CHRISTMAS CONCERT RINGS IN THE SEASON

A full house enjoyed the annual Winston School District Christmas Concert.  Patrons and visitors were treated to performances by our Preschool, K-3 Choir, 4-6 Choir,  5-6 Band, Jazz Band, High School Band, Guitar Class, and High School Vocal Students.  Of course, no Christmas Concert would be complete without a visit from Jolly Old St. Nicholas (and one of his  happy little elves).  Take a look at the pictures from the concert and I think you will agree that:

Stands were packed!

It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

Preschoolers wave their candy canes in the air like you just don't care!

Preschool choreography is the best.

4-6 Choir

4-6 Grades finishing up

Elementary Band

Very impressive group of 5th and 6th graders!

K-3 All they want for Christmas is their 2 front teeth!

K-3 Choir bringing down the house.

Jazz Band the "coolest" performance of the night!

Awesome collection of talent in our Jazz Band.

Of course our HS Band was impressive as always

Excellent performance of "Noel Suite" by the HS Band

Guitar Student putting a contemporary spin on a Christmas Classic

Great arrangement of "God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen"

Vocal Student with a beautiful duet of  "Peace on Earth"
and "Little Drummer Boy"

Haunting rendition of "What Child is this" by our Choir students

My favorite picture of the night, Mr. Keller getting some much deserved rest.

CONGRATULATIONS DECEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate Connor Christensen and Holly Caldwell for being selected as the December Students of the Month.  The Student of the Month award is chosen by the teachers and administration of Winston High School in order to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we look for in academics, character, and attitude.  A school will only go as far as its student leaders will take it, and with students such as these, there is no limits to our successes.  Students like Connor and Holly are yet another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

REDBIRD MUSICIANS EARN HONORS

It is no secret that the Redbird Music Program has undergone a renaissance over the last several years.  Proof of the "rebirth" is in the awards that have come rolling in over the last couple of years.  More of our Redbird music students have recently been honored by Northwest Missouri State University by being included in their 4-State Honor Band and 4-State Honor Choir.

Choir Honorees

Band Honorees

Students named to the band include Ashley Noel - Clarinet, Ross Nelson - Tuba, and Taylor Smith - Flute.

Students who were named to the choir are Carson Meek - Bass and Ren Schussler - Alto.

Congratulations to these and to all of our outstanding musicians.  You are all another reason why; It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WHS ART CLUB REACHES OUT TO AREA NURSING HOME

On the evening of Thursday, December 8th, members of the Winston High School Art Club took a trip to Quail Run Health Care Center in Cameron to make ornaments with the residents.  This is just one of many community outreach activities performed by various organizations at Winston High School.  We at Winston feel it is important to serve our community in every way we can.  We lean so heavily on our community for support, this is just one small way that we can begin to give back some of the support that has been given to us.  This is the 2nd year that our Art Club has spent an evening at Quail run.  Be on the lookout for other community service led by our outstanding students.  This is just one more reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird! 

REDBIRDS GET READY FOR BASKETBALL WITH A PEP RALLY

I just wanted to take a moment and share with you pictures from Tuesday's Pep Rally.  The event was planned by the Cheerleading squads and featured several cheers (from both the Junior High and High School Squads), the introduction of our Junior High Teams who just finished two winning seasons (Girls were 8-7 and boys finished 12-3), and a free throw shooting competition that was truly a contest for the ages.  During the contest the boy's team (that featured some of the finest ball players in the history of the sport 😉) was humbled by the upstart girls team that completely put us...I mean them, in their place by winning 10-6.

By far the highlight of the rally was when two of our choir students (Carson Meek and Ren Schussler) led the entire student body and the Faculty in the School Fight Song.  This is a tradition we are reviving, the students did a great job participating.  I have included a link to the video of the students singing.  Take a look, I think you will agree: It is a Great Time to be a Redbird!

REDBIRD FFA MEMBERS ATTEND CONVENTION

From October 18th to the 22nd, 6 Winston FFA students and their advisor, Mrs. Martin, traveled to Indianapolis, Indiana for the FFA National Convention.  Winston students traveled to the convention with students from Dekalb, North Andrew, and Union Star on a Chartered Bus.  Students were able to attend the Opening General Session as well as a Career Show and Expo.  Students also were able to tour the famous Mark Twain Cave in Hannibal Mo, The World Famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a popcorn factory, a marshmallow factory, and enjoyed a hypnotist show.  Educational opportunities like these are another reason why:  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 Ross Nelson and Felicia King for being selected as the November Students of the Month.  The Student of the Month award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School in order to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we look for in academics, character, and attitude.  It is the prescence of excellent students that separate the great schools from the good schools.  These two are truly two of our finest students and they are yet another reason why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON TO HONOR VETERANS

Please help spread the word to any and all local Veterans.

We would be honored if they could attend our celebration as our guests.

JUNIOR HIGH REDBIRDS START SEASON STRONG

The 2016 Junior High Basketball season is off to a strong start for both the boys and girls teams.  Both Redbird squads came into the season having to replace numerous key players who have moved up to the Varsity team.  In addition, the Lady Redbirds have a new leader in veteran coach Steve Lasman.

