2nd Quarter 2024
As a school of choice, our mission at Clark-Shaw Magnet School is to develop students into globally aware and productive citizens who excel academically and are responsible, courteous, life-long learners. This will be accomplished by providing a challenging curriculum in a safe and nurturing environment.
2nd Quarter 2024
Last Updated: November 30, 2024
Important Dates- 2nd Quarter
October 15 - 1st Day of 2nd Quarter
October 23 - 8th grade field trip to Dracula; 20 day celebration for 6th grade
October 24 - 9th grade field trip to Dracula; 20 day celebration for 7th grade; Scholars' Bowl Match #1
October 25 - 20 day celebration for 8th and 9th grade
November 4 - Student Flu Clinic
November 5 - Virtual Day
November 13 - Math ACAP Practice Test
November 14 - PreACT for 9th Graders
November 25-29 - Thanksgiving Holidays (NO SCHOOL)
December 10 - Signature Academy Showcase
December 11 - Jazz Band Performance at Airport @ 3:30PM
December 17 - Winter Band Concert @ 6PM
December 19 - Band Performance at Bellingrath @ 5:30 PM; Mo'Bay Beignet Fundraiser 6:30-8 AM
December 20 - End of 2nd Quarter
December 21-January 5 - Christmas Break (NO SCHOOL)
January 6 - Students return for 1st day of 3rd Quarter
January 9 - Parent Showcase from 4-6 PM
January 11 - STEM and CTE Recruitment Fair from 9am-noon
DECEMBER
Science Fair
Science Fair is an integral part of Clark-Shaw's hands-on, inquiry-based STEM focus. Students in all grades will conduct an individual science fair project during 1st and 2nd quarters.
Check out the Clark-Shaw website for more information on science fair due dates: [click here]
Robotics
The Robotics Team will be competed in the Troy BEST Robotics Competition at Troy University on Saturday, November 16.
They have advanced to the South’s BEST Regional Championship in Huntsville. They will compete on the campus of Alabama A&M on December 13-14.
E-Sports
Musical Notes from Band
MCPSS middle school and high school students auditioned for honor band recently. Seventeen students were selected to represent Clark-Shaw for 7th/8th grade middle school honor band, and two students were selected to represent our inaugural 9th grade in the high school honor band.
Members of jazz band, chorus and dance team attended "Power of the Arts" at Davidson.
Student Council
The student council would like to thank all of those who donated to our Thanksgiving Drive this year. We were able to make baskets (+ purchase turkeys and extras) for 3 Clark-Shaw families; the rest of the donations went to a local food bank.
Our highest donating homerooms by grade level are:
6th grade: Mrs. Winfield's homeroom with 62 items.
7th grade: Mrs. Cazalas's homeroom with 112 items.
8th grade: Mr. Mattern's homeroom with 120 items.
9th grade: Mrs. Mattern's homeroom with 24 items.
These homerooms will each get a donut party soon!
The top homeroom for the school year and the recipient of the Thanksgiving Drive Trophy is- Mr. Mattern's homeroom!
Congratulations to all of you, and thank you for helping make this holiday brighter for those in need.
Career Tech (CTE)
Clark-Shaw Magnet HOSA officers participated in Mobile County Inaugural HOSA Leadership Conference on November 20, 2024, at the Bryant Career Technical Center. Our President, Grant Langham, presented Clark-Shaw's HOSA Program of Work, which represents the organization's current achievements and goals for the year. Our members also participated in a HOSA Bowl and HOSA Banner Parade. The HOSA Banner parade theme was "Powered by People," and Clark-Shaw HOSA was able to incorporate our school motto of "Empowering Minds, Sparking Futures!"
Share Your Photos
Show some Eagle spirit and help us capture every memorable moment of the year! Send us your pictures so we can include them on social media, newsletter, website, or the yearbook. You can share back to school photos, and any other school-related pictures, at the yearbook eShare website at https://www.hjeshare.com/eShare/home?code=21021.
Email Mrs. Howell (ahowell3@mcpss.com) if you have any questions.
Yearbooks can also be purchased online: https://bit.ly/csmsyearbook2425 SCHOOL CODE: 21021
DEADLINE: February 28, 2025
Email Mrs. Howell with questions: ahowell3@mcpss.com
8th grade families may purchase an ad for the yearbook to celebrate the success of their student. Ads can only be purchased with cash or check (made out to Clark-Shaw Magnet) with Mrs. Howell during homeroom. The required order form can be found here: CLICK TO PRINT.
