Hi again everyone,
It's hard to believe the school year is about half over. Our various departments have been engaged in a number of activities to serve our students. This blog is one piece of our effort to improve and maintain communication. Hopefully you find the entries give you useful knowledge about what is happening at our high school. Please tell your friends and acquaintances to join the blog followers!
We've been using online surveying as well this school year, and I appreciate the 125 responses we had to the survey which was sent via email. We have made some adjustments based on the responses from parents and in a future blog, I'll try and share those with you.
REPORT FOLLOWS:
Students of the Month: DECEMBER
Regan Mudd and Alex Mosley
Academics:
From Bridget Bingham – Special Education teacher:
My Home Management Students are preparing for a special Valentine's Lunch for themselves and 2 family members. They will be preparing breakfast items and each student will be assigned a job to perform at the 'restaurant.' For example: door greeter, waitress, silverware wrapper. We are currently working on making the menus.
From Mrs. Linda Rice – FCCLA Sponsor and FACS teacher:
The newly formed MHS Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter has nearly doubled membership in the past month to 19 students. Mrs. Rice is taking a group of FCCLA members to Region IV STAR Events competition at Mark Twain High School on January 28. Mrs. Rice will serve as a judge while students will serve as assistants/volunteers as needed. Mrs. Rice is currently developing the MHS FACS program to comply with all DESE standards.
From MHS Administration Team:
Academic Booster Club:
Several youth pastors and parents have been meeting regularly since the beginning of the school year
to form an academic booster club. They asked for feedback from teachers so they can focus their work and enhance our work at MHS. An online survey was created for teachers to take anonymously and the results will focus the work of the club. A breakfast for the A.B.C. was cancelled this week due to snow, but will be rescheduled for next week.
Behavior Intervention Program (BIP) (formerly known as “In-school suspension”):
Mr. Henry received an A+ grant for a character education and life skills curriculum. It is being used as a supplement to students’ regular class curriculums. Students complete any and all work from their normal classes then they are given assignments from this curriculum so they reflect and consider changing their behavior so they can remain in the regular classroom. Mr. Henry will be monitoring the implementation of this curriculum along with building administrators.
Co-teaching Grant Writing:
Holly Johanson, Deb Haag, Kris Turlington and core area teachers met to write a grant on January 13, 2011 to support co-teaching in the classroom. If approved, the grant could provide additional resources and support funding to teachers adopting and implementing the co-teaching model.
Dr. Robinson, Mr. Buffington, Mr. Brailler, Mr. Gooch, Mr. Ridgway and the class of 1986:
Work for the sports complex live telecasts of the basketball games is continuing. MHS will host district play February 21 and the first test of live broadcasting may come prior to district play.
The Building Leadership Team (BLT) :
The BLT is continuing to refine and focus their work on lowering failure rates and meeting the needs of students in the classroom. Mr. Louder has led weekly meetings with administrative support. This team meets every Thursday morning prior to school.
Missouri State Fast-Pitch Softball Academic All-state Players:
Eight softball players from Mexico High school recommended to the academic all-state team based on team participation and overall G.P.A.
An individual student athlete qualifies for the Academic All-State 1st Team if they have a cumulative GPA after the Fall 10 semester of 3.88-4.0. The student athlete must be a varsity letter winner. An individual student athlete qualifies for the Academic All-State 2nd Team if they have a cumulative GPA after the Fall 10 semester of 3.75-3.87. The student athlete must be a varsity letter winner.
From the Guidance and Counseling Team:
The Guidance Department is currently working on the senior Scholarship Book and Program of Studies.
The department will hold a financial aid information meeting for parents and seniors on January 26, 2011 at 7 p.m. in the high school band room.
PLAN test results are in and being distributed through modern world history classes.
Mark Holman visited Freshman seminar classes to discuss Job Shadow Day.
WISE Courtesy Award Winners: Heather Elder and Toby Bracht, these students were recognized at the Winter Assembly prior to leaving for Winter break.
