Mr. Hood, Ms. Borsa and Strategic Learning Initiatives

Mr. Hood is one of most talented math teachers. He was the varsity boys basketball coach for us until this last year but then got the opportunity to coach his sister as girls varsity basketball coach at Brandywine and not only took the position, but was able to take them to 4th in the state! We are very excited to have someone so dedicated to students and their learning both inside and outside of the classroom, as part of our building.

Ms. Borsa is a superstar English teacher for our students. Her lessons are innovative, captivating, active and exciting and I hear about them and how much student's enjoy them all the time! In addition, she acts as our varsity volleyball, Jr. High School track coach and as the junior class advisor. Junior class advisor is the one who organizes the Prom, and Ms. Borsa continues to make it a magical and memorable experience for our students.

Both Mr. Hood and Ms. Borsa were two of the student-surveyed most popular teachers and will be featured later this week on a video that will be played in the building after Channel One.

Finally, Strategic Learning Initiatives (SLI) out of Chicago sent a team out to observe our PDCA, Enrichment/Tutorial model. This organization is one of 9 models that the failing high schools of the Chicago school district can choose from to improve their achievement. SLI came out to observe a process that is working effectively to improve achievement. They were very impressed with what we do and asked if we would present to some of these schools and host them in our building for further visits. It is always very flattering to be recognized by other organizations for the good work we do, and our teachers, who are directly responsible should be very proud . Not only are our teachers improving the way and amount our student's learn, but they are being recognized for it again and again!

Math Focus

I can use integers (positive and negative whole numbers) in a variety of situations.

English Focus

I can proofread and edit my writing and the writing of others.

• Congratulations to Mr. Massey, Justin, Desiree and Alyse Massey for a wonderful performance last night at SMC.

• Those students that are looking for summer work, applications for corn detassleing are in the guidance office.

• Seniors please turn in your lottery ticket fundraisers with money to either Mrs. Herwick or Kristen Fitzsimons before Spring Break. Your tickets should be completely scratched off before you turn them in. Herff Jones will be here at lunch on Monday March 29 to deliver graduation announcements.

• The Principal Advisory Council meets every 4th Monday in the High School Conference room at 6:00 PM. The next meeting is April 26th.

• SENIORS: THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. THE CASS COUNTY COMMUNITY POLICING SCHOLARSHIP. THE CASS CO REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S SCHOLARSHIP. IF YOU WERE EVER A PATIENT AT HARRINGTON ORTHODONTICS, THERE IS A SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU. THE LAGRANGE TOWNSHIP/SMC SCHOLARSHIP. ATHLETIC BOOSTER SCHOLARSHIP IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THOSE STUDENTS WITH A 2.5 GPA OR HIGHER. YOU MUST HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ONE VARSITY SPORT AND RECEIVED ONE VARSITY LETTER. OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE, AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT.

• April 1st is a half day for students and April 2nd we are closed for spring break.

• The next Board meeting is April 12th in the High School Library at 7:00 PM.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . If you need your login information you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Teacher Section

• Breakfast duty the week of March 29: 7:20 – 7:35 Hari and Brawley; 7:35 – 7:45 Westrate and Jekel

• Please remember to notify the office when you are not in your classroom so that we may locate students. Thank you

Quote of the Week :

Don't take yourself too seriously, but know when to be serious.

-Author unknown

Mr. Brawley, Mrs. George, the KIA H.S. Show, And Mrs. Francisco's Bday

Mr. Brawley has taught at the High School since 2005. He currently is teaching health and sex education as well as helping to coach football and acting as the head varsity coach for baseball this year. Any student who is lucky enough to be in Mr. Brawley's class (and at one time or another every student has to take a trimester with him) will be working with a teacher who does whatever it takes to connect with the students and help him or her to learn. He seeks out the need of the student and adjusts until they get it. We are very lucky to have him!

Mrs. George teaches agricultural science and leads the FFA as the advisor here at Cassopolis. Since these are both full time jobs, she works very hard. She loves what she does and she is good at it! Besides making it to the national level for FFA for the last three years, we have had state officers for the last four. She is not afraid to incorporate a variety of teaching styles and makes certain the students know not only what is expected of them but why its important, when its due and how to make sure they can understand. She not only is a great teacher, but a tremendous learner who cares about our students.

This week, in addition to our two highlighted teachers, we have a birthday to celebrate. Mrs. Tammy Francisco, the attendance secretary/receptionist/athletic secretary turned forty this week. The students helped her celebrate in grand style decorating the office and even putting a hat and noisemaker on my desk. The cake was good too!

Finally, if you have been a weekly reader of the blog, you know that we offer classes for college credit in art through Kendall University. One of the students who is taking these classes, Stephanie Vlasicak entered two of her pieces in the Kalamazoo Institute of Arts yearly High School art show. Their explanation which reads as follows, can be found at http://www.kiarts.org/page.php?page_id=102 .

