Course Recommendation Day
Tuesday, February 7th

Tuesday, February 7th, is Course Recommendation Day.  We will follow a modified all periods meet schedule.  The courses offered at Darien High School provide an array of possibilities for building a curriculum that is rich with theory as well as practical application. As you select your courses for the upcoming academic year please be cognizant of your interests, future plans, graduation requirements, and prerequisites. Make sure to discuss your goals and aspirations with your parents, teachers, and guidance counselor who will guide you in building a program of study that will help you achieve those goals.

• Browse the Full DHS Course Catalog or
• By Subject: Art, Business, Computer Studies, English, Fine/Practical Arts, History/Social Studies, Mathematics, Media, Music, Physical Education, Science, Special Programs, Tech Ed, World Language

DHSPA Meeting
February 7 @ 9:15am

A panel discussion featuring representatives from DHS Administration, Guidance, current and former DHS Parents, and Darien's Southfield Center For Development. Whether you have questions about your frenzied freshman, stressed out sophomore, jittery junior or you're sending-off your senior, this program will arm you with answers.

• Rigor vs Grades – an academic dilemma. 200 vs 300 level classes – how do they differ? Should every student strive for AP classes?
• Student Stressors – and how to help.
• Navigating unfamiliar territory – how to engage your child in DHS and beyond.
• Helicopter vs Hands-Off - when to step in?

Your Questions, Concerns, and Attendance are crucial to the success of this program. Please email any of the Program Committee members with your input – all emails will be confidential. Anne-Lise Brown: albdjb@aol.com, Kari Murray: karila@optonline.net , Lynn Koorbusch: lynnk@optonline.net

Gap Year Fair on
Thursday, February 9th

Darien High School will be hosting a Gap Year Fair on Thursday, February 9th All High School Students and their Families are welcome to attend this free event!

• Guest speaker in the auditorium @ 6:30 p.m.
• Fair from 7-8:30 p.m. in the cafeteria.
• Over 35 organizations will be represented

JUNIOR PLANNING MEETINGS

Individual Junior planning meetings begin on February 1st. Each Junior has the opportunity to meet with their counselor and parents to develop a plan to help them reach their post high school goals. These meetings should be scheduled by the student during their free period. Please check with your counselor if you want to schedule this during your lunch period. In addition to scheduling the meeting, students should submit their Junior Packet at least five days before their scheduled time. The completion of this packet is essential to have a productive meeting and not submitting could delay your materials being sent to colleges during senior year. The Junior Packets can be found on the Guidance website under Forms. Please see your counselor if you have any questions.

Attention Seniors Interested in the
Internship Program this spring

Please note that if you missed the December 16th Senior Internship Application deadline, you can still apply to be a part of the internship program! Please visit the Senior Internship Website to fill out the December 16th Senior Internship Application, the Internship Worksite Application and the Internship Contract by February 28th and you can still be considered. If you have any questions please contact the DHS Senior Internship Program Co-Chairs: Lauren Di Stefano or Lisa Messineo, at seniorinternship@darienps.org or (203) 309-2592.

Join the DHS Sailing Team!

Student/Parent informational meeting on Thursday March 1st at 7 pm in the CPR room. All are welcome!

Winter SAT Review Courses for Juniors

Darien High School will once again offer its SAT review course headed by Mr. Dooley from the math department and Mr. Speiser from the English department.  The winter class is appropriate for JUNIORS who will be taking the March 10, 2012 test.  The same course will be repeated in April for those juniors who will be taking the SAT on May 5, 2012.

SAT Math:  The Math course will run on four Tuesday nights from 7pm – 9pm in room B112 for a total of 8 hours of instruction.  The dates of the math class are February 7, February 14, February 28, and March 6.  The cost of the course is $150 and checks should be made payable to DHS.   To register for the Math course, you can contact Patrick Dooley at pdooley@darienps.org.

SAT English:  The English/Verbal course will take place on four Wednesday nights in room B203 from 7pm – 9pm for a total of 8 hours of instruction.  The dates of the class are February 8, February 15, February 29, and March 7.   The cost for the course is $150 and checks should be made payable to DHS.  If signing up for both the English and the Math, please write separate checks.  To register for the English course, contact Alex Speiser at aspeiser@darienps.org.

Neirad for January 2012

Published In This Issue:

• Let the Primaries Begin! by Chris Janson
• Defining the National Honor Society by Isabella D'Agosto
• It's the End of the World as We Know It by Ryan Barthold
• Shutterbugs: DHS Photography Talents by Caroline Cone
• Tumblr: Twitter's Hipster Cousin by Kat McKay
• Cheating One's Way through High School by Kylie Maier
• Editorial: Are Parents to Blame? by Lily Boe
• Juniors Driving to School? by Kate Fitzmaurice
• Keleher Bids Farewell to DHS by Jessica DeMaio
• The Twin Takeover by Jenn O'Neill
• Top 10 Ways to Procrastinate by Sara Shaker
• The State of Basketball by Matt Brown
• Students React to A Semester of New Gym Classes by Jack Rehm
• Aspen's New Feature Looms over Students by Marguerite Morgan
• DHS Gymnasts' Balancing Act by Annabel Schneider
• Hannah Caldwell: Rising Star by Lizzy Steinborn
• LEAD Uganda's Global Mission by Caitlin Keady
• Meet the Republican Candidates 2012 by Chris Janson
• Hot in the Lot: Abby Leinroth's Yellow Beetle by Emily Caccam