Principal’s Message:

The Lions are just finishing up our winter sports seasons the first two weeks of March and spring sports are underway. The Lions completed their wrestling season this past weekend with a three-peat, come from behind win in the state 6A championship wrestling tournament held at the new Intrust Bank Arena in Wichita. The Lions have won 4 of the past 5 6A championships in wrestling. The bowling and basketball teams will be competing for state championships over the next two weekends, and then we will be competing outdoors as we move into track, baseball, softball, girl’s soccer, boy’s golf and tennis. Hopefully, the weather will be more like spring soon. It has been a cold winter. 

Recently, we had our winter homecoming dance where approximately 200 students attended. There has been a movement led by some students that do not like the new dance rules to host alternate dances in place of our dances at school. We are taking a look at our options for these activities in the future since many of these activities are done with the idea that we need to raise money for hosting these events. In these days of budget crisis without making much off of dances for income we may have to take a look at not having as many dances in the future. This is unfortunate, but an option that we must take seriously. The rules were put into place after much discussion had been done with Site Council representatives, faculty, and student leadership. There was not anyone that did not say that what we were doing was not right. We also knew that there would be some rebellion or contrasting views for the dance rules. These rules were implemented for the decency of the events. “Freak dancing” should be something that exists outside the school environment. If school dances are something that we must sacrifice then we will need to discuss this at our next meetings in the spring and at summer retreat.  I truly believe that we are willing to listen to our students and have shown compromise in the past over issues like holes in jeans and cell phones. If parents think that this type of event belongs in the school then we can certainly step back and let them assume the responsibility which some have done with this past dance. I wanted to be up front with you as patrons regarding our stance on this issue. If you have questions or comments, please e-mail me at bkelley@goddardusd.com or call me at 794-4100.  

It is almost spring break and where has the time gone? I feel busier than ever with a lot more to do before the end of the year. Plans for graduation are being finalized for the Hartman Arena on May 15th at 1:00 p.m.  I know in the agenda book it says 2:00 p.m., but that had to be changed to accommodate another graduation that evening. Senior finals will be given on Thursday and Friday, May 6th and 7th.  It is imperative that we stay on top of all students as far as attendance issues moving into spring time. Make sure that if your student is absent that you call or send a note from a physician to excuse the absence. We have Saturday School available from now until the end of the year to take care of making up excessive absence hours. There will be no Saturday School on March 13th or 20th on either end of Spring Break. All other Saturdays will be used to make up time. If you have questions please contact Mary Durbin or your son’s or daughter’s assistant principal for direction. 
 
There have been some questions raised in the past few weeks about senior honors to be awarded in May. The BOE has approved a request in 2008 to change the format of senior honors to recognize the top 10% of the graduating class in response to wanting to recognize more students for their accomplishments in the class. The top 2% of the class are Summa Cum Laude graduates, the next 3% will be noted as Magna Cum Laude, and the next 5% of the class as Cum Laude graduates. Due to an error in wording in the school handbook this year the Valedictorian and Salutatorian awards will be presented as well this year. These presentations will be made at the Senior Honors Night on April 28th at 7:00 p.m. in the high school auditorium. The weighted grading scale is used for the designation of these awards for the class. 
  
March will pass quickly with spring break in the middle. Keep up with your child’s progress through Parent Access and let us know if you have problems accessing this information. If there is anything that we can do to assist you please contact the school. 

Respectfully,

Bill Kelley – Principal
Goddard High School