The school board approved a trial program for breakfast at Morgan Elementary. “Hungry kids don’t learn,” said principal Tim Wolff in support of the program. He reported that a citizen group voted, in a split decision, that the district should not provide breakfast. They felt that this was the parent’s responsibility. There were also members of the citizen’s group who felt that the success of the program could not be easily measured and that there were other ways to accomplish the goal than expending government money. The school board disagreed and determined that a test program at Morgan Elementary should be instituted. The response to this program will determine whether it should be expanded to other schools. Principle Wolff also told the board that no additional staff would be needed to administer the program. The district intends that the program will be fully paid for from federal funding.
Morgan County has a new member of the school board, Jodi Hipwell. Hipwell is a native of Ogden. After her marriage to her husband, Carl, they spent seventeen years in the Southeast United States in Arkansas and South and North Carolina. Hipwell, who has four children, volunteered in schools in each community where they lived. “I have seen some of the best schools in the country and I have seen some of the worst schools in the country,” says Hipwell. She continues, “That gives me a little bit of insight into different types of school systems.” Her two youngest children both attend Morgan High School presently.
The Morgan Education Foundation’s 3rd annual golf tournament was held at Round Valley Golf Course on Tuesday, August 2nd. Thirty-one teams and twenty sponsors came together in the morning to help raise funds supporting education in Morgan.
The Morgan Education Foundation was established in 2007 in order to unite the community in the support of our public schools’ student success. One of the primary purposes of the foundation is to provide teacher, student, and scholarship grants. $3,500 was raised by the tournament last year to go towards these purposes, and they are expecting even better results this year.
Often the past has a way of sounding better than it was. Recently, some have lamented that the good old days of education were better than today. I suggest that we investigate the good old days of education, and you be the judge.
The Morgan School District and the State of Utah lost a great advocate for public education with the passing of Dr. K. Earl Ericksen. Earl was a man of conviction who devoted a majority of his adult life to our youth and the educational systems that served them.
The school board considered options for managing the long-term growth in the county on Tuesday night. The district faces a situation where the high school is at capacity and needs to be replaced or have additional space created added on. There are also long term projections that show crowding issues developing at the middle school and ultimately at the elementary schools.
The Morgan County School Board struggled on Tuesday night to find a solution to a shortfall of more than $100,000 in transportation funds caused by the increase in fuel costs. The largest challenge is the overruns caused by picking children up for school and dropping them off. A secondary issue is the number and length of trips taken by activity organizations (sports, band, choir, etc) and field trips at the elementary and middle school.
Nationally, high school sports are still increasing in the number of participants that plays yearly. It has increased every year for the past 16 years with 2010-11 being the most ever. That trend is also prevalent at Morgan high School. If sports are so important, one has to ask the question why? Is it because people value the sports or is it what the sports program can teach our youth? It seems to be the social, emotional and intellectual satisfaction that is gained by the participants. The true purpose of high school sports is to serve the complete educational needs of all students. The preeminent purpose is to harness discipline – desire – and commitment of all individuals involved. Another lesson that cannot be over looked is that responsibility comes with the privilege of playing. Morgan High School now offers 20 sports and activities sponsored by Utah High School Activities Association. As administrators we know there are other benefits that come to students who participate that include having higher GPAs, better attendance, lower dropout rate, and fewer discipline issues. At Morgan High School our goal is to employ people that are double goal coaches, which not only coach the sport but teach life lessons as well. In the world of high school sports emotions can and often run high. Our coaches are encouraged to teach, practice, and model good sportsmanship.
“The way you get meaning into your life is to devote yourself to loving others, devote yourself to your community around you, and devote yourself to creating something that gives you purpose and meaning.”
Mitch Albom
The valley of Morgan is alive with the rebirth that accompanies late spring and early summer. Copious amounts of snow and rain have left behind a lush carpet of foliage and flora for all of us to enjoy. Visitors to the valley are taken back by its beauty and majestic mountains.
