Sikeston Senior High 2009-2010 Accolades

Clayton Driskill Wins Car in 2010 Year End Attendance Drawing

2010-05-19T13:56:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to SHS student Clayton Driskill. He was the winner of at 2009 Ford Focus at the Attendance Drawing held May 17, 2010. Students had to meet the following criteria to be in the running for the car:

98% attendance
“B” average (83%) in all classes
No discipline referrals that resulted in ISS/OSS
No more than 2 referrals that resulted in reprimands or detentions
No more than two tardies per semester per class

Students names were drawn and each received a key to try in the vehicle parked in front of Sikeston High School. The students each took turns trying their key. Clayton's key unlocked the vehicle, making him the winner in this year's drawing.

Alumni - Brandon Barnes Speaks at 2010 All Sports Banquet

2010-05-19T13:32:00.001-05:00

Sometimes it's just good to hear from those that graduated from Sikeston High School. Brandon Barnes is one of our alumni. He has played in the National Football League and has returned to Missouri to be an assistant football coach at the University of Missouri. Coach Barnes was our keynote speaker at this year's All Sports Banquet.

TAP Club Recycling Tops 13,522.5 lbs

2010-05-18T13:43:00.001-05:00

TAP Club has to date, collected and recycled almost 7 tons of paper (13,522.5 lbs). In addition, they have recycled plastic bottles and aluminum cans from the Math & Science Building this school year.

Congratulations to this club and their sponsor, Physical Science Teacher, Mr. Robert Lamar for a successful recycling season.

Sikeston High School Art Show

2010-05-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

High School students recently displayed their work at the annual student art show. Here is a list of awards that were given to students:

Painting ---- 1st place – August Pritchett / 2nd place – Tiffany Johnson / 3rd place – Mary Eifert / Honorable Mention – Courtney Bard

Drawing ---- 1st place – Marissa Renfroe / 2nd place – Marissa Renfroe & Sara Western / 3rd – Krystal Henson / Hon. Ment. – Elva Lemus

Photography --- 1st – Ryan Fox / 2nd – Drew Williams / 3rd – Avary Stone / Hon. Ment. – Harlea Mays

Studio --- 1st – Crista South / 2nd – Olivia Chittenden / 3rd – Ariel Kessler / Hon. Ment. – Will Cooper

Fibers --- 1st – Alandria Childs / 2nd – Avary Stone / 3rd – Britney Andrews / Hon. Ment. – Dolly Nguyen

Sculpture --- 1st – Avary Stone / 2nd – Caroline Dekriek / 3rd – Justin Gorden / Hon. Ment. – Travis Noble

Art 1A --- 1st – Alyssa Quenez / 2nd – Dolly Nguyen / 3rd – Samanth Anderson / Hon. Ment. – Hannah Ho

Art 1B --- 1st – Amanda Vernon / 2nd – Logan Ross / 3rd – Libby Menz / Hon. Ment. – Sydney King

We want to congratulate these students on their hard work, as well as their teachers, Darla Crabtree, Darla Roberts and Hailey Sullivan.

Certified Nursing Assistant certification - 100% PASSED EXAMS

2010-05-11T13:37:00.001-05:00

We want to congratulate the following Sikeston High School seniors on becoming Certified Nursing Assistants in the state of Missouri:

Rikeisia Anderson
Kaitlyn Dannenmueller
Camery Davis
DeBrasha Dixon
April Griswell
Frankasia Howard
Tiffany Johnson
Ashley Murr
Erica Revelle
Lauren Ryan

They worked very hard this year and have represented our school well in clinicals and in their written exam!!!!!! These students are taught by Kathy Grubbs our Health Occupations Instructor.

Band Students perform at State Music Contest

2010-05-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the following band students on their performances at State Music Contest this past weekend. For your information, a "I" rating is a "Superior" rating and a "II" is an "Excellent" rating.

