of their fall schedule. Monday afternoon marching practices allowed the band to add to and refine their "The Grass Is Always Greener ... " program into a truly spectacular presentation for Troy Colts' events and football games.
The Troy High Band Boosters were excited to again host this year's MSBOA District XVI High School Marching Band Festival on October 11. The rain held out this year as eight bands performed their halftime shows for adjudicators in a packed stadium of enthusiastic friends and family. Your TCM B performed at their finest and received superior ratings from all judges with comments including, "What an intriguing show concept," "Bravo! There are so many creative moments
throughout your show," and "You demonstrate a strong foundation in all areas."
The Band ended their marching season with a final performance at their annual "Colt Stampede" in the gym on October 19, where seniors and all supporting the band were honored.
On Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Troy High Band Boosters are partnering with Custom Fundraising Solutions to turn the high school cafeteria into a mattress showroom for the Troy community to purchase brand new, name brand mattresses at below retail prices. Twin from $249, full from $299, queen from $349, and king from $499. Best of all, a portion of the proceeds goes to the Troy Colt Bands.
Make plans to join us for an inspiring evening full of seasonal selections Thursday, December 7, at 7 p.m. The Troy High Bands will kick off the holidays with their annual Winter Concert, featuring performances from the Campus, Cadet, Concert, and Symphonic Bands, and the Jazz Ensemble. Mark your calendars and plan to join us, as the TC Bands are sure to launch you in the spirit of the season!
If you missed any of the earlier performances, to find photos and videos of TCMB, and to check for updates from the band, visit the www.troycoltbands.org website, or check out TCMB on social media - on Facebook @troycoltbands, on lnstagram @troycoltbands, and on X (formerly Twitter)@officialtcbands.
Congratulations Mr. Nutting
Please help us in congratulating Brian Nutting, Jacob Greenwood, and the: entire Troy Colt Marching Band for delivering an OUTSTANDING performance on October 11th 2023 at the MSBOA District XVI Marching Band Festival, earning a Division 1 rating!
Orchestra News
Orchestra News
The Troy High Orchestras are looking forward to our upcoming events in November and December.
Join the Symphony Orchestra at 7:00pm in the Troy High Auditorium for an evening of chamber music. Students will be presenting music of many well known composers, like Brahms, Dvorak, as well as music heard in video games and a piece written by 2023 graduate, Jonah Midtgard.
We are also looking forward to our December Concert, celebrating sounds of the season in addition to a variety of music performed by all four Troy High
Orchestras. Join us on December 14 at 7:00pm in the Troy High Auditorium for a free concert. We'd also like to share some exciting news! Last year, a group of students worked together independently to prepare and record Jonah Midtgard's
String Serenade, which was submitted to the Young Composers of Michigan (part of the Michigan Music Education Association) for consideration. Both Jonah and the Troy High Orchestra Ensemble received special recognition from the Young Composers of Michigan and an invitation to perform at the Michigan Music Conferences Young Composers of Michigan's concert in Grand Rapids in January. Congratulations to alumnus Jonah Midtgard and the students who performed in the recording.
Yearbook Orders
TROY HIGH SCHOOL Yearbook
This school year will live forever in the pages of the yearbook. Help your student remember friends, classes, fun and more by purchasing a yearbook for them today.
Cost of Yearbook
- $75: NOW - SEPT. 30
- $80: OCT. 1 - JAN. 28
- $85: JAN. 29 - MARCH 31
- $95: STARTING APRIL 1
Visit Troy High School 2024 Yearbook to purchase your yearbook today! Don't wait until it's too late! Choose from the Deluxe Package, Basic Package, or Yearbook only. Want to create a Senior Ad? You can do that on the site too. Personalization of your yearbook must be done before January 27th, so purchase before that time. Costs for name stamping start at $15 per yearbook.
Buy a Senior Tribute Ad for the 2024 Yearbook
Ad Size and Cost Choices
- $350: Full Page (10 photos)
- $175: Half Page (12 Photos)
- $125: Quarter Page (6 photos)
- $80: Eighth Page (3 photos)
Buy a senior ad through March 1, 2024 online at Troy High School 2024 Ad Submission. Ad space is limited. Once the space is filled, no more ads will be accepted. Order your space early! Yearbooks are printed by Walsworth Yearbooks, Yearbook Forever Collection.
Instructions for Ad Submissions
- Use a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account at Troy High School 2024 Ad Submission.
- Ad your student's information in the provided fields.
- Select: Have the school design your ad.
- Choose your ad size.
- Choose your color options.
- Finalize your order.
Senior Yearbook Photo Specifications
Important Information for Seniors and Parents
Senior portraits - Upload online by December 2, 2023, if using a photographer other than Prestige Portraits.
Senior portraits must be submitted online under the Yearbook Snap tab. Follow the steps to prepare your photo for upload.
- Enter troyhs as the access code on the Yearbook Snap page.
- Click on upload photo and select your photo.
- Once uploaded, select Portraits from the drop down menu.
- Fill in your student's formal first and last name and click Submit Photo.
Reminders:
- Schedule with your photographer to get a digital copy of your photo before the December 2, 2023 deadline to submit.
- Prestige Portraits deadline is November 19, 2023. Any portraits taken after this date are not guaranteed to be submitted to the yearbook.
- Check with Emily Rusk (erusk@troy.k12.mi.us)before the the deadline, if you are worried about your photo being submitted.
- Your school ID photo will not be used in place of a formal photo in the yearbook. Formal photos only.
- Photos not meeting these guideline will not be accepted in the yearbook.
- Approximately 2in.x 3in. in size, color retouched photographs, head and shoulders, both eyes showing.
- Distance from top of head to chin is 1.25 inches.
- Medium blue/gray/brown background.
- No hands or props showing in photo.
- Soft focus accepted.
Class Composite: (Read Carefully)
The class composite photo is a picture of the senior class that is displayed in the school and handed out to seniors who are included in the photo. Our composite is made by Prestige Portraits, if you do not go through Prestige Portraits for your senior formal photo, it will not be included in the composite.
2024 Senior Yard Signs
Senior Yard Signs
Troy High School Class of 2024 - Celebrate Your Senior
ConGRADulations Yard Signs - $25 each
Order Your Sign Early (Deadline is April 8, 2024)
Order your THS Class of 2024 yard sign here
Additional graduation party essentials for purchase. Contact Lea McAllister at lgiles75@comcast.net.
Signs are highest quality 18" x 24" weather-proof yard signs, double-sided and shape-cut. H-stake for mounting is included. Price is $25 per sign, personalization included. Funds support the Troy High School Senior All Night Party Fund.