Time is on my side....

Is time on our side?  The relative nature of time can be maddening.  When things are slow, we kill time.  When things go well, time flies.  We are always trying to save time, although we cannot and that is disconcerting as time is our most precious commodity - human life.  In school, time is the allocated segments we assign to activities.  One-hundred and seventy-five days, fifty-minute class periods, five-minute times to change classes, 30 minutes for lunch.  Within those time allocations, many variables impact the quality of the time assigned.  Student choices for courses, teacher choices of activity, student attention during the activity, management of the time assigned.  According to Loren Anderson's book, Time and Learning, "Productive learning time depends on the activities in place and student attentiveness."  Mere allocation of more time is not a game-changer for student achievement, however, it is a positive factor in every study and it is the initial process of developing optimal student learning.  But to maximize this additional time, or even the time presently allocated, means that teachers select the best methods to reduce the time needed to learn and that students become more responsible in remaining engaged during the time they have been given to learn.  Parents become a key player in assisting students to understand the gift of time they have been given and the importance of using that time wisely.  If teachers improve their use of time, by selecting the best instructional path with continual use of evaluation and self-reflection to adapt to the students' needs;  along with students who remain on-task because of personal conviction that is supported by parental influence to do their very best to stay engaged, incredible gains are made in student learning.  The engagement of students, as revealed by Jennifer Fredericks and her colleagues in a 2004 article in The Journal of Educational Research, is a function of time, teacher, student, peers and parents.   So, what does all this time-talk have to do with Harrisburg High School?  There is a process, that takes, you guessed it...time.  Beginning with system analysis and changes of how time is allocated.  M. A. Prater (2004) found that up to 50 percent of a school day can be spent in non-instructional activities.  Yes, some of those are necessities, lunch, transitions between classes.  But taking a Harrisburg School day, from 8:05-2:55 and subtracting lunch and transitions, we still have 305 minutes of the day, or 75 percent of our day for possible instruction.   If we are only at around fifty percent, almost a quarter of our time is being wasted.  What can we do? The first step is to examine the day, can we find more than 305 minutes?  I think we can.  And as stated above, even a change in the time allocated for instruction can be a positive.  In the coming weeks, I will be proposing a different schedule for second semester that may allow for a better use of the time available to staff and students.  A model that can create the opportunity for further student engagement, teacher interaction, less waste.  However, just finding more time is not enough.  At the same time, we must be focused on those teacher interventions and methods that can engage students to the fullest, while holding students and parents accountable for making the most of the opportunities presented to achieve.  Two of those ideas have already been put in place in the "Extra Help" sessions and the SSR book reviews.  Extra Help tries to replace time lost, SSR tries to assist in furthering cognitive skills by focused reading.  As we continue these program, adjustments will be made to further expectations for our students.  This past week, I have received several emails with questions about changes in the schedule.  Particularly, the loss of study halls.   At this time, we have 27 study halls, with 373 students enrolled.  That is 18,650 school minutes of non-instructional time per day.  Yes, the case can be made that if students are engaged in homework, it is instructional time.  That is the responsibility of the student and study hall supervisors.  However, study hall supervisors, generally try to maintain the environment, they rarely have the expertise to assist in instruction or monitor exactly, as they would in a class of their own, the amount or quality of student learning occurring.  Even the most closely regulated study halls, according to  Jay Monahan in his 2005 study, result in even "30 percent student engagement in activities of learning growth."  So let' say we are achieving the top level of 30 percent, that still means on average a student is missing out on another 35 minutes of possible instructional time each day, 175 minutes per week, or about 105 HOURS of possible growth per year or about 15 full school days of loss.  415 HOURS of time in a high school career, or 45 full school days, one entire school quarter.  If we could focus this study time on real engagement, it would be worthwhile.  At this time, I can say with certainty, it is not.  So, one proposal will be to establish a common study hall time, whereby students can visit with teachers who have expertise in the area of their study and receive positive assistance.  We can do this.  Our SSR time is positive and will continue to be positive.  However, it does take 35 minutes per day(Thurs. and Fri.) and 70 minutes per week away from instructional time.  We can fix the schedule to serve both by shortening some transition time.  Finally, teachers have very little time to explore new techniques and methods of student engagement with their colleagues.  We can give teachers time to dialogue and learn from each other as part of their professional development by pinpointing skills they can cultivate to increase student attentiveness and motivation.    More time for students to be engaged, more time for students to get real help from those who can help, more time for instructors to become better at engaging students.  This we can do and will.  Time IS on our side....if we use it properly.