On December 6th Ranken Technical College visited MHS
Sports and Activities:
From Athletic Director Mark Buffington:
Our winter teams continue to show great success! Current records 1/13/10:
Boys basketball team - 10-0 record, Montgomery County Tournament champions, ranked 7th in the state.
Girls basketball team - 10-1 record, Montgomery County Tournament champions, ranked 4th in the state.
Wrestling team - ranked 3rd in the state.
From Sara Given – Speech and Theater and Drama Teacher:
MHS Speech team students have been asked to perform at Kiwanis on Feb. 1.
From Christine Bresehears – Student Council, Key Club and Youth in Government sponsor:
Student Council: is preparing a “WIN”ter Warming to be remembered. By posting the spirit week, the students are able to prepare for the week and participate. We are hoping for boast to student morale.
Key Club: The Personal Product Drive was super. The Kiwanis had a collection box and really gave our contributions a boost. The club is getting ready for a "Seniors Prom" with alumni and residents of the local retirement homes in February.
Youth In Government: The first state level meeting will Feb 19th with Michael Perll assuming his term as MO YIG Governor.
From Mr. Robert Cortez –Music and Band Teacher
Mr. Cortez attended the Midwest International Band and Orchestra Clinic in Chicago December 15 through 18, along with over 15,000 music educators from around the world. Clinicians included college professors, professional musicians, composers, and technology experts in the field of music education.
Upcoming Events
1/17-18 MHS Comedy Carnival Improvisational Theatre Troupe
1/21-22 Speech & Debate Team compete in Jefferson City
1/22 Saturday School
1/24 Mexico Young Farmer’s Soils and Crop Conference – HS Cafeteria
1/25-27 MHS Comedy Carnival Improvisational Theatre Troupe
1/26 PowderBuff Volleyball Game
1/26 Financial Aid Information Meeting for Seniors & their parents 7:00pm Band Room
1/28 Senior vs. Faculty Basketball Game
1/29 Student Council Winter Warming School Dance
1/29 History Club Meeting 7:45am
1/30 MFA Oil/Breaktime Shootout at MU – Mexico boys vs. Fulton 8:00pm
2/12 ACT 7:30am 1st North
2/15 TEAMS competition in Columbia – TEAMS annual high school competition helping students discover their potential for engineering.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
December 2010: Hope you had a great holiday season!
Hello everyone!
It has been a great first half of the school year, I hope everyone took time to recharge and be with loved ones over the holidays. We are now busy preparing report cards to go out this Friday. Unfortunately, some students will need to meet the attendance requirement by attending Saturday school or after school study hall in order to receive credit for first semester classes by March 15, 2011. For your information, our board policy allows a student to miss class 6 times before make up hours are required to receive credit. We will send a certified letter to all parents and guardians on the dates students can meet their attendance requirement this Friday, January 7, 2011. In the learning process, attendance counts!
There's a lot of information in this month's blog about our activities at our high school. If you get the opportunity, THANK A TEACHER! I have never been in a school with so many committed teachers, willing to spend countless hours meeting the needs of young people -- our community is blessed.
Additionally, thanks to the 125 parents responding to our parent-teacher conference survey I sent via email. The survey rendered some great results to help us improve our parent teacher conferences. The report that follows is part of my monthly board report and I feel all parents and guardians enjoy knowing more about the work of the high school as well. If you ever have any questions or concerns about our work, please contact me. We serve this community and we answer to you.
Dr. Terry Robinson
REPORT FOLLOWS:
Students of the Month: November
Nathan Hitchcock
Paislee House
Academics:
English Department:
The English Department is currently researching and familiarizing themselves with Amazon Kindle (electronic) readers for possible future student use. Five Kindles were purchased. Novels that are more than 50 years old are free on Kindles and other content can be downloaded to the Kindles for less than the cost of regular books for students. The teachers will be working over the break to assess Kindles as learning tools to increase engagement and reading among students. The Kindles were purchased with A+ funds. Dr. Robinson and Mrs. Haag are facilitating this study.
