The Growl Newsletter
McGregor Independent School District
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McGregor Girl Scouts Attend School Board Meeting
On March 19, the Troop 7028 McGregor Girl Scouts made a stop at the school board meeting to deliver cookies to the school board members and administrators. The Scouts thanked the group for their hard work and dedication to the students of McGregor.
McGregor ISD Education Foundation Awards over $32,000 to Teachers for Innovative Projects
The following educators received innovative classroom grants from the McGregor ISD Education Foundation on March 27, 2018.
● Tim Grace and Rebecca Reed earned $5,000 for an “Instrument Music Enrichment Program” for the junior high and high school campuses. The program places McGregor band students under the instruction of experienced musicians to improve their ability and confidence with their chosen instrument.
● Claudia Parrott and Shari Thompson earned $5,000 for “Nspire to Inspire” for the high school campus. The program allows students to collect, analyze and apply data using TI-Nspire calculators.
● Debbie Snyder earned $4,500 for “Technology Infused Visual Artwork” for the high school campus. The grant will furnish mobile tablets for art students to use when creating fine art, paintings and drawings.
● Dawn Ramos, Larona Clark, Kevin Hughlett and Shelly Ball received a $3,700 grant for “Reading Pens” for the junior high and high school campuses. The grant will furnish portable scanning devices to help students improve reading skills.
● Jennifer Scott and Melissa Houchin earned $3,500 for “STEM Learning with LEGOs” at the primary campus. With the program, kindergarten and first grade students will use LEGO kits to improve performance in science, technology, engineering and math.
● Jennifer Scott earned an additional $900 for “Build It to Learn It” at the primary campus. The program allows kindergarten students to use LEGO simple machine kits to improve performance in science, technology, engineering and math.
● Michelle Lenamon earned $2,700 for the “McGregor Reads One Book” program at the elementary campus. The program seeks to encourage literacy and establish a love of reading by inviting students, staff and families to read the same chapter book.
● Barbara Morgan, Samantha Gee, Kathryn Fidler, Jamie Taylor and Kristy Barton earned $2,500 for “Make Our Space an Engaging Place” at the elementary campus. The grant will allow the elementary campus to expand their current Makerspace, a lab where students take a hands-on approach to implement design solutions for real-world problems.
● Kendra Miller earned $1,500 for “Taking Our Lab to the Next Level” at the junior high campus. The grant will furnish a digital microscope and plant growth stimulating lights for science classes.
● Jennifer Millsap earned $1,200 for “Making the Makerspace More” for the junior high and high school campuses to expand their current Makerspace labs.
● Jennifer Millsap and April Ocampo also earned an additional $500 for “Makerspace Software Programming and Robotics Project” at the high school campus. The grant will expand the robotics accessible to students in the high school Makerspace lab.
● Michelle Fisk earned $1,000 for “Communication Acquisition with Technological Innovations” at the high school. The project includes the use of technology to learn and master language skills in Speech and Life Skills classes.
● Stephanie Kinslow earned $600 for “Building Math Skills Through Games” at the junior high campus. The grant will furnish a game-based math program to improve integer and rational number operations.
The foundation wishes to congratulate these awardees and thank them for their dedication to the students of McGregor!
Let's Get Moo-vin!
Dress Up With McGregor Primary!
Keep up with Primary events and themes on their
Facebook page! https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorprimary/
Featured Below: 1st Grade Texas Day on March 23, 2018
Be Sure to Try Out Family Fun Nights!
Come and enjoy a variety of themed activities, crafts, games and yummy treats!
Below: Two scientists were spotted in the Science Family Fun Night on April 19, 2018.
Reuse, Reduce and Recycle!
Two McGregor Elementary Students Compete in Central Texas Spelling Bee
The Bee consisted of 28 spellers from Midway, Gholson, First Woodway Christian, Robinson, Live Oak, Harmony Science, West, McGregor and more. Students from first to eighth grade were eligible to compete. Both boys represented McGregor well by making it several rounds in the Bee.
Congratulations, students!