Email Mrs. Howell with questions: ahowell3@mcpss.com
NOVEMBER
*NEW* Parent Portal
Parents and Guardians can now access students' grades, attendance and other information through PowerSchool. CLICK below for directions on how to access this portal.
Calling all Mathletes in grades 6-9!
Are you quick with numbers? Do you love a good logic puzzle? Do you just enjoy a unique math challenge? Then come join us for one or both of the following interest dates as we start putting together our math team for this year!
- November 18th from 2:50 – 3:30pm in Room 106
- December 9th from 2:50 – 3:30pm in Room 106
Students who scored a 4 on their math ACAP this year are automatically qualified, but ALL students are welcome to come try out!! Final Mathletes will be announced before the end of 2nd quarter, so be sure to attend one or both interest sessions as we put together our incredible math team for the year!!
**Students must be picked up in front of the main school entrance by 3:40pm or they will be walked down to club 180 where a fee is applied.**
We Build It Better
Mrs. Burch's We Build It Better class will be taking a field trip to Flight Works Alabama & Airbus on November 15.
Musical Notes from Band
The band will play at the 11/7 home basketball game and have a Bellingrath Magic in Lights performance on December 19th at 5:30 PM.
The Mobile Math Circle will be offering the AMC 8 contest to its middle school participants! The American Mathematics Competition (AMC) 8 is one of the most prestigious math contests for middle school students in the USA and around the world. It features 25 multiple-choice questions, to be completed in 40 minutes. Students in grade 8 or lower may take the exam.
The contest will be held on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at the University of South Alabama.
The Mobile Math Circle will cover all registration costs, so participation will be free for students.
Questions? Contact Ms. Cazalas: rcazalas@mcpss.com
Counselors' Corner
As we approach the holiday season, this is the time for giving. Remember, giving comes from the heart, and people should give to help those less fortunate than themselves. Reach out to those around you and see what you can do to help. Not all the time are monetary ($) donations needed. Many times, it's the smallest things that make a difference in someone's day like sharing time or a simple conversation. Being kind can make a difference in a person's day. Happy holidays and take the time to be kind during this holiday season and always.
-Mrs. Woods and Mr. Sayles
BOOST Tutoring Program
Important Update on After-School Tutoring Schedule
Dear Parents,
We hope this message finds you well. We are reaching out to share some important updates regarding our after-school tutoring program. As you may know, we are committed to providing the best educational support for all our students. However, due to an overwhelming demand for after-school tutoring, we must make some adjustments to our current schedule.
What’s Changing?
Going forward, students will only be able to receive tutoring assistance one day per week. This change was necessitated by the high volume of requests we have received, which has resulted in class sizes that exceed the appropriate student-to-teacher ratio stipulated by Federal Programs. By implementing this new schedule, we aim to maintain a productive learning environment and ensure that each student receives the attention they need.
Why the Changes Are Necessary
We understand that this news may be disappointing, and we assure you that the decision was not made lightly. The demand for tutoring services has surged this quarter, and while we are dedicated to assisting every student, we must also comply with federal regulations that dictate the maximum number of students allowed per teacher. Our priority is to provide effective and individualized support, and maintaining compliance is crucial for achieving this goal.
Serving All Students
Our decision to limit tutoring to one day a week is ultimately intended to enhance our overall service. By doing so, we can ensure that the students currently enrolled in the program receive adequate support while also allowing those on our waiting list the opportunity to participate. We hope this adjustment will create a more equitable system that benefits all our learners.
We understand the importance of after-school tutoring in supporting your child’s academic success, and we appreciate your understanding as we navigate these necessary changes. Our commitment to the educational success of your children remains our top priority, and we are continually exploring ways to enhance our programs and accommodate as many students as possible.
Looking Ahead
As we progress through the quarter, we will keep you updated on any further developments regarding the tutoring program and any potential expansions in the future. We are dedicated to your child's learning and are actively working to ensure that our tutoring resources are both effective and accessible.
Thank you for your understanding and support. Together, we can help our students achieve their academic goals.
Thank you for understanding and your willingness to work with us,
Mrs. Lofton
Career Tech (CTE)
Technology Student Association (TSA)
Congratulations to our 9th graders who placed in the HTML Coding Competition! Garrett Langham won 1st place, Robert Oliver won 2nd place, and Adalyn Persons 3rd place! Brayden Davidson won 1st place in the App Creator Competition!
