Happenings at AHS this Month

It has been a few weeks since my last post – I apologize. I wanted to talk about what our students have been up to lately. The students at AHS have become involved in many charitable endeavors over the past few weeks. Two senior girls have spearheaded a Relay For Life movement at the HS. They have spread information, organized a Purple-Themed Week, and began the process of signing up teams for the Relay that will be held at the Athens High School Sports Complex in the summer. The Girls Basketball Team had a Breast Cancer Awareness Night. They sold t-shirts and encouraged everyone to wear pink. Also, they made a donation to the American Cancer Society. To top off the event, the girls wore pink AHS uniforms in the game on the Breast Cancer Awareness Night. Coach Heriford and the girls should be commended for their efforts. Our Leadership Committee used the recent Mega-Basketball Day to raise money for the Haitian Earthquake Relief Effort. The group raised $300.00 for the cause. “Thank you” to all who donated or participated in the Rainbow Shot on Saturday. Student Council took an opportunity to turn the mega-Basketball Night into a week-long event. They sponsored a Spirit Week. Activities included: Class-Colors day, Predator or Prey day, favorite Sports Team day, and Green and White day. They also had a Pep Assembly on Friday. Mega-Basketball Night was a success on all fronts except the score board. The evening featured four games. The JV girls started the evening at 3:00pm. The girls lost a close one to MWC. The JV boys played at 4:30 and narrowly escaped with a 3-point win over MWC. The varsity girls were next. Unfortunately, things did not go their way. The night ended with an exciting boys varsity match that came down to two free-throws with .8 seconds left. MWC was able to sink both and escape with a two-point victory. The Poms Squad performed two dances as well. The crowd was large and enjoyed a fine evening of basketball. Mr. Jamerson should be commended for yet another successful home athletic event. As you can see, our students continue to be active in academics, athletics and other great activities.

Top : Girls' Pink Uniforms

Middle: Fan Support for the effort

Bottom: Relay for Life "Purple Day" participants

The Long Lay-off is Over!

It has been a long time since I last posted a blog. Life is busy for everyone and my life is no exception. Since the NHS Induction Ceremony, I talked about in October...October, I know, I know...There have been many happenings at Athens High School:

Academically, all grades have received either the PLAN or a Practice ACT test. First Quarter Honor Roll was announced. Second Quarter will be coming soon. Final Exams went smoothly.

Athletically, The Volleyball team advanced to the Regional Finals before falling to AC Central. AHS hosted the Warrior Classic Boys Basketball Tournament at Thanksgiving. The Girls participated in the Riverton Holiday Tournament and the Boys had a nice run to the Consolation Finals in storied Waverly Holiday Tournament.

Musically, several students auditioned for and made All-district and All-state teams. The JH/HS Music Concert was a success as was the "cookie-walk."

Clubs and organizations, TMD worked with the youth at CIS. We have a group currently working for the Relay for Life foundation. Leadership Committee has worked for the food pantry.

We have celebrated the accomplishments of several Students of the Month and Spotlight Students. Both groups can be found on our website. The Leadership Committee has recognized two teachers as an Employee of the Month.

I know that I have missed many things...... I plan to try and set aside some time weekly and continue to blog about the great things that happen here every day.

Copied from October

National Honor Society Induction 2009-2010
Last night the Athens Chapter of the National Honor Society inducted 14 new members: 12 juniors and 2 seniors. The event was wonderful. The ceremony, minus a few candles that would not light, was fantastic. The best part was the socializing after the ceremony. Parents, students, and staff stood around and talked about the students and all the positives things that they are doing. It was time for pictures and laughter. It is a great opportunity that I have - to be involved in the lives of so many kids on a daily basis. Events like last night give me an opportunity to visit with the parents and share stories about their kids and learn a little about the families as well. Mrs. Swaney put on a great show. Thank you to Mrs. Anderson for her assistance with the music.

Where Did The First Month of School Go?

In a little over a month we have breezed through Homecoming with an outstanding show of school spirit, held a blood drive, stocked the food pantry, assisted the Menard County United Fund, taken field trips, watched a tremendous volleyball team defeat some the area's best opponents, held an open house and provided hours and hours of instruction to our students. Time really flies when your students and staff are involved in so many great things. The question is................. can October be just as rewarding?

Taking Ownership of Your Education

Taking Ownership of Your Education:
Today, a small group of high school students and teachers watched Presidents Obama’s address to the students of the nation. The message was clearly directed at today’s students. President Obama made several key points regarding the importance of an education in today’s world. Three key points really jumped out to me during the speech:
1. Taking Ownership for your own education
2. Setting your educational goals (present and future)
3. Everyone is good at something
I have been talking to several of our students about taking ownership of their own education. Students need to express concerns, ask for assistance, seek advice and put in the time to make their educational experience a successful one.
It is important to have an idea of where you want to be in the future. Although where you are today does not determine where you will be in the future, the level of education you attain will have a great bearing on where you go. Students need to look at their education in several chunks of time: this week, this semester, this year, high school, college etc. While nothing is set in stone, having a plan is better than not having one,
I truly believe that all students have at least one skill. I know students who are good at everything they do. I also know students who are great musicians, poets, comedians, actors, mechanics, citizens, communicators, athletes, friends, and any number of other individual skills. It is important that each student understand that he or she has a skill and the potential for success in a variety of areas. The key is to find that area of success and build on it.
I would highly suggest that parents and student s take the time to view the President’s message. I have included a couple of links that will provide an opportunity for just that.
The VIDEO Link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/A-Message-of-Hope-and-Responsibility-for-Americas-Students/

The TRANSCRIPT Link:

http://www.whitehouse.gov/the_press_office/Remarks-by-the-President-in-a-National-Address-to-Americas-Schoolchildren/


Have a great week!

A True Benefit!

I just wanted to personally thank everyone who had a hand in the Adam Padget Benefit on Sunday August 30, 2009. The day was a huge success. The event was a community affair that brought several groups together for a good cause. The silent auction, live auction, 50/50, meals and dunk tank proceeds were amazing. While the water was a LITTLE cold, we survived. Myself, Coaches Heriford, Wible, Hughes, and Knox, Former Coach Dion, Susie Hager, elementary principal – Mr. Szoke and Shay Laager all did our best to “talk” as many people as possible into taking a shot at dunking us. The outpouring of assistance was amazing. So again, “Thank you “to all of the community volunteers, community members who attended, my high school and our district staff that attended. A special “thanks” to Coach Oller and the Pleasant Plains football team. Coach Oller and a handful of players showed up in their Cardinal Red in support of the benefit. Coach Oller and his players also made a monetary donation as well. What great generosity from the Cardinal Football Program.

They're Back!!!

It is that time again. Teachers and students are returning to school. School is a rather boring place for me from about June 30th-August 15th. I got in this business for kids. As I moved from the classroom to the office - I realized that there were a lot of great teachers out there as well. Our students are well-behaved and great young citizens. Our staff is made up of hardworking and enjoyable people. As both groups return to AHS, the noise level increases, the amount of conversation increases and the battery is recharged for another year of work(if you can call it that). I hope you and your students are as ready for this time of year as I am. I will try my best to post "early and often." As always - if you have any concerns or question - please do not hesitate to call or stop-in.