From Mr. Phil Long - Science Teacher:
Mr. Long's Honors Physical Science class have been studying how temperature affects a substance's energy and structure; using liquid nitrogen at -328F, students were able to observe the effect of extremely low temperatures on a variety of substances including metal, soft tissue (bananas, flowers), rubber, balloons, and food! Mr. Long would like to thank Central Welding here in Mexico for donating the supply of liquid nitrogen for the classes.
From Mrs. Linda Rice – FACS teacher and FCCLA Sponsor:
As of Friday, Dec. 3, there are 10 dues paying members in the new MHS Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter.
From Bridget Bingham – Special Education teacher:
My Home Management students have made ornaments. We will be painting them this week and then we will practice gift wrapping. Each student may choose one ornament to gift wrap for a family member and they have written a Christmas card to go along with the ornament.
From MHS Administration Team:
The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce offers leadership experience to MHS students:
Dana Keller of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce met with a representative group of students to discuss how they could represent the school as a part of the community to new visitors and potential new families.
Students will give tours of the school for new arrivals to the community (parents and students) and meet periodically with chamber member(s) and learn about promoting Mexico
Chamber Commerce Student Ambassador's met for lunch at The Chamber with Dana Keller, Russell Runge from the City and Roanetta Rogers from AMC to discuss their upcoming duties in promoting Mexico, MO. Students participating were: Shelby Smith, Shaq Curtis, Ana Garcia, Alex Hobbs, Deena Dalton, Jae'on Nunnelly.
On December 5, 2010 Deb Haag – Assistant Principal of Instruction, was invited by Optimist to talk about her position and MHS.
Dr. Robinson, Mr. Buffington, Mr. Brailler, Mr. Gooch and the class of 1986
are working to improve the sports complex and enhance HCC student broadcasting opportunities. The class of 1986 is working to find an appropriate wide screen for the sport complex. Live telecasts of the basketball games could then be projected on the screen, The show would be produced by Mr. Brailler’s HCC broadcasting classes in the lobby area. As an added benefit, this broadcast would allow food and drinks to be consumed in the lobby area and prevent excessive maintenance costs for bleacher repair. Patrons would still be able to view the game live in the lobby. At present this effort is in the development phase and may not be ready for this school year, but we hope the premiere broadcast could take place at district playoffs. Mexico will host district play February 21.
From the Guidance and Counseling Team:
The counseling department has scheduled ZAPS (ACT prep) for March 29 from 9:00-3:00 in the MHS Library.
Phil Neely, Christine Beshears, and Jane Coatsworth participated in ACCESS for ELL training for spring testing for our English and Language Learner population.
Math II classes participated in EOC testing for Algebra I.
Kris Turlington, counselor, attended a Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel workshop, National Training for Counselors and Mentors: Funding Education Beyond High School, in Columbia, Missouri.
College/University/Career Visits for November-December: Ranken Technical, Truman University, Linn State Technical and Sergeant McPike from the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The Building Leadership Team (BLT)
The team held a work day on December 8 to review their charter, the functions and focus of the BLT, improving parent teacher conferences and grade reporting/grading periods. The following information is a summary of some of the work. The team recommended MHS report grades more frequently (every 3 weeks) for the 2011-12 school year and use the total points (all the course work in any particular class) to determine a child’s grade, instead of using the average of two quarters. By using the total points allowed in a class, in many cases the grade will more accurately reflect student achievement and learning.
Additionally, the team reviewed discipline, course failure rates, and Seminar student survey feedback (prepared by upper level math students under the direction of Mr. Louder). The team also developed a focus for their work for the remainder of the year 1) Building-Wide Common Practices (such as grading and seminar expectations for teachers and students), 2) Response to Intervention (how we respond/assist students that do not learn/need more help) and 3)Academic rigor.
The BLT also approved a building-wide practice concerning the assignment of “I” grades (Incomplete).
