Mr. Curry's Weekly Blog

Second Try for Picture....

2012-01-30T11:21:00.001-06:00

First Team All-Tournament @ Rushville

2012-01-30T08:24:00.001-06:00

Holly Crocher and Kami Kern with their All-Tournament plaques and the team's lucky pillow pet.

2nd Place Team Photo

2012-01-30T08:21:00.001-06:00

2nd Place @ Rushville Tournament

Lady Warriors Earn 2nd Place at Rushville.

2012-01-30T08:17:00.001-06:00

By going 4-0 after a first game defeat, Athens collected a nice 2nd place plaque.

A great thought about to approach your job

2012-01-28T16:03:00.001-06:00

"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." ~ Theodore Roosevelt -- DailyQu0tes (@DailyQu0tes)

Saturday Crew's Effort This AM

2012-01-28T09:07:00.002-06:00

The Saturday crew of J,D,K,G,&S worked hard this AM to restore the gym to pre-game condition. The gym can get pretty trashy after a Friday night game that included a packed house. Also, since we had time, we recycled all the plastic bottles we could find! All the sweeping, cleaning, recycling, and trash hauling took 51 minutes. Another great effort. PS..check out the the way the sunlight plays in the gym this early.

Basketball, Junior Cheer/Dance, & Chili

2012-01-27T14:10:00.001-06:00

Tonight the Warriors host North Mac. The AEA is having a chili supper as well. At half time of the JV game, junior cheer/dance will perform.

Mega Night

2012-01-21T18:47:00.001-06:00

Ms. Walser's 1st graders singing the National Anthem with our Lady Warriors in their pink cancer awareness uniforms.

Busy Week @ AHS

2012-01-17T12:25:00.001-06:00

This is a jam packed week of athletics at AHS. Monday the girls hosted IC. Tonight the boys travel to Mt. P and the girls go there on Thursday. Also tonight, the scholastic bowl team travels to N. Mac. Friday the boys play @ Riverton. Saturday is Mega-Night. The creation of former AD Chip Jamerson, Mega-Night includes 4 bb games starting @ 3pm. We will host MWC for gjv, bjv, gv,& bv. Between the jvb and the vg game we will recognize the 7th grade girls bb team for their 3rd place state finish. Hope to see you there!

Watching a former student @ Shirk Center

2012-01-14T17:37:00.002-06:00

Olivia Lett is a former student of mine from Pana IL. She is a senior at Illinois Wesleyan. She is averaging 20 pts per night. The Titans are leading by 11 @ half. Btw.. No KJ sighting yet. The Athens grad and track standout may be in the house tonight also...

No School Today!

2012-01-13T09:31:00.001-06:00

Looks like a long wintery weekend for all of us. Students have 4 days off now. I will see you all back on Tuesday. If you are a fan of snow, cold temps,& high winds - have fun outside today.

Farthest Away Reader To Date

2012-01-12T15:51:00.001-06:00

I received a very nice email today from a blog follower in Italy. Italy would probably take the Farthest Away Reader Award. If I ever make to Italy for the Giro, I might now have an insider to show me where to get the best cappuccino!

Additional Cancellations:

2012-01-12T14:53:00.001-06:00

All AHS/AJHS after school activities have been cancelled for this evening.

HS Cancellations to this point...

2012-01-12T11:12:00.001-06:00

CACC students will not be attending classes in Springfield.

Sean practicing his sewing skills.

2012-01-12T11:03:00.001-06:00

Hope you enjoyed the mild weekend

2012-01-08T19:44:00.001-06:00

I hope you spent some time outside this weekend. While the trails were a bit sloppy today, Saturday was beautiful. The weather appears to be changing a bit. I hope we get some more of what we have had the past week!

Proud Dad

2012-01-08T19:39:00.001-06:00

On Friday, my daughter Emma out lasted 9 other C I S students to win the 2012 Geography Bee. Pretty exciting stuff in the home of a former social studies teacher!

Even detentions can be beneficial

2012-01-05T09:07:00.001-06:00

A thank you from the Lions Club to the Saturday Detention crew for their assistance before Christmas. We try to make discipline a learning experience.

