Monday, December 17, 2012

From all of us at MHS, we wish everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. May we be ever mindful of those less fortunate and those hurting and grieving during this special time of the year.
All of us have been touched by the events in recent days. Even though those events took place thousands of miles away, we are all grieved by the senseless loss of life. We will never know this side of Heaven why these events happen, but we can take solace in knowing that ultimately God is in control and He works even in tragedies such as this.
Please take time this Christmas to remember the true reason for the season – Jesus. Let us focus on His birth and the wonderful gift He gave us by bearing our sins on a cruel wooden cross some 2000 years ago so that we too might live with Him one day in Heaven.
Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and may God richly bless you and yours…

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Great Heights!

We have had a fantastic couple of weeks here on “The Hill.” From the championship run of our football team, to a great crowd at Grandparent’s Day, it has been a truly great time to be a Chief!

Our Chiefs made a remarkable run to the state championship game at Mississippi College last Friday. No one gave the Chiefs any chance of making it to the title game.  It would have been easy for our guys to believe the pre-season polls and who could blame the pollsters, we only won one game last year. As far back as last spring though, Coach Young told me the off-season workouts were going extremely well and he could see determination and grit in the young men’s attitudes. He said they had put the past behind them and they were more determined than ever to do whatever it took to get back in the championship hunt. With the guys’ effort, and the undying support of the Chiefs’ fan base, the Chiefs did indeed get better and better each week, and in the end came up just short of that elusive state championship ring. We are so proud of them and their unbelievable effort and look forward to an even brighter future.
And what great crowd support we had in Jackson with everyone wearing their championship game day t-shirts. It was great to see a huge crowd of cardinal in the home stands at MC.

 All the way down I could not help but notice all the MH decals on the back windows of the cars headed to the game. It is great to see those MH stickers when we’re on the road or even in and about town. As a matter of fact, if you don’t have one, come by the high school office and mention my blog and pick up one or two for free!
From the promise of the future to the celebration of the past, last Monday we honored our grandparents. Elementary students had a special program for their grandparents and everyone had such a great time sharing and visiting throughout the day. This past Tuesday, our fourth grade presented a patriotic assembly to honor our veterans and their sacrifice for our freedom. With the National Guard presenting the colors and the beautiful patriotic songs, everyone certainly enjoyed the program. A special thank you goes to Nancy Warren for directing the program.
As we enter this Thanksgiving season, be sure to count our many blessings and look for opportunities to serve. In the coming weeks, the Interact Club will be collecting Toys for the children at LeBonheur Hospital and Operation Shoe Box will come to a close. I want to thank all our students for their help in these and all of our service projects.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Fall Update

I’m sorry I haven’t posted anything in the last few weeks, but everything seems to be going at breakneck speed. At any rate, it’s time again to brag about our school on several fronts.
I had the opportunity to attend the 1-3 grades all A’s breakfast this morning. Eight-five young students were honored for making all A’s in the first nine weeks grading period. Way to go! I know your parents are so proud of you and I want to encourage you to keep up the outstanding work.
I want to remind everyone about Harvest Fun Festival on Monday, October 22. It's always a great time for everyone with fun, food (bar-b-que), and festivities for all ages. The Parents’ Club has worked very hard to make this both a financial success, as well as a fun time for everyone. Chrysler’s Drive for the Kids will again make donations to the Parents’ Club for every Dodge-Chrysler product from Ross Motors test driven that night. This year the school will receive $20 for each test drive. Please make plans to help us with this great fundraising opportunity.
Sports are also going well. Our Chiefs and Lady Chiefs have had very successful fall campaigns. Girls’ soccer and softball have finished their seasons with our Lady Chiefs softball team finishing second in the State AAA tournament. I want to offer special congratulations to Casey Fritz and Leila Savage for their selection to play in the Soccer and Softball MAIS All-Star games. Our own Coach Jim Patterson was also selected as head coach for the North AA-AAA softball squad. Football is also winding down, but our varsity Chiefs are in the midst of a playoff run and poised to make a run at the state title. Basketball is right around the corner with the girls’ jamboree at Marshall next Tuesday. Schedules have been posted on the website.
Our 1:1 iMHS initiative continues as well. The Dollar Day for Robin McKay raised almost $4000 for the 1:1 initiative. I want to especially thank the McKay family and the Class of 1992, especially Bridgett Goodnight and Chris Williams, for making it happen. The seniors are absolutely loving their new MacBooks and finding new ways each day to utilize them in their classes. Our kindergarten through third grades are enjoying their iPad Carts and grades four through six are using their Google Chromebook cart every day. The extra MacBook cart in the high school has provided extra Macbooks for use in the classroom. A special thank you goes to the Parents’ Club for the additional carts they purchased this past summer and fall. If you are interested, I would love to have the opportunity to show you what they’re doing. If you would like a tour, please let me know.
Thanks again for all your support. Interest remains high in our school and Allison Burris and her admissions committee continues to field calls from prospective parents each day. This is a testament to the outstanding faculty and staff I am privileged to work with, as well as the strong support from parents who make our school possible.
Thanks and God bless.


