Go Red: DCHS Weekly Message

Week 4: Remembering the Past, Celebrating the Present

Decatur County Community High School

605 E Commercial St, Oberlin, KS 67749

September 11, 2022 (Schedule at the bottom, Skip What You Want)

Follow us on Twitter at @DCHSREDDEVILS

Decatur community,

When I looked out my front door this morning, I saw a group putting up American flags in various yards. I knew right away what the significance was for those flags, and, as a new member to the community, I was impressed by the effort.

As an old history teacher and as a small individual tribute to this day in history, I started writing this message at exactly 7:46, the time that the first of the two towers was struck.

Where were you 21 years ago today when this happened? I am sure you remember. For me, it is almost like deja vu, as 21 years ago I was in my first year as a teacher in Louisburg, KS, a new home after teaching in Wichita for several years prior. Now, 21 years later after leaving Louisburg, I once again reminisce about a tragic moment in our history in a new town, a new home, Oberlin.

I am a Broncos fan, and I remember that on the Monday night before the attack, the Broncos were hosting the New York Giants. I remember that game as much as I remember any other game, primarily because of what happened the next day. I remember that Ed McCaffery broke his leg that night, the Broncos won the game, and the New York Giants were stranded in Denver the next day because their flight was unable to take off.

I remember that on the 11th, I was teaching a 6th grade English class at the time I was told, struggling to grasp what it all meant.

I remember the fear of the nation, the gouging gas prices, and the intense wondering of what was going to happen next? What did it all mean?

What I remember most is the rallying of our nation. Though it was a tragedy, the nation came together, supported one another, and remembered why we are who we are, why we are so fortunate, and why we are so proud of our country.

I am grateful that I saw those flags this morning, and I would also give a huge shout out to those involved in putting them up. It's one of the many things that I am coming to learn and love about this new community that is becoming home.

SHOUTOUTS

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Shoutout to the volleyball seniors and their families. It is a very emotional moment for both an athlete and a parent the last time that they will play their sport in front of their home crowd, in their home gym. Though there may be a few tournament games that remain, it was the last traditional game of the season. I was very impressed by the thought and emotion that the girls put into their speeches before their loved ones came out. You can tell that the girls put a lot of time and thought into the words that they wanted to leave behind. You can tell that this was a special moment for every one of them.

Shoutout to Mrs. Gina Witt and her Applied Math students. This past week students have been creating and perfecting resumes. There were almost 10 students that came in for formal mock interviews with me, each with the task of interviewing for a position as either a teacher's aide or a maintenance worker. I enjoyed the process and loved talking with the students and giving them both appropriate praise and supportive tips. This is a great experience for all students.

Shoutout to Mrs. Wendy Scott and her graphics classes for making the senior tribute video for the girls volleyball team. It was a great way to recognize all of the girls on the team and show school support.

Shoutout to Mr. Trevor Williams and Ms. Jenee Davis for giving up a day of their class to give students the My Path reading assessment. I will talk more about My Path in the future, but a simple definition would be that it is a program that helps place students and provide individualized instruction at their individual level.

Things You Should Know

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Homecoming Week

This week is Homecoming. Pictured, you see all of the nominees for this year's Homecoming Court. I've been with of them only a few weeks, but I can already tell you that it is going to be a tough decision for the students, as they are all great kids. Here's a peek at the week ahead:

(Reminder that only grades 9-12 are allowed to participate in the Spirit Week dress up days. They will have their own spirit week later in the year.)

Monday:

- Little Ms./Little Mr. Theme

- Homeroom Hallway Decorating

Tuesday:

- Favorite TV Character Theme

- SDL Hallway Decorating

Wednesday:

- Hippie Theme

- Hallways must be finished

Thursday:

- Adam Sandler Day Theme

- Pep Assembly & Bonfire starting at 6:30 (food, games, and more)

- Float Building 7:30-9:00

Friday:

- Float Building

- JH will decorate their hallway

- Assembly 1:30

- Parade 2:30

- 7:00 Game

- King and Queen Coronation at Halftime

- Homecoming Dance following the game

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Twitter (I will leave this Info. throughout September)

Parents, students, family, and community members,

I urge you to sign up for our Twitter page. You can look up Decatur County Community Red Devils or follow @DCHSREDDEVILS .Twitter is generally the fastest way to get information. Even my Weekly Messages will typically go out on Twitter before they are sent to you through PowerSchool. I would share this with loved ones as well. Twitter is the easiest way to catch a quick glimpse into the school and also get updates on changes. Our hope would be to grow our Twitter following and continue to share what we are doing at the school.