Jackie Hubbert, Tenor Saxophone Solo - I
Christian Dzurny, French Horn Solo - II
Lauren Kennard, Bass Clarinet Solo - II
Jennifer Hubbert, Mallet Percussion Solo - II
Trumpet Trio with Sam Polovick, Cody Dorris and Alexis Arthur - II

2010 SHS Choir Success

2010-05-05T14:04:00.004-05:00

The following students were selected by audition to sing as a part of the SE District Choir:
-Mathew Myers
-Mary Christensen
-Jakhil Valentine
-Adrian Armstrong

At the SE District Music Contest, the following students competed and received a rating of I:
-Elizabeth Engram
-Mary Christensen

The following students competed and received a rating of II:
-Jakhil Valentine
-Anna Catherine DeHart
-Kingston Arthur
-Caroline Martin
-Claudia Davis
-William Cooper
-Jimmie Mitchell
-Adrian Armstrong
-Audrey Regenold

SHS also had a small ensemble that received a II:
-Anna Catherine DeHart
-Caroline Martin
-Mary Christensen

We also had a large group compete:
-Women's Choir received a rating of II

At State Contest, the following students competed and received a rating of II:
-Elizabeth Engram
-Mary Christensen

Mr. Leach would like to congratulate our choir students for a year of excellent singing, significant growth, and much achievement. For your information a rating of I is Superior; a rating of II is Excellent; a rating of III is Good.

Congratulations to our SHS Choir students for their accomplishments!

Students receive high marks at State Music Contest

2010-05-03T08:36:00.000-05:00

The following students received high marks for thos solo performances at the State Music Contect on Friday.

Elizabeth Engram - Viola Solo "II"

Meghan Mothershead - Violin Solo "II"

Marissa Renfroe - Viola Solo "II"

Taylor Renfroe - Piano Solo "I"

Congratulations to these Sikeston High School Students and Mrs. French, their orchestra teacher, for a job well done.

2010 MATH FIELD DAY

2010-04-30T08:16:00.001-05:00

Sikeston High School participated in Southeast Missouri State University's 2010 Math Field Day. In the Individual Open Event - Cody Dorris took 3rd place in 9th grade Word Problems. Congratulations to Cody for excelling in Math!

Cody is in Mrs. Brown's CP Geometry class.

Sikeston FBLA Team Wins First Place at State Leadership Conference

2010-04-21T12:42:00.000-05:00

Congratulations are in order to Zac Neal, Brooke Dial, and Claudia Davis who won first place yesterday in the Global Business competition at the FBLA State Leadership Conference.

The Sikeston team scored highest on the written test over Global Business and also won in a role-play simulation where they were given a Global Business scenario; given 20 minutes to review the scenario and decide how they would handle the business situation. They presented their plan before a panel of judges who in turn grilled them with a series of questions as to their decisions and also asked them impromptu questions. The Sikeston team was able to think quickly on their feet and answer questions presented to them by a team of judges. We are very proud of them. If you see any of these students, please congratulate them on a job well done.

Congratulations also to Mrs. Brinkley who worked so hard to make sure they were prepared for the competition.

American History bulletin board.

2010-04-16T13:06:00.000-05:00

Students in Mrs. Vinson's American History Classes submitted proposals for the bulletin board across from the M&S office. The subject of the proposal was World War II which was the topic covered in class). There were 10 submissions. A group of teachers voted on the one they would most like to see displayed. Every student submitting a design, received a small reward and the winning group received a "floating A" for one set of notes this semester.

This in becoming something Mrs. Vinson is doing more frequently. The students went above and beyond the material from the text book and researched additional information to use with their proposal.

Foods I classes have Fruit Competition

2010-04-08T09:49:00.001-05:00

During their recent Fruit chapter, students in Foods I classes held a friendly competition to see who could design the best looking fruit pizza. This lab was originally intended to teach the students how to properly clean and cut fruit, but the contest has added a new degree of the other-wise boring lab. Pictures of each fruit pizza are posted on teacher Angela Rash's website, along with an opinion poll. If you would like to take a look and vote for your favorite design, please go to the following site:

http://www.sikestonr6.org/education/components/poll/default.php?sectiondetailid=3353&

CIVIC GROUP OF THE YEAR - Sikeston Little Theater

2010-04-08T09:42:00.002-05:00

We wish to congratulate our very own Sikeston Career and Technology Television Production teacher - Steve Beyder, who is the leader of the Sikeston Little Theater. The Little Theater was honored as the “Civic Group of the Year” by the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce.

Way to go Steve!

COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR - Rick Justice

2010-04-08T09:39:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to Rick Justice one of Sikeston High School's American History Teachers. He was named “Community Volunteer of the Year” by the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce. What a great honor!