McGregor Reads One Book
The students, parents and teachers will be reading a chapter of The Mouse and the Motorcycle each night, and the children will have daily chances to answer trivia questions to earn prizes.
McGregor Elementary wishes to thank Mrs. Lenamon for all of her hard work on this project and to all who had a helping hand in preparing this event for our children!
For more information on the Texas Reads One Book program, click here: http://readtothem.org/texas-reads-one-book/
Be sure to Follow @mcgregorelem on Twitter!
Featured Tweet Below: McGregor Elementary thanks the McGregor ISD Education Foundation for their support of McGregor Reads One Book!
H.G. Isbill Junior High Student Visits SpaceX to Present Science Fair Project
Sixth grade student Jacob B. was invited to share his State Science Fair project at the Mcgregor SpaceX location on March 14, 2018. His project, "The Second Race for Space," was observed and questioned by SpaceX engineers. Jacob utilized comments from the engineers to prepare for judging at the State Science Fair. He even enjoyed a tour of the facility!
Reflecting on the experience, 7th Grade Science Teacher Kendra Miller remarked, " I loved the experience and always greatly appreciate all that SpaceX does for our students."
"Your Deeds Are Your Monuments"
Written by Madilynn Hamilton, 5th Grade Student at McGregor Elementary
When you look up the definition of kindness in the dictionary it will say “ Kindness is the quality of being gentle, caring, and helpful.” These girls go above and beyond to show that quality to others with their kindness projects. These are projects where they are being kind to others who need kindness in hope of them being kind to somebody else.
The first kindness project is Peers Tutoring. This is where students go to tutor other students. This idea was thought of by Aaliyah Miller and Addison “Addy” Todd. The people participating in this are Madilynn Hamilton, Makenzie Hamilton, Addison Todd, Aaliyah Miller, Lesley Garcia, Kendall Alls, Saxara Hernandez-Ortega, and Kinliegh Hering. They are now going to P.A.W (pups at work) during the last thirty minutes of the day to tutor their fellow students.
The second kindness project is called Lots of Love. Kendall Alls and Kinliegh Hering started this kindness project. They are the only ones participating as of right now. What they do is smile or compliment somebody. The goal of this is to brighten up their day. Also, they want people to do this to other people, and for them to do it to people, and so on. It is kind of like they are passing it on. They are getting even more people to feel this kindness by using the “pass it on” effect. What they also do is on Mondays they go to the intercom on morning announcements and say an encouraging message or saying. Mrs. Burgess , the principal, always says to "remember this as you go through the week." This helps them reach out to the entire elementary school.
The third kindness project is a group called The Supporters. The Supporters are: Madilynn Hamilton, Makenzie Hamilton, Saxara Hernandez-Ortega, Lesley Garcia, and Emily Velin. What they do is play with kids that don’t have anyone to play with at recess. They also sit with kids at lunch that are sitting by themselves. Their goal is to make sure everyone has a friend. This idea was thought of by last year’s fifth graders Jenna Taylor, Chloe McCauley, Kyndall Houchin, Kirsten Galle, London Minnix, and Trinity Brown. A teacher this year, Mrs.Taylor, told them about what they did last year, and they wanted to start it back up. This was the first kindness project that kids this year did.
The final kindness project is the Positive Posters. What they do is make posters to hang around the school. These posters say precepts of kindness, confidence, and encouragement. The students making these posters are: Lesley Garcia, Saxara Hernandez-Ortega, Makenzie Hamilton, and Madilynn Hamilton. Something else that is helpful about the posters is that on STAAR days, they can hang them over signs the teachers need them to. As of right now they are covering some vocabulary signs. That means that these posters spread kindness and are helpful.
All of these phenomenal kindness projects are such great deeds to do. There is a precept in Wonder, (a book by R.J. Palacio) that says “Your deeds are your monuments.” These girls will definitely have great monuments! The real question is “Will you do what they did? Are you going to go out there and spread kindness, or will you not?”
