MHS Announcements – May 10, 2023

** MHS Daily News & Information ** Home of the Muskies!  2022-23 MHS Bell Schedules

MHS Hours: 7:45AM-4PM Monday-Friday

MHS Main Phone #:  563-263-6141
MHS phone system and menu. Please listen to the menu to select the proper department. For Spanish assistance please press 5.

• • Press 1 – Attendance (or call directly at 563-263-6616)
  • Press 2 – Student Services, Transcripts and Grade Level Counselors
  • Press 3 – MHS Nurse
  • Press 4 – Athletics
  • Press 5 – Spanish Assistance
  • For all other calls, please stay on the line or press 0 for assistance or to leave a voicemail.

Announcements in Green – New
Announcements in Blue – Previous Day
Announcements in Black – 2 Days or older by request

Muscatine FFA Plant Sale Dates/Times: May 12, May 19
Fridays 7:30AM – 6:00PM
Saturday, May 8  8:00AM – 10:30AM
Muscatine FFA Plant Sale Information

2023 Semester 2 Finals Schedule: 2023 Semester 2 Finals Schedule

** Daily News & Information **

• Summer Work or Silver Cord Opportunity:  Yard Work – Mowing and Trimming. Lawn mower and trimmer will be provided.  If interested or for more information, please contact Therese Finney at 563-299-7883. Leave voicemail or text if the call is not answered.
• May 10: A Senior Signing Ceremony will be held on May 10 during Muskie Time (10:06-10:36AM) in the MHS Auditorium for 12th grade students that are planning to participate in a college sport at any level. Parents/Guests invited to attend!  Please check in at the Attendance Center.
• May 10: Show Choir Audition Info: Show Choir Auditions will take place in the MHS Choir Room on May 10th, 11th, 12th.  Be prepared to sing a verse of My Country Tis of Thee (key of your choice) and perform the choreography from the attached recordings. Sign up for a group audition time outside of Mr Ryan’s office(13-031A). If assistance is needed learning the dance or music please contact Mr. Ryan at jonathan.ryan@mcsdonline.org   Any other Questions, email Mr. Flack at cole.flack@mcsdonline.org   Audition Recordings
• May 11 – Academic Awards Ceremony for 10-12 Grade Students: Please check the list posted in front of the Student Services Office to see if you will be recognized during the Academics Awards Ceremony on May 11, 2023 from 8:30-10AM in the MHS Auditorium.  Guests are welcome to attend, please check in at the Attendance Center.
  Awards being presented are:
  • Sophomores/10th Grade Students: 3 semesters-certificate
  • Juniors/11th Grade Students: 5 semesters-academic pin
  • Seniors/12th Grade Students: 7 semesters-academic pin
  • Seniors/12th Grade Students with 5 or more AP classes will also be recognized by receiving an AP medal. This medal should be worn during the Graduation ceremony.
  • Seniors receiving an Impact and/or Silver Cord award will be recognized as well.
• May 11: MHS Marching Band Color Guard: Students interested in being part of the MHS Marching Band Color Guard for the 2023 season, there will be an informational meeting for students and their parents/guardians on Thursday, May 11th at 6pm in the HS Band Room.  If you are interested, but unable to attend please contact Carolyn Hurlbut at carolyn.hurlbut@mcsdonline.org
• May 12: MHS Orchestra Concert at 7PM in the MHS Auditorium
• May 12: Muscatine FFA Plant Sale 7:30AM – 6PM  Muscatine FFA Plant Sale Information
• May 16: FFA Meeting and Officer Elections have been moved to May 16th during Muskie Time in the Ag Room.  FFA Members, please sign up in Adaptive Scheduler.
• May 16-18: Cheer Clinic in preparation for Cheer Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 16-18, from 4pm to 5:30pm in the Van Hecke Center.
• May 17: Seniors Last Day
• May 17: Senior Awards Night @ 6:30PM, MHS Auditorium (Invite Only)
• May 19: Muscatine FFA Plant Sale 7:30AM – 6PM  Muscatine FFA Plant Sale Information
• May 19: Graduation practice at 9AM, followed by senior obligations, if any, and cap & gown pick-up.
• May 20: Cheer Tryouts: Saturday, May 20 from 10am to 2pm in the Van Hecke Center.
• May 21: Graduation Day – 2PM MHS Stadium (No tickets required)
• May 24 Deadline: Current 9-11th Grade Students – Student Activities/Athletic Advisory Board: MHS Activities is interested in putting together an Advisory Board to provide students involved in Activities with a voice to promote change within the Activities arena at MHS. Student Activities/Athletic Advisory Board Application
• See 12th Grade Information section below for all 12th grade-related information!
• 2022-23 Scholarships:  2022-23 Scholarships
• Emerging Writers Opportunity: Students ages 15-19 who want to make some money this summer developing their writing/graphic design/performance skills, attending a writer’s conference, and getting published, click the link below for more information for the Young Emerging Writers Summer Internship Program.  Young Emerging Writers Summer Internship Program
• Activities May 8-14, 2023:  Activities May 8-14
• Happiness Week 2023, May 8-12, presented by MHS Student Council  Happiness Week Info
  • Monday: Country vs Country Club -> Rice Krispy Treat @ Lunch
  • Tuesday: Pajama Day (Dog Day-Teachers Only) -> Goldfish @ Lunch
  • Wednesday: Celebrity/Character Day -> Popcorn @ Lunch
  • Thursday: Anything but a Backpack Day -> Cookies @ Lunch
    Students dress as teachers & teachers dress as students
  • Friday: Yellow Out -> Popsicles @ Lunch
• Class of 2023: If you’d like one last chance to be featured on Muskie Minutes before you graduate, here’s your chance! The May 15th episode of Muskie Minutes will be dedicated to you, Seniors!
  If you’d like a chance to share your favorite MHS memories, leave advice for younger Muskies, or just say goodbye and thank you to your favorite staff, you will have the opportunity this week! Muskie Minutes members will be stopping into Senior English classes to record and may be available during your lunch period. If you want to reserve a spot to be featured in our episode, please fill out the following form and we will contact you!  https://forms.gle/ofy78uZJbBheexbu7
