Mission Statement: It is our goal that all students leave Leon High School prepared to the best of their ability to be lifelong learners and productive citizens in an ever-changing world and global society.

Mission Motto: Preparing lifelong learners and productive citizens.

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Principal’s Message

PTO News

inside this issue... Guidance Corner

Project Graduation

Senior Information

Marine Corps JROTC Program

Spring Fling

From The Principal’s DeskDear Leon Parents,

Well, it has been a very busy 2016 so far for Leon High School! I’d like to extend our gratitude to all of our Leon parents, faculty and staff, Leon County Schools maintenance departments, and of course, all of the first responders and Shift “A” personnel from the Tallahassee Fire Departments. In any type of emergency event, you hope your team pulls together, follows protocol, and succeeds in keeping everyone safe. I was very impressed by the fast responses of both our staff and students, along with all the helping hands which enabled us to resume normalcy so quickly. We couldn’t have done it without everyone’s assistance.

Spring is always a busy time at Leon. We are preparing for FSA testing, closing out the third nine weeks, and of course enjoying exciting events such as the Black History Celebration and the “Can the Lion” Second Harvest Canned Food Drive. With an outstanding showing for a majority of our Winter sports, we look forward to a successful spring with the season in full swing.

The majority of FSA testing and End of Course Exams will occur in April, with March focused on the FSA writing section. Over the next month and a half, our students will continue to spend numerous hours preparing for these tests in addition to gearing up for advanced placement tests and overall academic performance. The importance of the FSA and EOC Exams continues to be a part of the State mandated yearly grades.

The Florida Department of Education released 2014-15 district and school grades. I am proud to announce that Leon High school earned a grade of an “A.” This grade reflects the hard work of our administrators, teachers, staff, students, parents, and community. Thank you for your contribution to our students’ success.

The third nine weeks is coming to an end and this means report cards will be going out on March 22nd. The guidance office has also been busy with shadowing students. I was pleased to see such enthusiasm among many upcoming ninth graders interested in attending Leon High School. Leon is also proud to present thirteen nominees for the 2015-2016 Best and Brightest Scholarship Award. With so many outstanding applicants, the decision was difficult; however, I feel very confident in our 2016 nominees. These thirteen seniors are truly our “best and brightest” and will continue to represent the tradition of excellence that Leon is known for.

Soon the class of 2016 will make that proud walk across the stage on Saturday, May 28th, at 3:00 p.m. at the Leon County Civic Center, and we’ll close out another successful year. To stay abreast of current senior updates and activities, please refer to your senior’s calendar. If you have further questions, please feel free to contact the senior sponsors.

It is truly great to be a Leon Lion!!!

Billy Epting

Go Big Red!

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Guidance Corner The Guidance Office is preparing for spring events, testing and course registration.

Please note upcoming information.• Leon Curriculum Open House is March 8th at 5:30 p.m.• The third-nine weeks end on March 11; and report cards on March 22.• The last progress report is April 20.• Middle school visits for orientation and course registration starts March 25.

Scholarship Reminder: Seniors, please be mindful of scholarship deadline dates. Scholarship information is available on the Guidance page of Leon’s website at www.leonschools.net/leon.

Also scholarship notebooks are displayed in the Guidance Office for your use.

Aline C. PlaSchool Counselor(850) 617-5703

PTO News I am so thankful for our amazing Leon parents, who always impress me with their incredible generosity. Thank you to everyone who has recently helped with faculty meetings, Leon’s Elite, stocking the Media Center, and most recently, our Death by Chocolate Valentine’s offering to our wonderful teachers.

There are PTO Board position openings, as well as a number of committees that are in need of a chairperson for the 2016- 2017 school year. If you would like to volunteer, please call or email me to discuss the many ways you can support our school. Without our giving and hardworking parents, we could not succeed in providing the wonderful events that benefit our students and teachers.

There are a number of events coming up in the spring, so make sure you are signed up for Listserve so you can be kept up-to-date.

Wendy Schulte(850)-508-0384Whschulte1@comcast.net Project Graduation

Project Graduation MeetingMarch 7, 6:00 p.m. — Leon Media Center

Be a part of this amazing event held following graduation to provide for our seniors an opportunity to celebrate their graduation with their peers in a safe, supervised, and fun atmosphere. This is THE graduation party. We need YOUR help in making it a grand success. Mark your calendar now and be a part of this memorable night, join us March 7th at 6:00 pm at Leon and let’s plan a night for our seniors to remember.

Any questions, contact Gayle Carlton at writetogayle@yahoo.com.

‘LEON PRIDE’March 2016

Published Five Times Per YearLeon County Disrtict Schools

2757 West Pensacola St.Tallahassee, FL 32304

Issue #3

To download a PDF version of this newsletter, go to http://academypublishing.com/schools/leon/leon.php

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Tickets for the senior trip, Grad Bash, were sold during the month of February. Students who purchased tickets will be receiving further information regarding the trip soon. Please watch for the itinerary and trip expectations/regulations. There is a dress code enforced by both the school and Universal Studios. We will leave Leon around 10:00 a.m. on April 29th and return to Leon at 6:00 a.m. on April 30th. Please pick your child up at that time. This is the only senior trip sanctioned and chaperoned by Leon High School. Graduation announcements, which were ordered in October, will be available for pickup in the lobby on March 9th and 10th and again on April 13th. Be prepared to pay any balance you owe at that time. If you have questions or need help, please contact our Herff Jones representative Brad Maxwell at 850-432-7464.