Player of the Game

2011-12-20T12:48:00.001-06:00

Mitch Wendling won the POG for the Warriors over the Rockets last night.

Great Vantage Point

2011-12-19T20:28:00.001-06:00

Watching the Warriors get ready to take on Routt at Illinois College

Enjoying some blue hot chocolate

2011-12-19T17:25:00.001-06:00

Received a gift of Aggie Blue Hot Chocolate today. Made a cup tonight. Tastes like hot chocolate...sort of. :)

Session 2

2011-12-06T11:55:00.001-06:00

Session 3 discussed using the ACT College Readiness Standards to focus instruction. We have been doing this at AHS in our math, science, and English departments for 4 years. The conversation also included using 9 week assessments and the total EPAS program to assist students in reaching academic success. This was a self-esteem booster for me. It shows that we (staff and admin) are already doing things that other schools are just starting. This is no reason to rest though. I have already noted several ideas to share with my staff. Session 3 is upcoming .......

Session 1

2011-12-06T11:07:00.003-06:00

My first session focused on ipad use in the science department. The session was excellent for a variety of reasons. Many of the tips and ideas will work with or without an ipad. It is always nice to hear what other districts are doing to improve the learning environment. The 2 speakers were science teachers from St. Charles North HS. Session 2 is about to start and it deals with school improvement.

Healthy Choice

2011-12-06T11:07:00.001-06:00

Attending a conference in Springfield today. Got up early and played some 6AM basketball.....had to pass on the donuts and bagels ....

The High School Years Parent Resources

2011-12-06T03:19:00.001-06:00

I just added the 2 newest parent resource documents to the webpage. One has strategies for dealing with bullying and another has reading tips for studying and learning.

Busy Week

2011-12-05T13:25:00.001-06:00

A busy week at Athens High School is upon us. Monday the girls BB team travels to Riverton. On Tuesday, the girls go to Auburn and the boys BB team hosts Williamsville at home. On Thursday, Scholastic Bowl travels to New Berlin for the Conference Meet. Also, on Thursday, Mrs. Slager will be taking a group of design students to the Dana Thomas House. On Friday, FFA will travel to Moline for a tour of the John Deere Facilities. The Warriors will host New Berlin on Friday night as well.

Another fun Saturday Morning

2011-12-04T10:27:00.001-06:00

Hit the trails by 8. Also....Good luck to the 7th grade girls BB team at state.

Tonight's Schedule

2011-11-29T16:32:00.001-06:00

The Warrior Classic ends tonight. The Warriors play their final game at around 7:30pm against Delavan. Prior to our game, HartEm will play Calvary. Look forward to seeing you there. Also, the Lady Warriors defeated Olympia at home last night. The Lady Warriors will host Williamsville here at 6:15 (JV) 7:30 (Var) on Thursday. The boys will travel to Edinburg on Friday night.

Tis The Season

2011-11-28T08:42:00.001-06:00

Mitch is hard at work putting up the main office tree.

Warrior Classic Friday

2011-11-25T20:51:00.001-06:00

Athens is winning over Calvary by 18 with 3m left. They will pull even at 1-1.
PORTA defeated HartEm by 16
Saturday Athens will play PORTA at 6pm.

Warrior Classic Updates

2011-11-25T18:51:00.001-06:00

Monday: Delavan defeated HartEm and PORTA defeated Calvary.
Tuesday : PORTA defeated Delavan and HartEm defeated Athens.
Tonight : HartEm plays PORTA @ 6 and Athens plays Calvary @ 730p

Reunion with my former boss!

2011-11-25T15:10:00.001-06:00

After a long ride in Washington, we went for a gyro and ran into my boss from a college delivery job 20+ years ago. If you are ever in Washington and hungry - head to Khouries and visit Sarkhis.

Farmdale View

2011-11-25T12:59:00.001-06:00

Another day in the saddle. Riding with friends in Farmdale.

Bowling With Seniors

2011-11-22T10:20:00.001-06:00

My first group: TJ, Peyton, & Holly.

Eating Pizza With Spanish 4

2011-11-21T12:01:00.001-06:00

Spanish 4 class get to enjoy Pizza Hut for winning the canned food drive.