• 11th & 12th Grade Students – IYC & SIYAC Applications Are Open!
  Iowa Youth Congress empowers youth from across the state to learn and use the legislative process to create change for young people in Iowa. Members from diverse backgrounds will learn about state and local government, advocacy and civic engagement and strengthen their skills in public speaking, problem-solving, communication, and civil discourse. IYC is modeled after the Iowa House of Representatives and accepts up to 100 high school-aged participants. Interested youth can apply here:  bit.ly/IowaYouthCongress2023
• The Des Moines Area Religious Council and The Comparison Project at Drake University are proud to co-host the seventh annual Interfaith Youth Leadership Camp, July 12-16, 2023 at Drake University.
  High school students and recent 2023 graduates representing a diverse array of religious and cultural traditions and communities will learn about each other’s religious beliefs and practices (or lack thereof) and religious and cultural diversity in Des Moines more generally. Participants will create and share a digital story that expresses a personally meaningful faith experience, practice, or belief, visit with religious communities of Greater Des Moines, and discuss with each other the principles and practices of interfaith leadership.  There is no fee to attend, in fact, youth participants will each receive an honorarium for their participation in the camp.  Learn more at https://www.iowainterfaithexchange.com/youthcamp 
• Key Club is selling memorial bracelets for Kahina Ourkhou. Bracelets are $2 each and all proceeds will be donated to the University of Iowa Children’s Hospital in Kahina’s honor. Purchase bracelets in the MHS library – or by completing this form and having bracelets delivered to students on Friday, March 3rd: https://tinyurl.com/3tshn5kr    Kahina Ourkhou Fundraiser Info
• Parents, Guardians, Community – Daily Announcements: If you would like to receive Daily Announcements, please subscribe to the MHS Parent Square subscription group:
  MHS Daily Announcements Subscription Link
• MHS 2023-24 Curriculum Course Offerings:  2023-24 Curriculum Guide
• Mississippi Bend Area Education Agency’s Driver Education Program: To register for upcoming Driver’s Ed sessions, please visit: mbaea.org/student-programs/driver-education
• Parents & Students – Updating Mailing Address & Contact Information: If you have moved or your parent phone number has changed since the beginning of school, please contact MHS to update your contact information.
• MHS Impactful Staff Nomination: Students, the Instructional Team at MHS wants to highlight some of the amazing things that are happening throughout our building, but we need your help. Please consider nominating a teacher (or multiple teachers) for the wonderful things they do inside and outside of the classroom. This can be related to specific lessons they have taught, their teaching style, their ability to build relationships, their involvement in extracurricular activities or anything else you feel is relevant and necessary. These types of shout outs are incredibly rewarding for teachers, so please make their day!  Please complete this form if you would like to nominate a staff member!:  Staff Nomination Form
• Food Services Info: The “Why the Sub Not?” Sub Sandwich line is now by the gym doors & the Passport & Lunchbox line will be where the sub line was. Thank you & we apologize for any inconvenience!
  Just a reminder that you may order sub sandwiches & chef salads online using the link below. We do ask that you place your order by 9:30 am, each day. During your meal session, you may look for the pre-order sign near the front of the sub line, follow the arrows & tell the team member your last name. Students will be given their sandwich or salad on a tray so that they may select at least 1 fruit or vegetable from the black salad bar & go to the cashier. Sub Sandwich & Chef Salad Order Form
  If you do not place your order by 9:30 am, we will still make subs or salads for you, but you will have to wait in line.
• Student Lockers:  All students will have a locker assigned to them. Students will need to log into Powerschool (not on the app),  select Reports then 2022-23 Locker Report and it will give them their locker # and locker combination. 
• 2022-23 Bell Schedules:   2022-23 MHS Bell Schedules
• Entrance Doors: Doors open at 7:45AM. Bus riders and students being dropped off, please enter through the Commons entrance.  Students driving and parking in the Cedar Street Parking Lot, please enter through the “Muskie M” doors. Students driving and parking in the Bonnie Street Parking Lot, enter through the “Gymnasium / Swim Entrance #1” doors.  If arriving after 8:15AM, please enter through the Main Entrance.
• MCSD 2022-23 Meal Program:  USDA did not extend free meals to schools this year unless your Family qualifies by completing a meal application or through state programs through DHS. Please note that only one Iowa Eligibility Application for free or reduced meals needs to be completed per household, each school year. To apply electronically: please go to www.muscatine.k12.ia.us (hover over Department & Programs, click on Food & Nutrition & scroll down on the page) Full communication:
  2022-23 MCSD Meal Program Letter
• Driver’s Ed: To register for upcoming Driver’s Ed sessions, please visit: mbaea.org/student-programs/driver-education
• Parents: SMS Text Opt In Feature for School Messenger: SMS_Text Opt-In Flyer/Instructions
• MHS Parents & Students: The Powerschool Mobile App is a great resource to have!   Mobile App Instructions
• Google Classroom: All high school staff use Google Classroom to display assigned work. If your child is missing from school, they can always access their work via Google Classroom. As a parent/guardian, you can request your student’s teachers to add you to their assignment list so that you will have “View Only” access. 

