Hirschi High School
Encyclopedia
John R. Hirschi Math/Science International Baccalaureate Magnet High School, or commonly known as Hirschi High School or HHS for short, is a four year public high school
in Wichita Falls
, Texas
located at 3106 Borton Lane. It is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School offering the Diploma
and Middle Years Program to students wishing to pursue advanced academic study in Mathematics, Science, English, Spanish, French, History, and the Arts. Also, Hirschi, an award winning member of the Magnet Schools of America
Association, offers its students hands-on instruction in aviation, studio/visual art, and nursing. Hirschi, which serves a population of 850 students, is overseen by the Wichita Falls Independent School District
(WFISD) and the Texas Education Agency
.
" and "Scarlet Red
" as the official school colors and the "Husky" as the school's mascot. Even though Hirschi never saw the school completed, his daughter, Mrytle Hirschi Ledford, remained committed to the education of Hirschi students until her death in 1994, often giving scholarships and financial assistance to deserving Hirschi students. During the early 1970s, the school surpassed its building capacity forcing construction of a new building for the junior high. The new Hirschi Junior High School, which for a brief time was called Northwest Junior High, was later renamed Kirby Junior High in honor of former WFISD Superintendent G.H. Kirby. The Husky Field House, which also houses the band hall, was constructed for the basketball and volleyball teams during the early 1980s and is unique to the area because of its tartan playing floors. In 1992, Hirschi High School became an official magnet school by adding a strong math/science based curriculum to its existing one as well as a multi-million dollar technology lab on the second floor. And in 1998, Hirschi became an IB World School and graduated its first diploma and certificate recipients in 2002. Authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Program since February 2002, Hirschi operates the program alongside nearby Kirby Junior High School. In conjunction with Midwestern State University
(MSU), Hirschi introduced dual credit courses in January 2009 to be taught on campus by a MSU professor. Also, because of the school's close proximity to Sheppard Air Force Base
, Hirschi has traditionally had a strong military presence from students whose parents are active or retired personnel. Hirschi is the third oldest public high school in Wichita Falls.
and competes with other class 3A schools, both in academic and sporting events, in District 6-3A.The primary student newspaper for Hirschi is The Husky Howl which is a monthly publication and the annual yearbook is named "The Husky."
In the fall, students, teachers, alumni, and fans come together during the Hirschi football season, celebrating decades of tradition by showcasing Husky pride each and every weekend. The Hirschi Huskies, who share Memorial Stadium
with the other two high schools in the district, are usually supported by performances from the Big Blue Band from Huskyland, the Hirschi HiLites dance team, the Hirschi Cheerleaders, and the Hirschi Yell Squad. Hirschi’s highly acclaimed JROTC and student council, in their respective roles, help with presenting the colors and coordinating pre-game activities. In the spring, junior and senior students who demonstrate leadership, a commitment to service, and maintain a high GPA are inducted in the Myrtle Hirschi Ledford Chapter of the National Honor Society. Also, among several other student superlative awards, four students from each class are chosen in the spring to receive the "Pride of Hirschi" award, which is the highest student award that can be bestowed upon a student by his or her peers.
The 2008 average spending per pupil was $7,252.
), designed to give students the opportunity to learn principles of aviation and aerospace.
, a prestigious award honoring creativity in business commercials and visual productions, have been presented to the school in the past decade.
released by the Texas Education Agency
in November 2010, Hirschi High School is currently rated "Academically Acceptable."
Secondary school
Secondary school is a term used to describe an educational institution where the final stage of schooling, known as secondary education and usually compulsory up to a specified age, takes place...
in Wichita Falls
Wichita Falls, Texas
Wichita Falls is a city in and the county seat of Wichita County, Texas, United States, United States. Wichita Falls is the principal city of the Wichita Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Archer, Clay and Wichita counties. According to the U.S. Census estimate of 2010,...
, Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
located at 3106 Borton Lane. It is an accredited International Baccalaureate World School offering the Diploma
IB Diploma Programme
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a two-year educational programme for students aged 16–19that provides an internationally accepted qualification for entry into higher education, and is recognised by universities worldwide. It was developed in the early to mid-1960s in Geneva by...
and Middle Years Program to students wishing to pursue advanced academic study in Mathematics, Science, English, Spanish, French, History, and the Arts. Also, Hirschi, an award winning member of the Magnet Schools of America
Magnet Schools of America
Magnet Schools of America is a non-profit organization supporting approximately 2000 magnet schools in the United States. Its main office is located in Washington, D.C.-History:...
Association, offers its students hands-on instruction in aviation, studio/visual art, and nursing. Hirschi, which serves a population of 850 students, is overseen by the Wichita Falls Independent School District
Wichita Falls Independent School District
Wichita Falls Independent School District ' is a public school district based in Wichita Falls, Texas, United States and is accredited by the Texas Education Agency....
(WFISD) and the Texas Education Agency
Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency is a branch of the state government of Texas in the United States responsible for public education. The agency is headquartered in the William B...
.
History
Recognizing the urgent need for a junior and senior high school in north Wichita Falls, benefactor and businessman John R. Hirschi turned over the ownership of property to the WFISD and in September 1962, John Hirschi Junior-Senior High School opened for operation under the leadership of Principal A.D. Neal. During its inaugural year, students chose "Columbia BlueColumbia blue
Columbia blue, also known as Jordy blue, is a light blue tertiary color named after Columbia University. The typical Columbia blue is defined by Pantone Columbia Blue 3 .- Usage, symbolism, colloquial expressions :...
" and "Scarlet Red
Scarlet (color)
Scarlet is a bright red color with a hue that is somewhat toward the orange. It is redder than vermilion. It is a pure chroma on the color wheel one-fourth of the way between red and orange. Scarlet is sometimes used as the color of flame...
" as the official school colors and the "Husky" as the school's mascot. Even though Hirschi never saw the school completed, his daughter, Mrytle Hirschi Ledford, remained committed to the education of Hirschi students until her death in 1994, often giving scholarships and financial assistance to deserving Hirschi students. During the early 1970s, the school surpassed its building capacity forcing construction of a new building for the junior high. The new Hirschi Junior High School, which for a brief time was called Northwest Junior High, was later renamed Kirby Junior High in honor of former WFISD Superintendent G.H. Kirby. The Husky Field House, which also houses the band hall, was constructed for the basketball and volleyball teams during the early 1980s and is unique to the area because of its tartan playing floors. In 1992, Hirschi High School became an official magnet school by adding a strong math/science based curriculum to its existing one as well as a multi-million dollar technology lab on the second floor. And in 1998, Hirschi became an IB World School and graduated its first diploma and certificate recipients in 2002. Authorized to offer the IB Middle Years Program since February 2002, Hirschi operates the program alongside nearby Kirby Junior High School. In conjunction with Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University
Midwestern State University is a public liberal arts college in Wichita Falls, Texas, and a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges...
(MSU), Hirschi introduced dual credit courses in January 2009 to be taught on campus by a MSU professor. Also, because of the school's close proximity to Sheppard Air Force Base
Sheppard Air Force Base
Sheppard Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located five miles north of the central business district of Wichita Falls, in Wichita County, Texas, United States. It is the largest training base and most diversified in Air Education and Training Command...
, Hirschi has traditionally had a strong military presence from students whose parents are active or retired personnel. Hirschi is the third oldest public high school in Wichita Falls.
Student life
Many Hirschi students constantly balance a strong academic life with the several extracurricular activities the school has to offer. Along with traditional student government organizations, students can participate in clubs that are dedicated to academics, community service, technology, music, JROTC and/or the theater arts. Due to Hirschi's flexible academic and social atmosphere, many students are also able to compete in varsity level sports such as football, basketball, volleyball, track, soccer, tennis, softball, baseball, and golf. Hirschi High School is classified as a Class 3A school by the University Interscholastic LeagueUniversity Interscholastic League
The University Interscholastic League is an organization that creates rules for and administers almost all athletic, music, and academic contests for public primary and secondary schools in the American state of Texas....
and competes with other class 3A schools, both in academic and sporting events, in District 6-3A.The primary student newspaper for Hirschi is The Husky Howl which is a monthly publication and the annual yearbook is named "The Husky."