Anonymously, our staff of school custodians, reliably and efficiently and with great pride, maintain our facilities.  Parents have to pick up after kids, these guys really know what that means, picking up after over 460 kids and 75 staff each day.  They do it with a smile, with great attentiveness to duty and with the self-respect and satisfaction of a job done well.  But they are more than that to our school.  Tuesday, our volleyball team entertained the team from Madison.  A great match with fans from both sides enjoying all that is high school athletics.  However, one mom from Madison, despite enjoying the evening, did not have a great night.  Prior to coming to the match, she had stopped at her bank's ATM, and withdrew 100 dollars.  After paying her five dollar admission, somewhere along the way she had lost the balance of her with drawl.  After re-tracing steps of the evening, she had lost hope it would be found and certainly not returned.  Mr. Larry Henrikson, firefighter, custodian, Harrisburg community member, was cleaning up when he found a bank envelope, containing $95.  Never thinking of anything else - he turned it in to Mrs. Bicknase the next morning.  Mrs. Bicknase was able to contact a school board member who worked at the bank of the with drawl and since the with drawl slip was still in the envelope, able to track down the mom who lost the money.  Needless to say, she was stunned this had been returned.  Yes, because we have such terrific people in Harrisburg, perhaps this is not an uncommon story.  I believe the majority of our community would have done the same.  But Mr. Henrikson deserves to be singled out for this act.  He is representative of who we are and a symbol to our guests from Madison.  When you see Mr. Henrikson around, doing the duty of making our school sparkle, extend your hand in thanks.  He will say he just did what was right, but honesty like this makes all of us a little better.  He already makes our school brighter and nicer with his labor every day, he just made our world brighter and nicer with this act of integrity.   Way to go Mr. Henrikson.

"Cinderella with the Commedia Players" will be presented by the HHS drama department led by Mr. Mike Smith Thursday, Friday and Saturday this week in the high school Little Theater.  Hope everyone can attend, see the announcements for show times.

Extra help sessions began this past week with a modicum of success.  The first list of those needing assistance revealed 54 students with 104 poor grades.  On Friday, that list had been trimmed to 19 students and 32 poor grades.  Students who have these poor grades are obligated to stay after school for one-half hour and meet with teachers to try to improve.  Those who do not meet this obligation are asked to attend Saturday School.  Should this obligation not be met, parents are called and students receive ISS to help them focus on their deficiencies.  I will keep you updated on the progress.  We will not let students fail.

Ssr reviews also achieved some success.  Students who completed reviews receive "merit cards" if they have met advisor expectations.  The merit cards can be used for assignment points, Tiger Den discounts, privileges, etc.

Tap(Teacher Advisor Program) groups will begin using the Career Cruising program this week to examine possible career choices.  This computer program that is free to all South Dakota students connects interests and abilities with careers, post-secondary opportunities and personal learning plans for pathways to future success.  Parents can have access on-line to take a look at student progress in the program.  If you would like a parent password and username, simply email Mr. Schmidt or Mrs. Kooima.

Medications can be taken at school, but should be registered with the school nurse, Mrs. Diane Holland.  If your son or daughter must have prescribed medication during the school day, please inform Mrs. Holland.  You will be asked to complete a brief form and depending on the medication and age of the student, a procedure for distributing the medication will be followed.  Should a staff member notice medication being taken at any time without permission, no matter the medication, they are to confiscate and report.  With the increasing incidence of teen use of prescription drugs outside the designed use, our vigilance in monitoring any medication consumption is important for the safety of all students.

Dakota Step scores for ninth graders and seniors were mailed last week.  Mid-term grades were posted to the parent portal on Thursday.  Please check these and call or write with any questions.

Parent/Principal Connection will have the first meeting on Wednesday evening at 7:00 in the high school commons.  There is no agenda, just a question, answer and comment informal forum  I hope you can attend.  You will have to forgive me of scheduling on church night and I will try to move it around during the year.  The meeting will last until 8:00.