** 12th Grade Important Dates/Information **

• Senior Class Important Information: Sr. Class Important Info/Dates 
• 12th Grade Students: Be sure you have checked the list of scholarships in the daily announcements. We have added several in the past couple of weeks. 2022-23 Scholarships
• Seniors – Signing Day 2023: At this time we are planning to do a ‘signing’ recognition for Muskies that are planning to participate in a college sport at any level. Please complete this form to let us know what you are planning. We want to make sure that we do not miss anyone. At this time, the tentative plan is for this recognition on May 10 during Muskie Time. Thank you in advance for completing this form.  DEADLINE TO COMPLETE THIS FORM IS APRIL 30.
• 12th Grade Students that HAVE NOT SUBMITTED THEIR POST GRAD SURVEY on PowerSchool.
  This needs to be completed by May 18th. Please get this done as soon as possible!
  To access your Survey follow the directions below:
  1.  Sign into their PowerSchool Student Portal
  2.  Click the link at the top of the PS screen for the Post-Graduation Student Survey.   
• Senior Obligations: A list of those who have Senior Obligations is posted outside of the Attendance Office and are listed by Student ID #.  All fines/fees need to be paid prior to Friday, May 19, 2023.  These need to be paid in order for you to be able to “walk” on Graduation Day.
  
