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FOREST CITY HIGH SCHOOL
PRIDE TRIBE PULSE
October
2017
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Photo courtesy of Julie Stecker
Mr. Schmitt and the Marching Band received their 37th straight Division I rating at the State Marching Band Contest in Fort Dodge on October 7
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The leaves are changing, beans and corn will hopefully be harvested (with some dryer weather), and we are less than a month from the end of the 1st trimester. It has been a tremendous start to the school year from my perspective. Mid-term conferences gave many opportunities for parents, students, and faculty to discuss current progress and to team for a strong finish to the term.
Getting off to a good start to each academic year is a key to overall success. Students who maintain the habits of strong organization, effective study routines, completion of skill building problem sets, and excellent daily attendance have the best opportunities for academic success. The old saying rings true in education, ‘Those who fail to prepare are preparing to fail’. As we continue to build our culture of academic excellence it is important that school and home work as a team. If you rarely see your child working on homework, then as a parent you may want to engage in a discussion with your child concerning your observation. Even though a well organized student who utilizes their study hall time to the fullest can minimize homework, it is unlikely that all homework can be completed during this time frame.
Upcoming Iowa Tests of Educational Development (ITEDs)
In late November, students (grades 9-11) will participate in ITEDs. The test compares students with other Iowa students and with students across the nation. The overall scores on the ITED’s are also used to develop a rank for FCHS compared to other Iowa high schools. In order to encourage students to do their best on the ITED’s, FCHS offers the following incentive:
Students who score at the proficient level or above on the reading total, math total, and science total, or who make one year’s growth on each of the tests have the ability to opt out of one final during 2nd and 3rd trimester (project based finals are exempted from this incentive).
We added a new PE elective, Athletic Weight Training, and 48 students enrolled in the three sections this trimester. In talking with Mr. MacTaggart, the student work ethic has been outstanding. During winter trimester, two sections will be offered and three will be offered again in the spring. If your son or daughter would like to give the weight training class a try, please have them stop and see either Mr. Ziesmer or myself to work with their upcoming schedule.
Sincerely,
Ken D. Baker
HS Principal
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FCHS welcomes Trey MacTaggert. Mr. MacTaggert teaches Athletic Weight Training, Activity & Fitness and Study Skills.
Mr. MacTaggert hails from Manchester, Iowa and was a four-year participant in football, basketball, track and baseball at West Delaware High School. He continued his education at Upper Iowa University and graduated with a K-12 PE, health and coaching degree. He is also endorsed as a K-8 instructional strategist. He played football for the UIU Peacocks as well.
Mr. MacTaggert enjoys boating, kayaking and watching all levels of football.
"The FCHS staff has made me feel so welcome and have helped me as I'm getting started," said Mr. MacTaggert. "I've enjoyed getting to know the students and am looking forward to continuing an already great school year!"
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As the fall activity season comes to a conclusion, we
want to thank all of the Forest City students and parents for their participation in extracurricular events. The pride everyone shows toward our school and community is unparalleled and we want that to continue moving forward. Go Indians!
As we move into the winter, I want to remind you that schedule changes occur, especially related to the weather. With our new calendar system, if a change is made, the change is reflected
immediately
in the R School App or the calendar that is located on the web site. It also shows a change was made. We will continue to use SchoolWay to alert you of changes as well.
Practices for girls' basketball, bowling and cheerleading begin Nov. 6 and practices for boys' basketball and wrestling begin Nov. 13.
FCHS will host the conference wrestling tournament on Jan. 27. Waldorf University will host District Speech on Jan. 20.
We highly encourage our students to participate in activities as a way to build lifelong skills such as leadership, decision making and organization. Plus, students have the opportunity to make friends and lasting memories while in high school.
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The Musical, "The Battle of Boat" will be held Nov. 2- 4 at 7 p.m. in the Auditorium. Tickets are on sale in the high school office.
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District calendar: Search for "R School Activity Scheduler" in your app store
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Learning is a Two-Way Street
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Students in Mr. B's English Composition class are putting their writing skills to the test and are making new friends along the way.
"For several years, students have been emailing residents at Good Samaritan in Forest City," said teacher Mr. Bartleson. "The educational purpose is to work on their writing and communication skills, but by the end of the semester, they realize they have learned so much more."
