The Bird Call
News and Notes from Clever High School
It's a Learning Experience
Happy New Year and welcome to another edition of The Bird Call!
Over the course of the first semester, I had more than a handful of conversations with students that focused on taking care of their "future you". In short, the idea is not to sacrifice what you want down the road for what you would rather do right now. In the moment, the path of least resistance is almost always the more appealing option. It is the decision to stay in the familiar surroundings of your comfort zone. Growth, however, rarely takes place in your comfort zone. This is why the phrase is "growing pains" not "growing comforts". Ultimately, most of us are in the position we are in today because of decisions made previously - days, months, or even years ago.
Taking a "Feed the Root" approach in my own life helps me stay centered and focused on the big picture. This analogy has shifted my thinking from results-focused to process-focused. Consider an apple tree and its fruit. I am not an expert on the topic, but I know that the apples I buy from the farmer's market/grocery store or pick from a local orchard took years to produce. From experience, even when eating the same type of apple the quality can vary drastically. The fruit, however, is the result. Odds are, a bad apple is a result of a flaw somewhere in the process. Maybe the soil quality was poor. Maybe the tree did not receive enough sunlight. Maybe something else started eating the apple before it was ripe. Maybe there was a drought. Regardless, something happened, the roots were not properly fed, and the results suffered.
The same applies to our lives. If I want the results - the fruit - of whatever I am working towards to be exceptional then the values, beliefs, commitment, etc. - the roots - must be strong and healthy. I can't expect uncommon outcomes from a common approach. Or, if I reflect on the results I am seeing and realize I am falling short, the problem is not in the result itself it is somewhere in the process. So, I either need to plant new roots and provide better nourishment or find a way to improve the existing process to yield better outcomes. Either way, it takes commitment to the process along with a great deal of faith and patience.
We have to grow to love and find joy in the process. By focusing on the root and putting in the time and energy to ensure positive results, embracing that it will take time before you are able to celebrate the outcomes, you are focusing on "future you". And, my guess is that future you will be grateful you did not take the easy way out.
Go Jays!
Joe Casey
High School Principal
Email: caseyj@cleverbluejays.org
Remind: Text "@clever9-12" to 81010
Twitter: @CleverPrincipal
Mark Your Calendars!
Hickman's Happenings
A+ News:
Spring 2022 Tutoring: If you have signed up for A+ tutoring in the spring, I will start working on teacher placement after Thanksgiving break. If there is a particular grade level or teacher that you would like to work with, please let me know.
All A+ Students: A+ Status Reports will be put together at the end of the semester and emailed out to students in January. If a student is out of compliance, a report will be mailed home in January.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is available as of October 1st. The earlier the FAFSA is filed, the better!
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!!
If you need help filling out the FAFSA, you can check out a “Journey to College: FAFSA Frenzy” event. Public FAFSA Frenzy events
Male students that have turned 18 must sign up for the Selective Service System. Please visit https://www.sss.gov/ to register.
Counselor's Corner
The ASVAB will be given to all juniors on January 13th. This test is a great tool for career exploration. Any senior can also take the ASVAB that day.
Seniors - Please start looking for local scholarships. Scholarships are listed on the counseling canvas page.
Schedule changes are happening now. Students can change their schedules now through the first week back from break.
Seniors need to complete their Free Application for Financial Student Aid (FAFSA) Please see this link for help.
ACT test dates
SAT test dates
Return to Learn Safety Plan
Office Barney's 4-1-1
Hello again from Officer Barney.
Just a few safe driving reminders:
It’s getting the time of the year when there is frost. So, make sure you get all your vehicle windows clear.
Use your headlights when visibility is low and when you use your wipers (state law).
Make sure you turn you lights on so the tail lights are on, because others need to see you.
Always use your seat belt. It saves lives!
Watch your speed. It saves lives and $$$.
Until next time,
Officer Barney
First Semester Grades
Eligibility
Any student who failed two or more classes during the first semester will not be eligible to participate in MSHSAA sanctioned events. This is a MSHSAA policy that supersedes our local three-week eligibility policy.
Cold Weather Reminder
Tutoring Bus
Any student interested in utilizing the bus will need to let the front office know by the end of the day on the Tuesday of that week so that routes and drivers can be arranged.
Musical Rescheduled
Clubs and Activities
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. Hultz
Student Council - Mrs. Grant and Mrs. Waisner
Yearbook - Mr. Boyles
Speech and Debate - Mrs. Reynolds
Academic Team - Mr. Walker and Mr. McGarry
Theatre - Mrs. Scheibe
Math Club - Mr. McGarry
Alumni Spotlight
CHS Alumni, please consider submitting a form to be featured in an upcoming edition of The Bird Call!
Clever High School
Email: caseyj@cleverbluejays.org
Website: www.cleverbluejays.org
Location: 6800 W Veterans Blvd, Clever, MO, USA
Phone: (417) 743-4830
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Clever-High-School-107961380555502/
Twitter: @CleverJays