The Patriot Journal

The NC Board of Education has rated Madison High School as a School of Distinction.

2010-08-06T04:47:00.001-07:00

The NC Board of Education has rated Madison High School as a School of Distinction.

2009-09-24T16:44:00.000-07:00

As you enter the door, cross the breezeway, and make your way through the square-shaped halls, you have entered into the labyrinth that is Madison High School. If you continue your venture deep enough into the maze and make it to the other side, you will a different kind of learning center, located just outside Madison High’s walls. Nestled just beyond the new science wing, Madison County’s Alternative Learning Center compliments the educational process of all Madison County Schools, teaching both technical skills and secondary education to enrolled students.
The state of North Carolina mandates that each school system have an alternative learning program integrated as an option for students. The Madison County Career Center is a conjoined program, incorporating both MHS and Madison Middle School, helping students enrolled in grades 6-12. Many of those involved with the program have become aware of a common misperception that blurs the vision of such programs. Some people’s ideas have been skewed to believe that these programs are designed for “problem students,” or “the bad kids,” but such views are entirely incorrect. The schools are designed to help students who simply do not fit into the traditional school setting, providing them with the same education, but in a different environment. The programs main objective is to help students graduate through flexible and inclusive programs that can be adjusted to fit individual students’ needs, providing them with volunteer and vocational experiences that stress the importance of education in the real world.
Alternative Learning Center teacher, Mr. Jeff Smith, firmly believes in the benefits of the program as he has returned for his sixth year of instruction, being extremely responsive to the needs of both his students and the program. Smith said, “In the past focus has been on vocational training, which is still core, but we have entered into a transition mode, trying to determine where the program needs to go from the present. Personally, I think we need to view our school as a drop-out prevention resource, helping as many students as possible graduate, while we work to reduce the drop-out rate” Smith also commented on his desire to help the students begin to network with people outside the school. He hopes to get community members involved in the learning center by means of mentoring and partial classroom instruction, literally bring reality into the classroom.

Lady Patriot Volleyball

2009-09-24T16:41:00.000-07:00

Submitted by: Alyssa Ramsey
Lady Patriots: Got It!
Jumpstarting the season with dynamite defense, hard hitting plays, and three-touch teamwork, the Madison High School Varsity Women’s Volleyball Team is setting the groundwork for what appears to be the best season in years. Co-Captain, Charlene Deaver said, “I love our team this year! Each and every person on the team is a very strong player in their own way. At each and every practice, especially in game situations, we all learn from each other, working to make our team stronger both on and off the court!” The Lady Patriots currently have a record of 2:1, beating such teams as Unicoi High School and our larger, 3A rivals, the North Buncombe Black Hawks.
The ladies attended the season’s first tournament, The Cyclone Invitational, this past weekend in Elizabethtown, TN. Madison played a total of 6 games and competed with teams from all across the region, including both Western North Carolina and Eastern Tennessee. Madison finished in an outstanding 2nd place, the most success MHS has had at any tournament in a number of years. After the tournament, Co-Captain, Lauren Garrison confidently stated, “This year, our team is possibly the best Madison High has ever seen. If we continue all of our hard work and determination that we have been showing, we could be first in conference for sure.”
Every athlete knows that no matter how well you perform, you still have to take it back to the gym for more practice. Head coach, Becky Morris said, “I’m really pleased with the girls’ efforts. Defense is good. Hitting is good. Serving is good. They’re playing really well as a team.” Coach Morris did continue to say that there is always room for improvement. “Got it, got it! Mine! Back row! Set!” These keywords of the volleyball vernacular can make or break a team, regardless of how hard they can spike a ball. In order to push the girls to become a more solid and consistent team, Morris said the team will continue to stress communication on the court. Deaver and Garrison agreed with their coach, “It’s true. We all play very well together, but we still have some fundamentals that we need to improve. After all, no one is perfect. Though, the main things we need work on can be easily fixed.” All the Lady Patriots, coaches and supporters are excited to see how the girls’ season will turn out, having high expectations of the girls’ potential. To see the Lady Patriots Volleyball Team in action there next home game will be on September 15 against Owen High School. For a complete season schedule visit the Lady Patriots online at: http://madison.k12.nc.us/mhs/ and click on “The Sports Page!”

