WELCOME TO YOUR SECOND SEMESTER

Welcome back, and a warm welcome to the second half the school year.  If you're not happy with how you've been doing academically, it's not too late to turn a new leaf--but time is getting short, so "square away" now!  What can you do?

- Seniors:  Eschew (look it up) senioritis.  It's too early to take your packs off.  Keep working and buff up on what you will need next year.  This might involve studying grammar and reviewing math fundamentals, but it will time well spent.

- Juniors:  This is a very important year for you.  If you think you are going to college, now is the time to be studying for the SATs and thinking about where you might want to go and what you might want to study.  Think about where you want to be in ten years and plan accordingly.  If you want to go to medical school, ITT Tech is not where you need to go for college.  Beyond this, put out the effort to do your best on every assignment.  Consider one of your teachers looking at an assignment that you've turned in and thinking thinking that you could have done much better.  What effect will this likely have on your reputation?  Isn't the teacher rightly going to assume that you don't care?  If you don't care, why should they. 

- Freshmen and Sophomores:  Keep up with your assignments and do your best on every single one.  Talk to your parents, teachers, and guidance counselors about your post high school plans and make sure that you are taking the correct classes.  If you want to go to college, make sure you are taking classes that will prepare you for college--four years of math, four years of English, at least two years of a foreign language, and four years of science.  Think calculus, trig, physics, and chemistry. 

The WOD for 31 January and 1 February is reprimand.  Reprimand is a verb meaning to reprove severely: rebuke.  For example:  Fedorka was afraid that the inspector would reprimand him for his shabby uniform appearance at the annual inspection.  Reprimand can also be used as a noun--you figure it out.   

SOUTHWINDS RETIREMENT HOME VISIT

A large group of MHS Cadets visited Middletown's Southwinds Retirement Home after school on Wednesday, 8 December.  The cadets spent a couple of hours playing games, trading stories,and just visiting with the residents.  BZ to all who took time to bring a little pleasure into the lives of others!

Incidentally, the WOD for 9 and 10 December is disparity.  Disparity is a noun meaning a difference or a condition of inequality.  Example: Their disparity in rank meant no difference at all to the prince and Cinderella. 

SITREP: WEEK ONE

We have now completed our first full week of school. A few comments:

1. Unit size. As we figure out who is going to be in the unit and who is going to be dropped, it looks like we will have about 140 to 145 cadets. Warning: If you serious, drop the course before you hurt your academic average. If you do not make the weekly inspection, or if you skip 10th period, you will fail.
2. Classroom discipline. Pretty good, especially, I am happy to say, on the part of our new cadets. One comment: Don't think that the instructors can stop class to get you ribbons, check on your trousers, etc. If the situation is obviously hectic, come back later.
3. First personnel inspection, Thursday, 16 September. Mixed. Only 67 people were accounted for. Many cadets skipped this MANDATORY event. Many others really need to spend some time and attention on their shoes.
4. Uniform issue. In progress. Uniforms will be coming back from the tailor early next week--be sure to check if your items are back so you can be in uniform on our inspection on the 23rd.
5. Independent studies. If you are taking NS3 or 4 independent studies, or if you are taking NS2 10th period, your first weekly assignment has been posted and is due on Friday, 24 September. Don't fall behind.

"Bravo Zulu" on a good start to what should be a great year. Keep charging!

NEW CADET ORIENTATION 26 and 27 AUGUST

A short orientation will be offered for incoming 9th graders who plan on taking NJROTC in the 2010-2011 school year. This is a great way to get to know the program and your fellow cadets. Nothing is special is required--all you have to do is show up at the high school main entrance!

The orientation consists of two half-day sessions and will be conducted from 8 a.m. until about noon on Thursday the 26th and Friday the 27th of August. We will discuss the NJROTC program, participation requirements, grooming standards, and how to succeed in high school. We will introduce basic drill and demonstrate the proper wear of the cadet uniform. Transportation WILL NOT be provided.

Please call (845) 326-1578 if you have any questions.

Opening Shots

This blog has been established to foster improved communications among the Middletown High School NJROTC community. Visitors will soon be able to view a current schedule of events and official contacts. Please visit this blog regularly to keep up-to-date on everything about the Naval Junior Reseerve Officer Training Corps citizenship and leadership program at Middletown High School.

Please note that this blog is non-partisan and will preserve individual privacy rights and expectations. This blog does not represent the official position of Middletown High School nor the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, NY.