October 2025 Academic Newsletter

Visual Design-In the coming weeks, students will practice Skeleton Grid Drawing to improve proportion, explore Color Theory to understand how colors interact, create Neurographic Art as a form of mindful self-expression, and experiment with charcoal to build shading and texture skills.

Art Design-Over the next several weeks, students will focus on creating handmade items to prepare for their end-of-year craft booth. Projects will include candle making, crocheting, wood burning, rock and planter painting, and mirror etching. These activities will allow students to develop a range of creative skills while producing unique pieces to showcase and sell.

Ceramics and Sculpture- In the coming weeks, students will explore three-dimensional art through soap carving, foam sculpture, and hand-building clay projects. These activities will help students practice foundational sculpting techniques, develop fine motor skills, and express creativity through a variety of materials.

Mass Media students are busy deciding on a creative yearbook theme, along with choosing the perfect color scheme and font styles to match their vision. Guest speaker Ken Miller has been visiting the class, sharing his expertise and tips about photography to help students improve their skills. With these ideas in mind, students are now creating unique layouts for their yearbook pages.

Coding students are working on coding their own websites, bringing their ideas to life through design and structure. They first chose a topic of interest, researched it thoroughly, and planned their content. Now, they are applying coding skills to build and customize their sites. They will also be learning Python coding to expand their programming knowledge.

Personal Finance students are learning how to build their own budgets while understanding the importance of saving money. They will explore three key reasons to save: preparing for emergencies, planning for large purchases, and building long-term wealth.

Dual Credit Computers and Information Systems students are focusing on how to use MS Excel. The MS Excel assignments focus on how to use the editing and formatting features specific to Excel, how to create formulas and functions, how to create charts, and to perform basic data analysis.

FBLA is actively recruiting new members and encouraging students to get involved in the organization. The group is planning fun monthly activities such as movie nights in the multi and pumpkin decorating to build school spirit. Members are also getting a jump start on preparing for upcoming FBLA contests.

Integrated Science 9 (Physical Science) - Physical Science has two main components: Chemistry and Physics. This month we are diving head first into the chemistry component. Students will be gaining a deeper knowledge of the states of matter, atomic structure, and taking a peek at the periodic table of the elements.

Chemistry - Chemistry is the study of matter and the changes it undergoes. Students are learning the properties and changes of matter and exploring in depth the structure of the atom.

Biology - Biology, or life science, will provide students with the knowledge of the nature of living things. Students are studying cellular life - particularly structure and function. This lays the groundwork for our study of photosynthesis and cellular respiration - the two processes in which living things obtain energy.

Anatomy - Human anatomy is the study of the body, its parts and their locations. The first body system we are going to tackle is the integumentary system after we examine body tissues.

Earth Science - Earth Science is the name for the group of sciences that deals with Earth and its neighbors in space. Now that students have a foundation of Earth's minerals we are going to begin looking at rocks and Earth's resources to understand Earth's surface sculptures.

Pre-Algebra - We will be talking about all of the different characteristics of lines along with how this correlates to real-world applications of graphs.

Algebra 1 (Soph.) - We will be going over what functions and relations are and the difference between them. At the end of October we will be starting on systems of equations.

Geometry - We will be discussing parallel and perpendicular lines and how that can help us solve problems. Along with that we will be parallel lines cut by a transversal and the relationships that are made with angles.

Algebra 2 - We will be finishing our work with quadratic equations. We will then be moving on to polynomial equations with a higher degree than 2.

Applied Math - We are working on making scale drawings. We are using the school as our model and working to make a scale drawing that will hang on every door with escape routes.

Life Skills - We are doing a drywall repair unit. Mound City Lumber donated some supplies for us to use to make holes and learn how to fix those holes.

Stats/Research - The students are working with probability and counting principles. In probability, students examine problems in basic probability, multiple events, and mutually exclusive events. The counting principles include permutation and combination of different scenarios.

