The Bird Call
News and Notes from Clever High School
Academic Team
Infant CPR
Around the World
It's a Learning Experience
It took me the better part of a year, but I finally did it. After reading 1,084,170 words I can now say that I have successfully made it through all seven of the Harry Potter books. I genuinely enjoy reading and more often than not I pick something from the "Young Adult Fiction" section when selecting what to read next. I wish I could say that it is for the sole purpose of being able to relate to the students here at CHS but, if I am being honest, it is because I genuinely enjoy the genre. The Harry Potter series was always one that I knew I would tackle at some point but avoided because it was a pretty big commitment and I sometimes have trouble listening to a whole song on the radio without losing interest and changing the station! Also, I struggled with admitting to myself that I wanted to read a series about a glasses-wearing wizard and his adventures in a fantasy world full of magic - more on that later though.
I realize not everyone reading this has read the books or seen the movies so I won't spoil anything, but there are two underlying lessons (among many) throughout the books that are worth reflecting on here.
The first is the immeasurable importance of the friends we choose. This applies to each of us in every walk of life. Those who we choose to keep closest to us will inevitably influence our personalities, morals, priorities, and decisions. In many cases, those we call friends are in reality the most toxic people in our lives. Wolves in sheeps' clothing that are working for their own selfish gain. It takes a great deal of maturity to realize this and take the steps necessary to fix the situation. Misreading attention as friendship can be harmful. Ideally, our friends should be those who inspire and motivate us. They should be honest and trustworthy. A true friend is someone who wants what is best for you and will lift you higher.
The second lesson is that if you need help, ask for it. As Professor Dumbledore puts it, "we are are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided". For many, instinct says to face obstacles alone. There is a negative stigma that comes with being vulnerable. This creates a dangerous mindset where those in need of support feel powerless for fear of humiliation. At times, we all hurt and doubt ourselves. We question whether we are good enough. We have fears and worries. What these insecurities look like change as we grow older, but to each of us, they are very real and can be overwhelming. In reality, there is tremendous strength in seeking help and conquering our demons. Asking for help and realizing there are others out there who care and understand undoubtedly will bring a sense of freedom and hope. It is the polar opposite of the shame so many feel for needing help in the first place.
As a grown man who loves sports and other "manly" things, I felt foolish about wanting to read these books and worried about what others would think of me. Now, the only shame I feel is that I was narrowminded and waited so long to read the series. I was unwilling to be vulnerable for years.
If you haven't read the Harry Potter books, you're missing out. Even though it took me years to start the journey, I have no problem admitting that I enjoyed diving headfirst into the wizarding world created by J.K. Rowling.
So, to all you muggles out there, I look forward to talking about the books with you.
Hickman's Happenings
Character Education in the HS
Our character word of the month for February is Honesty. An honest Clever Bluejay does their own work and writes their own papers without copying from another student or source. They accept responsibility by admitting a mistake or an error in judgement/choice. And above all, an honest bluejay does the right thing even when no one is looking. We have reached 84 positive referrals for the year! Keep up the positivity and kindness Bluejays!
A+ News:
Seniors going to OTC: There are scholarships available that are stackable with your A+ scholarship. These include the A+ Advantage Scholarship and the OTC Leadership Book Scholarship. Go to the OTC website and scholarship page to learn more about these scholarships. Some have a March 1 application due date, so don’t wait!!
Seniors going to Crowder College: There is a Trustee Scholarship which is stackable with your A+ scholarship and will pay for books/labs. Application deadline is March 1st. Please see the Crowder College website for more details or talk to Mrs. Hickman or Mrs. Waisner.
All A+ Students: Check your emails for A+ Status Reports. If a student is out of compliance, a report has been mailed home. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Senior Male Students: Just a reminder that one of the requirements for A+ is to sign up for the Selective Service. If you have reached the age of 18 (or 17 years and 3 months), please go to https://www.sss.gov to register.
Seniors: Just a reminder to fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This is one of the requirements to be eligible for the A+ scholarship. If you have any questions, please contact Mrs. Hickman or Mrs. Waisner.
Students and parents should first set up a FSA ID: https://fsaid.ed.gov
File the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. This is a free website - beware of other sites which may charge a fee!!
Counselor's Corner
ACT Spring Test
The ACT will be given at Clever High School on April 22nd during the school day and it will be a computer-based test. 10-12 grade high school students can sign up to test.
There will be 4 ACT Prep sessions available to students, each session will cover a different subject. All 4 sessions are beneficial to their success on the test. These sessions will be held during the school day on Friday, March 13, Friday, March 27 Friday, April 3 and Friday, April 17.
If a student receives a 22 on the ACT test, the school will reimburse the student the cost of the ACT. Students will only be reimbursed once and are required to attend all the ACT prep sessions in order to be reimbursed.
