Welcome to Monroe High School - home of the Bearcats!

Message from the Principal

May 2008

Dear Parents,

Continuous Improvement is an Integral Part of MHS Vision and Mission

It is hard to believe we are nearing the end of another great school year. The MHS students, staff and community are finishing an exemplary year filled with academic, athletic and co-curricular accomplishments along with many special events for our community. Part of being committed to excellence is building a culture of continuous improvement. Monroe High School is a very good school. However, we want to be excellent and improving certain processes within our organization will help us reach our mission and most important goal, maximizing student achievement.
Part of developing that culture at MHS is implementing focus groups to research and recommend improvements of the most basic systems in our school. Each group identifies school wide systems they would like to see reviewed. All of these areas are then discussed at Building Leadership Team meetings, which include all of our department chairs. They decide on the areas that will have the biggest impact on moving us toward our mission.

One quality team is studying the academic intervention process currently in place at MHS. This includes: in-school intervention, out-of-school intervention, and in-class intervention as well as our special education and English Language Learner collaboration model. Our goal is that each type of intervention is targeted to student needs and fits systematically together. This is a very important part of achieving the “teaching and intervening” part of our mission. The 2nd process being studied is the transition program and processes for our freshmen and new students. This quality team will be working on an action plan that will look at how we can help our freshmen develop academic organization and study skills they will apply the rest of their career at high school and beyond.

The other two teams are studying our WASL data, especially in relationship to our Adequate Yearly Progress, and creating a process and environment that brings together all of our improvement efforts to create a more articulated, meaningful and streamlined process. 
The time our staff puts into this process is a testament to our commitment to a continuous improvement culture at MHS. We are a very high performing school and we want to improve. We know that an organization where each individual tries to be better tomorrow than they are today will meet the high expectations our students and community deserve.  We have adopted a phrase from Jim Collins book Good To Great as a constant reminder of our mission.  Mr. Collins states “Good is the Enemy of Great” and I can assure you that the staff of MHS is not content with making MHS a good place -- we want to be great!

I cannot thank our parents enough for their contribution to a great school year. I feel such a great sense of community as I attend events and participate with our parent groups such as Bearcat Pride or the Superintendent Advisory committee meetings. Our parents are so willing to work together for all students to address the many challenges we face in education. This is a demonstration of the excellent partnership that exists between our school and parents.
We are looking forward to sending our seniors on to life and post-secondary education and celebrating their completion of thirteen years of education at our graduation ceremony on June 7th. Best wishes to the MHS class of 2008 as they enter an exciting and challenging world!

Respectfully,
John Lombardi
Principal, Monroe High School

SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK

Monday:	#1 REGULAR
Tuesday:	#1 REGULAR
Wednesday:	#1 REGULAR
Thursday:	#1 REGULAR
Friday:	#1 REGULAR

Student News

SENIORS:  There will be one final, very important Senior meeting in the PAC on Monday, May 19th at the beginning of 2nd period. Please report right to the PAC and you will be dismissed directly back to class following the meeting.

SUMMER JOB:  Do you have a job this summer and would like to earn school credit for that job?  Applications are now available for the Summer Work-Based Learning program.  The cost is $125 per half credit.  You may go to the Counseling Office for an application or see Mr. McKenzie in room 805

SPRING FLING SOCCER:  Anyone interested in Spring Fling soccer, sign-ups are almost over.  To sign up bring a roster of 5 or 6 players to Mrs. Fee’s office before or after school by Friday, May 16th.  The first four teams that sign up will be entered in the tournament.  There will be a  \prize to the winners, so get your team signed up!

SPANISH CLUB:  All Spanish Club fundraiser volunteers . . . Remember there will be an ice cream social Friday in Room 405 at 2:30 to thank you for all your hard work.  See you Friday.

EXPLOSION:  Grad Night this Saturday, May 17 at the upcoming Snohomish County Explosion Basketball game.  All graduating Seniors will be able to get in at half-price. They just need to show their ASB cards at the ticket booth.

YEARBOOK:  Did you forget to purchase a yearbook?  You may have one more chance.  There will be a lottery drawing of extra yearbooks that were received.  Seniors will have first priority.  Pick up a form in the main office and meet the deadline and you will have a chance to get a yearbook.  Forms available on Wednesday morning

SPRING FLING:  The Spring Fling Volleyball Tournament is coming up fast.  Start thinking about getting your teams together and get ready for battle of the sexes.  We will only be having four girl teams and four boy teams, so sign up fast.  You can pick up and fill out a roster at Mrs. Fee’s office, across from Room 104, Wednesday through Friday.  First come, first served.

