APRIL 8th – Testing Day for Math
(All Other Students Will Not Report to School)
     On April 8th, any freshman or sophomore enrolled in Geometry or any junior who has not passed the State Math Assessment will come to school to take the assessment.  The results of this assessment will determine the student’s math placement for next year.  The results of the Class of 2009 will determine if Goddard High School is recognized for Standard of Excellence and it will determine if we make the required improvements for Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).  We all have much at stake.
In order to ensure a positive testing environment for these students, we have elected to have only those students who are testing report to school on April 8. 
     Last year, the class of 2008 achieved AYP!  82.2% of last year’s junior class scored proficient or above.  As AYP measures growth each year; our goal is to do even better.
     We would like your assistance in encouraging your student at home to do his or her best and to make certain that he or she will be present on the day of testing.  Please feel free to contact your student’s math teacher, principal or counselor if you have questions or concerns.
     We are truly excited to be able to create an atmosphere that will allow our students to perform their best.  We look forward to sharing with you the results of the testing as soon as they become available.

Goddard Football Home of the Roaring Lions
     Goddard Football completed the 2007 season with one of the most successful efforts any team in Goddard Football history has ever achieved finishing 9-3. The Lions won their first playoff game since 1988 by defeating Wichita Northwest 32-14 in the Regional Playoff game. The Lions then defeated Junction City in the Sectional Playoff game 20-13. Goddard finished the season as one of the top four teams in Class 6A. There were 13 players that made all-league recognition and 5 that were recognized as all state in some capacity. Logan Watkins was honored as player of the year in Central Kansas by High School Sports the Magazine. Seth Beard was honored as a top 11 player in the State by the same magazine and also was selected to play in the 2008 Shrine Bowl. The junior varsity finished 6-1, sophomores 4-1 and the freshman 4-4. The football future in Goddard is bright and the Lions look to be a contender for the state title in Class 6A in 2008!

GHS Broadcast Productions is Recruiting
     Broadcast Productions is recruiting staff members for the 2008-2009 school year.  Could you do the “GHS Morning Announcements?”  Could you anchor or do the weather for the weekly “This is Goddard Friday?” Could you plan, tape and edit a story for air in the monthly “GHS News” news magazine?  Are you interested in editing and producing video projects?  If you answered yes to any of these questions, consider applying for a staff position with Broadcast Productions.
     Students must complete several steps to be considered for membership in the class.  First, the student must have completed Computer Applications I.  Second, the student must obtain an application form from Ms. Rogers.  These forms must be returned PRIOR to the enrollment deadline.  Third, the student must complete a screen test during Spring Parent Teacher Conferences or after school PRIOR to the enrollment deadline.  Ms. Rogers will solicit feedback about each student from the high school faculty.  The Broadcast Productions staff list will be posted, and students on that list will be eligible to enroll in Broadcast Productions for 2008-2009.  Any student who is enrolling must have a signature on his/her enrollment form from Ms. Rogers.

CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS
     There will be an informational meeting on Monday, February 18 after school or Tuesday, February 19 before school (7:20 a.m.) with Miss Nally in the library for anyone interested in trying out for the 
2008-2009 cheerleading squads.

FRESHMAN, JUNIOR VARSITY, VARSITY CHEERLEADING
(Freshman – Up to 10 members, grade 9) 
(Junior Varsity – Up to 14 female members and 4 male members, grades 9 – 11)
(Varsity – Up to 18 female members and 8 male members, grades 10 – 12)
Clinic – Monday, March 10, 3:00 – 4:30 @ Challenger/Discovery
Clinic – Tuesday, March 11, 3:00 – 4:30 @ Challenger/Discovery
Tryout – Wednesday, March 12, 3:00 - ? @ Challenger/Discovery

Candidates will be required to perform 3 jumps, a cheer and a chant (taught by the senior cheerleaders).  Male candidates will also be required to stunt.

Tumbling is optional and results in bonus points based on skill level of tumbling performed.

Please contact Rachel Nally at GHS for more information (794-4122) or via e-mail at rnally@goddardusd.com.

