Altoona-Midway

Activities for the week of December 6, 2021 Monday- MS/HS 21st Century Grant Activities 3:20 PM HS Scholars Bowl Virtual - 4:00 PM MS Basketball @ Altamont 4:00 PM HS Basketball @ Melvern 5:00 PM (SCC) Tuesday- AMES 21st Century Grant Activities 3:20 PM Wednesday- Winter Sports Pictures 8:30 AM MS/HS 21st Century Grant Activities 3:20 PM Thursday- AMES 21st Century Grant Activities 3:20 PM HS Basketball @ Melvern 4:00 PM (Girls Liberty - Boys Peabody) MS Basketball @ home vs Oswego 5:00 PM Friday- HS Basketball @ Melvern 7:00 PM (MDCV)

SUNDAY, Dec. 5, 2021 ALTOONA-MIDWAY HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL BY CRAIG NULL, USD #387 Activities Writer HARTFORD – It’s said, “you have to play the first game to know what to work on for the second game.” Both Altoona-Midway High School basketball teams found that out as they opened their 2021-22 seasons on the losing end of games here Friday night against the Hartford Jaguars. The AMHS girls lost to the Lady Jaguars 60-30, while the Jets fell 72-37 in the boys’ contest. Both the Jets and Lady Jets fell to 0-1on the season. Both squads are scheduled to participate in the Marais des Cygnes Valley Tournament this week at Melvern. Games are slated for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday nights. AMHS Girls Altoona-Midway played an excellent first quarter, trailing just 12-10 after the first eight minutes. But the Lady Jaguars pulled ahead 37-14 at haltime and increased that margin by another seven points after intermission. “The girls played a good first quarter and were only down two,” said AMHS head coach Randy Almond. “But from the second quarter on, we were plagued by turnover issues. “Still, there were some bright spots and we can build on … and several areas we need to work on,” he noted. The Lady Jets were led offensively by sophomore Summer Raymond, who finished with nine points, and freshman Emmalynn Pupanek, who scored eight. Kyra O’Connor tallied five points, Mariah Stackhouse scored four, and Ava Hufford and Autumn Raymond each added two. “It was good to see all the girls contributing to the scoring,” Almond said. “Overall, it wasn’t a bad first outing.” Viernan Breshears poured in 25 points for Hartford, while Regan Darbyshire added 19. AMHS Boys It was a similar story in the boys’ game. Altoona-Midway trailed just 16-9 after one period of play, but the Jaguars increased that advantage to 35-15 by intermission. Each team scored 21 points in a high-scoring third period, but the Jets managed just one point during the final quarter while the Jags added 16. “Right from the start, we failed to execute on offense and defense,” noted Lane Huffman, head coach for AMHS. “On the defensive side of things, we didn’t do the little things, and Hartford was able to capitalize each time.” Hartford’s duo of Shayden Shull and Ali Smith combined for 37 points to pace the Jaguars. Jackson Ashmore led the Jets with 13 points, while Harvey Lopeman finished with seven points, all coming in the third quarter. The Jets also got six points from Jacob Meigs, four each from Dalton Smith and Andy Tiger, and William Stackhouse added two. “Despite not scoring a lot, William played a lot of minutes as a freshman, and I was proud of his effort,” Huffman said. “He kind of got thrown into things as we have four guys out right now. He’s going to improve and help us this season.” AMHS jumps back into action this week with the MDCV Tournament, opening with Southern Coffey County. “If we pick up the effort and intensity, we have a chance to erase what happened tonight and put some tallies in the win column,” Huffman said. “It’s going to take a lot of focus and discipline to execute the proper game plan.”

