MCS Website

LETTER FROM THE PRINCIPAL                                                        May  2008

This school year has passed by so quickly.  It is hard to believe we are beginning the last full month of school.  I would like to thank all of our parents, staff and students who have helped to make this year successful.  The students and staff at MHS have made my transition back into the principal’s position very rewarding.

The Senior Class of 2008 has been an enjoyable one to get to know.  The leadership provided by this class in all phases of this high school (athletics, student government, National Honor Society, Rotary Interact, etc.) has proved to be a large part of our success.  Although “senioritis” seems to have set in on a few students, I would like to remind them that their education has just begun.  Please remind our seniors to make wise decisions and be safe as they begin the celebrations of graduation.  I congratulate each of our seniors and wish all of them the best of luck in all of their future endeavors.

In conclusion, we must still finish this school year out on a strong note.  Even though the weather is getting better and the desire to be outside increases, attendance at school is still very important and the educational process will continue until June 5, 2008.

Thank you and have a great summer.

Greg Whitehead

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UNDERCLASS AWARDS
                      
Underclass awards will take place on Wednesday morning, May 28th at 7:15 AM.  The morning will begin with coffee and donuts in the commons.  Each class will then be dismissed to separate areas of MHS for presentation of the awards.  Students are recognized in several areas including:  Top Two in subject areas, Honor Roll and Progressive Awards.

This event is a nice opportunity for us to support the fine efforts of our students in the presence of their families.  Please join us for this program.

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CLASS OF 2008 – VALEDICTORIANS AND SALUTATORIAN
        
It is with pride that Miamisburg High School announces the Class of 2008 Valedictorians and Salutatorian.  We salute the academic achievements of:
                              
Valedictorians:     Chelsea Fraker, Patrick O’Donnel, Alexandra Sedlak and Lauren Taylor
                    
Salutatorian:    Shelby Gaiser

We also are proud to acknowledge that MHS is the home school of the 2008 Miami Valley Career Technology Center Valedictorian, Elizabeth Jergens.

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MANDATORY GRADUATION PRACTICE:
Friday, May 30, 2008
10:00 AM at the Nutter Center

GRADUATION DATE:
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Ceremony begins at 10:00 AM
Grads line up at 9:00 AM
Wright State University
Ervin J. Nutter Center

Any questions concerning the graduation ceremony or announcements should be directed to Mrs. Linda Jones (866-0771, Extension 201).
      
In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, a senior MUST have earned ALL credits necessary for a diploma and have completed all graduation requirements including passing all parts of the required State of Ohio Test.  
      

Graduation Participation Fee:  $35.00

    
All remaining fees, fines and any other financial obligations must be paid prior to graduation practice.  Checks will be accepted until May 1st.  After that date, cash/money orders will be required.  Questions regarding financial matters should be directed to Mrs. Sue Shock (866-0771, Extension 203).

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SENIOR AWARDS PROGRAM

This year’s senior awards program will be held on Tuesday, May 13th at 7:00 PM in the high school commons.  Seniors will be recognized for excellence in a number of areas including:  Top Two in Subject Areas, Honor Roll, Progressive Awards, Presidential Academic Fitness, State Board of Education Award of Merit and Diploma with Honors.

Introduced and recognized during the program will be the Senior Class Officers, Student Government Members, Valedictorians, Salutatorian and National Honor Society Members.  Awards are given in areas of leadership, human relations, academics and band.  Students who have received their college scholarships will be recognized with the highlight of the program being the award of over 80 local scholarships which will be presented by representatives of those groups awarding the scholarships.

Please join us in honoring these deserving students; they represent the best of Miamisburg.  We at Miamisburg High School are proud of this class and its many achievements.

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The 2008 Junior-Senior Prom was held on Friday, April 18th, at the Manchester Inn in Middletown.  Over 480 students purchased tickets to this much anticipated yearly event.  For the sixth year in a row, prom included dinner.  This year’s buffet included Italian pastas, chicken parmesan, salad, garlic bread, dessert and soda.  Dancing began at 9:00 PM with the music provided by our favorite disc jockey from Handy DJ’s.  Students enjoyed the music videos and live-feed crowd video on the big screen above the dance floor.  Thanks to all of our staff chaperones who made this event possible and to all others who dedicated their time to make the prom a success.