Homecoming is on its way!!  Coronation is the 4th at 8:00.  The student council, as always, has many great activities planned.  The parade route has been set for Friday at 1:30.  Likely the best place to watch will be the open field on Harvest Lane, just north of the Middle School.  But the route should offer plenty of places to view.  The parade will begin and end at the Middle School parking lot.  A pep rally will be held after the parade concludes.  The map of the parade route is on the top right of this page.  Larger map on bottom of this blog.

Cell phones have suddenly been going off this past week in class.  The privileges extended to students to use them between classes and at lunch may become extinct should this rash of discourtesy to teachers continue.  By week, the numbers:  Week one - 0 cell phone violations,  Week two - 1 violation,  Week three - 0 violations,  Week four - 3 violations,  Week 5 - 10 violations.  If this escalation continues of interrupting class with the devices, the privileges will cease.  On a brighter note, I have had only one repeat offender.  When a student has two violations the parent must come to the school to retrieve the phone.

Severe weather required that we hold students on Tuesday last week for an extra few minutes.  The procedure we will always follow is to keep students at school until the threat has passed.  Fall tornadoes, though rare, could still occur.

Our early release on Wednesday this week will focus on Professional Learning Communities(PLC's).  Dr. Debra Debates of SDSU will be leading our in-service.  The PLC's are an effort to use school-based skills and talents for school improvement.  Small groups of teachers will consistently meet with a definitive process of communication to enhance instruction and school environment.  The follow-up to this in-service will take place October 12th at the all-day in-service.

Events this week at Harrisburg High:

Monday - Boys Golf Region at Elk Point - 9:00 AM
                Cross Country at Hartford - 4:00 PM
                JV Football - home vs. Brookings - 4:30

Tuesday - Volleyball at Tea - 5:00
                 Pre-liminary Extra Help list created - noon

Wednesday -  All-Staff meeting - 7:15 AM - Large Theater
                      Extra Help list confirmed - noon
                      Early Release - 1:05
                      Parent/Principal Connection - 7:00 PM - Commons
Thursday - Extra Help Session - 3:00-3:30
                  TAP and SSR - 2:30
                  9th Football at West Lyon - 4:30
                  Volleyball at Beresford - 5:00
                   Cinderella - Little Theater
Friday - Marching Band at Chester - 10:00 AM
             Extra Help session - 3:00-3:30
             TAP and SSR - 2:30
             Cross Country at Lennox - 4:00
             Football at Madison - 7:00
Saturday - Saturday School - 8:00-11:00
                 Marching Band at Sioux Falls - 9:00 AM
Sunday - FCCLA Leadership retreat at Rapid City
              
      

The smallest good deed is better than the best intention...

Common Courtesy isn't lost, perhaps just hidden.  The civility of our actions is a lasting testament and legacy of who we are.  I don't think the import can be over-stated.  Thank you.  Excuse me.  Opening a door.  Removing a hat.  Addressing an individual with respect of title.  These are not and should not be charming traditions of a lost age. They seriously define character and relationship.  They are genuine indicators of integrity, humility and the golden rule.  What happens when we take the time to affirm our friends, acquaintances and the strangers that pass in and out of life?   What is the result of taking the time to acknowledge someone's gift of assistance,  signaling our apology at an inconvenience, patiently connecting by holding a door, taking an action that shows our pledge to a fellow man or tradition long lost?  What is the atmosphere of an environment of those who are more sensitive to the needs of others than themselves and act this sensitivity out by maintaining civil decorum for the betterment of others?  It is transforming,   It is warm, secure.  It leads to a sense of community and trust.  It is the envy of others.  Do our Harrisburg students follow this path of grace?  Do our students and staff select the most considerate route?   Is there reverence in their action and words?  In many ways, yes and that is a tribute to all of you.  But we have to hold on - many of those cultural norms and manners are eroding.  Very rarely does a gentleman hold a door or remove a hat when in a building.  Sorry or excuse me in a crowded hall are not necessarily scarce words, but also infrequent.  Thank you in the lunch line, to a teacher, to a friend, not universal.  These are simple, every day habits, that need to be re-cultivated.  They may seem trivial, but they are not.  The practice of refinement and kindness is a sign of our dignity that should never be forgotten.  One act of courtesy can change a moment, make a day, renovate a life.  Take the time to model these behaviors. Watch what happens.