Final effect: A lot of people have realized that with these projects bunches of kids have started being nicer. The people who used to push fellow students now apologize whenever they bump into them in the halls. Also, bullying in general has gone down in the 5th grade. They hope the effect can reach out to other grades, too. Slowly but surely, it is. If things keep progressing like this there will be barely any bullying, or maybe, none at all!
IMPACT: A Space to Perform
A Space to Perform
McGregor ISD Reading Specialist and 504 Coordinator Dawn Ramos was one of the eight original innovative classroom grant recipients in the district. Ramos' project, A Space to Perform, included a portable performance space for the newly created H.G. Isbill Junior High Theatre program. Though the theatre program is still in the developmental stage, the performance space has since lended a hand to other campus groups, including the 6th Grade Oral Reading students in the fall and the drama club in the spring. The stage was recently transported to the local Cuppicakes eatery for an off-campus performance by the Bulldog Players Drama Club. The drama club is currently meeting once a week to practice on the stage.
IMPACT
Grant Amount: $876.00
Grade Levels Served: 6-8
Students to be Served: 316
Faculty to be Served: 2
Subjects Addressed: Dyslexia, Theatre Arts and Drama
Photo Below: Students from the drama club prepare for an upcoming performance on the stage.
IMPACT: SENSORY CORNER
Jennifer realized the need for such a space while observing her kindergarten class. She remarked, "it's important to have a space for students to go to relax, calm down and regroup if the emotional aspect of school becomes difficult."
Jennifer was also able to purchase a resistance tunnel with her funds. Students crawl through the tunnel each morning, and the resistance and spatial exploration help to calm, regulate and organize the brain to prepare students for lesson.
Throughout the 17-18 school year, Jennifer measured the effectiveness of her project by utilizing the Sensory Corner as an incentive. She shared that 100% of her class utilized the corner in some fashion throughout the week, and she noticed several students developed a preference for certain "fidgets." Fidgets are colorful devices in a variety of shapes, textures and sizes that help the students with focus, attention, calming and active listening. Jennifer used these devices as a motivational strategy to get the students to complete their tasks. Though the fidgets can be a distraction for some students, it was a motivator for others.
One student with autism had a hard time following directions to sit in his chair, face the lesson and look at the teacher. "He enjoyed choosing fidgets with the other children, so I was able to use that to help him focus, Jennifer explained. "If he would not look at the book, I would take his fidget and hold it above the book, which made him look at the book. As soon as he gave his answer, I would return the fidget to him. I would do this several times in the lesson, till eventually he started looking at the book with only a verbal prompt. Now he looks at the book without much more prompting than any other student."
Jennifer was only planning to use the sensory corner as a center for the first six weeks, letting the children explore and play with the fidgets before using them during lessons. The children loved the area so much, that it is now a standard center.
"The students love the Sensory Corner! I feel like I can better educate the whole child by using many of these items. School covers so much more than academics. Kindergarten is a great time for students to become aware of how they can affect their individual learning. Allowing students to investigate items and ways that they can be in control of their attention leads to self-regulation and responsibility for their actions."
View the video below to see how much Jennifer's students love the Sensory Corner!
Baylor FCA High School Night
McGregor High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes Teams Up With Bosqueville High School
The McGregor High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes (F.C.A) joined the Bosqueville High School F.C.A. in sponsoring the fourth annual Shoes for Orphan Souls Campaign. Shoes for Orphan Souls is a program lead by Buckner Children’s Home of Dallas. Each year, Buckner sends thousands of shoes to orphans around the world. Churches, civic clubs and families may contribute by bringing a new pair of inexpensive athletic shoes or socks to the high school. Donors may also make a tax deductible contribution by picking up an envelope at the school office.
Live Generously: The Interact Closet
The McGregor High School Interact Club has started a new project, The Interact Closet.
The Closet will provide students in need with clothes, shoes and school supplies. Teachers are encouraged to reach out to the counselors and help students shop for what they need.
With the help of First Grade Teacher Melissa Houchin, the Closet received a $250 grant from Thrivent Financial, a not-for-profit membership organization that helps its members be wise with money in philanthropy. The funds will be used to supplement the donated clothing items.