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From Midnight – 3:00 AM, juniors, seniors and their guests enjoyed the Carnival of Colors After-Prom, a safe, drug and alcohol free event.  Students enjoyed food, games and activities along with music provided by a DJ.  Many great door prizes were given away to the students.  Our thanks to the parent volunteers who organized and chaperoned this worthwhile event!

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IMPORTANT PHOTO INFORMATION FOR JUNIORS
             
Easterling Studios is the official yearbook photographer for Miamisburg High School.  

⇒   During April, May and June students who choose the Scholastic Session (up to three outfits…one being the yearbook headshot) the sitting fee is FREE.
⇒   July, August and September the same session will cost $40.
⇒   Students who tour Easterling Studios prior to August 31st and schedule a session will receive 8 free wallets with their order.

In order to be included in the MHS yearbook, pictures must be taken by November 29, 2008.

To schedule an appointment, please contact Easterling Studios at (937) 222-8410.

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May  9         Interims Mailed
May 10        Fine Arts Festival – 10:00 AM-4:00 PM – Commons
May 13        District Early Release Day – 12:10 PM
May 13        Senior Awards Night – 7:00 PM -- Commons    
May 15        Band Concert – 7:00 PM – Parkview Church    
May 19        Physicals – 6:00 PM-8:00 PM – Gym     
May  20       Choir Honors Concert – 7:00 PM – Commons
May 28        Underclass Awards Program - 7:20 AM – Commons    
May 30        Graduation Practice – 10:00 AM – WSU Nutter Center    
May 31        Graduation – 10:00 AM – WSU Nutter Center    
June  4-5     Underclass Exam Days        
June  5        Last Day of School

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The Information Technology I and II classes of MHS recently spent five days in Orlando, FL on an extended field trip.  This trip helped fulfill several of the competencies associated with the course and allowed the students to see firsthand the duties and skills of various careers within the InfoTech pathway.  Students also explored the history of technology and the effects space technology has had on their lives.

This group was also selected by Universal Studios to attend one of their classes on special effects.  Through this interactive/hands-on class, the students learned about the technology, arts and sciences used to create some of the most spectacular special effects in the motion picture industry.  It also provided them with the “secrets” that were required to recreate those effects in some of Universal Studios’ most popular attractions.

During their time at the Kennedy Space Center, the students had the opportunity to explore NASA’s launch headquarters, including towering launch pads, history-making technology and the NASA up-close tour.  They were also able to go to Cape Canaveral for a guided tour by a space program expert that took them deeper into the operations of the Kennedy Space Center.  While at the Astronaut Hall of Fame, the students not only observed exhibits dedicated to our nation’s astronauts but participated in various training simulators such as the G-force trainer that let them feel the pressure of four times the force of gravity.

According to Mr. Ted Gladeau, our InfoTech teacher, he felt the trip was extremely beneficial to all of the students.  He said, “With technology the way it is today, too often we as educators try to bring the world to the students.  It’s great to be able to take the students to the world every now and then.   The students were able to see a lot of the material that has been presented in the classroom and how it’s applied in the real world.  Talking and reading can only help students understand material so much; it’s doing what makes the connection that has a far-lasting effect on the students.  For a course such as InfoTech, it’s the hands-on activities that make it interesting, entertaining and creates an environment that promotes the seeking of more knowledge into the career.  To be able to take about 40 students on a trip like this and to have accomplished so much in a short time was tremendous.”

The students would like to say a heartfelt thank you to O’Neil & Associates for their financial assistance in making this field trip possible.  They would also like to thank the district administration for their support in this unique educational opportunity.

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I Love New York   I Love New York   I Love New York   I Love New York  

Twenty-two seniors from the MHS Digital Design II Tech Prep program visited New York City, April 28th – May 3rd, 2008.  While in NYC the students participated in live television tapings, including The View, The Today Show, The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet, Late Night with Conan O’Brian, and Comedy Central’s - The Colbert Report with Stephen Colbert.  You might have seen Miamisburg faces as the students appeared on ABC’s Good Morning America May 1st and participated in a private tour of the Times Square Studio.  The students had access to various hosts, writers, and production professionals and were able to ask questions and see some of the best television production companies in the world.

