Eagle Connect: MHS November News
October 2023
A Message from Principal Dr. Chris Botts
The Botts Office
Dear Maize High School Parents/Guardians:
I love the fall and especially the month of November. It is a perfect time of year to reflect on all that we have to be thankful for. Most of you know a little bit about my story and what me and my family are going through. I wanted to take a moment and say thank you to the Maize community for all of your love and support during this chapter.
November tends to be a short month in terms of the school year. Here are a few notes and reminders about our celebrations and upcoming events:
News & Notes
Fall Break will be the week of November 20-24. Students and staff will have the full week off! I hope you all enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with family and friends!
The winter sports season will begin the week of November 13th. There is a buffer week (Nov. 6-12) where students and coaches cannot participate in pre-season workouts. Winter sports include boys and girls basketball, boys and girls wrestling, boys and girls bowling, and boys swimming/diving. Students must have a physical on file with the athletic office prior to being allowed to practice. There will be a winter sport parent meeting on Monday, November 6th starting at 6pm in the MHS Auditorium.
Girls Golf- The Eagle golfers had a great showing at the state tournament. Kinslea Jones is the 6A state champion (now a 3x winner), Alexis Elliott medaled at 18th place, and Charlotte Kerbs finished 32nd. Other state qualifiers were Emma Hays, Hadley Topping, and Jayden Ramsey-Hallacy.
Girls Tennis- In girls tennis, Rylee Frye finished 5th in regionals and medaled at state as the 9th place finisher.
Cross Country- The girls cross country team finished 4th at regionals. Alexis Thopmson was 4th, Jillian Gudenkauf was 15th, Addison Parrott was 18th, Caylee Ohl was 21st and Cambri Dietz was 30th. On the boys side, Kaleb Glazier was the regional champion followed by Caiden Unruh (8th), Jax Alvarez (13th), Alex Ayin (15th), Grady Carlson (22nd), Jayden Parrent (36th), and Jackson Coelho (38th). At state, the boys team finished in 8th place with Kaleb Glazier being a medalist.
Volleyball- The Eagle volleyball team finished the regular season 16-18. On Saturday, the Eagles defeated Liberal and Lawrence Free State and qualified for the 6A state tournament.
Football- The football team finished the regular season 3-5 and traveled to Goddard for their first round matchup in the playoffs. The Eagles won and are now headed to Liberal this Friday night.
Boys Soccer- The boys soccer team finished the regular season 4-10-2. They played Derby in the first round of regionals and lost 1-0.
Marching Band
Central States Marching Festival- Superior 1 rating
Lee’s Summit Marching Festival- 1st Place Silver Division, Outstanding Field Percussion, Outstanding Visual Effect, Outstanding Music, and Outstanding General Effect
Air Capital Marching Festival- 2nd Place
Math Day Competition
Josiah Johnson- Top 50% Geometry
Thatcher Huten- Top 50% Geometry
Hung Vo- Top 50% Algebra
Jacob Froese- Top 50% Algebra
Hung Vo, Devin Short, Jacob Froese- Top 50% Algebra Team
Koen Heuer, Thatcher Auten, Charles Sharp- Top 50% Geometry
Substitute Positions
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.
Have an awesome November!
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
November/December 2023 Important Dates:
November 2nd & 3rd - Balfour will be at MHS to take Senior Announcement orders and class ring orders from 10:30 AM - 1:30 PM.
November 2nd - Balfour will be available in the evening from 7-8:30 PM in the MHS Commons.
Friday, November 3rd - ACT Registration deadline for the Saturday, December 9th test.
November 10th - No School, Staff Development Day
November 20th - 24th - No School, Fall Break
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
SENIOR SLIDESHOW PICTURE SUBMISSIONS
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.
​
GENERAL ACT 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.
If paying for your student to take a Saturday 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.
UPCOMING ACT TESTING DATE
Friday, November 3 is the last regular day to sign up for the Saturday, December 9 ACT test. This is the final senior ACT testing opportunity that many colleges will accept for merit-based scholarship deadline submissions.
We recommend that college-bound juniors take the ACT at least once their junior year (the during-school February test date works) and again at the beginning of their senior year. High-achieving sophomores may want to take it for practice.
Students signing up to take the ACT should register at www.actstudent.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).
Maize High will not be hosting the December ACT test, but students may select a different testing center in the area.
To make sure Maize High gets a copy of your test scores to list on your transcript, use the high school code: 171-885
Senior Parents: If seeking an improved senior year ACT score opportunity, it is important to take one of the first two ACT tests of the school year. This way scores can be sent to colleges by scholarship deadlines. Maize Schools will not be giving the ACT this year free to seniors.
Junior Parents: This year MHS will give the ACT to juniors during a school day in February, free of charge. Students DO NOT need to register individually for this particular test date. Maize High School will complete all necessary arrangements.
If you have any questions, please contact your counselor.
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.
APPLY FREE DAYS IN NOVEMBER
In an effort to encourage more students to continue their education beyond high school, the state is implementing Apply Free Days from November 7th - 9th, 2023. During these three days in November, application fees for all state, community, technical, and independent colleges in Kansas will be waived for residents of the state. Please visit www.kansasregents.org/applyfree for complete information on the Apply Free Days campaign.
College and Career
From Diane Close - College & Career Advocate
The month of November in the College and Career office is all about encouraging seniors to apply to the college(s) of their choice and begin the FAFSA process.
November 2nd - Juniors and seniors are invited to visit Emporia State University
November 8th - We will host an Apply KS day where students receive assistance as they complete college applications. During blocks 1, 2 and FLEX we will have admissions representatives available to assist students. Seniors are able to celebrate with pictures to post on social media and refreshments.