Commencement of construction on the highly anticipated Trojan Century Center was celebrated Tuesday afternoon by members of the school district and individuals from the construction firm. Joey Skinner, president of the School Board, kicked off the ceremony by thanking all those who donated their time and money to make this project a reality. He shared his thoughts, expressing, “It’s humbling to see the type of community we live in. Everyone feels the benefit of these things for our children.” Members of the Morgan Board of Education then broke ground on the new facility. Each grasped a golden shovel and turned the first mounds of earth to mark the beginning of this long awaited undertaking.
The 56th Annual Morgan County Jr. Livestock Show was held on Saturday, June 4, 2011 at the Morgan County Fairgrounds. 230 4-H and FFA exhibitors from Morgan County and several other counties in Utah and Wyoming showed steers, hogs and lambs.
This time of year tends to be an emotional rollercoaster at the school district. We have teachers who have worked in our community for decades that have now made the decision to spend more time with families, visiting grandkids or just go fishing and such, others are being welcomed into a new career and a new community as they sign up to work for the district.
The commencement exercises at Morgan High School were an evening of laughs and tears. The graduating class of 160 students enjoyed the ceremony even as the contemplated their last evening together as a class.
A story never starts in the beginning and it never ends in the end, as we say. A story starts in the middle, because to start in the beginning of everything, well that would be quite a long story. So, we will start in the middle.
Spring is always such a great time of year. In education, spring signals a time for celebration. At this time of year we celebrate the end of another successful school year, the excitement for a change of pace, and the collective pride as a group of young adults graduate and start adventures of their own. Springtime in education is also frequently a time to say professional goodbyes to colleagues who are leaving our schools. This spring Morgan County School District celebrates a wonderful group of staff members who have reached a pinnacle in their careers and decided to retire. At this time of celebration and with this group of amazing educators it is certainly appropriate to reflect on what great teaching is and what makes a great teacher.
Three local Morgan High Track athletes have signed letters of intent to continue their careers at the collegiate level.
3A shot put champion (winning throw of 37’ 08”) Chelsey Stegelmeier will be throwing the shot and the discus for Utah Valley University in Orem. Chelsey finished 2nd at state(120’2.5”) in the discus this season, a mere 3 inches short of the first place finisher. Chelsey also finished in first at the Logan invitational and the Morgan Invitational. Her PR in the shot put is 41’3” for the shot, and 126’ 11” in the discus.
Rodney Jones always thought that England was not where he belonged. He was the only black kid in his school. He was an only child. And worst his dad had died in a terrifying car wreak two months ago.
His dad always used to tell him about his grandfather hand how he had been lost in combat in World War II. He had been fighting Germany.
On May 20th the fourth graders of both Morgan and Mountain Green Elementary schools went to the county fairgrounds. They learned about different animals, plants, soil and water, branding animals, and played a few games.
On May 12, 2011 Morgan High School held their annual scholarship awards night in the high school auditorium. Over 100 students received scholarships to help them further their education beyond high school.
The Morgan Scholarship Board was able to award over $42,000.00 in local scholarships to 42 well deserving Morgan High School seniors. These scholarships were funded through generous donations from many local residents, businesses and the Morgan Scholarship Board.
Over 80 students received scholarships directly from institutional sources. Many colleges and universities in the state were represented as well as several from out of the state of Utah. In all, the class of 2011 earned over $500,000.00 in scholarships.
Congratulations to all 2011 MHS scholarship recipients and good luck as you continue in your educational endeavors.
Ni How, Hola, and Bonjour! These greetings are becoming a regular part of life for many Utah children, as Morgan County residents found out last Thursday night when Gregg Roberts from the Utah State Office of Education visited Mountain Green Elementary. Mr. Roberts was asked to present the state’s dual immersion program to a gathering of interested residents.