We couldn't be prouder of the service Mr. Justice gives his community, school and students.

Great job Rick!

SCTC SkillsUSA Students Earn Medals

2010-03-31T14:06:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to the following SCTC SkillsUSA students for earning medals in the recent State SkillsUSA Championships:

1st Place - Kalisa Henry - Nail Care

1st Place - Skyla Martin - PreSchool Teaching Assistant Skills

1st Place - Skyla Martin - Professional Development Technical Information

1st Place - Kandace Smith - PreSchool Teaching Assistant Technical Information

1st Place - Jacob Stewart - Audio Production

1st Place - Aaron Watkins - Audio Production

2nd Place - Derika Harris - Nail Care

2nd Place - Kellar Harris - Graphic Communications Skills

2nd Place - Samantha Jones - Advertising Design

2nd Place - Halley Loflin - T V Production Skills

2nd Place - Skyla Martin - PreSchool Teaching Assistant Technical Information

3rd Place - Mekenzi Walker - Advertising Design Skills

Orchestra Students Excel at Contests

2010-03-26T12:04:00.000-05:00

The SHS Orchesta A received a "I" rating at the State Music Contest in Large Groups.

The following students participated in and received "I" ratings in Small Ensembles and Solos: Taylor Renfroe - Piano Solo I; Meghan Mothershead - Violin Solo I; Elizabeth Engram - Viola Solo I; and Marissa Renfroe - Viola Solo I.

The SHS Orchestra B received a "II" rating at the State Music Contest in Large Groups.

The following students participated in and received "II" ratings in Small Ensembles and Solos: Taylor Renfroe - Violin Solo II; Alisha Miller & Cassie Vanover - Violin Duet II; Ryan Fox & Meghan Mothershead - Violin Duet II; Anna Catherine DeHart - Violin Solo II; Taylor Cecil - Violin Solo II;
Kayla Marsh - Cello Solo II; and Martha Neel - Viola Solo II.

Congratulations to Mrs. French for her excellent preparation of our SHS students to excel at contests.

Band Students and Symphonic Band Excel at Contests

2010-03-26T11:55:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the Symphonic Band for receiving a "I" Superior rating at State Large group contest on March 17, 2010. The following band students received a "I" Superior rating at district music contest on March 19, 2010. These students will be continuing on to State in May.

Kristen Frohawk - Clarinet Solo
Lauren Kenard - Bass Clarinet Solo
Leah Pruden, Jasmine Adams, and Megan Nelson - Flute Trio
Audrey Regenold - Flute Solo
Jackie Hubbert - Tenor Sax Solo
Sam Polivick, Cody Dorris, Alexis Arthur - Trumpet Trio
Christian Dzurny - French Horn Solo
Jennifer Hubbert - Percussion Mallet Solo
Sarah Western - Mulitiple Percussion Solo
Tyler Woolsey - French Horn Solo

MUSIC SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

2010-03-19T09:58:00.001-05:00

Sikeston High School Senior - Katie Old - auditioned with the Head Director of Bands, Jerry Hoover, at Missouri State University in Springfield. She was both accepted into the music program and offered a music scholarship. She is representing our school very well!!

Softball Academic All State

2010-03-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

The Varsity Softball Squad made Academic All State as a team! Three individuals made Academic All State:

1st Team: Sarah Dixon and Sydney David
2nd Team: Courtney Collins

Academic All State Qualifications:

Team: Cumulative GPA of 3.3 or better. Our team had a 3.59.

Individual: 1st Team a GPA of 3.88-4.0 for Fall Semester; 2nd Team a GPA of 3.75-3.87.

The Varsity Squad consists of:

12th: Kelsie Cooper, Mary Deason, Krystal Henson, and Jamie Reed

11th: Elizabeth Bolen, Courtney Collins, Sydney Davied, Sarah Hopson, Nicki James

9th: Sarah Dixon

Congratulations to the Lady Bulldogs for their ACADEMIC Accomplishments!!!!

AP English presents their Novel Projects

2010-02-22T13:40:00.000-06:00

Today, I was pleased to hear a couple of final presentations of AP English IV's Novel Projects. Students in Mrs. Meinke's class were given a 100 point project with student's choosing the various tasks to complete relating to their novel. The goal was for students to complete enough tasks to earn 100 points and an A+ grade. Examples of Tasks included:

5 Point Task Example: If you could change places with one of the characters in the novel which one would it be? Why would you pick this character? Use specific examples and details from the story and write a short explanation.