Debate Team Wins 1st Place and Medals The Novice Debate team of Joseph Leach (Senior) and Kaylene Dorsey (Sophomore) placed 1st in the Augusta High School Novice Division Debate Tournament on Saturday, December 4, 2021! They won 4 of 4 rounds with total speaker points of 15 (the highest possible is 12). Kaylene debated at six tournaments this year. Joseph debated at four tournaments of which three were with Kaylene. They made a great team! Right by their side was Sophomore Karissa Cook as Student Coach. Karissa took notes during every round to help the team improve on their poise, voice, and logic. Daniel Williams, custodian, judged one round and then spent the next three rounds observing our team. After every round, the team meets back with their coach, Cynthia Dvorachek, HS ELA, for reflection, strategizing, and preparation for the next round. Today Daniel was able to observe and add his wisdom as a former debater. This year we debated the resolution, "Resolved that the United States Federal Government should substantially increase its protection of water resources in the United States.” Our Debate squad was Joseph Leach (Senior), Karina Sanchez (Senior), Alexa O'Connor (Senior), Chase Nalley (Junior), Summer Raymond (Sophomore), Kaylene Dorsey (Sophomore), and Karissa Cook (Sophomore). Coach is Cynthia Dvorachek (HS ELA). This ends our first year of Debate tournaments. Our thanks to Mrs. Morton (HS Math) and Daniel Williams (Custodian) for being our judges.

The AMMS boys hosted Yates Center on November 30. Highlights from the game posted below!

AMMS hosted Yates Center on Tuesday, November 30. Here are a few highlights from the girls' game.

TUESDAY, Nov. 30, 2021 ALTOONA-MIDWAY MIDDLE SCHOOL BASKETBALL BY: CRAIG NULL BUFFALO – The Altoona-Midway Middle School basketball teams opened their 2021-22 season with a home doubleheader Tuesday night at Milo Peterson Gymnasium, but both squads fell to their counterparts from Yates Center. The AMMS girls were defeated 45-13 in the girls’ contest, and the Jets suffered a 39-25 setback in the boys’ game. “We are short-handed as far as numbers go this season,” noted Craig Null, who is serving as head coach for both AMMS squads. “We only have five girls out for basketball this year, and only six boys on the roster. “Needless to say, stamina and foul trouble will be problems we will have to deal with all year long,” Null added. “But both teams played hard, and there were some bright spots in both games.” Both AMMS squads fell to 0-1on the season. AMMS Girls The Lady Wildcats jumped to an 18-0 lead after one period and led 29-2 at halftime. AMMS regrouped and was outscored just 16-11 after intermission. “The girls were very nervous playing their first game, but they settled down and looked better in the second half,” Null said. “We have plenty to work on, but there were some positives too.” Chantal Morales tallied seven points – all in the second half – to lead the Lady Jets. Sondra Morales scored four points and Harmony McFarland added a bucket. Sondra Morales topped the rebounding charts with six, while Eryn Tiger pulled down five. Yates Center was led by Kinley Morrison with 17 points, while Cayten Cummings netted 10. AMMS Boys In the boys’ contest, the Jets led for much of the first quarter and were tied 13-13 midway in the second period. But Yates Center outscored AMMS 7-2 and carried a 20-15 lead into halftime. The Wildcats expanded their lead to 32-18 after three periods, and the teams played even in the fourth quarter to give YC the 39-25 victory. “We started out very strong, but Kage (Beck) picked up four fouls in the first quarter, and from that point on our stamina and lack of bench strength really showed,” Null said. “But the guys are playing hard, and as long as that continues, there will be plenty of opportunities for improvement.” Kody Foster led the Jets in scoring with 13 points, while Beck finished with seven. Chase Carter tallied three points and Taj O’Connor added a bucket. O’Connor and Foster each pulled down seven rebounds for AMMS, while Carter grabbed three boards and Beck and Blake Nalley had two apiece. Mason Collins fired in 16 points for Yates Center, while Julian Griffith added eight and Colton Burkholder tossed in six. The Jets were scheduled to host Chetopa on Thursday, but those games have been postponed to a later date. AMMS will return to action Monday, Dec. 6, when they travel to Altamont Middle School for a doubleheader.