Tryouts for the new 2011-2012 Morgan High School drill team were held April 14, 2011. Through a long and tiring week of clinics and hard work, the new team was selected!! The new drill team for this upcoming year will be; Seniors: Megan Jensen (President), Amanda Walker (Vice President), Kelli Pringle (Secretary), Kylie Sorensen (Drill Mistress), Jayd Jacobson (Asst. Drill Mistress), Breann Jorgensen (Historian), and Taylor Mecham (Advertising). Juniors: Cheridyn Prochnow, Morgan Streadbeck, Karlee Stokes, Mikaela Garner, and Ayana VanCampen. Sophomores: Sarah Nye, Erika Fairbanks, Shaylee Ewing, and Kelsie Canon. Freshman: Alexis Jensen, Nocona Campbell, Daryion Stuart, and Sadie Siebert. These girls are looking forward to a fun and exciting year. They plan to work extra hard starting with their first practice on May 3, to reach their goal of taking Region once again, participate at state, and to travel to Nationals in March. Congratulations to the new team and good luck in the upcoming year!
Throughout this past school year many of the staff at Morgan Middle School (MMS) expressed a desire to recognize those students who go above and beyond minimum expectations in relation to their behaviors and interactions with other students and adults. The vast majority of our students are polite and well-behaved in their classes and throughout the halls of MMS; however, some go out of their way to ensure that others are treated with dignity and respect. It is for these students that we have chosen to change our citizenship grading from a three-tier to a four-tier system.
The Morgan High School class of 2011 will graduate this evening at 7:00 p.m. Congratulations students! Below is the graduating class in alphabetical order:
A long time ago there was a cowboy named Wyatt Earp. He lived alone in a cave. Everybody thought he was crazy because he believed in the spirit of the west. The mayor didn’t like Wyatt because he lived in a cave and was poor. He didn’t realize what a great cowboy he was. The mayor decided he can’t go to the party.
On April 29-30, five Morgan FFA members competed in the Utah Envirothon at the Bear River Bird Refuge. The members of the Envirothon team were the following: Nate Buchanan, Isaac Cannon, Danielle Morgan, Megan Stapley, Brittney Visage, and Megan Haslam as their coach.
Congratulations to our MHS Drama program for repeating as Region 11 Champions (back to back) and also 2011 State Champions. Although no trophies were handed out, most of our students qualified for state with a superior rating. Special recognition also goes to Jacob Fresques for receiving the National Musical and Theater award; and to Mr. Adam Slee for being voted Drama Director of the Year.
The eighty-fourth Morgan Utah and Morgan Utah North Stake Seminary Graduation exercises will be held Sunday, May 22, 2011 at 7:00 p.m. in the Morgan Utah Stake Building.
We will be honoring 128 graduates for their completion in excellence in the Book of Mormon, New Testament, Old Testament and Doctrine and Covenants as well as scripture mastery.
This special evening is under the direction of President John Porter of the Morgan Utah Stake and President Clark Mower of the Morgan Utah North Stake.
Principal Russell Tibbitts will have the honor of presenting the graduates to both Stake Presidents. President John Porter will accept the graduates. Graduates will be awarded their diplomas from their individual bishops.
Representing the graduating class to speak will be Jannae Somerville and Kessa Clemens with the Class of 2011 performing a musical number. The public is invited.
The Morgan Seminary Faculty consists of Russell Tibbitts, Principal. The instructors include Lance Andersen, Stephen Dredge, Michael Phelps and Janet L Randall as Secretary.
On Tuesday May 3rd the FFA held their annual Banquet. The teams that competed in many different events, such as horse judging, farm business, and agriculture mechanics were recognized for their efforts. The Morgan FFA has received sweepstakes 19 years in a row. This award is for the chapter that has a team for each contest and scores well in each event. All of our teams have helped us to win this award.
When school is dismissed on May 26th, families look forward to a summer of swimming, camping, baseball, and various summer activities. Many families still include reading as an important and pleasant summer activity. We as educators know the importance of summer reading and here are some specifics to encourage the enjoyment of reading during your child’s summer vacation.