10 Point Task Example: Write and perform a TV commercial (1 minute long) to sell your novel. Use detail. A written copy must be handed in.

20 Point Task Example: Redesign the front and back cover of your novel. Include all the important information about the novel; a story blurb, information about the author, price, etc. (look at different book covers for ideas).

30 Point Task Example: Summarize the plot of the novel by creating a cartoon version of the novel. Use at least 8 frames to tell the story of the book. Use color and words. (30 points)

40 Point Task Example: Pretend you are a character from the story and write a diary for the character explaining the events of the story as seen from their point of view. Include what happens as well as how they felt during this time. You must have at least 8 diary entries. These entries must be at least 2 paragraphs long. (40 points)

Students presented their Novel Projects to the class while being videotaped. Other students in class commented and asked questions about the novel. This was a very good Depth of Knowledge Level 4 activity, as well as a Level 5 Instructional Practice Inventory rating!

Power Teaching catching on at High School

2010-02-08T13:33:00.000-06:00

Mrs. Vinson had several guests in her classroom last week. While she was presenting lessons using the teaching strategy "Power Teaching", aka "Whole Braining Teaching", several teachers and student teachers observed the class. Many were seeing this strategy for the first time and were excited to see high student engagement throughout the lesson. Others came out asking for additional information on this strategy. We have been working to add things to our teachers' toolboxes all year to increase student interactions during the presentation of new material and increase retention of information. This is one strategy that is proving to maintain student's attention and help teachers deliver new material in a more fun manner. We want to thank Mrs. Vinson for allowing others to view her teaching strategies.

Sikeston Spirit Week Activities

2010-01-30T16:02:00.001-06:00

Teachers enjoyed the week as much as the students. I was a little caught off guard by rivalry day because looking around campus we had Dexter, NMCC, Charleston, Dexter, and Notre Dame attire showing up on teachers and students. The student body was looking forward to homecoming activities on Friday; however, the Winter Storm of 2010 took over and kept us out of school. The administration is working on rescheduling the homecoming events.

"Power Teaching" in Social Studies Department

2010-01-21T13:58:00.003-06:00

A new strategy being used at SHS involves a technique called "Power Teaching." Mrs. Vinson and Mrs. Holifield are using this strategy to encourage student involvement during the introduction of new material in their social studies classes. Teachers present the material with hand gestures and lists of information. Students then turn to their partners and teach the material to another student using the same gestures and lists. Students are practicing recall of facts and new material. They are also sharing what they have learned with other students in the class. Great job from two innovative teachers in the building.

2009 Soccer Season Accomplishments

2009-12-18T06:58:00.002-06:00

The following students have received accolades for their soccer accomplishments this season.

1st team all-district-Hunter Williams
2nd team all-district-Tyler Neal and Evan Underwood
Honorable Mention-Josh Bill
1st team all conference-Tyler Neal and Hunter Williams
2nd team all-conference-Evan Underwood, Jason Isaacs, and Daniel Sanders
Lead scorer on the season was Tyler Neal and
Most Valuable Player: Hunter Williams

Congratulations to the Bulldog soccer team and thanks to the hard work of their coaches: Coach Long and Coach Noe.

Key Club Food Drive

2009-11-30T06:44:00.001-06:00

The Key Club with with help of the faculty and student body collected over 2,121 pounds of food in this year's Food Drive. When combined with the vegetables grown over the summer, the Key Club provided over 4,000 pounds of food to the needy in our community.

Congratulations to the Key Club and their sponsor, Mr. Rick Justice for this accomplishment.

2009 Sikeston Softball Accomplishments

2009-11-12T10:13:00.004-06:00

Sikeston Girl's Softball ended the season with a team record of 13-8. They placed 4th in the Notre Dame Tournament winning 3 out of 4 games .

Two players were named to 1st team all district: Krystal Henson as an infielder and Sarah Hopson as a pitcher.

Three players were named to the All Standard Democrat Team- Clutch Player Mary Deason (catcher), Best infield defense Krystal Henson, and Spark Plug Sarah Hopson (pitcher).

