We are a few weeks into the second semester and are off to a great start.  While winter break was nice and relaxing, it felt good to come back to school to see all of the students!  For those of you with seniors, I hope the last semester of high school goes well for everyone and that you make the most of the time left before they move on to the next phase in their lives! 

Construction work has been completed on our FEMA shelter near the newly updated athletic entrance.  It is comforting to know that should bad weather be in our area, we have a safe location to go.  Outside, work is almost done on the baseball and softball fields.  Our facilities are second-to-none!  The newest construction projects include work on the bleachers at the football field/track.  Additionally, the track is being resurfaced and will provide a safer structure on which students will participate.  Finally, construction is getting ready to begin on the career and technical education wing of our school on the south end of our campus.  Some driveways and parking areas will soon be inaccessible during this process.

A few other news and notes:

●       I would like to welcome a few new staff members to Maize High School. Ryan Swayne was hired in the Art Department to replace Terry Bussart, who retired in December.  Peggy Cardenas was hired in December as our new nurse paraprofessional.  Finally, we welcome Amy McKay to the Front Office as an attendance secretary.

●       On Monday, January 30th, we will have our club picture day.  Students who are involved in clubs and activities will have their group yearbook pictures taken. 

●       We are excited for all that is in store for our students during the upcoming Homecoming Week.  There are themes for each day, so please make sure to check out the newsletter to see what is in store for each day.  We will also have the first-ever COTY Olympics on Tuesday, January 31st.  Students can earn points for their class and have a great time interacting with their peers.  The festivities will conclude with the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, 2/4, from 8-11:00 p.m. in the MHS Commons.  Students must have their school ID to enter the dance, per BOE policy.

●       Congratulations to all of the students who made the Honor Roll from the second term! 

●       The Maize High School Drama Department will be presenting Shakespeare's As You Like It at MHS on Thursday (1/26), Friday (1/27), and Saturday (1/28) starting at 7:30 p.m. in the Maize High auditorium.  

●       With the 2017-2018 enrollment process getting ready to begin, I encourage parents to have conversations with their student(s) about identifying classes to take for next year.  If you have questions about specific classes or are unsure of what classes to take, please make sure you contact your student's counselor.  Careful consideration should be made with course selections because once the schedules are set, changes can only be made if they meet the following criteria:

○       There is a mistake on the schedule;

○       The student wants to take a more advanced class;

○       A class was failed and needs to be retaken;

○       Pre-requisites have not been met.

An enrollment guide can be found on the Counselors' Corner page of the MHS website.

●       Parent-Teacher Conferences are coming up on Wednesday, February 15th from 4-8:00 p.m. and Thursday, February 16th from 12-8:00 p.m.  Students will not have school on Thursday or Friday. We hope you will be able to attend. 

●       Student-of-the-Month

○       For the month of December, congratulations to Cameron Taylor!  Mrs. Baker had this to say about Cameron: "He has very good attendance and has not had any negative behaviors. He is working in the community through his community-based instruction and is doing great!  He is an active participant in the Tri-County Sports program and is becoming very independent!" 

○       For the month of January, we congratulate Madeleine Gillispie.  Mrs. Pfeifer had this to say about Maddi: "Maddi is not only an excellent student, but she participates in several extracurricular activities as well such as BPA, Peer Helpers, and NHS. She is also a member of the women's swim team and marching band. Her most inspiring character trait is the willingness to give of her time to organizations that help other students like Maslow's Teen Pantry. She makes herself available as one of its representatives to keep the pantry organized and clean. She gives her very best effort in all that she does and her work ethic is quite commendable. Maddi Gillispie is an excellent role model for her peers as well in that she treats her fellow students with kindness, respect, and generosity."

○       Others who received nominations are: Dylan Henderson, Cora Carpenter, Cassie O'Donnell, Fabian Garcia, Jordan Claeys, Hannah Piros, Peyton Sharpsteen, Brennon Hickman, Kelsey Harris, Karli Baker, Ashley Massie, Ashlyn Lakin, Brock Arnold, Matthew Melchor, Garrison Norris, Alexis Montana, Shawn Miller, Madelyn Mies, Kaci Clinton, and Megan Paul. 

As always, please let me know if you have any concerns or questions regarding Maize High School or your student's education.  I look forward to seeing you all at conferences!

With Eagle pride,

Chris

Aspen Pope

Josh Christian

Spring Sports:

The Spring Sports Parent meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 20^th in the Auditorium at 6:30pm.

Spring sports practices begin on Monday, February 27^th. If your student did not participate in a Fall or Winter sport and has not turned in a sports physical form, please make your appointments now!

Online Driver Education:  2016-2017 Enrollment Nights (Enrollment packets may be picked up in the Counseling Office or online under the Counselors' Corner.)