This year’s trip also featured a tour of NBC’s New York studios located in Rockefeller Center, visited the American Museum of Natural History, cruised the Hudson Bay passing the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island and the Brooklyn Bridge.  The students also had a chance to visit The Museum of Radio and Television – The Paley Center for Media - located in Midtown Manhattan.

The trip also included walking tours of many sites such as Central Park, Grand Central Station, Battery Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Fifth Avenue, Trump Tower, Rockefeller Center, SOHO, Little Italy and Chinatown.

The New York tour is a blend of television production, and an immersion to New York City – the media center of the world.  Highlights of this year’s trip included a scavenger hunt built around the literary classic The Catcher in the Rye along with multiple screenings at the Tribeca Film Festival.   

The students documented the trip with videotaping, digital photography and individual journals.

The trip is the brainchild of Digital Design teachers Steven May and Tim Fries who work year around to make the trip successful.    The two, along with five senior parents, and MHS secretary Sue Shock chaperoned the students in New York City.  The Digital Design II instructors work hard to make sure that the trip to New York City is the defining educational experience in the seniors’ years at Miamisburg High School.

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MHS HABITAT FOR HUMANITY GROUNDBREAKING
              
The long-awaited ground-breaking for the MHS Habitat for Humanity house was held on Saturday, April 19th.  The house, located on East Shannon Drive in West Carrollton, will be completed over a 16-week build.  It will be the home of Jeremy and Lynna Gilmer and their two young boys.  The Gilmers have put in a tremendous effort to complete required sweat equity hours to become the partner family for this home.  The Gilmer’s youngest son, Isaiah, is afflicted with DiGeorge Syndrome, a condition which requires 24-hour medical care.  Three year old Elijah also keeps the couple busy.
                     
MHS has committed to providing volunteer labor at the build site every Saturday.  Anyone 14 years old or older interested in participating can go to the Dayton Ohio Habitat for Humanity
website at:

 http://www.daytonhabitat.volunteerhub.com

to register and sign up for the days you are interested in building.  Make sure to indicate that you are in the “Miamisburg High School” group on the registration form to view all volunteer opportunities reserved for you.  Clicking on the date you are interested in will bring up a brief description of the work to be completed on that day.
                   
MHS made the commitment to partner with DOHH at the beginning of last school year.  During the 2006-2007 school year, several fundraising events were held with a total of more than $30,000 being raised.  The efforts of the MHS student body, faculty and staff, local companies, organizations and  individuals  who donated are deeply appreciated!  

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WRESTLING

The Miamisburg Wrestling Team finished their season placing 12th in the State Wrestling Tournament, the highest finish in school history!  This follows a third place district finish, a sectional championship and a GWOC championship.

Some outstanding individual accomplishments were made throughout the season.  Shawn Fayette, a sophomore, wrestled his way to a state runner-up placing.  He was also MHS’s first sophomore district champion, a sectional champion and a GWOC champion.  Senior Brett Ewing capped off a stellar career by placing 6th at the state tournament.  Brett ends his career as a two time state placer and school record holder in career wins, career pins and career takedowns.  Senior Greg Roeth and sophomore Tyler Regan also qualified for the state meet.

GYMNASTICS

With the loss of five graduating seniors with the Class of 2007’s tenth place state gymnastics team, the 2008 season seemed doomed.  This year’s team started out with a score of 121.1, but with each meet, the team improved scoring a respectful 131.  Finishing second team at the Centerville Invitational was the highlight of the MHS team’s season.  The team had a great year, one of our most improved teams.  Congratulations to the team members for 2008:  Tierney Dumont, Lexie Taylor, Alexis Hiatt, Chelsea McIntyre, Carla Tuccillo, Chelsea Bartley and Lauren Taylor.

BOWLING

Congratulations to Michelle Durrant, senior, who earned a District Invitation in Girls Bowling.  Michelle was one of four students to qualify out of the Dayton Sectionals.

SWIMMING & DIVING

Our girls finished first in Division (GWOC South Champions) and fifth at Conference.  The boys finished second in Division and seventh at Conference.  Congratulations!

