Panther Nation November 2019
Veteran's Edition
This month, we have a greater opportunity as families to celebrate and express our thankfulness for many things. From Thanksgiving Day to the upcoming Christmas Holiday, Americans set aside time to reflect on all the great things God has blessed us with here in America. There is one day in November, however, which helps us to reflect and be thankful for the freedoms which give us the opportunities to celebrate our holidays, both civic and religious, without the fear of government oppression or interference. That day was originally started on November 11th, 1919 as Armistice Day which marked the one year anniversary of the ending of World War I. In 1954, President Eisenhower changed the name to Veteran's Day.
Each year on November 11th, at MCE, we honor all those who have served in uniform. Since we do not have school on Monday the 11th, MCE will observe our annual Veteran's Assembly on Friday the 8th at 10:00 AM. All area veteran's are invited to attend as we honor you! Please RSVP to the HS Office if you would like to stay after the festivities for a meal in your honor.
As you go through this edition of Panther Nation, you will specifically find the story and journey of three employees at MCE who previously served in the Armed Services. Mr. Chad Banks (HS Government and History), Mr. Mike Gilpin (MS Science and Special Education), and Mr. Shane Woollard (District Tech Director) are all employed here at MCE. To them and all MCE alumni, we say Thank You for your service!
Panther Up,
Joel Carey
MCE Wall of Honor
In Morrisville, we pride ourselves on being a patriotic community. At MCE, we pride ourselves with a tradition of graduates who have gone on to serve our country. With this in mind, we have created a Wall of Honor. This wall will honor all MCE alumni who have ever donned the uniform of one of the five branches of service. For this wall to be successful, we need the help of the community. This wall will consist of a 5x7 uniformed picture of each alumni. Each picture will then be framed and have a nameplate featuring the name, year of graduation and branch of service. If you have a loved one who has served or is currently serving, we would love for you to donate a picture (scanned or original, either will work) for us to feature them on this wall. The honor wall is situated at the student lot entryway so our students can help to honor their former classmates who have served.
This project, like many others, comes with a small cost. If you know anyone who would be willing to donate to this cause, please see the High School Office and earmark your donation for the Honor Wall. Any amount would be appreciated. Our goal is $500 to help pay for the frames and name plaques.
Mr. Chad Banks, United States Air Force
Mr. Banks teaches Government, Dual Enrollment Government and World History. He is also the Assistant Girl's Softball Coach. Mr. Banks is in his 7th year at MCE. Here is his journey...
"I knew I wanted to serve in the military since I was about five, playing army with my cousin and best friend in the woods behind our house. It was a goal I never lost sight on. I was a senior in high school when the 9/11 Terror attacks happened. So, I started talking to an Army recruiter the next day. I was only 17 and had to have my parents sign my permission to join. Dad wanted me to go into the Navy or the Air Force if I was going to join. I promised him I would talk to all the recruiters, but if I was set on the Army, he had to sign to let me join. In the end, the Air Force recruiter won me over. I had always planned on staying in the military until retirement. However, I was medically separated after just over six years of service. So, when I came back home, I had to evaluate what my plan B was. I always had a passion for history, and a love for sports, or competition in general. So, I started going to school using my GI Bill to become a teacher, and a coach. When I started this journey, I envisioned myself as a football coach. To be honest, I never considered coaching softball. However, I have developed a passion for coaching softball since coming to MCE. I am thankful that I have been able to serve my country and serve the community. The best advice I can give is to find a career where you love going to work every day. After all, most of your life will be spent working. I truly love going to work every day."
It's Speech & Debate Competition Season!
The Marion C. Early Speech Team is comprised of students who put time and research into developing pieces for competition from October 12 through the end of April. There are 14 individual events in which the students perform scripts, poetry, or prose; or write original scripts for speaking events. There are also 5 types of debate in which students could participate. The MCE team will compete in 11 tournaments this year, and the MSHSAA district tournament. MCE will we hosting a tournament on November 16. We can always use volunteers for our tournament. The MCE Speech & Debate Team is coached by Ms. Traci Dunn.
Students of the Month
High School
9th Grade: Kirsten McGinnis
10th Grade: Riley Simmons
11th Grade: Emily Grisham
12th Grade: Chance Cunningham
Mr. Mike Gilpin, United States Marine Corps
Mr. Gilpin teaches 6th Grade Science and Special Education. He has been at MCE for 14 years. Here is Mr. Gilpin's journey...
