Fall Play Announced

No Child... as described by the Washington Post: "A Bronx high school explodes into chaos time and again in Nijala Sun's remarkable, often riotously funny show...and if you think you know how such unruly episodes play out, think again."

The play depicts the power of theater and the arts, and the profound impact they can have on the lives of young people. No Child... has 16 characters that Sun originally all played herself. Messmer High Music Teacher Mr. Greg Flattery will be directing the show which will be performed on November 17th, 18th, and 19th. Auditions are October 6th and 7th. 

Mr. Flattery, affectionately (and appropriately) known as Mr. G-Flat, says he is "blown away by all the talent here at Messmer," which he sees daily in his band and choir classes, as well as after school through Guitar Club and After School Choir. The annual talent production, Show of Shows, he says, "is a highlight that shows the range of talent we have here." Though proud of the 100 students currently participating in music at Messmer High, he'd like to double that number.

The music department is evolving everyday, and Mr. Flattery wants it to be able to impact students' lives, and to show them how music can save lives as well.

An Extra Dose of Extracurriculars

The Extracurricular Fair was held last week and was very well attended. Students had a chance to see all that Messmer has to offer after the regular school day. Representatives from the arts, sports, clubs, and activities were on hand to give information and to get students excited about joining.

The sign-up sheets were quickly filled with signatures and all were anxious to be part of activities such as Service Club, the SMART Team, Latino Club, Sports, and Guitar Club.

See the slide show at right for more pictures from the fair.

A Week of Wins!

9.19.11. Last week is one for the record books with the Messmer High soccer, football, volleyball, and cross country teams doing us proud.

The soccer team racked up its first victory on Friday against Milwaukee School of Languages by a score of 2-1. Both goals were scored by Sophomore Gio Roman who said "It felt good. We could have done better but the good thing is we won. We'll keep on playing hard to win as much as we can." The next home game is 9/21 against Brookfield Academy.

Also on Friday the Messmer/Shorewood football team won against Dominican by a score 56-20. It was 49 to 0 at the half, giving the JV players a chance to play the entire second half. Sophomore Jonathan Carson scored his first touchdown and the defense made a great showing as well. The team meets SWCHA this Friday at Shorewood for their homecoming. Messwood's record is 3-1 conference, 3-2 overall.

Both of the Messmer Bishops volleyball teams won their matches on the 15th against St. Joan Antida showing great teamwork and perseverance. The JV and Varsity take on SWCHA this week and will take their winning spirit to the courts once again.

The Cross Country team made a great showing at the Waukesha South Invite on Saturday with Senior JaVaughn Porter making his first run and finishing second among his teammates. Sophomore Anthony Williams came in first for Messmer and many others improved their times. Coach William Gunderson said, "I feel strongly that everyone is trying their best, they work hard in practice and sweat everyday." This Saturday the runners compete in the Bradley Tech Invite.

Stand by for reports of more Victories to come!

Cross Country Pushing It To The Limit

Dedication and perseverance define the Messmer Bishops both in athletics and academically. The cross country runners are proving that this season. Team Coach and Messmer Math Teacher Mr. William Gunderson said, "I consider coaching the cross country team a gift [and an] opportunity to help the students physically and mentally. The training is a lot different [this year], there's a whole new attitude of respect, teamwork, and discipline."  

Coach Gunderson will often use his faith as a means to encourage the runners. He tries to sympathize with them and doesn't bark orders. According to Sophomore Anthony Williams, "Coach Gunderson, as well as Coaches [Ms. Kim] Stein and [Ms. Julie] Morrison receive much respect from the runners for their methods. The coaches are really good [with] encouragement...they each have something different to bring to the table." Williams is considered by the coaches as one of the team leaders. 

When speaking about the recent Metro Reunion Invite, Williams said, "Everyone put in a lot of heart at the last meet, and improved their times, especially Jordan Phillips...he doesn't let anyone or anything stop him from getting better. Jordan really brings the team together." Sophomore Phillips feels, "I'm with people who will support and stick with me until the end. I love my team." 

