WINSTON INTERIOR DESIGN CLASS CREATES GINGERBREAD HOUSES

One of the classic holiday traditions is the making of Gingerbread houses.  Students in Ms. Yuille's Interior Design class used their creativity and knowledge of housing styles to create one of a kind gingerbread houses this week.  Students had to design, plan, construct, and decorate the structures.  As you can see from the pictures, they came out great.  Mixing some creativity, knowledge, and holiday cheer means:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

By the way, I tried my hand at making a Ginger Breadhouse.  I'm not sure I understood the assignment.  I guess its back to the drawing board.

LOOK OUT HOLLYWOOD!

     There are many advantages to attending school in a small town.  Small class sizes, a family atmosphere, and a strong sense of community chief among them.  One of the usual disadvantages, however, is that often times small schools can't offer some of the educational experiences of larger schools due to a lack of funding.  Students in Ms. Wilmes's freshmen art class wouldn't accept that as an excuse, however.

     Students from the class used existing hardware and software that the district already owned to begin exploring the world of stop-motion animation.  Students formed teams and wrote, directed, filmed, and edited their own short animation clips.  This was a great example of an art-form that many people have not had the opportunity to explore being introduced to our students.  All of the groups did a great job but the film that turned out the best can be viewed here (be sure your sound is up):

     I am proud of all of the students for their hard work and creativity (even if I don't really understand their humor).  Our teachers and students are the #1 reason why It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

THE BEST WAY TO SPREAD CHRISTMAS CHEER...

Ok, so maybe that's the best way, but another good way to spread Christmas Cheer is decorations.  Members of the Winston Art Club did just that this week.  After school, several members of the club decorated the windows of the Redbird Diner and The Pit Stop.  It is a small gesture, but an important one.  We think it is an excellent example of why It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

ART CLUB VISITS QUAIL RUN

Winston High School Art Club members

After school on Tuesday, December 8th, eight members of the Winston High School Art Club spent a couple of hours with residents at Quail Run Health Care Center in Cameron, Missouri.  The Art Club members, along with their sponsor Ms. Wilmes, visited with the residents, made crafts, and listened to Christmas music.  They made Christmas cards as well as several decorations for their tree.  For many of the students, this was their first visit to a nursing home. The students all reported that they enjoyed their experience with the residents and they hope to return for another visit soon.  This sort of community outreach opportunity is a great learning experience for the kids.  It is one of the ways we hope to build caring and compassionate citizens for our future.  This is yet another example of why It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

BOYS TAKE TITLE, GIRLS FINISH FOURTH AT GALLATIN INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT

The Gallatin Invitational Tournament is a good early test of a basketball team in Northwest Missouri.  The tournament features schools from classes 1, 2, and 3 from the area.  This means that if a class 1 school will likely have to move through much larger schools to earn a trophy.  That was certainly the case this year for the Winston Redbirds.  After a first round match-up with class 1 Gilman City, and a second round game with class 2 Gallatin, The Redbirds found themselves matched up with the class 3 Trenton Bulldogs.

The Bulldogs were athletic and deep and pushed the Redbirds to the brink.  However, I am proud to say that the Redbirds were able to push the much larger school into overtime where a shot at the buzzer gave the Redbirds the victory.

The Lady Redbirds faced perrenial class 2 power Maysville in the opening round.  The Lady Redbirds came out hot and raced to an early lead, despite a late charge by the Lady Wolverines, Winston was able to hang on for a great first round win.  The second round meant another class 2 opponent in the Gallatin Lady Bulldogs.  Several Lady Redbirds went down with injuries and the Lady Bulldogs overwhelmed the thinned squad.  In the third place game the depleted Lady Redbirds lost to a tough Gilman City team.

