Cassopolis FFA Sweeps Districts and New Technology in Mr. Chapman's Room

On Thursday, February 5th, the Cassopolis FFA swept the districts, taking the top spots in every thing we competed in. Our teams will now go on to Regionals in Junior High Conduct of Meetings, Green Hand, Agricultural Issues, Green Hand Public Speaking and Prepared Public Speaking. Regionals is in Homer on Thursday, February 19th. Call the school for more information if you would like to attend.

Special thanks to Mrs. George for the organization of the competition that went off without a hitch, and the food prepared by Mrs. Bright and her staff (Nacho Bar with yummy desserts) which left everyone with a satisfied smile at the end of the night. Congratulations!

Final Results:

Greenhand public speaking – First Place Gold (Michaela Lee);
Prepared public speaking – First Place Gold (Tiffany Rogers);
Agricultural Issues – First place gold (Ryan Stover, Steven Butler, Kyle Miller, Meg Hein, Chris Coates, Stephanie Stickle);
Junior High Conduct of Meetings Team – First Place Gold (Libby Hein, Mary Green, Hannah Deubner, Brooke Borsa, Jessica Waldschmidt, Josh Green, Jesse Richey);
Junior High Conduct of Meetings Team – Second Place Gold – (Ele Hein, Jenny Stickle, Matt Miller, Brad Miller, Emily Waldschmidt);Greenhand Conduct of Meetings Team – First Place Gold – (Ashley Rogers, Rachel Mroz, Desirae Massey, Brandyn Polmateer, Samantha Stutzman, Torri Irvine, Tim Coates)

Mr. Chapman purchased a new piece of technology for his classroom. This "pen" costs around $60 and converts everything he writes on a regular piece of paper into an image on the computer in any color he chooses. After that, and with a click of a button, it turns it into a typed document. The students loved it! By the time they get into the workplace, these pens will be everywhere, so it's important to introduce the students to the technology now!

I can take a stand in my writing and support it with facts and details.

I can understand probability (the likelihood an event will occur).

• The Cass county Republican Women’s Club Scholarship is now available. You must be a resident of Cass County and if you are over 18, you must be registered to vote. See guidance for an application.
• Wrestling "Ranger Gear" order forms are in the office. Pick one up today. Orders and money need to be to Mr. Hubbard by Feb. 12th.
• To the cast of Charlie Brown – the February play schedules are ready. Come to the library to pick up your copy.
• Club pictures will be taken on Wed., Feb. 11th in the auditorium beginning at 10:55. Make arrangements to be here if you would like your picture in the yearbook.
• Seniors: Your community service hours are posted on the guidance window and across from the guidance office. Please check to see how many hours you still need to meet the graduation requirement. And remember, there are opportunities for service posted in guidance.
• Middle school yearbooks will be for sale starting next week. They will be sold until the end of February. Make sure you order one if you want one because we will only order what we have pre-sold. This year they are 100% color and priced at $13.
• The middle school yearbook will be taking club/organization pictures Tuesday, Feb. 10th. Make sure you are present and look nice. Varsity club members, wear some Ranger gear for your club picture.
• 7/8th grade Semi-formal dance will be Feb. 11th from 6 to 9 PM. School Dress Code Applies. Students must be in school all day on Feb. 11th in order to attend the dance.
• Optimist Soccer registrations form are in the office. This is for students through 8th grade only.
• Girls’ Tennis sign up is in the office.
• Valentine Grams with flowers $1.00 each on sale next week. Someone will be around during 1st hour next week. Get your money ready.
• SENIORS! If you would like your picture in the school composite (pictures outside the auditorium) Mrs. Anderson needs to know what picture you would like. If you did not have your picture taken by Prestige you will need a photo release form and $25 to have your picture in the composite, you will also receive a composite. Information is due to Mrs. Anderson by February 25th. Additional questions contact Prestige at 877-878-7109.
• Representatives from Lake Michigan College will be here at 9 AM on Monday, Feb. 9 to talk about scholarships. Sign up in guidance.
• There will be assemblies all day Monday Feb. 9th by grade level to discuss the student RTP Survey results.
• Hot Chocolate with the Principal is Feb. 18th in the library from 8-10 AM. Please sign-up with Mrs. Anderson.
• There is a board meeting on February 9th at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building on Feb. 17th for School Improvement with Dr. Pat Davenport and the morning of the 19th to train Squires staff on the use of the DDA.
• There is no school on Feb. 16th for President's day.
• Homecoming and senior night is Feb. 20th. Plan to be there!
• Feb. 13th-15th at 7:00 PM the Afro Club is putting on a play for Black History month. Come and enjoy!
• FFA Districts are taking place at the high school on the 5th starting at 5:00 PM.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . A letter should have arrived with your login information, or you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Quote of the Week:

If teaching were easy, we wouldn't need teachers! -Todd Whitaker

7th Grade Science Class

It is always a pleasure to watch student's learn. That same pleasure is heightened when the students are having so much fun they don't even know they are learning. Mrs. May's science class is a lot like that. On the day I stopped by they were doing a whole series of experiments on a variety of subjects. The bell would ring and the teams would shift to the next experiment. The students couldn't wait to complete the experiment they were doing, and then they couldn't wait to get to the next one. They were obviously having a great time and, in their minds, learning about science was secondary. What was obvious to me, as I asked the students why they were doing what they were doing, is that they understood. Sounds like a great lesson, doesn't it?

I can take a stand in my writing and support it with facts and details.

I can understand probability (the likelihood an event will occur).

• Wrestling “Ranger Gear” order forms are in the office. Pick one up today. Orders and money need to be to Mr. Hubbard by Feb. 12th.
• There will be a Prom Committee meeting tomorrow, Feb. 3 in Miss Borsa's room during lunch.
• There will be a short meeting for all Juniors and Seniors concerning Prom on Wednesday, February 4 in the auditorium during Channel One. Report to your first hour and you will be dismissed from there.
• Seniors: The Leo Kriziz and Esther Krziza-Condry Healthcare Education Scholarship is now available in guidance. If you are planning to attend a Michigan school and study any field of healthcare, this scholarship is for you.
• Seniors: Your community service hours are posted on the guidance window and across from the guidance office. Please check to see how many hours you still need to meet the graduation requirement. And remember, there are opportunities for service posted in guidance.
• High School softball sign up is in the office. This is for girls in grades 9 through 12.
• Donkey Basketball tickets are for sale in the office. The price is $6. At the door, it will cost $8. Come out and enjoy an evening of fun.
• 7/8th grade Semi-formal dance will be Feb. 11th from 6 to 9 PM.
• Optimist Soccer registrations form are in the office. This is for students through 8th grade only.
• There will be a senior class meeting on Tuesday during Channel One in Mrs. Herwick's room. We will be discussing homecoming.
• Want to show your special Valentine how much you care? Order a giant personalized Valentine cookie for $3.00 from the cafeteria. Order by Feb. 6th and you can pick it up on Feb. 13th. Order blanks are on the serving lines.
• There is a board meeting on February 9th at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building on Feb 3rd for half a day for leadership training and on Feb. 5th for School Improvement with Dr. Pat Davenport.
• There is no school on Feb. 16th for President's day.
• Feb. 13th-15th at 7:00 PM the Afro Club is putting on a play for Black History month. Come and enjoy!
• FFA Districts are taking place at the high school on the 5th starting at 5:00 PM.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . A letter should have arrived with your login information, or you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Quote of the Week:

If you want to find out whether what you are doing for kids is good, just ask them. -Dale Lumpa

Ed Yes Delay

Every year the state requires the building to turn in a survey of the staff on 40 school improvement indicators and I have been somewhat consumed with that for the past week. This is a very detailed process that looks into a lot of areas. If you are interested in what the report entails, click here. Now I have to get back to it, so I'll see you next week!

I can take a stand in my writing and support it with facts and details..

I can understand Probability. (The likelihood that an event will occur.)