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The 2008 record breaking Lady Viking Track and Field Team has started the season strong and fast.  Twenty-four veterans return from the GWOC South Championship team.  In addition to the veterans, there are twenty-six first year members that are spirited, coachable and talented.  Some of our key returning athletes are GWOC South Champs:  Andrea Coleman, Lauren Lunsford, Venessa Haase, Celeste Granger and Top GWOC Female 2007 Athlete Megan Wright.  Another key returner is Paige Green who excels in the shot put and discus.

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Congratulations Senior Athletes…….
                 
On April 22nd, the following senior athletes signed letters of intent with the following colleges:
                Amanda Clausing – Limestone College
                Samantha Condron – University of Toledo
               Trelyn Gerlinger – University of Findlay
                Kyle Gillen – Bellarmine University
                Ryan Gillen – Eckerd College

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Physicals sponsored by the Miamisburg Athletic Department and conducted by the Kettering Sports Medicine Center will be available this year on:
                         

                      
Physicals are required of ALL athletes, cheerleaders and band/guard members prior to the start of the first practice.  NO EXCEPTIONS!  Vision will be checked – bring glasses/contacts if needed.  Students should wear shorts, T-shirt, tennis shoes/sandals.
                                               
Please take advantage of this opportunity to get a physical good for the entire 2008-2009 school year!

             
The Boys Track and Field Team is off to a good start!  Results thus far include taking 3rd place at the Centerville Relays and 1st place at the Bellbrook Relays.  The team is young but looking to make a challenge for the GWOC South title.  We have returning state champion Mike Willey looking for a repeat this season.  We also have Greg Roeth leading the distance running team trying to make a run at the state meet.  Some of our young and upcoming runners that will make an impact this season are: Jacob Willey, Anthony Covington, Jon Garrett, Tim Grice, Jacob Walker and Rian Wendling.  We are also hoping that baseball players Nic Cluxton and Aaron Carmack will help us in the high jump on a part-time basis.  

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ALL FALL SPORTS PASS
Adult    $60 Each
Student    $30 Each
Still the best bargain going!  This pass is good for all high  school and junior high fall season HOME sporting events.

FOOTBALL RESERVED SEATS -- $15.00 Each

FAMILY PASSES -- $225.00
This year’s family passes may be purchased from the Athletic Office.  This pass is good for all fall and winter home sporting events.  Call our Athletic Office at 866-4053 for more information.

BOOSTER MEMBERSHIP
Individual    $ 3.00    No Name in Program
Family        $ 5.00    No Names in Program
Patron        $10.00    Name(s) in Program
Super        $15.00    Name(s) in Program
Royal        $25.00    Name(s) in Program

QUESTIONS?  Call Becky Lewis at 866-6994 or Karen Schnapp at 866-7544.

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NEWS FROM THE BAND DEPARTMENT
                      
The Miamisburg band program is finishing off a very successful year with a very busy May!  The Wind Symphony, Symphonic Band and Concert Band performed in concert on February 26th.  Unfortunately the band’s performances at OMEA District 12 Contest were snowed out, but the students worked incredibly hard preparing for the event.  All three of the concert bands will be in   performance on Thursday, May 15th, at 7:00 PM at Parkview United Methodist Church on Benner Road.  The Wind Symphony and Symphonic Band will also be performing at the MHS graduation ceremony on Saturday, May 31st, at the Nutter Center.
                         
The jazz band program will be finishing off their school year with several performances.  Both the Jazz Lab Band and Star City Jazz will be performing at the Fine Arts Festival on Saturday, May 10th, in the high school commons.  Star City Jazz will also be performing at the Miamisburg Spring Fling on Sunday, May 18th, at 1:30 PM in Library Park.
                            
Marching Band is right around the corner!  Any student in grades 8-11 planning on participating needs to return a deposit and an enrollment form to Steve Aylward at Miamisburg High School or Bryce Newton at Wantz Middle School.
                               
The annual Miamisburg golf outing is also coming up soon!  This year’s event is being held on Friday, August 15th, at Pipestone Golf Course.  Please contact the band office for more information.  
                               
For any information on the Miamisburg Band Program, please visit the band’s website at www.miamisburgbands.org, or contact Steve Aylward at saylward@miamisburg.k12.oh.us.

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NEXT DISTRICT EARLY RELEASE DAY    
Students will be released at 12:10 PM on the following date:  May 13th

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