Vandal Vision
Keeping You in the Know at MJSHS
Dear Parents and Guardians,
As we wrap up the first quarter of the school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible progress our students have made. It’s hard to believe how quickly time has flown by! I’m proud of our students’ hard work and dedication, and I’m excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
We celebrated a fantastic win by our football team in the Copper Kettle game last week! Their determination and teamwork were truly inspiring, and it was wonderful to see our school spirit shine. Let’s keep the momentum going as we support our teams in the upcoming games!
As we set high expectations for our students, I encourage everyone to stay focused and committed to their academic goals. Remember, every small step contributes to greater success.
As we approach fall break, I hope you all take the time to relax and enjoy the season with family and friends. It’s a great opportunity to recharge before we dive into the next quarter.
A special shoutout to our FFA students who showcased their skills and dedication at the Gila County Fair. Their hard work and achievements were commendable, and we’re proud of their contributions to our school community.
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up for Homecoming on October 4th, with the dance taking place on October 5th. It promises to be a fun and memorable celebration for our students!
Thank you for your ongoing support and involvement in our school community. Together, we can continue to create a positive and enriching environment for our children.
Wishing you all a wonderful fall break!
Warm regards,
Cynthia Cramer
Principal
MJSHS
We are thrilled to announce some fantastic accomplishments from our FFA students:
In the Creed Contest:
- Andrew Brown took 1st place.
- Liliana Light earned 3rd place.
In the swine show:
- Elise Combs won 1st Place in Showmanship class, 1st Place in Market Class and Reserve Senior Swine Showman.
- Tessa Roberts achieved Grand Champion Jr. Swine Showman and also won Grand Champion Market Pig.
- Reagan Powell was awarded Grand Champion in the Bred & Fed Hog category.
In other competitions:
- Taylar Thompson won first place in showmanship in her class with her lamb. She also won first place in market. Her lamb was also shown in the Pee Wee division and won first place in it as well.
- Avrileen Rivera was recognized as the Grand Champion Prospect Goat.
- Elise Combs won Grand Champion Prospect Steer.
A heartfelt thank you to the businesses and corporations that generously support our Miami FFA students. Your contributions make a significant difference!
None of these achievements would be possible without Mr. Crosby, whose dedication to our students, their animals, and the Miami FFA program is truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for his guidance and support.
Congratulations to all our talented students! 🎉
Vandal Nation! It has been a great month of September for our athletics teams. Here are just some of the highlights:
- Our high school football team chalked up two wins this month. First, they beat the always formidable Chandler Prep Titans. This is a program that has almost always made the 2A playoffs for about the last 15 years. They came into play us averaging 60 points a game, and we held them to 14 points! Of course, September 20th saw us go into Harbison Field and KEEP the Copper Kettle where it belongs for another year!!!!
- Our high school volleyball team is extremely young, with the team being primarily made up of freshmen and sophomores, that routinely play at all three levels every time we play another school. This month, they went on a three game winning streak at the Fr./So. level, sandwiching a win against Globe with wins against 3A San Tan Foothills and Gilbert Classical Academy!!!!
- Our high school cross country team competed at the Wildcat Invitational at Dishchii’bikoh. All runners did great, with Devin Castillo finishing 2nd in the Open race, and Rudy Dozal finishing 10th in the Varsity race!!!!
- Our junior high football team had a tremendous month! They started the month by beating 11-man Eloy in a close game, and then added wins against San Carlos and Superior to remain undefeated!!!!
- Our junior high volleyball team just completed their season on Wednesday. Both the 7th and 8th grade teams beat San Carlos earlier this month, and there was a tremendous atmosphere in Vargas Gymnasium when we hosted the Tigers of High Desert Middle School this past month as well!!!!
- Our junior high cross country team competed in our first home meet of the year this month. A big shoutout to our two Lady Vandals cross country team members for keeping the tradition of junior high Vandals cross country alive this year!