BOOKS:  Due to the high number of overdue library materials, student check-out will end May 18th. All student books are due back by May 28th.  Unfortunately, books not returned by this date will become fines.  Please, help us get the books back!! Thank you.

ADOPT-A-LIBRARY FISH:  The Library Fish need summer homes. If you are interested in adopting a fish, stop in at the library and speak with Ms. M. to learn the details.

Career & Counseling Center

SENIORS:  It’s so painless, and you can do it in the comfort of your own familiar high school. Take the  Asset placement test in the Career Center on Tuesday the 20th at 3:00 p.m. Cost is $25.  Please drop by Jan Johansen’s office in the Counseling Center to sign up. Your scores on the Asset will help you choose classes for fall quarter at Everett Community College.

CONGRATULATIONS!!!:  Rotary Students of the Month for May:  Brittany Jarnot, Nichole Hunt, Danielle Winslow and Cooper Amsberry

COLLEGE VISITS:

• University of Washington- Bothell Campus - Here during lunch, Thursday, May 15th
• Cascadia Community College - Here during lunch, Monday, May 19th
• Navy- Tuesday, May 20th

SENIORS:
If you have received any Scholarships or Awards, please bring that information to the Career Center.

Seniors Awards Night  June 5th 2008

Sports Information

Weekly Sports Schedule

TODAY 5-14-08:

• 3:30 – Varsity Track – Districts @ Everett Memorial Stadium – Bus leaves 1:45, dismiss @ 1:30
• 8:00 – Varsity Boys Golf @ Gallery Golf Course

TRACK RESULTS:  District Track was yesterday (Wed. 5/14) with 1/2 the field event finals and 2 distance event finals.

• Lyndy Davis is District Champion in the 3200 setting a new school record of 11:04.62.
• Kelsey Brennan is District Champion in the Javelin setting a new school record of 136'8"
• Kelsey was also runner up in the Discus qualifying for State with a throw of 116'7"
• The girls' team is currently in third place with qualifiers for Friday's final meet in the 1600, 800, 200, 4x200 and remaining field events.
• Bryan Baunsgard finished 5th in the Shot Put with a  throw of 46'3.25"
• Zach Richards finisthed 8th in the Shot with a throw of 44'6"
• Eddie Hayman finished 8th in the Long Jump with a jump or 19' 5.5"
• The boys team is currently tied for 10th with qualifiers for Friday's meet in the 3200, 800, 110hurdles, 300hurdles, 4x400 and remaining field events.
• Friday 5/16 the meet begins at 5:00 with Field Events 6:00 running events at Everett Stadium.

ATTENTION ALL FEMALE ATHLETES:  You need to turn in your sports lockers and clean them out ASAP.

C TENNIS:  C team tennis players your pictures and other memorabilia are here! Please come pick them up in Coach Caruso’s room, 806, before or after school.

Sign up for the "Monroe Info - High School and Beyond" mailing list

Other MHS links:

• Bell Schedules
• Career Center
• Curriculum Guide
• Gear Up
• January 8 letter to families (English) (Spanish)
• Learning Improvement Plan
• Library
• Lista Recomendada de Materiales Escolares
• Local Scholarship Application is available. Go to www.monroepsf.org to get yours
• Monroe Bearcats Online Store
• New to the Area?
• Online help for taking the SAT/ACT
• Recommended School Supply
• Report Card
• Student Clubs
• Student Handbook
• Traffic Safety Information
• WASL Class Schedule
• Yearbook ads for Seniors
• Yearbook Photo Requirements

Important Notice About Internet Safety

The best way to protect children from online harm is to keep computers in a family area of the home. Visibility allows parents to look over the students' shoulders without being too oppressive. Young children should have a parental chaperone whenever they are on the Internet. Two sites that discuss these issues and offer advice can be found at www.safekids.com and www.safeteens.com.

Hyperlinks to staff web sites (located on the Staff page) are provided for student and parent convenience, and all staff web sites are hosted by external Internet service providers. Monroe Public Schools assumes no liability for content contained on external service provider sites. Filtering software from one of the providers listed below is recommended to prevent unauthorized access to sites beyond the District's control.

