Wildcat Press Newsletter
Jan 17 2021 Vol. 24
Principal's Message
Hello Wildcat Pride,
We continue to move right along, here at Mesquite. Remember there is no school Monday the 18th in celebration of MLK Day. When we return Tuesday we will begin with M-Z students on campus as we continue our hybrid for the rest of January (see the calendar below to know which days are which students).
This week could be a bit stressful, with the uncertainty of the presidential transition and possible demonstrations in the capital, many of us are distracted. Plus the increase in the COVID 19 cases and death's. Please lets all remember to be sure our students and children are feeling safe and free to ask questions.
We start winter sports seasons this week, and while it will not be open for the public to attend we are working on ways to get the games live streamed and will pass along this information as soon as it is finalized.
This week we are starting registration for next year so please pay attention to that information later in the newsletter. Students will have many options as the letter I sent out earlier this year explained. Have conversations with your student about what is best for them and how they can best learn and we can serve them.
Each day I come to Mesquite with the idea that today we are going to move ourselves and our students forward. Some days this is easy and others it can be difficult. What I have learned is that it really doesn't matter how hard or long I have to work, if I do what is necessary and make decisions that are best for students, in the end they fall in line with our mission of excellence. Keep moving forward even if somedays it is slow going, progress is the goal.
Thanks for your partnership!
Rod Huston
Principal
Mesquite High School
@MHSAZ_Principal
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MHS Administrative Team!
Mrs. Marguerite Brown
Assistant Principal
Activities and Clubs
Grade Level: Freshman
Juniors Last Name O-Z
@MHSWildcat_News
Mr. Rudy Alvarado
Assistant Principal
Athletic Director
Grade Level: Sophomores
Juniors Last Name E-N
@MesquiteAthDept
Mrs. Mitzi Escobar
Assistant Principal
Registration & Academics
Grade Level: Seniors
Juniors Last Name A-D
@Mhsescobar
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GPS going to Hybrid learning model Until Jan. 29...
Click the link below if you have not already seen the district information on the governing boards decision on Hybrid learning.
Below is a day by day list of which day students attend by last name alpha split.
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Paws-atively Awesome
Alex McDermott
Jennifer Tran
HEALTH OFFICE HOTSPOT!
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Wildcat Counseling
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Peer Tutoring
Maybe you didn't do so hot in some of your classes last semester? Don't wait until it's too late this semester! Get extra help now!! During the hybrid learning schedule, PEER TUTORING is available in the MHS Career Center during both lunches on THURSDAYS and FRIDAYS (10:30-11:00 and 11:55-12:25). Don't be shy, come on in!!
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Online 2021-22 Course Delivery Options
As we prepare to enter the registration and course selection period for the 2021-22 school year we are delighted to update you that Gilbert Public Schools has made adjustinents to our course delivery options for students 7-12th grade to better accommodate student and family needs. During the period of course selection (January/February 2021), students will have the opportunity to select both in-person and online courses, allowing for learning model flexibility, and increased access to courses, while students remain enrolled at Mesquite High School. Students can select courses based on their own academic and learning model needs, including 100% in-person, a mix of both in-person and online, or 100% online options.
Please find below information regarding the online learning models that students will now have access to during course selection.
Synchronous Online Courses - Students may choose a synchronous course as an option when they are looking for an alternative to in-person instruction. Please note, these courses include many but not all of the courses taught as an in-person option.
o These courses will be offered through Mesquite High School and taught by Mesquite High teaching staff. O Course pacing is determined by the teacher with students required to meet on a regular basis via Webex.
Students are expected to complete independent work and assignments on days they are not
meeting via Webex. O Course content is delivered via an online platform (such as Buzz). O Courses will take the entire semester to complete and will follow the school calendar days. O Students may choose a synchronous course as part of their regular day at Mesquite High School or as an
option for home based instruction. Distance Learning - Students may choose from a limited number of Distance Learning courses when they are looking for a course option that may not be available at Mesquite High School. (For example, Calculus Ill and Physics C are not taught at all campuses.) You will receive follow up notification regarding these options. These courses may not be taught in person at Mesquite, but will allow a student to interact "live" in real time with an instructor at another campus via online technology. (Technology upgrades will make this possible.)