Criminal Justice - Students are currently looking at the different theories of why we commit crime. Theories discussed include Choice Theory, Psychological, Biological, and Sociological. After looking at different theories, we will begin to look at the policing side of law enforcement.

Creative Writing - Students are reading and analyzing groups of poems related to central themes. Common themes discussed include poems on death, love, friendship, time, whimsical, and crisis. Students will also have to write an original poem for each theme and a poetry analysis.

Psychology - Students are currently learning different developmental theories. Main theories include Piaget's Stages of Cognitive Development, Freud's Psychosexual Development, Erikson's Psychosocial Development, and Kohlberg's Moral Development. The unit also includes discussion on reflexes, attachments, and family units.

During the month of October the freshmen in American History will begin learning about Reconstruction and the Gilded Age. World History has started learning about the age of Exploration which is the precursor to our discussions on early phases of global trade as well as absolutism in Europe. In Sophomore Leadership we have been looking at various qualities of leadership, working on our upcoming service project, as well as working through ACT prep and Digital Citizenship curriculums. Finally, Current Events has been learning about examining news sources through reporting on various news stories from around the world.

All FFA Members are participating in Fruit Sales this Month. This will end on October 9, 2025

Ag Science 1- Students will be learning about and exploring SAE's (Supervised Agricultural Experiences). They ill also explore agricultural career possibilities.

Ag Science 2- Sophomore's will be learning the basics of Soil Science this month with an emphasis on soil text and soil profile characteristics.

Greenhouse Management- Students will continue to learn about how to identify multiple horticultural plants that are utilized in the greenhouse industry.

Ag Construction- Students will be entering the shop this month after completing all safety lessons. They will work on multiple shop projects this semester.

Wildlife Management are currently learning about wildlife habitat and how we protect this habitat. We are also exploring carrying capacity of our area.

Plant Science- Students are exploring crop science and the trends of crops that we see in our area. We are also discussing crop management systems.

Foods:

We are making Fall desserts in class. Mrs. Nauman provided a bucket of apples from her house. We have planned and presented a mock Halloween party already, this month we will enjoy making fun Halloween treats.

8th grade FACS:

We are continuing our sewing lesson. They are piecing together some scraps of materials to make a small pillow. Then the students will eventually be making a pillow case. We will be reading a book to the Kindergarten class about monsters (a happy one). My students will have the kindergartners choose a monster and design it with coloring and accessories. We will then bring those colorings back to our classroom and make that monster for the little kids. This will be a surprise for them!

Housing:

We will learn how housing reflects cultural views and values. They will be able to identify social trends that affect housing and also be able to explain the major ways in which the government influences housing.

Health:

This month we will have “mental health Monday journaling”. This will give each student the opportunity to clear their heads and journal anything that might be a burden or something they would just like documented for later. We will be learning about sleep, getting enough sleep, the science behind sleep, common sleeping problems and strategies for getting the sleep you need.

9th grade Nutrition& Wellness:

Nutrition is still the main focus of this month. We will dive deeper into looking at labels to find the best nutritional value for our bodies. We will bring some healthy ideas to the kitchens and learn how to make a healthy snack instead of caving for the processed non nutritional snacks.

Interpersonal Relationships:

We will be discussing how positive and negative attitudes influence behavior and contribute to mental health. We will point out different defense mechanisms that people sometimes use to deal with problems and how those can hinder personal growth. Students will identify techniques used for building positive attitudes.

Child Development II:

Students are working on 3 big projects. One is an infant development collage, then a baby’s first year developmental milestone timeline, and then an infant growth and development flip book.

FCCLA:

We have 53 members so far signed up to be in FCCLA. We will be going to the Region 1 Fall meeting at the Northwest Missouri State University campus next month. Our chapter is meeting during lunch for a meeting. Star Event participants are choosing their event and getting prepared for that competition that will occur in January.

Freshmen — English I

Focus: Figurative language, inference, theme, central ideas, textual evidence, essential questions, Socratic Seminar.

