Eagle Connect: MHS December News
October 2023
A Message from Principal Dr. Chris Botts
The Botts Office
Dear Maize High School Parents/Guardians:
I have the best job on the planet! On Monday, November 27th, students from Maize High School surprised me with a gift that will stay with me and my family for our lifetime! A group of seniors at MHS took it upon themselves to give me encouragement as I continue to fight my cancer diagnosis by partnering with the City of Maize to temporarily rename 45th St between Maize Road and 119th St., “Botts Boulevard.” I share this not to bring attention to myself, but to say how thoughtful and kind it was of these students to go out of their way to support me. I truly am a blessed man!
News & Notes
The end of Term 2 will be on Wednesday, December 20th. Students will return from winter break on Wednesday, January 3rd. Most students will have new classes for 2nd semester. Our counseling staff will be working to balance classes over break so there may be changes made to your student’s schedule.
Regarding schedule changes: please remember our policy regarding course changes. If a student wishes to change a class, they must go to the counseling office within the first 3 days of the term to fill out a schedule change request form. A panel will then review the request and determine if a change will be granted or not. Typically, changes to a schedule only occur if there is an error on the schedule, a prerequisite has not been met, or the student wishes to take a more rigorous course. Also, special requests for particular teachers cannot be honored.
To date, Maize High School students have an average daily attendance rate of 96%!!! Thank you to all for making school attendance a priority!
A few reminders about the MHS attendance policy:
Students with excessive absences (7 or more in a school year) will be required to provide professional documentation for the absences to be excused. These absences are cumulative for the school year.
The accumulation of six absences in a block, per term/9 weeks, may result in no credit being granted. If a student’s grade is an “F” when he/she accumulates the sixth absence, and the student does lose credit, the “F” will override the “no credit.” Credit may be granted pending a decision by a review panel. The review panel is available upon request by the student or parent. These absences start over each 9 weeks.
Celebrate the Maize High School Fine Arts! There are lots of opportunities to see our fine arts students in action in December. I hope to see you at an upcoming event:
Band- Concert on 12/11/23 starting at 7pm
Orchestra- Concert on 12/14/23 at 7pm
Choir- Sounds of the Season on Dec. 8 & 9 starting at 7:30pm
Theater: 12/19 & 12/20 @ 7pm
The Maize Solar Foundation is putting on a benefit concert on December 28th at the Maize Performing Arts and Aquatic Center. This event titled Our Stars are Brightly Shining will feature over 200 vocal performers from both current and past Maize students. There is a suggested donation of $10 to help support Maize Solar. This event will begin at 7:30 p.m.
Maize High School has partnered with Operation Holiday this year. Our goal is to fill 2 large boxes with items to help support the Wichita community. Students can drop off the items just outside the front office at MHS. If you are able, we would appreciate your help and generosity with donating any of the following items:
New or like-new kid’s coats and winter accessories
New or handmade blankets
Non-perishable foods such as soup, proteins, peanut butter, and cereal
Bath & Body Works matching body wash and lotion (men’s and women’s)
On Tuesday, December 12th, Maize High Cheer is partnering with Chick-fil-a to fundraise for Maize families in need. During FLEX, students can come to the commons to purchase a Chick-fil-a sandwich for $6 (cash only). All proceeds will go to help Maize families.
To add some fun before the winter break, we have some spirit days that students are able to participate in with staff:
Monday, 12/11
Polar Express Pajama Day (wear comfortable clothes or PJs)
Tuesday, 12/12
Mad for Plaid (wear plaid)
Wednesday, 12/13
Celebrate Taylor Swift's birthday (dress in your favorite Eras attire)
Thursday, 12/14
Candy Cane Day (wear red and white or any Maize gear)
Friday, 12/15
National Ugly Sweater Day and/or Christmas Sock Day (self explanatory)
Monday, 12/18
Grinch vs Santa (dress up as either)
Tuesday, 12/19
Ho Ho Hoedown (wear western gear or denim)
Wednesday, 12/20
Christmas Vacation (dress up as your favorite Christmas Vacation character or any outfit for vacation like Hawaiian gear)
There is always a need for substitute teachers. On any given day, Maize will utilize 30-130 licensed substitute teachers across the district. Some of these individuals take long term assignments and others work one day a month. Any amount of time is beneficial. Click here to apply to be a Substitute Teacher with Maize USD 266.
