We are the world!

Watch as Mrs. May's 7th grade science class discover the dizzying combination of rotation and revolution.

September Objectives

I can do mental math. I can compute numbers in my head without a calculator.

I can read and follow directions.

• Are you ready to party? Come to the Homecoming dance from 9 to 12 on
  Friday, Oct. 3rd. The dance will be hosted by the Afro Club and is for 9th
  through 12th graders. $3 per person or $5 per couple. Come and get down
  with all of your fellow Rangers. Let’s show some Ranger pride.
• College representatives are beginning their visits here, speaking with interested students. Please note the following dates and sign up in guidance to see these reps:
  Western Michigan University - Sep. 30 University of Michigan - Sep. 30
  Central Michigan University - October 6
  Michigan Technical University - October 23
• FFA dues of $13 need to be turned into Mrs. George before the Oct. 9th
  bowling party and chapter meeting.
• Anyone interested in taking an ACT prep class after school please see Miss
  Angus.
• It’s coming again!!! 7/8th grade football tournament on Oct. 3rd, 4:30 to
  6:30 p.m. Pick up for copy of the rules in the office.
• Any senior or junior FFA member planning to attend the national convention
  must turn in their money and permission slip to Mrs. George by Monday, Sept.
  29th.
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 29 and 30th.
• Seniors: we will be selling and ordering Class of 2009 sweatshirts,
  T-shirts and hoodies the week after homecoming. See one of your class
  officers to sign the signature sheet. If you do not sign, your name will
  not be on the shirt.
• Seniors interested in applying for the Wendy’s Heisman Athletic Scholarship,
  please see the counseling office. Deadline for this scholarship is Oct. 1st
• Everyday they will be allowed to participate in the spirit days at school.
  Monday - pajama day
  Tuesday - class color day Wednesday - music genre day Thursday - sports team day
  Friday - blue and white day
• Homecoming is October 3rd!
• The Jr. High is collecting candy for the "Haunted Halls". Please bring in a
  bag of candy to the office.
• There is a board meeting on the 13th at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• Starting Monday, Homecoming shirts will be for sale from Mr. Hubbard for
  $10.
• Powder Puff game is at 6:30 this Sunday – players, please be there by 6:15.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendence at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . A letter should arrive by Wednesday, September 24th with your login information, or you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Quote of the Week:

The word education means "to draw out of." It does not mean "shovel into." A good education teaches you to think for yourself. It teaches you to ask good questions and then how to find the answers on your own. -Siebert and Gilpin

Writing in Every Class

The first summer I was here, and the first time I met the teachers, an in-service was held for five days, K-12. During this in-service, teachers were taught the Collins Writing Method and we were all taught about Type I through Type V writings. Perhaps you have heard your student talk about it?

Another major part of this method is that writing is to occur across the curriculum. That means that even in classes like PE and Algebra, students have to write. Watch this short video to see students talk about it:

September Objectives

I can do mental math. I can compute numbers in my head without a calculator.

I can read and follow directions.

• Juniors and Seniors: SMC is hosting it's annual College Night on Wed.,Sept. 24 from 6:30 -8:00 PM. Over 50 colleges and universities will be represented, along with the armed services. IF A STUDENT NEEDS TRANSPORTATION TO SMC, THEY CAN SIGN UP FOR IT IN THE COUNSELOR'S OFFICE AND RIDE A BUS FROM HERE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL. This is a great opportunity to talk to college reps and pick up lots of information. Parents are also encouraged to attend. See the guidance bulletin board for information.
• College representatives are beginning their visits here, speaking with interested students. Please note the following dates and sign up in guidance to see these reps:
  Saginaw Valley State University - Sept. 24
  Indiana Technical University - Sept. 25
  Western Michigan University - Sept. 30
  Central Michigan University - October 6
  Michigan Technical University - October 23
• Varsity Club dues will be $2 and may be paid to either Torrie Conner or Mrs. Stump. If you have lettered in any sport or are playing a varsity sport, you are eligible to belong to the club. Deadline for dues is Sept. 26th.
• The 2008 Yearbook has arrived. Pick up your copy today. If you would like
  to purchase a yearbook, the cost is $45.
• Seniors: Sign up in the guidance office for the Navy Rep. talk on Monday, Sept. 22.
• It’s coming again!!! 7/8th grade football tournament on Oct. 3rd, 4:30 to
  6:30 p.m. Pick up for copy of the rules in the office.
• September 22nd is School Picture Day!
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building Monday and Tuesday, Sept. 29 and 30th.
• Pre-Evaluation meetings begin this week for teachers with Mr. Habra and Mr. Francisco.
• Instructional Council meets at 3:45 PM on the 22nd at Red Brick.
• Homecoming is October 3rd!
• There is a board meeting on the 22nd at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• All of the Lakeland Conference Superintendents, Athletic Directors, and Principals will be meeting here at the High School at 8:00 AM on the 23rd.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendence at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . A letter should arrive by Wednesday, September 24th with your login information, or you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Quote of the Week:

My goal as an educator is that every afternoon, kids are chomping at the bit to come back tomorrow. -Dale Lumpa

What's new at the school!

