STAFF SPOTLIGHT--MR. ALLEN STEELE
I grew up in Hastings, MI and graduated from Hastings High School.
After that, I attended Grand Rapids Community College.
I worked at a tool & die shop, then eventually found my calling in cabinet making.
I have worked as a Cabinet maker, house builder and renovator.
I teach woodshop.
In my free time, I like Woodworking, spending time with my wife & dog, going to hockey games, watching football, and fishing & hunting.
My wife's name is Heather, my dog's name is Ruger, and I have 2 sons (AJ and Max).
I am proud to be a WHS Panther because I can help kids to realize their potential and help them open doors to opportunities in their lives.
WHAT ARE AP ENVIRONMENTAL STUDENTS UNCOVERING?
Our passionate AP Environmental Science students have been hard at work in the lab, uncovering the secrets hidden beneath the surface of the Earth! In their latest project, they've been knee-deep in a fascinating sediment lab for soil analysis, exploring properties that hold the key to altering the rate of infiltration and soil permeability.
Why does it matter, you ask? Well, buckle up for a ride into the realms of agriculture, wastewater treatment, and more! These invaluable findings aren't just academic; they're the foundation for sustainable farming practices, efficient water usage, and ensuring a healthier environment for all.
The Freshmen in World History and Geography examined the different governmental structures of Imperial China. Students created a poster where they evaluated the effectiveness of two different Chinese Dynasties (see photos). The best thing about this assessment was that there was no wrong answer. So long as students defended their evaluations with logic and evidence everyone's answers were correct!
Meanwhile in U.S. History, the Sophomores are in the middle of learning about the Great Depression. They are taking a look at some of the underlying causes as well as a deep look at the hardships people faced during the Depression. To wrap up the semester students will take a look at President Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal and attempts by the government to ease some of the problems faced during the Great Depression.
The upperclassmen taking U.S. History In-Depth continue to dive into World War II's Pacific war. Recently students have been learning what it was like to fight on the islands of the Pacific, as well as examining the decision to use nuclear weapons at the end of the war. Additionally, students are working on a food history project. Each student has an era of U.S. History and they will create a report on popular foods, how food was prepared during that time, and more. To close out the project each student will prepare a popular dish from their era to share with the class.
11th grade Government students have been busy learning about the role the media plays in today's political landscape as well as the election processes used to elect Congress and the President. The classes thoroughly investigated the Electoral College learning not only how it works but whether other alternatives might be better. Now the classes are beginning to take a close look at how the legislative and executive branches are structured and operate.
Sociology students are continuing to analyze the many different social institutions that make up society as a whole. Having recently finished investigating the role of the family in society, including current trends regarding marriage and divorce in America, the students are now looking at the role religion has played and continues to play in shaping society.
CONGRATULATIONS DEBATE TEAM!
Wednesday night our debate team finished up their season with every member who gave a speech taking home a placement in the top seven: Amber Robbins took 7th, JT Davis took 6th, and Mackenzie Birmele took 4th. In league placement, JT Davis took home a 2nd place trophy. The team will finish out their season with a trip to the state finals this weekend. Please wish them luck!
MRS. DAWSON MET WITH YOUR JUNIOR THIS WEEK TO DISCUSS THE FOLLOWING:
- Graduation Requirements: credits earned, credits left for senior year, and any credits that need to be recovered (and a tentative recovery plan if necessary)
- Current grades
- Post secondary plans/pathways
- Tentative senior year schedule: dual enrollment, Van Buren Tech, Berrien Career & Technical Education etc.
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN BIOLOGY?
In biology, we are learning about photosynthesis. The students are working with molecule manipulatives to help them visualize the changes that are occurring in photosynthesis. In anatomy, the students are learning the muscles of the body. This week the students completed a muscle speed dating activity where they were assigned a single muscle and had to find their match in the class using the concept of opposites attract. For example, biceps and triceps work opposite to one another and therefore are a perfect match for one another. We had a lot of fun talking about the jobs, activities, and locations of these muscles in pairs around the room.
THANK YOU !
THANK YOU to all of our parents and community members who donated to our Interact goody bags for a local senior home. The Interact members used the Wednesday early release day to decorate and assemble the goody bags. Check out the pictures below!
The next Interact Project for January will be a project for School Board Appreciation Month!