  • Balances can also be checked by having your parent/guardian login to their Parent/Guardian PowerSchool account.
  • Once logged in, in the Navigation Bar under the Reports section, selected
    “Unpaid Fines/Fees” and a list of any fines/fees that are due will be displayed.
  • Payment can be made by selecting the “CLICK HERE to Pay Outstanding Fees/Fines” or by paying with cash, check, or debit/credit card at the Muscatine High School Attendance Office.  Payments can also be made in installments as long as full amount is paid by May 19, 2023.
• Graduation Cap & Gown: If you have not purchased your cap and gown. Please stop in to Student Services to see Mrs. Meeker or Mrs. Meineke.
• May 10: Senior Signing Day 2023 during Muskie Time (10:06-10:36AM) in the MHS Auditorium. Parents/Guests invited to attend.  Please check in at the Attendance Center.
• May 17: Seniors Last Day
• May 17: Senior Awards Night @ 6:30PM, MHS Auditorium (Invite Only)
• May 19: Graduation practice at 9AM, followed by senior obligations, if any, and cap & gown pick-up.
• May 21: Graduation Day – 2PM MHS Stadium (unless inclement weather then MHS Gymnasium)

** Athletics/Activities Information  **

• Activities May 8-14, 2023:  Activities May 8-14
• Cheer Clinic in preparation for Cheer Tryouts will be held on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, May 16-18, from 4pm to 5:30pm in the Van Hecke Center.
• Cheer Tryouts: Saturday, May 20 from 10am to 2pm in the Van Hecke Center.
• Summer 2023 Intro to Strength Camp for Incoming 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade Students
  June 12 through July 19 (No Camp during Week of July 3rd)
  Mondays and Wednesdays: 9AM-10AM
  Cost: $60
  To register and more information: Summer 2023 Intro to Strength Camp Info & Registration
• Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Club: Bring your own Nintendo Switch controller (or borrow one, we have extras!) and get ready for the Super Smash Brothers Ultimate Club!
  Super Smash-Bros. Ultimate Club Sign-Up
  • WHERE: Mr. Kennedy’s Classroom, 11-035 (Social Studies Wing
  • WHEN: Every Friday starting 3/31 (or last day of the week) during Muskie Time
• Chess Club Is Back!  Chess Club will resume meeting once we return from Spring Break.  If you’re in good standing in your classes, feel free to sign up on Wednesdays and/or Fridays to come to 15-113 (Mr. Johnson’s classroom) to play a game, learn strategies, and enjoy a short Muskie Time break.
• Martial Arts: If you are interested in participating in Martial Arts, practice takes place Tuesday through Friday from 3:45-5:00PM in the Van Hecke Center.  If you have any questions, please contact Jesse Valenzuela at jesse.valenzuela@mcsdonline.org or talk with him in the halls of MHS!
• Visit MHS Official Activities Site for updates to schedules, rosters & directions. Follow @MuskieActivitie on Twitter for MHS activities & athletic updates and information.
  
• Athletic Punch Pass/Card for adults are $40 and can be purchased at the MHS Attendance Center or at the gate during events. This Punch Card allows you 10 admissions into all sporting events except regional & state competitions, most vocal, orchestra, and band events, and the fall drama production.
• Student Activity Passes are available for sale at the Attendance Center for $50. This pass allows you admission into all sporting events except regional & state competitions, most vocal, orchestra, and band events, and the fall drama production.
• Visit MHS Official Activities Site for updates to schedules, rosters & directions.
• Athletic Forms: Parent Permission Form    Concussion Form     Physical Form

** College, Trade, & Military Visits **

• Air Force Info: If you are interested in Air Force information, please contact TSgt Allison Bell, Air Force & Space Force Recruiter, Moline, IL. Phone: 319-350-8401
• United States Coast Guard – Information for Seniors: We currently have hiring bonuses up to $50,000 for interested individuals, which are detailed in the “Coast Guard Career Hiring Bonuses” attachment. I’ve also attached a Benefits Flyer that goes over what the Coast Guard does as a military branch, and benefits of military service. Please feel free to post this in your school alongside other military branch information for students to look over.
  The United States Coast Guard offers both full time and part time service opportunities, and are primarily located within the United States. As a military branch, we conduct humanitarian missions, including response to natural disasters like hurricanes and oil spills, and our branch’s focus is centered around protecting our people and waterways. We operate under the Department of Homeland Security, making our main missions Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, and Environment Protection. We have 19 different career fields, including Healthcare, HR, Law Enforcement, and Trade careers.  If you have an interest for military service or are unsure of steps after graduation, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me via this email – Lauren.A.Shields@uscg.mil. Coast Guard Benefits Flyer     Coast Guard Career Hiring Bonuses

