Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Transitioning from a traditional school to an institution like HTH can be a big culture shock - for parents too! Below are questions we 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 would like to be actively involved either within HTHNC or my child's class(es) - what can I do?
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in your child's school. See "HTHNC Parents Association" if you are interested in being a part of school-wide events and fundraisers. See "HTHNC Athletics" or email our Athletics Director if you are interested in getting involved with sports.
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.
3. 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.
4. What if I don't know my Powerschool login and/or password?
You can obtain all PowerSchool information from our Site Manager Sheila Van Metre. Teachers cannot reset passwords.
5. My child is struggling - what can I do?
10th grade can be a tough year, and is often the first year colleges will look at a GPA. Students sometimes struggle with the increased workload and academic language. 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:
6. My child does not feel like they are being challenged at HTHNC - 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:
7. How do grades work with projects?
This depends on the teacher, but typically there will be project benchmarks and a final exhibition that students must complete. Projects are typically worth more than individual assignments, but grading policies are determined by teachers and individual teams.
See HTHNC Student Handbook
Only a C- and above are considered passing at HTH. If a student receives a grade of a D+ or below in any of his/her courses, he/she will be required to make up the course through Summer School. There are a limited number of courses students can make up during Summer School, depending on the course. If a student does not pass enough courses, he/she will be required to repeat the grade.
8. What is the school's dress code?
See HTHNC Student Handbook.
Please avoid t-shirts, flip-flops, tank tops, short skirts and short shorts for professional and safety reasons. For our labs, this will also be modified to include no open toe shoes, and hair must be tied back.
9. What is an elective?
An elective is a course that students attend every Tuesday and Thursday and every other Wednesday from 2:30-3:30. Students sign up every trimester and the courses range from the basic Academic Coaching and various sports (depending on the season) to ASB, yearbook, Model UN, yoga, flag football, etc. Electives are student-driven and some require a one year commitment. Talk to a staff member about starting an elective of your choice!
HTH ACRONYM GUIDE
Thanks to Sonya Ramirez for the helpful materials and guides!
See "About Project-Based Learning"
2. I would like to be actively involved either within HTHNC or my child's class(es) - what can I do?
There are lots of opportunities to get involved in your child's school. See "HTHNC Parents Association" if you are interested in being a part of school-wide events and fundraisers. See "HTHNC Athletics" or email our Athletics Director if you are interested in getting involved with sports.
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.
3. 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.
4. What if I don't know my Powerschool login and/or password?
You can obtain all PowerSchool information from our Site Manager Sheila Van Metre. Teachers cannot reset passwords.
5. My child is struggling - what can I do?
10th grade can be a tough year, and is often the first year colleges will look at a GPA. Students sometimes struggle with the increased workload and academic language. 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:
- Academic Coaching - Academic Coaching is like a Study Hall and is offered as an elective (See Question 11). It is also offered for an hour before and after school, depending on the grade level and the schedule of the Academic Coach. Check with your child's teachers for the most recent AC schedule.
- Office Hours - All HTH teachers have weekly Office Hours that are available to students and parents. This is an ideal time for students to receive one-on-one help or the quiet classroom allows for many students to focus and get work done. Miss Lyman's Office Hours are Mondays 3:30-4:30PM. If this time is not convenient for you, please email her to schedule an appointment.
- 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.
6. My child does not feel like they are being challenged at HTHNC - 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 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 extra credit.
- Talk to the instructor - If your child still seems unhappy or unsatisfied about the curriculum, encourage him/her to talk to the instructors.
7. How do grades work with projects?
This depends on the teacher, but typically there will be project benchmarks and a final exhibition that students must complete. Projects are typically worth more than individual assignments, but grading policies are determined by teachers and individual teams.
See HTHNC Student Handbook
Only a C- and above are considered passing at HTH. If a student receives a grade of a D+ or below in any of his/her courses, he/she will be required to make up the course through Summer School. There are a limited number of courses students can make up during Summer School, depending on the course. If a student does not pass enough courses, he/she will be required to repeat the grade.
8. What is the school's dress code?
See HTHNC Student Handbook.
Please avoid t-shirts, flip-flops, tank tops, short skirts and short shorts for professional and safety reasons. For our labs, this will also be modified to include no open toe shoes, and hair must be tied back.
9. What is an elective?
An elective is a course that students attend every Tuesday and Thursday and every other Wednesday from 2:30-3:30. Students sign up every trimester and the courses range from the basic Academic Coaching and various sports (depending on the season) to ASB, yearbook, Model UN, yoga, flag football, etc. Electives are student-driven and some require a one year commitment. Talk to a staff member about starting an elective of your choice!
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.
- 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.
Thanks to Sonya Ramirez for the helpful materials and guides!