Read More about Thrivent Financial Here: https://www.thrivent.com/about-us/
The Closet is located in the Makerspace room, and the students are currently accepting donations.
Photo Below: Interact Sponsor and Media Center Specialist April Ocampo and First Grade Teacher Melissa Houchin celebrate the grant funds received for the Interact Closet.
Annual McGregor Tennis Tournament Results
McGregor hosted its 9th annual tournament on March 14th, 2018. The Bulldogs tied with Crawford for first place in the team point total with 19 points each. Top finishes for McGregor were tournament runner-ups in boys' doubles Isaac Orozco and Joseph Mooney and mixed doubles Joanly Martinez and Connie Mendoza. The two girls' doubles teams of Alanis Martinez, Addyson Melton, Loren Perry and Caitlin Jones competed for third and fourth place. Also finishing in fourth place was Natalie Aviles in girls' singles, Tanner Rummel in boys' singles and mixed doubles Sarahi Arceo and Emmanuel Torres.
District Tennis Results
The team fielded only six boys this year with five of them playing varsity for the first time. It was the first year of playing high school tennis for four of the boys. Leading the team with a second place finish and qualifying for Regionals was Tanner Rummel in singles. Rummel defeated Riley Malloy of Groesbeck 6-4, 6-1 before falling to Colby McWhorter of Groesbeck 2-6, 3-6 in the finals.
Rummel will be the Dogs' lone representative at Regionals on Wednesday, April 18 at A&M Consolidated High School.
He was almost joined by the doubles team of Cort Boehme and Joseph Mooney. The duo finished in 4th place after losing a tough, three-set match to Whitney. The new team took the first set from the regional qualifying team and had a few chances in the second set to earn the victory, but it wasn't meant to be in the two hour and 45 minute match.
Christian Acevedo, playing in his first singles varsity matches, also finished in fourth place as well as the mixed doubles team of Joanly Martinez and Connie Mendoza.
Top finishers for the girls were the doubles team of Addyson Melton and Grace Baker who finished in fourth place. The other Bulldogs doubles team of Caitlin Jones and Loren Perry won their first match before facing the returning state qualifying team from Groesbeck in the quarterfinals. Natalie Aviles and Alanis Martinez lost in some tough singles matches in the quarterfinals.
Boys Results: Groesbeck -- 31, McGregor -- 18, Whitney -- 11, Troy -- 6, Clifton -- 4
Girls Results: Groesbeck -- 29, Clifton -- 14, Whitney -- 11, Troy -- 10, McGregor -- 6
The Boys JV team finished in first place as a team while Seth Byas and Gabriela Monterrosas claimed the individual titles in boys and girls singles, respectively.
1st Place
Seth Byas, Boys Singles
Gabriela Monterrosas, Girls Singles
2nd Place
Hernan Salas and Daniel Espinoza, Boys Doubles
3rd Place
Will Allison, Girls Singles
Dayton Threadgill and Hayden Clark, Boys Doubles
MHS Senior Competes in Regional Tennis Tournament
Tanner Rummel is a tennis regional quarterfinalist for the second year in a row. Tanner defeated Leon in the first match, but lost a tough one to Academy in the quarterfinals.
Tanner finished his high school tennis career as a four-year varsity player, three-time regional qualifier, two-time district champion and two-time regional quarterfinalist in addition to several individual tournament championships.
District Golf Results
The Boys Golf Team earned 4th place at the China Spring Golf Tournament on Monday, March 19th.
Below from L to R: Reece, Hunter, Cooper, Cade, Brody and Campbell.
The MHS Girls Golf team was once again District Champion and qualified for Regionals. Kiley Coats was the Junior Varsity District Champion and Paige Gilstrap was once again overall District Champion as an individual.
Below from L to R: Paige G., Paige J., Alli, Bella, Kiley and Mara.
Regional Girls Golf Results
"I'm so proud of our effort these last two days. To my two seniors, thanks for the wonderful memories. I love you all so much!"
