Tuesday, May 29, 2007

Schools out

Ah, summer.

It's hard to believe the year is over and we're working on things for 07-08. But June is knocking on the door and baseball and softball are in full swing.

I can't say exactly what, but with the new technology and the work of our staff this summer, I can say going to school at CAM High School will begin to change early and for the better.

New attitudes, technology, procedures, expectations and responsibility will greet students next year.

So sit back, enjoy camping, fishing, golf and the summer job. It's summertime.

We're getting ready for the fall and next year. And having a good time doing it.

Sunday, May 20, 2007

Class of 2007

It was just a week ago I was fretting over preparing for H.S. Awards night and the graduation ceremony and now, two events and 13 graduation parties later, it's in the past and all of our memories.

A big thanks to this class for their contributions to CAM High School.

They are the first class to spend all four years together as CAM and chose their colors, one from C& M (gold) and one from Anita (purple). They were proud of this and I couldn't be prouder for them as a class.

So I hope you all had your fill of pork, tacos, appetizers, cake and punch. I sure did.

Thanks to everyone who helped send our graduates out in style.

Tuesday, May 15, 2007

ACT Prep Class

The following is information that students should be presenting you Wednesday night as teachers are handing it out during homeroom on Wednesday.

This summer's ACT course will run from May 29th to June 8th, all weekdays. Classes will be run from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. everyday and when we’ll be taking practice tests and running from 8:30 a.m. to approximately Noon. Cost for the class is $25. (An official schedule will be printed and handed out before the end of the school year)

Mr. Arp will be covering the essentials for the math portion of the ACT test, Mrs. Turner the English portion of the test and Mr. Giegerich the science portion of the test. Two actual tests will be administered.

The ACT has traditionally been used to test student’s college readiness in mathematics, English, reading and science. However, in recent years states have been adopting the “ACT Core Curriculum”, requiring more in depth math, science and English classes.

“The value of a good core of knowledge can not be underestimated. Taking the ACT is something every high school student needs to consider” – Mr. Giegerich

Taking the ACT test a couple times, or each year, is beneficial to know what areas a student need to work on to be confident they are ready for a post-secondary education. It’s not just for students with four-year aspirations anymore. It’s a good indicator for both student and parent whether entering a two-year college or trade school is the right choice.

The course will teach basic strategies that will help the student prepare for both the test format and content area. It’s not a catch all, but the course will improve the student’s ability to score at his/her ability level.

Sunday, May 6, 2007

A Night at the Roxbury

Prom 2007 went something like this - A grand "Grand March", dinner, a couple tornado warnings, dancing, after-prom in Atlantic, another tornado warning and then students stranded in Atlantic because of debris and high water.

Home after 6 a.m. - certainly a prom to remember.

The creators of Saturday Night Live couldn't have written this "Night at the Roxbury", but this years juniors, seniors and their dates lived it.

It began with the threat of severe weather safely off to the west in Nebraska. CAM High School patrons watched their students put on snappy tuxes and beautiful dresses, show up in Hummers, dune buggies and limos for the Grand March. Security let the crowd, and then each couple, into the Roxbury.

High winds pounded Anita as the couples went from posing on the red carpet to eating at places like the Redwood in Anita and the Feed Lot in Atlantic. Most made it to the dance on time, were done with pictures and dancing as the first of two tornado warnings were issued for western Cass County.

Computers and emergency radios kept the sponsors and administration apprised (as well as several parents) of the situation. With contingency plans in place (getting students to the locker rooms) the dance went on. The DJs provided a good mix of contemporary dance, country and oldies (if you consider the 80s old).

After prom went on at the Atlantic YMCA as yet another tornado rolled through the area around 3 a.m. Afterwards, debris and flood waters gave county officials no choice but to keep the CAM students in Atlantic, with many reporting they did not get home until 6 a.m.

In some instances the students were definitely safer where they were as several had damage reported at their homes.

A big thank you to everyone who was responsible for putting Prom 2007 - "A Night at the Roxbury" on for everyone to see and enjoy.