An astounding number of 1,528 students are enrolled this year compared to the 1,400 last year and the 1,200 the year before that. This increase of the student population was not anticipated and new arrangements are currently being made to accommodate all of the current students.
As of now, the ratio is 34 students per teacher and there is a shortage of supply for text books in the core classes such as Language Arts and Math.
The teachers of MHS are finding creative ways to handle some of these problems by disseminating e-books and book-shelving. The disadvantage of the book-shelving method is that students who needs more time to study or would like to go over a certain material again will not be able to do so at home. Teachers utilize the availability of other teaching materials available online and make use of the children’s laptops in order to make information for class accessible.
There might be a necessity for new teachers to overcome the oversized number of students per class. The MHS administration is doing their best to properly assess what certain new adjustments should be made. Cabrera emphasized the need to only get what is necessary due to the tight budget.
In addition, issues such as transportation for students are being dealt with concurrently. Two students from Koblerville were not picked up by their bus yesterday and they had to walk to school. The school’s bus system will try their best not to let this happen again.
Another existing concern MHS is presently tackling is the accreditation issue. The principal and the rest of the administration are working hard on finalizing the accreditation report.
However, the building of a new theater for Harold Easton is keeping the students’ excitement high. It is presently going through its final touch-ups and will be available in a few weeks time. This new theater can house 100 up to 160 people. Cabrera also noted that this theater will be available to the community for those who would like to stage their own plays or other shows.
Most of the boys are excited to get their hands dirty in the auto mechanics class taught by Alphonso Yangerelit. A few girls also don’t mind to break a nail or two.
Other new improvements are the increase of Advanced Placement classes. AP classes’ teachers are confident that their students are prepared to tackle college subjects. They say that the students are actually looking forward to the challenge.
Their sports department is also keeping the students physically fit. Varsity and junior varsity positions are available for students who are passionate about a sport and/or would like to improve their skills. Golf is now also available in MHS for their student body. Students still participate in all-time favorite games such as basketball, canoe paddling, soccer and rocball.
