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By Terry Howell
McKenzie High School Principal |
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Greetings to parents and the community from McKenzie
High School. The faculty and staff are excited about the
upcoming school year. The first week is always a time of
adjustment, but we all look forward to the challenge
that we have as educators in making a difference in the
lives of our students.
We have added three new faces to our faculty this
year. Catherine Argo is transferring from the middle
school to teach our English I - grammar and composition
class, an English III class, and a journalism class.
Bert Snow has also transferred from the middle school to
teach several social studies classes. He will also
assist in coaching the varsity football team. Joan
Albury has accepted a position in our math department,
primarily teaching Algebra I. She will also coach our
girls varsity basketball team. I feel confident that
their addition is a positive and that they will commit
themselves to making our young people better students
and citizens.
Last week teachers attended a week of in-service
training on campus. They had a wide array of topics
including time management and prioritizing, 504
legislation, Title VI and Title IX updates, using
technology in the classrooms, meeting the needs of
troubled students, igniting high student performance,
incorporating writing across the curriculum, and
beginning the development of our School Improvement
Plan. Follow-up on many of these topics will continue
throughout the year.
Classes for the 2004-05 school year will begin with a
half-day on Monday, August 9. Students will meet in the
gym for about 10-15 minutes and then go to their
homerooms for orientation about policies and procedures
and for their fall schedules. Homeroom teachers will
also dispense the paperwork necessary to start the
school year. I ask that parents assist us in having
paperwork completed as soon as possible. Students should
bring several forms to sign on the first day.
During homeroom on Monday students will also receive
school day insurance packets. The low-cost plan helps to
defray the cost of accidents that may occur at school or
at home, depending upon the coverage you might choose.
All athletes, cheerleaders, band members, and physical
education students must have insurance or a statement
declaring that the student is covered by a parent's
plan.
Students will bring home their student handbook to have
parents read it. We do want everyone to understand the
operation of our school, and this step insures that
parents can help to make our school run smoothly and
efficiently. The student handbook will serve as a hall
pass so that all students will need to keep up with
their own handbook.
Several of our student groups have already begun to work
to prepare for the upcoming year. The band recently
completed its annual two-week camp (July 19-30). Each
section and group had instructors to give band members
expert assistance in developing their field show and
competition show for the 2004 season. Band members work
countless hours in preparation for the year. Their
ultimate goal is to present a great football halftime
show and to place in state competition in October.
Approximately 50 students are involved in band at the
high school this year.
The football team began practice on July 28 in shorts.
Approximately 60 young men have involved themselves in
summer weightlifting and conditioning in preparation for
the first week of sanctioned TSSAA football practice.
The team will begin practice in pads next week. They
will travel to Crockett County on Friday for a
controlled scrimmage. Other scrimmages planned for the
pre-season are against Jackson Christian School on
Tuesday, August 10, and Lexington on Friday, August 13.
On Friday, August 20, the Rebels will again play
Lexington in the first quarter of the Huntingdon
Jamboree. Advanced tickets may be purchased for the
jamboree from any football player or coach for $5.00.
All advanced tickets money will remain in McKenzie so
get tickets here please.
This year our school will again offer individual season
passes to all high school football games. This pass will
enable a person to attend all high school varsity,
B-team, and freshmen games. It does not cover the cost
of middle school games. The $25.00 ticket may be
purchased in the office during school hours. The pass is
good only for the regular season. It is a card that is
non-transferable, non-refundable. It will assist our
fans in getting into the game quickly. I encourage
everyone to take advantage of this offer.
A reminder to parents that drivers are to drop off
students in the back in the morning. Pick-up in the
afternoon is in the front. Monday, August 9, is a
half-day. Bus students will be dismissed at 11:15 and
all others at 11:20. We do look forward to this exciting
first day.
I want to thank Joel Washburn and The McKenzie Banner
for again allowing me to communicate to parents and
the community in this weekly news column. The high
school is fortunate in having a strong partner like
The McKenzie Banner that supports young people and
education and that understands the importance of
communication between the school and the community. For
that I am grateful. Let's all have a great year.
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