** Forms **

• Transcripts: To request an official transcript from Muscatine High School, please use the link below to make your request. Official transcripts are sent directly from our MHS Registrar’s Office. Muscatine High School Transcript Request Link
• Silver Cord Form:  Students recording hours of volunteer service during their years at MHS will be awarded a Silver Cord to wear at graduation. In order for volunteer hours to count towards a Silver Cord, STUDENTS must complete the online form to verify. Silver Cord Form
• ALL STUDENTS DRIVING TO SCHOOL: ALL students driving to school will need to complete a Vehicle Registration Form for a new MHS Parking Tag.  This parking tag will be used until the Class of 2025 graduates.  The form is available online Vehicle Registration Form, MHS Attendance or Student Services office. Completed forms should be returned to the Student Services office. Students with an MHS Parking Tag can park in the Bonnie Dr. or Cedar St. parking lots.
• DOT Minor School License Form: DOT Minor School License Form Forms are available in the MHS Main Office – Rm-11-001. (You must have completed Driver’s Ed in order to submit this form.)  Instructions: Please complete Sections 1 and 3. (Leave Section 2 blank) and return to the Main Office.
• Parking Tags – Staff & Students: If you drive to school, you must display your MHS parking tag in your vehicle.  If you do not have  a tag, please go to Student Services for a form.  Currently you are receiving a reminder, however in the future, you will be fined $5 and an orange sticker will be placed on your vehicle.
• Parking Tag Reminder: Reminder that students are to use the same parking tag from the previous year. It will be a $5 charge for all lost parking tags. If you have not received a parking tag or have not registered your vehicle, please fill out the “new vehicle registration form” located under the forms section of the announcements. Forms can be turned into Mrs. Meineke or Mrs. Meeker in the student services. Vehicle Registration Form.pdf

** Fundraisers **

• Muskie Store is Open! The district has partnered with Phelps Custom Apparel to offer our staff, families, and community Muskie Apparel! This online store does not close meaning that it remains open for all of your Muskie clothing needs throughout the year.
  Go to: Phelps Muskie Store and check it out!
• Jostens Muskie School Store:  Do you want Muskie Spirit Wear/Accessories or to give as a gift?
  Visit   Jostens Muskie School Store

** Job Opportunities **

• Summer Work or Silver Cord Opportunity:  Yard Work – Mowing and Trimming. Lawn mower and trimmer will be provided.  If interested or for more information, please contact Therese Finney at 563-299-7883. Leave voicemail or text if the call is not answered.
• Summer Work Opportunity for 12th Grade Students: Vector Marketing in the Eastern Iowa area is currently accepting applications for available positions. We have positions available in customer sales and service. The main duties of the position include: working with customers, explaining Cutco products, and helping customers place orders. There is NO door-to-door sales or telemarketing involved with the position. The starting pay is $22 base-appt. Schedules are flexible for students and we have full and part time positions available. No experience is necessary and training is provided. 
  Students gain great resumé experience and meaningful skills that will help in any career you plan to go into. Some of the skills include: communication, time management, goal setting, and networking.
  We are filling the positions immediately, so we encourage you to respond as soon as possible to get more information about the positions and schedule an interview.
  To apply, visit our website at www.563studentwork.com
• Seasonal Job Opportunities – Louisa County Conservation – 4 summer and 1 6 months: Perfect for summer work for some juniors and/or graduating seniors. These are great positions that provide valuable on-the job skills for those interested in a career in natural resources and/or education!
  Summary:
  • Natural Resource Aide – one 6 month position (timing is flexible), must be 18+ because of work with mowers and other machinery
  • Conservation Aide – two spring/summer positions (timing is flexible), must be 18+ because of work with mowers and other machinery
  • Summer Recreation Intern – two summer positions (Mid – June through 1st week of August), 16+, ***This job is an 8:30 am – 2 pm position that is PERFECT for students in summer sports. The Summer Recreation program happens from 9-noon every day so there is a lot of flexibility for those that want to work but need to get to practice in the afternoon.
    Naturalist Intern – one summer position (Mid-End of May through early August) must be 18+ because of driving county vehicles
    All job postings and application information can be found here: Louisa County Conservation Jobs

