MHS Announcements

Wednesday, February 11, 2015

Go Muskies!

• NO SCHOOL ON MONDAY, FEB. 16 – PRESIDENT’S DAY
• PARENT/TEACHER CONFERENCES will be held:
  March 9th (Monday) – 4:00 – 7:30 PM
  March 11th (Wednesday) – 4:00 – 7:30 PM
  March 12th (Thursday) – 1:45 – 3:45 PM
  All conferences will be walk-in held in the teacher rooms.
• New Scholarship information has been posted in the Scholarship section below.
• Seniors & Parents:
  College Goal’s night will be held at MCC – Gaekle Hall on February 26th from 4 – 6 pm.  This will be on of the best places to get 1 on 1 help with filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) which can be a difficult process.  You can also get advice from financial experts, receive scholarship information, and learn about next steps.  You are highly encouraged to attend.  You will want to have your family’s income tax returns and create a pin prior to arrival.  This can be done at: https://pin.ed.gov/PINWebApp/pinindex.jsp
  To pre-register and for more information about the 26th, please visit
  http://www.iowacgs.org/index.cfm?nodeID=76075&audienceID=1
• Attention Seniors planning to attend Muscatine Community College in the Fall: The MCC Foundation Scholarship Application is due March 1st, 2015 (this is a change from years past).  They will be awarding over $300,000 is scholarship money!!  The application is available in MHS Student Services or at www.eicc.edu.
• Excellence in Education 2015:
  The Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust has provided Muscatine Schools with the opportunity to present twenty seniors with $3000 scholarships and ten eighth-grade students with $1000 scholarships. Five awards are also available for teachers, administrators, and support staff.  The student scholarships are awarded on the basis of the student keeping education a priority in the face of adversity. Although we all face adversities and have challenges in our lives, there are those who manage to keep a positive attitude and strive for excellence. Criteria include creativity, motivation, initiative and academic achievement and potential – all components of excellence. The awards to adults are based on the impact these employees make on the lives of students. Nomination forms are available at all Muscatine Schools, the Administration Center, Musser Public Library, MCC Library, and on the district’s web site at http://www.muscatine.k12.ia.us/parents-students/excellence-in-education/. Nominations must be postmarked byFebruary 24, 2015. Selections will be announced by April 6. A program honoring the students and staff will be held on Sunday, May 17 at the Muscatine High School, followed by a reception. The community is invited. MCSD would like to thank the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust for their continued support in offering scholarships and awards to students and staff. This is a unique program that acknowledges and recognizes deserving students and staff for their pursuit of excellence. We are grateful and appreciative for this opportunity.  For further information, please contact Jan Collinson at the Muscatine Schools Administration Center (263-7223) or by email jan.collinson@mcsdonline.org
  
  The nomination forms for the 2015 Excellence in Education are available in MHS Student Services.  The deadline is February 24th, 2015. The forms are also available at: http://www.muscatine.k12.ia.us/parents-students/excellence-in-education/
  Who to nominate:
  • Adult Employees (teacher, nurse, administrator–$1000 award, transportation, para educator, food service, clerical, maintenance, custodial, etc.–$500 award)
    • Demonstrates excellence in instructional quality/student interactions and has professional and leadership qualities (among other criteria)

   

  • Students (8th grade–$1000 scholarship or 12th grade–$3000 scholarship)
    • Must have overcome challenges or personal and/or financial hardship (among other criteria)

  Please consider nominating a student or employee for this unique program that our community made possible by the Roy J. Carver Charitable Trust.
• General Admission tickets for the 2015 Boys State Swim Meet will be sold in the MHS Activities Office on Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m.-3:30 p.m. The price per ticket is $10.00 (student through adult). The State Swim Meet will be held in Marshalltown on Saturday, February 14th. Good luck to the Muskie swimmers!
• “Have any books you don’t use, and no longer need? MHS Teen Library Committee [TLC] Is hosting a book drive to donate such books to the Flickinger Learning Center and other schools. Book drop off areas are at the Attendance Office and in the library. The book drive will last until spring break so hurry and get those books in!”
• C.A.P.E. INFORMATION CORRECTION:
  Parents/Guardians:  The letter that went out with report cards regarding volunteers being needed to help out with C.A.P.E. (the annual Carnival After Prom Extravaganza) have the incorrect dates listed.  Prom is Saturday May 2^nd with C.A.P.E. being held after Prom from midnight until 4am on Sunday May 3^rd.  Please note the correct dates are May 2^nd and 3^rd.  You can complete the form that was included with report cards and return to the High School.Yes, I will volunteer the night of C.A.P.E. (All Shifts are 11:30 p.m. to 3:30 a.m.)
  (We will be contacting volunteers by April 2nd via phone or e-mail.)
  Volunteers will be assigned in one of the following areas:Games                                  Registration                       Set up (approx. 8:30 a.m. on May 2nd)
  Poker                                    Security                               Clean-Up (approx. 4:00 a.m. on May 3rd)
  