Longing for perceptions of the past is likely a past-time our students tire of.  Just as above, a reflection of eras that seemed more tame and more solid and easier to decipher, catches us yearning at times.  The reality is that we have moved on, to times of instantaneous communication and gratification.  It has deeply changed us, and some of that change is influencing the disappearance of the civil rituals of the past.  Many other items of institution and custom also are departing with the increasing speed of our iPods and cell phone.  It is inevitable.  There will always be a trade.  We have increased efficiency, lifespan, health and care, transportation, information and incredible possibility.  But it does not come without cost as we continually lament the rate at which our days and years fly.  We can't stop it, nor should we.  We are built to progress or wither.  And we must keep up....Contemplating this week, a series of events that seemed to take much more time than it should, led me to the deliberations above of societal etiquette and societal general character.  There is no doubt, we have become exceedingly transient - not just in our ability to migrate, but in personality.  Most parents recall a time when the social stigma attached to "quitting" or not completing anything so dominated our culture, that it was completely atypical.   No one would ever think of starting a task, activity, etc. and not staying with it to the end.  No one would think of beginning a relationship with an organization and ending that relationship prematurely.  Never.  But times have changed.  There is so much opportunity, and it is so easy to pick up and find grass greener.  That is how we live today, and we just need to adapt.  In fact, we reward such thinking and action now.  We look up to those who quickly move up the ladder of business or industry.  We shower praise on those who further their education to terminal degrees.  We look with favor on those who find service niches that may take them around the world....So I wonder, this past week of the gnashing of teeth, and the same gnashing this summer around students making decisions to attend other high schools??  In communications related to both of these situations, I found the families had went through a painful and difficult thought process to finally arrive at a decision that they felt clearly will benefit the young men involved.  They have the resource to make the change.  They did not cavalierly make these choices.  And yet the immaturity of students and parents alike, is startling.  Using this situation to indict schools, staff, parents...are you kidding??  Why?  What is the purpose of disparaging others for your gain?  There were t-shirts made, there are false rumors floated for who knows what reason, misinformation in all forms.  The time and energy consumed on this matter, which in the scheme of our 456 students' lives, is incredibly inconsequential, is both frightening and contemptuous.  I guess I have the fortune of not living through whatever turbulent times Harrisburg District had in its past.  And I don't care.  I care about the students and staff and community in front of me today, right now.  Whatever ill will is still held for whatever reason, whatever personality flaw that keeps an ember of vitriol bottled up in some, whatever pleasure some take in stirring up insignificant theater - I can just tell you it won't deter my focus - which is on those in my care at this school.   There is so much good here to focus upon.  There is so much potential to explore.  There are so many kids who need our concentration to be on their future, not the future of our basketball and football teams.  Which are pleasant diversions, but the inordinate amount of time we spend lavishing our attention on athletics...instead of anatomy, and calculus and literature...it is incomprehensible.  These instances only reaffirm my fight to help our students see the real priorities of becoming contributing citizens of this world.  And to do that, they don't need a jump shot or a 4.4 40-yard time.  And for our school to shine and be the beacon that lights their way to happiness, we don't need crunching Friday night victories or tarnished trophies and mis-directed passion.  What does it say about our real priorities when this dominates our thoughts?  Mid-terms are next week - what if mid-terms received as much attention as two transferring basketball players?  Think how that changes everything.

One last comment on this situation.  For those who do not know, at the Sioux Falls Christian volleyball match, a few SFC boys, unthinking, made a mistake.  They produced shirts which I am sure they believed were a clever attempt at furthering our rivalry.  However, they were in very poor taste and inconsiderate.  The SFC administration took care of it.  Friday afternoon, I addressed our students, letting them know that this was just a mistake of a few.  Certainly not representative of SFC.  And we will NOT, in any way reciprocate now or in the future with some sort of "pay back."   Any sort of recompense from our students or community will result in the severest of consequences at my disposal.  Harrisburg High School will always simply forgive and forget and understand the sport arenas and fields are simply classrooms where learning takes all forms.  In this situation, the lesson is to move on and focus on the positive aspects of the activity and take pride in the work and toil of our athletes and not worry about the misguided actions of the few.  We will always take the high road of sportsmanship, integrity and ethical behavior.  And we will treat our opponents with utmost respect.  Always.