High School Football
Wed 10-02-24 Alchesay JV Away 6:00 PM CANCELED
Fri 10-04-24 Alchesay HOME 7:00 PM
Fri 10-11-24 St. Johns HOME 7:00 PM
Wed 10-16-24 Hayden JV HOME 6:00 PM
Fri 10-18-24 San Carlos Away 7:00 PM
Fri 10-25-24 Glendale Prep Away 7:00 PM
Thu 10-31-24 ALA--Anthem South HOME 7:00 PM
High School Volleyball
Wed 10-2-24 Superior Away 4:00/5:00/6:00 PMThu 10-10-24 Willcox HOME 4:00/5:00/6:00 PM
Sat 10-12-24 St. Johns HOME 11:00/12:00/1:00 PM
Tue 10-15-24 Leading Edge Academy Away 5:00/6:00 P.M.
Thu 10-17-24 Pima HOME 4:00/5:00/6:00 PM
Mon 10-21-24 San Tan Charter HOME 4:00/5:00/6:00 PM
Mon 10-28-24 San Carlos Away 4:00/5:00/6:00 PM
Wed 10-30-24 Arete Prep Away 4:00/5:00/6:00 PM
High School Cross Country
Wed 10-2-24 Globe Multi-Meet Away 4:00 PM
Wed 10-9-24 Florence Multi Meet Away 2:00 PM
Wed 10-16-24 Thatcher Invitational Away 1:00 PM
JR High Football
Tue 10-1-24 San Manuel Away 6:00 PM
Tue 10-8-24 High Desert HOME 6:00 PM
Tue 10-15-24 1st Round Playoffs TBA 6:00 PM
Tue 10-22-24 Championship TBA 6:00 PM
Jr High Cross Country
Wed 10-4-24 HDMS Multi Away 2:00 PM
Fri 10-11-24 Miami Multi II HOME 2:00 PM
Did you know?
First Quarter has gone by so fast! It is time to reflect on your grades, attendance and the impact these have on your future careers. College tours will be starting soon! Anti-tobacco Squad's first meeting will be on October 2nd at the library during lunch (lunch will be provided).
Seniors!
Stay on top of your classes/deadlines from the start! Meet with me to review graduation progress & transcript accuracy. Create a calendar for college admissions, financial aid, & housing. Start applying for scholarships.
Expectations:
October is anti-bullying awareness month! Let’s show compassion, respect, support and friendship to all of our peers. Speak up and report if you witness any type of bullying.
Fun Facts!
Pigeons can tell the difference between Picasso and Monet.
What?!
A 1995 study shows that the birds can differentiate between the two artists. With this fact it is only natural to suggest that we all have great capabilities of learning if we put a little effort and dedication to our studies. “Let’s show those pigeons we can do it too.”
The best outfit you can wear is your smile!
You can reach me at eoros@miamiusd40.org (928) 425-3271 ext. 1210
- Homecoming Spirit Week -- September 30 - October 3
- Monday: Camo Day
- Tuesday: Decades Day
- Seniors - 2000s
- Juniors - 90s
- Sophomores - 60s
- Freshman - 80s
- Wednesday: Anything But a Backpack
- Please note: bringing a sibling is not allowed
- Thursday: Green & White Day 💚🤍
- Homecoming Pep Assembly -- October 2nd
- Business Partner Cafe -- October 3rd @ 11:00 - 12:30pm
- Senior Class Breakfast -- October 4th @ 9:30am @ Miami Memorial Library
- Homecoming Parade -- October 4th @ 1:00pm - DT Miami w/ announcing at the park
- Homecoming Tailgate -- October 4th @ 4:00-6:00pm - LK Parking Lot
- Homecoming Pregame Ribbon Cutting for Press Box Dedication -- October 4th @ 6:30pm
- Homecoming Game -- Vandals vs Alchesay Falcons -- October 4th @ 7:00pm
- Royalty Ceremony @ Halftime
- Homecoming Dance -- October 5th, 6:00-10:00pm - Cafeteria
- Fall Break -- October 14th - 17th
- Early Release Day -- 12:30pm dismissal -- October 23rd
- Trunk or Treat -- October 29th
National Institute for Excellence in Teaching (NIET)
- MUSD has partnered with the National Institute for Excellence in Teaching to build educator excellence so that all students can succeed
- Teachers participate in Cluster meetings weekly where they learn new strategies & skills that they then take back to their classrooms
- Our current focus at MJSHS is Environment; setting expectations and creating a safe, engaging learning for all students
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID)
- MUSD has partnered with AVID to close the opportunity gap for all students by preparing them for college and career readiness.