Girls Open With a Big Win

2011-11-15T14:47:00.001-06:00

The Lady Warriors opened their season last night with a 44-26 victory the Lady Indians from Pawnee High School. The girls play again tonight at 6:15 against Kincaid.

Meg at the Mic

2011-11-10T12:06:00.001-06:00

Meg giving her Veterans Day Address this morning at CIS in front of 500 people.

Veterans Day Assembly Thursday

2011-11-09T18:40:00.001-06:00

The AHS Leadership Committee's Annual Veterans Day Assembly is set for Thursday at CIS at 8:30am. I will post pictures and stories tomorrow night.

Congratulations Dana on All-State Selection!

2011-11-08T11:31:00.001-06:00

Senior Dana Koerner was selected to 2nd chair IEMA All-State. Dana plays the flute in Athens HS band.

Conference Tonight

2011-11-02T12:39:00.001-05:00

I hope that everyone was able to find a time that worked for them. The scheduling of conferences allows for a more student-focused conference. There are plenty of time slots left for Friday. You can also walk-in. Walk-ins just have to wait for pre-scheduled meetings to end. Hope to see you at the school over the next few days.

A Bus Full of FANS!

2011-10-30T12:29:00.001-05:00

I wanted to thank all of the kids who rode the fan bus on Saturday. I know the football team appreciated your attendance. It was a long ride and you all appeared to have fun. Thanks be great fans...

Saturday's Results

2011-10-30T12:26:00.001-05:00

Saturday was a day that brought an end to three fall sports. The Warrior football team fought valiantly against the 9-0 CSE Panthers. The Panthers eventually won the game 27-14. Our seniors have been so instrumental in our young program's success. Our varsity program has been to the playoffs 3 times in 6 years. Also on Saturday, our Conference champion boy's cross-country team competed in the sectional. The girls' team competed as well. Unfortunately, we did not advance in either division. Our boys and girls had outstanding seasons this year. The boys gave us our 1st conference championship in any sport since 1986. Great job.

FAN BUS

2011-10-26T14:28:00.002-05:00

There may be a fan bus for Saturday's football game. Students interested need to stop in the office Thursday.

Fan Bus

2011-10-26T14:28:00.001-05:00

A fan bus may be available for Saturday's football game. Stop in the office to get the details.

Regional semi-final action

2011-10-25T19:13:00.001-05:00

Game 1

Big Semi-Final Game Tonight

2011-10-25T08:52:00.001-05:00

Your Lady Warriors will play PORTA tonight in the 2nd of 2 regional matches at Athens High School.Game 1 starts @ 530p b/w Williamsville and Tremont. Athens and PORTA will follow at around 630p. Come out and support your Warriors.

HS Yearbook issue

2011-10-24T16:04:00.001-05:00

The yearbook order forms that were sent out by Jostens to all high school students via the mail were misprinted. The order forms were stamped Athens Junior High School instead of Athens High School. New forms will be sent out to everyone very soon.

Warrior Playoff Game

2011-10-24T11:37:00.001-05:00

The Warrior Football team will travel to Camp Point Central High School for their 1st round game. The game is scheduled for 1pm on Saturday the 29th. More information will follow soon. Check back for directions and other game related information.

Here Comes The Boom On Senior Night

2011-10-20T14:29:00.001-05:00

Tonight the Warriors host New Berlin for Senior Night. Becca, Holly,& Jet would love a big crowd tonight. I want thank them for their dedication to our program over the past 4 years and more.

IPA Annual Conference

2011-10-18T21:52:00.001-05:00

This Monday and Tuesday, I attended the 40th annual Illinois Principals Conference in Peoria. This year's conference had many great sessions to choose from. I attended the following sessions:
1. Using service learning to increase student achievement.
2. Creating a vision of learning.
3. High school roundtable.
4. Maximizing your IPA membership.
5. It's not just joking around! Understanding school bullying through the eyes of a former victim.
6. 1st general session: How an educator saved my life
7. 2nd general session: President's Address and the state education.
8. 3rd general session: The achievement gap myth

Some sessions were better than others. All the sessions had something to offer. It was often difficult to choose between 8-10 options each session. Time between sessions was spent visiting with other principals, networking of sorts.