This year, our team, in my opinion, is possibly the best Madison High has seen. We work together as a team and we get along great on and off the court. If we continue all of our hard work that we have been showing, we could be first in conference for sure.

New Staff

2009-09-24T16:40:00.000-07:00

As many know, Madison County Schools have taken a huge hit due to the budget crisis of current times. Madison High School, however, was extremely fortunate to not only receive most of last year’s teachers, but few new educators as well. Madison High School received five new teachers to work with MHS during the upcoming school year.
One of newest additions to MHS, Mr. Richard Williams, moved here from Georgia, where he taught and retired in the Georgia School Systems from thirty-two years as a Physical Education Teacher. At his previous school, he was Athletic Director for twenty years, as well as a state-winning coach in both football and baseball. When asked why he wanted to teach at MHS, Mr. Williams said that the rural environment appealed to him more than city life. He also commented about how he loved the smaller school systems and noticed how the administration as a whole strived for the best.
Madison High School was also fortunate to receive a new teacher in the English Department, Ms. Ariel Vetter. Ms. Vetter is originally from the mountains of Western North Carolina and went to college at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. When she graduated, she was certified to teach English and Drama. "I love how the English Department wants to tie in all aspects of the subject [English]; the projects, drama, and the literature." Ms. Vetter believes that teachers should come to together and work hard to make learning more fun and engaging for students.
Madison County native, Brenda Ogle, has lived in the area all her life. She is a graduate of Mars Hill College, where she attained her teaching degree she has used as a teacher’s assistant for many years. Mrs. Ogle still resides in Mars Hill with her husband and young daughter. She is enjoying being at MHS as it gives her the opportunity to spend more quality time with her family, being on the same schedule as her daughter’s elementary school. Mrs. Ogle transferred from Brush Creek Elementary School to MHS, where she has assumed the position of ISS Supervisor. Mrs. Ogle seems to be enjoying the changes from one school to the other. “At Brush Creek, I was working with smaller children, who needed much more attention. At MHS, however, the students are more mature, not requiring constant instruction. I like working with this age group; there’s much more freedom!”
Madison High’s Exceptional Children unit of the school received two new editions to their family, Mrs. Grant and Ms. Fridd. Mrs. Ashley Grant is a graduate from Mars Hill College with a degree in Special Education, though that was not always her plan. Mrs. Grant began her career at Mars Hill wanting to focus on middle grades education, but took a required EC education class and knew that was her passion. Before teaching, she had many jobs: childcare, Bath and Body Works, she was even a Medical Technologist at a local hospital. Mrs. Grant was newly married on July 17, 2007. Outside of school she spends time with her husband and their two “Children,” A.K.A. their dogs. In the future, she hopes to continue her education and the education of others while earning her Master’s Degree and National Board Certification. Her teaching partner, Ms. Fridd is a fresh graduate, who also attended Mars Hill College. She earned her education through a swimming scholarship that she was offered while still attending Appalachian State University. Ms. Fridd is originally from the mountains, graduating from Asheville High School. However, she has lived in many different places, including the U.S. and even over-seas. She wants to attain her Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy, which will give her the option of staying in the school system or working at a hospital. When asked what made Madison different from other schools, both teachers agreed, “It’s the students!” Mrs. Grant commented, “The students are extremely well-behaved. They create an atmosphere that is really inviting!” Ms. Fridd added, “The student body here is unlike any other school I have ever been at! The kids are fun and enjoyable to work with!”
On behalf of the students of MHS, I want to congratulate the teachers on their new positions and to welcome them to Madison! We greatly appreciate all the efforts, time, and support that they have already given to us! Teachers and students alike are ready to progress through the school year, making it the best it can be.