Mary Persons High School
The Bulldog Beat
Graduation







Baccalaureate at First Baptist Church

Graduation Practice

Required Summer Reading for Honors English
9th Honors
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
10th Honors 
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
or Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe
11th AP Lang 
Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury
12th AP LIt 
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
Mrs. Greenway is Honored
The Strict Observance Masonic Lodge of Forsyth Monroe County Georgia honored all Monroe County Teachers of the Year at a dinner on May 26th at 6:00. Mrs. Greenway is pictured here with Mr. Finch and Ben Andrews, with the Lodge. 
We Honor Our Retiring Teachers
Patricia Busby
Ms. Busby has been in education for 41 years.  Of those, 27 have been in Monroe County.  She was inspired to become a teacher by her high school English and drama teacher who made the stories and characters come alive. "She always seemed genuinely glad to see us each day and it was obvious that she cared about each of us and our ideas or comments. She was the most positive, professional teacher I have ever had. She taught us to use our imaginations and to make us embrace the idea of being life long learners. I still admire her today."  Her most memorable moment in education was when one of her students recognized her as STAR teacher.  Her most rewarding experience was watching the seniors accept their diplomas and praying for successful futures for each of them. She said she also cried each year when the students of MP opened their hearts to help the children of Monroe County have a joyful Christmas. The students will always have my love and respect for their actions. She said that teaching so many years has given her the opportunity to know so many people in this community. She said "I feel that I have a connection to so many of them. To all the parents: Thank you for allowing me to work with your children. I will treasure my time with them always. You have done a great job!" When asked what she would not miss in her retirement, she said the paperwork.  She looks forward to traveling and becoming more adept at gardening! "I also have more volunteer work to do." Her advice for a new educator: "Make each day a good one; it won't be perfect, but it will be what you make it. Learn from your colleagues and from your students. They do care about you! My mother always said, 'Smile everyday!' Simple words, but so meaningful! Enjoy your summer and your career!"
Dale Gonzalez
Dale Gonzalez has been in education for 27 years. Of those, the last 2 years have been in Monroe County where he has taught Spanish. The legendary principal, Gloria Washington, called him five times over a two-year period asking him to take the place of a retiring Spanish teacher.  He originally wanted the insurance of good insurance, but found this profession to be one of his callings.  Some of his memorable moments in education: As a student - his senior recital at Mercer University - his teacher, Dr. Robert Hallquist, turned him from a piano player into a pianist in two years; As a teacher - having a former student surprise him with a classroom visit - the former student said he had "changed his major and decided to become a teacher. I had to write a paper about the person who inspired me the most, so I wrote about you."  Also, another student had the chance to take his second semester with another teacher. After being in the new class for one day, the student changed back to Mr. Gonzalez's class.  When asked why, he said "I think I'll learn more in your class." Mr. Gonzalez said that "small things like these are priceless to me.  They mean more than my 'Teacher of the Year' awards."  His most rewarding experience is ending each day, having taught bell to bell and being exhausted.  He said that it amazes him everyday that he had something scheduled that lasted the entire period. His most embarrassing moment in education was when he wore two different shoes to school one day. The power had gone out, and he grabbed what he thought was a particular pair of shoes. It wasn't until he was in class teaching a lesson on clothes that he realized what he had done. He said that the students had a "field day" with his mistake.  He will miss the interaction with his students the most, but he will not miss "rainy Monday mornings trying to handle my umbrella, my coffee, my lunch, and other materials; fire drills, faculty meetings and the same lunch every day: peanut butter crackers and turkey wraps." In his retirement he looks forward to being able to drink several cups of coffee instead of just one, and working with a schedule that he sets for himself, and be able to pick and choose the projects that interest him the most. He would advise a new educator to "be serious about your work, but not about yourself. Don't be afraid to admit your mistakes in front of your students. It makes you more human to them and they will give you a bit more in class."
  Congratulations Mrs. Hogan!! 
May Teacher of the Month 
MP Teacher Spotlight
This week's spotlight is on Ms. Randi Brady.  Ms. Brady earned her B.S. Ed. in English from the University of Georgia, and her masters from Georgia College and State University. She has taught for 5 years. She was inspired to become a teacher because "the women in my family are all teachers: all the way back to my great-grandmother who taught in a one-room schoolhouse.  When asked what she likes best about her job, she said "the things these students can come up with!" Asked what her favorite memories from high school years were, she said "a trip to New York with my fellow band members." At different times in her life before becoming a teacher, she has considered being a doctor, a business major, and a Broadway set designer.
 
