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MHS Parent Newsletter
February 2022
From the Botts Office
The school year is passing by at record pace! February sure got here in a hurry thanks in part to the three recent snow days! While I greatly appreciate our district putting safety first, it was also a nice break for our students and staff members who have been working so hard since we arrived back from winter break. Despite the days off, we were still able to hold our homecoming dance on Saturday night. It was a great evening and our students all looked sharp! I would like to thank our Student Council for putting together a great week of festivities. Here are a few upcoming events and reminders:

News & Notes
  • Parent Teacher Conferences - On Thursday, February 24th, we will be hosting conferences. Between 8:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m., we invite our students and their parents/caregivers to conferences. This year, in addition to giving updates on our classes, our teachers will focus on enrollment and helping ensure your student is enrolled in classes that will help them be successful on their journey.  

  • There are still a few spots left if you would like to provide a snack to staff members on the day of conferences. You can sign up here.  

  • There will be no school for students on Friday, February 25, 2022.  

  • Yearbook Group Picture Day is on Wednesday, February 23rd. Students who are involved in clubs, groups, and activities will have their picture taken with their group for the 21-22 yearbook.  

  • On Tuesday, March 1st, we will be giving the ACT to all juniors. We will have a modified schedule this day and more information will be shared soon. 

  • The Maize High School prom will be held on Saturday, March 26th at Exploration Place. This event is for all juniors and seniors (and their guests).  

  • The following Students of the Month (January 2022) we recently nominated by faculty and staff: Zachary Rogers, Taylor Roetzer, Taylor McMillen, Sylvia Burns, Shaylee Pickell, Savannah Stafford, Sarah Conner, Rylee Stenzel, Noah Bothell, Nathan Wituk, Michael Tran, Marianne Griffith, Madison Underkofler, Landon Helm, Katelynn Gimple, Kadin Rochelle, Jurnie Urioste, Joshua Grieve, Joscelyn Buckley, Jocelyn Zambrano, Jenna Blaylock, Jaylee Cardiff, James Sweatt, Jaidyn Stiverson, Jacob Leach, Isaiah Hobbs, Hayden Christensen, Gideon Woodard, Georgia Idhe, Gabe Rankin, Ferhat Sbhatu, Faith Swart, Elliott Bise, Eli Cunningham, Dustyn Schmidt, Devin Short, Carter Salsbury, Brady Hoyt, Basilio Wilson, Ashley Wright, Aryssa Tabtab, Ariana Jaquez, Andrew Percival, Ana Thompson, Allie Palmer, Ainsley Cramer, Aiden D White, Aidan K White, Abigail Griffith, and Abby Linton. 

As I close this message, I wanted to let the Maize community know that beginning Tuesday, February 7, 2022, I will be on medical leave through spring break. I am confident that my administrative team will do a great job leading our school through this time and continue to advocate for our students and our staff members. Thank you for your continued support of Maize High School!

With Eagle Pride,

Dr. Botts
Counselor's Corner
The beginning of the spring semester brings the opportunity for a fresh start in new classes. As a reminder, if a student fails a required course for graduation they will need to retake the course in order to earn credit. Grade level classifications are determined by the number of total credits earned at the end of the school year. Four credits are required to be classified as a Sophomore, 12 credits are required to be classified as a Junior, and 18 credits are required to be classified as a Senior.  

With credits on our mind we are gearing up for the enrollment season. Students may adjust their Individual Plan of Study and explore course options now through our Xello platform. Parents and students can log in using the student’s email address and student ID number as the username and password. Please visit our public Student Course Guide for more information regarding course offerings. Counselors will be available to discuss enrollment for the 2022-2023 school year during Parent/Teacher conferences. More information regarding enrollment will be available in the coming weeks.  


SATURDAY ACT TEST DATE
Friday, February 25th is the last day to sign up for the April 2nd ACT test. If a student is college bound, we recommend that juniors take the ACT at least once their junior year and once again at the beginning of their senior year. High achieving sophomores may want to take it for practice. Students can take the ACT up to twelve times. Fifty percent of students will improve taking the ACT the second time. Students may want to take it again to improve their last score. If you would like to take the ACT in April, please register at www.actstudent.org. Students will make an account with a username and password. They will need to know our school code which is 171-885 and the MHS Test Center Code is 213970. If students want to test at Maize High School, they will have to put in Maize for the city instead of Wichita, or our school code (213970) when searching where to take the test. 

Juniors will be given the ACT March 1st and do not need to register or pay for it. If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.