  Please return to:
  C.A.P.E
  Attn: Chris Nienhaus
  MHS
  2705 Cedar Street
  Muscatine, IA  52761If you have any questions please contact Amy or Becky.
  Amy Petersen email:  atpetersen@hotmail.com  phone: 563-299-1152
  Becky Wichers email: beckyjoel@machlink.com phone: 563-263-7005
• Iowa Engineering Society-Muscatine Chapter Engineering Week Banquet hosted by the Stanley Group.  This year’s banquet is on Wednesday, February 18^th at the Stanley Auditorium in Muscatine.  All students, families, and faculty are invited to this annual event for a unique look into the engineering profession.  The following link v25n05_Jan2015 contains all of the important details for the evening. Deadline to sign up is February 13th.  One of the main emphases of this event is student interaction with real engineers so please encourage students to bring any questions they may have about math, science, or engineering. The RSVP Contact is: PalmerAlan@stanleygroup.com
• Seniors: Local Scholarship Application Information – Scholarship applications will be handed out on February 13th. Several information sessions will be available for Seniors to learn about the MHS Local Scholarship Packet.  This is a tremendous opportunity for our students to have access to scholarships for their future path.Students are highly encouraged to attend one of the following. Parents are welcome to attend as well. The meeting will last approximately 20 minutes.February 13th, 20158:00 am–MHS Auditorium
  • Class of 2015 Meeting during 2nd period (*This meeting may last longer than 20 minutes)
  • Noon–MHS Auditorium
  • 12:30–MHS Auditorium
• All ESL students at MHS will be taking the Iowa English Language Development Assessment (IELDA) in February 2015.  This test is required for all ESL students, even if you are not receiving ESL services.
  ⇒  9th & 11th Grades – ESL students will test Wed., February 18th & Thurs., February 19th
  ⇒  10th & 12th Grades – ESL students will test on Tues., February 24th & Thurs., February 26th
  Please report to room 236 (ISS room) right away at 8:22 a.m. on your testing dates.  You will be excused from your classes when you show up for testing.  Please contact Mrs. Yochum or Mr. Ibarra if you have any questions.
• Summer Job Opportunities:
  Girl Scouts: We have an exciting opportunity for your students looking for summer camp employment! Are you looking for a fun and exciting way to spend your summer? If so, we have a great opportunity for you! The Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois are currently hiring for a variety of Summer Camp 2015 positions. Positions include: Unit Counselor; Marketing and Communications Specialist; Lifeguard; Equestrian Assistant; Food Service Assistant; Store Assistant; Day Camp Counselor (Camp Positions – Level 3). For further information or to apply, please go to:  https://girlscoutstoday.org/careersMuscatine Parks and Rec: We are in need of a pool manger this summer at the Aquatic Center! Must be  18+ years old.  The position has flexible hours in May and August and would be a full-time 40 hrs/week for June and July at $15.00/hr. Pool Manager Job Ad
• Yearbook Club Photos – All clubs (with the exception of choir, band, student council, and NHS) will be called down to the auditorium Thursday, February 12 starting 5th hour.  The clubs will be called down in alphabetical order.  If you want to be in your club picture, please be in attendance that day.  If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Brown at katie.brown@mcsdonline.org
• Girls Track and Field will start on Tuesday, February 17th at 3:45 pm in the Commons. Make sure that you have your physical and concussion form completed and turned in to the Athletics Office before that time. If you have any questions, please stop by room AA18 and talk to Coach Falk or email him at josh.falk@mcsdonline.org.
• PowerPoint presentations from the Advanced Placement (AP) & 8th Grade Transition Meetings can be found on the MHS, CMS & WMS websites on the ‘For Parent and Student’ menu > 8th Grade Transition page.
• Student Athletes – If you are interested in participating in a spring sport at MHS, now is the time to turn in the needed paperwork! Please stop by the A.D. Office at your earliest convenience to make sure you are ready to practice when the season begins.

• MHS 2015 Cake Auction, Friday, February 13.  Snow date is February 14th. Credit cards are being accepted this year and Photo Booth! Please view the provided link for more information!  2015 CakeAuction PosterFINAL
• Volunteer / Silver Cord opportunities are listed below.  Thank you for helping out!
• Prom Dress Sale – Wapello High School Band Room, February 21, 2015, 10 am – 3 pm.  See attachment for more information. 2015 Prom dress flyer
• SAVE THE DATE: SENIOR AWARDS NIGHT – Tentative Date: May 20, 7 pm in the MHS Auditorium
• SAVE THE DATE: MHS Prom, Sat., May 2, 9-12 pm.  Theme: The Great Gatsby (Roaring 20’s)
• SAVE THE DATE: MHS Graduation, May 24, 2015 @ 2 PM in the MHS Gymnasium.
• Please remember that Muscatine High School sport schedules can be found at http://www.muscatine.k12.ia.us/mhs/calendar Our web calendar of events (linked to Google Maps) offers the most current updates and driving directions for all MHS athletic events! Be sure to check it out! Good luck to all the teams competing during the winter season!

