The Panther Post

Vol 5, Issue 2

A Message from Mrs. Pittser, Superintendent

Jingle Bells…jingle bells…jingle all the way

Oh what fun it is to be a Panther full of Pride - hey!

The first semester of our school calendar has included many joyous events celebrating our students and staff. This time of year highlights their creative and innovative abilities, and we take immense pride in each of them. It truly reflects our commitment to providing well-rounded education that enriches the complete learning experience at MT!

As we prepare to step into a new year, we want to express our gratitude for making Panther Nation a strong and supportive school community. We eagerly anticipate the numerous opportunities that await us in 2025, and we look forward to this journey together. Thank you for your continued trust and partnership in making Miami Trace the best place to learn and grow.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Important Dates

January 6 - Return to School

January 13 - Board of Education Organizational Meeting

January 27 - Virtual State of the District Address

Mission Moment

To provide a quality education, with opportunities and relationships, that cultivates success.

Miami Trace Local School District is dedicated to supporting the needs of the “Whole-Child.” This includes the physical, social, emotional and intellectual development of all students. To guide these dedicated efforts, the District has established a Wellness Committee composed of educators, school counselors, mental health consultants, school psychologists, community members, administrators, board of education members and students.

The wellness committee meets monthly and collaborates with community partners to enhance staff and student wellness. A primary focus for this team is to ensure students are fully prepared to engage in the learning process. We strongly believe that in order for students to achieve academic success, we must acknowledge all areas of personal well-being.

Goals accomplished thus far through the Miami Trace Wellness Committee:

Expanded Social and Emotional Learning Opportunities (Goal #1)
Implemented Mobile Unit on Campus (Goal #2)
Increased capacity of Mental Health Services (Goal #3)
Coordinated Care Pantries in all School Buildings (Goal #4)

Wellness Center Update

The Miami Trace Wellness Center project, supported by Student Wellness Grant Funds and Permanent Improvement Funds, is progressing according to the timeline. The team has finished the underground systems and completed the concrete slab with framing on the immediate horizon.

As a reminder, the expected completion date is June 2025. Transition details will be completed over the summer for staff and students to begin in the new building in August.

For more information about the Wellness Center, we invite you to review the following publications:

Panther Post Newsletter | Vol 5, Issue 1

The Record Herald | July 25, 2024

The Record Herald | October 23,2024

Wall studs and a concrete slab. Progress for the new wellness center.

Financial Update from Treasurer Cari Wilson

Fayette County Property Reappraisal: Understanding the Impact

While a property reappraisal may lead to increased property values, it's important to understand that the school district won't see a corresponding increase in funding. In fact, due to factors like tax relief measures and state funding adjustments, the district may not benefit as much as some might expect.

Join us for the upcoming State of the District Address (in mid to late January) to learn about the impact property reappraisal in Fayette County will have on district revenues. We'll discuss the projected increase in property values, the implications for tax rates and revenue, and the potential impact on state funding for our schools. We'll also explore tax relief factors and the state funding formula inputs and what they mean for Miami Trace.

Winter Break Home Activities

Winter break can be challenging for some with parents/guardians’ work schedules. Check out these activities that children and youth can do at home.

PBS Kids Activities

Computer Science Activities

Strategies for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season:

Maintain a consistent routine.
Prioritize sleep and stay active, even with a brief walk.
Make time for yourself.
Simplify tasks with a to-do list.
Set a budget for holiday expenses.
Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein to stabilize blood sugar and curb sugar cravings.

Alumni Spotlight

Jenna McCarthy (Cobb), Class of 2010

College Women's Basketball Assistant Coach,

University of Alaska Anchorage

What would you like to share about your life and journey since graduating from Miami Trace?

After graduating from Miami Trace, I started my collegiate career at Butler University playing on the Women's Basketball Team. I played there for two years then decided to transfer down south to Florida Gulf Coast University. I never wanted to be a kid that transferred half way through, but God had other plans for me. I ended up playing at Florida Gulf Coast for 3 years and then went on staff after graduating and began my coaching career. I was on staff for four years until I met my now husband, Ryan McCarthy at a recruiting tournament in Chicago. He is the Head Women's Basketball Coach here in Alaska, the program I currently work with. Being able to coach together is an absolute dream. The game of basketball has taken me all around the country and brought opportunities into my life that I never thought possible. Florida to Alaska was a path I never thought I would cross but again, God had other plans for me!

What is one personal or professional achievement you are most proud of since graduating from Miami Trace?

One of my goals going into college was to win a Championship and play in the NCAA Tournament. My junior and senior year we won back to back Championships at FGCU and went on to play in the NCAA Tournament. My senior year, we won a first round game against Oklahoma State University which was the programs first win ever in the NCAA Tournament. It was the best feeling I had ever had as a student-athlete and one I will never forget.

What is your favorite memory from your time at Miami Trace?

My favorite memory at Miami Trace was in 2010 when we made it to the Women's Basketball Final Four. The group of senior girls that I played with had been playing together since we were in third grade. It was such a special group with Kasey Bryant, Kristin Sockman, Andrea Strahler and Heidi Reiterman. To be such close friends and achieve something like that together is a core memory I will always cherish.

What advice would you give to current Miami Trace students as they prepare for their future?

I think one of the toughest lessons I have learned from playing in sports my whole life is embrace adversity. I think it is our human nature to want to shy away from things that make us uncomfortable and challenge us. One of the reasons I love athletics so much is the lessons you can learn that apply to real life. Things will not go your way most of the time, so choosing to fight through discomfort can help you prove to yourself that you can do hard things. Some of my biggest achievements have come after a lot of trials and times where I didn't think I was good enough. One of the best pieces of advice I have ever received from a coach is, "There are no mistakes in life, just lessons to be learned."

Health & Wellness

Brought to you by Fayette County Public Health

As flu cases increase during the fall and winter months, it’s important to be able to recognize the differences between a common cold and the flu. Below is a helpful visual guide to distinguish between the two, so you can better understand your symptoms and take the necessary steps for recovery.

Key Differences in Recovery:

Flu Recovery often takes longer than a cold and can require more intensive care, including medication and medical monitoring.

Cold Recovery tends to be more manageable with home remedies and over-the-counter medications.

It is always a good idea to consult a healthcare provider if you are unsure about your symptoms, if they worsen, or if you have underlying health conditions that may require special care.