Norton | Cyber Sitter | Net Nanny | Surf Watch | Cyber Patrol

Parents

Voicemail: 360.804.2998 ext 4695

2007-2008 Bearcat Pride Officers are:

• Co-Presidents:
  
  • Rita Zimmerman
    
  • Kristi Cundy
    
• Co-VP:
  
  • Bill & Jenny Coan
    
  • Cathi Tower-Chriscaden & Joel Chriscaden
    
• Co-Secretaries:
  
  • Susan Clayton
    
  • Kimberly Clem
    
• Treasurer:
  
  • Robin Martin
    

Please let us know how we may help you throughout the school year.

Bearcat Parents:
Got Pride? Then you'll want to get involved with The Bearcat Pride, MHS's parent group! Meetings are held the second Wednesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the MHS Staff Lounge. Our mission is to enhance, support, and encourage all facets of student development at Monroe High School. We're involved in activities such as concessions, purchasing special items for the school, honoring and recognizing students and staff, senior scholarships, teacher grants, sponsoring chats with the principal, and so much more. We welcome you to join us! If you would like more information, please email us at parents-mhs@monroe.wednet.edu.

Chat with the Principal The Bearcat Pride hosts a monthly chat with Principal Lombardi. This informal coffee hour provides an opportunity for you to learn more about what is happening at the high school. Please join us in the MHS Staff Lounge on the following dates:

• September 20
• October 18
• November 15
• January 17
• February 21
• March 20
• April 17
• May 15

Times to be determined

Use this link to learn more about the bylaws governing the Bearcat Pride parent group.

Class of 2008
Interested families are invited to join the 2008 Grad Night Planning Committee to begin the process of putting together a safe, alcohol and drug free celebration to honor next year's Class of 2008.
For more information contact Janice Davis by email or call her at 360.668.4838

Parents/Guardians of 2008 graduates: We would like to invite any parents/guardians of seniors in planning their graduation night party. Plans have begun for this safe, all-night event and we would like input from those who would like to participate. This party is for the seniors only and they will be taken by bus the evening of graduation. The cost is $140 per student and this includes two great venues where they will enjoy many activities not available anywhere else. At the first location, a substantial dinner will be provided. About half way through the night, they will go to a second great location where more activities will be available for entertainment. Near the end a great breakfast will be served. The students will return to the high school by bus at approximately 6:00 AM where they can be picked up and taken home. Don’t miss the opportunity to send your student to a safe graduation party and create lasting memories.

Tickets will be sold every other Friday during lunch at school.

We will have our planning meetings on Tuesday October 16 at 6:00 pm, Tuesday November 20, at 7:00 pm, and every third Tuesday until graduation. All Senior parents are welcome to help us plan this night. If you have any questions, please contact Janice Davis at 360.668.4838 or quest.jld@verizon.net

Harmony Club - a parent support group for vocal music students at Monroe High School.

Band Boosters
Volunteer members of the Band Boosters support Monroe High School's instrumental music program. The group meets on the first Monday of the month. Meetings begin at 7:00 p.m. and are held in the Band Room at Monroe High School. For more information email the group's contact/spokesperson Joni Nye. Families may also sign up for the group's e-mail service by visiting their website using the Band Booster link above.

Bearcat Baseball Booster Club

Schedule of Early Dismissals, Vacations, Conferences

Student Activities and Clubs

March

• 10-13 WASL Testing
  

• 12 Bearcat Pride
  

• 20 Band Concert @ MHS
  

• 25 Choir Concert @ MHS
  

• 26 MHS Info Night for 8th Graders & Families 6 pm
  

• 31 Spring Break Begins
  

WASL Class Schedule

Dialing 360-804-2998 accesses staff voice mailboxes.

The search option lets families use their telephone keypad to enter the teacher's name to be connected to the voicemail system to leave a message.

