Hero Saves Family

When asked who is your hero, some people may reply Superman, Spiderman, mom or dad, but to the Oliver family their hero is 12 year-old Dakovyon Oliver, better known as "Doodie." Doodie woke up Monday night around 1:00 AM because he smelled smoke.  Thinking it smelled like bacon, he went into the kitchen where he saw a big flame.  His father heard him and came running into the kitchen.  Doodie ran to wake up his younger brother Tray and then his grandfather.  After determining everyone was safe, they each ran to the front yard to safety.  

Dakovyon is the son of Anthony Oliver and Tiffany Berry.  They are both grateful for his brave act of courage.  He is a sixth grader at Luverne School.  He has been commended for his act of heroism by his teachers and classmates.  

If interested in contributing to the family, please contact Luverne Elementary School.

Doodie Oliver

K4 Visits Central Office

The employees of Central Office enjoyed the singing of our  preschool students this morning.  The students also performed for employees of the Crenshaw County Court House and other local businesses.  Some enjoyed a meal at a local restaurant. 

LHS K4

BHS K4

HHS K4

 

Merry Christmas to ALL

We want to wish each and every person a very Merry Christmas!  This card was shared with many of us earlier this week.  It is certainly worth the view.  Click: The Reason for the Season.

Employees report January 2, 2013.  Students report January 3, 2013.

Precautions Taken

Routinely, Crenshaw County Public Schools participate in mock emergency procedures. Each school's safety plan has been revised and includes up-to-date information and most effective procedures. In light of the tragic events at Sandy Hook Elementary School this past week, all employees were asked to read the following and take the necessary actions needed to protect our students and employees.

• Review and discuss with students safety plans and emergency procedures, especially lock-down procedures
• Consider and discuss with students out-of-classroom scenarios (i.e. students at recess, physical education, lunchroom, restroom, assembly program)
• Identify with students safe-areas in the event they are unable to enter a building or classroom
• Limit/eliminate students from outside of the classroom
• Make known to yourself and students the whereabouts of your keys at all times
• Make known to the students the location of essential items (i.e. first aid kit)
• Report immediately any security camera, intercom, door and/or telephone not working properly
• Utilize your safety latches 
• Acquire and maintain allen wrench for exterior doors
• Replenish safety buckets (if you possess)
• Always ask for visitor identification
• Leave substitute plans that include necessary information and appropriate keys (including the key to exterior doors)

Parents are encouraged to discuss procedures with their children.  Because each school's plan and procedures are different, parents are encouraged to contact the school's principal with questions and concerns.

January 2, 2013 Inservice Agenda

• 8:00–8:30 Registration in LHS Auditorium for all certified staff and instructional aids.  All other personnel should report to the local school
• 8:30–9:00 Plan 2020, Accountability Update, Comprehensive Monitoring- Mr. Randy Wilkes
• 9:00–9:20 RtI and Special Education Update-  Mrs. Sherry Sport
• 9:20–9:45 AdvancED- Mrs. Ashley Catrett
• 9:45–10:00 College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS) Overview- Mrs. Donna Ash
• 10:00–10:15 Break
• 10:15–11:30 CCRS Breakout Sessions – Conducted by CCRS Implementation Team Members
• K-5 Math-  Mrs. Kelly Kilcrease and Mrs. Shelly Hughes, Facilitator Mr. Ashley Kilcrease- Meet in Mr. Suber’s Classroom
• K-5 ELA/Special Education— Mrs. Cheryl Pennington, Mrs. Sandy Owens, Facilitators Mrs.  Sherry Sport and Mrs. Katrina Roper Smith-  Mr. Greg Gibson’s Room
• K-5 ELA for (science/social studies/library media/electives)—Mrs. Lisa Cox and Mrs. JeanAnne Branum, Facilitator- Mr. Chris Pennington-  Meet in Spanish Room
• 6-12 ELA/special education/electives— Mrs. Amanda Stewart, Mrs. Lisa Adair, Facilitator- Mr. Barry Gross and Ms. Latosha Green-  Meet in Mrs. Adair’s Room
• 6-12 ELA for (science/social studies/career tech)— Mrs. Linda Forbes, Mrs. Becky Cornelius, Ms. Melanie Matthews and Mr. Doug Norman, Facilitator- Mrs. Ashley Catrett and Mr. Greg Pittman-  Meet in Auditorium
• 6-12 Math—Mrs. Carol Floyd and Mrs. Starla Jones, Facilitator Mrs. Donna Ash and Mr. Dodd Hawthorne-  Meet in Mrs. Jones’ Room
• 11:30 AM-1:00 PM Lunch on your own
• 1:00 PM-3:30 PM See Local School’s Agenda