In the fall, students, teachers, alumni, and fans come together during the Hirschi football season, celebrating decades of tradition by showcasing Husky pride each and every weekend. The Hirschi Huskies, who share Memorial Stadium
Memorial Stadium (Wichita Falls)
Memorial Stadium is an American football and soccer stadium in Wichita Falls, Texas located on Southwest Parkway at Barnett Road. It is owned and operated by the Wichita Falls Independent School District....
with the other two high schools in the district, are usually supported by performances from the Big Blue Band from Huskyland, the Hirschi HiLites dance team, the Hirschi Cheerleaders, and the Hirschi Yell Squad. Hirschi’s highly acclaimed JROTC and student council, in their respective roles, help with presenting the colors and coordinating pre-game activities. In the spring, junior and senior students who demonstrate leadership, a commitment to service, and maintain a high GPA are inducted in the Myrtle Hirschi Ledford Chapter of the National Honor Society. Also, among several other student superlative awards, four students from each class are chosen in the spring to receive the "Pride of Hirschi" award, which is the highest student award that can be bestowed upon a student by his or her peers.
The 2008 average spending per pupil was $7,252.
Alma mater
- During the song, students usually point their index finger towards the sky.
- Loyal Forever
- To our Red and Blue
- This symbol of our Hirschi High School spirit true
- We love you
- Loyal Forever
- We will always be
- Mighty and fighting on to victory
Fight song
- To the tune of Mister Touchdown, USA
- We're gonna fight, fight, fight for victory
- We're gonna shout, shout, shout for you
- Hirschi High goes down the field
- To any other team we'll never yield
- We're gonna fight until we win this game
- We're gonna make our fellow Huskies proud
- So give a great big cheer for the Heroes of the year
- Hirschi Huskies we're for you
International Baccalaureate Program
Hirschi High School offers to its students a challenging, rigorous, and internationally standardized program of study that prepares them academic life after high school. Since March 2007, Hirschi has been authorized as an IB World School, offering the IB Diploma Program to its juniors and seniors and the IB Middle Years Program (MYP) to its underclassmen. Kirby Junior High School, which offers the MYP to 7th and 8th grade students, partners with Hirschi to facilitate the transition from 8th grade to 9th grade. As a part of a new magnet initiative, all incoming students are equipped with laptops in order to effectively assist them with the completion of their coursework both at school and home. Students who receive the IB Diploma with all passing test scores are guaranteed a minimum 24 college credit hours at any Texas public university. However, students who do not wish to take all of the courses required for the diploma program can work to obtain IB Certificates in individual subjects. Hirschi students are the only high school students in the Wichita Falls area able to take both International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement exams at the end of the year. And because of Hirschi’s manageable size, students are given personal and frequent attention by teachers as they work to complete research assignments, academic portfolios, and service projects. During graduation exercises in May, Hirschi diploma candidates are hooded by IB Coordinator, Linda Fain, for the purpose of honoring hard work and perseverance throughout the program.Aviation
Hirschi offers a magnet program in Aviation (the school being located near Sheppard Air Force BaseSheppard Air Force Base
Sheppard Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located five miles north of the central business district of Wichita Falls, in Wichita County, Texas, United States. It is the largest training base and most diversified in Air Education and Training Command...
), designed to give students the opportunity to learn principles of aviation and aerospace.
