Hinckley-Finlayson High School PO Box 308 201 Main Street Hinckley, MN 55037
bmasterson@hf.k12.mn.us ph (320) 384-6132 fax# (320) 384-6135

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Mid-Quarters

Teachers will submit mid-quarter grades tomorrow (Thursday).  Parents and guardians will be able to pick these mid-quarter grades up at conferences next week.  Conferences are on Tuesday October 9th and Thursday October 11th in the High School Gymnasium.  On both of these evenings, conferences will run from 5-9pm.  I feel this is an excellent time to meet, get to know, and address any concerns with the teachers.  Mrs. Flagstad, Ms. Korf, and myself will also be present for parents and guardians to talk to.

The late bus pick up time on both nights of conferences will be changed.  The pick up time will be changed to 4:45pm instead of the typical 5:30pm pick up.

The weather is about to get cooler.  Students please make sure you are not wearing flip flops in the morning while waiting for the bus, and please wear a jacket on these cool mornings.

To get all the school related information, please check our school website, stop by, or call me at any time.

Go Jags!

Mr. Masterson
(320) 684-6132

Monday, October 1, 2012

Homecoming Wrap Up

Homecoming week was very busy.  We had coronation on Monday, Rent-a-Friend and Pie in the Face competition on Tuesday, Intramural Volleyball tournament and shopping cart parade on Thursday, and a pep assembly, afternoon activities, tail gate party, football game, and dance to finish the week on Friday.  Congratulation to the Hood Rats, they were the winners of our Intramural volleyball tournament.  They also beat the staff team during Friday's pep assembly.

Congratulations to the football team in winning their homecoming game Friday night.  It was a great game, it was well attended, and the students who do not play football were very supportive.  The dance was also well attended and the students were well behaved.

Now we are back to a normal week.  Mid-quarter are this Thursday.  Students, make sure you are getting all of your work done.  Conferences are next Tuesday (10/9) and Thursday (10/11).  Both nights the conferences are from 5-9pm.  There is no school next Friday (10/12) for students and staff.

Please check back to our school website for all of the school happenings in the month of October.

Go Jags!

Mr. Masterson
(320) 384-6132

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Homecoming

Homecoming week is off to a great start.  The coronation assembly on Monday was very good and the students were well behaved.  The King for this year is Jeremiah LeTourneau and the queen is Natalie Peel.  Congratulations to this year's King and Queen.  Monday also saw the varsity volleyball team sweep Pine City 3-0.  Way to go Jags.

Today we had a successful rent-a-friend and pie in the face assembly.  Check back to our school website tomorrow and later in the week to see pictures.  At this time, which is 5:40pm, I am still dealing with cool whip up my nose.  It was a lot of fun and money was raised to help out the local food shelf.  Tonight there is another volleyball game.  Good luck to the volleyball team.

As the week goes on, Wednesday is Western Wednesday.  I look forward to seeing a lot of cowboy boots and cowboy hats.  There is no activity during the day so the school day should be normal.  Thursday there is an intramural volleyball tournament.  The winners will get to take on the staff team at a later day.  Thursday is also Zombie Day.  I am sure this will be interesting.  We will also have our shopping cart parade on Thursday during advisory.  Friday is school spirit day, with a pep assembly during 2nd hour and our activity day in the afternoon.  Senior High students will go to Grand Cinema where as the 7-9th grade students will stay in the school for their activities.  To end the week there is a home Football game followed by the dance from 9pm-12am.  Please arrange for the students to be picked up on Friday no later than 12am.

It is a busy and fun week at HFHS.  If you have questions about the week, or anything else you would like to chat about, please give me a call in the high school office.

Go Jags!

Mr. Masterson
(320) 384-6132


Thursday, September 6, 2012

First Week

So far, it has been a great first week of school.  Last Thursday the football team won their home opener 21-0.  On the first day of school, all three volleyball teams won.  The varsity won in a 5 game thriller.  Also on the first day of school, the JV football team won 52-8.  It has been a very good start for some of our athletic teams.

Students have until next Monday, September 10th to make any schedule changes.  If you have concerns regarding your schedule, please see me or Mrs. Flagstad in the High School office.

I realize our school website has been slow.  I apologize for this and we hope to have the situation fixed as soon as possible.  In the mean time, please call the High School office if you have any questions.

All in all, it has been a good start to the school year and the students have been patient and well behaved.  I am happy that we have good students.