Teachers are magnificent.  I can't hide my affection for those who wear this mantle.  This past week Mr. Rollinger and I had the pleasure of beginning our first round of classroom visits and observations.  Teachers are so talented.  So compassionate.  So ready to help and so insightful.  firm and yet optimistic. I watched students preparing trips across the United States, cooperating on traits that will make them better communicators, examining their id and ego, answering questions about bovine breeding and showing off their artistic skills.  Students on stage, in labs, hovering over computers - and there was one common denominator - a teacher directing traffic, playing counselor and nurse and advisor and parent and expert and....they are so talented - they are golden.  I have almost thirty years in this profession - I never tire of watching these amazing souls do this job with so much energy and passion.  Be assured, you have the best here.

Fire drills, Bus Evacuation drills, Lock Down drill and Disaster drills are all a part of school life.  Last week we had successful bus and fire drills.  Another testament to our superb students who handled each with speed and attention.  Generally we will have two fire drills, one lock down and one disaster drill per semester.

Parent/Principal Connection will be held at 7:00 PM in the high school commons on Wednesday, September 29th.  I am trying to find a time when no other activities are occurring.  Church night is over for me by 7:00.  I know this will not be the case for many of you.  I will look for other nights as the year progresses.  I hope many of you can attend.  This office can only meet your needs with the good information you supply of your sons' and daughters' needs.  I hope you can make it.

Many teachers and staff are part of a professional development opportunity which is entitled, "Project Integrate".  The gist of the program is to assist teachers, tech personnel and administrators to find ways to make certain our students are developing 21st Century Skills.  Skills that will allow them to be successful in their future careers and lives.  Harrisburg has more staff involved than any other school in the state.  It is unique developmental process as it lasts this entire year with tasks, assignments and research provided every week.  These events stimulate change in thinking and processes to improve school culture and strategies.  The program is directed by our Education Service Agency in Sioux Falls.

Ssr(Sustained Silent Reading) takes place once or twice per week.  This week, students will be held accountable for the reading they have been doing as they will be reporting out to their TAP(Teacher/Advisor Program) advisors.  Ask your son or daughter what they have been reading. Take an interest and they may continue to advance that most important cognitive skill:  reading.  Reading is directly related to thinking success.  An unsuccessful reader becomes a victim of the "Matthew Effect."  This effect, described by educational researchers, takes place when a student is below reading level.  Because of the frustration in lower thinking skills, a student cannot  maintain or achieve any type of success, hence, they fall further and further behind and grow an even larger distaste for the habit of reading.  The lack of motivation and subsequent lack of reading makes the gap in their development grow.  As they mature they learn some coping skills without reading, they developmentally fall even further behind by choosing other ways to reach expectations but never attain any depth due to lesser thinking skills associated with lower literacy. Unless this circle is broken, most are destined to lives that never come close to potential. Basically, not reading leads to less reading, less reached thinking potential, less possible use of ability.  Read.  Encourage reading.  Reward reading.   It is too important.

Mid-terms will be posted on the parent portals Thursday morning.  If you would like a paper copy please call the office and it will be sent home.  Dakota Step scores will also be sent home this week.  You can find the Parent Fact Sheet at:  http://doe.sd.gov/octa/assessment/docs/DakotaSTEP_FactSheet82508.pdf

This sheet will lead you to the State Report Card if you wish to view how Harrisburg High School did.   This will also explain our testing procedure.  This year's ninth graders and seniors will have Dakota Step scores.

Extra help begins this week.  Students with poor grades and those recommended by teachers will be obligated to remain after school from 3-3:30 on Thursday.  If the problem persists they may be asked to remain Friday from 3:00-3:30 and possibly Saturday from 8-11.  Students will be informed Wednesday of this obligation and then communication will continue for the next two days.  If students are to remain they must find adequate transportation.  A quick check last week identified 54 students in need of extra help.  Please check your son or daughters' grades on the parent portal.