Maize High School will be presenting at the January USD 266 Board of Education meeting. This presentation will be about our fall all-school day of service.
Mark your calendars now for our Maize spring parent-teacher conference. On February 22, 2024, from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m., Maize High teachers will be available to discuss your student’s academic progress and help plan for future enrollment. We will also be hosting several sessions about college/future planning. It is our hope to have a great turnout from our parents!
Students of the Month: Jared Anderson, Rylee Frye, Reese Gietzen, Lilie Mendoza, Kayla Lowmiller, Braden Wapp, Emma Dugan, Jorge Vital, Kyndall Sites, Renee Hardin, Noah Rankin, Owen Johnson, and Alyssa Villa.
Have an awesome December!
With Eagle Pride,
Dr. Botts
Stay Connected
Visit our school website at www.usd266.com/mhs.
Connect with Dr. Botts at cbotts@usd266.com or 316-722-0441.
Maize High School is located at 11600 W. 45th St. North in Maize.
Counselor's Corner
Greetings from the Counseling Department at Maize High School
Betsy Manning Director of School Counseling 350-2120 bmanning@usd266.com
Students whose last names begin with A through Ca
Katie Shephard School Counselor 350-2118 kshephard@usd266.com
Students whose last names begin with Ce through H
Megan Bleier School Counselor 350-2119 mbleier@usd266.com
Students whose last names begin with I through P
Anne Debes School Counselor 350-2114 adebes@usd266.com
Students whose last names begin with Q through Z
Diane Close College & Career Advocate 350-2281 dclose@usd266.com
Kami Smith Counseling Secretary 350-2122 krsmith@usd266.com
Greetings from the Maize High School Counseling Department!
While the holidays may feel like “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” for many, they can also be a very difficult time for some. Maize High School Counseling Staff would like to remind all parents and students there are a variety of community resources available to help students and their families in need over the winter break. To explore available community resources, check out 2-1-1 of Kansas. If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call COMCARE's 24-hour crisis hotline at 316-660-7500 or dial/text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.
Important Dates
December 6th and 7th - Balfour will be at MHS taking Senior Graduation Cap & Gown Orders from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Monday, December 18th - Early Completer Meeting @ Commons during Flex
Wednesday, December 20th - Senior Early Completer Farewell @ Commons during Flex
Wednesday, December 20th - Last Day of Term 2
December 21st - January 2nd - No School, Winter Break
January 31st and February 1st - Senior announcements will be delivered from 10:30 - 1:30 in the Commons
February 13th - 15th - Enrollment meetings for 24-25 school year
February 28th - Junior ACT and Sophomore Pre-ACT testing
March 6th and 7th - Cap & Gown delivery in Commons 10:30-1:30
April 12th - Last day to turn in pictures for the Senior Slideshow
May 14th - Last day of classes for seniors
May 15th - Senior parade, breakfast, graduation practice
May 15th - MHS Graduation @ Hartman Arena @ 6:30 PM
Schedule Change Requests
Students wishing to pursue a schedule change request for an upcoming term may visit this link on the USD 266 Website to obtain the form. Requests that correct schedule mistakes like repeated courses and requests that improve the rigor of a student’s schedule will be given priority. Decisions must also work in favor of balanced class sizes; many classes are currently full. As per school board policy, requests for specific teachers cannot be granted.