• High school "Winter Dance" has been cancelled.
• Girls’ soccer survey. Today (26th) and tomorrow (27th) are the last days to pick up and return the surveys in the office.
• For anyone who is planning on auditioning for Charlie Brown, there has been a slight change in the time. Both Monday and Tuesday audition sessions will end at 6:30, not 7:00. Those people interested in auditioning for one of the main roles, come anytime on Monday and Tuesday between 4:30 and 6:30. If you have any questions, see Ms. Porath.
• Seniors: there are three NEW scholarships available in the guidance office. 1) If you are pursuing a career in engineering, architecture, landscape architecture, planning and/or land surveying, the Abonmarche Academic Scholarship may apply to you. 2) The Rosa Parks Scholarship is worth $2,500. You must have a GPA of 2.5 or above and demonstrate financial need. And 3) The Michigan State Troopers Assistance Fund requires a 3.25 GPA, community service and leadership ability. Stop in the guidance office and pick up an application for one or more of these scholarships if they apply to you.
• Seniors: The John Young III memorial Scholarship is now available in the guidance office. To apply, you must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be accepted into a full-time undergraduate program in a public college or university. Application deadline is April 30th.
• Seniors: Your community service hours are posted on the guidance window and across from the guidance office. Please check to see how many hours you still need to meet the graduation requirement. And remember, there are opportunities for service posted in guidance.
• Donkey Basketball will be here Saturday, Feb. 7th. If you are interested in being a donkey rider, see Mrs. Westrate ASAP. This is for Staff and Students. Students MUST be 16 years old. There are limited spaces available. Tickets will be available in the office for $6. At the door, the cost will be $8.
• 7/8th grade Semi-formal dance will be Feb. 11th from 6 to 9 PM.
• There is a board meeting on January 26th at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• Also the 26th is Instructional Council Meeting at 3:45 PM at Red Brick.
• Also the 26th is the School Improvement Team meeting at 2:50 in the media center.
• This weeks staff meeting will consist of voting on ED YES with the clickers.
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building on Feb 3rd for half a day for leadership training and on Feb. 5th for School Improvement with Dr. Pat Davenport.
• Tuesday, Jan. 27th, at 3:30 there will be a Mentor/Mentee meeting in the H.S. library. The topic will be "Framework for Understanding Poverty" All are welcome.
• Thursday, Jan. 29th – Bible release day.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance at http://www.cassopolis-schools.org/pinnacle/PIV . A letter should have arrived with your login information, or you can call Mrs. Anderson at 445-0541.

Quote of the Week:

Growing up in a loving home is the best break anyone can have. -Walter Mondale

Rangerpaloza 3-weeks late

Rangerpaloza, our last day before Christmas talent show ended up postponed due to weather until last Friday. Still, as you can see, we have some very talented students and it was definitely worth the wait!

I can take a stand in my writing and support it with facts and details..

I can understand Probability. (The likelihood that an event will occur.)

• High school "Winter Dance" will be Saturday, January 31st. Keep that date open. Watch the announcements for more information.
• 7th grade ETS will meet 2nd period on Wed., Jan. 21st in the auditorium 89th grad ETS will meet 3rd period and 10th graders will be in the auditorium 5th period.
• Basketball "Ranger Gear" for sale. Order forms are in the office. They need to be returned to Mr. Hubbard by Jan. 22nd.
• Anyone interested in auditioning for this year’s musical, You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown, may pick up information in the library. There are six main roles and a chorus. If you have any questions, contact Ms. Porath. Mrs. Brown will tell you how to do that!
• The Midwest Energy Cooperative Scholarship application is available in guidance. You must have a 3.5 or better GPA, and your home must receive electric power from Midwest Energy (formerly Fruit Belt).
• Have you thought about a career in the automotive, diesel, collision repair, motorcycle or marine industries? The advanced technologies of today's vehicles have put trained technicians in high demand. To learn more about exciting career opportunities with world-class employers such as NASCAR, Audi, BMW, International Truck, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Volkswagen, Volvo, Ford, Toyota, Nissan, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Mercury Marine, plan to attend a presentation by an Educational
  Representative from Universal Technical Institute at 9:30am on Friday, January 23rd." Sign up in the guidance office.
• Seniors: Your community service hours are posted on the guidance window and across from the guidance office. Please check to see how many hours you still need to meet the graduation requirement. And remember, there are opportunities for service posted in guidance.
• The Pet’s Alive Scholarship and the Joseph Sheteron Scholarship are NOW available in the guidance office. For Pets Alive, you must be entering a field involving animals and have a high school GPA of 3.5 or above. The Sheteron Scholarship requires you to play or have played baseball or softball.
• There is a board meeting on January 26th at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• Also the 26th is Instructional Council Meeting at 3:45 PM at Red Brick.
• Also the 26th is the School Improvement Team meeting at 2:50 in the media center.
• This weeks staff meeting will consist of voting on ED YES with the clickers.
• Jan. 19th is the Martin Luther King Holiday and we will have no students on that day.
• Jan 21st will be the next "Hot Chocolate with the Principal." Please sign up with Mrs. Anderson.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance 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 from Students:

My favorite teacher always has time for me.

Cory Harding is the DAR Essay Winner!

Every year the Cass County Daughters of the American Revolution hold an essay and scholarship contest called the "Good Citizen Award." All the schools in Cass had representatives there and a panel of three judged the essays. This year, Cory Harding was chosen. First by his teachers and peers to be in the contest, and then by the panel as the best in the county. There is a small scholarship that comes with this honor and his essay will move to state and, if he is successful there, the national level.

Congratulations Cory!

January Objectives

I can take a stand in my writing and support it with facts and details..

I can understand Probability. (The likelihood that an event will occur.)

• SMC is hosting a financial aid workshop here in February, but if you want to start the process earlier, Lake Michigan College is hosting financial aid workshops on January 12 in Niles and January 13 in Benton Harbor. If you want to learn more about grants, scholarships and loans, it would be a good idea to attend this workshop with or without your parents.
• The following Jr High School students are on the spelling bee team: Victoria Pearson, Tiegan Scheuneman, Tiainni Hansford, Stephen Walker, Courtney Kuemin, Courtney Lauri, and Robbie Saxton - Congratulations and Good Luck!
• New enrichment assignments are posted. If you do not see your name on the list, see Mrs. Hargrove.
• Hard to believe, but it's that time of the year. What time is that? Time to dust off your vocal chords and audition for the spring musical. This year's musical will be You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown, and auditions will be January 26th and 27th. Stay tuned for more information next week.
• A community service opportunity is available in guidance. You can volunteer to train and help families file their taxes. This is a wonderful opportunity to help the community. See Mrs. Beebe.
• The Midwest Energy Cooperative Scholarship application is available in guidance. You must have a 3.5 or better GPA, and your home must receive electric power from Midwest Energy (formerly Fruit Belt).
• If you are a sophomore or junior interested in mixing with other teens from Michigan during a three-day interactive learning adventure, then apply for the Michigan Electric Teen Days. You will also have a chance to attend Washington DC. Pick up applications in the guidance office.
• The Best Buy Scholarship is available now until February 15. See the poster in guidance.
• TONIGHT, Jan 9th, at the boys’ basketball games, the first 80 students to walk through
  the door to attend the games will receive a free t-shirt. They will be given out at the beginning of the Freshmen game which starts at 4:15. Remember, first come, first serve.
• FFA Chapter Meeting next Tuesday, Jan. 13th in the Ag room after school.
• There is a board meeting on January 12th at 7:00 PM in the High School Media Center.
• Mr. Habra will be out of the building Jan. 13th for Leadership Training.
• All the Departments will meet with Mr. Habra during their Prep to be introduced to the Data Warehouse on Wed., Jan. 14th.
• This weeks staff meeting will consist of voting on ED YES with the clickers.
• Jan. 16th is Parent Teacher Conference day! Please come in and see us!
• Jan. 19th is the Martin Luther King Holiday and we will have no students on that day.
• Jan 21st will be the next "Hot Chocolate with the Principal." Please sign up with Mrs. Anderson.
• PARENTS and GUARDIANS: Check out your student's grades and attendance 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 from Students:

My favorite teacher was was my first grade teacher because she thanked me every day for being in her class.