I am beginning to understand the wisdom of my colleagues who always said, “Just wait until you are older – the years really fly by then.” As a student and a teacher my experience in school was dominated by bells and calendars. I recall my mom picking me up from school every day and how she always had an Ohlendorf bakery cookie and a warm smile waiting. I remember the excitement at the end of one school year and the anticipation at the start of the next.
As my 18th year as a school administrator comes to a close, I understand fully that my educational experience is now “year-round,” but the excitement and anticipation each year brings remains the same. I write this year in review article with a great sense of pride in our accomplishments and optimism as we face the challenges that lie ahead.
Discussions at the June 2010 Board of Education meeting propelled the district into a major structural change and fostered valuable discussions about school improvement, student achievement, and instructional improvement. The “Transition to Change” committee that was comprised of parents, students, educators, and community members recommended a seven period day to replace the fifteen year- old Block-4 schedule. Many staff members have devoted a great deal of time and energy to make the transition go as smooth as possible. The structure of our day has changed and our commitment to improved student achievement remains constant.
At the district level, we continued to monitor the state financial situation, budget reductions, and late or missing reimbursement payments. A declining tax base, uncertain state support, and legislative changes will all present financial challenges for many school districts. Illinois is on the verge of implementing major education reform legislation that should prove beneficial for the students at MCHS.
From a building perspective, the overall attitude of the student body is often defined by the attitude of the Senior class. This year, the MCHS Senior class did an outstanding job setting a positive tone for the year and demonstrated true MCHS spirit. Students excelled in the classroom and in extra-curricular activities as well.
The athletic programs in most high schools garner a great deal of public attention and Morris Community High School has a long standing tradition of success. The school is appreciative of the support the parents and community provide annually. Many of our 990 students participate in a variety of activities. MCHS had 395 fall, 234 winter, and 276 spring athletes. 189 students participated in two sports while 73 were three sport athletes. 37 Redskins were named to all-conference teams during the past school year.
The fall season featured the 10th consecutive playoff appearance in varsity football, a regional championship in volleyball and the boys and girls cross-country team advancing to sectional competition for the first time in school history.
Individually, Heath Hougas was the first individual to run at the state meet while Michelle Lutz advanced to the state tennis meet for the second year in a row. Olivia Kief represented MCHS in the girls golf regional and was named our first ever all-conference female golfer. Alyssa Applebee set a new school record in diving and qualified for the state tournament.
The winter season was successful as well, highlighted by a second straight regional title in boy’s varsity basketball. The Redskins recorded 21 victories for the most wins since the 1992-1993 season. The cheerleaders qualified for state and the Pom Pon squad brought home yet another state title.
Individually, Kjeld Torkelson and Layney Miller each scored their 1000th career point while leading their teams in scoring. Jared Kowalewski qualified for the class 2A state wrestling meet to complete an outstanding season.
This spring, the varsity baseball team finished as conference champions while Layney Miller was named softball conference MVP. Haleigh Knapp placed 8th overall in the 2A state high jump competition.
Kjeld Torkelson was named to the All-State football team while Layney Miller was an all-state selection in basketball. Austin Feeney, Jimmy Pelnarsh, and Ethan Chouinard were named to the Academic All-State team as well. The athletic participation and accomplishments of our students were an important part of this successful school year.
In March, I highlighted the various accomplishments of our co-curricular programs. The efforts by our students and staff in the music, art, speech, math, scholastic bowl, FCCLA, clubs and other various community efforts displayed the tremendous amount of talent at MCHS. MCHS honored 216 high honor students at the 28th Annual Honors Night program. Earlier that day various MCHS seniors were recognized as winners of local and area scholarship programs. According to senior exit survey information, the class of 2011 garnered more than $1,000,000 in scholarship money overall.
We continue to work on curriculum development and alignment with college and career readiness standards. The current senior class out performed the state average on the Prairie State Achievement Exam but we have a long way to go in the area of consistent student achievement. Teachers and staff were trained in using achievement data to identify areas needing improvement. The introduction of the common core standards will occupy a great deal of staff development time and resources over the next several years. The Rising Star leadership team had a successful first year and will continue to serve as a catalyst for school improvement.
This July the Board of Education will participate in an Illinois Association of School Boards training program called “Starting Right.” This workshop will be instrumental in helping the newly elected officers and board members work effectively as a team for the betterment of the entire school community.
On Friday, May 27 we said goodbye to five retiring teachers. These individuals dedicated over 136 years of service to education. Sue Bivens, Paul Jung, Dave Locke, Kathie Stewart and Phil Truty will be missed.
How did this year go? By most standards I would say very well. Major student discipline issues were non-existent, we prepared students for whatever challenges they face next, and pushed them to reach their full potential.
Assistant Principal Jeff Johnson shared with me a thank you card he received from a student. It basically said, “Thanks for caring, thanks for asking me how I am doing and making me feel like I am an important part of the school.” A recent senior graduate made a point to come back and leave a wonderfully written thank your note to our staff at the office counter. The note referenced the “family” atmosphere and the caring approach that made her high school experience positive. Friday morning I had a visit from a parent- not a complaining parent- but a parent who wanted me to know how much he appreciated everything the teachers and staff did for his recent graduate.
As I visited his classroom and said goodbye to retiree Dave Locke, he said, “The time just went by way too fast, I can’t believe it’s over.” My mom picking me up from school, the Ohlendorf Bakery cookie, the excitement of another school year gone by, and the anticipation of the next school year all happen too fast. Success is measured by more than two days of testing in April – it’s measured by relationships, opportunities, and caring. “Yeah – we had a great year!”
