January Students of the Month chosen

Chosen as January Falls City Middle School Students of the Month are, left to right, Koner Hogue, sixth grade; Marissa Ogden, seventh grade; and Zach Jordening, eighth grade.

The students of the month for January at Falls City Middle School were Zach Jordening, eighth grade; Marissa Ogden, seventh grade; and Koner Hogue, sixth grade. Each pupil received a T-shirt printed with the Student of the Month logo. The shirts are compliments of Stripes and Signs. The Elks Club will sponsor a complimentary meal during Youth Week for all this year's student of the month recipients and their parents.

Koner Hogue is the sixth grade student of the month for January. He is the son of Don and Terri Hogue. His teachers say that he is a positive and polite student. It is important for him to complete work on time. Koner enjoys the R.O.A.R. (Respect, Obey Safety Rules, Achievement, Responsibility) Tiger Tickets at Falls City Middle School. His favorite class is math, and he has received several art awards. Koner also participates in band, chorus. and Clown Troupe. He is an Honor Roll and ABBIT student. Koner has also been recognized for perfect attendance.

Koner stays active outside of school with travelers basketball and youth group activities. Koner's favorite movie is The Blind Side, and he enjoys eating at Subway!

Marissa Ogden is the seventh grade student of the month for January. She is the daughter of Dustin and Tara Prater of Falls City and Brad and Jennifer Haynes of White Cloud, Kansas. According to her teachers, Marissa sets a great example by working hard and putting forth the extra effort and work needed to be successful. Her favorite class is social studies. She is active in volleyball, basketball, quiz bowl, band, chorus, Clown Troupe, and FCA. Marissa appreciates that with the Tiger Tickets, students who really try and work hard can be recognized and receive rewards at Falls City Middle School. She has received recognition for ABBIT and Honor Roll.

Marissa is active in travelers softball during the summer months and received a plaque and medal. She is also involved in the youth group for the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska. She went on a trip to Six Flags with the youth group as a reward for completing the necessary requirements. Her favorite movie is The Wicked Little Things, and she enjoys eating at Mutt and Jeff's!

Zach Jordening is the eighth grade student of the month for January. He is the son of Ron Jordening and Diane Jordening. Zach is described as a homeroom leader, as the best example of how to use independent study time, and as being very good in the classroom setting. His favorite class is science. Zach enjoys the teachers and the classes at Falls City Middle School. He is active in football, basketball, track, chorus, and quiz bowl. He continues to be on the Honor Roll and ABBIT lists.

Away from school, Zach participates in summer baseball. Zach's favorite movie is Coach Carter, and he enjoys eating at Breadeux Pizza!

The students who received honorable mention for January include Barbara Wilhide, Hannah Pfohl, Sydney Brewer, Alyssa Frederick, Taylor Bachman, Brady Lotter, Martin Richbourg, Hannah Weaver, Carley Youde, Avery Scott, Justin Kercher, Maggy Rieschick, Jeremy Zimmerman, Hannah Peek, Brody Weinmann, Marissa Stark, Colton McCann, and Sydney Armbruster.

To receive student of the month, students must first be nominated by one of their teachers. The criteria for nomination this year focuses on the 212 degree message. The teachers are continuously looking for the students who give the extra degree. The student demonstrates extra effort by being an exemplary student. Someone who internalizes the truth that is “Not enough to be good when you have the ability to be BETTER!” Each month the teachers will choose an individual from each grade who was identified as a 212 degree student and met the criteria. This includes turning work in on time; exemplary behavior everywhere; going out of their way to help peers; good grades and/or improvement; always showing effort; active and/or involved in the community,;leadership accomplishments that are academic, athletic, or in the community; school attendance; positive attitude toward others; honest and trustworthy; cooperative and dependable; helpful to teachers; positive attitude toward school; and considerate of other’s feelings.

On the day of voting for student of the month, the teachers meet before school. Teachers who have comments about those nominated are asked to contribute. The teachers then vote by private balloting. To win student of the month, one student must receive a majority of the votes. Those who don't win are given honorable mention and are eligible in future months.