The Growl
McGregor Independent School District
Welcome to the Online Newsletter!
MISD Students Learning to Code
MISD students participated in the worldwide "Hour of Code" event held December 5th through December 9th. The Hour of Code event originally began as a one-hour introduction to computer science and computer coding to show that anyone can learn the basic skills of coding. It has now become a worldwide effort to celebrate computer science, starting with one-hour coding activities for students of all ages. MISD primary, elementary and junior high students learned coding skills using the code.org website. The junior high students had a special visit from our local SpaceX software engineer, Andy Soukup. Andy discussed the value of computer coding and answered student questions.
What is coding? Coding is the computer language used to create apps, software and websites. Without code, we wouldn't have access to all of the technology resources we rely on such as mobile phone apps, Facebook, our web browsers, etc. All of these things run on code. Computer science helps nurture the skills of problem-solving, creativity and logic. Allowing students to work on these skills at an early age gives them the foundation for success in any 21st-century career path.
McGregor High School will be participating in the "Hour of Code" event the week of January 9th, 2017.
To learn more about the Hour of Code event, visit their website... https://hourofcode.com/us.
View the slideshow below to see more primary, elementary and junior high students participating in the International Hour of Code.
Thanksgiving Luncheon with Kindergarten
November 16, 2016
A Thanksgiving luncheon was enjoyed by all kindergarten students and their guests. Thank you to all who came to spend time with the students.
Christmas Luncheon with First Grade
December 8, 2016
First graders and their guests spent quality time during a Christmas luncheon. Thank you to all who came to see the students.McGregor Primary Family Fun Night: The Gruffalo
November 16, 2016
McGregor Primary students invited their families to a Gruffalo-themed family fun night. The group watched the film and enjoyed popcorn before making a Gruffalo puppet. The Gruffalo is a story about a small mouse that uses his big brains to outsmart large and intimidating creatures in the forest.A special thank you to those that participated!
Character Counts Committee
Congratulations, students!
November Committee
December Committee
Thanksgiving Luncheon with Second and Third Grade
November 17th, 2016
Second and third grade students shared a traditional Thanksgiving feast with their families and friends in the elementary cafeteria.
Christmas Luncheon with Fourth and Fifth Grade
December 7, 2016
Fourth and fifth grade students enjoyed a traditional Christmas feast with friends and family in the elementary cafeteria.Food for Families Campaign
November 18, 2016
McGregor ISD joined the community in the fourth annual Central Texas Food for Families campaign. Each campus competed to contribute the largest donation. First place went to McGregor Primary with 3,684 pounds. Second place went to McGregor Elementary with 1,958 pounds. Third and fourth place went to McGregor Junior High and McGregor High School with 1,623 pounds and 753 pounds.Total food contributions from MISD: 8,018 pounds!
To learn more about the Central Texas Food for Families Campaign, click here: http://foodforfamilies.tv/central-texas/
McGregor Primary students collected 4,120 cans for the McGregor Food Pantry.
Ms. Oxford's first grade class came in first place with 1,176 cans. Mrs. Houchin's first grade class came in second place with 933 cans. Mrs. Green's kindergarten class came in third place with 654 cans. Thank you to all McGregor Primary contributors!
Be a Part of the "M" Crowd
Click Here: http://www.mcgregor-isd.org/cms/one.aspx?pageId=13636938
Giving Thanks
Become the Classroom Champion of the Week!
Ryan Pierce
Bryan Santander
Raul Arceo
Congratulations, Champions!
HG Isbill Junior High Mock Election
Mrs. Minnix's eighth grade English classes practiced use of propaganda devices in advertising and speech writing to keep up with the Presidential Election theme.
The process began with students collaborating with other students to develop campaign slogans, commercials and speeches for the election of eighth grade class president. Once this process was complete, each candidate's speech was recorded and presented to all classes. Students voted electronically for the student who demonstrated the best platform, use of propaganda and the ability to persuade their audience.