"I joined the Marine Corps, was trained in avionics and made it to e-4(corporal). I then applied and was accepted to the Enlisted commissioning program and was sent to Quantico and completed that training as an aircraft maintenance officer. I worked on fixing wing aircraft and helicopters. From there, I was stationed in South and North Carolina, Tennessee, Japan, Philippines and cruised the Caribbean. I Made it to the rank of 0-2 (first LT).
After leaving the Marine Corps, I got married and began our family. I finished college, and worked a variety of jobs. Carolyn Woollard (special education director) had me work as a paraprofessional, and I was hooked. I used the ABCTE program to become certified in science, then followed with certification in Special Education. Have worked several grade levels, and continue to learn and enjoy being here at MCE."
Celebrating Attendance
Each quarter, the students in both the Middle and High Schools have an attendance goal of 95% average daily attendance. We also have a district goal of 90% of our students being here 90% of the time (also know as 90 of 90). These goals are important for a few reasons. First, when a student is not in school, they cannot learn the material as well as when they are in school. We understand students have to miss from time to time. This is why we set a goal for 95%, which is just at 8 days missed. Eight days equals two weeks of school. Second, getting involved with your students and helping them to be great learners helps to reinforce to your child that learning is important. As stated before, it is more difficult for students to learn the classroom material when not in attendance. Finally, what habits a student forms in middle and high school, will be the habits they take with them beyond graduation. When a graduate of MCE applies to a college, for a job or enlists in the military, we want those admitting or hiring our graduates to know they are receiving our best. When you are at school regularly, your best will shine.
Below is a snapshot of the first quarter attendance. The average daily attendance (ADA) for each grade is figured and then the 90 of 90 percentage is given for each building. For the first quarter, the ADA is looking outstanding. We have quarter and end of year attendance incentives to help students achieve their attendance goals. At the end of the year, students with perfect attendance attend an off campus event to celebrate this achievement. Those with 95% or better attendance will have an event on campus to attend.
Teacher of the Month
"Mr. Schrantz-He has taken over a great band program and done a great job without missing a beat. The band has sounded great at their parades."
"Mr. Schrantz, He has taken over the band with enthusiasm. They sounded great at Bolivar in the SBU parade."
"Schrantz... he is doing such a good job working with the band and it is very obvious that he is passionate about helping the kids learn their instruments."
"Schrantz! He has done so well taking over the band department and they are representing MCE SO WELL at competitions! Job well done!"
Congratulations Mr. Schrantz!
Student Organization Spotlights
FCCLA
"The MCE Family Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) high school chapter gets students involved in the community through community service and outreach projects. We attended the Region 10 meeting at the beginning of October. Some students choose to be actively involved though STAR event projects and compete ate the regional competition. FCCLA has adopted the highway in front of the school and the organization picks up trash twice a year, as well as a variety of other activities such as raising money for The Purpose Place. Last year we started a community Easter Egg Hunt that we plan to make an annual event."
The MCE chapter of FCCLA is sponsored by Mrs. Brandi Back.
Drama Department
"The drama department is active in many aspects of Marion C. Early. In September, we held a PEACE camp for students in grades 3-5 which was performed for the community and then for the Panther Pride Assembly. We are currently working on the Readers' Theatre for the Veteran's Day assembly. The one-acts have been cast. Four plays will be performed on November 25 and 26 at 6:00 p.m. in room 302. Admission is $2 or 2 non-perishable food items that will be donated to the needy in our community. Auditions for the spring play will occur 2nd semester."
The drama department is sponsored by Ms. Traci Dunn.
Cheer Team
"The MCE HS Cheer squad is excited for the upcoming season. The girls have already executed a mini cheer camp with over 50 Elementary students. They will be cheering on both the Panthers and Lady Panthers this season, plan to participate in the UCA Regional Cheer Competition, and attend UCA Cheer Camp over the summer. With much enthusiasm.. they are ready to take on the year!"
Juniors: Ariana Abachiche (Captain), McKenzie Knight (Captain), Hanna Williams, and Jessica Dron
Sophomores: Ally Young, Madison Breesawitz, Amelia McGlaughlin, Abby Dodson, Gracie Jett, Riley Simmons, Chelsey Cole, and Billie Gott.