Both teams resume their season with a pair of non-conference games this week against SW-Ludlow and then rematches with the Gallatin Bulldogs.  Come out and support your teams.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate our December Students of the Month:  Marshall Farrell and Darryen Ragan.  This award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School to recognize students who show excellence in academics, character, and attitude.  The strength of our school is based upon our students, and these two prove that It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

HONORING SOME OF OUR FINEST

Next time you are in Winston High School, check out our latest sign.  We have just received a banner to recognize our students of the month provided by the Missouri National Guard.  The banner hangs on the wall outside the counselor's office near the cafeteria.  As new students of the month are selected, their pictures are placed on the appropriate month.  This is an excellent way for the us to recognize those students who are great ambassadors for our school and community.  These students are one of the many reasons why...It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

HIGH SCHOOL CERAMICS CLASS SHOWS OFF WORK

The High School Ceramics class has been busy making numerous decorative and practical items in class.  They have been introduced to many ways to create items out of ceramics using varied techniques.  In the picture above, the ceramics class is enjoying a "tea party" using the ceramic mugs they created.  This example of learning by doing is one of the reasons It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS NOVEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate our November Students of the Month:  Craig Lewis and Holly Caldwell.  This award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School to recognize students who show excellence in academics, character, and attitude.  The strength of our school is based upon our students, and these two prove that It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA TO SPONSOR TOY DRIVE

WINSTON TO SALUTE VETERANS

Please Join us as Winston R-VI School SALUTES OUR VETERANS
When:	Wednesday, November 11th At 2:10 pm
What:	A service to say thank you to all of our veterans. The ceremony will feature: ·        The Winston High School Band ·        Recognition of those who have served ·        A question and answer period with veterans ·        A reading saluting our veterans
All are Welcome to Attend

During the ceremony we would like to have all veterans of the armed forces or those who are currently serving to be seated as guests of honor in front of our student body.  We would also like to have you introduce yourself and tells us about your service.  If this is something you or someone you know would be willing to do please notify the school so  we can insure enough seating:

Phone: 660-749-5456 or email: cgagnon@winston.k12.mo.us             

XC QUALIFIES ONE FOR STATE

The Winston Boys Cross Country Team had a strong showing at their class 1 District Meet on Saturday.  Overall the boys finished in 7th place in the district and only 1 point out of 6th.  There were 6 runners that competed for the Redbirds on a cold and wet Saturday.  4 of the 6 ran personal bests as the Redbirds finished strong.

The best performance for the Redbirds came from junior, Austin Rhoades.  Austin ran his fastest time this year and finished in 12th place in a crowded field.  By finishing in the top 15 Austin qualifies to compete in the State Meet that will be held in Jefferson City Saturday, November 7th.  The season has been a frustrating one for Austin.  He battled a fractured foot (not very good for a runner) at the start of the season.  The injury prevented him from not only competing but from even working out.  Once he was cleared to resume running, he found that he was well behind where he would have like to have been.  However, over the last two weeks, he has really started to get his legs back and has seen his times fall.  This is the second year in a row that Austin has qualified for the State Meet.

I am proud of the performances given by all of our runners on Saturday.  Everyone of them ran a great race on a cold, wet, muddy day.  I was proud of the way they represented themselves and their school.  It's students like those that make it easy to remember, It's a Great Day to be a Redbird!

THANKS TO BOY SCOUTS AND COMMUNITY, RUNWAY TAKES SHAPE.

If you have been to the softball field at Winston R-VI Schools lately, you likely couldn't help but notice that some work was being done outside the fence on the west-side of the field.  That work, is the result of collaboration between two Boy Scouts (who are working on their Eagle service project) and several community volunteers.

Craig and Jacob Lewis received the "Ok" from the Winston School Board to construct a Long/Triple Jump runway and renovate the jumping pit.  The work is being done in 2 phases.  Phase 1 (the project of Craig Lewis) was to level the ground and pour a 100 foot long concrete runway to serve as a base for jumping.  Phase 2 (Jacob's project) will be to cap the runway with a rubber surface and repair the sand pit.