** Volunteer / Silver Cord Hours **

• CoderDojo Muscatine is in need of volunteers for their  February event from 5:00-8:00 pm on Monday, February 16^th. CoderDojo is a worldwide, volunteer-led, free coding club for kids. CoderDojo Muscatine is our local section aiming to emphasize the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) a fun, collaborative, and high-energy learning environment. There are no technical requirements to volunteer with CoderDojo Muscatine, we will teach you everything you need to know for each event! If you have any questions please email Caitlin Johnson at CoderDojoMuscatine@gmail.com
• Madison Elementary school is in need of volunteers for their  Winter Carnival on February 20 from approximately 5:00-8:00 pm. If you have any questions please email Mrs. Poppe at jillian.poppe@mcsdonline.org
• Mulberry Elementary –  Attention high school students.  We need your help in making a difference.  Earn Silver Cord hours by listening to first graders read at Mulberry Elementary School.  Volunteers are needed from 8:30 – 10 am and 10:30 – 11:15 am.  If you can’t stay the entire time, that’s ok.  Volunteer once a week or come everyday, whatever works with your schedule.  For more information, email Mrs. Welsch at lyndsay.welsch@mcsdonline.org

** Scholarship Information **

• Attention Seniors planning to attend Muscatine Community College in the Fall:
  The MCC Foundation Scholarship Application is due March 1st, 2015 (this is a change from years past).  They will be awarding over $300,000 is scholarship money!!  They application is available in MHS Student Services or at www.eicc.edu.

• R.I.A. Federal Credit Union Scholarship:  $1,000 scholarship.  must be a member of the RIA credit union in good standing.  Find the application at www.riafcu.com under resources. 
  Due Date is 2/15/2015

• Buick Achievers Scholarship Program: must plan to attend a 4 year college or university, also, must plan to enter a filed of study of engineering, technology, design, or business with an interest in the automotive industry.  Visit www.buickachievers.com for more information and the application.  Due Date is 2/27/2015

• Ascentra Credit Union: $1,000 scholarship. Applications and more information are available at www.ascentra.org/scholarships. Due Date is 3/2/2105

• ACACIA Leadership Scholarship for Iowa State University:  $1,000 scholarship available to any male high school graduate entering Iowa State University. Should show excellence in academics, extra curricular activities, and community involvement. Application is available in MHS Student Services.  Due Date is 3/16/2015

• QC Auto Service and Muscatine Tire and Auto Center: $1,000 and $500 scholarships.  More information and applications available at www.qcautoservice.com/scholarship.  Due Date is 3/15/2015

• Eastern Iowa Light and Power Cooperative Scholarship: $1,000 and $500 scholarships available to students whose parents or guardians are members of Easter Iowa Light and Power Coop.  Visit www.easterniowa.com for the application packet.  Due Date is3/13/2015.

• Donald Kiser Memorial Scholarship: $1,000 scholarship.  Applicants must plan to pursue studies in chemistry, biochemistry, or chemical engineering. Applications are available in MHS Student Services.  Due Date is 3/31/2015

• Edward Bitzer–American Legion Unit 27 Scholarship: $500 scholarship.  Application is available in MHS Student Services.  Due Date is 4/15/2015

• Iowa Section PGA–Charlie Burkart Scholarship: $4,000 scholarship ($1,000 per year for 4 years). Application is available in MHS Student Services.  Due Date is 6/12/2015

• ACACIA Leadership Scholarship for University of Iowa: Up to $2,000 scholarship available to any male high school graduate entering University of Iowa. Should show excellence in academics, extra curricular activities, and community involvement. Application is available in MHS Student Services. Due Date is 4/30/2015

National Youth Science Camp® Honors

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

Governor Terry E. Branstad « Lt. Governor Kim Reynolds

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Jan. 29, 2015

Contact: Craig Johnson, Iowa Academy of Science

319-273-2581, Craig.Johnson@uni.edu.

Iowa High School Seniors Sought for National Youth Science Camp® Honors

(DES MOINES) –  Gov.  Terry Branstad and Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced that two Iowa high school seniors have the opportunity to receive full scholarships to attend the National Youth Science Camp (NYSC) this summer in West Virginia. The students will exchange ideas with scientists and other professionals from the academic and corporate worlds during the nearly month-long experience.

The camp includes lectures and hands-on research projects presented by scientists from across the nation; overnight camping trips into the Monongahela National Forest; and a visit to Washington D.C. The selected delegates must not only demonstrate academic achievement in science, but also show potential for thoughtful scientific leadership.

The NYSC experience is offered at no cost to scholarship recipients. Contributions to the National Youth Science Foundation® allow delegates to participate in this educational experience. Educational and recreational programming, as well as meals, lodging, and round-trip air passage on scheduled airlines are provided.

Delegates arrive in Charleston, West Virginia, on Wednesday, June 17, 2015, and depart on Saturday, July 11, 2015. The NYSC is held near Bartow in the eastern mountains of West Virginia, within the Monongahela National Forest.

Application forms are available on the NYSC website at http://apply.nysc.org.