Medical
Sheppard is also a major Air Force medical training facility; thus, Hirschi also offers a magnet program in medicine, which allows interested students to take specified courses that will immediately prepare them for college nursing programs and a successful career in the health care profession. Medical students not only have the opportunity to obtain their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license on campus but also are provided with the opportunity to train and work at local medical facilities such as United Regional Health Care System, the primary hospital in the Wichita Falls metropolitan area. Also, Hirschi students who successfully obtain their CNA license are awarded pins during graduation exercises in May.Multimedia
Hirschi is home to a multi-million dollar technology and computer lab located on the second floor of the school's campus. Students in the multimedia program at Hirschi are given the opportunity to produce quality work in digital graphics, animation, video production, web design, newspaper, yearbook, and professional software. Also, Hirschi IB diploma candidates have the opportunity to choose visual arts as their additional IB course of study. As a testament to the work produced by students in Hirschi’s multimedia program, ten Telly AwardsTelly Awards
The Telly Award is an award presented by the namesake, New York City-based organization. The stated purpose of the award is to "honor the very best local, regional, and cable television commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions, and work created for the Web." The...
, a prestigious award honoring creativity in business commercials and visual productions, have been presented to the school in the past decade.
School Awards
- Magnet Schools of America Merit Award of Excellence: 2001, 2002, 2003, 2005, 2006
- Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction: 2004, 2007
- Magnet Schools of Texas Merit Award: 1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005
- Telly Video Production Awards: 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2010
- Videographer Award: 2003, 2004, 2007
- Aegis Award: 2003
- NASA Aerospace Scholars (3): 2000, 2004
Teachers Awards
- Texas State Teacher of the Year 2005: Sherry Lindemann (History)
- West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2006: Carrie Baker (English)
- West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2005: Elizabeth McBroom (English)
- West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2002 & 2004: Trevor Wildman (Chemistry)
- West Foundation Teaching Excellence Award Winner 2001 & 2004: Sherry Lindemann (History)
- Optimist Club Educator of the Year 2005: Christina Hoffmaster (Mathematics)
- ACS Outstanding Chemistry Teacher Award 2003 & 2005: Trevor Wildman
- Texoma's Best Teacher 2003: Henri Naylor (History)
- Lamar Teacher of Excellence 2003: Wayne Calhoon (Spanish)
- State Texas Classroom Teachers Association President 2004–2005: Shelby Patrick (Chemistry)
Music Awards
- "Big Blue Band from Huskyland" - Sweepstakes Award (Superior Rating (1) in both Marching and Concert Seasons): 1999-2000, 2000–2001, 2003–2004, 2004–2005, 2005–2006, 2006–2007, and 2007–2008
- Hirschi Choir received 1st place at the Music in the Parks Festival in Illinois: Spring of 2007
Athletic Awards
- Boys' Basketball District Champs 1963, 1970, 1971, 1972, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1991, 1992, 1999, 2000, 2006, 2009, 2010
- Boys' Basketball Bi-District Champs 1983, 1984, 1987, 1988, 2000
- Girls' Basketball Regional Playoffs: 2004, 2005, 2006
- Boys' Swimming District Champs: 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006
- Girls' Swimming District Champs: 2003, 2004
- All-State Swimmer 2004, 2005: Jessica Wellington
- Softball Borger Tournament Champs and Optimist Tournament Champs: 2005
- Girls' Track State Qualifiers: 2007, 2010
Number Sense Team
In 2009 and 2010, the Hirschi Number Sense/Calculator team won the University Interscholastic League Class 3A Texas state number sense championship, giving the school both back-to-back team championships and an individual champion (Nathan Shih) in as many years.2009-2010 Accountability Rating
Based on the accountability ratingsTexas Education Agency accountability ratings system
The Texas Education Agency accountability ratings system rates all public schools, charter schools, and school districts in the State of Texas.The criteria are the same for schools and districts, and are discussed below...
released by the Texas Education Agency
Texas Education Agency
The Texas Education Agency is a branch of the state government of Texas in the United States responsible for public education. The agency is headquartered in the William B...
in November 2010, Hirschi High School is currently rated "Academically Acceptable."