Senior Slideshow Pictures
Senior parents/guardians are invited to submit pictures of Class of 2024 seniors for the senior slideshow that is shown before the commencement ceremony and during the senior breakfast in May. For each senior, one baby/toddler picture and one current picture may be emailed to mhsseniorpics@usd266.com. JPEG format is preferred. Please submit photos by April 12th.
Small Groups
The Counseling Department is proud to continue our small group work. The Rising Eagles groups have freshmen through seniors who meet weekly to review grades, absences, set goals, and use positive reinforcement for reaching success.
Junior ACT Test Date
All 11th grade MHS students will have the opportunity to take the ACT during the school day on February 28th. Since this test is offered by the district, students do not need to complete registration.
National ACT Test Date Reminder
Friday, January 5th is the last day to sign up for the Saturday, February 10th ACT test. To sign up for an ACT test date, students and parents need to create an account at my.act.org. Students who wish to use Maize High School as a test center should enter the Test Center Code 213970 during registration. To ensure Maize High gets a copy of your test scores to list on your transcript, use the High School Code: 171-885. If paying for your student to take the ACT presents a financial hardship for your family, or if you qualify for free or reduced lunches, please contact your student’s counselor for information about fee waivers for the ACT.
General ACT Test Information
ACT scores are important for all college applications after high school! Students can show proficiency when applying to community colleges and avoid taking a placement test. Some colleges also give students credit for introductory math and English classes if they score well. ACT scores and GPA are often used to award scholarships, which are a great way to congratulate students for doing well academically.
Students can take the ACT up to 12 times, but most don’t need that many practice tests. More than 50% of students who take the test more than once will increase their scores, so at least one full test in addition to the one provided by Maize High is recommended. Maize High will provide a paid ACT testing date for all MHS juniors in February during a designated school day.
To sign up for a Saturday ACT test date, students and parents need to create an account at my.act.org. Students who took the ACT provided by Maize High during their junior year will already have an ACT ID number to use when setting up their accounts (contact your school counselor for this ID number). The ACT is offered on Saturdays in June, July, September, October, December, February, and April. Saturday test locations include Maize High School during the months when school is in session. MHS juniors do not need to register online for the February during-school test date provided by MHS.
To use Maize High as a test center, use the test center code: 213970
To make sure Maize High gets a copy of your test scores to list on your transcript, use the high school code: 171-885
Students can take the test at any point in high school. To determine the best time for your student to take the ACT, consider these things:
Pick a time of year when your student doesn’t have activities on Saturdays (especially sports)
Choose a test date after your student has completed Algebra II (or is taking any higher-level math).
Complete Chemistry I before taking the test to improve Science Section scores.
By October of their senior year, students should have submitted at least one ACT score to the college(s) where they plan to apply for admission. When they take the junior year test provided by Maize High, they will have the opportunity to send the score to at least 4 colleges. Most colleges will allow students to submit a higher score to improve their eligibility for scholarships even after their application is accepted. Check with specific colleges to find out what options and deadlines apply.
ACT Workshop
Power Prep ACT Workshops take place at MHS throughout the year. Each workshop includes two evening sessions covering practical and relevant information on how to increase your ACT score. The cost of each workshop is $80. For more information regarding fall workshop dates and registration, please go to http://actprep.info/maize .
Driver’s Education
Online Driver’s 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 40 students each term. The book work is available 24/7 online, and the driving is done after school. Drive times are typically 3:00, 4:00; 5:00 PM for one hour. The course is pass/fail (.25 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 enroll in Online Driver’s Education, the student and parent/guardian must both attend the enrollment night.
2023-2024 Driver’s Education Enrollment Dates:
Term 3: January 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM MSHS Commons
Term 4: March 4, 2024 at 6:00 PM MSHS Commons
Questions – contact Brent Pfeifer (bpfeifer@usd266.com) or John Anderson (janderson@usd266.com) Click here for link to district Driver’s Ed website information.