FFA was selected as one of 11 schools from South Dakota to represent the state at the national convention.  Harrisburg FFA was one of eight schools to receive a "3" indicating superior performance.  For more information contact Mr. Marks.

Events this week at Harrisburg High School:

Monday - Sept. 20 - 4:15 - JV football at Washington
Tuesday - Sept. 21 - 10:00 - Bg 8 Conference Golf at Madison
                                Noon - FFA at Parker
                               4:15 - Cross Country at Siuox Falls
                               5:00 - Volleyball home vs. Madison
                                      -  Girls' Soccer at Mitchell
Wednesday - Sept. 22 - 2:00 - Extra Help students identified
Thursday - Sept. 23 - 8:00 AM - Mid-Terms posted
                                  2:30 - SSR Book reviews
                                  3:00 - Extra Help
                                   3:30 - Boys' Golf at Elk Point
                                  4:30 - 9th Football at Tea
                                  5:00 - Volleyball home vs. Canton
Friday - Sept. 24  -   2:30 - SSR Book reviews
                                3:00 Extra Help
                                5:00 - Girls' Soccer at Groton
                                7:00(MST) - Football at Douglas
Saturday - Sept. 25 -  8:00 AM - 11:00 AM - Extra Help Saturday School
                                  9:00 - Varsity Volleyball at Milbank


STILL SMILIN'
        KEVIN
                            
                                
                              

YOU CANNOT LIVE A PERFECT DAY WITHOUT DOING SOMETHING FOR SOMEONE ELSE WITHOUT WANTING ANYTHING IN RETURN

Aside from opposable thumbs, big brains, straight femurs.....we are obviously different than the the other species and sub-species living around us - despite sharing most of the same DNA, we have remarkably unique traits and direction.  Perhaps debatable, but one characteristic presides over all others in comparison to the organisms we share this world with...we have a need to serve.  Our self-awareness, our cultural development, our creativity, compassion, language all seem to be motivated by the need to affect other lives positively.  It is what produces an undefinable satisfaction and fulfillment.   Aiding someone else profoundly changes our outlook on the instinctual survival motivations, releases us to a placated and confident path of enlightenment and transformation.  You cannot live a perfect day without doing something for someone else without expecting anything in return.  And Harrisburg, last week, had many perfect days for many people.  The outpouring of kindness for the Schroeder family is just another example of how the people of this community enjoy perfect days, every day.  And it is not about the over 10,000 dollars  that was raised, the simple acts of good will all week, that are commonplace here, lead to a reassurance that is not like anywhere else....Although she would prefer I not, I have to select one who leads with action every moment to the end of a better day for others.  Mrs. Bicknase, a tireless force in the success of last week's fundraiser with her family, examples her way to assisting all of us in being more self-aware.  More considerate.  More positive.   This past week was just a more public display of what she does and is every day.  For years, her cheerful and caring substance, have given comfort and uplift to students and staff at Harrisburg High and the community.  Her attention to all others' needs and willingness to meet any expectation with enthusiasm and insight are an irreplaceable positive in our school and city.  And she does all of this without any thought of herself or her gain.  She just does the right thing because it is the right thing.  She just finds a way for all to have a better day because she believes in them, is loyal to them and finds her power in the deeds she is capable of.  Many have said this before, but where would we be without her?  She is living perfect days, every day and all of us are the benefactors.  Thank her when you see her.  Not for what she has likely just done for you, but what she has done for this place and all of us..always.

Teachers...we need more of them...more of those with the capacity to do this job, and serve our culture with the immortality of the gifts given.  The University of South Dakota is hosting an education conference for high school students that may be thinking of entering the teaching profession.  Twelve Harrisburg students will take a trip to Vermillion on the 27th and find out more about education as a career.  The sign up will continue through the 27th.

Prom is a long way off - but the juniors have already begun their planning with the magazine fundraising.  If you have a subscription to renew or are preparing to begin a subscription, please contact a junior of Mrs. Keppen.

Don't forget, our school newspaper is now published in the Sioux Valley News.  Congratulations again toe Mrs. Kroger and her publications class for the first edition of the Tiger Times last week.  If you want to keep up with Harrisburg High news, get a subscription for just $20.

