The Robert C Byrd Marching Band

    The Robert C. Byrd Marching Band kicked off the year July 23rd with three weeks of field show, parade, and musical rehearsal. The percussion began the first week, having tryouts and learning their instrument’s cadence parts. On the second week, all band members joined to prepare their competition field show and rehearse for the parades.

     To add fun and build a welcoming atmosphere, the members participated in spirit activities such as Duct Tape Day, Decade Day, Superhero Day, and Flag Day. Freshman loved the spirit days. "It was so much fun. I bonded with the other drummers and it made me feel like I was really apart of the band," commented Freshman Josh Longerbeam.

     The band has 75 members, 16 of which are seniors. The dance team is composed of 11 members, 3 of which are seniors. The band and dance team are led by Senior Drum Major Ronnie Johnson. The drumline is led by Senior Drum Captain Zac Clevenger.

     The theme of the band’s field show is MP3 Shuffle. It includes the songs "Animal" by Neon Trees, "Dynamite" by Taio Cruz, "4 Minutes" by Madonna and Justin Timberlake, "All the Small Things" by Blink-182, and also a solo by the drumline. They perform the field show during half time of all of the home football games and the Bridgeport and North Marion away games.

      Drum Major Ronnie Johnson enjoys leading the band in front of his fellow Byrd fans. "I cherish every performance in front of the RCB fans. I love knowing the band I conduct excites and provides spirit to the fans. The experience is amazing, and I’m proud to lead this band," remarked Johnson.

     The band not only prepares a field show, but a march which they perform during parades. They will be marching in four local parades and one in Elkins, WV, at the Mountain State Forest Festival. The band’s march and field show will compete with other bands in the state and judged by professionals. The also perform their field show at the Liberty Band Spectacular at Hite Field and the Fairmont Band Spectacular at East-West Stadium in Fairmont. Later in the school year, the band will be judged on two symphonic pieces at the Band Festival held at Bridgeport High School, and the dance team will compete in various competitions.

     The Band and Dance Team are conducted and coached by Mr.Grubb, Mr.Friend, and Mrs.Marozzi, respectively. Kyndra Lantz

Directing Hallway Traffic

     Introduced last year, neon vests are now used as hall passes. Gone are the days where students carried lanyards, and in their place are bright yellow vests that allow teachers to know if a student is supposed to be in the hallway or not.

     Each classroom now has a vest with the room number written on it, and a clipboard for students to sign out on. While students may view this as a hassle, teachers find it to be very helpful; keeping track of their students is extremely important.

     While it may take a couple months to adjust to this new system, students and teachers will find it to be an interesting experience. Eventually, students will find the vests to be as natural to carry as the lanyards were. Aimee Gallo

Freshman Class Elections

     The 2012-2013 Freshman Class came in this year with no class officers. They held an election complete with speeches, signs, and campaigning. On Monday August 27, 2012, the freshman candidates hung their posters in the elevator lobby. There were many unique and colorful posters made by the candidates.
     They presented their speeches on Wednesday during freshmen homeroom time. All freshmen voted in their homerooms on Friday and the results were tallied shortly after. The new officers include: President Justin Welling, Vice President Elisa Schwartzmiller, Treasurer Samantha Hines, and Secretary Sarah Grace Reed. Shannon Cunningham

Touchdowns at RCB

    During our four years of high school there are moments that are unforgettable: your first day of freshmen year, the lead in a school play and a late night football game. Cheering on your school team is always a fun memorable experience for all students. This season the Mighty Flying Eagles Football Team prevailed against Fairmont Senior on Friday, August 24,marking our first win.

    Senior Varsity Football Player Jermodd Garrett remarked that his favorite thing about football is hitting. He explained that the team’s biggest goal this season is to achieve a state title. Garrett stated he feels the Eagles have a pretty good chance at State Championship this year. He suggests to the freshmen football players, "Just sick with it. Don’t give up; just stick with it," he reiterated.

    The great win on Thursday August 30 against Liberty was an experience to witness. Jermodd added, "It was a good game, but the guys struggled mentally a little through the second quarter." This was followed by a smashing win over the Lincoln Cougars on September 7.On September 14 the Eagles eperienced their first loss this season against Bridgeport. With three wins under their belts the Eagles are prepared to defeat the Grafton Bearcats. Caitlyn Mcintyre

Cross Country at RCB

     Though some people might say that RCB has an unusually small Cross Country Team, they are actually six times larger than last year. Then, Freshman Austen Zorick, was the only member. This year, they’re up to six runners, including Cassidy Oliverio, Autumn Barnhart, Catherine Fox, Sarah Grace Reed, and John Lowther.

     Though the team has grown, they still aren’t large enough to compete as a team. They all run for individual places at their meets, though Coach Chad Feathers trains them as a group.  Junior Catherine Fox said, "We have a great team. We all get along and push each other. We have a lot of tough practices but they really help".