This annual juried exhibition is open to artists 18 years or younger in grades 9-12 residing in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. Of the almost 400 entries submitted this year, 117 works were accepted into the exhibition by juror Karen Bondarchuk, Assistant Professor and Foundation Area Coordinator at the Gwen Frostic School of Art at Western Michigan University

Awards include five $100 cash awards and one $100 KIA Kirk Newman Art School 2010 summer class scholarship. A maximum of three Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University Portfolio Scholarships of up to $12,000 may be awarded for work of special merit.

Stephanie got both of her pictures accepted! Quite a feat considering only 29% of the submissions were accepted. One is a graphite drawing and the other is acrylics. We are still waiting to hear if Kendall will offer Stephanie a scholarship, but we are hopeful! Congratulations Stephanie!

Math Focus

I can use integers (positive and negative whole numbers) in a variety of situations.

English Focus

I can proofread and edit my writing and the writing of others.

• Archery forms are in the office. If you are interested in participating it will begin after spring break. Listen to announcements for further details.

• TOMORROW MARCH 20, from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Marcellus High School will have a prom dress sale in their high school gymnasium. Zikers cleaners will also have a dress sale TOMORROW at the College Football Hall of Fame from 9:00 until 1:00 p.m.

• ETS Meetings March 23^rd: 7th grade 2nd hour in the auditorium; 8th grade 3rd hour in the auditorium; 9th grade 4th hour in the Career Lab; 10th grade 5th hour in the Career Lab
• .There will be an important Thespian meeting during lunch on Wednesday, March 24th. This meeting will concern the upcoming coffeehouse.
• Volleyball players, don’t forget to sell flowers. Money is due on March 10.
• MRS SEARIGHT FROM THE ISD WILL BE HERE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 26 AT 8 AM TO TALK TO STUDENTS INTERESTED IN THE SMC ACADEMIES NEXT YEAR. SIGN UP IN GUIDANCE.
• Seniors please turn in your lottery ticket fundraisers with money to either Mrs. Herwick or Kristen Fitzsimons before Spring Break. Your tickets should be completely scratched off before you turn them in. Herff Jones will be here at lunch on Monday March 29 to deliver graduation announcements.

• The Principal Advisory Council meets every 4th Monday in the High School Conference room at 6:00 PM. The next meeting is March 22nd.

• SENIORS: THE FOLLOWING SCHOLARSHIPS ARE NOW AVAILABLE. THE CASS COUNTY COMMUNITY POLICING SCHOLARSHIP. THE CASS CO REPUBLICAN WOMEN'S SCHOLARSHIP. IF YOU WERE EVER A PATIENT AT HARRINGTON ORTHODONTICS, THERE IS A SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY FOR YOU. THE LAGRANGE TOWNSHIP/SMC SCHOLARSHIP. ATHLETIC BOOSTER SCHOLARSHIP IS ALSO AVAILABLE FOR THOSE STUDENTS WITH A 2.5 GPA OR HIGHER. YOU MUST HAVE PARTICIPATED IN ONE VARSITY SPORT AND RECEIVED ONE VARSITY LETTER. OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS ARE ALSO AVAILABLE, AND TIME IS RUNNING OUT.

• On March 25th, a group from Chicago will be getting a tour of the PDCA Enrichment/Tutorial process. Please watch for them as we take them through the building and show them what a great community we have!

• April 1st is a half day for students and April 2nd we are closed for spring break.
• The next Board meeting is March 22nd in the High School Library at 7:00 PM.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . If you need your login information you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Teacher Section

• Breakfast duty the week of March 22: 7:20 – 7:35 Chapman and Purlee; 7:35 – 7:45 Lang and Wernette

• Agust and I will be finishing some clay work for the FAF Monday after school. The final step involves the kiln and horsehair - yes - that's why the building stunk one day first trimester. We will keep the art door closed and the exit door open. It shouldn't be bad like last time when the stink wafted through the building. Just be aware that you may smell something...it's us.

• Please remember to notify the office when you are not in your classroom so that we may locate students. Thank you

• Many of you have been asking about getting recycling bins for your classroom. Right now, the JAG class is working on getting the recycling bins. In the meantime, if you would like to collect paper to be recycled in a container that you may have we would be more than willing to come and pick it up. Just let me know that you are collecting recycling in your room, so that I can have my kids stop by to empty it when they do their rounds. Thanks! - Danielle
  

Quote of the Week :

Don't take yourself too seriously, but know when to be serious.

-Author unknown

FFA Presentations from State

Click Here to see the State Champion Cassopolis FFA Prepared Public Speaking presentation in its entirety.



Click Here to see the State Champion Cassopolis FFA Junior High School Conduct of Meetings presentation in its entirety.



Click Here to see the Gold Medal winning Cassopolis FFA Agricultural Issues presentation in its entirety.

Science Olympiad and the Band Festival

The High School team took 11th overall at science Olympiad, out of 18 teams. We finished only 16 points behind the 8th place team that received team ribbons. We received a 7th place finish in Write it, do it, a 7th place finish in Anatomy and Physiology, a 6th place finish in Ornithology, a 6th place finish in Experimental Design, a 3rd place finish in Ecology, a 2nd place finish in Environmental chemistry and a 1st place finish in Egg-o-Naut. This was the first 1st place medal since I've became the principal, so things are improving. Congratulations to all the students and our coaches, Meredith Hawkins and Paul Chapman!