Both squads kicked off the season, as usual, with the Winston Tournament.  The girls played strong first and second round games before finally coming up short against Stewartsville in the championship.  The Redbird boys didn't have any such hurdles to get over, as they swept their way to the tournament title.  This is the 6th year in a row that our boys team has appeared in the championship game.

Both squads feature seven players, but even with smaller numbers, play an uptempo style that puts pressure on opponents and leads to easy buckets in transition.  On the young season, both teams stand at 4-1.  Both squads will be in action on Halloween (10-31-16) as they welcome the junior high squads from Maysville to Winston.  Come and catch the future of Winston basketball and you will see that:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS

On October 12th The Winston Chapter of the FFA officially welcomed 6 new members.  6 Freshmen were initiated into the FFA as "Greenhands" at the Area 2 ceremony that was held at Gallatin High School.  The new members enjoyed remarks from State FFA Officer Logan Korff and took the opportunity to mingle with other 1st year members from the Area 2 Association.  Winston FFA is proud to welcome Holly Caldwell, Thomas Kile, Kyler Trimble, Gabe Riddle, Gunnar Goll, and Sam Uthe as 1st year members.  The FFA is an organization that offers a diverse collection of students the chance to learn agricultural, vocational, and life skills that will help them be successful in whatever area they so choose.  Organizations like this are another reason:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird! 

PLILEY NAMED TO ALL-DISTRICT/ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS

While the season may not have gone the way the Winston Lady Redbirds may have wanted, one of our ladies has earned post-season recognition.  Sophomore, Sophie Pliley has earned All-Conference and All-District honors.  This last week Sophie was honored by being named to the first team All-HDC team.  Later in the week, Pliley received word that she had also been named to the 2nd team All-District team by area coaches.  Congratulations to Sophie and all our Lady Redbirds.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH!

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate Chandler Asher and Maggie Farrell for being named as our October Students of the Month.  The Student of the Month award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School in order to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we look for in academics, character, and attitude.  It is the belief of the faculty and administration of Winston High School that strong students form the foundation for all of our school's accomplishments.  These are two of our finest students and they are yet another reason why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

STUCO ATTENDS MEETING

On September 30th, members of the Winston High School Student Council attended the Northwest District Meeting at Park Hill South High School.  The students attended an opening session as well as several small group sessions all dedicated to learning the leadership skills and generating ideas to make their school as successful as it can be.  Student Council sponsors Ms. Wilmes and Mrs. O'Dell have really ramped up the STUCO activities the last 2 years and there are many more exciting things to come for the Redbirds.  This year has already seen STUCO sponsoring activities at Friday assemblies, sponsoring a "faculty of the month" award, and starting a punch-card program to increase school spirit.

All of these activities will be added to the many things that STUCO already does such as running our Homecoming festivities, facilitating our pep rallies, and hosting our Fall Bonfire.  When students become leaders of your school, there is no limit to the heights you can reach.  Our Student Council is one more reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA OUT AND ABOUT

16 members of the Winston FFA Chapter attended the Hundley-Whaley FFA Ag Science Day in Albany, MO on Thursday September 15th.  Students were able to listen to guest speakers on various Ag topics including agronomy, conservation, technology, and machinery, and some students were brave enough to reach into the rumen compartment of a live dairy cow's stomach.  Students had a very good learning experience and were able to see many of the concepts they have learned about in the classroom applied in a "real-life" setting.  Clubs like FFA are one of the many reasons why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS SEPTEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate our September Students of the Month:  Jacob Lewis and Ashley Gadberry.  The Student of the Month award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School in order to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we look for in academics, character, and attitude.  It is our sincerest belief that great schools are not made of wood and stone, but of outstanding students.  These are two of our best and they are two of the reasons why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

NATIONAL FFA PRESIDENT MAKES A STOP IN WINSTON

The Winston FFA Chapter along with National President Taylor McNeel
and Northwest District Supervisor Mr. Keith Dietzchold.

On Friday, September 2nd, The Winston FFA Chapter had the honor of hosting Taylor McNeel, the National FFA President, to speak to students during an assembly.  Ms. McNeel is from Vilona, Arkansas and was elected to National office during the 2015-2016 National Convention. 

Ms. McNeel's visit to Winston actually began on Thursday evening as she attended the "Back to School BBQ" that our chapter holds every year.  The evening event featured food and fellowship shared by our chapter members, their families, and Ms. McNeel. 

On Friday Ms. McNeel addressed the members of our FFA Chapter, as well as Winston 7th and 8th grade students and visiting students from the Jamesport FFA Chapter, about reflections on her FFA career, challenges she has faced in life, and her philosophy of living a life to serve.  "I recently read Bob Goff's "Love Does", she said, "and learned about living 'palms up'.  Palms up means taking what is provided and passing it along to others."

Today, Ms. McNeel is an agricultural business major with a minor in Spanish at Southern Arkansas University. After her year in office, she plans to study abroad to continue her Spanish studies and aim for a career in lobbying for agriculture trade associations or working on policy for elected officials.