May 6th is the deadline for students to finish FLVS/ACE and any other off-campus coursework. Grades must be posted by this date. Encourage your senior to work with his/her guidance counselor early to avoid tears and disappointments!!

Caps and Gowns will be delivered on May 13th. All outstanding debts, including lost textbooks, uniforms, media materials etc. must be cleared prior through Mrs. Hedrington before caps and gowns can be picked up. To insure delivery on this date, fees must be paid by March 30th. Caps and Gowns are only ordered for seniors who have paid fees. Seniors who have not yet paid fees may still do so. A late cap and gown order will be made on April 30th. Please pay fees at www.herffjonestallahassee.com. Seniors needing to make special arrangements should see a sponsor immediately.

Mark May 17th on your calendars. The Senior Awards Program will take place in Leon’s auditorium at 10:30 a.m. Families are invited to attend. The Awards Program will be followed by a “seniors only” luncheon for all members of the graduating class. The cost of this event is included in the senior fee.

In case you need a reminder, Graduation will be May 28th at 3:00 p.m. in the Civic Center. Graduates should be at the Civic Center by 2:15 p.m. They must carry their caps and gowns to pass security. Male seniors must wear a white dress shirt with a tie, dress slacks, dress shoes and dress socks. Females should wear a dress which is shorter than the gown and does not show at the neckline, and dress shoes (not flip-flops). Graduates may not bring in any other items, not even cell phones. Make arrangements ahead of time to meet after the ceremony. Disallowed items will be kept and will be available at school after 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 31st. Doors for guests will open at 2:00 p.m. There is open seating with no limit on the number of guests. More information will come home with your senior in May. Mandatory practice for this long-awaited event will be on May 25th at 12:00 p.m., also in the Civic Center.

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Marine Corps JROTC Program prepares students to lead, evaluate, coordinate, and function in multiple adult roles of day-to-day living and working throughout the life cycle. Students develop an individual sense of well-being to become contributing members of society as a family member, worker, nurturer, consumer, citizen, and life-long learner. If a student decides to join the MCJROTC Program, the student will receive (1) full credit for H.O.P.E, and an additional (1) full credit for Performing Arts. There are additional activities for team participation in MCJROTC and qualify for a 2 to 4 year paid for scholarship for College, Receive Certification in CPR & First Aid, Join the MCJROTC Drill team and Marksmanship team, Receive Martial Arts Training, Join our Athletic team (Flag football, Softball, Basketball).

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Does joining MCJROTC obligate me to serve in the United States military?

A: No, this class in no way obligates/pushes you toward joining the military. However, if you are interested in joining the military, this may be your first small glimpse of military traditions, drill, and other events that might confirm or change your interest.

Q: How much do uniforms cost?

A: The uniforms are free to you the cadet. The Marine Corps pays for all uniforms and instructional material. You are responsible for the upkeep of all uniform items and are required to return all items upon leaving the program.

Q: Do the instructors yell at you/get in your face?

A:` This is not boot camp. The MCJROTC program runs like any other class. The instructors, referred to as the Senior Marine Instructor (SMI) and the Marine Instructor (MI), give lectures, present slide shows, show videos, and incorporate hands on training into the lessons. If you want to experience a very brief version of boot camp, a Basic Leadership Training (BLT) is open to qualified, interested cadets during the year.

Q: WhatarethebenefitsofjoiningMCJROTC?

A: Upon completion of three years of the program, and choosing to enlist in the service, you are automatically eligible for promotion to the pay grade E-2. This puts you a year to two years ahead of your peers, and amounts to hundreds of dollars per month in pay. Even if you decide that the military is not the career you desire, the principles and training of the MCJROTC program are widely respected on both job and college resumes. In addition cadets are eligible for a Marine Corps Foundation Scholarship.

Q: IsthePhysicalTraining(PT)difficult?

A: We “PT” once a week, on Friday. The workout consists of push-ups, curl-ups, and running amongst other creative exercises. There is no set number of repetitions that are required for the program, only for ribbons, and at drill meets, medals. Much like a gym class, you are required to dress-out in the MCJROTC PT gear, which will strongly affect your grade. Your numbers will be recorded on our boards for review, and it is each cadet’s goal to match and beat his/her previous numbers. The highest numbers in each event are recorded and the top ranking individuals are then placed on the first string of our PT Team that competes at all drill meets. Effort above numbers!

Q: Are the males and females separated?

A: The class is mixed with both males and females. The PT is done as a unit/class; however the female cadets pair-off with other female cadets, and males with males. On orientation/drill trips the female cadets sit in the front and males in the back, separated by a row of empty seats. Fraternization is strictly prohibited. Dating within the unit will result in loss of job, dismissal from team, and dismissal from unit. Relationships within the MCJROTC program are strictly professional.