Friday, August 17, 2012

What a great start! Enrollment is up over 50 students from last year and includes 120 new faces to MHS. Everyone has been very patient and looked for opportunities to help the new students find their way around MHS. The students and teachers are all adjusting to a new routine and hopefully life at home is falling back into a school-home partnership as well.

With fall comes all kinds of activities for our students. The Lady Chiefs softball and soccer teams' seasons are fully underway and off to very successful starts. The football teams and cross country will also be soon underway.

Sports aren’t the only activities gearing up for the fall campaign. Clubs such as Interact, SADD and FCA will be holding organizational meetings soon to start planning their projects and programs for the new school year.

Students and teachers aren’t the only ones busy this time of year. The Parents' Club is already busy planning the annual gift wrap sale, Harvest Festival, and back-to-school open house. The Chiefs’ Club held their annual Fall Meet the Chiefs Tuesday and are well on their way planning their projects and activities to support our athletic program such as concession stand signups and “Cow Patty Bingo.”

As I said in my Annual Meeting address, look for ways to get involved. All of us who are parents, or have children involved in school activities, are already members of the Parents’ Club, Chiefs' Club, or any of the other support organizations. Our school and our children need us to be involved in the activities that support the school and its programs.

Thanks again for a great start. GO CHIEFS!!

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Annual Meeting Message 8-1-2012


I am very blessed to be beginning my 32nd year at MHS. We are all very busy and excited about the new school year.

Currently we have 592 Students enrolled, up from our final enrollment last year of 561. So far this year we have 106 new students with a 96% retention rate from last year's enrollment.

In May forty-six seniors graduated with 96% of them receiving college scholarship offers in excess of $3.5 million. Seven members of the class scored 29 or above on the ACT, and currently, we have an additional 12 students with a 29 or above on their ACT. We feel that at least one of our seniors has an excellent chance of being named a National Merit Finalist.

Last year, through the generous donations of our Parents' Club, we were able to purchase 25 MacBooks, 25 iPads for the elementary, and 25 Google Chromebooks for the fifth and sixth grade. The devices were used in a variety of ways. The elementary students used the apps on the iPad to supplement their reading, language arts, math and science courses. The seventh and eighth students were required to produce a technology project in each of their classes, and the online personal finance class taught by Coach Coleman kept the MacBooks in use round the clock during the school day. This summer the Parents' Club purchased an additional 25 MacBooks for grades 7-12, and this fall have plans to purchase an additional iPad cart for the elementary.

We talk a lot about technology, but our teachers see it as just one of the tools to use in the classroom, and not as a replacement for good sound teaching. I am very pleased with the job that Allyson Mitchell, the Elementary Principal, and Brooke Howell, the Academic Dean, are doing with the supervision and professional development of the faculty and staff. Our teachers have been very receptive because, after all, they want to be the best they can be for our students and your children.

