Friday Focus

Change in Format for the Focus

Routinely as a principal, I encourage staff to try new things, to take risks, leaning on the phrase, "It will either work or we'll fix it." And while it's so easy to continue doing what we're doing, partly because change means more work for a period of time and partly because we've invested in what and how we do things, it's always good to take a look forward and consider if there's a better way, a more efficient way. And so it is with the Friday Focus.

This is the first of a handful of experimental issues for our bi-weekly communication with students, staff, parents, and patrons, utilizing a new software that's integrated with our messaging system. We'll give it a shot and see if it's more efficient than what we've been using for the past three years. According to the developers, this should be more accessible via phones and tablets than the pdf versions of the past. Let me know what you think after you've had a couple of issues to experience the new Focus format.

1st Place Kids, 1st Place Photo

SJSHS students and staff participated in the Apple Crunch Off, part of the Mountain States Regions annual recognition of Farm-to-Plate initiatives that bring locally produced food into school lunches. The photo to the right shows students and staff all taking a bite out of an apple at the same time last month.

This photo was submitted by KSDE's Child Nutrition and Wellness and earned our state first place in the seven-state regional event.

SJSHS Students taking a bite of an apple as part of the Crunch-off.

SJSHS Students take a bite out of an apple in the Crunch Off.

8th grade students with their Roller Coasters

SJSHS 8th Grade Students pose with their Roller Coasters after presentations on Dec. 15.

Students presenting their roller coaster — *Hayden & Shep*

Coasting into 2024

One of the neatest things that happens here at SJSHS is the Roller Coaster unit that our 8th grade students do at the end of the fall semester. Working with a partner, students work through a multi-disciplinary unit, incorporating math, science, social studies, and language arts, designing an entire theme park on paper and culminating with a roller coaster. The roller coasters are made from cardstock, scotch tape, a lot of trial and error, some tears and frustrations, a dose of cooperation, and a measure of persistence. Without direct plans, students are challenged to build a roller coaster that transports a marble from the top to the bottom in 45 seconds or more without stopping.

Teachers have specific requirements that include certain aspects and limit others, but aside from that, students are free to use their creativity to build "their" coaster that will wow our volunteer judges and meet the requirements of the project. While the students engaged in demolition of coasters upon returning this week, four of the coasters were saved for Monday evening's school board meeting where they will share their creations with board members.

Culture Eats Strategy for Breakfast

This headline is one of my favorite Peter Drucker quotes as it relates to management. As such, it's also what makes SJSHS the fantastic place it is. One of my other favorite quotes is from legendary Michigan Football Coach Bo Schembechler: "Every day you either get better or you get worse. You never stay the same." To that end, next Wednesday, we're going to take a step toward better as we host Mike Donahue and his Value-Up presentation for students, staff, and parents. Mike will present three sessions in the morning for students, will work with our staff in the afternoon, then host a community session for parents and patrons at 6:00 in the Betsy Dutton Theatre.

100-Plus Teenagers

From early December through early March, basketball season is the only season at SJSHS. But those who play basketball are half of the story when the Black Bears play host in the Ora Shields Activity Center and the South Gym.

On a given Tuesday or Friday night, 42 players check in during one of six games. Supporting these players and their six coaches are 40-plus band members, a dozen cheerleaders, six managers, four statisticians, and videographer. And this doesn't take into account their school mates, both JH and HS, who show up in the corner and root for their Bears.