AP TEST REGISTRATION
For the 2022 AP exams, students at Maize High School will be registering online. Online Exam registration began in the fall and will end on Fri, Mar 12, 2021 at 2:00 PM. The AP exam registration process is two steps, but both can be completed in one sitting when the student and parent/guardian do this together. Even if you do not plan to take the AP exam, you need to complete both steps to access the College Board’s AP resources. Both steps must be completed in order to have AP exams ordered:

Step 1: Begin the process by registering at www.TotalRegistration.net/AP/171885. Here you will indicate both the AP courses you are taking this year and the exams you wish to take. You will receive your join codes and directions to complete the second required step. Any exam fees will be paid online so be sure to have a debit card or credit card available before beginning registration. Paying online is a great way to make sure that payment has been made while avoiding mailing payment.

Step 2: Use the join codes provided at the completion of step one to enroll the student's AP courses and exams in the College Board's system.

This year each AP exam costs $100. Maize High School desires that every student be able to take their AP exams. Students requiring financial assistance should contact Mrs. Betsy Manning, [email protected], at Maize High School to learn more.
Here are the important dates for the registration process:
Tue, Nov 15, 2021 - Registration Begins
Thu, Mar 3, 2022 - Last day to cancel an exam and receive a full refund.
Fri, Mar 11, 2021 - Registration Ends - Registrations that have not been paid for will be cancelled and exams will not be ordered.

Please contact Mrs. Betsy Manning, [email protected], if you would like to register for an exam not listed or have any questions.

Online Driver Education
Online Driver Education is a district course offered to high school students who meet the minimum age requirement of 14. This course is offered each term during the school year with a limit of 50 students each term. The book work is available 24/7 online, and the driving is done after school. Drive times are typically 3:00-5:00pm. The course is pass/fail (0.5 credit) and the course cost is $200. It is recommended that students obtain a learners permit before enrolling in this course. If you would like to sign up for Online Driver Education, click on the appropriate link below. Please pay attention to the required enrollment night posted in the sign up form. If you are not in attendance for the enrollment night you will be dropped from the course.
Term 4 March 21st, 6:00 PM MHS Commons

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES
  • February 2nd - Balfour will be here to deliver graduation announcements and take cap and gown orders from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM in the commons.  


  • February 12th - Saturday ACT Test Date

  • February 24th- No School Parent Teacher Conferences

  • February 25th- No School

  • February 11th - Mandatory Junior Class ACT Pre-Administration Meeting in the Big Gym during EnCor, students will be released early from Block 2.

  • March 1st - ACT for Juniors & Pre ACT Testing for Sophomores, more information to come. 

  • April 6th & 7th – Cap & Gown delivery in commons 10:30 AM-1:30 PM

  • April 14th – FINAL day to turn in pictures for the senior slideshow. Pictures may be emailed to [email protected] or hard copy pictures may be turned in to E-5.  

  • May 10th – Last day of classes for Seniors

  • May 11th - Senior Class Parade, Breakfast, and Graduation Practice TBD

  • May 11th– Class of 2022 Graduation - 6:30 PM - WSU Koch Arena

  • May 24th – Last day of school
College & Career Center
Regrettably, the Spring College & Career Fair originally scheduled for January 24th was postponed; however, we are excited to host the event on Monday, March 28th. We hope you will join us as we welcome over 40 college & career vendors who are excited to share the opportunities they offer. 

We continued our college tours during January with 35 students touring the WSU Tech campuses. Sophomores and juniors were able to preview technical and medical programs available to them during the school day by enrolling in MCA classes as well as the programs offered by traveling to either the WSU Tech NCAT or City Center campuses.

Mark your calendars!
February events:
  • 9th Friends University (registration is open now)
  • 16th Newman University
These tours are open for students grades 10-12

March events:
  • Spring Break is a great time to have conversation pertaining to students post secondary plans and even possibly tour college campuses.
  • 24th College Tour - Fort Hays State University
  • 28th College & Career Fair  

Your College and Career Advocate is always available to set up individual campus tours for our students or help with any enrollment questions.  
From the Nurse
Students are able to carry and administer their own over-the-counter medications if a med form is filled out and signed by a parent or guardian and returned to the nurse's office. The medication must be in its original bottle in order to carry. Students also have the option to leave their medications in the nurse's office to take on an as needed basis. I have attached the med form link
Eagle News
Chem Club has been busy practicing for demos at the elementary schools!
Friendship Club met and enjoyed parachute games together! Kindness costs nothing, but means everything.
Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the Kansas All State 56A Band
Kate Crisler -- Clarinet
Reese Martens -- Flute 
Jackson DeForeest -- Trombone 

Congratulations to Caiden Unruh, Evan Rogerson, and Adria Dumler. Their robotics team won the top award at a major tournament in Nebraska in January.