A lot of things have been changed over the last three months. The boosters have spearheaded a drive to build restroom facilities out by the football field, new clocks have been put in every classroom and in the halls, the kitchen has been painted and updated, a new salad/taco bar has been located in the cafeteria to help speed-up serving the students, the bathroom stalls have been repainted, the weight room has been moved and expanded (thanks to the athletic boosters), four new electronic door locks have been added to further secure the building, all the other outside locks will be made unusable and we have added another 16 cameras bringing our total to 32 and covering almost the entire interior hallways and most of the exterior of the building. It has really improved both the look and the security of our building! Come by for a visit or ask for a tour, we would love to show you!

September Objectives

I can do mental math. I can compute numbers in my head without a calculator.

I can read and follow directions.

• Fall sports pictures will be taken on Tuesday, Sept. 16th. Your coaches have the fliers and the schedule
• Are you
  interested in volunteering to help out with the Fishing Derby on the 20th? They could use 2-3 people and it will earn students community service hours. Call Charlie Retherford at
  Phone: 269-445-2425 or 800-228-7855
• Juniors and Seniors: SMC is hosting it's annual College Night on Wed.,Sept. 24 from 6:30 - 8:00 PM. Over 50 colleges and universities will be represented, along with the armed services. This is a great opportunity to talk to college reps and pick up lots of information. Parents are also encouraged to attend. See the guidance bulletin board for information.
• College representatives are beginning their visits here, speaking with interested students. Please note the following dates and sign up in guidance to see these reps:
  Saginaw Valley State University - Sept. 24
  Indiana Technical University - Sept. 25
  Western Michigan University - Sept. 30
  Central Michigan University - October 6
  Michigan Technical University - October 23
• Varsity Club dues will be $2 and may be paid to either Torrie Conner or Mrs. Stump. If you have lettered in any sport or are playing a varsity sport, you are eligible to belong to the club.
• There will be a Junior Class meeting on Tuesday, September, 16 at 7:35 in the auditorium.
• Enrichment lists are up on the 7/th and 8th grade bulletin board and on the windows across from the Guidance office. If you don’t see your name on the list and it’s supposed to be there, see Mrs. Hargrove as soon as possible.
• The 2008 Yearbook has arrived. Pick up your copy today. If you would like
  to purchase a yearbook, the cost is $45.
• Seniors: Sign up in the guidance office for the Marine ROTC talk on Wednesday, Sept. 17 at 9:00 am. Also, sign up to talk to the Marine recruiter at 10:00 on the same day.
• It’s coming again!!! 7/8th grade football tournament on Oct. 3rd, 4:30 to
  6:30 p.m. Pick up for copy of the rules in the office.
• Student Senate will meet in the Auditorium on September 18th during enrichment
• Thespian Society will have its induction on September 18th in the auditorium at 6:30 PM
• September 22nd is School Picture Day!
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building Thursday until 3:00 PM and Friday until at least Noon.
• Instructional Council meets at 3:45 PM on the 22nd at Red Brick.
• There is a board meeting on the 22nd at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• All of the Lakeland Conference Superintendents, Athletic Directors, and Principals will be meeting here at the High School at 8:00 AM on the 23rd.

Quote of the Week:

If a teacher's gone, we call a sub, if a principal's gone, we don't even bother, but if a secretary is gone, we might as well close the school! -Todd Whitaker

The First Days of School!

What a great week it has been! Responsible Thinking Process is in full gear and already it has had an effect. Student's are starting to see the value of maintaining the integrity of the classroom for teaching and learning and they want to stay in the classroom. Thank you to all the teachers and students for getting us off to such a great start!

September Objectives

I can do mental math. I can compute numbers in my head without a calculator.

I can read and follow directions.

• Fall sports pictures will be taken on Tuesday, Sept. 16th. Your coaches have the fliers and the schedule
• High schools students, if you are interested in being a “Bus Buddy”, pick up an application in the front office this week
• Any students interested in helping with the “Ranger Café” during lunch, see Mrs. Bright.
• Any 7/8th grader interested in joining Student Council, see Ms. Aven for an application by September 12th
• Parking permits are available from Officer Bryant. The cost is $5 for the first vehicle and $3 for each additional one
• Student Senate will meet in the Auditorium on September 18th during enrichment
• Thespian Society will have its induction on September 18th in the auditorium at 6:30 PM
• September 22nd is School Picture Day!

Quote of the Week:

Yes you can! -Author Unknown