The team also had the Standard Democrat best game of the year when they beat Oran 8-5 in 12 innings in the Notre Dame tournament. They won with a 3- run homerun by Krystal Henson.

Congratulations to our Lady Bulldogs who are coached by Tiffany Morgan.

Successful Season for the SHS Volleyball Team

2009-11-10T09:29:00.010-06:00

For the first time since 2007, the Lady Bulldog Volleyball Team won the SEMO Conference title. They also were the SEMO Conference Tournament Champs!

Named to 1st Team All-Region (Southeast Region) was Sophomore Asia Liggins.

Named to the SEMO Conference All-Tournament Team was Asia Liggins and Tyanne Townsend.

Congratulations to the Lady Bulldogs who are coached by Steve Beydler and Hailey Sullivan.

SHS/SCTC Teachers using classroom websites to keep community and parents informed

2009-11-10T08:52:00.004-06:00

Many of our teachers are going above and beyond to keep the community informed of classroom activities. They are also being very creative in the development of their websites. Take a look at the following teacher's work:

Mrs. Kerry Swain is our Culinary Arts teachers at SCTC. Check out the Student power points and custom made banner on Kerry Swain’s site.
Mrs. Kathy Grubbs is our Health Occupations teacher at SCTC. Check out the music playing that goes directly with the site on Kathy Grubbs’s site.
Mr. Batchelor is our Psychology and Street Law teacher at SHS. Check out the letter of welcome containing materials needed for class on Larry Batchelor’s site. (Scroll down and click on “Welcome”)
Mrs. Angela Rash is our FACS and Personal Finance Teacher at SCTC/SHS. Check out the review tests set up for students to take on Angela Rash’s site. (Click on “test bank” in her navigation)
Mrs. Kim Meinke is our Communication Arts teacher at SHS and Mrs. Kim Whitehead is our band teacher. Check out the audio recordings and podcasts on Kim Meinke’s, and Kim Whitehead’s sites.
Mr. Darrin Steelman is our Band Director at SHS. Check out the use of about every type of page available on Darrin Steelman’s site.

We congratulate these teachers for their efforts to communicate with students, parents and the community.

Orchestra - 2009 All District Orchestra

2009-11-03T08:29:00.002-06:00

Congratulatations to the following Orchestra students for making 2009 All District Orchestra.

Taylor Renfroe
Elizabeth Engram-Principal Viola
Ryan Fox
Marissa Renfroe
Meghan Mothershead
Martha Neel
Vance Fisher
Josh Hampton
Michael Curry
Lily Sain
Jacob Stinnett
Kayla Marsh
Cassie Vanover
Ben Murray - Principal Bassist
Alishia Miller
Austin Curtis Roussel

These students are under the direction of Mrs. Gay French. Congratulations to them all for their hard work and this wonderful accomplishment.

2009 Sikeston Football Team

2009-10-30T08:20:00.000-05:00

Congratulations to the 2009 Sikeston Football Team - they are your 2009 SEMO Conference Champs and 2009 District Champs. We are so proud of our players and coaches for their hard work and dedication this season. Good Luck in future playoff games!

Best Results in Nine Years by SHS Band

2009-10-13T08:40:00.003-05:00

The Marching Bulldogs placed 2nd in their class and 3rd overall out of 10 bands at the Charleston Marching Band Competition on Saturday. This was their best finish in the 9 years that they have attended the competition.

The flag line earned the "Best Guard" caption award for the first time. They had the highest score of all of the flag lines of every school that day. This is a big improvement from a group that placed last just a few years ago.

This continues the band's most successful marching season to date. Three weeks ago they placed 7th at the Farmington marching competition. This is the 3rd year competing at Farmington against a lot of schools from the St. Louis area and the first time placing at that competition.

Congratulations to the SHS Band under the direction of Darrin Steelman, Carrie Cain, and Kim Whitehead.

CONGRATULATIONS - Astra Club Presents Teacher of the Month

2009-10-08T14:32:00.002-05:00

The Astra Club has award Teacher of the Month of October to Mrs. Dawn Brown, Sikeston High School's Geometry, Math Analysis, and Statistics Teacher. Mrs. Brown was nominated by one of her students. She received the award for valuable contributions to excellence in teaching. Congratulations Mrs. Brown!

