WINSTON FFA MEMBER SHINES AT SPEAKING CONTEST

Shelby Mason, a junior at Winston High School, and currently the FFA Chapter Secretary, competed in the Area 2 Missouri Cattlemen's Association Fall Speaking Contest where she received a Silver Rating. Congrats Shelby, It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

INVITING ALL VETERANS!

WINSTON CELEBRATES RED RIBBON WEEK

The Winston Character Plus Committee had a busy week planning and celebrating not only Halloween but Red Ribbon Week.  The local organization of Winston students planned dress-up days, door decorating, and handed out candy all week to students who displayed the "drug-free" ribbons and stickers.  Red Ribbon Week is a Nationally recognized and celebrated week in schools from Kindergarten through High School.  Students are reminded of the dangers of drugs and other destructive decisions, and are encouraged to stay drug free.

As the week wrapped up at Winston, the Character Plus Committee organized a Trunk-or-Treat and Chili Supper.  The Trunk-or-Treat was well attended by many community children who braved frigid temperatures.  A special thank you goes out to all of the community volunteers who were willing to stand in 30 degree temps and hand out candy to our local youth.  The event couldn't have been a success without all of the volunteers.



Of course, the event culminated with everyone warming up with a Chili Supper.  Attendees enjoyed steaming bowls of Homemade Chili and fresh brownies.  The board of Education once again volunteered to serve the meal to the community.  Over 60 people enjoyed the dinner.  The Character Plus Committee and their sponsor Mrs. Pliley did an outstanding job with the whole week.  Having kids like our Character Plus Students and faculty like Mrs. Pliley are two big reasons why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

THEY BLINDED ME WITH SCIENCE!

One of the best things about a science classroom is the opportunity for hands on learning.  Science lends itself well to the idea of classroom activities, projects, and experiments.  Mr. May's Physical Science class just concluded such a project.  

2017 EGG DROP CHAMPIONS!

 The physical science class has been studying Newton's laws of motion and how they affect objects.  The unit concluded with students planning, constructing, and then testing containers designed to prevent an egg from cracking.  Students built the protective containers and then dropped the eggs from varying heights to test the effectiveness of their creations.  


The containers were dropped from varying heights up to 22 feet.  The winners, whose eggs did not crack, were Gabe Pierce, Skye Uthe, and Jakub Hisel.  Learning by doing is another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

PLILEY EARNS POSTSEASON HONORS

Congratulations to Lady Redbird Sophie Pliley for being named to the 1st Team HDC All-Conference Softball Team as well as earning a spot on the 2nd Team All-District Softball Team.  Student Athletes like Sophie are a reason why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON GREENHANDS ATTEND INITIATION CEREMONY

On October 11th, four Winston FFA Freshmen attended the annual Area 2 Greenhand Initiation Ceremony at Gallatin High School.  As a part of the ceremony, the greenhands were officially inducted into the National FFA Organization.  Additionally, they also listened to speeches about the organization and agriculture and had had a chance to mingle with other greenhands from the Area 2 Association.  Ushering in a new batch of members and strengthening a school organization are more reasons why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS OCTOBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School is pleased to announce Bailey Barton and Gabe Riddle as the Winston High School Students of the Month for October.  The Student of the Month award is voted on by the staff of Winston High School from a list of students who are nominated by teachers or administrators. The intent of the award is to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we strive for in academics, character, and attitude.  The faculty and staff of Winston High School firmly believe that excellent schools are built upon the shoulders of outstanding students.  These are two of our finest students and they are a big reason why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

CONGRATULATIONS SEPTEMBER STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School is honored to congratulate Braden Lee and Maggie Farrell for being named as our September Students of the Month.  The Student of the Month award is chosen by the teachers and administrators of Winston High School. The intent of the award is to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we strive for in academics, character, and attitude.  It is the firmly held 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 a big reason why: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

BAND MARCHES INTO NEW TERRITORY

It has been several years since Winston High School had a Marching Band, well thanks to a persistent band director, and several motivated students, The Redbirds are once again on the move.  Over the past several weeks the Winston High School Marching Redbirds have been working towards the resurrection of their marching band.