-Coach Jason Parsons
McGregor Baseball Update
"When the dust settled this year the McGregor Bulldogs found themselves on the wrong end of the Win Loss Column more than they would of liked. The Bulldogs 5-13 failed to win some very close games throughout the year but came to the field everyday with the competitive fire to win. The Bulldogs did however have some highlights this year when they beat 4A Gatesville 11-8. They also had many stand out players,two college signees and some freshman that stepped up and helped the varsity. Jared Lorenz is the team's Offensive MVP hitting above 500 in the season and has also signed to play at Sul Ross State University. Zach Lester was a force on defense and offense hitting 347 and playing exceptionally well behind the plate. Lester also has signed to play at Sul Ross State University. Todd Holt, Tanner Rummell and Cade Zacharias were a key part of our team with their offensive and defensive performances. Although we did not win as many games as we would of liked, these kids learned to compete everyday and still maintained a winning attitude throughout the year."
-Coach Matthew Wright
Individual Awards
Jared Lorenz, MVP
Cade Zacharias earned the Bulldog Award by demonstrating heart, a hard work ethic and doing whatever he was asked to do throughout the year.
Blue Angels Visit MHS
Read the full story here: http://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=105036
High School Principal Seth Fortenberry is pictured below (L to R) with Public Affairs Chief Chad Pritt, Crew Chief Tommy Tran, Pilot Brandon Hempler and local recruiter Petty Officer Mota.
McGregor High School Senior Receives Outstanding Youth Citizen Award
An Evening of Art
The following McGregor High School Visual Arts students will have their artwork displayed in the Region 12 Service Center art gallery. The students and their teacher, Debbie Snyder, were invited to a reception and gallery walk alongside other school districts on Tuesday, April 17th, 2018.
Senior Stephanie Licea and her colored pencil piece, Undesired
Senior Briceyda Ulloa and her pen and ink piece, Zentanglement
Senior Leslie Reyes and her colored pencil piece, Still Life with Fruit
Junior Elijah Eubank and his marker piece, What's In My Head
Sophomore Leo Torres and his acrylic painting, Electric Charge
Sophomore Emily Santander and her acrylic painting, All-Star
Sophomore Jesus Cortes, Mixed Media
During the gallery walk, participants utilized an app on their smart phones to view students’ thoughts on their pieces. The artwork will remain on display for two to three years and will also be featured in Region 12 publications.
Congratulations to the 2018 #McGregorHS Prom King and Prom Queen, Joseph and Connie!!
MHS Senior Receives H.O.T Scholarship
Erin is a KWTX Classroom Champion!
Regional Boys Track Results
The Regional meet was held at Midway High School on April 27-28.
The boys scored a total of 70 points, earning 1st place. They are back to back Regional Champions!
The boys qualified for State in the high jump, 1600M, 3200M, 4X100 and 4X200 relays.
"WE ARE VERY PLEASED WITH HOW THE KIDS PERFORMED AND ROSE TO THE OCCASION AGAIN. 'WE JUST WANT TO LIVE TO COMPETE ANOTHER DAY' IS OUR MOTTO; THEY EARNED THE RIGHT TO GO DO IT ON THE BIG STAGE ONE LAST TIME. ALL OF THE ADVANCING ATHLETES ARE SENIORS, AND WE COULDN'T BE ANY HAPPIER FOR THEM AND THEIR ACCOMPLISHMENTS. IT'S WONDERFUL TO HAVE THE REGIONAL MEET SO CLOSE, AND WE THANK THE NUMEROUS FANS THAT CAME TO SUPPORT THE GIRLS AND BOYS TRACK PROGRAMS. IT REALLY MAKES A DIFFERENCE."
