Over the last century, MCHS has welcomed new students and staff every year. The first week of MCHS’s cenennial year begs the question: how will this year be different from previous years?
Back in the 1924-1925 school year, MCHS opened its doors for the first time. Alumni throughout the years come back, whether it’s for reunions or football games, or even to teach they know they can always find their way back to MCHS.
Kayleigh Jensen, substitute teacher at MCHS, is excited for this upcoming year and personally can’t wait to see what the year will bring with not just the centennial celebration but also the first senior class to graduate that went through both the Freshman and Upper Campus.
“I am looking forward to the year in general,” says Jensen. “With it being the centennial of the school, I think there is going to be a lot of energy and school spirit going into the year. It is the first year where the senior class went through freshman campus so it is an exciting time to see a graduating class go through both campuses. As a former MCHS student, it makes me feel honored to be able to be a part of this huge anniversary for the school.”
With the 100 year anniversary, it makes everyone wonder what the new year will bring.
Kyra Hanneman, junior at MCHS, is excited for the new opportunities this year will bring. The upcoming football season also excites Hanneman as she will be part of this year’s dance team.
“I’m really looking forward to meeting new people, being part of the dance team, and for football season it’s always a lot of fun, it is definitely something for everyone to look up too,” says Hanneman.
Curtis Menke, college and career counselor at MCHS, excites his new plan to encourage students this upcoming year to help them prepare for college using brand new methods. Although not as exciting for students, Menke also reps the importance of the no phone rule that will be taken more seriously within classrooms this year.
Students such as Olivia Smith, junior at MCHS, states her stance on the new phone policy, saying it makes sense but Smith isn’t sure if this is the true solution.
“I mean it makes sense that they’re changing things,”s ays Olivia Smith, a junior at MCHS, “but if I’m honest I feel like they say they’re cracking down on phones every year, yet nothing really changes. I’ll be surprised to see if the rules actually stick.”
“The counseling team will be doing a lot more Next Step programming this year,” says Menke. “So students all across the four grade levels will engage in at least two Next Step activities per semester. Although individual doubt will ALWAYS remain for students, I’m confident this programming will help students feel more knowledgeable about their options and empowered to act when they get to senior year.”
“The no mobile device usage in classrooms is an important change for the upcoming year. I really believe that most students are not being intentionally defiant when they turn to their personal devices in classrooms but unfortunately, those are interfering with learning. I think most students at least begrudgingly recognize that. It’s our job to remove barriers for students and give everyone full access to learning and opportunities.”
Starting a new school year can be scary, so getting some much needed advice can be very crucial to a student’s work environment. Hanneman continues to share some advice that helped her get through previous school years in hopes to help out another student in need.
“I suggest underclassmen should put effort into highschool,” says Hanneman. “High school is not that scary, you just have to put your best foot forward everyday. There is so much to look forward to so don’t get caught up in worry.”
“This year I’d like to see a change in the perspective of students,” says Hanneman. “School can be hard and overwhelming but having grit and a positive attitude makes all the difference. We must root for each other and tell ourselves that hard things can be accomplished to make day-to-day life more enjoyable.”
Menke suggests the best thing to do is get involved.
“Engage in opportunities as much as possible,” says Menke. “You don’t have to know what you want to do after high school to attend college rep visits, talk with a military recruiter, or go to a career-specific presentation. My daily emails also have that information.”
Finally, back to school can be a stressful and hectic time, but with the right resources and fun events to look up to, it can be an opportunity of a lifetime.