November 7th, 8th & 9th - Are free days to submit KS College applications. We are hopeful students will take advantage of this opportunity during our Apply KS event.
November 14th - Juniors and seniors have the opportunity to visit Wichita State University. If students are interested in joining us on this tour they must submit $15 cash to the counseling office before receiving the registration link. Registration for this event will close November 10th.
January 8th - Mark your calendar and plan to join us during our FAFSA/Scholarship Information Session in the MCA at 6:30p
January 18th - The College and Career office will host the FAFSA Completion event. Several Financial Aid representatives from area post-secondary institutions will assist families as they work through the process of completing the FAFSA.
If you have any questions or would like assistance completing either of these items please email your College & Career Advocate.
Caring Hearts Food Drive
KAY Club - Caring Hearts Food Drive
KAY Club will begin our annual Caring Hearts Food Drive on November 1st. This year, Maize Caring Hearts is doing a "fill the box" initiative where students will fill boxes with supplies for whole families instead of collecting individual items from students. We are asking for your help in this drive by collecting items from your first block to fill boxes. Not that we need more motivation than donating to a great cause, but KAYs will reward the top contributing class with donuts!
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, RN
MHS Nurse's Office
Maize BOE Medication Policy Changed, August 14, 2023!
Over the Counter Medications - High schoolers may NOT carry over the counter medications. The
school is providing stock medications like Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Zyrtec and Tums. Here is how parents/guardians give the school nurses office consent to administer over the counter stock medications:
Parents/Guardians - Sign into your Skyward account.
Open browser
Click the +
Online Forms
Fill out Forms
Find Consent for Over the Counter Medications
Click on the medications you want the school nurse’s office to administer to your teen.
Submit
The school nurse's office will call you to verify it is ok to adminster the over the counter medications when your teen asks for the over the over the counter stock medication.
Prescription Medications - Will your 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. Click on the button below for the medication form.
Inhalers, EpiPens, Diabetic Medications, Seizure Medications – 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, Click on the button below for the medication form.
Students Going Home - Have your teen check out through the school nurse if they are going home sick or have injured themselves during the school day.
School Nurse Office Hours: 7:20am to 2:55pm Monday through Friday
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
Kansas-A Friend AsKS App
A beneficial new app was created in Kansas to help with youth suicide prevention and we want parents to have the information. The app is called "Kansas-A Friend AsKS" and provides resources, warning signs, how to help a friend, how to get help now etc. and is now available in both the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store. It is free to download. It also can be accessed through the youth suicide prevention website www.ag.ks.gov/asKS.
Upcoming Eagle Events
Mock Trial Competition
We are starting a Mock Trial Competition team this year. This team is open to any student 9-12 at Maize High School. The competition is run through the Kansas Bar Association and there will be local competitions, then regional competitions, followed by state and national competitions. If your child is interested please have your child contact Mr. Gilson in F7 or at rgilson@usd266.com.
Fusion Magazine
Opportunities are available to work with the OneMaize Media magazine, Fusion. Contact Jodee Johnson to see what Fusion is all about!
Students In The News
MHS Girls Golf
Congratulations to our Girls Golf on a great season and placing at the state tournament.
- Kinslea Jones was the 6A state champion in golf! She is now a 3-time state champion!
- Rylee Frye finished in 9th place at the 5A state tournament. Alexis Elliott finished in 18th as a medalist and Charlotte Kerbs also qualified for day 2 of the tournament.
SCKMEA Jazz Band
Congratulations to Jaxon Benard and Ryan Bayliff for auditioning and being selected for the SCKMEA Jazz Band.
Maize Cross Country
The Maize Cross Country team had a daunting challenge to qualify for the State Meet this year. The previous three years the boys had won League and Regional, and placed 5th, 5th, and 4th in the 5A State Meet, but they were moved up to Class 6A this fall. They met the challenge! So, congratulations to the Maize Boys Cross Country team for winning their league meet, placing 2nd at their regional meet, and finishing 8th at the 6A State Cross Country meet, beating their incoming coaches ranking by at least 10 spots. Kaleb Glazier paced the boys with an 11th place all-state finish. Additionally, Caiden Unruh, Alex Ayin, Jax Alvarez, Grady Carlson, Jayden Parrent, and Jackson Coelho all ran either lifetime bests, or their best ever state course time. While the girls finished 4th at their 6A regional meet, Alexis Thompson qualified for state as an individual. She, too, ran her best ever state meet course time by a full minute! The high school season is over now, but many Eagles harriers will go on to compete at Nike Heartland in Sioux Falls, SD on November 12th. Best of luck Eagles!
One Maize Media - Repeat Champions
The OneMaize Media team is officially the 2023 Kansas State Fair Scholastic Press Corps champions. Out of 37 total teams and more than 200 students, the OMM team finished as the Grand Champions of the video contest for the second consecutive year! The team also won awards for the best b-roll as well as the best lead story. Way to go Titus Dopps, Malanie Coombs, Sydney Lampkin, Stahley Sears, Avery Liedl, Emma Wilks, Haley Barnard, Kristoffer Skjaeveland and Madadlyn Rhoads!
Students In Action
Aviation Club
Maize Aviation club visited Textron's Research and Development on October 18th.
Students were able to fly the new SkyCarrier simulator and tour the facility.
Show and Sew
Family members of students in Essentials of Fashion, Apparel, & Interior Design (Sewing I) joined us at our first term Show & Sew event. Students' personal projects were on display and family members were able to sew a sweater or velvet pumpkin with their student.
Outdoor Education
Outdoor Education students having fun and honing in their archery and fishing skills.
Early Childhood Education Students
Fun things are happening in the Early Childhood & Teaching Pathway!
- Brain break - playing with shaving cream
- Speed dating to get to know each other
- Music & Movement activity for our preschool classrooms.
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