     They seem to be all set to have a great season. In Zorick’s first race he placed 20th out of 244 runners. When asked about his goals for the season, he said, "My goal is to make it to States." Sadie Janes

The Future Farmers of America

     "Learning to do, doing to learn, earning to live, and living to serve." That’s the motto of the recently adopted Future Farmers of America program. It started off slowly with only 60-70 students. Now, RCB has over 150 students enrolled in FFA based classes.

RCB offers the following FFA based classes: Agriculture, Horticulture, Greenhouse Production, and Leadership. If any students are interested in being in the leadership class, there are still open seats during second homeroom. However, if any student was enrolled in FFA based classes last year, their SAE (Supervised Agricultural Experience) from the previous year is still required. Please submit the records to Miss Milliken by January 15, 2013.

     There are plenty of upcoming events for FFA members; the national FFA convention is approaching very soon and the greenhouse shall be done by second semester. When it is completed RCB will be participating in the FARM TO SCHOOL program. Also, to all FFA members, there are still two open officer positions: Sentinel and Vice President. Shallyn Cochran

New Harrison County Dress and Dance Guidelines

The safety and appearance of all RCB students is the priority of RCB administration and staff. Homecoming and prom are times of celebration and enthusiasm for the school year. Reminder to all parents and students: Based upon the recommendation of student committee assembled from all high schools in Harrison County and the Board of Education, we remind all students to follow the following guidelines at all Harrison County dances:

· Appropriate dress (no see through, tight, etc.)

· Placement of hands on the waist

· Standing straight up (no bending over) at all times

Students who do not follow these guidelines will be dismissed from the dance (and possibly future dances) and disciplinary action may occur.

From The Principal's Desk

     "Every moment is a fresh beginning," said T. S. Eliot. The start of the 2012-13 school year is one of fresh beginnings for the 773 students at Robert C. Byrd High School. And, we are off to a promising beginning with the footprints started last year by the students and staff. The school made Annual Yearly Progress by meeting the State’s benchmark for Math and increasing the Reading Language Arts (RLA) scores among 11th grade test-takers. The 10th graders improved scores in RLA, Biology, and US History (with the largest gain of 11 percentile points recorded). The 9th graders improved scores in all subject areas with marked improvements in math (8 percentiles), RLA (9 percentiles), Physical Science (3 percentiles), and World History (10 percentiles). We once again commend those students who earned a Distinguished rating with a banner that includes their names in the entrance to the Academic Wing. Likewise, RCB cut its dropout rate in half and increased the graduation rate by almost 3 percentage points over the previous year.

     A team of teachers, working with input from community members and students, have developed new goals for the school:

   1. Strengthen the relationship between school and its families, parents, and community.

   2. Offer innovative technology and professional development to increase student usage of technology.

   3. Advance curriculum and rigor and relevance to promote student achievement.

   4. Reinforce a positive learning environment to promote morals, behaviors, academics, and civic duty.

     One of the exciting outcomes of these goals is a reading initiative where students, staff, and administration will participate in 30-minutes of Silent Sustained Reading weekly in homeroom each Wednesday. Also, a continuation and expansion of the Positive Behavior Support opportunities for students will take effect. SOAR (Showing Outstanding Attitude and Responsibility) started last year at RCB and recognizes students for extra efforts of responsibility, willingness to help others, a positive attitude, and other actions RCB wants to promote in the youth. Staff members recommend students to administration, and students receive a prize and letter of recognition for their parents. Students of the Month ("Soaring Eagles") will be recognized by each department and displayed in the cafeteria; likewise, banners for students who are on the honor roll will be hung at the entrance of the Academic Wing.

     In an effort to decrease obesity, intramurals will be organized for each Friday. And, as always, increased communication opportunities will be a priority as RCB teachers and administration will utilize the school blog, TV Productions class, parent newsletters, and Local School Improvement Council meetings to solicit the opinions of all stakeholders involved.

     Most importantly, I could not mention new beginnings without taking this opportunity to remind parents and teachers to always model appropriate behavior for our youth. It is essential that we all take a moment and think about the consequences of each one of our comments and actions before we make or perform them. In this time of heightened access to the opinion of others on facebook and Twitter, it is more important to think about the importance of not saying or fueling false truths. It is imperative that communication between the school and parents is a two-sided street where concerns are reported to administration so that important discussions and actions can occur. It takes the efforts of all of us to ensure that our youth receive the proper education in all aspects of life – not just those lessons learned from a textbook.

New faces on campus!