NCAA Eligibility for Student Athletes
Many student athletes wish to compete at the highest levels in college sports; however, NCAA Division I and Division II sports have high standards of academic achievement that require special attention to class selection and GPA throughout a student’s high school career. Please click on these NCAA Division I and Division II Fact Sheets for a quick overview of current standards, and contact your school counselor early on with questions regarding potential eligibility.
College and Career
From Diane Close - College & Career Advocate
All students are invited to utilize the College & Career Center as a resource to navigate the high school experience through developing and/or updating their Individual Plan of Study. One-on-one assistance is provided to students as they begin thinking about life after high school. Current freshmen, sophomores and juniors are encouraged to schedule an appointment to discuss their plans. Taking time to prepare or revise current plans will make the 2023-2024 enrollment process go smoothly.
Mark your calendars!
College and Career Fair - Monday, February 5th to be held in the Maize Career Academy from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Representatives will be in attendance from both public and private postsecondary institutions.
Each branch of the military will be presented to discuss options available to students if they are considering the reserves or full enlistment.
Apprenticeship programs are an excellent way for students to obtain skills while working.
Interested in volunteer, shadow, or internship opportunities for summer 2024? Textron & Spirit representatives will be available to discuss options.
Upcoming College Tours for students grades 10-12
January 8th FAFSA/Scholarship Information Session
January 18th FAFSA Completion Event
TBA WSU Tech
February 14 Friends & Newman University
March 27th Fort Hays State University
April 3rd Pittsburg State University
April 17th Butler Community College
Registration for college visits will open two weeks prior to the scheduled visit date.
After Prom
After Prom Needs Your Help
Each year, parents organize and plan After Prom for our students in an effort to provide them a safe alternative after prom. We need lots of parents to help make this event possible. If you are interested in helping on the planning committee (it doesn’t matter what grade your student is in), please contact our After Prom chairperson, Brian Youngers, at maizeafterprom@gmail.com.
2023-2024 Yearbook
Buy a yearbook
Now is the best time to buy the 2023-24 yearbook. The cost is $40 but will go up to $45 at the end of the year. You can purchase the yearbook by clicking on this link.
Recognize your senior
Celebrate your student's final year in high school with a senior recognition ad. You can purchase eighth-page, quarter-page, half-page and full-page ads by going to the Jostens website.
Nurses Corner
Health Matters by Dana Desjardins, MHS RN
Holidays bring so many different challenges which can leave one to feel very overwhelmed. Remember to listen to your body, mind and reach out. For a list of these resources go to www.211kansas.org or dial 211 toll free.
Courtesy of Kansas DCCCA.org the Maize school nurse have a few Deterra Drug Deactivation System Kits to give. If you have expired medications you would like to dispose of without hurting the environment, come pick a kit up from the MHS School Nurse’s Office.
Over the Counter Medications NEW Policy 2023-24 School Year – No more carrying over the counter medications at the high schools in Maize. All medication must be brought to the school nurses office. The parent may log in to their Skyward Account, go to Online Forms, then click on Over the Counter Medication Consent Forms. Click on what over the counter medications you would like the school nurse to give. If you would like your student to take something other than what the school nurse has for over the counter medications, sign and return the medication form along with the medication into the school nurse. Please use the link below for the Medical Form.
Prescription Medications - Will you child be taking prescription meds at MHS? You will need to print the medication form, have the prescribing doctor fill it out and return it to MHS Nurse with the prescription medications. Parents or an adult must bring the prescription medications to school in their prescribed bottle. Please use the link below for the Medical Form.
Inhalers, EpiPens, Diabetic Medications, Seizure Meds – All need a signed medication form. Parents can print the medication form and have their doctor’s send the health plans to the school nurse. Again, please use the link below for the Medical Form.
Immunizations OVERDUE! Please send any immunizations your child gets into the school nurse as soon as they get them. We will make sure we add your child’s immunization to your child’s school health record.