The Eastern Kansas Scholastic Art Awards is an annual event where high school students enter their best artwork to be considered for awards and scholarships, as well as the opportunity to exhibit their artwork at Mark Arts. Congratulations to the following art students for earning the following distinctions:

Paieg Cannon Maize High School Self Portrait Printmaking Gold Key
Abigail Griffin City Hue Painting Honorable Mention
Abigail Griffin Serape Cat Mixed Media Gold Key
Abigail Griffin Party Nut Drawing & Illustration Honorable Mention
Holly Lane "Me." Printmaking Honorable Mention
Jessalynn Langley Annabelle Drawing & Illustration Honorable Mention
Andraya Levardi Self Portrait Printmaking Honorable Mention
Emily Morris Shooting For The Stars Jewelry Honorable Mention
Kinsley Morrison Abstract Booklet Digital Art Honorable Mention
Johanna Speer Self-Portrait Drawing & Illustration Honorable Mention
Natalie Herman Multicolored Woman Digital Art Honorable Mention

Stan Bergkamp agreed to have his hair dyed green and red for the Christmas season if his students were able to raise $1000 for the Maize Solar Foundation "See Beyond Campaign." Thanks to the generosity of his former students who also heard about the challenge and donated, almost $6000 was raised to help pay for solar panels in the district.
Congratulations to Maize High Debate who took 3rd place in 5A 4-Speaker State
Team members were:
Ashley Wright
Devin Short
Hayden Christiansen
Marianne Griffiths
Abby Linton 
Emily Guiliante
Driver's Education
USD 266 Maize offers Online Driver Education each term during the school year. The online driver education program strives to prepare students to become knowledgeable and respectful of the law; to learn basic driving skills; and to develop a responsible attitude toward driving. The instructors will provide critical experience to students; involve parents in the process, and foster cooperative interaction with others in the driving environment. Students should be studying the Kansas Driver Handbook (located on the district website or ksrevenue.org) and be ready to take a handbook test at the start of the course. More detailed information on Online Driver Education can be found on the high school website, (click on Counselor, click on Driver Education).
Online Driver Education 2021-2022:   Students & Parents/Guardian must both attend the enrollment night in order to be in Online Dr. Ed. Each term class is limited to 50 students. Enrollment packets may be picked up in the counseling office or downloaded off the district website. 

-         Term 4 March 21st          Student/Parent Enrollment Night 6:00pm MHS Commons

**Student and one Parent/Guardian will be required to attend the enrollment meeting. To help cut down on contact and foot traffic in the building do not bring siblings or friends to the meeting. It is recommended you wear a mask and social distance during the meeting. Please bring your enrollment packet, a writing pen, corrective eye wear (if needed) and any type of Kansas Permit/License you already have to the Enrollment Meeting**

2022 SUMMER DRIVER EDUCATION
Enrollment Information and Mandatory Parent/Student Meeting

USD 266 Maize Schools will once again offer summer driver education. Any student who turns 14 on or before Sunday, May 1, 2022 and has or will graduate 8th grade by June 1st will be eligible to enroll in summer driver education. 

Instead of meeting with students face to face for the classroom portion this year, students will complete the coursework online through Google Classroom. Students will have 31 days (April 13th - May 13th) to complete the online coursework. Students will also complete at least five, one hour driving sessions starting no earlier than May 30th (schedule to be determined after class begins). We prefer that students get an instructional permit at the DMV in advance of the class and spend as much time as possible driving in safe locations with their parents. Practicing with parents before class starts is a plus considering that driver education is only five hours of driving.

Enrollment will be offered on a first come, first serve basis with enrollment limited to the first 200 students to register. Enrollment registration will open at 8:00 AM on Friday, April 1st, 2022 and will close on Monday, April 11, 2022 or when enrollment capacity has been reached. To register go to https://forms.gle/KSyVYSH93DvjSSo78 (form not accessible until April 1st).

Mandatory Enrollment Meeting 
The first 200 students to register will receive a Google invite to attend the mandatory enrollment meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at 6:00 PM in the Maize South High School Auditorium. A parent or guardian and the student MUST commit to attending this meeting. Failure to attend the meeting will result in the student being dropped from the class. At the meeting, we will discuss the driving schedule, the Kansas Driver's Handbook Test, online class expectations, answer questions regarding the online enrollment form, collect the $200 enrollment fee, administer eye tests (please bring corrective eyewear if needed), and have you sign the enrollment forms. Students will need to bring any type of license or permit they might already have to the meeting. 
 
The cost of summer driver education is $200 with payment due in full on the date of the meeting. Students who qualify for free or reduced lunches may apply for waived fees during the enrollment process. No registrations or late payments will be accepted after the mandatory enrollment meeting on Wednesday, April 13, 2022.
Spirit Central
Visit Spirit Central at Maize High School in Room E1 to get Eagle apparel. This student-run store is operated by Maize High's Business Professionals of America students and sponsors. The store is not funded by the school district and is entirely self-supporting.
The profits earned help BPA students to attend regional, state, and national competitions each year. Please stop by and take a look! Store hours are from 7:15 a.m. to 7:40 a.m, during Encor, and during all lunches. The store has a website for online ordering!

