Cat Tracks Calendar of Events 2

Claw Marks 3

Counseling Center 4

Career Center 5 Scholarships 6

Department Scholars 7

Scholarship Winner, Record Breakers

9

Inside this issue:

January 18 Martin Luther King

Day/No School

January 25-27 EOC

January 28 Culminating Challenge

Presentations

January 29 8th Grade Band

Monroe High School

January 2016

Parents and Families,

Monroe High School is focused on helping students to create and pursue good, positive opportunities for the future. We do this by having a talented and dedicated staff of teachers and support staff members and by receiving outstanding support from parents and our community. We work to provide strong courses, teach with effective instructional strategies, engage students in rigorous thinking and learning, and provide meaningful co-curricular and extra-curricular activities to students.

Currently, we have an immediate need for tutors & mentors to help provide support and encouragement for some of our students who are facing an uphill climb with their grades. Parents, if you are interested in becoming a mentor on campus, please contact our main office and ask for Mrs. Dickinson. As our program coordinator, Mrs. Dickinson is looking to match up additional tutors and mentors to students in need.

I hope everyone will join me for a special moment that will take place during halftime of our boys’ basketball game on Friday, January 29th. A group of nine Bearcats will be celebrated for their induction into the Monroe High School Athletics Hall of Fame. This year’s inductees are Jordan Birch, Mike Fierke, Colin Resch, Ronald Wolfkill, Justin Springer, Suzanna Ohlsen, Chad Gallatin, Ian Parmley and Anna Caruso. Induction into the Hall of Fame honors Monroe High School graduates who have represented the school and community well both on and off of the field of play.

Monroe High School has a superb student body and a storied Tradition of Excellence. We continually work to add to that legacy. I hope you find the contents of this newsletter to be helpful and informative. Go Cats!

John Lombardi Principal, Monroe High School

No�ce of Non-Discrimina�on The Monroe School District does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, religion, color, na�onal origin, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orienta�on including gender expression or iden�ty, the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability in its programs and ac�vi�es and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following employees have been designated to handle ques�ons and complaints of alleged discrimina�on: Title IX Coordinator Sec�on 504/ADA Coordinator Compliance Coordinator for 28A.640 & 28A.642 RCW Jus�n Blasko: David Paratore: Joanne Dickinson: 200 E Fremont 200 E Fremont 200 E Fremont Monroe, WA 98272 Monroe, WA 98272 Monroe, WA 98272 360.804.2539 360.804.2603 360.804.2532 blaskoj@monroe.wednet.edu paratored@monroe.wednet.edu dickinsonj@monroe.wednet.edu The Monroe School District will also take steps to assure that na�onal origin persons who lack English language skills can par�cipate in all educa�on programs, services and ac�vi�es. For informa�on regarding transla�on services or transi�onal bilingual educa�on programs, contact Ginnie Ayres. Aviso de no discriminación El Distrito Escolar de Monroe no discrimina por sexo, raza, credo, religión, color, nacionalidad, edad, veterano re�rado honor blemente o condición militar, orientación sexual, incluida la expresión o iden�dad de género, la presencia de cualquier discapacidad sensi�va, mental o �sica, o por el uso de un perro de guía entrenado o animal de servicio por parte de una persona con discapacidad en sus programas y ac�vidades, y brinda el mismo acceso al Club de niños exploradores y otros grupos para jóvenes designados. Los siguientes empleados han sido designados para encargarse de las preguntas y las quejas sobre supuestas discriminaciones: Coordinador del Título IX Coordinador de la Sección 504/ADA Coordinadora del Cumplimiento para 28A.640 and 28A.64 RCW Jus�n Blasko: David Paratore: Joanne Dickinson: 200 E Fremont 00 E Fremont 200 E Fremont Monroe, WA 98272 Monroe, WA 98272 Monroe, WA 98272360.804.2539 360.804.2603 360.804.2532 blaskoj@monroe.wednet.edu paratored@monroe.wednet.edu dickinsonj@monroe.wednet.edu El Distrito Escolar de Monroe también tomará medidas para garan�zar que las personas de origen nacional que carecen de conocimientos del idioma inglés puedan par�cipar en todos los programas de educación, servicios y ac�vidades. Para obtener información acerca de los servicios de traducción o programas de educación bilingüe de transición, contacte a Ginnie Ayres.