Q: What leadership positons are available in MCJROTC?

A: The MCJROTC is run by the cadet staff, and supervised by the SMI/MI. The chain of command, which you will learn about very quickly in the program, consists of jobs from Cadet Battalion Commanding Officer (BNCO) - Cadet Public Affairs Officer (C/PAO). Jobs are delegated to cadets who have shown outstanding leadership potential, motivation, dedication, and high personal standards. Each job is vital to the unit and all positions are taken very seriously. In most cases, freshmen are observed for these qualities and then selected for positions in their sophomore year. Outstanding freshmen cadets may be placed as Team Leaders and worked into a position. Each of our competing Drill/Academic/PT/Orienteering/Color Guard teams has a team commander. A team commander can be freshmen-seniors; however they must meet all qualifications such as memorizing the drill routines and other criteria necessary for fulfilling the job.

Q: What teams are available?

A: We have four drill teams, Unarmed Basic, Unarmed Exhibition, Armed Basic, and Armed Exhibition. Freshmen cadets who show tremendous effort and potential will usually land a position on the Unarmed Basic team, and less frequently the Unarmed Exhibition. You must first learn

Marine Corps JROTC Program

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to march without rifles before you can march with, much less spin/march with them. Remember, each cadet is competing for the same 14 positions, so competition is high. No cadets are cut from our team, and may be called upon as backups if a member is injured, sick, or otherwise unable to perform. We also have a Color Guard which does football games and competitions. They are also invited once a year to present the colors at an FSU basketball game (Senior Cadets). The Color Guard is reserved for experienced/skilled marchers, but all cadets, including freshmen are invited to train for each position. Freshmen are used in our home football games. We have a rifleteamthat shoots in competitions here at our school. The positions are open to the highest shooters, freshmen-seniors. We also have an orienteering team that learns to read maps and use compasses. They participate in matches that can best be described as “scavenger hunts,” using coordinates to find markers, and racing against the clock. Again these positions are open to freshmen-senior cadets. Finally, we have an academic team. The academic team participates in “Brain Brawls” which are college bowl style Jeopardy matches that ask Naval Science and current event questions. Starters ofthedrillteams,rifleteam,colorguard,andorienteeringteamreceivevarsityletters.

Q: WhatfieldtripsdoesMCJROTCgoon?

A: We are fortunate to be located in the N. Florida region where there are three naval bases within a fairly close proximity, NAS Jacksonville, NS Mayport, NS Kingsbay, Pensacola NAS, Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, GA. At Naval Air Station Jacksonville or Pensacola we have an opportunity to go every other year to the Blue Angels airshow and have even flown the official training simulators. The unit also travels to Parris Island S.C. for orientation training for a week with recruits. Every other year we travel to Pat Thomas Law Enforcement Academy for Outdoor Living Training. Each of these field trips is exclusive to MCJROTC and might otherwise be impossible to take part in.

Q: I have heard of the “Military Ball”; what is it?

A: The military ball is an annual event within the Unit in which we recognize the Units, as well as individual cadet’s efforts and awards. We also celebrate the Marine Corps birthday. This event is formal, and cadets, as well as parents, are encouraged to participate. A formal dinner is prepared and a dance follows the ceremony. Dancing is tasteful, usually featuring ballroom dancing and slow dancing (with daylight between you and your dancing partner). Pictures are taken at a minimal expense, and you’re very likely to walk away with a ribbon or two that you did not know you were eligible for.

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Leon High School550 East Tennessee StreetTallahassee, FL 32308

Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. POSTAGE PAIDTallahassee, Florida

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Join us April 6, 2016The LHS Foundation Board raises money for all Leon Students!

Every year the LHS Foundation Board of 32 parents, alumni and parents of alumni host an Annual Spring Fundraiser at the same time each year: the Wednesday before The Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. Start planning now to attend Spring Fling 2016 - on Wednesday, April 6, 2016 at the Capital City Country Club. A cocktail party with dinner by Outback Steakhouse, putting contests, raffle prizes and a silent auction all adds up to a ton of fun with other parents, teachers and administrators. Tickets are $125 for two, $75 for one and INCLUDE DINNER. Tickets are available from Board members (listed on our web site) at leonhighfoundation.org OR IN THE SCHOOL MAIN OFFICE or by emailing us at keepleonstrong@gmail.com The Foundation will also have a table at OPEN HOUSE on the evening of Monday, September 21, to sell Spring Fling Tickets.

Everyone is invited and we hope to see many of our parents supporting the organization that supports all of our students and teachers in the classroom. Let’s sell out in 2016!

To learn more about the Foundation, become involved, help with the Spring Fling and silent auction items, learn about the $1 Million Endowment we created in 2012 - now at $400,000 of our 1 Million Dollar Goal, or the LHS/TCC Scholarship we award each year to Senior LHS Students, visit our web site at leonhighfoundation.org, send us YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS we want to include you in our Quarterly E-Mail Newsletters - keepleonstrong@gmail.com and please, LIKE US on Facebook “Leon High School Foundation”.