Parental attitudes on teen drinking can backfire
By SOFIYA HUPALO
     For parents who are seeking answers behind reasons for their children’s drinking, a few psychological aspects should be considered before pointing fingers at the culprit. Denise Denton is a senior lecturer at Iowa State and prevention specialist with a master’s degree in counseling. She explains: “There’s reverse psychology at work. If parents tell kids not to drink and don’t talk about why, curiosity gets the best of them.” 
     Parents who absolutely ban alcohol without explaining why may be tempting their kids even more so than their peers. The forbidden fruit begins to look very sweet to teenagers, as they wonder what is so taboo about it. This often results in binge drinking, which is a lot different from simple social drinking. 
The other far end, according to Denton, is parents’ abuse of alcohol. 
“When parents don’t mention anything at all, kids are more likely to drink at parties,” she said. “It’s like giving them silent permission. 
     “The least amount of drinking problems are in families that communicate with their children about drinking. If consequences and values are understood, there is no mystery about drinking and abuse is not a problem,” Denton said.
     So instead of focusing on ways to punish underage users, it is more practical to search for the root of the problem first. The ultimate goal ought not be to ban and punish, but to examine teens’ point of view and develop ways of prevention accordingly. Exactly why are teenagers drinking? Temptation and impulsiveness are directly correlated with the exposure and approach to alcohol of the ones that influence them most: Mom and Dad.

Broadcast Productions has also entered a fan contest on MaxPreps.com for the “2007 Spirit Challenge.”  Producer Bre Selves created the contest entry promoting Goddard High School as having the “Best Student Section in America.”  Log on to www.maxpreps.com to vote for Selves’ video.  Goddard is one of 17 entries.  If we win, GHS could receive $5,000.  Vote early and often.  Voting for this contest ends December 31, 2007.

The Broadcast Productions classes produce daily “GHS Morning Announcements,” the weekly “This is Goddard Friday,” and a monthly “GHS News” news magazine.  The staff has also produced a teacher recruiting video for the district as well as filming video footage for Let Fly the Falcon, a local student band.

Student Television Network is a nationwide affiliation of high school and middle school broadcast programs.  Teacher and student summer camps, national convention, and annual mail-in contests are just a few of the opportunities available through this organization. 

SchoolTube is an organization committed to giving student journalists, video editors and producers a chance to show their work to a national audience.  All videos at SchoolTube must be approved by teachers.  All material is appropriate for home and classroom viewing based on community standards across the country. 

Steps on how to wash your hands properly

1.  Wet hands with running water.                   5.  Be sure to clean under fingernails.
2.  Pump soap into palms.                              6.  Rinse soap off of hands.
3.  Rub together to make a lather.                   7.  Dry hands thoroughly.
4.  Scrub hands vigorously for 15 seconds.      8.  Use a dry paper towel to turn water off.

Please advise the office (794-4100) of any changes to your phone number or e-mail addresses

Students are asked to not bring any of these items to school.  GHS Administration appreciates your cooperation.

• Student is not enrolled in a required class
• Student is enrolled in a class for which he/she has already received credit
• Student has not met prerequisites for the class he/she enrolled in
• Student’s schedule is incomplete
• A teacher has recommended that the student advance to a higher level class

ALL REQUESTS FOR A SCHEDULE CHANGE MUST BE MADE IN WRITING TO THE PRINCIPAL, MR. KELLEY.

If approved the guidance department will be notified and your student will receive his/her new schedule.

Students returning to GHS are asked to bring their ID card from last year (2006-2007) to use until the new card is issued in September.  New students will be issued a temporary card.

• If your student knows in advance that he/she will be absent, it is the student’s responsibility to get assignments in advance from his/her teacher and for parents to notify the office of the absence.
• If your student is ill for two or more days, he/she is eligible to receive homework for the days missed.  Please contact the office with your request, at which time the teachers are given 24 hours to process the request.

If you have an interest in serving on the Site Council for the high school, please contact the school by phone or in writing.  The first council meeting will be in September at which time future dates for meetings will be established.  All meetings last 1 ½ hours and are usually held in the evenings at the high school.

1. No mesh, see-through, halter-tops, crop-tops, low-cut tops, bare-midriff tops, or any clothing with tears or holes are to be worn.  All strapped tops must have a strap of at least 1” wide.
2. Clothing that is considered to be underwear must not be visible.
3. Clothing that advertises alcohol, drugs, or is considered to be vulgar or in bad taste will not be allowed in the building.
4. Clothing that allows the midriff area to show will not be allowed. 

 Please click here for more information regarding PTO.