Winter Break

School Board Meetings are held at the District Office on Fremont @ 6:00 pm Principal Chat is held in the MHS staff lounge @ 9:00 am Bearcat Pride Meetings are held at MHS in the staff lounge @ 7:00 pm Band Booster Meetings are held in the PAC @ 7:00 pm

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2

3 4 5 6 7 8 9

10 11 12 13 Bearcat Pride

14 15 16

17 18 No School MLK Day

19 20 Principal Chat

21 22 23

24 25 EOC 26 EOC 27 EOC 28 CCS Presentations

29 8th Grade Band

30

31

January 2016

February 2016

Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 2 3 4 5 6

7 8 9 10 Bearcat Pride

11 12 No School 13

14 15 No School Presidents Day

16 17 Principal Chat

18 19 20 Sweet Swing Spectacular

21 22 23 24 25 26 27 TOLO

28 29 8th Grade Band Concert

“Claw Marks” - MHS Sports Beat

Happy New Year Bearcats!

I hope that all of you enjoyed the holiday season and some needed down time with family and friends. It’s always a great time to relax, reflect on what was accomplished in 2015, and look forward to what we can do at MHS in 2016. We are now in the heart of the winter sports season and we have athletes competing in swimming, basketball, and wrestling. The athletes are all competing hard, having fun and doing an outstanding job of representing Monroe the way we want and expect of them. I am very proud of the athletes as well as the coaches, and I’m looking forward to seeing what the rest of the season has in store for each of them. The winter sports season is a long one and it requires a lot of interruptions to family time and the holidays, so I want to thank all the families who support their son or daughter in their athletic endeavors. You are appreciated! As we come back from the holiday break and begin a new calendar year I just want to take this opportunity to communicate my vision/philosophy for the MHS athletic program. First and foremost I believe that high school athletics are a terrific avenue to build young men and women. What I mean by that is I want and expect our athletic program to build character and to establish a strong work ethic in these young men and women so they are able to take on any challenge, and to persevere with integrity. Secondly, I want our coaches to ensure that our student-athletes have the best possible experience – they only get one chance to play high school sports and my goal is to make it as enjoyable as possible. And finally I expect all MHS athletic programs to be recognized state-wide for competitive excellence. I believe that all of this is possible and I will continue to work with our coaches and athletes to make sure that we are continually striving to be the best we can be. I welcome your thoughts, questions and concerns regarding the athletic department so please feel free to call or email me and we can set a time to chat. Go Cats!!

Mark Henderson Assistant Principal and Athletic Director

Reminders: � Senior Parents, make sure you file for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (https://fafsa.ed.gov/) to be eligible

for federal student aid. �� Your counselors have remind accounts in order to send you or your student important information and reminders

straight to your/their cell phone: - Andrea Garibay, Class of 2019, text: 81010, message: @2019couns, o envia al 81010 Con este texto @2019espan - Jane Stevens, Class of 2018, text: 81010, message: @5dbe9 - Tammy Amador, Class of 2017, text: 81010, message:@ef23hg - Lisa Woodard, Class of 2016, text: 81010, message: @lisawo

Community College: Myth vs. Reality Myths abound when it comes to community college, but you can't know if it's right for you unless you have the facts. Do these misconceptions sound familiar?

�� I shouldn't go to community college unless I want a vo-tech career. You can start out at a community college and end up in any career if, like many community college students, you transfer to a four-year college after graduation. In fact, one of the reasons community colleges were set up was to offer students an affordable way to earn a degree from a four-year college or university.

�� Community college is just high school with grownups. Don't let the open-admissions policies of community colleges fool you. Community college is college. You'll be expected to perform at a high level, just as you would at any other college. The fact that anyone can attend doesn't mean that you won't find your studies challenging and enriching.

�� I can't get financial aid if I go to community college. Even though tuition at community colleges is low, financial aid is available. The Federal Pell Grant, for example, is open to students attending any accredited post-secondary school. You can even qualify—for a smaller amount—if you go to school part time.

�� Transferring from community college to a four-year college is too tough. Transferring does require careful planning, but community colleges are set up to help you achieve your goal. You'll meet regularly with an academic advisor who will help you stay on track, making sure you take the right courses to prepare for a major at a four-year school. Earning the grades you need to get into the school of your choice is ultimately up to you, but you'll also find plenty of on-campus support, such as tutors and writing centers.

�� Four-year colleges don't accept community college credits. Students who transfer often benefit from articulation agreements between their community colleges and local four-year schools. Articulation agreements smooth the way because they list, in writing, which courses at the two-year college correspond to courses at the four-year college. With careful planning, most or all of your credits will transfer.

�� I'll never survive a four-year college after attending a community college. Research shows that students who transfer from a community college earn grades equal to, if not better than, students who begin their college careers at a four-year college or university. You may have to weather "transfer shock," the roughly half-point drop in Grade Point Average (GPA) often experienced by students after their first semester at a four-year college. However, high school students face a similar transition when they start college and also experience a drop in their GPA. If you're like most students, your GPA will perk up soon after your first semester.

�� Community colleges are all the same. There are over 1,200 diverse community colleges across the country. They differ in size, course offerings, support services, campus life, student bodies, and faculty. In fact, you can use College Search to shop around for the right fit, just as you would shop for a four-year college or university.