Part of the busy summer we've had is due to the new strategic technology initiative that we are calling iMHS. Partnering with Apple, this initiative will put an Apple device (MacBook, iPad, or iTouch) in the hands of each MHS student over the next few years. This fall we are rolling out new 13" Apple MacBook Air computers for all our seniors and their teachers. Because of generous corporate and individual donations, there will be no cost to the students other than a case and insurance to protect it from damage or theft. These devices will be used in the classrooms, as well as taken home each night. As an additional part of the initiative, throughout the summer the teachers have participated in several professional development workshops to learn more about Google docs, Google Drive, the Hai-Ku Learning Management System, as well as how to create podcasts and edit videos. 


I think this is going to be a quantum leap for us when the strategic plan is fully implemented. Our graduates are already required to have 21st century skills like creativity, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, and collaboration once they enter college and the workforce. Our littlest Chiefs will graduate in world that utilizes technology in ways we can't even imagine. To help our students transition to this new paradigm of teaching and learning over the next few years, our faculty will mix our traditional teaching methods with new project and inquiry based learning.


I'm excited that MHS is the first school in the area to rollout this sort of program. We have always been viewed as leaders for not only other independent schools, but also for education in area as a whole. Certainly a project like our 1:1 Technology Initiative not only solidifies our role as an leader, but as an innovator as well. 


We are all looking forward to a great year. I want to urge you to get involved. There are no booster clubs to join because as MHS parents you are already members of the Parents' club and Chiefs' Athletic Booster club. Just look for opportunities to serve and get involved with your child's class or your athlete's team. We always need your help.
Thank you again for the opportunity serve as your head of school. 

Friday, May 11, 2012

Challenge to 2012 Senior Class

Challenge to the Class of 2012

It is now my honor and pleasure to challenge the Magnolia Heights graduating class of 2012.

It is a special class to me for obvious reasons, but not unlike my other 31 classes I have had the privilege of watching walk down the aisle to receive their high school diplomas. There are future doctors, nurses, lawyers, accountants, businessmen and women who sit before me tonight. But before you leave to start the next phase of your education I want to leave you with a few thoughts. I was listening to WCRV the other day on the way to a meeting in Jackson. Chuck Swindoll came on and began to talk about integrity.

In our nation there has been a falling away, a breakdown, and a compromise in integrity. Recent headlines have taught us that the boom of the 1990s was built on a foundation devoid of integrity and as a result we experienced the financial meltdown four years ago. But compromise isn't limited to CEOs who greedily sell out their employees or to pork-happy politicians who promise and give any and everything without regard to the cost or how it will be paid for - we also find a moral laxity in our homes. We are so busy we look the other way or take the easy way out. In doing that we cheat, lie, cut corners, and generally do whatever it takes to make sure we find the easiest and most beneficial way to solve whatever dilemma we face or hide behind the “that’s not my business” or “I don’t want to get involved.”

So tonight I thought I would share few of his thoughts and mine.

Last summer Rob and Elizabeth and other youth from our church went to Student Life camp. Each of them returned on fire to serve the Lord and shared with our church scripture from Micah 6:8. It was the same scripture that Swindoll shared on the radio:

He has told you, O man, what is good;
and what does the LORD require of you
But to do justice, to love kindness,
And to walk humbly with your God?
Micah 6:8

A few years back a poll identified some troubling findings. This was a scientific poll that guaranteed anonymity of the respondents. All they had to do was be truthful. The question asked was - What are you willing to do for $10,000,000? Two-thirds of Americans polled would agree to at least one, some to several of the following:

Would abandon their entire family (25%) 1 in 4
Would abandon their church (25%) 1 in 4
Would become prostitutes for a week or more (23%)
Would give up their American citizenships (16%)
Would leave their spouses (16%)
Refuse to testify and let a murderer go free (10%)
Would murder a stranger (7%)
Would put their children up for adoption (3%)

What does that say about our country and nation?