I ended the conference by having lunch with our former athletic director, Chip Jamerson. Chip is now an elementary principal in Ridgeview. It was great catching up with Chip and hearing about his first 2 months on the job as a building principal.

Diversity Course This Weekend

2011-10-16T09:49:00.002-05:00

On Saturday, our class of principals, superintendents, and other grad students spent an afternoon with members of the Islamic Center of the Quad Cities. We were welcomed by members of the congregation and treated to a presentation on the world of Islam. Through my college studies and work as a world history teacher, I would like to think that I am well-versed in the cultures and religions of the world. But, I learned even more about the world of Islamic people in the United States. We were treated to a long question and answer session regarding our varying cultures. We were able to witness the late afternoon prayer. I am not sure, but I would bet that I am the only one of my friends who have attended a religious service in a mosque. It was quite an enlightening experience. This course is about diversity and tolerance.

Boys Conference Cross Country CHAMPIONS

2011-10-11T17:51:00.001-05:00

A Great Start To The Day

2011-10-09T09:47:00.001-05:00

Right in our own back yard. New Salem State Park. Have a great holiday weekend.

Cyberbullying and Internet Safety Seminar

2011-10-07T09:23:00.001-05:00

All-school assembly....more info later

Congratulations To Our Golfers

2011-10-06T07:08:00.001-05:00

Luke, Colin,& Caitlin for advancing out of golf regionals.

Spotlight Students For September

2011-10-05T15:22:00.001-05:00

The following students were selected as spotlight students by the staff this month.

Back In Good Hands

2011-10-05T06:47:00.001-05:00

The Blacktop Braggin Rights Trophy is back in Athens. With the series tied at three wins each, next year is a big game on the schedule. Hope to see everyone this Friday as the Warriors look to build on last week's big win with a victory over Auburn. See you at Auburn.

Good Luck Golfers

2011-10-04T09:41:00.001-05:00

Today is the boy's golf regional tournament at Shambolee in Petersburg. Good Luck Athens and Greenview golfers.

Skills

2011-10-03T13:51:00.001-05:00

Just another great skill that one of our students has. The things that some of these kids do outside of school as hobbies are often the last things you would guess they were interested in.

Japanese Visitors

2011-09-29T11:49:00.001-05:00

During the week of September 19, Athens hosted two Japanese students as part of the Sister-City Program in Springfield. Springfield's sister-city is Ashikaga City in Japan. Ashikaga is located in the Tochigi Prefecture. The two students stayed with two separate families and attended school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday was spent at local historic sites and elsewhere. The two students attended volleyball and football games, as well as, the homecoming dance. In addition to the students, we were privileged enough to have the opportunity to visit with a middle school principal, English teacher, and school board member; all from Japan. We did introductions, exchanged gifts (as is customary) and then discussed education and toured the building. Can you just imagine what they thought of our homecoming-themed class colors day? :) The Sister-City Program held a Japan Night on Wednesday and the host families and principals of the local schools involved were invited to attend. It was a fun evenig of food, games, and presentations. I think that our visitors and our host families all enjoyed the experience - communication and cultural differences aside.

Japanese students and delegates

2011-09-29T11:33:00.001-05:00

Thursday's Volleyball Game

2011-09-27T14:17:00.001-05:00

A RED OUT for the American Heart Association will be held on Thursday, September 29 th at the Athens/Riverton volleyball game. Any person wearing the official Red Out shirt gets into the game free and is entered in a raffle for cash prize. Official Red Out shirts are available for purchase in the office or from Mrs. Swaney for $10.

Bonfire Tonight

2011-09-22T15:14:00.001-05:00

The annual homecoming bonfire will be held tonight behind the library. The festivities begin around 745pm.