O These courses will only be taught in a limited portion of the overall school schedule (mornings only, for
example) o Students will take these courses as part of their instructional day. Asynchronous Online Courses - Students may choose an asynchronous course when looking for a way to accelerate earning credit or making up credits they are missing.
O These courses are offered through GPS Global Academy. O Self-paced O Taught in a 9 week block
Students may choose an asynchronous course as part of their regular day at Mesquite by enrolling in a
Center For Success class where they will work on their online course. © Students may choose asynchronous courses as an option for home based instruction.
After your student has made their course selections, they will then meet with their counselor to determine the mode of instruction for the courses (ie. asynchronous, synchronous, or distance learning).
We hope that these adjustments will allow us to better meet the needs of the families and students in our community.
2021-2022 Course Registration
The course registration process for the 2021-2022 school year is underway. Last week, a course registration presentation was shown to students through their English classes. Students also updated their 4-year course plan in Infinite Campus. Please review the following information about course registration.
1. All 9th, 10th and 11th grade students received a course registration form. A parent/guardian will need to review and sign their student's course registration form. Students should choose their courses carefully; there will be no elective changes. Once the form is completed, students need to return the form to their English teacher by Wednesday, January 20th.
2. Counselors will meet with students individually through their English class during the weeks of January 25th and February 1st to review and finalize their course selections for the 2021-2022 school year.
3. You can view the course registration presentation here.
4. For more information about courses, go to www.gilbertschools.net, click on Academics, then click on Course Descriptions.
5. If your student is requesting release time or no lunch, a form is required to be completed. Forms will be available in the MHS Counseling Office at the beginning of the school year. Please note that a form does not guarantee release time. Students must be on track to graduate and release time periods requested may not fit in a student's schedule.
6. Dual Enrollment and Advanced Placement (AP) courses are two ways for students to earn college credit during high school. Click here for more information about dual enrollment courses. Click here for more information about AP courses.
7. Current 10th and 11th grade students who would like to attend EVIT next year will need to (1) complete a MHS EVIT Interest Form and (2) complete the EVIT online application. Students who currently attend EVIT do not need to complete this application. Click here for more information about EVIT.
All forms for course registration are available on the MHS Counseling website. If you have any questions, please contact your student's counselor.
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Virtual College Fairs
Virtual College Fair for Gilbert Public Schools
Gilber Public Schools is hosting a virtual college fair on Thursday, January 28th.Seniors, please sign up here! There will be two times during that day that seniors can go online and talk to representatives from the colleges.
Series of Virtual College Fairs
College Board is hosting their first-ever series of virtual college fairs called BigFuture™ Days. Sophomores and juniors are encouraged to sign up for a chance to connect directly with college admissions representatives and current college students. You'll have a chance to explore colleges in a way that's not overwhelming, ask questions about topics you want to learn about, and take action on key college planning steps. Register at cb.org/bigfuturedays.
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Scholarship Highlight of the Week - Dorrance Scholarship
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Chandler-Gilbert Community College Information
The CGCC early college program ACE and Hoop of Learning application deadlines have been extended to Feb. 19! Click here for more information.
Counselor Appointments
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Message from our Athletic Director
Winter Sports
After initially cancelling the Winter season on 1/8, the AIA Executive Board reversed their decision on 1/12 and we will now begin our soccer, basketball, and wrestling seasons next week! As part of their decision, the AIA is requiring all student-athletes to wear a mask both while on the bench and while competing. They also passed a motion allowing 2 parents/guardians per student-athlete into HOME games only. Season passes will be available through GoFan for parents to purchase. A link will be provided when they are available to buy.
For away games, you will not be able to attend your student's games but streaming options will be available for parents in most (if not all) cases. The links to streaming away games will be shared with families prior to the game through team emails and social media.
Tennis
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About MHS
Email: mhsinfo@gilbertschools.net
Website: https://www.gilbertschools.net/mesquitehigh
Location: 500 South McQueen Gilbert, AZ 85233
Phone: 480-632-4750
Twitter: @MHSWildcat_News