- All students have an AVID elective class- this 30 minute class focuses on teaching students skills they need to be prepared for college and/or the career field after graduation
- AVID shows on your student's schedule as "Education Professions"
Cobre Valley Institute of Technology (CVIT)
- MJSHS currently has 47 students who are enrolled in CTE programs with CVIT
Tips for Parents: Discouraging Fights and Physical Altercations
Creating a safe and supportive school environment is a shared responsibility. Here are some practical tips to help discourage fights and physical altercations among our students:
1. Promote Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings and any conflicts they may be experiencing. Listen actively and validate their emotions.
2. Teach Conflict Resolution Skills: Help your child learn how to resolve disagreements peacefully. Role-play scenarios where they can practice using "I" statements and negotiating solutions.
3. Model Positive Behavior: Children learn by example. Show them how to handle conflicts calmly and respectfully in your own interactions.
4. Encourage Empathy: Discuss the importance of understanding others’ perspectives. Help your child recognize the feelings and viewpoints of their peers.
5. Monitor Social Interactions: Be aware of your child's friendships and social circles. Encourage healthy relationships and discuss any concerning behaviors you observe.
6. Establish Clear Boundaries: Talk to your child about what constitutes acceptable behavior. Make sure they understand the consequences of fighting and the importance of self-control.
7. Promote Extracurricular Activities: Encourage your child to participate in sports, clubs, or other activities that foster teamwork and positive social interactions.
8. Stay Informed: Keep up with school events and changes. Understanding the school environment can help you address any concerns before they escalate.
9. Encourage Reporting: Make sure your child knows they can report bullying or aggressive behavior to a trusted adult without fear of retaliation.
10. Be Involved: Attend school meetings and events. Your presence shows your child that you care about their education and well-being.
By working together, we can foster a respectful and peaceful school atmosphere. Thank you for your support!
Resources for Parents & Students
For College Bound Students
- Gila County Library District offers skill building lessons, practice tests, job and career tests and more. Requires you to create a log-in:
- G3 Guide to Goals after Graduation:
LINKS TO EDUCATIONAL RESOURCES FOR PARENTS AND STUDENTS
- Learn How To Become – An online career guide that provides career seekers with in-depth data and information curated by experts in their fields. The site also offers information on colleges, vocational training schools, and internships.
- A resource from the College Board, offering a major and career search directory:
- MAPP Career Assessment is an online test to help match profiles with careers:
- Accredited Schools Online - A comprehensive college navigation and comparison tool that enables prospective students to search schools using various criteria.
- iOnFuture – A STEM Exploration Game http://ionfuture.org
- Gila Community College Programs:
- www.gilaccc.org (Main Website)
- https://www.pinalmountainfoundation.org (Scholarship information and application)
- Helpful websites from Arizona State University - Career Guide Information:
- University of Arizona Future Student portal:
- Northern Arizona University Future Student portal:
- Information on Scholarships and Post-Secondary Educational Funding
- https://www.campusexplorer.com
- https://www.collegeanswer.com
- https://www.collegeboard.org
- https://www.college-scholarships.com (links to other websites)
- https://www.ed.gov/finaid
- https://www.FAFSA.com
- https://www.FastWeb.com
- https://www.financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov
- https://www.petersons.com
- https://www.scholarships.com
- https://www.studentaid.gov
- https://www.thesalliemaefund.org
- Scholarship Scams: https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0082-scholarship-and-financial-aid-scams