Teachers may assign an incomplete when a counselor or principal approves incompletes in extreme circumstances. However, there must be a plan that accompanies the incomplete including a due date that the final grade will be turned in the counselors' office. The teacher will also be responsible for calling a parent to let them know about the situation and plan of action. Incompletes will with hold any student from the honor roll and athletic eligibility.
Finally, the following members were elected to leadership positions within the team:
Keith Louder- elected chairperson of BLT
Michelle Yount- elected vice- chairperson of BLT
Jason Clow volunteered for position of secretary
Steve Haag- nominated and elected
Sports and Activities:
From Coach Devin Brown:
Coach Brown reported he has begun off-season training for all prospective athletes and football players.
Any young man interested in playing football next year, spring athlete, or any young man wanting to lift weights or get into shape; there was an informational meeting with Coach Brown Wednesday, December 15 in Gooch gym. Weight training will begin Tuesday January 4th and run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Students are encouraged to see Coach Brown if they have any questions or couldn’t attend the meeting.
From Christine Breshears Co-Sponsor of Student Council:
The student council party for 30 students from our elementary schools was a huge success.
Each child was greeted by Santa (Andrew Wortmann) and a student council representative was assigned to each child. Pictures were taken with Santa and then the kids worked to decorate a frame for the picture (the kids took these home with the picture - parents were pleased). Snacks were served and games were played. This was followed by the gift passing - 3 hours to wrap and 3 seconds to undo the work. More games were played and the kids were picked up or taken home on the bus.
From Susan Gheens – Cheerleading Coach
The Mexico High School Varsity Cheerleaders participated in the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association State Competition on November 20 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. Our squad did a great job of representing MHS and received 6th place in the state in their division. The community also did a fantastic job of cheering on the squad and it was awesome to see so many come out to back the cheerleaders.
From Sara Given – Speech and Theater and Drama Teacher
MHS Speech & Debate team hosted a tournament on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4. Fourteen schools were in attendance with over 80 debate teams and over 200 individual event entries. The tournament was a great success and went off without a hitch. Thank you to all the community members and faculty for their contribution judging.
The Children's Theatre class just completed their winter literacy tour to the elementary schools. All of the performances were top notch and the elementary students were great! It is a wonderful to provide real world application to lessons taught in class.
ALSO:
Mrs. Given was one of 11 speech and debate coaches in the nation recognized for a National Forensics League Diamond Award.
Eleven High School Educators Receive Prestigious National Coaching Award
PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS:
The National Forensic League (NFL) is proud to announce its newest diamond coaches, in order of highest accomplishment and date achieved:
Coach Name School State Degree
Robert D. Nordyke Campus High School Kansas 6th Diamond
Marc Rischitelli Shrewsbury High School Massachusetts 3rd Diamond
James F. Graupner Stillwater Area School Minnesota 3rd Diamond
Wendi N. Brandenburg Centennial High School Texas 2nd Diamond
Brian Weilert Fort Scott High School Kansas 1st Diamond
Kristen L. Taylor Jupiter High School Florida 1st Diamond
Ryan Lawrence Lynbrook High School California 1st Diamond
David Galoob Cascia Hall Preparatory Oklahoma 1st Diamond
Sara M. Given Mexico High School Missouri 1st Diamond
Trey Smith East Mountain High School New Mexico 1st Diamond
Derek Davis Kerr High School Texas 1st Diamond
An NFL Diamond Award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. The NFL provides diamond awards based on coach points received. A coach may receive 1/10th the points of every student coached and 1/10th of the points earned as a student member of the NFL. After attaining a total of 1,500 points, a member coach is entitled to wear a diamond-set key or pin; additional diamonds accrue at 3,000 points, 6,000 points, 10,000 points, and each 3,000 points thereafter. The minimum time between earning each diamond is five years as an NFL member coach.
On June 17, 2011, these coaches will receive special recognition at the Lincoln Financial Group/NFL National Speech and Debate Tournament in Dallas, Texas. Each year, the tournament draws more than 5,000 students, coaches, and parents from across the nation. Top students will receive more than $200,000 in college scholarships at the conclusion of the tournament, which has been held continuously since 1931 (except for the WWII years) and has appeared on the approved National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Advisory List of Contests and Activities since the origination of the list.