       

  

Freshmen turn into sophomores, and juniors turn into seniors, marking some of the natural changes in a school. Including the population; the head count at Byrd High has increased. RCB has obtained some new staff members this year.  Joining us this year English teacher and play director, Ms Moore, former teacher at Lumberport Middle school tells us a little bit about herself. Graduate from WVU tells that her favorite thing about teaching is the interaction with students and being a positive influence for them. When asked what she hoped to accomplish this year she replied, “I hope to accomplish a fabulous musical and to prepare my seniors for the real world.” She and fellow teacher Ms. Bryanna Reger are welcome additions to the Language Arts Department.
             Additions to the history department are Mr. Mike Duke and Mr. Greg Phillips. Duke comes to us from Bridgeport High while Phillips is familiar as he taught ESL students at RCB previously. That position is now filled by Ms. Jessica Moats. New art teacher Mrs. Kathryn Crim is a great addition as art teacher, along with Mr. Bruce Carey in Driver Ed and Health.         

The music department added a couple new faces this fall with Mrs. Vickie Haley in choir and Mrs. Barbara Cale in Strings.

Being a new teacher at a high school could be an exciting change. Business and marketing teacher Mrs. Michelle Allen tells us her favorite thing about teaching at a new school is meeting new students. Allen states her goal for this school year is to increase students’ interest in technology and hopes to make all her students feel appreciated. She shares the department with another new face, Dr. Gerry Newlon. And don’t forget new counselor Ms. Kim Miller and new secretary Mrs. Monica Audia.

We hope to have a great and successful year. Caitlyn McIntyre

   

        Robert C. Byrd High School's cheerleading season began successfully with tryouts in early August. After intense training and preparation, six new members joined the team. Although tryouts marked the official beginning of the season, a two-day cheerleading clinic was held over the summer. During the clinic, Head Coach Karen Thomason and Assistant Coach Jennifer Banko had the opportunity to see the skills of their cheerleaders.

       Now, the RCB Cheerleading Squad is working tediously to prepare for their upcoming competion in November. In order to get in shape, the squad runs a mile every day along with having practice every day except Sunday. They are all excited to have the opportunity to show everyone their skills at the competition.

      The senior captains this year include Jordan Thomason, Jada Nelson, Samantha Lawson, Drew Banko, and Austin Cross. The squad frequently holds team bonding activities such as going to the movies, to the lake, and having sleepovers at one another's homes. Spending so much time together makes the squad closer and stronger. Senior Samantha Lawson said, "This year is different because we are more of a family and we love each other." With team bonding, tough practices, and two great coaches, the RCB Cheerleaders are in for a very successful season. Haley Sommerville 

On the Green

       The Robert C. Byrd Golf Team began their season with several returning players as well as a few talented new additions. The team is made up of nine dedicated golfers who have practiced in the off season on order to better themselves for this year. Leading the team in the number one seed is Senior Travis Riddle. "Our team's looking pretty good this year. Everyone's been working really hard," Riddle stated confidently. Following him, are Sophomore Ezra Calef in the number two seed, Senior Jeremy Thomas in third,

Sophomore Louis Carvelli fourth, Freshman Luke Dyer fifth, and Junior Kirkland Piles as sixth. The team began their season defeating rivals, the Bridgeport Indians, by one stroke. That was only the beginning to a fresh start on the green; there is much more talent to be revealed as the season continues. Allison Carvelli

Starting Off Strong

     With a strong mixture of returning players and freshmen, the Robert C. Byrd Lady Eagles Volleyball Team is expected to have another excellent season, attempting to match last year’s trip to Charleston for the State tournament. Four out of the previous season’s six starting players have returned and are excited to begin the year. The team has a lot to look forward to, as their underclassmen are also performing well. "We have one of the strongest freshman classes we’ve ever had." stated Coach Ron Gilmore. "I expect great things from our girls."

     Although the Lady Eagles lost a close game in 3 sets against Buckhannon-Upshur, they showed promise for the rest of the season. Their off-season training shone through as many of the players had greatly improved from the last season. While it will be tough to replace graduated Seniors Kalilah Lasenby and Alissa Ford, many have stepped up to the challenge and are hoping to excel.
     In the coming month, the team has many exciting games, including a tri-match against Fairmont Senior and Tyler Consolidated on September 18th, and the annual MCM Eagles Classic, an all-day tournament held in the Robert C. Byrd Gym on September 22nd.  Hunter Cutlip

Back to the Beat

     The Robert C. Byrd Show Choir gained a new, vital member. New Director Mrs. Victoria Ray Haley tranferred from South Harrison Middle School where she held the position of assistant band director. Although she is new to instructing high school show choir field, she was a member of the show choir while a student at Washington Irving High School. She is plenty experienced vocally, being the instructor and member of local and travelling choirs.

     The Show Choir has a total of 22 performers: 6 seniors, 1 junior, 5 sophomores, and 10 freshman. Only 10 of the performers are returning.
     The theme of this year's show is British Invasion. Song choices are among the British artists such as Elton John, Queen, Fleetwood Mac, Adele, The Police, Coldplay, and of course, The Beatles.

     The returning performers are thrilled to have a new director and have adjusted smoothly. Mrs.Haley is starting the year with only one expectation: creating a "united, creative, and musical aproach to competition and class." Kyndra Lantz