**Students and parents need to attend the enrollment meeting.  Please bring your enrollment packet, a writing pen, and any type of Kansas Permit or License you already have to the Enrollment Meeting.**

If you're in the market for a mattress, mark February 4^th on your calendar! Maize High will host a mattress sale in the main gymnasium from 10am until 5pm that day. A portion of each sale will go to the Newsmagazine program, Debate/Forensics classes, and the KAY Club.

This has been a very successful fundraiser for schools across the country for a decade. Derby High School's band raised more than $8,000 last year, and the Goddard band raised more than $15,000 the past two years.

There will be more than 20 name brand mattress sets on sale, from twin to California King. You can save up to 50 percent off retail while supporting our programs. It will be a no-pressure sale. They will have layaway and delivery options available. Also, if you email teacher Dan Loving at dloving@usd266.com he can provide you with a coupon for $50 off.

Planning is under way for the Maize High After Prom party which will take place April 22, 2017.  For the past 29 years, we have held the After Prom party, which is a drug- and alcohol- free activity created to reduce the chance of students becoming involved in substance abuse related accidents.  Students are able to play games, eat food, and win prizes while being supervised throughout the night. After Prom, a non-profit event, is completely supported by donations from dedicated parents, individuals, organizations, and local businesses.

There are lots of ways you can lend your support:

• Cash donations:  Money goes to rent rides and games, as well as to purchase prizes, food, etc. $5, $10, or $20 can make a big difference!  Monetary donations can be mailed to Maize High After Prom, 11600 W. 45th St. N., Maize, KS 67101.  All donations are tax deductible.

• Prize donations:  We can use anything that would make a great prize.  Do you own a business or work for one that can help?  Past prize donations have been: gift cards, t-shirts and hoodies, TV's, laptops, cameras, headphones, flash drives, camping equipment, gift certificates, key chains, cups, water bottles, board games, and much more.  Prize donations can be dropped off at the Maize High School office to the attention of Becky Fitzmier or Laura Farney, or call 316-761-2677 (Becky) or 316-641-0586 (Laura) to make arrangements for pickup.

• Volunteers: Volunteers are needed to make this event a success!  We have several committees so there should be something for everyone!  We have Bingo, Casino, Coat Check, Check-In, Games, Photo Booth/Weddings, Raffle Prizes, and Refreshments.  We have a few committees that are in need of a chairperson:  Games and Photo Booth/Weddings.  Every year as seniors graduate we lose great parent volunteers. You do not have to be a parent of a Junior or Senior to volunteer.  If you would like more information, please contact Becky Fitzmier at 316-761-2677 or tbgmt@att.net, or Laura Farney at 316-641-0586 or lfarney@sbcglobal.net. Please considering giving your time!

• We have created a Signup Genius to make signing up easier. 

 http://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044ba8a722a0f85-maize  

We will be having a planning meeting in February. Please come with ideas, suggestions, or just to find out more information. Watch for a follow-up email for the date and location of the meeting.

Thank you for your support!

Maize High After Prom Committee

College Algebra:

This spring, the MHS Math Department is teaching College Algebra in a new format! Held in the MHS Lecture Hall, students participate in a setting more like one found in college. In the picture below, Jenny Meirowsky's 47 students are at work in this course. If students maintain 75% or better, they only need to attend on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.  

What science class should my student take next?

Enrollment is upon us once again and sometimes it is difficult to know what science class your student should take next.  Every year, new courses are added, but what does your student really need?  All freshmen are required to take Freshman General Science followed by Biology or Biology Honors.  Once a student finishes Biology, numerous options are available to them.  Students are also required to take either Chemistry I, Honors Chemistry I, or Essentials of Chemistry and Physics.  A variety of electives are also offered, and some are available for dual credit.

Chemistry I is a junior or senior level course and it is highly recommended that the student has completed Algebra II due to the amount of math-based problem solving and data analysis required for success in the course.  Chemistry I Honors is for sophomores, juniors, or seniors that are planning to take advanced science classes and it is highly recommended that the student has completed Algebra II.  Essentials of Chemistry and Physics is designed to help students meet their third science credit and does not have the same level of math-based problem solving.

For students planning to focus their studies toward Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM), they need to take additional classes beyond the required three credits to be prepared for post-secondary classes.  Honors Physics and AP Physics are usually senior level courses that have a high success rates of preparing students for their post-secondary classes.  Physics is also a great class to take as a senior if students are trying to keep their math skills sharp for college.  Past graduates frequently comment on how prepared they are for their college physics classes.  Honors Physics can be taken for dual credit.

Chemistry II Honors and AP Chemistry are also popular courses; both are semester long courses.  Chemistry II is a great option for dual credit and can meet a student's physical science requirement for non-STEM majors.  Taking both Chemistry/Chemistry Honors I and Chemistry II presents what a typical college Chemistry I course would cover.  AP Chemistry can be taken after the completion of Chemistry II Honors and is offered each year during 3^rd block in the Spring Semester.