About the NFL
The National Forensic League (NFL) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit honorary society whose mission is to promote high school and middle school speech and debate activities as a means to develop a student’s essential life skills and values. More than 112,000 high school and middle school students, representing more than 2,800 high schools and nearly 100 middle schools, are currently building their communication, leadership, cognitive, and presentational skills as members. Since 1925, more than 1.3 million students have found their voice in the NFL.
From Julie Dreier – Vocal Music Teacher
Each year KOMU (channel 8 news) invites local choir groups to their studio to record 2 holiday songs per school. Each group will be aired a few different times between now and Christmas either before or after the news airs. All groups' videos will also be available on the KOMU website once they get them edited and posted.
This year I'm taking our two auditioned groups, so that each group gets the opportunity to perform one song for TV.
First, Chamber Choir and Women's Choir traveled to Columbia to sing for the KOMU holiday taping. The taping has already been aired twice, but aired 2 more times: 12-16 at 9:33pm on CW, and 12-21 at 6:59am on KOMU. Noteworthy then had many opportunities to perform at various places in the community over the last 2 weeks. These visits included: Kings Daughters, Pin Oaks, First Presbyterian, Teal Lake, The Arbors, and the Relay for Life fundraiser. Both Chamber Choir and Noteworthy also performed for the children at the other schools in town. Although the many performances have kept us busy, the students have really enjoyed spreading holiday cheer. We expect a big crowd on Thursday night, December 16 for the combined MMS and MHS Winter Choir Concert at 7pm in Emmons.
From Mr. Robert Cortez –Music and Band Teacher
The MHS Jazz Band performed for the Missouri Veterans' Home on Wednesday, November 10, at the Elk's Lodge in Mexico.
The Dixie Gray Christmas Concert was held on Friday, December 10. The Mexico Middle School 7th and 8th grade bands joined the Dixie Grays and the Jazz Band that evening and played for a full house at Emmons Hall.
The MHS Jazz Band helped spread the Holiday Cheer around the community, performing for the Missouri Veteran's Home and for Golden Living - Pin Oaks nursing home on Monday, December 13.
Upcoming Events
12/15 FCA Meeting 8:00 Band Room
12/16 MHS Choir Concert 7:30 Emmons Hall
1/4 Key Club Meeting 7:45am
1/5 FCA Meeting 8:00 Band Room
1/8 Saturday School 7:50am – 12:00pm
1/12 FCA Meeting
1/15 Saturday School
1/17 No School – Martin Luther King Day
1/22 Saturday School
1/24 Mexico Young Farmer’s Soils and Crop Conference – HS Cafeteria
1/26 Financial Aid Information Meeting for Seniors & their parents 7:00pm Band Room
1/29 Student Council Winter Warming School Dance
1/29 History Club Meeting 7:45am
It has been a great first half of the school year, I hope everyone took time to recharge and be with loved ones over the holidays. We are now busy preparing report cards to go out this Friday. Unfortunately, some students will need to meet the attendance requirement by attending Saturday school or after school study hall in order to receive credit for first semester classes by March 15, 2011. For your information, our board policy allows a student to miss class 6 times before make up hours are required to receive credit. We will send a certified letter to all parents and guardians on the dates students can meet their attendance requirement this Friday, January 7, 2011. In the learning process, attendance counts!
There's a lot of information in this month's blog about our activities at our high school. If you get the opportunity, THANK A TEACHER! I have never been in a school with so many committed teachers, willing to spend countless hours meeting the needs of young people -- our community is blessed.
Additionally, thanks to the 125 parents responding to our parent-teacher conference survey I sent via email. The survey rendered some great results to help us improve our parent teacher conferences. The report that follows is part of my monthly board report and I feel all parents and guardians enjoy knowing more about the work of the high school as well. If you ever have any questions or concerns about our work, please contact me. We serve this community and we answer to you.