Staff Phone Directory

NAME (e-mail)	ASSIGNMENT	WEB SITE ADDRESS
Abbott, Norine	Am Lit/Expos
Ablutz, Kathy	Athletic Secretary
Akesson, Karl	Drama
Alice, Paula RN	Health Room
Allen, Joshua	9th Grade Humanities/English
Aulabaugh, Erick	Assistant Principal
Baca, Julee	Secretary
Bare, Dan	US History
Barnett, Leonard	Geometry
Benfield, Barb	Physics
Benitz, Tricia	Receptionist
Berg, Lena	English Language Learner Counselor
Berg, Misty	English
Berry, Judi	Registrar
Biggs, Sue	Counselor A-Di
Blaine, Karen	Biology
Bly, Karin	9th Grade Humanities	share4.esd105.wednet.edu/blyk/
Boyle, Jeff	Biology
Brekke, Becky	Ass't Secretary
Brekke, Dave	Math
Bruhn, Sharon	Algebra
Burnette, Kerry	Physical Science
Campbell, Deb	Geometry	www.deb-campbell.com
Carrol, Jen (Trainer)	Sports Medicine
Carroll, Donna (PE)	Step Aerobics
Caruso, Anna	Spanish
Clark, Nichole	History
Claybrook, Melonie	Counseling Secretary
Coe, Andrew	Spanish
Cook, Cindy	Lead Secretary
Cooke, Alexa	Lifeskills
Creager, Sue	Plato
Cundy, Kristi	Paraeducator
Dahl, Georgia	Foods/Textiles
Darrow, Scott	History
Dent, Jimme	Paraeducator
Dow, Susan	Writing/Culminating Challenge
Edelman, Julian	English Language Learner
Eggerling, Judy	Career Center
Egli, Lance	Psychologist
Fee, Sydney	Leadership
Foote, Amy	Biology
Foster, Sarah	Civics
Franzen, Jon	Geometry
Frasca, Elaine	Writing/Reading
Fulcher, Joe	Video
Gilseth, Debbie	Security
Goodwin, Barb	German
Gordon, Kylene	Honors English
Grier, Donna	Paraeducator
Griffith, John	American Government
Hallanger, Sharol	Math
Hampton, Linda	Gear Up Secretary
Hanley, Diane	Reading
Haynie, Andy	Body Conditioning/Team Sports
Henderson, Neil	Math
Hesselgrave, Holly	Biology
Hilderbrand, Mark	Dean of Students
Hope, Sarai	Math/Culminating Challenge
Horner, Carrie	Gear Up
Horner, Tyson	History
Johnson, Holly	English
Johnson, Jamie	9th Grade Humanities
Johnson, Jodi	Kitchen
Kirk, Tina	9th Grade Humanities
Koenig, Debora	Marketing
Kothenbeutel, Jen	Spanish
Kruckenberg, James	Security
Lamb, Pamela	Career Choices
Langley, Tim	English
Lenoue, Katie	Choir
Linden, Dianne	ASB/Financial secretary
Lombardi, John	Principal
Lowe, Anne	Animal Science
Lowman, Russel	9th Grade Humanities
Mahaney, Lisa	Spanish
McKenzie, Steve	Marketing
McReynolds, Jen	Algebra/Geometry
Minetti, Katie	Step Aerobics
Mitchell, Heather	Counselor San - Z
Monica, Sean	US History
Monprode, Lorrie	Librarian
Morrison, Ken	Chemistry
Morrison, Michelle	Animal Science/Horticulture
Mullin, Jennifer	Cheer Advisor
Neary, Dylan	Geometry
Nesland, Kendra	Math
O'Hare, Jenny	9th Grade Humanities
Olson, Terry	Custodian
Orr, Keith	Psychology	http://mrorr.org
Ottini, Alan	Business Math
Palmiter, Emily	Basic Design
Pidino, Hans	Team sports
Rosas, Judith	Assistant Principal
Russell, Robin	Health
Samac, Genesis	Gear Up
Satogami, Chris	Foods	share1.esd105.wednet.edu/satogamic
Scanlan, Shelly	Attendance Secretary
Shapiro, Gina	Paraeducator
Shaw, Jennifer	Drug/Alcohol Counselor
Sheckells, Theresa	Physical Science
Shell, Allan	Algebra	share1.esd105.wednet.edu/mrshell/
Siano, Jill	9th Grade Humanities
Simoni, Bob	Technical  Education
Soterhou, Patricia	Physical Science
Spong, Susan	Photography
Stanton, Giles	English
Stevens, Jane	Counselor McK - Sam
Stroble, Jeanna	French
Timmons-Tharp, Jeri	Literature
Trabanino, Elsa	Counselor K-McI and ELL
Twedt, Edna	Student Store
Vaught, Rachel	Algebra
Vigus, Darby	Marketing
Walker, Bruce	Lifeskills
Wallace, Kathy	Discipline Secretary
Wheatley, Tim	Government
White, Lisa	Band	share4.esd105.wednet.edu/whitel/
Wille, Brett	Assistant Principal
Wilmore, Dominique	Pottery
Wold, Nick	Health
Woodard, Lisa	Counselor Do- Ju
Woodbury, Jayne	Paraeducator