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SCHOOL NEWS FOR
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2001
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Elementary School News |
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By Mary Nethaway and Max
Batchelor |
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As always, fun and exciting things are happening a MES.
This week Mrs. Tammy Gordon's fourth grade class made
American Flag pins to wear for the Veteran's Day program
on Friday. The students used toothpicks that they had
painted red and also left natural to make the stripes.
They then cut a small square of blue paper and glued it
in the upper right hand corner and made the stars from
glitter. The students were excited to wear their pins to
the program to show their American patriotism and pride.
They plan to continue to wear them in the future.
Mrs. Charlotte Verner's third graders have been writing
stories as if they were turkeys. They were trying to
persuade their owners not to eat them for Thanksgiving!
Rocio Mejorado, Taylor Gibson, and Kelby McCaleb are
Mrs. Verner's representatives in the Spelling Bee next
week.
Mrs. Witty's fourth grade class experimented with
polymer crystals. They learned that polymer crystals are
chains of molecules that absorb water. These crystals
can be used to water plants. They are found in
disposable baby diapers and cat litter.
On Friday afternoon at 1:30, MES was pleased to host
area veterans for the annual Veteran's Day Program. Our
principal Mrs. Charlene Alsup welcomed visitors. Mrs.
Beckie Smith introduced the program and recognized
veterans. She also gave a presentation of some student's
writing based on Veteran's Day. McKenzie Cub Scout Pack
#78 gave the Presentation of Flags. The entire assembly
recited the Pledge of Allegiance led by fourth graders
Austin Taylor and James Middlebrooks. We then sang the
"Star Spangled Banner". Throughout the program the MES
chorus, The Rebel Singers, directed by Mrs. Pat Forgy
presented their program of patriotic music. Our special
speaker this year was First Sergeant Randy McCadams of
the Tennessee National Guard. First Sergeant McCadams
gave a great speech encouraging us to show our
patriotism. The program was closed with the playing of
"Taps" by Christy Lowe and Kayla Bomar followed by a
moment of silence. Thanks to all of the teachers who
work so hard each year to organize this program and,
above all, thank you to our veterans.
This week's announcer was Kelby McCaleb. Thank you Kelby
for a great job!
Until next time . . .
Compiled by Max Batchelor |
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Middle School News |
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No news this week. |
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Notes from the High School |
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By McKenzie High School Principal, Terry Howell |
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On Tuesday, November 20, the military will administer
the ASVAB to members of our junior class. The ASVAB
assesses basic skills and aptitudes that Ms. Herrin, our
guidance counselor, can use to direct students to a
profession or field of study that fits their ability and
ambition. One of the good components of the test is the
follow-up reports and data supplied by the military. The
military releases an enormous amount of data to students
and carefully explains test results to our students.
Generally, the feedback comes to the high school in a
matter of weeks. Naturally, the different branches of
the service use the data as a means of recruitment and
identification, but the test serves a broader basis for
the guidance counselor and use as we make decisions
about career education and needed curricula in the
school.
This week I have sent a letter home to parents through
those students that will take the Gateway exams on
December 11, 12. Students enrolled in Algebra I and
Biology I or Biology for Technology will take the
Gateway exams. Those students who entered the ninth
grade for the 2001-02 school year must pass this exam to
earn a regular diploma. We will use the state cut-off
figure to determine whether a student has passed or
failed. We will use a conversion table provided by the
state to translate the number of correct responses on
the test to a numerical grade. This test will count 15%
of the student's second nine-week grade. If a freshman
fails the Gateway, he/she will be required to do some
type of remediation or have some type of intervention
before the next date of administration. This
intervention/remediation may include retaking the course
in which the student failed the Gateway exam or being
placed in a Gateway preparation class as an elective.
All students enrolled in the above classes will take the
Gateway which will count 15% of the second nine-week
grade. As I stated previously, freshman graduation
requirements are tied into successful completion of this
test. Parents and students are to be advised of the
serious nature of the test and students are to perform
to their full potential to do as well as possible.
Last Thursday, students attended a performance by the
Covenant Players, an international repertory troupe.
Students attended according to grade level or maximize
effectiveness and help with audience participation. The
performers discussed peer pressure and following others
blindly, the importance of communication skills, and the
value of strong family dynamics. Many students could
empathize with the plot of these skits. The troupe did
an excellent job of helping students to sort through
different conflicts and challenges that they may face in
life.
This Wednesday, we will issue Progress Reports for the
131/2-week period. Students should bring four progress
reports home reflective of their academic achievement to
date. Please call your child's teacher if he/she is not
doing well. A strong partnership between the home and
school pays great dividends. I encourage you to make
telephone calls or ask for conferences to re-direct
students who are doing poorly. The foundation laid in
high school often determines the success one has in
life. Let's all make the effort to make a difference in
a young person's life.
President Bush has proclaimed the week of November 11-17
as National Veterans Awareness Week. We began this
celebration last Friday with our Veterans' Day Program.
This week, teachers will be asked to incorporate
veterans and patriotic themes into their lesson plans.
Some topics that teachers may use include interviews
with veterans, essays on specific acts of courage
displayed by veterans, comparison and contrast of
veterans' experiences from the various wars, using
veterans as guest speakers, poems about veterans and
their courage, and drawings of patriotic symbols,
historical scenes, and other similar topics. In light of
recent events in our country, the honoring of veterans
and our servicemen is a worthwhile activity. It was
great to have around 50 veterans at our program last
Friday. Through them, students can see firsthand men and
women who shared the vision of America 's freedom and
were willing to sacrifice their lives for their country.
On Monday, November 19, the Beta Club will induct new
upperclass members into their club at 7:00 P.M. in the
Theater. The club sponsors are Zia McKennie and Dawn
Clubb. The Beta Club has as its mission the pursuit of
excellence in academics and character. Betas are
committed to outstanding scholarship and to moral
leadership. Last year's club had approximately 90
members. After graduation, the club stands at 65 members
with new members joining this month. The current
freshman class is eligible to join in the spring. Beta
officers are as follows: Amanda Mansfield, president;
Jesse King, vice-president; Mallory Brandon, secretary;
Benjamin Martin, treasurer; Amanda Rogers, reporter; and
Kelly Hampton, student council representative.
Last Friday night, the football team recorded its school
record twelfth win with no losses in a 47-14 victory
over the Loretto Mustangs. The Rebels dictated the
outcome of the game almost immediately by racing to a
21-0 lead and coasting to a 27-7 halftime score. The
second half saw the two teams play more evenly as the
Rebels finally extended the score to the 33-point
difference. This week the Rebels travel to Hohenwald in
Lewis County. Game time is 7:00 P.M. This game pits two
undefeated squads. The Panthers ended their regular
season as the top-ranked team in the state according to
the sportswriters. The Rebels ended the regular season
ranked fourth. The Rebels advanced to the quarterfinals
for the second consecutive year. They hope to better
last year's quarterfinal match and advance to the
semi-finals. All Rebel fans are encouraged to travel to
support the undefeated Rebels as they attempt to
continue what has been a magical season. Kudos to the
players and coaches. The coaches begin preparation for a
Friday contest immediately after the game of the week.
They continue to break down film and chart their
opponents on Saturday and Sunday, preparing offensive
and defensive strategies. The players likewise must put
victories behind them and begin their preparation on
Monday. They work long hours practicing, studying game
plans, and continuing to lift weights. The 2001 team has
certainly build special memories for our team and our
fans.
School will not be in session on November 21-23 to
observe Thanksgiving break. |
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Phone (731) 352-3323 or
Fax (731) 352-3322
washburn@mckenziebanner.com
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