Greetings Midlothian Community:

The 2016-17 school year is off to a terrific start at Midlothian High School.  With the help and support of our faculty and student sidekicks, we started the month of September with a spirited and engaging New Student Orientation.  It’s truly a pleasure, and I’m very fortunate to work with the amazing and dedicated faculty and students here at Midlo.

On September 8th, Midlothian HS welcomed 1,500 students to school.  During the first four days, students attended an assembly during which we reviewed school rules and procedures.  The students were well behaved and attentive.  It is my hope that by reviewing our school rules and procedures in multiple formats (assemblies, in classes, and through the handbook to name a few), our students will continue to make good choices and, as a result, will have a productive and enjoyable school year.  

We concluded the first week of school with a very spirited pep rally, as the junior class shocked the Midlo Community when it pulled off the pep rally upset of the decade, debunking all rumors that the pep rallies are fixed for seniors to win.  However, congratulations to our seniors as well, as they demonstrated excellent sportsmanship and class after coming up just one point short of capturing the coveted school Spirit Stick.

Excitement continued into week two as CCPS and Midlothian High School issued Chromebooks for the 2nd year in a row to our 1,500+ students.  Year 1 of Chromebook implementation went very well, and we expect the transition during our second year to be even better.   Our teachers continue to develop engaging technology-enhanced lessons, and our students have begun to utilize and take advantage of the multiple organizational and instructional resources now available.  

Week 3 included our annual Back to School night, where parents were excited to meet their student’s teachers.  And in turn, the teachers provided parents with a helpful overview of their class expectations and procedures.  Thank you to everyone who attended our Back to School night. I hope you found the evening to be beneficial as well.

At the time of this message, Midlothian HS will look to wrap up the month of September by hosting our Minding Your Mind presentation on Tuesday, September 27th.  In partnership with the Minding Your Mind Foundation, the Cameron Gallagher Foundation works with local public and private high schools to implement Minding Your Mind, a prevention-based program and curriculum to provide and initiate conversation regarding mental health.

ParentVue codes are available in the main office.  The use of ParentVue is an excellent strategy to stay informed of your student’s progress.  I encourage parents to communicate with their student early and often regarding his/her school work.  If questions still arise after communicating with your student, do not hesitate to contact your student’s teacher.  A collaborative effort is the key to each student’s success.

One of the greatest strengths of Midlothian High School is the school’s PTSO.  Under the leadership of Ms. Kristen Hebert, the PTSO supports our students and teachers in a variety of ways throughout the school year. A few ways you can support these wonderful parents, whose main objective is to support your child. are:

• Join the PTSO.
• Become a PTSO volunteer.
• Register your Kroger’s Plus Card- # 82948
• Encourage your student to participate at Midlothian High School.
• Enjoy a Midlo game, concert, play, or other activity.

Detailed information regarding the opportunities above are available on our school’s website.

Midlothian High School is once again partnering with Goodwill to participate in the Denim Drive.  Midlo junior students, BJ Beckwith and Joy Li, have organized Denim Drive, which will conclude on October 7th.  Students are encouraged to bring in new or gently used denim to support the cause.  The class that brings in the most denim will win the Community Service category of the Homecoming Pep Rally.  

Please take a few minutes to read our online newspaper, Midlo Scoop.  The newspaper provides faculty, parents, and students with a wealth of information, including, but not limited to: new staff information, school initiatives, school achievements, important dates, how to become involved, and so much more.  Our amazing newspaper is developed and updated daily by Midlothian HS students, under the direction of Mrs. Jackie Tully.

We look forward to serving and supporting both you and your student this school year at Midlothian High School.   Please do not hesitate to contact our front office or me if you have any questions or suggestions.

Sincerely,

Shawn A. Abel

Proud Principal