AMES Parents/Guardians There are a lot of clothing items that have been collected in the office over the first semester. There is a table set up outside the elementary office, please encourage your child to look for missing items. If you would like to come check as well, that would be great.

We just received word from Hartford that there will be NO JV game tomorrow. Girls varsity will start at 6:00 followed by the boys game.

A huge thank you goes out to Tim Raymond and Young's Welding in Chanute for donating the work and time to make the sign for the green house dedication to Mr. Pearce. Thanks for your support!

The MS basketball games scheduled for Thursday, December 2, have been postponed until a later date.

PRESSS RELEASE Nov. 29, 2021 FROM: ALTOONA-MIDWAY MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL BY: CRAIG NULL Altoona-Midway icon feted with 90th birthday bash Pearce honored as oldest licensed school teacher in Kansas By Craig Null Altoona-Midway USD 387 Activities Writer Altoona-Midway science instructor Robert Pearce has celebrated his birthday many different ways over the past nine decades, but today’s surprise celebration may have been the most memorable of them all. Pearce, who turned 90 today (Monday, Nov. 29), was given a surprise birthday party by Altoona-Midway School District USD 387 – administrators, teachers, staff, and the entire student body. Also on hand was Jim Porter of Fredonia, president of the Kansas Board of Education, as well as several representatives from Cherryvale School District 447, where Pearce taught for well over two decades before moving the Altoona-Midway for the past quarter of a century. Pearce not only is still going strong in the classroom at age 90, but his 63 and a half years as a licensed teacher is also a milestone for public schools in Kansas. State and local officials indicated while it thus far has not been officially verified, Pearce is believed to be one of the oldest active teachers in the entire United States. “It is not official, but it is my understanding that Mr. Pearce is the oldest active teacher in the state of Kansas, and we’re betting that in the whole USA, he’s right there at or near the top,” said Mike Kastle, interim superintendent for the Altoona-Midway School District. “There aren’t too many people teaching at the age of 90, or who have been in education for 63-plus years. That is simply amazing.” Pearce told the crowd, “I’ve enjoyed all my students. There have been some good, happy moments,” adding he has no plans to slow down. “I never thought about quitting,” Pearce said, “and I’m still not thinking about quitting.” Porter presented Pearce with a certificate from the KSDE “representing his dedication to the people of Kansas, and to the students of Kansas, during his distinguished career.” While unable to attend today’s event, KSDE Commissioner Randy Watson noted, “We are extremely proud of Mr. Pearce’s service to the students of Kansas over many years and congratulate him on his birthday and continued excellent service to students this year.” “Today we are honoring a man who has been an inspiration to so many, in so many different ways, for so many years,” said AMHS Principal Darrin Ashmore. “He is a very hard man to beat to school. Mr. Pearce is one of hardest working, most caring people I have ever known. It is without question that he loves his profession, but nearly as much as he loves his students who have been lucky enough to have ever taken a seat in one of his classrooms.” Kastle added, “I haven’t known you that long, Mr. Pearce, but I have not yet gotten to school when your car hasn’t already been in the parking lot. Wherever you’ve been, you’ve been an inspiration both to those you taught, and those that taught with you.” Pearce was presented birthday cards from most of the student body, as well as greetings from Rep. Jake La Turner and Sen. Roger Marshall. Kastle said he expected more cards to be coming in from dignitaries, including perhaps the Office of the White House. Randy Hucke, who was in Pearce’s freshman biology class at Cherryvale back in 1977, spoke on behalf of the contingent from that school. “You were also my tennis coach, and I remember you loved mixing your peanuts with your Dr. Pepper,” laughed Hucke, who is now a retired school teacher. “You were an amazing teacher back then, and it’s amazing that you’re still at it.” Liz Hucke also mentioned being Pearce’s student at Cherryvale, but also later teaching alongside today’s honored guest as well as with his wife, Neila Pearce, who was librarian at the time in Cherryvale. “You are a kind, friendly man and a dedicated teacher,” she noted. “And we appreciate you so much.” Pearce said, “I see former students from time to time, and they’ll say, ‘You haven’t changed a bit.’ But I recently I pulled out an old picture from about 30 years ago, and I put it side by side from a picture from last year. Well, I have changed,” he laughed. “However, one thing that wasn’t different was the shirt I was wearing. I’m still wearing it. “But it’s not the clothes that makes somebody,” Pearce noted. “It’s what’s inside. It’s relationships.” Former Altoona-Midway faculty member and co-worker Amy Morris said, “Mr. Pearce is a treasure and we love him so much.” AMHS teacher Cynthia Dvorachek noted Pearce has been the senior class sponsor for the past 12 years. “At 90 he is our concession guy, and he works hard to make sure the concessions stand is stocked and we can make the most money possible for our students. He is amazing.” AMHS senior Jackson Ashmore said, “I think I can speak for all the seniors when I say that probably our fondest mem