Dodgeball

2011-09-21T11:29:00.002-05:00

Dodgeball

2011-09-21T11:29:00.001-05:00

Friday Night

2011-09-21T09:37:00.001-05:00

DUI Simulator@school today

2011-09-20T14:01:00.001-05:00

Roseboom (dressed as a cat) giving blood for first time

2011-09-20T11:00:00.001-05:00

Jacob giving double reds at NHS blood drive

2011-09-20T10:46:00.001-05:00

Jacob participating in fun with food

2011-09-20T09:07:00.001-05:00

Brett gets a new hairdo

2011-09-20T09:06:00.002-05:00

Cynthia getting peppered with cheetos

2011-09-20T09:06:00.001-05:00

Brett getting peppered with cheetos

2011-09-20T09:04:00.001-05:00

Fun with food

2011-09-20T08:56:00.001-05:00

Lauretta catching some popcorn with a peanut butter covered face. Seniors win with 112 kernals

Trent at"fun with food"

2011-09-20T08:55:00.003-05:00

James and Zach at fun with food

2011-09-20T08:55:00.001-05:00

Flicker ball fun

2011-09-19T09:43:00.001-05:00

Seniors vs Sophomores

Senior Spirit

2011-09-19T09:31:00.001-05:00

Homecoming Week

2011-09-18T20:17:00.001-05:00

This a crazy week for high school students, teachers and parents. Homecoming week is a fun filled week of games, dress up days and oh....a big football game and a silly dance. The football team will be anxious to prove they are more like the 4th quarter team from last Friday, than the first three quarters. Monday night we have Open House from 530-700pm. We also have our volleyball team playing at home. We have a busy day Tuesday with a DUI simulator and the National Honor Society Blood Drive. Thursday we will have our bonfire and the coronation for homecoming court. The game is on Friday against Sangamon Valley and the dance is on Saturday. I am sure the kids will have a great week.

Blake's New Hat!

2011-09-15T12:06:00.001-05:00

Blake and the Junior girls clowning around @ lunch.

Catching Practice

2011-09-13T18:24:00.001-05:00

Took a minute to watch the boys work in the great weather. The corn makes a nice back drop.

Sitting In A Math Class Trying to Remember...........

2011-09-13T12:56:00.001-05:00

Sitting in a math class as Ms. Cummings discusses f(x) . On the wall is a humorous poster that strikes a chord with me personally....Math illiteracy affects 8 out of every 5 people :)

Have a great day

9-11 Ten Years Later.

2011-09-10T09:36:00.001-05:00

As we appraoch the 10th anniversary of the tragedies on and associated with September 11th, I would like to thank all those who serve and haved served this nation in its defense of our freedoms. Like many of you, I have a history of military service.in my family. My grandfathers both served in WWII and Korea. My father served in Vietnam. My little brother just joined the ROTC at the Univeristy of Illinois with an eye on the Air Force and military intelligence. I had actually planned on being a police officer, like my father. I also wanted a back-up plan in case I decided it wasn't for me. I studied education and completely enjoyed everything about teaching and coaching. It is with a solid understanding of the desire to serve and a real-life appreciation for those that do, that I say "thank you" to all military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and first responders that give of themselves for others every day they go to work. Have a great weekend - but please pause for a few minutes to remember those affected by the events of 9/11 and those still fighting the fight and protecting us every day.

Warrior Victory

2011-09-09T20:59:00.001-05:00

Warriors 15-8 over Plains

Jealous

2011-09-08T22:09:00.001-05:00

Those people who actually know me outside of "Principal Curry" know that besides work and family, I have three other passions: baseball, bicycles, and Starbucks. Today, two crossed paths. After a meeting in Springfield, I stopped by Starbucks for an iced latte to go and spotted this loaded touring bike outside. The bike was definitely loaded for the long haul. I went in and ordered and then got nosey. I looked around and noticed an Asian fellow in cycling gear. I asked if he was the owner of the bike outside. He said yes. We started talking and he told me his story. He is from Tokyo. He is a graduate student at Sophia University. His major is in Environmental Studies. He flew with his bike to Santa Monica, CA. He is riding across our great country by himself. He has to be in New York by mid-October so he can be back in Tokyo for class. I told him that I plan to do the same thing when I retire. We exchanged business cards and I headed back to school and I assume he soon set out on the road. He said he rides 80-100 miles a day. He has a twitter site @Akira_usps. He also has a Facebook /akira620. Most of his posts are in Japanese. I just thought it was pretty cool to meet someone doing what you want to do (but from Tokyo) cycling across our country, by chance on a short stop at Starbucks. I told him I was jealous and that I will be doing the same thing someday.