Graduating from MHS in December – Congrats! Also remember to pick up a copy of your school
immunizations in the Maize School Nurse’s Office. You will need your immunization record if you are going on to college or technical school.
MHS SAFE
Maize High School had their 2nd Seatbelt Survey during Red Ribbon Week, October 20th through
November 3, 2023. The theme was “Drive Fried Get A DUI”. Awareness was brought to the students about the importance of not driving while under any influence. Many students had fun with the Scary Self and trying to win 3 months free unlimited movie tickets at the Wichita Regal Theaters. There was an increase in Seatbelt usage from 90% to 93%. A decrease in distractions from 6% to 1%. MHS SAFE Students surveyed students, parents and staff members who drive in and out of the entrances to our parking lot. We just want everyone to look out for each other and to keep each other SAFE. Our last seatbelt survey is March 2024. Let’s buckle up and ditch the distractions, not the car.
MHS SAFE was invited to attend the Kansas Teen Safety Conference in Manhattan Kansas. This is a 2 day leadership conference sponsored by KDOT, DCCCA, and KTSRO.org. During the conference students work with other Kansas high school students on how to keep their school and community safe. They learn leadership and communication skills. The MHS SAFE students enjoyed working with current leaders in the Kansas community like Miss Kansas. It is a wonderful opportunity.
Zero Reasons Why
You are no doubt a parent or caregiver who deeply cares about the wellbeing of a teenager. As an adult who cares, there are many ways you can help improve the mental health of the teens in your life.
Zero Reasons Why is a teen lead organization seeking to break the stigma of mental health. The teens involved in the campaign believe one of the biggest barriers to their mental health is when parents or caregivers don’t recognize mental health as a real or valid health concern. Having an honest, empathetic conversation about mental health with their parents can be challenging, let alone accessing additional support like therapy when needed. For information on the Zero Reasons Why campaign and for support in having conversations related to mental health with your teen please visit #zeroreasonswhy.org
Do you know the mental health supports available at Maize High School? Did you know there is a mental health intervention team member in each school grades 5-12? For more information on the MHIT program please email your behavioral health liaison Ashleigh Hughbanks at ahughbanks@usd266.com
Important Student Resources
#youmattertome
Did you know that if you text 741741 when you are feeling depressed or suicidal, a crisis worker will text you back immediately and continue to text with you? Many people don’t like talking on the phone and would be more comfortable texting. It's a FREE service to ANYONE - teens, adults, etc. - who lives in the U.S. It's run by The Crisis Text Line.
You. Matter. #youmattertome
Upcoming Eagle Events
MHS Vocal Department
Sounds of the Season
The Maize High Vocal Department will have two performances showcasing the sounds of the holiday season: Friday, December 8th at 7:30 pm and Saturday, December 9th at 7:30. Both performances will be held in the Maize High School Auditorium.
Our Stars are Brightly Shining
The MHS Choir Alumni Show, featuring a 200 voice choir, will perform December 28, 2023 at 7:30 pm at the Maize Performing Arts & Aquatic Center. This event titled, "Our Stars are Brightly Shining." Special performaces will include Cameron Bedell, Danielle Dopps Herrington, Jesse Warkentin and many others. This promises to be an amazing, energy filled concert that will help Maize continue to be the leader in renewable energy. A suggested donation of $10 for the Maize Solar Foundation will be accepted. If you are unable to attend but would still like to make a donation, search for Maize Solar Foundation on Venmo or make a check to the Maize Solar Foundation which can be dropped off at Maize High School.
MHS Orchestra
The MHS Orchestra is preparing for their Tour in the Community, Tuesday, December 5th. They will spend the day performing for residents at different nursing homes. Additionally, the orchestra is preparing for their December 14th concert, 7 pm at Maize High and all are welcome.
Students In The News
MHS BPA
Congratulations to the following students for placing in the Regional BPA Competition. BPA will participate in the State Competition in February.
Regional Champions!!