Phase 1 of the project is already completed and Phase 2 will hopefully be wrapped up in the coming weeks.  This project will provide the school with a practice facility that will help our track and field teams for years to come.  It should also be noted that this project would not have been possible without the help of several community members who donated their know-how and labor to make sure the job was done correctly.  Thank you to all involved.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird! 

FCCLA MEMBERS ATTEND REGIONAL MEETING

A group of Winston High School students were among more than 500 regional members, advisers, and guests of Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) for the Region 2 meeting held in Liberty, Missouri, on October 28th.  The theme for this year's meeting was "Next Generation".  At the meeting students learned how to become better leaders in their schools and communities.  The highlight of this year's meeting was the motivational words by speaker Kevin Laue.  Mr. Laue covered many motivational topics including the importance of having goals and dreams, the power of positive thinking, what it takes to be a leader, and striving for excellence.

The Winston chapter of FCCLA will continue to work with other chapters and advisers throughout the state to encourage others to discover their strengths, motivate students to target career goals, and initiate a plan to ignite youth leadership in our community.

FCCLA is a dynamic and effective national student organization that helps students become leaders and address important personal, family, work, and social issues through Family and Consumer Sciences education.  FCCLA has over 200,000 members and 5,500 chapters from 50 state associations.  Since its founding in 1945, FCCLA has involved more than ten million youth.  FCCLA is unique in that all of its programs are planned and run by student members.  Additionally, it is the only career and technical in-school student organization that features the family as its central focus.  Locally, we feel that by encouraging our students to participate in local, regional, state, and national activities we will help our students become strong leaders in their families, schools, careers, and communities.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

JUNIOR HIGH TEAMS EARN SPLITS IN GAMES

Fresh off of their strong showings in the Winston Junior High Tournament, both the boys and girls squads were right back in action on Monday and Tuesday nights.  Monday's games would be a tough double header with the Pattonsburg Panthers.

The Lady Redbirds had their hands full with an athletic Pattonsburg team.  The Lady Redbirds jumped out to an early lead only to watch the Lady Panthers claw their way back in the game.  This was a scenario that played out throughout the game.  Winston would stretch out the lead and Pattonsburg would close the gap.  In the end, however, the Lady Redbirds took home the victory over their conference rival.  On the boys side, the game was a rematch of the tournament championship game.  In that game, Pattonsburg hit a last second shot to defeat the Redbirds.  This game, too, was a hotly contested affair.  The Redbirds kept the score close for most of the game, but in the end Pattonsburg proved to be too deep for the Redbirds.  The boys dropped their second consecutive game to the Panthers.

On Tuesday night, the Redbirds welcomed the Osborn Wildcats.  The girls game was decided early as the Lady Redbirds came out flat and could never really right the ship.  The Osborn Lady Wildcats were able to defeat the Lady Redbirds and deal them their first defeat on the season.  In the boys contest, Osborn scored the games first two points.  The Redbirds quickly erased that lead and never looked back.  The Redbirds cruised to victory over the Wildcats.

The Lady Redbirds now stand at 4-1 on the season while the boys find themselves at 3-2.  Both squads resume action next Monday with games at Maysville.  It's a Great Day to be a Redbird!

BOTH JUNIOR HIGH TEAMS WITH STRONG SHOWINGS IN TOURNAMENT

The 2015 Winston Junior High Basketball Tournament saw large crowds, close contests, and strong performances by both Redbird teams.  The tournament was held the week of October 19th through the 23rd.  In addition to our Redbirds, teams from Pattonsburg, East Harrison, North Harrison, Tri-County, Stewartsville, and Osborn all took part.

Both our boys and girls teams came into the tournament as the #2 seed.  After first round wins against North Harrison and second round victories over Stewartsville, both squads found themselves in the the championship game on Friday night.