Great Advice.

2011-09-08T09:25:00.001-05:00

Crisp Morning

2011-09-06T08:11:00.001-05:00

Needed a jacket for the ride in this morning. Not complaining - I will take this weather any day. Quite a break from the extremes of late August.

What An Atmosphere!

2011-09-03T07:50:00.001-05:00

I hope you were able to come out the AHS Sports Complex last night to watch the Warriors put it on the New Berlin Pretzels. Athens plays an outstanding ball game from the start to the finish. It was a very inspired start to Sangamo Conference play. Coach Knox and his staff had the boys ready for that one. Next week we travel to Plains to play a Cardinal team that surprised many with a close loss to perennial power Auburn. I hope to see all of you in Plains next Friday Night.

Baley Takes Out The Trash

2011-09-01T20:14:00.001-05:00

Baley and 30 other students attended the TMD Kick off party on Thursday night. The evening included games, songs, team building, and fun.

All-tournament team. Holly and Sarah

2011-08-28T19:45:00.001-05:00

Great Start To Season

2011-08-27T20:53:00.002-05:00

Second Place In Athens VB Tournament

2011-08-27T20:53:00.001-05:00

The Warriors feel just short in the championship game. Losing 25-19 to Orion.

Friday Night/Saturday Activities

2011-08-26T07:13:00.001-05:00

One week is almost in the books. We have a jam packed weekend planned. FB hosts Mt. Olive tonight. VB hosts a tournament all day Saturday at AHS and CIS. Soccer plays at home Saturday AM also. AJHS baseball also plays Saturday AM. The student parking area will be used as the staging area for the Fall Festival parade. The AHS complex will be packed on Saturday. Hope to see many of you out there.

Reminders

2011-08-22T13:23:00.001-05:00

We will have early dismissal all week. I think that our first real day has gone real well so far. Thanks to everyone who showed up for the FB scrimmage on Friday.

B game at Olympia on 8/25

2011-08-22T13:09:00.001-05:00

This game will actually be played in Minier.

Good Morning

2011-08-19T06:14:00.001-05:00

Today is the day. Students are comng back to school. It is just a short day today. We will do schedules and run through an abbreviated day. I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.

Getting Close!

2011-08-15T11:49:00.001-05:00

Less than a week from now we all be back in school. This is one of my favorite times of year. Students start rolling in again for practice, check schedules, or just to visit. This last week has been great as far the weather is concerned as well. Lets hope it continues. We have made a couple of improvements over the summer that I hope will be well received. We have also done some painting and touch-up work around the building. We have a new student recognition program that we will roll out in September as well. Football, soccer, and volleyball are all in full swing, as is golf, swimming, marching band, flags, cross country, and cheerleading. School officially statrts Friday - but many students started last week. I am looking forward to everyone's return and hope you will all make it on Friday.

Registration At CIS For ALL Today.

2011-08-03T07:23:00.001-05:00

Today is registration. We will be holding an all district registration at CIS. We are trying to save parents some driving and provide a comfortable environment for everyone. It may get a little congested at times, so please be patient as we try to improve the new plan as we go. I am looking forward to seeing familiar faces today and tomorrow.

Working at Springfield Sharefest at Harvard Park Elementary School.

2011-08-02T07:12:00.001-05:00

Mr Szoke, Adam, and I worked at the Harvard Park Elementary School - Extreme School Makeover. Quite a rewarding evening. The school was filled with volunteers. All joined in improving the learning environment for students in a building with 98% poverty rate. We are pictured with Principal Kim. Kim and many of her staff were on site tonight as well. We painted much of the second floor main hallway. Check out how you can help if you are interested. I know other Athens residents are signed up to work throughout the week.

Congratulations Mrs. Henrikson!

2011-07-30T16:47:00.001-05:00

I just want to say congratulations to our School Nurse, Linda (Ary) Henrikson on her wedding today. Linda married Erick at New Life Baptist Church today at 4PM. Congrats on a beautiful ceremony and a wish for happiness in the future.