The mission of the Monroe HS Counseling Department is to support and enhance student’s personal, academic, and career

development. School Counselors collaborate with teachers, administrators, parents and community members and provide responsive and preventative counseling services to meet student needs.

Career Center News Patty Johnston - MHS Career Center

johnstonp@monroe.wednet.edu or call 360-804-4534 Website: http://teachersites.schoolworld.com/webpages/MHS/

IIt is never to early to start! Scholarship Search Sites

thewashboard.org

princetonreview.com

fastweb.com

financialaidfinder.com

mycollegedollars.com

cappex.com

United Negro College Fund

American Indian College Fund

Scholarship for trade schools?

Imagine America

@ www/imagine-america.org

Careers That Work @ www.nwcareercolleges.org

Sign up for the Career Center REMIND program and receive updates on college and

scholarship application deadlines, new scholarships, field trips, etc.

“To receive messages via text, text @ecae5 to

360-305-3234. You can opt-out of messages at anytime by replying, ‘unsubscribe @ecae5’

SAT Test Dates Test

U.S. Registration Deadlines (Expire at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time, U.S.A.)

Regular Late (a fee applies)

January 23, 2016 Current SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

December 28, 2015 January 8, 2016 (for mailed registrations) January 12, 2016 (for registrations made online or by phone)

March 5, 2016 Redesigned SAT

SAT only

February 5, 2016 February 19, 2016 (for mailed registrations) February 23, 2016 (for registrations made online or by phone)

May 7, 2016 Redesigned SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

April 8, 2016 April 22, 2016 (for mailed registrations) April 26, 2016 (for registrations made online or by phone)

June 4, 2016 Redesigned SAT

SAT & Subject Tests

May 5, 2016 May 20, 2016 (for mailed registrations) May 25, 2016 (for registrations made online or by phone)

The Monroe Public Schools Foundation Scholarship Application opens in mid

January. These scholarships are offered by business and community

members of Monroe for Monroe students.

Senior Alert! THE FAFSA OPENS MIDNIGHT

JANUARY 1ST

https://fafsa.ed.gov/

ACT Testing Schedule—http://www.actstudent.org 2015—2016

Test Date Registration

Deadline (Late Fee Required)

February 6, 2016 January 8, 2016 January 9–15, 2016

April 9, 2016 March 4, 2016 March 5–18, 2016

June 11, 2016 May 6, 2016 May 7–20, 2016

Practice workbooks for the re-designed SAT are available in the Career Center.

Scholarship NAME Deadline Amount Grade

Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS)

Opens 1/4/16 Closes 2/29/16

Up to $5,000 Seniors

The Washington State Opportunity Scholarship (WSOS) supports low and middle income students pursuing eligible high-demand majors in science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) or health care and encourages recipients to work in Washington state once they complete their degrees. https://www.waopportunityscholarship.org Passport to College Promise Scholarship

Varies $4,000 Annu-ally

Seniors

To meet eligibility requirements, passport students must: Spend at least one year in foster care in Washington state after their 16th birthday, emancipate from care on or after January 1, 2007, enroll at least half-time in an eligible college by their 22nd birthday, maintain Washington residency, not pursue a degree in theology, and be working toward earning their first bachelor’s degree, associate degree, or certificate. http://www.readysetgrad.org/college/passport-foster-youth-promise-program Washington NASA Space Grant Consortium Scholarships

January 15, 2016 Up to $5,000 per year

Seniors

For students who plan to study science, technology, engineering or math at the University of Washington www.waspacegrant.org The Third Annual Value of the Liberal Arts Essay Contest

Midnight January 15, 2016

Up to $3,000 Seniors

The contest requires students to write an essay of no more than 500 words in response to the prompt: “Why it’s wise to pursue a liberal education.” All entries must be submitted via: http://collab.evergreen.edu/hsessay/ Gates Millennium January Full Tuition Description: Open to outstanding low income African American, Indian/Alaskan Native, Asian Pacific Islander American and Hispanic American students with a minimum 3.3 GPA and course of study in computer science, education, engineering, library science, mathematics, public health programs. Detail and form are available at: www.gmsp.org The Gallery Collection 5th Annual Greeting Card

January $10,000 Ages 14 and older

Eligibility: Submit an original photo, artwork or computer graphic for the front of a greeting card. Applications are in the Career Center. Pride Foundation Scholarships January Up to $10,000 Senior

50 different scholarships within one application. http://www.pridefoundation.org/scholarships/apply/ Sam Walton Community Scholarship

Open Seniors

Criteria: Selection based on academic merit, school or work activities and financial need; access the application online at: http://www.act.org.walmart/community/ Anne Frank Outstanding Scholarship