 

"I am excited this year to learn about the different types of agriculture across the country. This year will provide an opportunity to talk with FFA members, consumers, and the public about FFA, agriculture education, and agriculture."  It was an honor to host such an intelligent, articulate, and upstanding young person who serves as a role model for our students.  Activities such as this are yet another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WARNING! EXCELLENCE CAN BE HABIT FORMING!

     Excellence In All We Do!  It is the motto here at Winston High School, and I am proud to say that we have continued achieving at a high level.  For the fourth year in a row, Winston High School was awarded the HDC Conference All Activities Championship.  This award grants points based on how a school finishes in Boys and Girls Softball, Boys and Girls Basketball, Boys and Girls Track, and Varsity Academic Team.

     Winning this award for the fourth year in a row is a testament to all of the hard-work and sacrifices made by our athletes, parents, and coaches.  Being successful doesn't happen by accident, it takes a willingness to sacrifice personal time and goals for the sake of the program.  Our students and coaches have represented Winston with excellence, class, and pride.  Congratulations to everyone that had a hand in the championship.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

FFA, WORKING THROUGH THE SUMMER

Logan Caldwell (Post Driver), Shelby Mason (Horse Shoe Star),
Drew Neth (Boot Jack)

The school year may be just starting, but many members of our FFA Chapter have been hard at work all summer long.  5 of our students exhibited projects at various fairs at the local, district, and state levels. 

Sam Uthe and
Elizabeth O'Dell
(Showed Rabbits)    

Congratulations to these students for all of their hard work and dedication to their individual projects, and their achievements in the National FFA Organization.  This is just another example of how our FFA Chapter is helping to make sure:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

I LOVE THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL!

   

 Several years ago (circa 1995) I made a decision.  I decided that I would abandon my plans to pursue a career in journalism and transition to education.  It was really a simple decision.  The economics didn't matter (neither occupation pays very well) and my family was supportive.  So I decided that I would leave the University of Missouri after two years and move to a cheaper school (CMSU) to finish my degree in education.

    I can't say that there were not hiccups.  My first two years in the classroom were adventurous and full of failures.  However, I had students who I enjoyed, coworkers who were supportive, and administrators who were VERY patient.  By my 3rd and 4th years I had begun to "hit my stride".  Things came easier, I really enjoyed teaching, and I was decent at it.

    Now, as I look back, I can't believe that this is my 19th year as an educator.  After 12 years in the classroom and now my 7th as an administrator, I feel like I have seen just about everything.  I have become one of those "grizzled veterans" I remember from my early educational career.  However, there is one thing that hasn't changed for me...I still love the first day of school!

    I still toss and turn the night before the first day.  I still wake up before my alarm because I don't want to oversleep.  I still get butterflies as I pull into the parking lot on that morning.  So why do I still feel this way after 19 years?  Because every first day is a clean slate.  It is a fresh start.  Everyone is happy and visiting.  It is a time of excitement.  

    Last year I introduced our motto:  "Excellence In All We Do", this year we will continue that pursuit.  We had a very good year last year. Attendance was up, discipline was down, the sports teams did very well, we saw a renaissance in some clubs such as FCCLA and NHS, FFA had its most successful year in recent history, Our band received a 1 rating, many organizations such as our Art Club undertook community service projects, our whole school began giving back to local communities, all in all it was an excellent year! 

    It is important now for us to keep striving for greatness.  We cannot rest on our accomplishments of last year, we must choose to build on them.  I am excited to see where we can lead this school next.  We have a lot of great things happening.  We will move into a new building next year, our enrollment has increased for the second year in a row, we are producing intelligent, compassionate, and productive citizens every year.  Winston High School must continue to be a leader in our conference, our area, and our State.  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

  

REDBIRDS "SUPERIOR" AT MUSIC

"Rome wasn't built in a day", "It takes a long time to turn a ship", you name the cliche and Winston Band Director Zach Keller had heard it.  In the Fall of 2013 he took over a music program that had not received a "1" rating at State since 1994.  The last three years have been a labor of love for both he and his students.  The focus for both director and students was to make Winston synonymous with excellence in music.  The Winston band is young (21 of its 24 members are sophomores or younger) but talented.  The students have bought into the program, worked hard, and this year they have began to see the fruits of their labors.

Taylor Smith

The accolades began rolling in on April 2nd when Sophomore Taylor Smith earned a "1" rating for her flute solo.  Ms. Smith will now represent Winston High School at the State Solo and Ensemble Contest April 28th and 29th where she will undoubtedly make us proud.  The students were excited about the recognition that a member of their band had received but they had their eyes on a bigger prize.  On April 7th the band traveled to Maryville to the campus of Northwest Missouri State University to compete in the MSHSAA Northwest Music Festival.  This is the highest level of competition for bands in the state.  The Winston band had been steadily building towards this contest all year.  Our band students did not dissapoint.  The hardwork that everyone had been putting in over the last several years all paid off as the Winston band earned a "Superior 1" rating for the first time in 22 years.  Congratulations to Mr. Keller and all of his band students.  They represented our school at the highest level and they are a big reason why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!