Sweeter's Tiger Tracks

Random News and Views

It is the end of the year and there are many many irons on the fire.  I am going to provide you with some of the highlights.

1) The library is going to be open this summer on a limited basis.  HS hours are Tuesday and Thursday 12:30-4:30.  Elementary hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:00-4:30 with lunch from 12:00-12:30. It will also be open from 8:00-12:00 on Tuesday and Thursday.

2) Our 8th graders took the exit exam for Algebra I.  They have to test out in this class so that they can receive HS credit.  The following is an excerpt from Dr. Cypher the person that heads this testing at the state level. 

"I just wanted to let you know that Darlyne has some of the best results I have seen in SD schools. She and the previous teachers, curriculum, parents, and you, are all responsible. You must be doing a great job!"  Thanks, Dr Cypher

This is further proof that our math department is top notch, Mrs. Johnson deserved teacher of the year, and that our students are some of the best. 

3) The following students qualified for the state track meet: 

(Girls) Erin Wanner in the 200m, 400m, and 3200m Relay; Stephanie Fey in the Shot and Discus; Katelyn Hawkins in the 3200m; Cheyenne Schaller, Halle Dohman, and Camille Sippel in the 3200m relay.  Wow it looks like our girls program could be strong for a while. Three 7th graders, a 9th grader and 2 Sophomores. 

(Boys) Ryan Koehler in the 100m, 200m, 400m Relay; Justin Peterson in the 1600m, Medley Relay, and 3200m Relay; Tanner Johnson in the 400m relay and he Medley Relay; Sam Smith in the Medley Relay and the 3200m Relay; Heath Geidt in the Shot Put; Sam Thorson in the Discus; Gabe Kjellson in the Triple Jump; Tony Waage in the 3200m Relay; Kalen Kjellson in the 400m Relay; Ryland Strom in the 400m Relay and Matt Thorson in the 3200m Relay.  Wow that is a lot of student athletes.  Great job!!!

4) We had 4 students qualify for state soccer ODP team:  Douglas Heinrich, Toby Carda, Cheyenne Schaller, and Camille Sippel. 

Another Quote

Karma must think I must need inspirationor else its simply coincidence either way I found another cool educational quote.

Chinese proverb:

“If you are thinking a year ahead - plant seeds;
If you are thinking 10 years ahead - plant a tree;
If you are thinking 100 years ahead - educate the people “

Cool Quote

Mrs. Gonsoir found this quote and forwarded it to the staff.  I found it particularly interesting, so thought I would spread it further.

The quote comes from a speech that Lee Iacocca gave to the Pearson Foundation and the Council of Chief State School Officers conference last year.

"In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something else."

I am probably biased here, but it truly makes sense.  Where would we be without someone to teach us?

Quick Hitters

Mrs. Nyberg provided me with two articles, and they each had information that I found especially helpful/informative.

2008 ACT scores

-On the ACT writing test, females outscored boys 7.6 to 7.0.

-Students who took ACT's recommended core curriculum -- 4 years of English and 3 years if math (algebra and higher), science, ss had an average score of 22.  Students who didn't follow this recommendation averaged 19.5.                                                                                                     

-If you were at graduation you heard how important a good ACT score can be.  Our top students received incredible amounts of money.

-Males had an average score of 21.2 and females averaged 21.0.  Males scored higher on Math and Science, while females scored higher on English and Reading.

Cyberbullying

Tips for Students:

    -Don't retaliate. Escalates the situation and blurs who started the incident.

    -Make a hard copy of the material.

    -Show an adult.

    -DON'T DO OR SAY ANYTHING YOU WOULDN'T SAY OR DO IN PERSON.

Tips for Parents:

    -Leave the computer in an open spot.  (Kitchen or Living Room)

    -Talk to your child about on-line etiquette.

    -Be active in your child's on-line communities.

    -Document bullying.

    -File a complaint with the web site or phone company.

    -Contact the police if the bullying includes threats.

All School Play

I am excited to announce that next year the drama department will be performing Guys and Dolls for the all school play.  This will be a huge undertaking for our 2nd year director, and her young group of actors and actresses.  To undergo a production of this nature she is going to need some help.  The first request is that she needs old suits.  Anything from the 40s or 50s would be great.  If you have anything that we could borrow, you can call the school, 397-8381, until the end of the school year.  After the end of the school year you can call Mrs. Mogen at home, 397-8366.

Good Luck

Well another graduation weekend has come and gone, and we are sadly losing many wonderful students.  This was an especially well rounded group of young men and women.  A class made up of Merit Scholars, all state athletes, and all around great people.  A group of students that undoubtedly will be extremely successful in their futures.  It has to be somewhat exciting/intimidating to realize that you have graduated from GHS.  I say that because to steal a phrase from SDSU, you truly can go anywhere from GHS.  The proof is in the pudding. 

I think that what will always stand out for me about this class, is that these young men and women truly have had to grow up fast.  I cannot imagine another group of students that has been forced to endure such tragic losses in their young lives.  While all  of it has been terrible, and I am sure we all wish that we could have a do over.  The silver lining in all of this is that it has undoubtedly made them one of the tighter classes I can remember.

In closing CONGRATULATIONS for your accomlishments and GOOD LUCK in your future!!!

 

Two More Going to the Dance

We have had two more of our tracksters qualify for the state meet. 

Last Saturday, Stephanie Fey showed off her unique combination of strength and speed when she qualified for the shot put.  She hurled the hunk of dead weight an impressive 36'4".  POW!!!

On Tuesday, Ryan Koehler ripped off an 11.18 to qualify for state, in the 100m dash.  This is an impressive accomplishment, and one that I am sure that he will always remember.  With this young man's HS career coming to an end I feel compelled to be a little selfish.  I am sure going to miss watching this mighty might break off huge runs on the gridiron.  Runs that seemed to be contained but in a blink of an eye he was gone, man it must be nice to be able to run like a deer.  ZOOM!!!

Did you know?

http://www.mentalfloss.com/blogs/archives/21416

Cool Website

I found this website, that is not only handy but timely.  In a time that our students are earning countless awards the following website provides numerous templates for certificates.

http://www.myawardmaker.com/

Pics

Below are some pics of the artwork that led our team to a first place finish at Granary.

  

I am also including some pics from the Kiwanis Track Meet.