Aimee Bowling was officially declared the winner of the mock election and received a twenty dollar gift card to Starbucks. The other six candidates were Rolando Sanchez, Manuel Licea, Jady Suarez, Edgar Torres, Dayton Threadgill and Hailey Williams. They were each awarded a five dollar gift card to Sonic.
Great job, students!
Junior High Band All-Region Contest Results
December 6, 2016
The junior high band took 61 students to the All-Region contest in Robinson. 20 students earned a chair in the band. This is the most McGregor has ever placed into the All Region band.
The following students made the All Region Band:
Jamie Smith 1st Chair Tuba
Rolando Sanchez 2nd Chair Baritone
Brice Lechler 4th Chair Baritone
Alex Olvera 2nd Chair Trombone
Landon Patterson 3rd Chair Trombone
Katy Paschall 7th Chair Trombone
Cale Bowdoin 5th Chair Trumpet
Juliet Cortez 8th Chair Trumpet
Aiden King 10th Chair Trumpet
Breeley Pabst 18th Chair Trumpet
Abigail De Jesus 1st Chair French Horn
Elizabeth Mooney 1st Alternate French Horn
Manuel Licea 2nd Chair Bari Sax
Isabelle Martin 3rd Chair Alto Sax
Adolfo Palma 1st Alternate Alto Sax
Lyla Turner 5th Chair Bass Clarinet
Jennifer Hernandez 2nd Chair Clarinet
Hailey Morgan 10th Chair Clarinet
Julie Killgore 9th Chair Flute
Lizbeth Lopez 1st Alternate Flute
Cearria Stevens 3rd Chair Percussion
Thurman Thomas 8th Chair Percussion
Jared Diaz 9th Chair Percussion
Congratulations to all these students and their hard work. Their dedication to our band program is what makes it succeed!
A Teacher's Pet
Junior High Technology Instructor Kris Bumsted and Blake Shelter, her Australian Cattle Dog, qualified this summer to become a registered Pet Partners Therapy Animal Team (Pet Partners). They are providing animal-assisted activities and therapy along with nearly 11,000 other human animal teams in 48 states.
Pet Partners teams interact with a wide variety of clients, including veterans with PTSD, seniors living with Alzheimer’s, students with literacy challenges, patients in recovery, people with intellectual disabilities and those approaching end of life. Pet Partners curriculum and continuing education is the gold standard in the field.
Kris and Blake will be volunteering their services at Baylor University, Providence Hospital, Waco-McLennan County Library and many other venues. Reflecting on her motivation to pursue this service work, Kris states, “I really enjoy working with my dogs, and this is one way we (Kris and her shelter-adopted dogs) can contribute to the community in a positive manner."
Congratulations, Kris and Blake!
Foundation News
The McGregor ISD Education Foundation invited a group of local community members and McGregor I.S.D alumni to a Legacy Dinner on November 15th in the MHS Commons. Coordinating the event were foundation directors Cathy Williams, Teresa Sneed and Bonnie Mullens. These directors worked very hard to provide an elegant presentation and dining experience for their guests. Director Cathy Williams spoke before the group about the mission of the foundation and its goal to raise $103,000 for innovative classroom grants and student and staff development. The foundation received an enormous amount of support. Contributions from the evening have totaled over $11,000!
A special thank you to our guests for supporting the enrichment of educational opportunities available to McGregor ISD students.
The McGregor ISD Education Foundation would also like to thank the following MHS National Honor Society members for volunteering to provide quality service to our guests:
Leslie Reyes, Connie Mendoza, Gabby Guttierez, Tanner Rummel, Brooke Guest, Maria Zarate, Beatriz Rocha, Bertha Palma, Devon Patterson, Joseph Mooney, Sarah Heiner, Gage Hollingsworth, Kennedy Hogan, Jessica Lammert, Jordan Hilliard and James Lane.
The foundation board of directors has been reaching out to local businesses and community members for support since October 27, 2016. To date, the foundation has raised $78,080.86 towards its annual campaign goal of $103,000!