At the start of the trimester, students are assigned a buddy to email. They exchange emails to get to know one another and discuss generational differences. At the end of the semester, students get the opportunity to meet their buddy.
Student Kristi Mettry and her email buddy James shared their thoughts:
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Student Kristi Mettry
"I was blessed to get to know a man of the age 99 named James for the past seven weeks. Getting to know him has been a humbling experience. James is a farmer that comes from a large family of 12 and married the love of his life at the age of 22. He has six children, 18 grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. His favorite holiday is Christmas, as it is the perfect time for his large family to gather together to celebrate. Being a farmer, his favorite season is the spring as it's the ideal time for planting and growing. Fall comes in second as fall is the season of harvest in Iowa. His hobbies include golfing with one of his close pals, reading, and watching old Westerns. Overall, it's been a wholesome experience conversing back and forth with James, and I'm thankful I was offered the opportunity to do so."
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Good Samaritan Resident James
(99 years young!)
"I enjoy doing the email buddies because I learn about the kids. I like to share what is was like in the olden days, because sometimes I don't think they understand how easy it is now. I look forward to receiving the emails and especially enjoy getting to meet the student. As they are writing, I visualize what they look like."
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Thank you to everyone who attended the Internet Safety presentation on September 27!
We also wish to thank our partners and contributors: County Attorney Adam Sauer, Police Chief Doug Jensen, NGT CEO Brian Blodgett and the Ministerial Association.
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If you were not able to attend the Internet Safety presentation, please check out the video and presentation link below with useful tips!
- Page 6: 12 Apps Parents Should Know About
- Page 14: Apps to Monitor Kids Online Usage
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October is National Bullying Prevention Month
Bullying has been and always will be around in society. It comes in many different forms and can be very difficult to identify with all of the avenues students use, especially online with social media.
Thus, it is ever more important for us as educators, parents, and community members to be aware of what to look for as well as ways to prevent it from happening, and support those students in need.
OPPORTUNITY: There is a
College and Career Exploration day
for all Sophomores Nov. 1st at NIACC. We have 56 Sophomores Signed up, please see Mr. Z if your son or daughter has not signed up and would like to.
Great video from “The Harbor” based upon Drama, Gossip and Rumors that has been used in Advisor/Advisee:
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- Scholarships available to look at through the google doc shared with all senior students.
- My Academic Plan (MAP) will be completed with Juniors next week.
- Encourage your junior or senior to set an appointment with me to discuss post high school plans.
- The Student Assistance Team (SAT) meets to discuss ways of helping more students succeed.
- We just completed #Saysomething week at Forest City High School to provide education and awareness toward violence, bullying, and safety for all students.
- Peer Tutoring and the Indian Pal program has been strong in the first trimester and will continue in the second trimester.
- We will be administering the Iowa Assessments Nov. 20-22.
- Advisor/Advisee will focus on Relationship building and Character Education (The Harbor video series) as well as academic planning (2nd trimester scheduling) in the coming weeks.
Derek Ziesmer
High School Guidance Counselor
641-585-2324
dziesmer@forestcity.k12.ia.us
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Check out social media through the counseling office for updates and important information available to help all students at Forest City:
Please subscribe to “FCHS Counseling” on SchoolWay
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Students take the stage after listening to 'Dirty Jobs' TV Host Mike Rowe talk about opportunities in skilled trades during an event in Des Moines
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High school students enjoyed the Ed Thomas Leadership Academy. The 7th annual academy hosted more than 500 people to carry on Thomas' legacy to future generations. The conference encouraged attendees to live your live the way you want to be remembered.
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The varsity boys Cross Country team finished 2nd in the west division of the Top of Iowa Conference led by Grady Hovenga (5th), Ryan Theel (9th), and Javin Pedelty (21st). The girls team also finished 2nd in the western division of the Top of Iowa Conference. The girls team was led by Vicky Chen (3rd), Hannah Good (5th), Hannah Buffington 10th), and Anna Lehmann (13th).
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Algona Tournament Champs 6-0
Postseason play continues for our state rated team with 2nd round on Tuesday, October 24, 2017 in Forest City at 7 p.m.
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