To take a line from Taylor Swift, “Today is never too late to be brand new." Hanover High School students are ready to face a new school year where they know they must "Work it, make it, do it" to perform "harder, better, faster, stronger." Just as diligent practice helps students perform on any athletic field, working effectively to improve in the classroom will also garner rewards no matter the educational stage they find themselves on. Now, after a summer of relaxation and refreshment (right?), we begin again!
As for me, I am entering my 23rd year of teaching, each of those years at Hanover High School. I began teaching during the 2002-2003 school year and never left for “greener pastures,” which says a great deal about our parents, students, staff, and administration.
Previously, I worked at The Belleville Telescope newspaper as a typesetter and society page editor. That gig lasted 13 years, after which I became the principal’s secretary at Belleville High School (now Republic County High School). That three-year experience revealed a desire to teach, so, at the age of 39, I started on an associate’s degree at Cloud County Community College. Two years later, I enrolled in the English Department at Kansas Wesleyan University, graduating summa cum laude in 2002 with a degree in English and a minor in secondary education. I have always enjoyed learning, so on my 50th birthday, I started classes for a master’s degree in education, graduating from Baker University in 2010. I continue to learn something new and interesting every day and encourage students to do the same.
I have two children. Jenny and her husband Brody Dorland live in Olathe, Kansas, and Gabriel Strnad lives in Manhattan. Jenny and Brody have two children, Maddox, 18, and Lena, 16, so I am a grandma times two. I am the sixth of eight children and the first of only two girls. I spend as much time as I can with family. (I hope those with family living nearby appreciate that proximity every day.) Besides visiting family, I love keeping abreast of current events, reading, eating, shopping, going to movies and live theatre, playing cards, dominoes, and Trivial Pursuit. I also moonlight as a professional proofreader for a Kansas City court reporter. But enough about me!
Course Offering
As an added convenience to Hanover students desiring to earn as many college credits as possible while in high school, I teach a public speaking class through Cloud County Community College. Communications/Public Speaking 115 is a one-semester class offered second semester to juniors and seniors. Although the state now requires sophomores to take a semester-long public speaking class, those desiring college credit can add that endorsement to their transcripts. I will continue to teach English Composition I and II through Cloud County, freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior English/Language Arts, as well as the mandated sophomore public speaking class.
Grading
I attempt to have grades posted each Thursday although some essays require more time. If you have questions or concerns about your student, I would appreciate hearing from you and your child. I try to maintain open communication, so drop me an e-mail or call during my planning period (see below), and I will be happy to discuss any issues. I will reciprocate when I notice anything that needs recognition or resolution.
Google Classroom offers an easy means of staying abreast of student expectations in my classroom. If you wish to be notified when a new assignment has been posted online, please advise, and I will add you to your student's access details.
I hope each of you is ready to usher in another school year. I want your student to be successful and enjoy school even when English/Language Arts or public speaking is not his or her favorite class. Please ask questions when you have them. I am happy to explain or re-explain any concept or expectation to your student or to you as a parent/guardian. My syllabi for each class should also answer pertinent questions you may have.
Contact Information
To contact me, please e-mail mstrnad@usd223.org, call during my planning period from 8:15 - 9:07 at (785) 337-2281, ext. 221; or leave a message with the office secretary, and I will return the call as soon as possible.