Dr. Terry Robinson
REPORT FOLLOWS:
Students of the Month: November
Nathan Hitchcock
Paislee House
Academics:
English Department:
The English Department is currently researching and familiarizing themselves with Amazon Kindle (electronic) readers for possible future student use. Five Kindles were purchased. Novels that are more than 50 years old are free on Kindles and other content can be downloaded to the Kindles for less than the cost of regular books for students. The teachers will be working over the break to assess Kindles as learning tools to increase engagement and reading among students. The Kindles were purchased with A+ funds. Dr. Robinson and Mrs. Haag are facilitating this study.
From Mr. Phil Long - Science Teacher:
Mr. Long's Honors Physical Science class have been studying how temperature affects a substance's energy and structure; using liquid nitrogen at -328F, students were able to observe the effect of extremely low temperatures on a variety of substances including metal, soft tissue (bananas, flowers), rubber, balloons, and food! Mr. Long would like to thank Central Welding here in Mexico for donating the supply of liquid nitrogen for the classes.
From Mrs. Linda Rice – FACS teacher and FCCLA Sponsor:
As of Friday, Dec. 3, there are 10 dues paying members in the new MHS Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Chapter.
From Bridget Bingham – Special Education teacher:
My Home Management students have made ornaments. We will be painting them this week and then we will practice gift wrapping. Each student may choose one ornament to gift wrap for a family member and they have written a Christmas card to go along with the ornament.
From MHS Administration Team:
The Mexico Area Chamber of Commerce offers leadership experience to MHS students:
Dana Keller of the Mexico Chamber of Commerce met with a representative group of students to discuss how they could represent the school as a part of the community to new visitors and potential new families.
Students will give tours of the school for new arrivals to the community (parents and students) and meet periodically with chamber member(s) and learn about promoting Mexico
Chamber Commerce Student Ambassador's met for lunch at The Chamber with Dana Keller, Russell Runge from the City and Roanetta Rogers from AMC to discuss their upcoming duties in promoting Mexico, MO. Students participating were: Shelby Smith, Shaq Curtis, Ana Garcia, Alex Hobbs, Deena Dalton, Jae'on Nunnelly.
On December 5, 2010 Deb Haag – Assistant Principal of Instruction, was invited by Optimist to talk about her position and MHS.
Dr. Robinson, Mr. Buffington, Mr. Brailler, Mr. Gooch and the class of 1986
are working to improve the sports complex and enhance HCC student broadcasting opportunities. The class of 1986 is working to find an appropriate wide screen for the sport complex. Live telecasts of the basketball games could then be projected on the screen, The show would be produced by Mr. Brailler’s HCC broadcasting classes in the lobby area. As an added benefit, this broadcast would allow food and drinks to be consumed in the lobby area and prevent excessive maintenance costs for bleacher repair. Patrons would still be able to view the game live in the lobby. At present this effort is in the development phase and may not be ready for this school year, but we hope the premiere broadcast could take place at district playoffs. Mexico will host district play February 21.
From the Guidance and Counseling Team:
The counseling department has scheduled ZAPS (ACT prep) for March 29 from 9:00-3:00 in the MHS Library.
Phil Neely, Christine Beshears, and Jane Coatsworth participated in ACCESS for ELL training for spring testing for our English and Language Learner population.
Math II classes participated in EOC testing for Algebra I.
Kris Turlington, counselor, attended a Missouri Association of Student Financial Aid Personnel workshop, National Training for Counselors and Mentors: Funding Education Beyond High School, in Columbia, Missouri.
College/University/Career Visits for November-December: Ranken Technical, Truman University, Linn State Technical and Sergeant McPike from the Missouri Highway Patrol.