Follow this blog for all cross country meet and result information. Come out and support the team! 

Messwood Not Messing Around

The Messmer/Shorewood football team is making progress from last year's season, thanks to a new team attitude, and a new coaching staff. Senior Xavier Johnson said, "Last year, by the way we played, we didn't have a real chance of winning. This year we're working harder and have more of a team aspect. We are looking forward to the playoffs and we have a great chance." Johnson added this about his new coach, Mr. Drake Zortman, "He is very focused and he has a lot of goals. He also pushes us to try and succeed. When there's a new coach you want to prove yourself, that you can impact the team."

Mr. Zortman teaches at Messmer and Shorewood, allowing him to connect with students from both schools off the field as well. The new Defensive Coordinator, Messmer Computer Teacher Mr. Chad Hofmann, is also the varsity baseball coach, and that is part of the reason he decided to coach football. He said, "It gives me the opportunity to talk with and coach some of my baseball players. I like to see them progress on and off the field. I also just missed the game of football." Mr. Hofmann is excited about this year. "The season is going well and every week we're getting better. We have a very good chance at competing for a conference title. I can help the team get better by watching films and making sure the team is ready mentally."

The team, affectionately known as "Messwood," showed strong effort in their game on September 9th against the Hope School, taking their record to 2-2. Xavier Johnson scored two touchdowns, and the defense proved their worth. The back-up players made a good showing that night as well, holding the opponents to only 6 points. 

Messwood takes on Dominican on Saturday, Sept. 17th at 7:00 pm at Whitefish Bay High School.

Messmer's Angels Ready for Action!

   Teachers Pictured: Mr. Jon Stern (English/Social Studies), Ms. Lauren Brown (English), Mrs. Elizabeth Flattery (English)

A New Attitude for a New Season

 

     Comparing last year's soccer team to this year's, Assistant Coach Mr. Charles Uihlein says, "We have a better sense of what we need to do as a team. The negativity has majorly decreased and the support [among players] has improved." The biggest challenges for the team, according to Mr. Uihlein, are "conditioning and support/encouragement to not give up even when they're losing."

     The team is focusing on passing and working together to make the whole team shine, as opposed to creating individual stand-outs. Mr. Uihlein says they are striving to "play 100% for the full game--no giving up--and giving it our all by making sacrifices to accomplish what we want." Mr. Uihlein became a soccer coach because he wanted to see individuals grow in other aspects besides academics. 

     See the game schedule on this blog to come and support the team. There is a link at right for directions to our home field, Uihlein (no relation). 

P.E. to V.P.

     It's a new year, and our former Physical Education teacher finds himself with new responsibilities. Mr. Geoffrey Kaiser has been appointed our High School Vice Principal.

     Mr. Kaiser felt he was called to the job and is willing to learn whatever is necessary to help him succeed in the new position. He said, "I felt a sense of duty" and is eager to help students achieve their potential. He has traded in his shorts and t-shirts but not his fun-loving personality. Stay tuned to this blog to see what he has in store for this school year.

Serving Up a New Season

     Messmer High's Lady Bishops are excited about their new volleyball season. Ms. Rashida Gales, the new Assistant Varsity Coach, says the best thing about working with the girls is, “Their attitudes and willingness to learn the sport. They play as a team and have fun with each other. If the girls make a mistake they show one another the right way. [They give each other] great support each game; after a losing game, we find a lesson out of the loss.” Senior LaShawna Patterson agrees, “Everyone on our team has chemistry. We all give each other positive feedback and we never criticize each other. We build one another up.”

     Patterson believes the key to the team's success will be to “Keep your head in the game and never get distracted. Keep focused.” Ms. Gales has great faith in the girls because of "their mentality, leadership and love for the sport.” Watch this blog for the game schedule and come out and support our Lady Bishops!

Welcome to the New School Year!

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