As always, if you have questions, comments, or concerns, please let me know.

Go Jags!

Mr. Masterson
(320) 384-6132

Monday, August 20, 2012

August Happenings

Fall Sports are off and running and had a successful first week of practice.  Mr. Monson and Mr. Linden have their runners working hard.  I have heard that the Volleyball players are pretty sore and that Mrs. Scullard is getting her players ready for the season.  I have also heard the numbers are good in Football and they had a successful first week.  Games and events will begin next week already, please check our school website for information on times and locations.

New teachers return to work this Friday.  The high school has two new teachers.  Mr. Brad Jensen will be the new ALP coordinator, and Mr. Jeremy Miller will be our new Social Studies teachers.  The new teachers will be in to work both this Friday and next Monday.  All teachers return to work a week from tomorrow.

There is a lot going on already in the high school.  Teachers are coming back to work, and students are starting to come in and get acquainted to the building.  Students can begin picking up their schedules a week from today, Monday August 27th.

If there are questions or concerns between now and the start of school please do not hesitate to call.

Go Jags!
Mr. Masterson

Friday, August 17, 2012

Back to School

I am looking very forward to be the start of the next school year.  A new school year is almost here.  Take every opportunity to enjoy the remainder of the summer.  Feel free to stop by the office to pick up report cards.  All fines must be paid before report cards are released.  You can pick up schedules the week before school begins.

I attended the Rachel’s Challenge national conference this past June.  It was the best professional conference I have been to in either my teaching or administration career.  I am excited to take the ideas that were presented and show that to our students and staff in September.

A few reminders as we get closer to September.  Starting the first day of school, our school day will be extended ten minutes.  Instead of ending at 3:00pm, the school day will end at 3:10pm.  Also starting in September, (the first one is September 19th) the school district will have a 2-hour early release schedule.  Instead of letting our students out at 3:10, the school day will end at 1:10.  This will happen about once a month, except for the months of December and May.

Beginning August 6th, the school board approved the use of the TIES FeePay system enabling parents to pay for school lunches, activity fees and sports fees all online! Parents must have a SchoolView account to access this system. High school parents can call Mandy or Jennifer at 320-384-6132 and elementary parents can call Angie at 320-383-6132 ext 2109 for an access key.

A final update, due to athletic scheduling, there is going to be a change during homecoming week.
Homecoming week is the week of September 17th.  I will update the community further on the happenings of that week in September, but due to athletic events, and the timing of homecoming, coronation will not be in the evening.  Coronation will be at 10am on Monday September 17th, not in the evening as it traditionally has been. If you have questions, please call the high school office.

There is only a few weeks left of the summer.  Enjoy the heat, as always…check out our website, call, email, or stop by with any questions, comments, or concerns.

Go Jags!

Brian Masterson, Principal
Hinckley-Finlayson High School
(320) 384-6132

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Summer Office Hours

Just a reminder to all community members that the high school office will be closed for the first two weeks in July.  The office will be closed and the phones will not be answered from July 2nd - July 13th.  Phone will be answered again and people will be in the high school office beginning Monday, July 16th.  Hours will resume at that time to be 7:00am-3:30pm.  I will be out of the office for the month of July, but will be checking email and voice mail regularly.  If you have an issue or concern, please feel free to email me, or leave me a voice mail in the high school office.  If you have a concern that requires immediate attention during the first two weeks of July, please feel free to call the district office, their office is open the entire month of July.  The district office phone number is (320) 384-6277.

Enjoy the warm summer, as always, if you would like to call me, please do.

Go Jags!
Mr. Masterson
(320) 384-6132

Monday, June 25, 2012

Just a reminder that report cards are available in the high school office.  Fail and fine lists have also gone out to families.  If your student has a fine, you are not allowed to pick up your student's report card until the fine is taken care of.  If you have any questions, feel free to call me in the high school office.  High school office hours are Monday-Friday from 7:00-3:30.

Mr. Masterson
(320) 384-6132

Friday, June 15, 2012

Report Cards

Report cards are available in the high school office beginning today, Friday June 15th.  The high school office is open from 7am - 3:30pm, Monday - Friday.  Feel free to stop by at any time to pick up your report card.

The summer credit recovery program as well as our summer school targeted services program are off to great starts.  Students, remember to earn your credit, you need to not only come to summer school, but also put in a good deal of work time.

I hope everyone is off to a good summer vacation.  If you need anything or have questions, feel free to call the high school office.