Individual Places
POLE VAULT
HAYDEN CLARK, 4TH PLACE AT 13.6 FT (PERSONAL BEST)
HIGH JUMP
WYATT ALLISON, 1ST PLACE at 6.4 FT
IMANI JOWERS, TIE FOR 12TH PLACE AT 5.10 FT
DISCUS
COOPER MCCAULEY, 8TH PLACE AT 127.10 FT
WHEELCHAIR SHOTPUT
BLAKE LADYMAN, 5TH PLACE AT 11.8 FT
3200M
IVAN SOLIS, 2ND PLACE AT 9.51.26 MIN
4X100 RELAY
KEILEN HICKS, ISMAEL SALAS, MICHAEL IRONS AND TAYVON THOMPSON
2ND PLACE AT 42.36s
100M DASH
TAYVON THOMPSON, 6TH PLACE IN PRELIMS AT 11.09s
BLAKE LADYMAN, 4TH PLACE AT 25.05s
4X200 RELAY
KEILEN HICKS, ISMAEL SALAS, MICHAEL IRONS AND TAYVON THOMPSON
127.56s IN PRELIMS (SET REGION 3-3A MEET RECORD AND BROKE SCHOOL RECORD AGAIN)
1ST PLACE AT 1.27.33s IN FINALS (BROKE SCHOOL AND REGION 3-3A RECORD)
400M
JHOBE SMITH, 10TH PLACE AT 52.47s
BLAKE LADYMAN, 5TH PLACE AT 142.55 (PERSONAL BEST)
300M HURDLES
GABE KOERTH, 10TH PLACE AT 41.93s
200M HURDLES
ISMAEL SALAS, 6TH PLACE IN PRELIMS AT 22.19s AND 4TH PLACE IN FINALS AT 22.55s
1600M
IVAN SOLIS, 2ND PLACE AT 4.37s (PERSONAL BEST)
Regional Girls Track Results
100M HURDLES
CHANEY HEINER, 2ND PLACE AT 15.22S QUALIFIED FOR STATE
300M HURDLES
CHANEY HEINER, 2ND PLACE AT 46.62S QUALIFIED FOR STATE
TRIPLE JUMP
ISABELLA CHAVEZ, TIED FOR 3RD PLACE AT 35' 4.5"
400M
ISABELLA CHAVEZ, 5TH PLACE AT 1:00.62S
SHOT PUT
AUDREY LILLARD, 3RD PLACE AT 35-0.75 FT
DISCUS
AUDREY LILLARD, 12TH PLACE AT 95-00.00 FT
HIGH JUMP
CAITLIN JONES, 8TH PLACE AT 4-10.00 FT
4X400
CAITLIN JONES, MARA HERING, HANNAH DEERINGER AND AMY GARCIA, 9TH PLACE AT 4:24.10S
"OUR GIRLS TRACK PROGRAM HAD A GOOD WEEKEND AT THE REGIONAL MEET. CHANEY RAN PERSONAL BESTS AT HER BIGGEST MEET OF THE YEAR TO MOVE ON TO THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS. I'M REALLY EXCITED FOR HER AND EVERYTHING SHE HAS ACCOMPLISHED SO FAR THIS YEAR. ISABELLA AND AUDREY BOTH COMPETED WELL AND NARROWLY MISSED A CHANCE TO GO TO STATE BY FINISHING 3RD IN BOTH THEIR EVENTS. ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOMENTS OF THE WEEKEND WAS WATCHING OUR 4X400, WITH CAITLIN, MARA, HANNAH, AND AMY. IT WAS THE FIRST TIME THAT GROUP HAD RUN TOGETHER ALL YEAR, AND THEY FINISHED 9TH, 5 SPOTS HIGHER THAN THEIR SPEED GOING INTO THE RACE. OVERALL, IT WAS AN EXCITING WEEKEND AND WE ARE ALL EXCITED TO SUPPORT CHANEY AS HER JOURNEY CONTINUES IN TWO WEEKS."
-TAYLOR WILSON, HEAD GIRLS TRACK
Contact Us
Stories may be submitted to misdnews@mcgregor-isd.org
Email: misdnews@mcgregor-isd.org
Website: http://www.mcgregor-isd.org
Location: 525 Bluebonnet Parkway, McGregor, TX, United States
Phone: (254) 840-2828
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorschools/
Twitter: @McGregorISD