It was such an honor to celebrate Mr. Pearce and dedicate the Robert E. Pearce Greenhouse today! Happy birthday Mr. Pearce! We are so appreciative of you and all that you do!

Events for the week of November 29 - December 4, 2021 Monday: MS/HS 21st Century After School Grant Activities 3:20-4:25 Tuesday: Elementary 21st Century After School Grant Activities 3:20-4:25 HS Scholars Bowl at Northeast 4:00 PM MS Basketball at Home vs Yates Center 5:00 PM Wednesday: MS/HS 21st Century After School Grant Activities 3:20-4:25 Thursday: Elementary 21st Century After School Grant Activities 3:20-4:25 HS Scholars Bowl at Marmaton Valley 4:00 PM MS Basketball at Home vs. Chetopa 5:00 PM Friday: HS Basketball at Hartford 5:00 PM Saturday: HS Debate at Augusta 8:00 AM

Reminder: No 21st Grant activities this week. Activities will will resume Nov. 29.

Please consider taking a short survey to help find ways to improve local internet access! Surveys may be completed only once and will be accepted until December 15. https://ipsr.ku.edu/broadband/kansas.shtml.

Though we are not currently on a mask mandate, it is a federal mandate that students wear a mask/face covering while on the school bus. If your child rides a bus, please be sure to send them with a mask each day.

As a precautionary measure, students who rode the Altoona bus driven by Gerald were asked to test or stay home today. At this time, further testing and quarantine is no longer required. All students may return to school tomorrow.

The Altoona-Midway Novice Debate team performed really well at Shawnee Mission West High School this past weekend, Saturday, November 13, 2021. The AMHS squad members attending this weekend were Joseph Leach (SR), Kaylene Dorsey (SO), Karissa Cook (SO), and Chase Nalley (JR). They competed against 4A - 6A schools and won 4 rounds. The squad earned 1st place speaker points a total of 4 times. The squad continues to learn and improve with each meet. Along with the work, the squad met new friends from Shawnee Mission West. The squad has three meets left - El Dorado this Thursday, Haven next Saturday, and Augusta on December 4. Go Jets!!

If your student rides Gerald's bus, they will need to test tomorrow to stay at school. We must have a permission slip to test on file in order for your student to be tested. All students were given permission slips for testing. If you need another slip(s), please follow this link https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/1616104/Informed_Consent.pdf You can print it out, fill it out, and send it to school with your child tomorrow. If your child tests to stay, they will be required to wear a mask at school for a period of time to be determined. If you do not wish to have your child tested, they will need to be quarantined at home. If your child does not have a permission slip on file or does not bring one tomorrow, they will be sent home to quarantine. Call the office for assignments. Elementary school: 620-568-5725, MS/HS: 620-537-7711. We will update you tomorrow with further information as it become available. If you have questions today, please call 620-212-9455.

Reminder: Picture re-takes are tomorrow, November 11, 2022. Students were previously given packets to take home.