December Checks

Employee checks will be deposited on December 28, 2012.

Report Card Date Moved

It was brought to my attention that on page 43 of the Code of Conduct it indicates that report cards are to go home on Wednesday, January 4, 2013.  Due to the short amount of time to grade verify and because January 4 is on a Friday, we are moving report card day to Wednesday, January 9, 2013.   

Early Dismissal on December 21

All Crenshaw County Public Schools will dismiss on Friday, December 21, 2012, at 12 PM.  Breakfast and lunch will be served.  All school employees will be dismissed at the principal's discretion but no sooner than the departure of all students.

HHS BASIC Visits Facility

On Tuesday, December 11, the Highland Home Junior BASIC (Brothers And Sisters In Christ) club visited the Luverne Health and Rehab facility.  While there, these seventh and eighth graders sang Christmas carols, gave residents Christmas cards, and delivered gifts to two residents that the students “adopted”.  It was truly a blessing for everyone involved.  Thanks to all for participating!

Members pictured (from left to right):  Chasen Fomby, Anthony Blevins, Jacob Williams, Brandon Strength, Alex Brown, Johnathon Gafford, Brady Balkcom, Connor Price, Chandler Mansmann, Tiara Cowart, Hannah Mathis, Caitlin Stephens, Elizabeth Ruckel, Kaylan Martin, Clay Hobbs, Trey Jinright, Haley Ward, Sammy Vassas, Raven Brown, Rebecca Petty, Kelly Owens, Khollon Brown, and Aaron Stinson Not pictured: Alexis Bynog and Kaitlyn Castle

Board Policies Revised

The following Board Policies were revised at the most recent Board Meeting:  2.11, 2.13, 2.19 and 2.20.  Click the link to view all revised policies:  Revised Board Policies.

Regular Board Meeting Agenda

The Crenshaw County Board of Education will meet on Monday, December 10, 2012, at the Central Office.  Please see the meeting notice below.  The public is invited.

State Champs

Congratulations to the Brantley School Bulldogs on winning the 2012 AHSAA Class 1A State Football Championship!  In convincing fashion, BHS defeated defending State Champions Marion County by a score of 33-0.  The win gives Brantley its second state title in four years. The Bulldogs also won in 2009 and were runners-up in 2005 and 1999 under coach David Lowery.  Other football titles were won in 1993 and 1998. The Bulldogs (15-0) allowed just 47 points all season. Marion County (13-2) came in averaging 50 points a game.

For complete coverage, check out these links:
By The Numbers and Postgame Notes
Game Stats
Game Summary
Photos
Josh Bean's Article
Best Defense in 1A History
Videos
More Videos
More Links

2012 AHSAA Class 1A State Football Champion Brantley Bulldogs

Coach Lowery Gets a Cold Bath
Thanks Coach and Coaching Staff for a Fantastic Season!
Photo from al.com

QB Andrew Lowery tied a Super 6 record with 2 touchdown passes in the game.
Photo by al.com

Junior wide receiver O.J. Guice tied a Super 6 record with 2 touchdown receptions in the game. Photo by al.com.

Andrew Parker had 117 yards on 22 carries.
Photo by al.com

BHS finishes the season with 10 shutouts and allowed only 14 points in postseason play.  The defense allowed a total of 47 points the entire season for an average of 3.1 points yielded per game.   Photo by al.com

Selleven Burnett set a Super 6 Class 1A Championship record with a 79--yard fumble recovery for a touchdown.  

