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