With the start of a new year just around the corner, everyone asks “What is your New Year's resolution?” Having New Year’s resolutions is good until you make it your whole personality. If you want to change a habit or start a new one it’s not about the habit itself but the mindset. If you want to start working out more for the New Year, your goal should not be to get to the gym as much as possible, it should be to set small achievable goals so you have little triumphs as the year goes on. If you can see your progress in the little things as you go, you won’t be discouraged and want to give up. 

I know that most of the Madison C-3 students have been learning about the growth mindset and I’m sure some of them think it will not work, but this is the perfect example of how it will. When you can change how you think you can achieve so much more. The mindset that you are accomplishing something with few goals can put this into perspective. That's why your New Year's resolutions should not be to completely get rid of a poor habit or start a new habit, it should be little goals to make it become one, not a drastic change. 

Do you have a favorite Christmas break activity? There is a lot of bias when it comes to this topic. Some may say that they favor staying in and watching movies, others may say that they would much rather go outside and enjoy the snow. Well, for this month's panther recall, I will be talking about popular Christmas break activities and my opinions on them. 

First, is there anything wrong with staying in all breaks? I do love the feeling of being in a cave of blankets with a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas movie playing in the background. Although some people may not like doing this activity all break, it is my favorite. 

Secondly, what I think most people favor is playing in the snow. Now, although this may be a fan favorite, in Missouri we rarely have snow on Christmas. For instance, the last time Missouri had snow on Christmas was back in 2022, and we only had a covering of an inch. So, unless there is snow, this sadly is not my favorite Christmas break activity. 

Lastly, another fan favorite is baking Christmas cookies. Now in my family, Christmas cookies are an all-time favorite. Whether you are baking pre-made cookies or homemade ones, they are the best. This Christmas break activity has to be second on my list. Whether you are being lazy, playing in the snow, or baking Christmas cookies, hopefully, you are enjoying your Christmas break.

The Madison C-3 staff and students show their holiday spirit by participating in the school spirit dress-up days. Over the last three weeks of school, students dress up to reflect selected themes such as a green and red day and dress like a Grinch day. Every day is a new theme and expresses a completely different way to dress for the holidays. Participation is good with many staff members and students dressing up. 

Having the events is a simple yet effective way for staff and students to not only participate but to generate holiday excitement and show Christmas spirit. Aside from the holiday, seeing staff and students smile at each other in the hallways is positive even if it were not for the upcoming holiday. As a bonus, most of the basketball spirit pit themes coordinate with the theme of the day which makes it even easier to support our Panthers! 

Below is a list of the themes that the Madison C-3 staff and students are participating in:

Week One

Thursday - wear your favorite Christmas shirt

Friday - school cheer Pre-k-6-red / 7-12-green 

Week Two

Monday- dress like a snowman 

Tuesday- dress for Hawaii 

Wednesday- wear all plaid 

Thursday- Christmas movie character 

Friday - wear all Christmas gear

Week Three

Monday- wear green/grinch 

Tuesday- candy cane 

Wednesday- Christmas accessories 

Thursday-Christmas pajamas 

Friday- ugly sweaters

Our Student Council put on a Winter Dance on December 13th! It was our first-ever winter dance, and it was a success. We had a variety of treats and drinks that our student council members provided, and we had great reviews about each one of them. 

However, not as many people showed up as people had hoped, but the ones that did show up had a blast dancing the night away. The decorations were outstanding and everything was well put together thanks to Mrs. Adcock and the student council took a huge lead with setting up. However, while most student council members weren’t able to attend they were able to help out especially with Nautica Brucker taking charge and doing a majority of setting up and planning.

If you have ever been around Madison C-3 High School during the holidays, you would know there's a lot of holiday spirit.  this sentiment is especially true on the last Friday before winter break. The last day before Christmas break is a day dedicated to having fun, whether making gingerbread houses, playing board games, or even a volleyball tournament. 

With Christmas right around the corner and the Madison C-3 holiday fun day nearly here, staff and students alike are enjoying a fun school atmosphere. Several events make the days leading up to Christmas break great including the themed dress-up days, Christmas song bingo, and the highly anticipated winter fun day which features a volleyball torment where teams compete head-to-head and then against staff! Madison C-3 High School sure is magical around the holidays. How do you feel about Christmas at Madison C-3?