Marcus Aurelius, the Roman emperor about 100 years after Paul’s ministry, and philosopher, identified the following traits of a successful person:

1)Consciousness of an honest purpose in life.
                     Knowledge of what an honest life is
2)A just estimate of himself and everyone else.
   An accurate self-assessment
3)Frequent self-examinations.
   Looking introspectively
4)Steady obedience to what he knows to be right.
   Doing what’s right no matter the cost
   Definition of discipline – Doing what you are    supposed to do –    when you’re supposed to do,the best you can do it, and do it   that way     every time
5)Indifference to what others may think or say.
        


Webster defines integrity as "an unimpaired condition." It means to be sound.

Integrity is completeness or soundness. You have integrity when you complete a job even though no one is looking. You have integrity when you keep your word even though no one checks up on you. You have integrity if you keep your promises. Integrity means the absence of duplicity and is the opposite of hypocrisy. If you are a person of integrity, you will do what you say. What you declare, you will do your best to be. Integrity also includes financial accountability, personal reliability, and private purity. A person with integrity does not manipulate others. He or she is not prone to arrogance or self-praise. Integrity even invites constructive and necessary criticism because it applauds accountability. It's sound. It's solid. It's complete.

Integrity is rock-like. It won't crack when it has to stand alone, and it won't crumble even when the pressure mounts. Integrity keeps one from fearing the white light of examination or resisting the exacting demands of close scrutiny. It’s transparent. It's honesty at all costs.

Integrity is having the guts to tell the truth, even if it may hurt to do so. Integrity is having the guts to be honest, even though cheating may bring about a better grade. Integrity is having the guts to quote sources rather than to plagiarize.

But there are some things integrity is not. It is not sinless perfection. A person with integrity does not live a life absolutely free of sin. No one does. But one with integrity quickly acknowledges his failures, doesn't hide the wrong and accepts the responsibility. In our senior leadership seminar this semester we read John Miller’s QBQ – The Question behind the Question. In his book Miller talks about the lack of personal accountability that has led to an epidemic of blaming others, complaining or lot in life, and procrastination.

All of us fail to hit this mark consistently. Like everyone else I fail – often multiple times per day or even hourly. I fall short of the mark. I know that neither I, nor you will ever be perfect – after all there was only one perfect person, but that does not mean that I should give up and quit trying. Robert Browning said, “A man’s reach should exceed his grasp or what’s a heaven for.” Each time we fail there is usually a painful reminder of our short comings. It is there for a purpose – to remind us. We must be careful though, lest we become like calluses on our hands which start off as painful reminders that we should have worn gloves, but over time serve to protect our hands from pain. Losing our focus on integrity and doing what’s right can cause our conscious to become calloused as well and we gradually lose all sense of what’s right and wrong.

It is hard to think of any job in which the moral element is lacking. The skill of the dentist is wholly irrelevant if he is unprincipled and irresponsible. There is little, in that case, to keep him from extracting teeth unnecessarily, because the patient is usually in a helpless situation. It is easy to see the harm that can be done by an unprincipled lawyer or financial advisor. Indeed, such a man is far more dangerous if he is skilled than if he is not skilled.

Will you put wire in walls? Repair cars? Work with numbers? Sell clothes? Perhaps you may practice law or medicine. The important thing is not what work you do, but whether you do your work with integrity. Perhaps you will labor behind the scenes, and your only thanks is the inner satisfaction of a job done right. Do you cheat on your exams? Will you cheat on your mate? People do such things everyday and still call themselves Christians. No wonder the world is confused!

You want to shock the world? Have the guts to do what's right when no one is looking. It takes real guts to stand strong with integrity in a culture weakened by hypocrisy.


Swindoll says A life well lived honors the Lord and inspires others, but it also produces rewards for the one who lives it. He identifies six rewards he feels are significant enough to mention.

First, the sustained cultivation of exemplary character.

Day after day, year after year, the one who commits himself or herself to the pursuit of justice, kindness, and humility will most certainly develop strong character. I’ve heard that to create a habit just do something consistently for 30 days – like buckling your seat belt or not texting while driving. If you can conquer those in 30 days – what can you do in a lifetime?