Go Jags!

Mr. Masterson
HFHS Principal
(320) 384-6132

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Congratulations to the class of 2012!  Today is graduation.  It has been my privilege to be the High School principal this school year.  I have been able to watch this class grow into the leaders and adults this class has become.  You have left the high school a better place for our younger students and I thank you for that.

If you ever need anything from the high school, let us know.  Have a great summer and good luck to the class of 2012 in whatever you decide to do.  Do not settle for being average.

Go Jags!
Mr. Masterson
HFHS Principal

Monday, April 30, 2012

It is hard to believe tomorrow is the month of May.   Seniors are down to their last month of the school year.  There are many events and activities taking place in May.  This week we have a home baseball game on Tuesday, as well as Friday and Saturday.  Softball has a home game on Tuesday as well.  Home softball games are played at the West Side Park.  Track also has a home track meet this Friday.  Also Friday some of our students will be going or have artwork displayed in the East Central Arts Invitational. If you have the opportunity, go out and support our students in one of their many activities.  If you need times, please call the high school office or check our school website.

Next week is Teacher Appreciation week.  Our teachers do an outstanding job with our students.  I consistently see the teachers pushing the students to do their best, expecting the most out of the students, and because of this, getting the most out of each individual student.  Thank you to all the hard work our teaching staff puts in.

In the last week or so cell phone violations have risen.  Please be reminded that cell phones need to be turned off and locked in a student's locker.  When on the bus, the student needs permission from the bus driver or coach before they use their phone.  If you have any questions, please let me know.

There is a lot going on in the month of May.  Check our school website often or give the high school office a call if you have questions or want more details of where an event is taking place.

As always, if you have questions or concerns please let me know in the high school office.

Go Jags!
Mr. Masterson
(320) 384 - 6132

Sunday, April 22, 2012

MCA Testing

It was a busy week in the high school with MCA testing. Thank you to the students and staff for their hard work preparing for the annual state exams. Another thank you to the students and staff for going out of the normal school routine to make sure the students would have the best opportunity to do well on the test.

Hopefully results will come quick from the state. When we receive the school's MCA results, we will let the parents and community know as soon as possible.

On Friday the students participated in their third lunch "mix it up day." I am aware that this is not what the students would prefer to be doing but this time, in my opinion, we had the most successful day. Instead of mixing up the students in grades 7-12, we mixed up two separate groups. We had a 7-9 and a 10-12 group. This allowed the students to interact with other students who were closer in age, and also eliminated some intimidation for the younger students who used to have to sit with senior high students.

Spring sport activities are off and running. Please call the high school office or check the high school web page for a listing of schedules and activities. If possible, go out and support both our junior and senior high Jaguars in their activities.

As we move into May, the school calendar gets very busy. Please check our website or call the office if you have questions about events or the happenings in the high school.

I want to close by congratulating some of our fine art students. We had a student make it to the state meet for SPEECH this past weekend. Please check the website this upcoming week to see how we did. We also had some of our choir students make it to state competition. Good luck students and thank you for all your hard work.

As always, if you have questions, comments, and or concerns, please let me know in the high school office.

Go Jags!
Mr. Masterson (320) 384-6132

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Spring Sports and Conferences


It is amazing that spring sports started yesterday.  This week both girls softball as well as boys and girls track got started.  Next Monday, March 20th, boy’s baseball and golf for boys and girls will start.  If there are students who are interested in joining these activities please contact the high school office or Mr. Pat Riley.

 A reminder to students and parents/ guardians there is no school for students on Monday March 19th.  Another reminder that the end of quarter 3 is on March 28th.  Students make sure you are getting your work in and making sure you are up to date on any missing work you may have had.

 Conferences are not far away.  You should be getting a letter home soon.  Conferences are on April 3rd and April 5th.  On April 3rd the conferences are from 5-9pm.  On April 5th, the students have no school all day, and conferences run from 12:00-3:45pm.  There is no school for students from April 5th - April 9th.

 Spring is here; there are a lot of activities and events coming up.  Please check the high school web page often as well as this blog for any updates.  If there are questions or concerns, please let me know.

 Mr. Masterson
 (320) 384-6132

Monday, March 5, 2012

Snow Day Make Up

Due to our snow day last week, we are going to have a different schedule the first week of April.

On Thursday April 4th students and staff will have a normal day of school.  Students will not have school from April 5th - April 9th.  School will resume on April 10th. 