There is of course still a lot to do.  Uniforms have to be cleaned and altered to fit our students, a banner has to be obtained, and of course marching has to be cleaned up.  However, so much work has already gone into it.  Ms. O'Dell has already procured 2 sousaphones for our low brass section, We have new drumline instruments, and kids have been dedicating time outside of the school day to getting ready.

At this time you will have the opportunity to see our Marching Redbirds, or at least parts of them, twice this year.  Our newly formed Drumline will be marching this Friday (9-22-17) in the Maysville Homecoming Parade which starts at 2:15.  Then you can catch the whole band at the MWSU Homecoming Parade in St. Joseph on October 28th.  Come out and support our students and show everyone why we believe: It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON FFA HOPES A BUSY SUMMER MAKES FOR A GREAT YEAR!

officer planning activities

For many school organizations, the summer is a time of rest and relaxation.  A time to get away from the business of the school year and recharge one's batteries before ramping up for the coming year.  FFA enjoys no such rest, however.  The summer is just as busy as the school year for this school activity.  While many kids are swimming, sleeping in, and forgetting about Algebra; FFA is busy learning and serving their community.

FFA Campers

During the summer, many FFA students attend FFA Camp.  This is an opportunity to connect with students from other chapters, to learn about leadership, and to strengthen your own local chapter.  This last year, Winston FFA had several students attend the FFA Camp.  They learned many skills that they will bring back to our school and community.

Fair Projects

Jesse James Parade

The summer is also fair and festival season.  The Winston FFA chapter was busy participating in several such activities. The FFA sponsored the 2nd annual pie baking contest at Jesse James Days as well as participating in the parade.  Additionally, FFA members participated in both the Davies County and Missouri State Fairs.

Back to School BBQ

The School year started off well for the chapter.  The FFA held its annual "back to school bbq" for its members and their families.  This gives families who are involved in the organization a chance to meet and enjoy some fellowship in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

Winston FFA with National VP, Valerie Early

On August 30th members of the Winston FFA Chapter traveled to Maysville to listen to a presentation by the National FFA Central Region Vice-President, Valerie Early.  This is an opportunity for students to hear directly from someone their age about all of the great things that FFA can provide for students, and all of the opportunities it can present.



 Of course, the school year is just getting started.  FFA will be busy all school year with activities for members, field trips, community service, and contest teams.  This is a part of the school unlike any other organization.  It has its roots in the very fabric of American agriculture and it is another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WELCOME TO A NEW YEAR AND SEVERAL NEW FACES

Every new school year is a clean slate.  It is a chance to forge a new path for students, teachers, and indeed the whole school.  This year is no different.  As we said goodbye to another outstanding senior class in May, our eyes quickly turned to the promise of the new year.

There was a lot of change at Winston High School over the summer.  The shell of the new building went up, there were massive utility outages (yes phone, electrical, and water services were all impacted), and there was several teaching positions that turned over.  Mr. Keller, Mr. Hedrick, Mrs. Codding, Ms. Yohn, Ms. Gardner, and Mr. Lasman all bid farewell to Winston.  While they will all be missed, we are pleased to welcome several new faces to the school.

Ms. Jessie O'Dell comes to us from Adair County and will be our new music teacher.  Ms. O'Dell brings with her a wealth of experience and success in class 1 band.  We are excited for her to bring her enthusiasm and fresh ideas to our program, which had experienced much success in recent years.  In addition to her music duties, Ms. O'Dell will also be teaching Spanish classes for us.

Ms. Clara Scott will be taking over our K-12 P.E. program as well as assisting with our Softball program and taking over the reigns of our Girl's Basketball program.  We are anxious to see what great things Ms. Scott will bring to all of the programs she is associated with.

Mr. Brian Sprouse brings years of teaching and coaching with him to Winston High School.  Mr. Sprouse will be teaching 7/8 Math and ELA as well as serving as our districts Activities Director.  Mr. Sprouse will also be coaching Junior High Football in our Cooperative Sponsorship with Maysville.  Mr. Sprouse brings a wealth of life experiences with him from his military service as well as his classroom experience.

We are very pleased to welcome Mrs. Sarah Linthacum to Winston as our new 9-12 ELA teacher.  Mrs. Linthacum brings a year of teaching experience with her, but has taught for many years in the military.  Her organization and work ethic will be very important in her creating a classroom environment to insure success for our students at Winston.

