Early Mornings!

Often, I write about the exploits of school teams and clubs. This morning, as I was at the sports complex looking for my wedding ring (that I left in the dugout from the game the night before - it is not comfortable hitting infield drills with a ring on...but that is a different story) I was treated to the early morning sounds of "I'm a Believer" by The Monkeys. Our marching band was out there in the chilly wet morning grass playing several songs and going through their field show. As I watched and listened, I noticed that in the band there were kids who also golf, play football, run cross-country, play JH baseball and softball, swim and play high school volleyball. Not only are they involved in a school sport that takes up personal time - they are putting in even more time preparing for marching band. I appreciate the fact that these kids are finding more than one way to get involved and more than one way to represent Athens High School. Have a great day!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

Picture Packets/Yearbooks

FYI parents: HS picture packets will be passed out Thursday during study hall. Look for these at home in the next few days. All students will be photographed for a free student I.D. card. Picture day will be September 23rd.

Last year's yearbooks will also be distributed tomorrow. The yearbooks will given out during lunch. There may be an extra copy if someone decides they want one - but did not order one.

Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

A Great Week for Warrior Spirit!

Last week was filled with great examples of Warrior pride and enthusiasm. The volleyball team gave us an exciting battle with rival Illini Central. The Lady Warriors dispatched IC in two fast-paced and action-filled games. The student section and the parent sections were rocking and rolling with the action. The JV FB team won a tight game in OT against Pawnee. The CC team also had a good week.
On Friday, the cheerleaders put together an amazing Pep Assembly. Coach Mayfield and the girls refreshed our student-body on the words to the school song in a sing-a-long. The cheerleaders had large cut-outs of the lyrics held end-to-end. Nate Pierce was recruited to play the part of the" old bouncing ball over the words," from shows like Sesame Street. As Nate bounced from word to word, the students recited the words in unison. 98% of the students (roughly 330) stood and sang the school fight song. It was quite impressive. The assembly ended with the popular class cheer contest and all 4 grades gave it their best. It was a great way to end the school week and kick-off a home football Friday night.
The football team provided all of us with a great victory over a nearby rival. The Warriors defeated the visiting Cardinals of Pleasant Plains by a touchdown. James' hard-nosed, up the gut runs combined with Sean's 4 touchdowns made for some good ol' smash-mouth football. David's key runs on 4th down, Brandon's decision-making and a couple of key fumble recoveries all played key roles in the victory. Looking at other conference scores, it looks like there will be a lot of parity in the SANGAMO this year. Coach Knox and the rest of the staff were sure to enjoy the victory, but I'll bet they wasted no time in starting their preparation for Riverton. The Hawks travel to Athens this coming Friday. Hopefully, I will have another great week to report on. Have a great week!
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

It is Starting Today

Today marks the official 1st day of school for administrators and teachers. Over the next two days we will be preparing for the students to return. I have had plenty of visits from students this week who "can't believe school is starting," yet they have already been in to walk around ask about their lockers, schedules and new teachers. We will get the show started on Friday and hit it for real on Monday! This is the best time of the year.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T

3 Days and Counting!
We are getting very close to a very special day for parents, students and principals. Graduation is this Saturday and I couldn't be happier. Not because kids will be leaving, but because they should be leaving. Our job is provide necessary skills and character traits that will serve our graduates well in the future. I feel we do that at AHS. I tell the kids that leaving after 4 years is "expected and is considered a success by this principal." So, while I have greatly enjoyed these seniors - it is time for them to go out and make new challenges for themselves. They will be missed, yet they have to go - because that means we (both the students and staff) were successful.

Senior Week 2010

This past week was the Annual Senior Week at A.H.S. Our seniors get a week of special treatment as a reward for their 4 years at A.H.S. Monday, they were fed breakfast or allowed to sleep-in for an hour. Mrs. Slager and other staff cooked pancakes, bacon, etc. Tuesday, the students dressed in their caps and gowns and took graduation group photos and individual cap and gown photos. Also, they took the annual senior group picture for the yearbook. This year, they parked several trucks in front of the football field and they all climbed in the back of the trucks. Wednesday, they had two hours off in the middle of the day for a massive dodgeball game and then went outside for a giant kickball game. Thursday was my favorite day. Thursday, we took 47 of the seniors to a Cardinals game at Busch Stadium. The weather cooperated enough for us to have a good time as we watched the Cards defeat the Marlins 4-2. It was a great week for a great bunch of seniors.

FFA BANQUET - SUNDAY
This evening at CIS the FFA held its end of the year banquet. At the banquet the group thanks supporters, recognizes members, hands out awards and awards the Ingram and Frank Memorial Scholarships. New officers are also installed for next year. The kids, Mr. Brown and Mr. Butler put on another great evening. The food and the company were excellent. Our FFA Chapter is one of the most active and most decorated in the area. We had more 1st place finishes in CDE contest than any other area chapter. Their service to the community and the school are very much appreciated.