Conferences will take place on April 3rd from 5pm until 9pm.  Conferences will also take place on April 5th.  Conferences on April 5th will run from 12pm until 3:45pm.  All conferences will be in the high school gym.

If there are any questions on this, please let me know in the high school office.

Mr. Masterson
HFHS Principal
(320) 384-6132

Monday, February 13, 2012

February has a lot of events that are taking place.  This week there is a boy's basketball game at home on Tuesday.  On Friday there is another boys basketball game at home, the girl's basketball team is away on Friday.  Also on Friday we have the traditional waffle supper supported by the Lions Club.  The waffle supper begins at 4:00.

Congratulations to our Speech team.  The Speech team placed second over the weekend at their Speech Meet.  Way to go!  They are proudly displaying the trophy they won as well.  

We are continuing our Rachel's Challenge activities.  Last week the grades competed against each other to see what grade could have the most acts of kindness.  The grade with the most acts of kindness was our seniors; they had 1,108 acts of kindness.  Total the school had over 5,000 recorded with an average of 736 acts of kindness each day during that week.  Great job students.

As we look toward next week, reminder that there is no school on Monday, February 20th.  On February 22nd and 23rd we have our Honors Breakfast.  It is also amazing that mid-quarters for quarter three are not too far off.  Mid-quarters will be due on Monday, February 27th.

If there are any questions regarding Rachel's Challenge, Honors Breakfast, or anything else, do not hesitate to call the high school office.

Mr. Masterson

Friday, February 3, 2012

Snow Week

It is hard to believe that Friday of snow week is here.  This has been a busy week.  Congratulations to the Hood Rats who not only won the Dodge Ball tournament on Monday evening, but also beat the staff today (Friday) at the pep assembly.

On Tuesday we had our traditional Rent-a-Friend pep assembly.  The students had a lot of fun and the seniors served their Rent-a-Friend responsibilities on Wednesday.

Thursday we had our kick off to Rachel's Challenge.  The students learned about the challenges we are going start.  We are going to have a grade level competition to see who can have the most acts of kindness.  We are, once a month, going to have the students assigned to a random lunch table, to sit with people they may not know, or talk to.  We are also creating T-shirts in the honor of Brian Flagstad.  Proceeds from these shirts will go to the Friend of Rachel club to help us reach the larger community with our acts of kindness.

Today is activity day.  We had a pep fest this morning, and the students will be seeing a movie this afternoon.  The 7-9th grade students will stay at the high school in the FAC and the 10-12th grade students will see a movie at Grand Cinema.  The week will close with the snow week dance from 9pm-12am tonight.

It has been a great week.  Thank you to the students for your excitement and leadership.

Mr. Masterson

Monday, January 30, 2012

Rachel's Challenge

It has been two weeks since the students and staff saw Rachel's Challenge.  It was a powerful presentation, and one that is going to have the students lead a positive movement of change.  During the two days Rachel's Challenge was here, a leadership group of students was formed.  There are about 40 students on this committee and this group is the group that is going to lead the rest of the students to having positive change.

This week is Snow Week.  On Thursday of this week the students are going to be introduced to the ideas that the leadership group has come up with.  In the big picture, this groups not only hopes to have a positive impact on Hinckley-Finlayson high school, but also the community as well.

If you have any thoughts or challenges that you would like the leadership group to consider, please call me in the high school office.

Go Jags!
Mr. Masterson
(320) 384-6132

Monday, January 2, 2012

Welcome Back

I hope all the families of the Hinckley - Finlayson school district had a great vacation.  I also hope all families had a lot of opportunity to spend quality time with family and friends.

The Science Fair is right around the corner.  Ninth and tenth grade students should be finished up with their science projects and getting ready for the fair.  The Science Fair is January 9th and begins at 7pm.  I hope there is a good turn out for this event.  The students have put in a lot of hard work.

Check out our school website to find opportunities to see both the high school athletic teams, as well as the junior high athletic teams.  Like the science fair students, these athletes are putting in a lot of hard work and are putting in a lot of hours to get better at their sports.  Junior high games are free to the public and 9th grade, junior varsity, and varsity games are $5 for adults and $3 for students (K-12).  Support your Jags!

As always, if there are questions, comments, or concerns, feel free to stop by the high school office or give me a call at any time to discuss the happenings in our school.

Happy New Year!

Mr. Masterson