Homecoming is now just three weeks away.  The theme this year is "Once Upon a Fantasy".  The days planned are Superhero day, Dynamic Duo day, Magic Mayhem day, Generation day and School Spirit day.  Details are being confirmed.  Hope you will be a part.

Keep checking the DDN Parent Portal for your son or daughter's academic progress.  Teachers should also have their website linked to the staff page if you wish to see lesson plans for the week and assessment plans for the semester.  Most include syllabi as well that outline the course expectations and schedule.  A reminder that the week of mid-terms(Sept. 22), any students doing poorly in any course will be expected to remain after school Thursdays and Fridays for Extra Help.  At that time they may go see teachers and receive extra attention.  Should a student not progress, they will be assigned Saturday School to try and catch up.  This process will last through the quarter and begin again at mid-term each quarter this year.   It is the hope that this extra time will result in improved performance.  If the DDN for your student is not up-to-date, please contact the instructor.

FFA(Future Farmer's of America) and FCCLA(Family Career and Community Leaders of America) have begun organizing and beginning meetings.  If your son or daughter has an interest in these groups, have them contact Mr. Marks or Mrs. Kern.  These are vital groups to our school culture and we have two superb advisors and fantastic student leaders.

Project-based learning(PBL) allows students to attack relevant problems in the development of necessary skills and knowledge for later success.  We have eight teachers utilizing this method in their classes this year.  Mrs. Nyenhuis,  Mr. Hansen, Mr. Genrich, Mrs. Gross, Mrs. Kern, Mrs. Thill, Mr. Stearns and Mrs. Vander Sanden have all taken on the challenge of producing innovative lessons within the PBL format.  Mrs. Janelle Carda is assisting the process as well as our Education Service Agency(ESA).  If you have any questions, just let me know.  Personally, I am an advocate for this instructional movement as I believe we can move students toward independent decision-making by using this system and the resulting change in thought of how we educate.  The vision will be for these eight teachers to help others who can in turn make Harrisburg High a leader in contemporary strategies that drive students to be better equipped for whatever they pursue.  

September 29th, at 7:00, will be the first Parent/Principal Connection(PPC) night.  This is a night the principal will be available for any questions you may have.  No agenda, no schedule.  Just a time for any of you that may be interested to come to the high school commons, share your insight and hopes for our school.  I will host one of these each month.  I hope you can attend.  We will conclude by 8:00.

Events at Harrisburg this week:

Monday- Sept. 13  -  10:00 - Boys' Golf - Madison
                                  4:15 - JV Football - home - Lennox
                                  5:00 - Girls' Soccer at Vermillion

Tuesday - Sept. 14 - 7:00 - Music Trip to Texas - Parent Meeting

Wednesday - Sept. 15 - 7:30 - Tiger Nation Meeting
                            7:15 AM - Science Dept. Meeting

Thursday - Sept. 16 - 4:30 - 9th Football at Lennox
                                  5:00 - Volleyball at Sioux Falls Christian
                                   7:15 AM - Social Science Dept. Meeting
                                    2:30 - SSR

Friday - Sept. 17 - 9:00 - Boys' Golf at Elk Point
                              6:00 - Boys'/Girls' Soccer at Belle Fourche
                               7:15 AM - Communication Arts Dept. Meeting
                                2:30 - TAP

Saturday - Sept. 18 - 9:00 - Cross Country at Huron
                                10:30 - JV Football at Dell Rapids
                                  1:00 - Boys' Soccer at Douglas

Sunday - Sept. 19 - 1:00 - Tiger Nation Golf at Bakker's Crossing

Hard Work is it's own reward.....