Fifty-four members competed on 13 different State FFA judging teams at Utah State University on April 26-27.
Morgan FFA won sweepstakes for the 19th year in a row. The sweepstakes award was instituted twenty years ago. For every year since the first year Morgan has won the competition. The sweepstakes award is given to the chapter with the most points earned in career development throughout the year.
Fifty-four members competed on 13 different State FFA judging teams at Utah State University on April 26-27.
Morgan FFA won sweepstakes for the 19th year in a row. The sweepstakes award was instituted twenty years ago. For every year since the first year Morgan has won the competition. The sweepstakes award is given to the chapter with the most points earned in career development throughout the year.
Fifty-four members competed on 13 different State FFA judging teams at Utah State University on April 26-27.
Morgan FFA won sweepstakes for the 19th year in a row. The sweepstakes award was instituted twenty years ago. For every year since the first year Morgan has won the competition. The sweepstakes award is given to the chapter with the most points earned in career development throughout the year.
A surprising number of Morgan School District employees are going to join the ranks of the retired this year. Ten of our stalwart members have decided it’s time to move on to future endeavors and adventures.
On May 6, the Morgan Elementary Kindergarten students took a field trip to Diamond D Ranch. Our FFA members got to help them learned about horses, cows, baby animals, crops, roping, barrel racing, Keyhole and Goat Tying.
Morgan Empowered provided a program last Thursday at the high school where they presented ideas for activities for kids this summer. The program began with a story teller who provided entertainment and education. His style was engaging and entertaining and his messages gave good food for thought.
Morgan Middle School took ten 7th graders and ten 8th graders to the state math competition last month and the results are back. All 20 students scored in the top 50% of those participating in the state competition. Special congratulations are given to Jenna Carter, Elizabeth Preslar, Shad Boswell, Elizabeth Peterson, Courtney Fairbourn, Dietrich Streuber, and Daryion Stuart for scoring in the top 25%. Our students did great considering we were competing with all schools participating this year no matter their size.
Summer months for children need to be a time for relaxation, fun, learning the attributes of work, and of course no school. It can also be a time when reading skills are lost if students do not participate to a small extent in summer reading programs.
Danielle Morgan, a 201 1 graduate of Morgan High School FFA, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by Barber Brothers Ford and Ford Motor Company. Morgan’s parents are Jason Morgan and Rhonda Morgan of Morgan, Morgan plans to study at Weber State University.
Jason Clark, the son of Brent and Cindy Clark of Morgan has been selected as the Valedictorian for the College of Agriculture at Utah State University. Jason grew up in Morgan, Utah helping out on their family’s dairy farm.
Though the regional Sterling Scholar competition has come and gone, we still have two scholars to recognize for their outstanding achievements in their respective areas. Hear they are:
Though the regional Sterling Scholar competition has come and gone, we still have two scholars to recognize for their outstanding achievements in their respective areas. Hear they are:
When is beauty not beautiful? When her name is Beauty but her actions are beastly. Referring to the 4-H Theater Club’s performance titled “Beauty IS a Beast” by D.M. Bocaz-Larson.
Despite the weather, this spring has given us many things to celebrate at MHS. Sterling Scholars, spring activities, and various other endeavors have involved students, parents, and other community members in worthwhile educational and extracurricular activities. Our band, choir, and drama students have all competed and represented our school very well. They won several honors in their various competitions and have set the bar for future students and schools throughout our state.
Morgan High has announced their cheerleaders for the 2011-2012 school year. They are listed here: Back row: Shelby Prochnow, Paige Malan, McKayla Jones, Noelle Dredge, Lexus Toomer, Shayli Kilmer, Bekah Compas, Karlie Dotson
Last Tuesday night, the Northeastern Regional Sterling Scholar competition came to a close. After nearly six months of preparation, 14 schools brought their best students to compete in Mathematics, Science, English, Foreign Language, Dance, Music, Social Science, Computer Technology, Business, Trade and Technical, Speech and Drama, and General.
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