If students have time or an interest, numerous specialized courses can be taken.  A course that is relatively new is the Food Science class (requirement is successful completion of Biology).  This is for the student that has an interest in cooking, nutrition, biology/chemistry and enjoys lab-based projects.  This class also improves presentation and writing skills in a relaxed hands-on atmosphere.

Classes in Ag Science are popular at Maize High.  Students don't have to participate in FFA to enjoy these classes.  Horticulture, Intro to Urban Ag (only requirement is taking Freshman General Science), Zoology, and a new Ag Internship Course can be selected.

Health Science I and Care of Athletes are offered at Maize High and are popular among students pursuing careers in Health Science.  Human Anatomy and Health Science II are additional classes that some students choose.  Additional health science classes can be found in the enrollment guide.  These courses do a great job of introducing a student to areas of interest in health science, just remind your student that their post-secondary course work will also include numerous advanced chemistry, physics, and biology classes.

If your student is taking a science course this semester, their science teacher will be discussing what would be good course options for them.  Our school data shows that adding additional science classes beyond the required courses helps increase ACT scores and advanced college science course success.  Please feel free to stop by and ask a science teacher at parent-teacher conferences.  I would welcome the opportunity to meet you and your student to discuss their interests and class options for next fall!

For the Science Department,

Mrs. Jessica Shurts

Child Development:

Mrs. Sauer's advanced Child Development class held an open daycare for kiddos in the community recently. The high school students were able to use activities they created while in class including Teach Boxes, Science/Math, Art, Music/Movement, & Physical lesson plans to entertain the children. 

Peer Helpers and Maslow's Closet are sponsoring a spring Prom Dress Swap!

How it Works:

When:

 Make-up bags that were donated will also be offered!

 Please join us for this fun, low-cost option to help make your Prom experience a special one!  For more information, or if you have questions, please contact:

                        Elisabeth Graber - egraber@usd266.com 

                        Sherry Pfeifer -  spfeifer@usd266.com 

                        Betsy Manning -  bmanning@usd266.com 

These talented musicians will rehearse and perform at Century II in the Concert Hall on Feb. 23-25, 2017. Great job!

The MHS Thespians performed a one-act, Eleemosynary by Lee Blessing, at the Kansas Thespian Festival January 5-7^th and were chosen to represent Kansas as the Chapter Select at the International Thespian Festival in Lincoln, Nebraska in June. Congratulations!

Pictured from left to right: Keegan Johnston (stage manager), Rooslana Rusk, Jacey Wallace, and Olivia Wagner.

Don't delay - check out the MHS Yearbook details today! Below you will find information about ordering yearbooks AND purchasing senior ads in the 2017 MHS Yearbook.

How can I buy a yearbook?

2017 MHS yearbooks can be pre-purchased through March 31st. Yearbooks are $40; cash or checks made out to MHS Yearbook may be sent to MHS or delivered to Anne Debes, yearbook advisor, in room F39. Yearbooks can also be purchased with a credit card through Fee Management on Skyward, OR by going to the Jostens link jostensyearbooks.com and selecting our school. The Jostens link offers personalization options for an additional fee, as well as a payment plan. 

Did I already pay for my 2017 yearbook?

Please contact Anne Debes, yearbook advisor, at adebes@usd266.com.

Do I have to pre-purchase a yearbook, or can I just wait and buy one when they arrive?
We have to know the number of yearbooks to order in advance; this is why yearbooks must be pre-purchased if you want to guarantee that you get one. We do usually have some extra yearbooks to sell at distribution time, but this is only if our publisher prints extra copies on their own - we never know how many, if any, will be printed as "extras" to sell. So pre-purchasing is the only way to make sure you get a yearbook!

What if I need financial assistance?

We do have some yearbooks set aside for students who receive free/reduced lunches. Please email yearbook advisor Anne Debes at adebes@usd266.com if you qualify for a free/reduced yearbook.

When will 2017 yearbooks be available for students?
The MHS yearbook covers the entire school year in one bound edition, so it is printed in the summer and available to students in early August. This means that 2017 graduates' books must be picked up in the MHS Front Office by the graduates themselves or by friends/family members. Students who bought yearbooks and still attend MHS will receive their books within the first week of school in August 2017.

How can I buy a Senior Ad in the yearbook?
Senior ads are a great way to support your senior AND support our publication! Here is a link to the 2017 Senior Ad Form, which includes sample ads:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jq55H3hmurgQhnfU_OjmYgGmj8YNS7EWu5zCxooHH0I/edit?usp=sharing 

Please contact advisor Anne Debes at adebes@usd266.com if you have questions regarding any of this information. Thanks for supporting our student publication!