We also competed at Band Festival on Tuesday. I was unable to take pictures, except in the hallway, so that is what I have posted. Our Junior High Band (pictured above) received a 3 over all and a 2 in sight-reading. (A 1 is the best, a 5 the worst.) Our Senior High Band received a 3 in sight-reading, but a 2 overall (we received a three overall last year, so this is an improvement!). Congratulations to our great students and our director, Elisibeth Goodearl. Special thanks to Brian McNeery for his volunteering and commitment to our Band program as well.

Math Focus

I can use integers (positive and negative whole numbers) in a variety of situations.

English Focus

I can proofread and edit my writing and the writing of others.

• Spring Sport “Meet the Coach” night will be held on Thursday March 18 from 5:00 until 5:30 in the cafeteria.
• Drivers Ed Segment II begins Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday March 9 thru the 11^th from 2 until 6. The cost is $50. Pay the money to Mr. Wright on Tuesday.
• On March 20 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Marcellus High School will have a prom dress sale in their high school gymnasium. You may sell your used prom or bridesmaid dresses or buy a prom dress at a great price.
• SENIORS: New scholarships are in the guidance office!
• Congratulations to all Middle School Science Olympiad participants. They brought home 3 medals and 5 ribbons. Great job! Mrs. May and Mrs. Wellman are very proud of ALL your hard work.
• The JAG class is recruiting members for next year's JAG class. Any freshman or sophomore interested in joining the class should pick up an application from Ms. Dahl. All completed applications should be completed and turned into Ms. Dahl no later than Wednesday, March 10th. The JAG program is a great way to learn practical job and leadership skills while earning college credit through Lake Michigan College. Stop in and see what it is all about!
• Volleyball players, don’t forget to sell flowers. Money is due on March 10.
• SENIORS: IF YOU LIVE IN PORTER TOWNSHIP OR PENN TOWNSHIP, SEE THE GUIDANCE OFFICE FOR SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES OR IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO ATTEND LAKE MICHIGAN COLLEGE, SEE MRS. BEEBE ABOUT SCHOLARSHIPS.
• There will be no singing rehearsal for Fine Arts Fest this week. Plan on next Wednesday.

• Drivers Ed Segment II runs March 9 thru the 11^th . The cost is $50. Pay your money to Mr. Wright. It goes from 4 until 6 in Mrs. Westrate’s room.

• There is a sign up sheet in the office for Junior High Track for those students interested. Any high school students interested in track, there will be practice on March 15 from 3:30 until 4:30. You must meet Coach Gatson in the cafeteria.

• ALL Fine Arts Festival art is due today. Students who are attending the Festival with Mrs. Johnson MUST check in with her TODAY.

• The Principal Advisory Council meets every 4th Monday in the High School Conference room at 6:00 PM. The next meeting is March 22nd.

• Hot Chocolate with the Principal is Wednesday, March 17th. Please sign up with Mrs. Anderson.

• ETS Meetings March 23^rd: 7th grade 2nd hour in the auditorium; 8th grade 3rd hour in the auditorium; 9th grade 4th hour in the Career Lab; 10th grade 5th hour in the Career Lab

• Mr. Habra will be out of the building on March 11th and 12th to attend the FFA State Convention

• SENIORS: The Cass County Community Policing Scholarship is now available. You must have at least a 2.5 GPA.

• PROM TICKETS ARE ON SALE STARTING TODAY. THEY WILL ONLY BE ON SALE UNTIL MARCH 12. SEE MISS BORSA FOR YOUR TICKETS AND INFORMATION.

• Attention all little league baseball and softball players winter workouts have begun: Every Sunday in March 11 thru 14 year old boys practice from 12:30 until 2:00; girls aged 11 thru 14 practice from 4:00 until 5:30 in the high school gymnasium

• Did you know that according to the Student Environment Advisory Council. Approximately 1 billion trees worth of paper are thrown away every year in the U.S? In response to this, the JAG class at Cassopolis High School is beginning a recycling program at the school. Recycling bins for paper are now located in the high school and guidance offices as well as by the printers in the library, distance learning lab, and yearbook lab. Please take the step to become a responsible citizen and help make this planet a better place!

• The next Board meeting is March 9th in the High School Library at 7:00 PM.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . If you need your login information you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Teacher Section

• Breakfast duty the week of March 8: 7:20 – 7:35 Hubbard and Herwick; 7:35 – 7:45 Wernette and Westrate
  

• Thank you to everyone for using the new sign up sheet for the auditorium. To make certain that it’s prepared for the next individual who signed up please take a minute to turn off the lights and lock the doors as students have taken the opportunity to use it as a hallway and a hiding place in the past. Please be especially mindful of the house door on the kitchen/teacher's lounge side. The doorstopper on it stays down, and unless you flip it back up, that door will stay ajar.

• Mr. Habra will keep us abreast of what is happening with our FFA students via Twitter at http://twitter.com/CassopolisFFA

  
  

  Quote of the Week :

Courage can achieve anything.

-Sam Houston