Mr. Justin Simpson will be teaching social studies classes for us at Winston High School.  Mr. Simpson is in his first year of teaching but brings a lot of life experience with him in his previous position at Crossroads.  Mr. Simpson will draw on his previous experience as a collegiate baseball player to help him as he takes over as our new Varsity Softball Coach.

Mrs. Joy Durbin begins her first year as our new K-12 Special Services Teacher.  Mrs. Durbin is taking over for Mrs. James who is moving into a director role for the district.  In addition to her classroom duties, Mrs. Durbin will also serve as our XC coach as well as directing JH girls basketball.

We couldn't be happier to have these individuals at our school.  I would like to take a moment to welcome them all the the Redbird Family, I am sure that you will all discover that they are a great addition.  I look forward to the year ahead, and I expect tremendous things.  After all...It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

WINSTON BREAKS GROUND ON NEW SCHOOL

Board Members L-R:  Lisa Piburn, Alan Rhoades (VP),
Greg Farrell, Tanya Farrell, John Muessig (Teasurer), Shelly Mason (Secretary),
David Neff (President), and Superintendent Brian Robinson 

On what turned out to be an unseasonably warm February day, the Winston R-6 School District broke ground on a project that was approved by voters in April of 2016.  The project will include a 20,000+ square foot facility that will be the primary classroom building of both the elementary and high schools.

Winston Elementary Students watch the ceremony

Superintendent Robinson addresses the crowd

The Redbird Band performs

School district Superintendent Brian Robinson was joined at the ceremony by the Board of Education, representatives from CTS, the faculty and staff of Winston, the PreK-12 student body, and several community members, as well as local media.  The ceremony featured a brief speech about the project, a thank you to all individuals involved in the project, performances by the band, and of course the ceremonial turning of the first shovel of dirt.

The project will begin in earnest next week and is currently anticipated to be completed in early January 2018.

CONGRATULATIONS FEBRUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate Craig Lewis and Alexis Barnes for being named as our February 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!

CONGRATULATIONS JANUARY STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

The Faculty of Winston High School would like to congratulate Eli Vaughn and Josie McFee for being selected as our January Students of the Month.  The Student of the Month award is chosen by the teachers and administration of Winston High School. The purpose of the award is to recognize those students who exemplify the excellence we look for in academics, character, and attitude.  If a school is to reach their highest potential they will have to stand on the shoulders of their student leaders, and with students such as these, there is no limits to how high we can reach.  Students like Eli and Josie are another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

REDBIRDS KICK-OFF HOLIDAY SEASON WITH SERVICE AND SERVES!

It is not unusual for a High School to spend the last day prior to beginning its Holiday Break doing more playing than studying.  For the last several years, Winston High School has been no different.  Every year, heading into the winter break, the school organizes and holds a Volleyball tournament that all students and faculty are welcomed to participate in.

Students making gifts

STUCO Members handing out gifts
at the Missouri Veterans Home

However, for the last two years, the last day of the semester has also been about service.  For the second year in a row, the students at Winston High School have spent the morning of the last day hand-writing cards, decorating ornaments, and visiting residents of the Missouri Veteran's Home in Cameron.  This year members of the Winston Student Council handed out over 90 personally hand-written cards and hand made and colored ornaments to the residents of the home.

As the leader of the school, I feel that it is important to take a moment to remember those who may not be as fortunate as others.  Preparing these Christmas gifts and cards are just a small way that we can say that we are thinking about you, and that you are important to us.  A small group of students volunteered to travel to Cameron to personally hand out the gifts to the residents.  The kids reported that it was nice to see how appreciative the residents were of the gifts and cards, and that it made them feel good to do something selfless for others.

Faculty Team

All the volleyball players

Of course, the second half of the day was spent in Volleyball action. The students were split into 7 teams and of course the faculty rounded out the 8 team bracket.  The tournament was hotly contested and in a bit of an upset, the championship was one by The Tobasco Pork Cutlets!  More importantly, all students had a rewarding day of service and competition.  It was a great way to end the first semester and another reason why:  It is a Great Day to be a Redbird!

2016 Champions!
The Tobasco Pork Cutlets