In the championship game, our girls controlled the game from start to finish.  The Lady Redbirds finished with a comfortable victory over The Lady Mustangs of Tri-County to claim the tournament title.  In the boys championship game, the Redbirds faced the #1 seed Pattonsburg.  The game was hard-fought and a back and forth affair.  With 2 seconds on the clock and trailing by 1, a Pattonsburg guard heaved a last second shot that banked in to give the Panthers a 32-30 victory over our Redbirds.  Our boys fought hard but came up just short of a championship taking the second place trophy.

Overall, it was a great week of entertaining basketball.  Thank you to everyone who made it possible.  It takes a lot of people to put on a successful tournament.  I am proud of the efforts of our players, coaches, staff, and parents this week.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

LEWIS NAMED TO TEAM USA

Winston High School Junior Craig Lewis has been selected as one of two alternates to the National "19 and Under" Young Men's Fastpitch Team.  Team USA is composed of young men from all over the United States who will compete for our country in the World Tournament that will be held in Midland, Michigan in July of 2016.  At only 16 years of age, Craig is the youngest member of Team USA.  Being selected as one of only two alternates means that Craig will travel and train with the team over the next several months so if a spot should open up on the 17 man roster for any reason, he will be ready.


Craig's birthday would make him eligible for the next World Tournament also which will be held in 2018.  This year's tournament is special, however, because it is the first time that the games will be held on American soil since 1985.

Craig is the son of Eric and Deanna Lewis and is a stand-out student and athlete for the Redbirds.  I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job representing our school and community to the rest of the world.  Students like Craig are the biggest reason, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

          Team USA 19 and Under Roster

SOPHOMORES ATTEND MY SUCCESS EVENT

On October 14th, our sophomore class attended The My Success Event.  This is a career exploration event for sophomores from around the Northwest Missouri area.  The purpose of this event is to provide students with a better understanding of the  career paths available to them and for them to get an idea which path they may like to begin exploring further.

Prior to attending the event, Ms. McDaniel taught a classroom lesson on career choices.  Students also took an interest inventor through Missouri Connections in order to determine which career path was most compatible with their interests.

During the event, students start at the career area that they have identified and learn about some of the jobs available to them on that path.  As the event continues, however, students are allowed to explore other areas and other career choices.  Several local companies attend the event and offer students a chance to discuss with current professionals what their daily jobs are like as well as what education and qualifications they would need to start working in that field.  Additionally, there are several "hands-on" activities for the students to experience.

Events such as this offer students a "head start" on a career.  Once a student identifies an area they are interested in they can begin gearing their education toward attaining those goals.  Offering our students the guidance and opportunities to be successful in their careers is just one more reason why, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON FFA INDUCTS NEW MEMBERS

On Wednesday, October 14th, six members of the Winston FFA Chapter attended the Area 2 Association Greenhand Initiation Ceremony.  The ceremony was held at Gallatin High School.  At the ceremony, Steven Youtsey, Shelby Mason, Ross Nelson, Brooke Heldenbrand, Tyler Turner, and Cy Uthe were all inducted as 1st year members.  In addition to the initiation ceremony, FFA members were able to hear Adam Kirby, President of Missouri FFA, speak about the many opportunities available to them through the FFA.  Congratulations to the newest members of our FFA Chapter, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

ANIMAL SCIENCE CLASS BUILDS DIGESTIVE MODELS

The Animal Science class has been learning about the various types of digestive systems found in different types of livestock.  In order to gain a better understanding of the inner workings of animal digestive systems, across differing species, the class created 3D models of systems in various animals using clay. Pictured L to R are Dalton Youtsey (pig), Gillian Heldenbrand (horse), and Saxton Pliley (dog) with their models of monogastric digestive systems.  By building these models students were able to gain a deeper knowledge of the systems proving that in the classroom or out, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

SEVERAL REDBIRDS EARN POSTSEASON HONORS

Recognition has begun to roll in for the Winston Redbirds Boys and Girls softball teams.  The HDC All-Conference teams have been announced and both lists contain numerous Redbirds.

On the girls team this year, seniors Renae Brice and Skylar Hall are 1st Team Honorees.  They are joined on the team by freshman Sophie Pliley who earned Honorable Mention honors.