Second, the continued relief of a clear conscience.

Who hasn’t tossed and turned, fretted and struggled through a night filled with feelings of guilt? The voice of our conscience is convincing and strong. It refuses to be silenced when we know that we have compromised where integrity said we should not. When we doggedly do what is right, generously model kindness, and remain intimate with God, our conscience stays free of any nagging emotional aches. A clear conscience provides relief, freedom, and joy.

Third, the personal delight of intimacy with the Almighty.

As author Kent Hughes stated, "A transparent soul is a haven for the Spirit of God.” God is still seeking those whose hearts are fully committed to him. One way we get to know someone is to walk a mile in his shoes. To do what the Lord expects of us is to honor his values and do as his Son did. In this way, we grow in our intimacy with him.

Fourth, the high privilege of being a mentor.

It is one thing to be a teacher and leader for others, but quite another to be a mentor—someone who has earned the right to become a trusted counselor, personal coach, and guide who plays a significant role in shaping another’s life. Heroes, as crucial as they are, generally live at a distance—may live far away – is a celebrity or even have died. But a mentor is someone who lives up close and personal, providing hands-on guidance, correction, and affirmation in face-to-face encounters. A life well lived allows us the opportunity to be a mentor.

Fifth, the crowning reward of finishing well.

As we grow older, one haunting thought that once lingered in the back of our minds begins to dominate all others. It is the fear of approaching the end of our lives beaten down, beached, and broken. In his 1925 poem "The Hollow Men,” T.S. Eliot expressed the fear well: "This is the way the world ends / Not with a bang but a whimper.” I cannot think of a more dreadful thought. Yet the possibility exists, even for one who has been actively and productively engaged throughout his or her entire adult life. Even for one as influential and spiritual as the apostle Paul, the thought of finishing his life "disqualified” was neither imaginary nor remote (1 Cor. 9:27). Finishing well was Paul’s lifelong goal. “I have finished the race…”

Sixth, a priceless, lingering legacy for those we love.

When we do what is right, love kindness, and walk in humility, the natural product will be a lingering legacy by which anybody would want to be remembered. Live well now and you will continue to live well in the memories of the people you value.

Finally, I’ll close with a story Swindoll told of a friend named Bob, who comes from a large, closely-knit Italian family. His father’s uncompromising integrity spread across each one of the children from their birth until his death, which came late in life. Bob has nothing but pleasant memories of being with his father, listening to his stories, watching him endure numerous trials, laughing and lingering around the supper table, and observing his tender, affectionate relationship with his wife of many decades. He was clearly the leader of their home—decisive, fair, kind, humble, joyful, and pure.

Without warning, Bob’s father died. Even though all the children were grown up and on their own, the jolt of his death was borderline unbearable. Their grief ran deep. Their hearts broke. After the funeral, it was necessary for all of them to deal with the practical matters of carrying on, which included those difficult tasks of disposing of the man’s clothing, wrapping up his financial affairs, and sifting through the remainder of his personal effects. Bob was chosen to handle that last responsibility. He would be the one to sit down and look through things that other eyes had never seen—not even Bob’s mother.

Bob was reluctant. Fear gripped him as he wondered what possible scandal or dishonor might turn up. Would he uncover some secret sin? Would he find evidence of moral compromise? Would the man’s computer reveal questionable sites he had privately viewed? Would there be a picture or love note from some mystery woman? Bob dreaded the thought of anything tarnishing the image of his father—his hero and mentor.

Though reluctant and fearful, Bob accepted the task. With cautious concern, he dug in. Hour after hour, all alone, he silently examined his deceased father’s personal belongings. He read journal entries, looked through dozens of photographs, examined financial records, thumbed through stacks of handwritten notes, unlocked private areas of his Internet activities, and read letters he had written and received. Meticulously and diligently, Bob looked through everything. To his great delight, he found nothing that was questionable or suspicious. Nothing. The man was as clean and innocent in his private life as he had been before his family and in the eyes of the public.