HOSA, Future Health Professionals
Clark-Shaw HOSA, Future Health Professionals, wants to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your incredible support in collecting supplies for those affected by the recent hurricanes. Your efforts to gather items have made a significant difference in our community. Thanks to your generosity, we were able to send much-needed supplies to families who are going through such difficult times. Each donation, big or small, shows that we care and that we can make a positive impact. Let’s keep this spirit of kindness alive! Together, we can continue to support each other and our neighbors during tough times. Thank you once again!
Join us for an epic week of fun and fundraising to support our HOSA chapter! It’s time to express your creativity and show your school spirit while helping us raise money for competitions and essential health classroom supplies. Check out the exciting lineup:
Monday 11/4: Hat Day
Kick off the week in style! Wear your favorite hat for $1 and show off your unique flair. (Don’t forget—full uniform required!)
Tuesday 11/5: No School!
Enjoy a well-deserved Virtual learning day for Election Day! Use this time to recharge for the fun ahead.
Wednesday 11/6: Health Care Professional Day
Dream big! Dress as your future health career for only $2. Let's see those future professions shine, whether you’re a doctor, nurse, or something else!
Thursday 11/7: Be the Match (Twin Day) **Free**
Grab a friend or two and double the fun! Match with accessories (Hat, glasses, jewelries, ect.) and show everyone that teamwork makes the dream work! May wear an out of uniform top, but must have uniform bottom and shoes.
Friday 11/8: Inside Out Day
Get creative! Dress as an inside-out character or turn your clothes inside out for just $2. Let’s turn the school inside out!
Please remember: no face coverings, Crocs, slides, ripped jeans, leggings, pajamas, or shorts
Our annual Student Council Thanksgiving Drive has begun! We create baskets full of Thanksgiving meal staples, plus a little extra, and purchase a turkey and trimmings for each. All of the remaining food items will be donated to a local food bank.
The homeroom with the most items donated for each grade level will get a donut party, with Sugar Rush Donuts. Also, the homeroom with the most items over-all also gets to keep the coveted Thanksgiving Drive Trophy in class all year.
We have suggested items to bring for each grade level, but any non-perishable food is appreciated. We also happily accept money, which will go towards the purchase of turkeys. Every dollar donated equals one item.
Please help us make someone's holiday a little brighter this year.
We will be giving the ACAP summative practice math test on Wednesday, November 13. Please make sure all students are present and on-time this day with no early-dismissals. Students need a fully-charged Chromebook. No other digital devices are allowed in the testing room. Please make sure your child has their Yondr pouch or leaves their phone, smartwatches, and AirPods at home. These devices are not allowed to be out during any school day. During state testing, they are not allowed in the testing room at all. Students who bring devices into testing locations will face disciplinary action, and devices will be confiscated.
OCTOBER
Share with a Family Friend
Clark-Shaw is among the best in the state, and October is the time to apply! The application portal is open until 3 p.m. on Oct. 25. Learn more and apply at mcpss.com/magnetschools.
October Teacher of the Month
Mrs. Specker (8th/9th Science)
Pink Out Fridays!
Friday, October 18
Friday, October 25
For a donation of $5.00 each Friday, students may wear pink tops, pink accessories, jeans, and tennis shoes.
Clark-Shaw will be partnering with the Mitchell Cancer Institute here in Mobile to help the breast cancer patients who receive treatment at their center. Nurse Walker is working with the administration at the treatment center to determine their greatest needs, so that your donations will be used to help in the most needed areas. Additionally, after the funds are raised and the donation is made, she will report back to the students to let you know what your money was able to do.
Help us give back to our community!
Jeans- no rips, tears, or holes
Tennis shoes- no Crocs, slides, or boots
Our custodians earned a perfect score on the state inspection!
Career Tech (CTE)
On Oct. 8th, our CTSO (Career and technical student organization) participated in JLDC (Joint Leadership Development Conference) at Mobile Convention Center. This year theme was "All In!" Our officers learned to be fearless, skills to overcome their fears and go all in to be the best they can be for their organization.
Mrs. Nguyen Health Science CTSO is : HOSA, Future Healthcare Professionals
Mrs. Billups IT CTSO is: TSA, Technology Student Association
Mrs. Kimbrell Business CTSO: FBLA, Future Business leaders of America
HOSA
TSA
FBLA
Information Technology Pathway
Ms. Billups' programming class visited the School of Computing on the campus of the University of South Alabama.