January

$1,000 to $10,000

Senior

This award recognizes students who exemplify the commitment, ideals and courage that Anne Frank represents today. The application is online at: http://www.annefrank.confileadmin/safa.categories.html

Name Department Alvarez, Valentina Social Studies

Trombley, Emma Science

Asbury, Kaleb Science

McCreary, Erik Art

Maykovich, Bailey Art

LeFevre, Hannah English

Rodriguez, Lizbeth 9th Humanities

Teague, Meredith Leadership

de la Fuente, Kyle Leadership

Atterbury, Autumn Library

White, Casey Library

Blevins, Josh Counseling

Squires, Ian Vocal Music

Teschlog, Sarah Vocal Music

Clem, Olivia Health

Masset, Nicholas Health

Kinghorn, Shelby Culinary Arts

Congratulations go out to Josh Jerome and Jessica Clark for breaking two of our Bearcat lifting records. Josh broke our school's Power Clean record for his weight class lifting an astonishing 280 lbs and Jessica broke the school's Squat record for her weight class lifting an incredible 240 lbs. Way to go Josh and Jess!

FFamily Access Texts! Family Access is now offering a quick list of text messaging options for you to select that fit your needs. They will be short messages to direct your attention to more detailed information: 1) Critical Information (4-5 messages per year) Schedule changes or district wide emergency issues 2) District News (1-2 per month) Critical issues, bus changes, non-emergency district events 3) Building information (1-2 per week) Critical Information, district news, school activities and events You may modify your selection at anytime by going onto Family Access, clicking on Online Forms and edit the Opt-In Form or by contacting Familyaccess@monroe.wednet.edu or 360.804.2573. Be aware that with the explosion of span and the resulting spam filters, it is impossible to guarantee message delivery, since different filters block different messages. Your email server and/or cell company may delay messages. Remember that text messages truncate after 150 characters.

Congratulations go out to Ben Conklin who received a full scholar-ship to the United States Coast Guard. Nice job, Ben!

End of 1st Semester 2 day final schedule with 3 finals per day

Wednesday, February 3, 2016 1st 7:50 – 9:25 Final Exam (95 minutes) 3rd 9:35 – 11:10 Final Exam (95 minutes) 11:10 – 11:40 1st Lunch 4th 11:45 – 12:40 4th 11:15 – 12:10

12:10 – 12:40 2nd Lunch5th 12:45 – 2:20 Final Exam (95 minutes) Thursday, February 4, 2016 2nd 7:50 – 9:25 Final Exam (95 minutes) 4th 9:35 – 11:10 Final Exam (95 minutes) 11:10 – 11:40 1st Lunch 3rd 11:45 – 12:40 3rd 11:15 – 12:10 12:10 – 12:40 2nd Lunch 6th 12:45 – 2:20 Final Exam (95 minutes) Friday, February 5, 2015 - No School

2nd semester schedules will be distributed on Thursday, January 21st.

The Monroe High School health room would like to thank the Monroe Public Schools

Foundation for awarding them grant money. This money was used to buy clothing

to have on hand in the health room for student emergencies.

Prospective Student Information Night

Calling next year’s Bearcats! Please plan on attending the Prospective Student Information night at Monroe High School on February 10th from 6-8pm. All families of 8th graders and new students who will be attending high school for the 2016-2017 school year are invited. Learn about the high school, take a tour, meet our staff and learn about sports and club opportunities. We look forward to seeing you soon!

PARAEDUCATORS NEEDED!! Part time work available. To learn more contact Beth in Human Resources at

360-804-2530 or apply online at https://monroejobs.hrmplus.net/.

17001 Tester Road Monroe WA 98272

MONROE HIGH SCHOOL

How to reach us:

Home of the Bearcats

We’re on the Web! www.monroe.wednet.edu To Parent/Guardian of:

Main Office: ............................................................................ 360-804-4500 24-Hour Attendance Hotline ............................................ 360-804-4501 Athletic Secretary ................................................................. 360-804-4511 Counseling ............................................................................. 360-804-4503 Careers/Scholarships ........................................................... 360-804-4534 Nurse ...................................................................................... 360-804-4532 Principal’s Office ................................................................... 360-804-4502 ASB/Financial ......................................................................... 360-804-4513 Fax ........................................................................................... 360-804-4699 Transportation ...................................................................... 360-804-2650

La oficina de asistencia puede

interpretar mensajes en

espanol. Porfavor llame 360-804-4501

y empuje #2

The Mission… We, at MHS, integrate the nine

characteristics of high performing schools to ensure an environment in which communication, achievement

and learning will thrive.

The Vision… We, at MHS, are dedicated to creating,

maintaining, and improving a professional and inclusive environment in which communication, achievement,

and learning will thrive.