Please have your student sign up to take the ACT and the ACT Prep sessions with Mrs. Waisner by Friday March 6. The cost for each student is $45.50 and payment will be made by the student. The fee will be due when they sign up.
They will not register on their own, they will register to test at school with Mrs. Waisner.
EOC Testing
Testing will take place during the following dates. If your student is in English 2, Integrated 2, Government or Biology, they will have an End of Course Exam. Please encourage good testing habits to include plenty of sleep, eating a good breakfast, and working as long as needed on each assessment.
April 1 & 2 - English 2
April 8 & 9 - Algebra I
April 15 - Government
April 28 & 30 - Biology
Senior Scholarship Lunch
Seniors are invited to a weekly scholarship working lunch. We will be going over active scholarships and completing completed applications. Have your senior ask for details.
OTC Tech
Applications are due for current 10th and 11th grade. If your student is interested in attending OTC next year for half of their day, please have them see me immediately. We are completing applications together. The programs offered are Programs Available:
Auto Collision Repair, Agriculture, Automotive, Computer Information Science, Construction Technology, Culinary Arts, Diesel Technology, Drafting Design Technology, Early Childhood Development, Electrical Trades, Electronic Media Production, Fire Science Technology, Industrial Systems Technology, Health Sciences, Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning, Graphic Design Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Networking Technology, Welding Technology
High School 101 - Useful Info from CHS
However, the vast majority of the failing grades are a result of EFFORT, not ability. Students are simply not turning in their work or adequately preparing for assessments.
To be clear, there is nothing wrong with not understanding the first (or second, or third..) time. The staff at CHS will work with any student who is making an effort to better understand the material. Even if it means sacrificing their own time to help. What we look for is adequate progress and that is based on the professional discretion of the teacher. In addition to their time at home, students have ample opportunity to get extra help at CHS:
- Before school tutoring 5 days a week
- After school tutoring 4 days a week
- Internet cafe on Friday afternoon
- 115 minutes of advisory time every week
We are running into a false assumption on the part of the students that re-doing or re-taking an assignment or assessment is a right rather than a privilege. Not doing an assignment or preparing for an assessment is a choice. And, choices have consequences. We firmly believe at CHS that the consequence of not doing the work is to do the work. Grades are not to be used as a punishment. With that said, a student may be required to take an alternative assessment or come in outside of school hours to complete the work. If the consequence is convenient for the student then there is no deterrent for future instances. The easiest thing is, and always will be, doing what is asked the first time!
Students have been told that the expectations and level of accountability are being raised effectively immediately. Students who habitually do not turn in work or do not put in an acceptable effort will be identified by classroom teachers and subject to the following:
- Lunch detention
- Mandatory tutoring (failure to attend will turn into after school detention)
- Removal from extracurricular activities
Teachers are expected to communicate in a timely manner with parents/guardians when a student is struggling. If you feel this is not happening, do not hesitate to reach out to Mr. Casey or Mrs. Hickman so we can best meet the needs of your student!
Prom Guidelines
Clubs and Organizations
Future Teachers of America - Mrs. Neely
Fellowship of Christian Athletes - Coach Jones
Science History Club - Mr. Burry
Clever Student Alliance - Mrs. Money
Art Club - Mr. Schmidt
Future Business Leaders of America - Mrs. Lumpkin
National Honor Society - Ms. Lathem
Future Farmers of America - Ms. Miller
Student Council - Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Waisner
Yearbook - Mr. Boyles
Speech and Debate - Mrs. Scheibe and Mrs. Money
Academic Team - Mr. Walker and Mr. McGarry
Spirit Squad - Mrs. Neely
Theatre - Mrs. Scheibe
Math Club - Ms. Strickland
Senior Class News
The last day for seniors will be May 5th. This will not change even in the event of additional missed days for weather or other circumstances.
This year's guest speaker will be Mr. Brandon Beck, who many of you will know from his work as a television meteorologist at KY3 in Springfield.
Alumni Spotlight
Name: Stephanie (Bryson) Sekscinski
Graduation Year: 2003
Hobbies & Interests: Binging - television series, podcasts, and book series!
Family: I married my husband, Sean, in 2010 and we have 2 kids - Piper, 5 and Easton, 4
Current Job: Director, Oncology Clinical Research for Mercy Research
College after CHS: BS in English from Drury
Extracurricular Activities: Band, FBLA, NHS
Favorite Class: College Comp and Accounting
Advice: Have a goal. It’s 100% ok if the goal changes, but have something to work towards. Also, start a resume in high school and keep adding to it every year. Then, let people proofread it and be open to criticism
Clever High School
Email: caseyj@cleverbluejays.org
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Phone: (417) 743-4830
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Community/Clever-High-School-107961380555502/
Twitter: @CleverJays