-Kendall Harwell
Scholars Bowl Teams
Musical Notes from Band
The band will play at the 11/7 basketball game and have a Bellingrath Magic in Lights performance in December (date TBA).
Email Mrs. Gray for more information: slgray@mcpss.com
Crochet Club
We will be starting a crochet club this year; anyone is welcome to join. There is a $10 fee for supplies. You do not have to know how to crochet to join. There is a Google form to fill out and then you will be added to the Schoology group for updates. The Google form and fee are due by 10/31. First meeting is November 6th, and we will meet twice a month.
Student Council
-Lyndsey Madise
These members will meet as a board of equals to develop and work on school improvement and community service projects and to be a voice for the ninth graders at Clark-Shaw.
- Mariah Irby
-Layla Roberts
-Addyson Patrick
FUTURE WOW DATES:
November:
11/06/24
11/13/24
11/20/24
December:
12/04/24 (Student Leaders ONLY)
12/11/24
12/18/24
The Reference Desk
Mrs. Morris, librarian
NOTES FROM OUR NURSE
Wow, I can’t believe we have already gone through first quarter. With second quarter comes cold and flu season. Please remind your students that frequent hand washing for at least 20 seconds with soap and water is the best way to prevent illness. Also, please remember to keep your student home when they are sick until they are 24 hours fever free without fever reducing medication such as Tylenol and Ibuprofen. If your student is exhibiting signs and symptoms of a stomach virus, they must stay home until they are 24 hours without vomiting and diarrhea. We will be having a flu shot clinic for students next month on Monday, November 4 here at the school. This flu clinic is sponsored by Health Heroes. Permission forms have been sent home with your students for you to fill out and sign. Please know that your student will ONLY receive a flu vaccine if you sign and return the form to the school. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at 221-2106 or jhwalker@mcpss.com.
Jolene Walker, MSN, RN
Counselors' Corner
Mrs. Woods and Mr. Sayles
As we move into October, Red Ribbon Week will be soon approaching, and being a drug-free you should be high on your list of things to strive for. Think of all the things you want in life, and using drugs should not be on that list. Focus on being a leader. Successful leaders have and need a clear head to lead others effectively. The use of drugs would make life difficult and take away from the bright creative you. So, as we move into October let's focus on a successful drug-free life.
ATHLETICS
Tickets to Athletic Events
With our basketball season about to begin, please remember that tickets can be purchased through Go Fan at the following link: [click here]. Go Fan tickets will be turned on the day before the game. Tickets will also be sold for cash at the door or gates this year. Come out and support our student athletes!
Go Eagles!!
ARCHERY
The archery team participated in their 1st tournament of the year on Thursday, October 17, at Causey Middle School. They brought home 3rd Place! Big shout out to Baylen Venable for shooting a perfect "50"!
Way to go, Baylen!
PTA
Our PTA needs you!
To access the PTA store (spirit items, memberships, etc.): https://clark-shaw-magnet-school-pta.square.site/s/shop
Follow them on Facebook: Clark Shaw PTA
Have a question? Email them at clarkshawpta1@gmail.com.
Hey Clark-Shaw Magnet School of Math, Science, and Technology parents and guardians!
Our amazing school staff would like to reward our perfect attendance students with a fun day. 6th grade will be celebrated on Wednesday, October 23rd. 7th grade will be celebrated on Thursday, October 24th. 8th and 9th grades will be celebrated on Friday, October 25th. They are looking for at least 2 volunteers to assist with the activities between 12pm - 2pm. Click the link below to sign up to volunteer!
https://signup.com/go/kKGzWmP
Hey Clark-Shaw Magnet School of Math, Science, and Technology parents and guardians!
Each quarter our administration would like to treat our hard working teachers to a duty free lunch. On Friday, November 22nd from 10:30am to 12:40pm we need at least 3 parent volunteers to assist our administrators and counselors with supervising students during the lunch waves. If you are able to help out, please click the link below!
Connect with Clark-Shaw on Social Media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clarkshawmagnet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clarkshawmagnet_eagles @clarkshawmagnet_eagles
Website: https://clarkshawmagnet.com
Your child's teachers and the entire staff here at Clark-Shaw are committed to your child's success.
Please let us know how we can serve you!
Timesha Taylor-Jackson, Principal
Newsletter compiled by Alecia Howell, ahowell3@mcpss.com, with assistance from the Journalism Class