The Building Leadership Team (BLT)
The team held a work day on December 8 to review their charter, the functions and focus of the BLT, improving parent teacher conferences and grade reporting/grading periods. The following information is a summary of some of the work. The team recommended MHS report grades more frequently (every 3 weeks) for the 2011-12 school year and use the total points (all the course work in any particular class) to determine a child’s grade, instead of using the average of two quarters. By using the total points allowed in a class, in many cases the grade will more accurately reflect student achievement and learning.
Additionally, the team reviewed discipline, course failure rates, and Seminar student survey feedback (prepared by upper level math students under the direction of Mr. Louder). The team also developed a focus for their work for the remainder of the year 1) Building-Wide Common Practices (such as grading and seminar expectations for teachers and students), 2) Response to Intervention (how we respond/assist students that do not learn/need more help) and 3)Academic rigor.
The BLT also approved a building-wide practice concerning the assignment of “I” grades (Incomplete).
Teachers may assign an incomplete when a counselor or principal approves incompletes in extreme circumstances. However, there must be a plan that accompanies the incomplete including a due date that the final grade will be turned in the counselors' office. The teacher will also be responsible for calling a parent to let them know about the situation and plan of action. Incompletes will with hold any student from the honor roll and athletic eligibility.
Finally, the following members were elected to leadership positions within the team:
Keith Louder- elected chairperson of BLT
Michelle Yount- elected vice- chairperson of BLT
Jason Clow volunteered for position of secretary
Steve Haag- nominated and elected
Sports and Activities:
From Coach Devin Brown:
Coach Brown reported he has begun off-season training for all prospective athletes and football players.
Any young man interested in playing football next year, spring athlete, or any young man wanting to lift weights or get into shape; there was an informational meeting with Coach Brown Wednesday, December 15 in Gooch gym. Weight training will begin Tuesday January 4th and run every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3:30pm-4:30pm. Students are encouraged to see Coach Brown if they have any questions or couldn’t attend the meeting.
From Christine Breshears Co-Sponsor of Student Council:
The student council party for 30 students from our elementary schools was a huge success.
Each child was greeted by Santa (Andrew Wortmann) and a student council representative was assigned to each child. Pictures were taken with Santa and then the kids worked to decorate a frame for the picture (the kids took these home with the picture - parents were pleased). Snacks were served and games were played. This was followed by the gift passing - 3 hours to wrap and 3 seconds to undo the work. More games were played and the kids were picked up or taken home on the bus.
From Susan Gheens – Cheerleading Coach
The Mexico High School Varsity Cheerleaders participated in the Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association State Competition on November 20 at the Hearnes Center in Columbia. Our squad did a great job of representing MHS and received 6th place in the state in their division. The community also did a fantastic job of cheering on the squad and it was awesome to see so many come out to back the cheerleaders.
From Sara Given – Speech and Theater and Drama Teacher
MHS Speech & Debate team hosted a tournament on Friday, December 3 and Saturday, December 4. Fourteen schools were in attendance with over 80 debate teams and over 200 individual event entries. The tournament was a great success and went off without a hitch. Thank you to all the community members and faculty for their contribution judging.
The Children's Theatre class just completed their winter literacy tour to the elementary schools. All of the performances were top notch and the elementary students were great! It is a wonderful to provide real world application to lessons taught in class.
ALSO:
Mrs. Given was one of 11 speech and debate coaches in the nation recognized for a National Forensics League Diamond Award.
Eleven High School Educators Receive Prestigious National Coaching Award
PRESS RELEASE FOLLOWS:
The National Forensic League (NFL) is proud to announce its newest diamond coaches, in order of highest accomplishment and date achieved:
Coach Name School State Degree
Robert D. Nordyke Campus High School Kansas 6th Diamond
Marc Rischitelli Shrewsbury High School Massachusetts 3rd Diamond
James F. Graupner Stillwater Area School Minnesota 3rd Diamond
Wendi N. Brandenburg Centennial High School Texas 2nd Diamond
Brian Weilert Fort Scott High School Kansas 1st Diamond
Kristen L. Taylor Jupiter High School Florida 1st Diamond
Ryan Lawrence Lynbrook High School California 1st Diamond
David Galoob Cascia Hall Preparatory Oklahoma 1st Diamond
Sara M. Given Mexico High School Missouri 1st Diamond
Trey Smith East Mountain High School New Mexico 1st Diamond
Derek Davis Kerr High School Texas 1st Diamond
An NFL Diamond Award recognizes a professional career that combines excellence and longevity. The NFL provides diamond awards based on coach points received. A coach may receive 1/10th the points of every student coached and 1/10th of the points earned as a student member of the NFL. After attaining a total of 1,500 points, a member coach is entitled to wear a diamond-set key or pin; additional diamonds accrue at 3,000 points, 6,000 points, 10,000 points, and each 3,000 points thereafter. The minimum time between earning each diamond is five years as an NFL member coach.