If you are interested in supporting innovative classroom grants, character development programs and progressive trainings for MISD students and staff, please contact Amy LaBrie at the administration building at 254-840-2828.
To see a list of individuals already supporting the mission of the McGregor ISD Education Foundation, visit the foundation’s website at http://www.mcgregor-isd.org/edfoundation/ef_donate
MHS Choir Visits Brazos Forum
High School choir instructor Shelley White and the MHS choir attended the Brazos Forum at the Mayborn Museum.
The Brazos Forum (the Forum) is a nonprofit organization designed to encourage the study and preservation of American history and the decorative arts. Recognized regionally and nationally, the Forum makes an in-depth study of a selected theme, style, region, or culture in America each year. Nationally-known experts in their respective fields come to Waco to give illustrated presentations on a vast array of themes and topics.
This year featured Gino Francesconi, Director of Archives & Rose Museum at Carnegie Hall in New York City, and Margaret Hancock, an arts administrator and educator who owns Margaret Hancock Studio in Richmond, VA.
Pictured:
Front row:
Joyce Packard (Brazos Forum committee member), Shelley White, Essance Porter, Jolene Hadley
Back row:
Charlie Walter (Mayborn Museum Director), Joseph Mooney, Alex Ramos, Raven Carver
The Bulldog Pride All-Region Results
December 3, 2016
Members of The Bulldog Pride competed in the Association of Small School Bands All-Region band. Twenty-two members earned chairs in the band with eleven placing high enough to advance to the Area Audition level. These are record numbers for The Pride in this competition.
Flute
Uridian Reyes, 1st Chair Symphonic Band
Katie Scott, 2nd Chair Concert Band
Elizabeth Grace, 4th Chair Concert Band
Bethany Adcock, 9th Chair Concert Band
Clarinet
Kennedy Hogan, 4th Chair Symphonic Band
Jorge Comacho, 11th Chair Symphonic Band
Ann-Marie Garza, 12th Chair Symphonic Band
Trumpet
Gage Hollingsworth, 1st Chair Symphonic Band
Marissa Licea, 1st Chair Concert Band
Sam Dutschmann, 4th Chair Concert Band
Grace Baker, 8th Chair concert Band
Bass Trombone
Mason Miller, 1st Chair Symphonic Band
Baritone
Namir Rebollar, 3rd Chair Concert Band
Tuba
Seth Melton, 4th Chair Symphonic Band
Joslyn Salazar, 5th Chair Concert Band
Michael Ramos, 8th chair Concert Band
Percussion
Zach Zajicek, 1st Chair Symphonic Band
Eric Santander, 2nd Chair Symphonic Band
Emily Santander, 3rd Chair Symphonic Band
Addison White, 4th Chair Symphonic Band
Madison Knox, 7th Chair Symphonic Band
Ty Finley, 2nd Chair concert Band
Advancing to the Area Audition with a chance to advance to the All State Band were:
Uridian Reyes, Kennedy Hogan, Jorge Comacho, Ann-Marie Garza, Gage Hollingsworth, Seth Melton, Joslyn Salazar, Zach Zajicek, Eric Santander, Emily Santander and Addison White.
Bulldog Pride Performs in Waco Veteran's Day Activities
November 11th, 2016
The Bulldog Pride recently participated in the Waco Veteran's Day Parade. This annual event is one of the largest parades in the state.
High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes Attend Baylor Game
November 19th
Twenty-six members of the McGregor High School Fellowship of Christian Athletes attended the Baylor vs. Kansas State football game at McLane Stadium in Waco. The students also attended a pre-game devotional at which two Baylor athletes spoke. Kansas State won the game, but other than that, a good time was had by all.
Lady Dogs Win Frost Tournament
The Lady Dogs beat Crawford 79-52 in the championship game of the Frost Tournament, earning 1st place.