Missouri ELA Standards:

• RL.1.A (9-10): Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  
  

• RL.2.A (9-10): Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze its development over the course of the text.
  
  

• SL.1.A (9-10): Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly.
  

Sophomores — English II

Focus: To Kill a Mockingbird — author’s purpose and its impact on the text.

Missouri ELA Standards:

• RL.3.A (9-10): Analyze how an author’s choices concerning how to structure a text, order events, and manipulate time create effects such as mystery, tension, or surprise.
  
  

• RI.6.A (9-10): Determine an author’s point of view or purpose in a text and analyze how an author uses rhetoric to advance that point of view or purpose.
  
  

• RL.1.B (9-10): Analyze how complex characters develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
  

Juniors — English III

Focus: The Best of Poe — collaborative literary analysis and independent writing.

Missouri ELA Standards:

• RL.1.A (11-12): Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  
  

• RL.2.B (11-12): Analyze the impact of the author’s choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., setting, plot, characterization).
  
  

• W.3.A (11-12): Write literary analysis to examine and convey complex ideas, concepts, and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content.
  
  

Seniors — English IV

Focus: Scratch Beginnings — real-world problem solving through the Hannah Project.

Missouri ELA Standards:

• RI.3.A (11-12): Determine and evaluate the author’s purpose and point of view and analyze how style and content contribute to the power, persuasiveness, or beauty of the text.
  
  

• W.1.A (11-12): Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using valid reasoning and credible sources.
  
  

SL.1.C (11-12): Integrate multiple sources of information presented in diverse media or formats to make informed decisions and solve real-world problems.

Frontier American history including the transcontinental railroad and battle of Little Bighorn and wounded knee massacre.

Lifetime Sports - Pickleball

Strength & Conditioning - Speed & Agility Drills, Joint Mobility, Plyometrics

This month we are focusing on bully prevention & substance abuse education!

Important October Dates from the MCHS Counselor's Corner

10/1 SA Presentations w/ North Star

10/8 Docudrama w/ Sophomores in Maryville (Mr. Eaton)

10/15 Srs. My Success Event @ Civic Arena

10/20 6th-12th Assembly 1-2pm

10/22 Unity Day

10/28 AM - HS ACT Testing 9th-12th Grades

PM - HS Red Ribbon Week Presentations

10/30 12:30pm Early Dismissal - Parent Teacher Conferences

STUCO Christmas Drive in circle drive

11/1 Jr/Sr NCMC Health Science Day 9:15am-1:30pm

Things have started off rather nicely for us at the High School. The month of September flew by and I have no doubt that October will do the same. I wanted to shed some like on a few areas for October. First we will be recognizing 1 female and 1 male student from each class every month. They will be our Panthers of the Month (P-Positive Influence, A-Accountable, N-Noteworthy Character, T-Thoughtful, H-Hardworking, E-Engaged, R-Respectful, S- Safe). Staff can nominate any students they feel are representing this throughout the month and as a staff we will vote at the end of the month. We will be recognizing these students through our social media outlets along with the local newspaper. This is something that is very important to myself along with our staff as we want to celebrate students making the right choices in our building, not just on the field/court or in the classroom, but right choices that represent what our community and school strive to be.

The second area I would like to talk about is Parent Teacher conferences. They will be held on October 30th from 1-7 pm in the High School. I encourage all students and their parents to come in a speak with teachers. We always look forward to having important and purposeful conversations that help our students succeed in and out of our building. I encourage all parents to be checking grades on Lumen. We still have time for your student to improve their grades before the quarter ends. We also are preparing for our Homecoming week next week. Mrs. Radley and our STUCO have many fun activities planned for our students. It is a very busy time so please utilize the newsletter and information provided on our app to stay up to date. If anyone has questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact the HS Office or email me at jake.shipman@mndcty.org. I hope everyone has a great 1st day of October!

Email: jake.shipman@mndcty.org

Website: https://www.mndcty.k12.mo.us/