On June 17, 2011, these coaches will receive special recognition at the Lincoln Financial Group/NFL National Speech and Debate Tournament in Dallas, Texas. Each year, the tournament draws more than 5,000 students, coaches, and parents from across the nation. Top students will receive more than $200,000 in college scholarships at the conclusion of the tournament, which has been held continuously since 1931 (except for the WWII years) and has appeared on the approved National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Advisory List of Contests and Activities since the origination of the list.
About the NFL
The National Forensic League (NFL) is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit honorary society whose mission is to promote high school and middle school speech and debate activities as a means to develop a student’s essential life skills and values. More than 112,000 high school and middle school students, representing more than 2,800 high schools and nearly 100 middle schools, are currently building their communication, leadership, cognitive, and presentational skills as members. Since 1925, more than 1.3 million students have found their voice in the NFL.
From Julie Dreier – Vocal Music Teacher
Each year KOMU (channel 8 news) invites local choir groups to their studio to record 2 holiday songs per school. Each group will be aired a few different times between now and Christmas either before or after the news airs. All groups' videos will also be available on the KOMU website once they get them edited and posted.
This year I'm taking our two auditioned groups, so that each group gets the opportunity to perform one song for TV.
First, Chamber Choir and Women's Choir traveled to Columbia to sing for the KOMU holiday taping. The taping has already been aired twice, but aired 2 more times: 12-16 at 9:33pm on CW, and 12-21 at 6:59am on KOMU. Noteworthy then had many opportunities to perform at various places in the community over the last 2 weeks. These visits included: Kings Daughters, Pin Oaks, First Presbyterian, Teal Lake, The Arbors, and the Relay for Life fundraiser. Both Chamber Choir and Noteworthy also performed for the children at the other schools in town. Although the many performances have kept us busy, the students have really enjoyed spreading holiday cheer. We expect a big crowd on Thursday night, December 16 for the combined MMS and MHS Winter Choir Concert at 7pm in Emmons.
From Mr. Robert Cortez –Music and Band Teacher
The MHS Jazz Band performed for the Missouri Veterans' Home on Wednesday, November 10, at the Elk's Lodge in Mexico.
The Dixie Gray Christmas Concert was held on Friday, December 10. The Mexico Middle School 7th and 8th grade bands joined the Dixie Grays and the Jazz Band that evening and played for a full house at Emmons Hall.
The MHS Jazz Band helped spread the Holiday Cheer around the community, performing for the Missouri Veteran's Home and for Golden Living - Pin Oaks nursing home on Monday, December 13.
Upcoming Events
12/15 FCA Meeting 8:00 Band Room
12/16 MHS Choir Concert 7:30 Emmons Hall
1/4 Key Club Meeting 7:45am
1/5 FCA Meeting 8:00 Band Room
1/8 Saturday School 7:50am – 12:00pm
1/12 FCA Meeting
1/15 Saturday School
1/17 No School – Martin Luther King Day
1/22 Saturday School
1/24 Mexico Young Farmer’s Soils and Crop Conference – HS Cafeteria
1/26 Financial Aid Information Meeting for Seniors & their parents 7:00pm Band Room
1/29 Student Council Winter Warming School Dance
1/29 History Club Meeting 7:45am
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