** Scholarships **

• Please visit Scholarships for a list of available scholarships. (newest scholarships are listed at the end of the document)

** Silver Cord Opportunities/Volunteer Opportunities ** Silver Cord Form (must be filled out by the student)

• Summer Work or Silver Cord Opportunity:  Yard Work – Mowing and Trimming. Lawn mower and trimmer will be provided.  If interested or for more information, please contact Therese Finney at 563-299-7883. Leave voicemail or text if the call is not answered.
• Friends of the Old Barn Discovery Park are looking for volunteers to help with monthly open house events beginning in May. The first event is May 20th from 11 until 4. We anticipate this to be a larger than usual gathering because the Buckskinners will also be in the park that day and we are having additional activities in conjunction with them . We also are having a small animal display at the barn that day. Saturday June 17 will be the 2nd open house for 2023.  If interested in volunteering, please text Andrew Anderson at 319-936-1861.
• Camp Wyoming (located in Jones County, Iowa) is in need of volunteers this summer.
  Female volunteers only: Our TTT (pronounced Tri-T) summer camp program serves over 100 4th grade girls from under-privileged homes throughout Iowa. Volunteer counselors assist our camp staff and help lead the girls in activities like swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, and games, as well as supervise them in their cabins at night. TTT Volunteers are needed the weeks of June 4-9 and June 11-16. Volunteers must be current juniors in high school or older to apply. Earn 120 volunteer hours with one week of service!
  Male and female volunteers: Our traditional summer camp programs serve children and youth between the ages of 5 and 17. These programs are religious in nature, so volunteers must be comfortable working and participating in a Christian program. Volunteer counselors assist our camp staff in caring for campers and leading activities like swimming, kayaking, archery, and Bible study, as well as caring for the campers at night. Volunteers are needed during the weeks of June 18-23, June 25-30, July 9-14, July 16-21, and July 23-28. Volunteers must be current juniors in high school or older to apply. Earn 120 volunteer hours with one week of service!
  If you are interested in working or volunteering with us, email Jake O’Connor at jake@campwyoming.net or apply online at campwyoming.net.
• Muscatine Community Heart and Soul, a nonprofit focused on discovering what people love about Muscatine through story gathering and community development, is looking for volunteers to be members of their leadership team, collecting stories/performing interviews, and to be members of their subteams. If interested, please complete the volunteer interest form below.  Also provided is the Muscatine Community Heart & Soul website link. 
  • Muscatine Community Heart and Soul Interest Form
  • https://www.muscatineheartandsoul.org/ 
• Silver Cord Program:  Students recording hours of volunteer service during their years at MHS will be awarded a Silver Cord to wear at graduation. In order for volunteer hours to count towards a Silver Cord, students must complete the online form to verify. Silver Cord Form
  Service qualifies for Silver Cord recognition if:
  • The student is not paid for the service
  • The student does not receive credit for the service.
  • The service is not for the purpose of fundraising for a group/activity/team that the student participates in.
    *140 hours are required for students in the Class of 2021, 2022 and 2023.
    *160 hours are required for students graduating in the Class of 2024.

** Yearbook Information **

• 2021-22 Yearbook Distribution Info: Students/families who purchased a Yearbook (The Auroran) from the 2021-22 school year, Yearbooks will be available for pick up at the Attendance Center.  There are a limited number of 2021-22 yearbooks that can be purchased on a first-come, first serve basis for $56 at the Attendance Center.
• Did you or someone you know attend Muscatine High School during the 2012 through 2015 school years? If so, this is your chance to purchase a yearbook that reflects those school years and memories! Each yearbook is $20 until sold out. All proceeds go back into the Yearbook Club to purchase new equipment and expand the program for students. To purchase, call the Activities Office at Muscatine High School at (563) 263-6141 and ask for Mindy. 

** Keep informed on what is going on at MHS! **