Four Sikeston students selected to the 2009 All-District Choir for Southeast Missouri

2009-10-05T14:43:00.000-05:00

Choir Teacher, Mr. Leach, is pleased to announce that we have four students who have been selected to sing in All-District Choir. The All-District Choir is comprised of the top singers from all of the schools in southeast Missouri. The Students competed against many students from other schools by singing a prepared solo and by sight reading music. These students are exceptional singing Bulldogs. Please take a moment to congratulate them as they have represented us well and have been selected to sing in the 2009 All-District Choir for Southeast Missouri.

Matt Myers
Ben Priday
Adrian Armstrong
Jakhil Valentine

Mrs. Swank's World Foods Class preparing Latin Cuisine

2009-09-30T14:25:00.001-05:00

Mrs. Swank's students have been studying Latin Cuisine in the World Foods Class. Students recently prepared Mexican Lasagna and Chicken Quesadillas, as well as homemade salsa. Now this is the time as an Academic Leader that I don't mind trying out the cooking. Students did a great job preparing their recipies and the quality of the food was great.

Science Department Using Creative Projects to Help Students Learn Information

2009-09-23T12:21:00.004-05:00

SIKESTON HIGH SCHOOL'S SCIENCE DEPARTMENT

Check out the following link to Mrs. Alsup's Biology Website:

http://www.sikestonr6.org/education/components/docmgr/default.php?sectiondetailid=2217&

Students created short movies and/or a PowerPoint to share what they know about Cell Development with their classmates. There are some really creative projects on the site.

A Day in the Life of a GL Student

2009-09-10T15:16:00.003-05:00

Today, I shadowed one of our grade level students throughout his day to see what kind of teaching and learning were taking place in a typical day.

1st hour - English I - Today's learning objective was to understand the difference between a written work and a media work based on the written work. The teacher modeled the writing process for students as they worked on a draft essay. The class discussed the required parts of a written essay including the necessary transitions from paragraph to paragraph. All students appeared to be engaged through the class period working on their writing.

2nd hour - Physical Science - Students were required to turn in a vocabulary chart prior to taking a quiz over their concept maps. Students have been studying identifying substances using physical properties, comparing and contrasting physical and chemical change and identifying chemical changes. Students appeared ready to take the quiz without any complaining!

3rd hour - Weightlifting - I'm just amazed at all the student involvement in this class. Maybe it's because Coach has them assigned to teams and they are competing against other teams in class. Students lined up to get their fastest time on a sprint across the gym. Team times were recorded to determine the top teams.

5th hour - Algebra IA - Students were up teaching the class how to solve problems using order of operations. The student at the board had to explain their solution and how to check their answers. Research says that if you can teach a concept to someone else you really know it! These students were practicing their knowledge to the point that they could teach it.

6th hour - American History - Today the students had a substitute who was in charge of making sure they worked on an assignment from the teacher.

7th hour - Teen Living - Students classified long term and short term goal examples presented by the teacher and their own examples. They were also to justify their reasoning. This higher order thinking was great to see at the end of the student's day. They also reviewed the difference between a "need" and a "want." New information was provided to the students by the teacher on what is a SMART goal.

It was a day of variety for the student whose schedule I followed. It is also very informative as the Academic Leader for me to see what a student receives as new learning and reviewing of prior learning during a typical day.

Outside Eyes Noticing Our Students' Behavior

2009-09-10T11:11:00.002-05:00

From Mary Crader, Communication Arts Academic Coach

Yesterday the four consultants from our new textbook company and I stood in the sitting area of the 9th grade M&S center. The bell rang for dismissal and the students quietly left class and went on their way as usual. All four heads turned at the same time and looked at me with awe on their faces. They said they are in schools in the mid-west on a weekly basis and NEVER had they seen such an orderly, calm, dismissal. They said they see running, yelling, hitting, slamming, fights etc…. They went on and on about the nice facility and how it seemed to effect student behavior.

Too often we focus on the bad and don’t see the good. I had never given a thought as to how orderly and quiet it is in this building until I saw it from outside eyes.

Foldables for Easy Test Review

2009-09-02T16:06:00.003-05:00

Sikeston's new science teacher, Justin Cox, was observed today using a McRel teaching strategy known as a "foldable." Students created a simple foldable to review element symbols and names for an upcoming test. With the symbol on the front, students simply lift the tab and find the element name underneath. If you have a student in Mr. Cox's Physical Science class, ask to see their foldable to help review them for Friday's test.