O.J. Guice was selected the games MVP.

Congratulations to the cheerleading squad and Sponsor Brittany Walker.
Job well done!

AHSAA Associative Executive Director Tony Stallworth presents principal Dodd Hawthorne with the "Ford Go Further" check for $1,000.
The school received more than 100,000 votes!

Kudos to the Band on a fine season.  Great job playing the National Anthem and on your half-time performance.  A Gold Star to Director Drew Mabry.

A important cog in the well-run machine was this group of managers.
Great Job Guys!

Thank you fans for your support!

Ribbon Says It All!

What is at the end of a rainbow?  A pot of gold?  No, it is a nice shiny blue trophy!
Congratulations, once more!

Going Above and Beyond

We are fortunate to have a wonderful technology team who works long and hard hours.  The following is an synopsis of their efforts from the beginning of school through November 2012.

Computer Maintenance Report Summary

270 Responses thus far this school year as follows:

LHS        116    43%

HHS.        89    33%

BHS.        45    17%

CCBOE    20     7%

Service Requested:

PC Desktop              100     37%

PC Laptop                  46     17%

Printer                        22       8%

Internet                      19       7%

Phone                        12        4%

MacBook Pro              5        2%

IPad                             2        1%

Other                          35     13%

Tidbit About December 2012

This year, December has 5 Saturdays, 5 Sundays and 5 Mondays.

Mon	Tue	Wed	Thu	Fri	Sat	Sun
					1	2
3	4	5	6	7	8	9
10	11	12	13	14	15	16
17	18	19	20	21	22	23
24	25	26	27	28	29	30
31

This only happens once every 824 years.

Students Attend Auburn Career Day

Students from across Crenshaw County attended the annual "Auburn Career Day" at the Tom Harbin Ag Center this past week.  Students reviewed Auburn's admissions and scholarship information and  available majors.  Students were transitioned to small groups where they participated in "Gummy Worm Creation,"  "Tie-Dye T-shirt," and "Are You Smarter than an Ag Ambassador" activities.  All activities were relavant to agriculture necessity to provide for societal needs.   Students then "gave an ear" to Auburn Tiger Ag Ambassador testimonials.  Many alums were introduced and lunch was provided to all.

We would like to thank Mr. Ray Hilburn, local Auburn alums and our school sponsors for making the event possible.

Auburn Ambassadors (left with name badges) and
Crenshaw County Public School Students

Chamber Parade a HUGE Success

Thank you to all who participated in the Crenshaw County Chamber Parade this past Saturday.  Most stated that there were more entries than ever before.  Here are just a few pics.

21st CCLC Receives Places Second
Front:  Student Assistant Balkcom
Middle:  BHS Supervisor AZ Burnett, LHS Supervisor Regina Thomas, 21st CCLC and Community Education Director LaFreda Griffin, HHS Supervisor Marty Balkcom
Back:  Mrs. Claus and Santa Claus

LES Honor Club

LES Honor Club

LES Honor Club

Brantley Bulldogs are State Bound

Congratulations to the Brantley Bulldogs for their win over the McIntosh Demons this past Friday night.  The semi-final win places the Bulldogs in the Super 6 against last year's 1A State Champs Marion Red Raiders.  The game is set to begin at 3 PM in Auburn's Jordan Hare Stadium.  To learn more of the Super 6 and to purchase tickets click this link Super 6.  Tickets are $13 at the gate and are $10 online with a processing fee.  

There are many activities that are  being set  for the week including a "Super Six (Auburn) Tiger Walk" (Bulldog Walk) that will occur at 12:55 PM on Thursday near the south end zone.  Click the link to read more:  Walk.

Also, please go to www.gofurtheralabama.com and vote for Brantley School.  This is a chance for Brantley School to win $1000.  Please encourage your students to vote as well.

UPDATE:  For those who are not going and have Troy Cable, the game is to be aired live on 102 (WSFA Digital Channel).