Freshman: Jada Falciano.
The Cheer Team is coached by Mrs. Laurie Reed and Mrs. Christy Vaughn.
Missouri Boy's State & Girl's State
The American Legion Boy's & Girl's State of Missouri is an 8 day hands on experience in the operation and fundamentals of government. High School Juniors from around the state come together on the campus of The University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg to form mock local governments and experience first hand how government works. Guest speakers, including national, state and local dignitaries, help to motivate students to get involved and become influencers in their state and local governments. For the upcoming summer, the dates of Boy's State are June 13-20, 2020 and Girl's State is June 21-27, 2020. Application deadlines are coming up soon. See Mrs. Hinkle or Dr. Carey if you are interested. Former MCE students who have attended Boy's State are Francisco Correlajo, Victor Duchscherer, and James Carey. As of yet, we have not had any recent students attend Girl's State. Here are the links for each one of their websites for application processes and eligibility. MCE is able to send one student to each. Missouri Boy's State & Missouri Girl's State
Mr. Shane Woollard, United States Army
Mr. Woollard serves as the district's Director of Technology. He came to MCE in 2006 and is a veteran of the United Stated Army. Here is his story...
"I'm no hero. I joined during the first Iraq war but never saw any combat because it was over by the time my training was through. I'm mostly uncomfortable with being recognized on Veterans Day because I don't feel like I can stand as an equal with my dad. He served in Vietnam. He was on a helicopter crew that, among other things, went and recovered downed helicopters and their crews. They knowingly flew into areas under fire to pull soldiers and equipment out. They lost a lot of men. My dad made it back and was spit on at the airport. He's a hero. I'm just a guy that wore the uniform for a while."
Annual ACT Results
MCE has received our annual 5 year trending ACT results. The report reflects the achievement of MCE graduates on the ACT over time and shows the extent to which our students are prepared for college level work. The ACT consists of curriculum based tests of educational development in English, Reading, Mathematics, and Science. These are designed to measure the skills needed for success in first year college coursework. This year, MCE graduates scored above the state average with an average score of 20.9. Below is a chart showing the 5 year trend for MCE graduates. The state average is in red in parentheses. We are proud of our students for continually improving and performing well on the ACT. This is also attributed to the phenomenal job of our upper level teachers who prepare their students for college and beyond.
Winter Sport's Schedules
Cross Country District Meet
Saturday, Nov 2, 2019, 07:00 AM
141 Wildcat Drive Linn, MO 65051
STUCO Blood Drive
Tuesday, Nov 5, 2019, 08:00 AM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Winter Sports Pictures
Thursday, Nov 7, 2019, 03:30 PM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Veteran's Assembly
Friday, Nov 8, 2019, 10:00 AM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
RSVPs are enabled for this event.
Cross Country State Meet
Saturday, Nov 9, 2019, 08:00 AM
3350 E Gans Rd, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
FFA turkey Shoot
Saturday, Nov 9, 2019, 08:00 AM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
ASVAB Testing for Sophomores & Seniors
Thursday, Nov 14, 2019, 08:00 AM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
MCE Speech & Debate Invitational
Saturday, Nov 16, 2019, 08:00 AM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Blue/White Scrimmage w/chili supper and dessert auction
Friday, Nov 22, 2019, 06:00 PM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Hall of Fame Banquet
Saturday, Nov 23, 2019, 06:00 PM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
One Act Plays
Monday, Nov 25, 2019, 06:00 PM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
One Act Plays
Tuesday, Nov 26, 2019, 06:00 PM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
SCHOOL IS IN SESSION!
Monday, Nov 25, 2019, 09:00 PM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Thanksgiving Break
Wednesday, Nov 27, 2019, 12:00 AM
5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Important Links
Contact Information
Mrs. Rita Shadwick-Secretary to the Principal
Mrs. Kathy Painter-Food Service Clerk & Office Secretary
Dr. Joel Carey-MS/HS Principal
Email: rshadwick@mcestaff.com
Website: www.mcepanthers.com
Location: 5309 South Main Street, Morrisville, MO, USA
Phone: 417-376-2216
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MCEHighSchool/
Twitter: @MCEHighSchool