McGregor Bulldog All-District Selections
1st Team Offense
CJ McLeain, quarterback; Andrew Taylor, receiver; James Lane, receiver; Alex Parsons, running back
1st Team Defense
Michael Irons, defensive back; Conner Zacharias, defensive lineman
2nd Team Offense
Joanly Martinez, kicker; Tayvon Thompson, receiver; Jonathon Harrison, offensive lineman; Mason McDonald, offensive lineman
2nd Team Defense
Wyatt Allison, linebacker; Cooper McCauley, defensive tackle; Jonathon Phenix, defensive back
Honorable Mention
Greg Williams, offensive lineman; Aaron Benitez, offensive lineman; Miguel Castillo, defensive lineman; Coby Bess, defensive lineman; Zach Lester, linebacker; Jared Lorenz, receiver; Josh Kelley, defensive back; Jordan Kelley, linebacker; Cooper McCauley, offensive lineman; Kyle Sadler, outside linebacker
All-District Academic Team
Coby Bess, defensive lineman; Andrew Taylor, receiver; James Lane, receiver; Michael Irons, defensive back; Jonathon Phenix, defensive back; Cade Zacharias, running back; Cooper McCauley, defensive tackle, offensive lineman; Keilan Hicks, receiver; Ismail Salas, safety; Jose OCampo, safety; Joanly Martinez, kicker; Dawson Brown, offensive lineman; Aaron Benitez, offensive lineman; Wyatt Allison, linebacker; Zach Lester, linebacker
Annual Toys For McGregor Drive
MHS PALs recently spent the morning shopping and purchasing toys and clothes to donate to the McGregor Fire Department. The PALs are excited to help bring a MERRY CHRISTMAS to the children of McGregor.
Bulldog Readers
With the busy spring season approaching, high school Bulldog readers organized their last story time with the primary and elementary students for the school year.
To following students read Christmas stories to primary students the week of December 5th:
Essance Porter
Hailey Burgess
Kylie Smith
Mady Norwood
In his comment to teachers, Bulldog Reader sponsor Coach Tim Seward remarked, "I want to take this time to tell all of you how much I appreciate you letting your students out of class to go to Bulldog Readers. When you see the faces of these young kids light up when they see our high school kids coming to read, it's priceless. The biggest thing I see though–is from our kids [Bulldog Readers]. They talk about the kids in their rooms and share all of the stories with one another. They get a whole lot out of it as well."
A special thank you to the Bulldog Readers for their commitment to the younger age groups.
Listed and pictured below are a few of this year's Bulldog Readers:
Jordan Kelley
Aaron Osborne
Cade Zacharias
Alex Parsons
Ryan Hering
Keeping up with MHS Geometry...
MHS SR&D II Class Travels to NASA
December 6, 2016
Students from the McGregor High School SR&D II class traveled to NASA to present their semester research and design project to NASA Engineer and Texas A&M Graduate Chris Madsen along with other officials from SystemsGo. The students presented in front of roughly 100 students, teachers, engineers and other officials. As part of the trip, the students had to show details and design theories of an Excel file designed to replicate a computer program that allows the creation of a transonic rocket. The file is based completely on forces and formulas which the students found, as well as environmental factors such as wind speed, temperature for the launch site and distance above sea level to determine air density. The students did an outstanding job, and while there is still much work to do before their final design can be built and launched in the spring semester, they have proven to themselves that they are on the right path. The MHS SR&D II class appreciates their administrators and the community for allowing them to engage in this learning experience.
Contact Us
The Growl is an online publication of McGregor ISD and is intended to celebrate the successes and accomplishments of the students, faculty and staff of the district.
Story ideas may be submitted to: jlenamon@mcgregor-isd.org and alabrie@mcgregor-isd.org
Email: webmaster@mcgregor-isd.org
Website: mcgregor-isd.org
Location: 525 Bluebonnet Parkway, McGregor, TX, United States
Phone: (254) 840-2828
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mcgregorschools/?fref=ts#
Twitter: @McGregorISD