Will that be your legacy? Will you hear Matthew 25:23, “Well done good and faithful servant?”

That is my challenge for you and the Class of 2012.

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

What a busy spring! So much is going on around us that it can literally make you dizzy. However, we can’t escape the fact that school is almost over for this year. It has gone by so fast. I hope that you will take time to catch the senior profiles on the front page of the website. We have 46 outstanding seniors that will soon carry the spirit of Magnolia Heights with them as they go on to college and successful careers afterward. The scholarships and honors they are racking up are incredible. What a testament to their ability and our school’s educational influence!

With everything going on please don’t forget several important dates.
         
          April 23 ...............Catfish on the Hill
          May 1 ................  Last day to register without late fees
          May 4 ................  Elementary Special Awards
          May 10 ..............  Senior Awards Night
          May 18 ..............  Elementary and Secondary Awards Day
          May 18-25.........  Final Exams
          May 24 .............. Graduation

Also don’t miss our baseball games, tennis and golf matches, and track meets. Our young athletes are working extremely hard to balance their academic workload and still participate at the highest level in MAIS athletics. I am so proud of them and accolades they bring our school through their accomplishments.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

February 28, 2012

The weather last week reminded me how close we are to spring and how quickly the school year is passing. As the parent of a senior I see the end quickly approaching and it got me to thinking how fortunate and blessed I am to not only be a part of a great school, but also on a selfish note, how it has impacted my two son’s lives. MHS has not only prepared them for the rigors of college academia, but also taught them hard work, sacrifice, goal setting, teamwork and the worthwhile pursuit of something greater than themselves.

MHS graduates are everywhere, many serving their communities, state, nation as elected officials or working in state or federal legislative bodies. Two graduates Steve Hale (1972) and Trey Lamar (1999) were just elected to our state legislature and Stephen Moore (2006) works in Governor Phil Bryant’s office. Will Todd (2001) lives in Washington, DC where he works as an aide in Senator Cochran’s Office. I’m sure that there are others that I’m unintentionally leaving out, but the list is noteworthy as it is.

It is clear to me that our graduates understand the big picture and their ultimate role. I am blessed to be a parent of one and soon to be two MHS graduates.

From Luke 12:48 we get that to whom much is given, even much more is required. Our graduates are given much, but they are working even now to give back a portion of what they have been blessed with. What a testament to our school and the vision of its founding fathers.

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

February 6, 2012


We Are family
As I exited the school today, I happened to glance over at our new sign as it was scrolling “We Love You Mrs. Bouchillon.” It was then I was reminded of one of the many comments that I consistently hear echoed at Magnolia Heights "we are a family."
Mrs. Susan Bouchillon underwent surgery yesterday in her battle with breast cancer. All throughout the day prayers and thoughts were lifted up for her and her family. Around 6:00 last night I received word that she was out of surgery and that everything went well. There was no cancer in the lymph nodes and the prognosis is for a full recovery. We give praise to God for her surgeons, nurses and other medical personnel who worked with her during the surgery and are attending to her now.

Susan is not only a gifted educator and a teacher who truly loves her children, but she is also a beloved member of our Magnolia Heights family. I know that you will join me in the coming days, weeks, and months to continue to lift her and her family up in prayer as she convalesces toward a full recovery.
It’s just what families do!
God Bless you Susan and we wish you a speedy and complete recovery.

Monday, January 2, 2012

January 2, 2012

As we begin the New Year, I am filled with so much pride about our accomplishments last semester. Again we saw our average ACT scores continue to rise; our students continued to excel in state-wide contests (we have just received notification that our 7th grade math students were state winners in the “Sum Dog Competition"); our students continued to look for ways to give back in service to our community (elementary students visiting Providence Care facility and shopping for underprivileged children’s Christmas presents) - and so many other accomplishments that are too numerous to name. All resonate with what a special place we have to grow and learn!

However, I also know that even more awaits our students in the second semester. They will again excel in many areas and will continue to offer their service to the community and world as well. I do wish everyone a very Happy New Year and pray that God will continue to bless us.