Yes this is a time of great stress -  14.9 million out of work, maybe another 5-10 million who have stopped looking.  And for our high school students, then, an uncertain future.  For our parents, whose only wish is to give their children a chance at the best life possible, cloudy opportunity.  But the solace we can find is the very fiber of who we have been, are and always will be.  Our foundation is the hard work of our predecessors and the labor of today and tomorrow, the unending toil that has made us such the greatest civilization.  The richest.  The envied.  The admired.  For a time, I lived in the Netherlands, playing semi-professional basketball.  It was an exciting time and if there was one thing I took from the experience, it was the expressly significant difference in outlook of Americans and Europeans.  Americans' ambition easily trumped all of those I was in contact with in Holland and Germany and Belgium.  Great people, friendly, involved in the world, intelligent, caring and passionate.  But also satisfied.  Satisfied to reach only as high as their parents had.  And there is nothing wrong with that and most of those I knew were very happy...but much less driven than all of my contacts in the States.  Since our time of breaking free, pioneering and frontier-ing, I don't believe we have ever lost the manifest destiny built into our genes - that it will always be better and if we work hard enough, our dreams will be realized.  It is the engine of our country, and it will rev again.  A great example of our ethic and loci, even though only a very small percentage of our country, less than one percent, will ever pay an inheritance tax - a huge percentage of Americans are against this tax.  Why?  Since for so many it will never effect them.  Is it because they care so much for those who do have large inheritances?  No - it is because ALL of us believe that we will be in that one percent some day.  We are dreamers, and dreamers who know that if we just work a little harder, everything we ever wished for will be ours.  Celebrate our labors, and don't lose that vigorous pursuit of all we hope.....

TAP(Teacher Advisor Group began last week.  These groups are designed to do many things, but mainly another place to belong.   Last week was a review and discussion of some school processes like dress code, parking, cell phone policy, etc.  All school policies are in the student handbook, located on our website.  There were some great discussions and these groups will assist in a conduit of communication for students and staff.   In the future weeks, students will work on Career Cruising, Personal Learning Plans, and team building activities.  These groups double as the SSR(Sustained Silent Reading) sessions.  It is a pleasure to report that every single student had a book and were reading last week.  That is an incredible effort attributed to our staff and students.

FCA(Fellowship of Christian Athletes) began on Friday morning in the Little Theater with approximately 50 students attending.  These monthly meetings are open to all students, parents and community members.  The non-denominational group is a wonderful way to communicate and share spiritual growth, no matter the degree of faith.   Please watch for announcements if interested.  

Just a friendly reminder in regard to home activities.  Harrisburg High follows some simple rules that create a positive environment for all attending.  Parents of children at home events, you are responsible for their behavior.  Children not watching the contests should not be allowed to wander(and in most cases) run aimlessly around our facilities.  They will be asked to leave.  At home football games, playing tackle football and throwing the ball around is not permitted.  Certainly, kids should have a good time and can be with their friends, but the facilities we have are not playgrounds and the staff that supervise are not babysitters for a Friday night out on the town.   Finally, sportsmanship will be demonstrated at all times.  Last Friday was a good night, with most following great etiquette and proper courtesy for fellow fans.  Just a reminder, and as we head inside for more activities, more restrictions on behavior will need to be followed.  Thanks for your help ahead of time.

Sophomores and seniors, don't forget graduation and class rings.  Mr. Tostad from Josten's will be in and out through September and October, more than willing to address all needs you may have for making your high school experience memorable.  Mr. Tostad met with sophomores on Wednesday and will be back to take orders this week.

Newspapers live on subscriptions and advertisement.  Our school newspaper is now located in the Sioux Valley News.  This Wednesday will be our first installment.  Should this be a success, plans are for a larger "Harrisburg" section that could become a great benefit to our community.  A subscription is only $20 for the year.  Subscribe.  And if you have a business that may benefit from advertising on our high school page, please advertise.  

Juniors began selling magazines to help fund the prom.  If you are looking to re-up or get a new magazine, seek a junior.  

This week at Harrisburg High:

Tuesday - 1:00- Boy's Golf at Spring Creek
                   4:15 - Cross Country at Canton
                  4:15 - JV football, home vs. Tri-Valley
                  5:00 - Volleyball, home, vs Chester

Wednesday - Class ring ordering - Lunch

Thursday - Class ring ordering - Lunch
                    6:00 - Girl's Soccer, Home vs. West Central
                   SSR - last period

Friday - 6:00 - Boy's Soccer at Mitchell
                   SSR - Last Period

Saturday -   8:00 - Golf at Brookings
                   10:30  -  Football and Cheer camp - ages 5-14
                   12:30 - Volleyball, Home vs. Millbank
                    3:00 -  Bryce Schroeder Benefit Auction
                   4:30 - Whopper Tailgate Party
                   7:00 - Tiger Bowl, Football vs.  Lennox

Get all of your Tiger Wear at the TIGER DEN!!!!!