NEWS FROM 3rd GRADE
This week in third grade we have been working hard to get ready for the MAP test. We are practicing lots of math and our teachers are working very hard to make us ready for the MAP test. The MAP test is a little scarey but I think that our teachers are doing the best that they can to make us ready for the MAP test. We are doing constructed response and it asks you questions about our stories and then the teachers tell us to write in complete sentences. Sometimes we do it together and sometimes we do it separately. In math we are working on multiplying and dividing and function tables. We are having a lot of math tests. We are doing a lot of graphs and our teachers say that graphs and pictures help us to think and get the write answers on the math problems. I hope that every kid does a good job on the MAP test. The MAP test is in April.
This week we have also been in a Pee Wee basketball tournament. The tournament gets money for a scholarship in the high school. Kids are excited to play in the basketball tournament. It is fun for the kids to get to play basketball and get to learn about basketball and all of the rules. The basketball teams were third, fourth, fifth and sixth grade kids and our coaches were high schoolers. Thank you to the high schoolers for coaching all of the kids in pee wee basketball.
- Olivia
NEWS FROM THE 8th GRADE
In 8th grade right now, we are mostly preparing for the MAP test. MAP stands for the Missouri Assessment Test. We have had to take this since we were in the 5th grade! We are also preparing for high school. There are many courses in high school that we need to consider taking, or not to take. We have to have different amounts of units of each subject.
We have a dance coming up, the 8th grade Graduation Dance! We are really excited about it! Towards the end of the year, we will be having a picnic at the park for 8th grade only. I think it will be a lot of fun. One whole day of school having a picnic, and then playing at the park all day instead of school!
Eighth grade this year has been a lot of fun! I am going to remember it for the rest of my life!
- LeighAnn
FROM 12TH GRADE
Senior Week
To increase camaraderie among the seniors, the Second Annual Senior Week will be held May 2 – 6.
Throughout the week there will be dress up days. Monday: Cowboy Up or Goth; Tuesday: Dress as Your Favorite Teacher; Wednesday: Favorite Sports Team Day; Thursday: College Gear and Career Day and Friday: Alma Mater (Blue and Gold) Day. Friday will be the bike ride from Curtis’ Department Store to the PAC parking lot.
“Senior Assembly Tryouts
Seniors wishing to perform at the senior assembly need to sign up in the library. Tryouts will be held April 15 after school in Ms. Roberts’ room.
All performances must be appropriate for school. If you are singing, we need a copy of the lyrics.
Due to time constraints, everyone may not be selected to perform at the assembly. With that in mind, do come prepared to the tryouts.
Important Days
Baby Picture and Senior Picture – April 1
Senior Assembly Tryouts, April 15
Senior Week, May 2-6
Bike Ride, May 6
Baccalaureate May 8 @ 6 p.m.
Graduation Practice & Senior Assembly May 13
Graduation May 14 @ 7 p.m.
Senior Flower Orders
The senior class flower is the calla lily. Seniors wishing to order flowers for graduation may purchase them for $2.00 each from Ms. Taylor through April 20. Seniors must pay for flowers when order is placed.
Although purchase is not a requirement, most students purchase them for their mother, grandmother or other significant people in their life.
Graduation Practice & Senior Assembly
Graduation practice will be held May 13. Seniors are to report to school as usual at 8:15. Seniors will be bussed to the football field to run through practice a few times. For the practice, students may wear everyday school clothes.
After practice, we will return to the school for the Senior Awards Assembly. Following the awards assembly, the administration will provide pizza for lunch.
On the day of the senior assembly, a photographer will be available to take a posed photo of each senior in their cap and gown with a diploma. A brochure from the photographer will be given to each senior prior to the assembly explaining how to order prints.
During the senior assembly, nice dress is requested. It is not as formal as graduation.
Cap. Gowns and Announcements
Caps, gowns and announcements are generally delivered to the high school in early April.
Orders cannot be picked up until they are paid for in full. After March 1, Balfour will no longer accept personal checks. All orders will have to be paid for in cash, cashier’s check or credit card (by phone).
If you have questions regarding your order, you may call Balfour at (417) 887-3648.
Inclement Weather at Graduation
In the event of severe weather, graduation exercises will be relocated to the High School Gymnasium.
Because of space limitations in the gym, seniors will be given two tickets for seating on the gym floor. They may distribute to family members and friends as they wish.
Bleacher seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating will also be available in the Ava Performing Arts Center. In the PAC building, attendees will view graduation live through video streaming.
Financial Aid Night
The Counselors’ will be hosting a financial aid night March 9 in the Ava Performing Arts Center at 5:30 p.m.
After a short presentation, a MSU-WP representative will be available to answer questions regarding FAFSA and student financial aid.
Baccalaureate
In honor of the graduating Class of 2011, the Ava Ministerial Alliance will host a Baccalaureate Service at 6 p.m. Sunday May 8 in the Ava Performing Arts Center.
Seniors will need to be dressed appropriately for church under their cap and gown.
At Baccalaureate, seniors will be expected to sit together. Ms. Taylor or another faculty member will be there to give you instructions about how to walk in and where to sit.
Senior Video
For the senior video, Ms. Roberts requests all seniors bring in a baby picture and a senior picture by April 1.
To assist in returning pictures, please write the name of the student on the back of the picture.