Math Coach creates Math Blog

2009-09-02T16:04:00.002-05:00

Sikeston Math Coach - Julie Mangum has created a new math blog to discuss the math happenings at the 5th & 6th Grade Center, the 7th & 8th Grade Center and Sikeston High School.

Check it out: http://sikestonmathspeak.blogspot.com

Student Work on Display

2009-09-01T12:17:00.007-05:00

Mrs. Crabtree has recognized art work created by her students.

These incredible designs were a beginning of the year activity and have been awarded TOP CHOICE FOR THINKING OUT OF THE BOX by Mrs. Crabtree. To see additional art work on display please check out the hallway in "B" Bldg.

"A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A CP STUDENT AT SHS"

2009-08-19T16:10:00.002-05:00

As Academic Leader, today I spent the day with a College Prep student's schedule in my hand. I spent the first 20 minutes of each class period observing and taking notes of what a typical College Prep student would endure throughout the day. Here's a recap of today's events:

1st hour - CP Biology - The class went to the lab to be introduced to these cool compound light microscopes. Student engagement was high as they actively prepared wet slides to practice using the microscopes.

2nd hour - CP World History - The teacher connected prior knowledge about the technological revolution to the present. Students were asked: If I had to give up one technology, which one would it be and why? Part of a future assignment in class is to watch TV and find out about a particular current event or issue. Students must form an opinion about the issue (such as the health care debate) and be prepared to discuss in class.

3rd hour - CP Spanish II - Students completed worksheet practicing use of possessive adjectives. A video clip of native speakers using the possessive adjectives in everyday conversation was shown and students answered questions with an interactive quiz. Teacher reinforced correct use of possessive adjectives by providing students with a graphic organizer chart to copy for their notes from the board.

4th hour - Advisory - No Advisory on Wednesday

5th hour - Honors English II - Students received a pre-writing activity assignment on the novel "The Good Earth". This was a summer reading novel assignment given to Honors Students to prepare for class. Now with a focus on theme, students had a group activity to pre-write information gleaned from their reading.

6th hour - CP Algebra II - Students chose their own seat for class. Homework had been assigned the previous night and time was spent checking answers and discussing problems that teacher put on board with the document camera. It was clear that students knew the expectation to write these down because a test was coming soon.

I was unable to get to the elective classes for 7th and 8th hour but will try again on a future date.
I was pleased to see a variety of teaching strategies enforced and expectations for College Prep students to come prepared to learn new material with previously assigned material completed.

English class starts off with new grouping strategy

2009-08-12T12:29:00.002-05:00

Mrs. Hodgkiss' English Class started the day with a differentiated instruction strategy. She had each student draw a playing card as they walked in the door and the card they drew (2’s, 3’s, etc) determined what group they were in. Then each group was given a “KEY idea” question from the content in our new textbook series to discuss and write about. Once the groups were finished discussing/writing, students presented information learned to the class. According to Mrs. Hodgkiss, this strategy for grouping worked extremely well even on the second day of school!

2009-2010 Teacher Accolades

2009-08-11T13:02:00.002-05:00

It has come to our attention that teachers usually have to stick their necks out to earn accolades.

A LITTLE HISTORY: In tracing the word "accolade" back to its Latin origins, we find that it was formed from the prefix ad-, "to, on," and the noun collum, "neck," which may bring the word collar to mind. From these elements came the Vulgar Latin word *accollāre, which was the source of French accolade, "an embrace." An embrace was originally given to a knight when dubbing him, a fact that accounts for accolade having the technical sense "ceremonial bestowal of knighthood," the sense in which the word is first recorded in English in 1623.

So, we have decided that this blog will be filled with the accolades of our teachers accomplisments as we conduct our "pop in" observations this school year. What we see will be noted and those that are worthy to be "dubbed with knighthood" or a simple comment, "job well done," will be brought to the attention of anyone who reads the blog. We will be asking the questions: What instructional strategies do we see being used? What Depth of Knowledge level are we reaching in the classroom? How many students are actively engaged in the learning process? Are we seeing relevant material being taught at a rigorous level by teachers using respectful relationships with students?

Come back and read often to see who has been given an accolade or two. I will tell you I have already taken note of some very dedicated teachers preparing for a new school year. -KJ