Carter Smith: Fundamental Desktop Publishing
Carter Smith: Advanced Desktop Publishing
Charles Sharp: Personal Financial Management
Jamie Borchers, Kayla Nguyen, Spencer Broberg: Broadcast News Team
Devin Short: Parliamentary Procedure Open
Other places:
Charles Sharp: 2nd place, Banking and Finance
Sophia Gardner: 4th place Fundamental Spreadsheet
Kayla Nguyen: 5th place Graphic Design
Devin Short: 5th place Extemp Speech
Devin Short: 6th place HR Management
Jamie Borchers: 9th place Fundamental Desktop Publishing
MHS Band
Congratulations to the following students who were selected for the SCKMEA District Honor Band. The Honor Band will perform December 2 at Maize High School.
Emma Dugan - Flute, Mara Pederson - Oboe, Nicole Hayes - Clarinet, Abigail Linton - Clarinet, Connor Sternberger - Alto Saxophone, Braden Wapp - Trumpet, Jaxon Roszel - Trumpet,
Morgan Nicholson - Trumpet, Addison Folse - Trumpet (alternate),
Delainey Stevens - Horn (alternate), Andrew Pederson - Euphonium, Jacob Froese - Percussion,
Ezekiel Harper - Percussion, Sierra Jordan - Percussion
MHS Orchestra
Congratulations to the following Orchestra students for auditioning and making it into South
Central District Honor Orchestra:
Jack Bowen - Violin, Lyla Lansdown - Violin, Johanna Speer - Viola, Mack Carlo - Viola, Shannon
Sebastian - Viola, Kathryn Dayley - Bass and Jenni-Speer - Viola Alternate. This is a great
accomplishment. Additionally, our very own Johanna Speer earned Viola Section Leader for this
orchestra and we are excited for her to have this opportunity. These students upon completion of the performance will also qualify to audition for the All-State Orchestra.
Congratulations as well to the following students who just completed their fall semester with the
Wichita Youth Symphony Orchestra program with two amazing performances!
Jordan Vogt - Violin, Jack Bowen - Violin, Lyla Lansdown - Violin, Mack Carlo - Viola,
Johanna Speer - Viola and Jaeson Chan - Cello.
MHS Journalism
Congratulations to the Maize student journalists who were chosen for national awards by the National Scholastic Press Association.
Haley Barnard, Sydney Lampkin and Stahley Sears, Maize High seniors, were awarded an Honorable Mention for Broadcast Sports Story of the Year for their piece on Girls' Wrestling titled, Beyond takedowns and pins.
Current Maize High seniors Avery Liedl and Leah Brown, along with Maize South graduate Lakin Zamorano and Maize High graduates Isabelle Blasdel and Nathan Wituk won an Honorable Mention in Social Media Promotion.
In the area of Social Media Reporting, current Maize High sophomore Kyler Sevart, along with Maize South graduate Lakin Zamorano and Maize High graduates Isabelle Blasdel and Nathan Wituk won an additional Honorable Mention.
Students in Action
National Honor Society
On November 14th, National Honor Society inducted 74 students. These students maintain a cumulative 3.7 GPA, are involved in school related extracurricular activities, and volunteer in the community. Twenty hours of community service are required to be inducted and students will volunteer for 10 hours each semester thereafter.
Foundations to Early Childhood Development
The Early Childhood Development class students enjoyed practicing various types of art projects.
Eagle Updates
Spirit Central
Check out the Spirit Central website for all your Maize Eagle spirit gear! You can purchase online and then choose to pick-up at the school or have the merchandise shipped to you! All proceeds support the Maize High Business Professionals of America club.
Morning Bus Traffic Reminder
Please be mindful and YIELD the right of way to the buses when they arrive in the morning. Please DO NOT try to dart in between the buses. Allowing the buses to pull into the parking lot and proceed to the south entry doors is priority. Thank you - Crossing Guard Staff