The boys team contains 5 Redbirds as seniors Kristchon Hisel and Ty Uthe are joined by juniors Craig Lewis and Saxton Pliley as well as freshman Jake Lewis as unanimous members of the 1st Team.  Additionally, Coach Eric Lewis was named as the HDC Boy's Fastpitch Coach of the Year.

The NWMO Boy's Fastpitch All-State Team has also been announced.  On that squad Kristchon Hisel, Ty Uthe, Craig Lewis, and Jake Lewis were named to the the 1st Team and Saxton Pliley was named as Honorable Mention.

Congratulations to all of the honorees.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA SPONSORS COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE

Students wait to Donate.

Students & Community members donate

Did you know that every donated unit of whole blood can save up to 3 lives?  Giving blood is one of the easiest ways to make a real difference in someone's life.  It is virtually painless, quick, safe, and simple to do (plus you usually get free cookies afterwards!).

Our Fearless Leader giving blood

This year the FFA sponsored a fall blood drive in the Gymnasium on October 13th.  The drive was coordinated through the American Red Cross and ran from 2:00pm - 6:00pm.  During that time students of Winston High School, faculty members, and members of the Winston community all lined up to donate.  As a result of the drive, 18 units of whole blood were collected.  That is enough blood to potentially save over 50 lives.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON STUDENTS SHINE AT VISUAL ARTS FAIR

On Thursday, October 8th, Ms. Wilmes' Advanced Art class attended the Missouri Western State University Visual Arts Fair.  This is an annual event that is held each fall on the campus of MWSU.  The Fair features art displays and "hands-on" art related activities for high school students across the area.  In addition to the displays and activities, students are allowed to enter their artwork into the fair.  This year there were over 600 entries from high schools of all sizes from the surrounding area.  Each year, the art department of MWSU recognizes the top 20% of all entries with a "Ribbon for Artistic Excellence."  I am very proud to announce that 3 of our students received this honor.  Josie McFee, Kristchon Hisel, and Garrett Campbell all received recognition for their artwork.  Great job representing our school and community and letting everyone know that It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

GIRL'S SEASON COMES TO A CLOSE

When the final out was recorded on Wednesday night, hearts sank for the Lady Redbirds.  The Lady Redbirds came out on the wrong end of a 16-0 score versus the Lady Wildkats from King City.  It brought a season of ups and downs for our ladies to a close.  There were come from behind wins, dominating pitching performances, crushing defeats, and close calls this year.  Through it all, our ladies kept working hard and improved throughout the season.  In the end, the high school softball career of 6 seniors draws to a close and we can't thank those girls enough for what they have meant to our school and our softball program.  The Lady Redbirds end their season at 7-13, but we couldn't be more proud of the way they played the game.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The faculty of Winston High School has selected its Students of the Month for October.  This is an award that is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School to recognize students who show excellence in academics, character, and attitude.  The winners for October  are Ross Nelson and Reagan Harrison.  Congratulations on this achievement, you are a big reason why It is a Great Day to be a Redbird! 

WINSTON SENIOR RECEIVES RESOLUTION

Jordan with his Grandmother and Coach A

Jordan & Mr. Eggleston

On Tuesday, October 6th, Winston senior Jordan Leonard received a Courtesy Resolution presented by State Representative J. Eggleston of the 2nd District.  The award was presented to Jordan in front of the student body of Winston High School.  The resolution congratulated Jordan for his tremendous accomplishments in Track and Field.

Representative Eggleston spoke about how it is important to recognize great things and how everyone has the ability to accomplish greatness.  After recognizing Jordan with the resolution, Mr. Eggleston posed for many pictures with Jordan and his family.

Jordan with his family

It is important for us to take the time to recognize when one of our own does something great.  We are all a part of the Winston Redbirds and the accomplishments of one reflects on us all.  Congratulations to Jordan and his family.  He is an outstanding young man and one big reason why, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!