In her spare time, Ms. Brady enjoys reading, swimming, and trying to learn everything.  She also enjoys exploring new cities.  Her favorite authors are Neil Garman, Toni Morrison, and Ray Bradbury. She also enjoys reading YA science fiction.Her role model is her mother, and Amelia Earhart.  When asked about an interesting place she has visited, she said "I haven't traveled, but would like to go everywhere; 1st stop Greece." Items on her "bucket list" include travel Europe by train, hike a significant section of the Appalachian Trail, and learn to play the viola .
Monroe County
Public Library Teen Board

The Monroe County Public Library is seeking 10-12 teens who would like to serve on a Teen Board. The board will meet monthly. The purpose of this board will be to determine ways the library can reach the teens in our community, and ways funds can be spent to support teens in our community. If your teen is interested in becoming a member of the Teen Board, please see Mrs. English (lauri.english@mcschools.org), Media Specialist at MP, or Mrs. Melton (debbie@frrls.net), Monroe County Public Library Manager.
Empescope News

Attention Rising Seniors & Parents 
Your son or daughter will receive important information this week about their upcoming senior year. Please be sure that you get this information so you will be prepared for this exciting year.  Make sure your addresses are current as students will be mailed appointment cards with dates and times for their senior portraits this summer.  The newsletter also includes details about Senior Baby Ads, yearbook sales, and senior quotations.  Parents are always excited to place pictures and a congratulatory message in the yearbook for their child.  Please note that the space is limited and is first come, first served.  Often, the senior ad spots are sold out before the deadline.  Make sure you plan ahead for this as the deadline will not be extended and students on the waiting list are not guaranteed a spot. If you have any questions, please email Mrs. May at brandi.may@mcschools.org.
2016 Senior Pictures
Parents & students should look in the mail for
appointment
 cards with dates and times for Senior Pictures. 
Pictures will be taken 
July 27th-July 30th from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Counselors' Corner

Do you need to take the SAT or ACT?

 Click Here for SAT/ACT Testing Dates & Deadlines.

   

Join the MPHS Counselor's Remind!  
Text @mphsco to 478-246-1956
Club News
Beta Club News
The Beta Club raised $800 this year for Jay's Hope by sponsoring Dress-Down Days for teachers.
Pictured are senior Beta Club members presenting
check to Cindy Gaskins, Founder of Jay's Hope.
Sports Corner
Baseball News 
8th Annual Future Bulldog Baseball Camp
Ages 6-12
Cost $50
Mon., June 15 - Thurs., June 18, 2015 
9:00a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

*Campers will receive a Camp Shirt.
Basketball News
Attention Ladies in grades 6 to 12:
June will be here before you know it. If you are interested in working on your basketball skills this summer please see Coach Greene. He has a deal for you. Summer practice will be starting and if you are interested you need to see Coach Greene (kurt.greene@mcschools.org) at the high school for a schedule. He hopes to see you in June!
Cheerleader News 
All Cheerleaders need to report to BSMS on Tuesday, May 26th from 3:30- 5:00 p.m.to pick up Car Wash tickets & fundrasier shirts!

Summer Cheerleading Camp
June 1st - 4th from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Open to students who have completed Pre-k to 5th grade.
@ Hubbard Middle School Gym
Cost: $85 - due on the first day of camp
*sibling discount available!

Make checks payable to: MPHS Cheer Booster.
Each camper will receive a t-shirt, and a small
snack will be provided each day!
Questions? Contact Kyle Ward at mpcheercoach@yahoo.com.
Cross Country News

Summer 2015 Important Upcoming Dates


Car Wash @ DQ 

June 6, 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

 

Summer Running 

(@MCMS, Banks Stephens Campus, beginning at 8:00 a.m.)

June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30

July 2, 14, 16, 21, 23

 

The All American Cross Country Camp by NC State

July 26-31, cost $450

 

First Practice

August 10 (school begins August 14)

Soccer News
The annual MP Youth Soccer Camp will be June 8-11, 2015, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Age groups: Under 8 years old and 8-14 years old.

Early registration discounts are available, as well as family discounts. Cost for Under 8 is $80 ($65 if preregistered by 6/1) and for ages 8-14 is $100 ($80 if preregistered by 6/1). 
Payment by check/cash is due during check-in (8:30-9 a.m. on June 8) or via mail in advance. 

 

Please contact Coach Allen Luton (allen.luton@mcschools.org)or Coach Robby Jones (robby.jones@mcschools.org) if you have any questions
Softball News
The Paw Print Classic is July 13th-17th.
If you have any questions, please contact Hannah Grossman. (hannah.grossman@mcschools.org)
 

Volleyball News

Click on each link below to access important 2015 Summer information. 

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Monroe County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all accompanying regulations. As a result, the following people have been appointed to oversee specific areas. Title II, Adult 504, Adult Title IX  Dr. Mike Hickman  25 Brooklyn Avenue, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031  Student and Athletic Title IX Jackson Daniel 25 Brooklyn Avenue, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031 Student 504  Lisa Allred  433 Highway 41 South, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031  Any employee, student, applicant for employment, parent or other person who believes he or she has been discriminated against or harassed in violation of the above areas must make a complaint in accordance with the procedures outlined in Board Policy GAAA.  Copyright 2013.  All Rights Reserved.