Looking for a gift idea? Consider purchasing your student a gift card to Spirit Central, our school store. The store stocks a variety of Eagle apparel, including t-shirts, sweatshirts, baseball caps, stocking caps, and lanyards as well as a large selection of snacks and drinks. Gift cards can be loaded in any denomination desired. The store is open before school, during Encor and lunches. Arrangements can also be made to shop at a time convenient for you by contacting Mrs Handy at [email protected].
Upcoming Events
The Spring Sports Meeting will be held Wednesday, February 23rd in the MHS Auditorium. We will meet with all parents at 6:30 pm in the auditorium, followed by breakout sessions at approximately 6:45 for sport specific meetings. 

The first day of Spring Sports is Monday, February 28th. Please double check with Mrs. Buckley ([email protected]) with any questions on your student's eligibility. As a reminder, you must have a Current Physical on file and the Athletic Packet must be completed in skyward in order to try out or practice. Please turn these in to the Athletic Office as soon as possible.  

The Maize High School Color Guard is seeking new talent for next Fall. No prior dance experience is required--we will teach you everything you need to know. Tryouts will be held on Saturday, February 26th from 11-4pm in the MHS FEMA Shelter. There will be an informational meeting on February 22nd in Ms. Arnold's room F13 during encor. Please email Ashley Arnold at [email protected] if you have any questions.

Our Scholastic Book Fair is back! Please come and celebrate literature!
Did you know that reading is the most important skill and needs to continue through high school and beyond? Our Book Fair is part of a reading event that brings to school a wonderful selection of fun, engaging, and affordable books and graphic novels kids want to read. 
And let’s not forget- the Book Fair is a great fundraiser that both parents and kids can enjoy together! Please remember that all purchases benefit our school library. More information will be available soon.
*Book Fair Dates---February 21 through 24---*    
Yearbook
Time to buy a yearbook
The award-winning Regal Red yearbook is on sale. Books can be purchased for $45. Yearbooks can be purchased by going to the Balfour website, by calling 800-BALFOUR (800-225-3687) or by check. Checks can be delivered to yearbook adviser Dan Loving in Room D14 and must be made out to Maize High.

Honor your Senior
Help your Senior remember their final year in school by purchasing a Senior Recognition ad. Ads start at $50 and can be purchased at the Balfour website. The deadline to order is April 15.

Free/reduced yearbooks
Students who demonstrate a financial hardship are eligible for a free yearbook. There are a limited number of free books, and first priority will be given to seniors. The price can also be reduced if you are able to pay a portion. To be considered, fill out this form before Dec. 31.

Be a Yearbook Angel
If you would like to donate a yearbook to a student in need, you can sign up to be a Yearbook Angel. Yearbook Angels will receive special recognition in the book. For more information on how to donate, email yearbook adviser Dan Loving at [email protected].
Important References
  • Sept. 6th -- No School, Labor Day
  • Sept. 23rd -- No School, Parent - Teacher Conferences. 8am - 8pm
  • Oct. 15 -- End of Term 1
Please visit www.usd266.com/bulletinboard to access the Maize USD 266 Online Bulletin Board for complete and timely information about upcoming events and activities sponsored by Maize Schools and partner agencies.
Dillons is giving away $2 MILLION to local organizations! 
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Here's how to enroll:
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You'll start earning rewards for our organization right away on qualifying purchases made using your Plus Shopper's Card! Learn more at https://www.dillons.com/account/enrollCommunityRewardsNow and thank you for your support.
 
In order for purchases to be credited to Maize High School throughout 2016 shoppers must enroll in the Rewards Program. Be sure to sign-in and make your contribution selection using this 5-digit NPO number:  69258.
MHS Administration

Dr. Chris Botts
Principal

Dr. Lindsay King
MCA Coordinator

Sonya Tice
Associate Principal
Sophomores
Freshmen N - Z

Aaron Leichner
Assistant Principal
Juniors
Freshmen A - F

Morgan Marsh
Assistant Principal
Seniors
Freshmen G - M

Eric Wolgast
Athletics/Activities Director
MHS Counseling Department

Betsy Manning
Director of Guidance
Students A - Ca

Katie Shephard
Counselor
Students Ce - H

Paula Bette
Counselor
Students I - Q

Anne Debes
Counselor
Students R - Z

Megan Bleier
Counseling Administrative Assistant
(316)350-2122

Kristi Olinger
Registrar
(316)350-2121

Diane Close
College and Career Advocate
ONEMA1ZE  #OneMa1ze