The 2011-2012 school year journey begins, and we are anticipating an epic year as our teachers prepare students to become responsible, productive adults who embrace learning. Using a compass to guide our actions, we are hopeful that students embrace the following attributes: making connections with others, being optimistic and motivated, developing passion in areas of interest, possessing authenticity, striving for outstanding scholarship, and recognizing that everyone has a story to share.
Family Circle’s August issue featured an article, “Ten Best Towns for Families.” which ranked Peachtree City as 2nd, with a great schools rating of a 10. Collaboration among students, parents, and our community business partnerships is vital to our school’s success. PTSO-hosted “Coffee and Conversation with the Principal” meetings are scheduled for October 26th, January 26th, and April 25th from 9:00 until 10:30 in the senior cafeteria. In response to “A Vision for Public Education” initiative, the McIntosh High School administration is planning a community meeting to highlight the following topics: teaching and learning; human and organizational capital; governance, leadership and accountability; and culture, climate, and organizational efficacy. We look forward to working with and soliciting input from our parents and business partners as we continue in our excellence in education endeavors.
Providing students a variety of opportunities to experience rigorous studies is a focus at McIntosh. In the spring administration of Advanced Placement exams, 345 students participated, completing 685 exams and achieving an 83% pass rate. In the past 5 years, 9 AP courses have been added to our offerings, enrollment in Advanced Placement coursework has increased by 27%, and our students’ pass rate continues to increase. Dual enrollment is increasing in popularity; this year 33 students have exercised an option to begin college during their upperclassmen years of high school.
The athletic program at McIntosh High School continues to excel. This year’s football program has adopted the slogan “Win the Day,” promoting excellence in all endeavors—classroom academics, extracurricular activities, and athletics. We are looking forward to an outstanding season under the head leadership of Coach Lee Belknap. The Director’s Cup, a ranking of schools based on their success in the post-season sports by the GA Athletic Directors Association, ranked McIntosh as fourth in the state, commemorating the success of the 2011 girls soccer team who were state champions and the boys soccer and boys tennis teams who earned the title of state runner-up. The Chiefettes Dance Team earned 2011 state championship titles in kick and pom dance categories, and were ranked 7th in the nation in kick. McIntosh is proud of the outstanding athletic championship record attained by our athletes. In our school’s thirty-year history, the school has earned 35 state championship titles.
In the fine arts arena, the McIntosh bands, choirs, and orchestra continue to earn superior and excellent ratings in their large group performance evaluations. Each performing group strives to develop a student's lifelong education and pursuit of music. The visual arts and drama programs are thriving. An artist in the Class of 2011 was recognized as one of two students nationally who earned a $2000 college scholarship and a visit with Jane Seymour. The drama program produced three outstanding shows last year: Bang, Bang, You’re Dead, which was recognized as the best one-act play in the district, The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.
Welcome to new faculty members: Ward Abel, Meredith Bragg, and Allison Faubel join our English department. In addition to their teaching responsibilities, Mr. Ward sponsors the debate team, Mrs. Bragg coaches volleyball, and Ms. Faubel assists with the academic team and sponsors the literary team. Dale Myers joins our science department as a biology and physics teacher and coaches football. Allen Duff supervises our ISS classroom and coaches football. Geulia Boddie joins the guidance counseling department as the counselor for students whose last names begin with Li through Ron.
It is a great time to be a McIntosh Chief, as we embrace excellence, use a compass to guide our actions, and always strive to “Win the Day.”
Lisa Wms Fine, Principal