Sophomore Newsletter
November, 2016
The end of the first nine weeks was Thursday, October 20. Report cards sent home with students last week.
Please contact the teacher if you have any questions about grades.
Mrs. Jackson 
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Individual Learning Plan
Mrs. Jackson has been taking the World History classes to the computer lab to work on ILPs. The schedule is
listed below.
 Mrs. Weaver – November 1
 Mrs. Mathis – November 2-3
 Mr. Merrick – November 4 & 7
 Make-ups – November 11
Girls Who Code
Want to learn to build an app, design a video game, and change the world through code? Join a Girls Who Code
club. Girls Who Code is a national nonprofit organization leading the movement to inspire, educate, and equip
girls with computing skills to pursue 21st-century opportunities. Through the Girls Who Code Club, the aim is to
close the gender gap in technology. Murray State University has meetings every Monday evening (except
holidays) from 4-6 PM. The meetings take place on MSU’s campus in Alexander Hall. For more information,
please contact Ginny Kelley at 270-809-4208 or by email.
NEWS/REMINDERS
Credit Recovery
It’s not too late to sign up for Credit Recovery. Please see Mrs. Jenny Darnall in room 116.
Email for MCHS students
All MCHS students have an email account and a SkyDrive account to work from.
Parent Portal
Don’t forget to check your sophomore’s grades by visiting the Infinite Campus Parent Portal. If you need login
information, please contact Susan Odom in the MCHS office by phone (527-1453) or email.
You Can Go
This website contains tools and resources that discuss overcoming obstacles that would prevent students from
going to college.
TEST PREP OPPORTUNITY
Joy Lentz Test Prep
The next five week ACT prep began on Sunday, November 6. If interested, please contact Joy Lentz at 270-5196474. For more information, please visit her website.
AP TESTING
AP Exam Fee Update
The AP exam fee will be $93 per exam for the 2017 exam dates. Registration for this year’s exams will
take place online during the months of February and March.
EVENTS
College Informational Sessions
Sophomores enrolled in AP classes are invited to attend college informational sessions. Students must see Mrs.
Jackson to sign-up.
 November 9: Austin Peay
 November 9: UK College of Engineering – Paducah campus
 TBA: Western Kentucky University
Career/Military Interest
These events are open to all students. Representatives are available in the commons area during all four lunches.
SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
John F. Kennedy 2017 Profile in Courage Essay Contest: Deadline is January 4, 2017.
Here is a unique opportunity to integrate history, writing, and current events.
 In 1,000 words or less, describe and analyze an act of political courage by a U.S. elected official who served
during or after 1917, the year JFK was born. Include an analysis of the obstacles, risks, and consequences
associated with the act. The essay may concern an issue at the local, state, national, or international level.
Essays must be at least 700 words long, but no more than 1,000 words.
 First prize is $20,000 ($5000 cash award & $5000 to grow in a John Hancock Freedom 529 College Savings Plan)
and an expense-paid trip to Boston in May with your family and nominating teacher.
 Second prize is a $1000 cash award, and up to five finalists will receive a $500 cash award.
 Eighteen students receive JFK Centennial awards of $100.
 All winners receive a hardcover of Profiles in Courage by John F. Kennedy.
 All participants receive a Certificate of Participation.
 Winners are notified by March 31.
SUMMER PROGRAM INFORMATION
Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership
HOBY is the nation’s foremost youth leadership development organization. The mission of HOBY is to inspire and
develop our global community of youth and volunteers to a life dedicated to leadership, service and
innovation. HOBY programs continue to evolve and teach high school students social responsibility, how they
can make a difference and what it means to be a global citizen. Each high school is allowed to send one student
to be a HOBY Ambassador. Applications are now available in Mrs. Jackson’s office. More information can be
found on the HOBY website.
The Governor’s School for the Entrepreneurs
GSE is a hands-on, experiential immersion into innovation and entrepreneurship. This is a FREE three-week
residential summer program where students utilize science, technology, engineering, art, math and business
skills to turn an idea into a product/service and develop a business model. GSE places a strong emphasis on
innovation and design as elements of creating a sustainable business model. GSE teaches the students critical life
and work skills of problem-solving, teamwork, and iteration in an environment where it is safe to fail.
 When & Where: June 25 – July 15, 2017 on the Transylvania University campus in Lexington
 Application Process: Online and is currently available. Application deadline is January 4, 2017.
The Governor’s School for the Arts
GSA offers ArtShop workshops in our area in the fall: Nov. 19 at McCracken County High School & Nov. 12 at
Bowling Green High School. The purpose of the ArtShops is to provide high school freshmen, sophomores, and
juniors with the opportunity to spend a day in a facility close to our hometown in a "hands-on" arts enrichment
opportunity. Students participate in one of a variety of disciplines led by the region's most outstanding teaching
artists. ArtShop Registration is up and running. Students also learn about the GSA summer program, audition
and application procedures, as well as other arts opportunities in our area. GSA ArtShop information is available
by calling 502-562-0192 or visit the GSA website. GSA Summer Program information and applications are
available on their website; applications for the 2017 Summer Program go live starting November 15. The
application deadline is January 15, 2017.
GEAR UP INFORMATION
Many parents and students end up spending too much on college and some make very common mistakes while
seeking financial aid. Follow these tips from the Kentucky Higher Education Assistance Authority (KHEAA) to make
sure you get the help you need.
Many students miss out on money for college simply because they do not apply for it. Apply for every grant and
scholarship you can, since you do not have to pay back most grants and scholarships.
Even if you do not think you will qualify for federal student aid programs, submit the Free Application for Federal
Student Aid (FAFSA). Many state and colleges use the information from the FAFSA to determine if you are eligible for
other programs. Not filing may hurt your chances of getting more free money for college. Another common mistake
is waiting until the last minute to apply for financial aid. Some programs have deadlines, while others have limited
funds. If you wait too late, you may miss out.
If you need loans to help pay for college, be a smart consumer. Apply for federal student loans before applying for
private loans. And since not all private lenders offer the same rates and benefits, be sure to compare interest rates
and principal reduction incentives before choosing a lender. To find links to useful education websites, visit
www.gotocollege.ky.gov.