McKernan's Notes

We are just about over with firsts for the school year.  A student was joking with me and said hey Mr. McKernan this was my first Monday of the new school year.  So maybe the message is that there are a lot of firsts but it is also time to get in a routine.  We have had a great start to the school year due to hard work of staff and students.  I don’t want to leave the parents out because I know in my own house it has been a struggle some mornings to get the kids up.  So thanks to the parents as well.

Our seniors have a  great opportunity to attend service learning training in St. Joe, Mo on Monday August 31.  I think most of them will enjoy the experience. We will eventually plan and complete a student driven service learning project in the community.   What better lessons can we teach our youth than to be active, participatory members of their communities.

Since we have a block schedule the teachers and students have had two first days at NVHS. We have such great kids at NV. I told them in the opening day assembly I was proud to be their principal and I am very sincere about that. Students were excited and I think glad to be back in school. I hope this enthusiasm lasts until May 26th! Homework should be coming, everyone will be getting busier than usual.

You might have thought we had school today.  I pulled in the parking lot and found about 50+ cars at 7:00 am in the morning.  Football and basketball practice for the student-athletes started early.  The teachers began arriving about 7:30 am to begin their first day of meetings and work time in their classroom.  The custodians, cooks, and secretaries were all working to help get ready for the first day with students.  We have another busy day tomorrow but I am sure all the staff will be happy when the students show up on Wednesday.  I think everyone is ready to come back.

(Mr. McKernan’s new blog site) Feel free to hook on, add your comments, etc.  I do have editorial privileges and do want to keep the site school appropriate.

The 2009-2010 school year begins next week for Nemaha Valley High School students.  Our enrollment is up from last year as expected.  Our incoming freshman class is larger in numbers than the 2009 class that graduated this past May. Many people have asked how this will affect our KSHSAA classification.  We really won’t know until October 1st when classifications and enrollment numbers are released by KSHSAA.

I am looking forward to a great year with students, staff, and parents.  We have a lot of positive programs and activities for students.  I ask all parents to encourage their child to become involved and engaged in the whole school.

We have a great school community at Nemaha Valley High School.  I look forward to working with all of you this year.

Sincerely, Patrick McKernan

Welcome to Patrick McKernan’s blog regarding happenings at Nemaha Valley High School.