Classroom Buzz

Recently, Civics students from Mrs. Patton and Mrs. O'Rear's classes attended the fall Youth Advisory Day hosted by Senator Jason Plummer. Students participated in mock policy meetings to create ideas for change that can benefit all citizens in Illinois.

Nori Stockon shared, "I had a wonderful time seeing and meeting all the new people. I believe that everyone, if they get the chance, should do the Youth Advisory Council. I got an excellent example and view about how a bill comes to be a law. Senator Plummer has inspired me to look more into government and maybe being a politician one day in the future." 

Chloe Maschhoff reflected on the opportunity: "As a future Public Policy and Leadership major, it was an incredible experience to have before going off to college. I enjoyed the connections I made with other students and the knowledge I gained from other's views. Senator Plummer did an amazing job leading us throughout the entire council. I enjoyed both of the guest speakers, who both gave great advice and information about our future and the importance of policy-making. I can't wait to get more experience at the second meeting in Springfield." 

Quentin Pedtke shared his thoughts on the experience: "The Youth Advisory Council was great. It was nice to get to meet Senator Plummer as well as other students from other schools that all have an interest in politics. While at the conference, we were able to pitch different ideas that we have for different possible bills over topics that we would like to change. It was fun to come up with an idea and rebuttal against other students. Overall, It was a great day. I am looking forward to going to Springfield in the Spring to have a mock-trial against the bill that was decided on a couple weeks ago." 

Always a team player, Griffin Bochantin felt that was a valuable aspect of the experience: "My main takeaway from the trip was that it was very insightful to see what specific issues our peers wanted to tackle during the group activity. There were a wide array of topics covered by the groups. Even within my group individually we narrowed down our choices from an equally varied lineup of options."

Who doesn't love a field trip.  The Ag Business class took a trip to the local Kroger to do money management with groceries.  

Mrs. Bergmann's Biology I students got up close and personal with an array of items ranging from flower petals to lab grown grasshoppers in order to test their microscope skills.

Estes, Kinley, and Ella work together to focus the microscope and identify their specimen.

Washington County Clerk Sheri Hempen recently visited both Mrs. O'Rear and Mrs. Patton's Civics classes to register eligible students to vote. She also talked about the opportunity to volunteer as Poll Workers on Election Day.

Logan Roesner and Calvin Endres are proudly waiting for their voter registration card from Clerk Sheri Hempen.

Carly Kasten is hiding her excitement to vote in the 2024 election. Dominic Beaty is ready to cast his ballot.

It is easy to register to vote. In Illinois, registering to vote takes 10 minutes and a valid driver's license. 

World Cultures with Mrs. O'Rear oftentimes heads to the classroom just next door into what is lovingly referred to as Cathy's Kitchen in honor of retired teacher Mrs. Cathy Geiger.  Mrs. O'Rear's students focus on cooking cuisine of different areas of the world and on Friday, 9/13/24, the students tried cooking up food from Africa.

Rylie Neuhaus, Kelcey Hunter, and Raelyn Renth made eggs with a cinnamon "twist."

Grady Gladson and Elijah Zimmerman also tried their hand at their own version of Shakshuka.

Can you find Africa on the map?  If not, consider signing up for World Cultures.

English IV Honors seniors in Mrs. Kollbaum's class began their senior year two weeks ahead of their peers when they started their summer reading assignment, which was to read Liza Wiemer's realistic fiction book called The Assignment.

As a follow up to that summer reading, on Tuesday, 9/3/24, the seniors met with Liza through Google Meet where she answered all of their questions about her writing style, the content of the book, and the messages within the book.  Mrs. Kollbaum's seniors will utilize this book as a point of reference throughout their senior year English class, especially when they study the Holocaust.  To learn more about The Assignment, click here.

How do you become more comfortable communicating in groups? Practice. Mrs. Goostree's Honors History students took a break recently to get to know each other better by playing conversation Jenga. Students used the number written on the block they removed to discussed questions such as, "Which topping does not belong on pizza?," and "If you could have a superpower, what would it be, and why?"

With only two blocks supporting the whole structure, Zack, Landan, and Lily hold their breath while Annie removes her Jenga block. 

Maliah, Bailey, Arabella, and Makayla had to work with their Jenga tower on wheels. Click play to see if the tower remains!

Taking from the bottom is a bold move, Tessa. Aubrey and Evan offer moral support.