Bulldogs Receive Postgame Plaque

 Pre-grame Activities

HHS Principal Sends Support Via Sign
Left to Right:  Players Adrian Howard and Terrence Bogen, Coach David Lowery, BHS Principal Dodd Hawthorne, HHS Principal Barry Gross

BHS Send-Off

LHS Cheerleaders Deliver Best Wishes

Brantley to Host McIntosh in Semi-Final

Congratulations to the Brantley Bulldogs for defeating the Linden Patriots by a score of 20-14 last Friday night.  Tonight, the Bulldogs host McIntosh High School. Please make every effort to attend tonight's game.  Our students and staff members would appreciate and deserve OUR support!

Incomplete pass?  That was the call. Hmmm...

LHS JV Girls Go Undefeated

Congratulations to Luverne School's Junior Varsity Basketball team for their perfect season. Members are:  Top L-R: Alexus Parks, Nyjah Thomas, Kaylin Walker, Jazzrique Johnson, Italia Mitchell, ZaKeyia Bell, Shaqurea Upshaw.  Bottom L-R: Brittney Redmon, Nadaja Debose, LaKrecia Bradberry, Jayla June, Antwon Brantley, Mackenzie Carlos, Jasha Mitchell.

Congrats to the coaches as well.
They are Andre Parks and Mary Leigh West

Back of the t-shirt depicts the 8-0 season.

Regular Board Meeting

The Crenshaw County Board of Education conducted its Regular Board Meeting on Monday, November 19, 2012, in the gymnatorium of Brantley School.  During the Work Session, the Board enjoyed a tour of facilities, homemade camp stew and blue bell ice cream.  During the Regular Meeting, Judge Jim Perdue administered the Oath of Office to Mrs. Bertha Jones, Mr. Ronald Rhodes, and Mr. Steve Sanders.  The Board then elected Dr. Charles Tompkins as Chairman and Mr. Ronald Rhodes as Vice Chairman.  Mr. Hawthorne introduced 3 health students who attested to the success of the distance learning class per Mrs. Becky Cornelius at LHS.  Mr. Hawthorne then asked Mrs. Tammy Sims to demonstrate how classes were integrating the iPad.  Another notable was the recognition of outstanding employee performance.  Mr. Phillip Ballard was presented the Star Award for extraordinary effort in maintaining the systems infrastructure and its technology inventory.  Mrs. Ashley Catrett and Mrs. Donna Ash were presented the "Power of One" award for positively and consistently representing the system's vision, empowering teachers and advancing student learning.

Regarding informational items, the Board was notified of the postings of paraprofessional positions at Highland Home School and Luverne School and a social science teacher at Luverne School.

Recommendations were to voluntarily transfer Mr. Matthew Pippin from social science to agriscience at Luverne School, approve two out-of-state field trip requests, approve each school's Continuous Improvement Plan, and accept a letter of resignation.  All were unanimously approved.

The Board will conduct its next Regular Board Meeting at Central Office on Monday, December 10, 2012, at 6 PM.  The public is invited. 

Mr. Ronald Rhodes, Mrs. Bertha Jones, and Mr. Steve Sanders are administered the Oath of Office by Probate Judge Jim Perdue.

Center:  Recipient of the "Power of One" Award- Mrs. Ashley Catrett

Center:  Recipient of the "Star" Award- Mr. Phillip Ballard

Center:  Recipient of the "Power of One" Award- Mrs. Donna Ash

Brantley School's FFA Students Attend Farm City Luncheon

Annually, the Luverne Kiwanis Club pays tribute to the National Farm-City Week by hosting a luncheon for agri-supportive business in Crenshaw County.  This year's guest speaker was Mr. McMillion, Alabama's Commissioner of Agriculture.  Mr. McMillian addressed the world's reliance on food, water and energy and described the role that he feels our state will play in meeting those demands.  Many locals were on hand including the officers of Brantley School's Future Farmers of America.  The group is pictured below with Commissioner McMillian.

BHS FFA Officers and Commissioner McMillian

Apology Letter- Christmas Humor

Hi Sweetheart, I am sorry about getting into an argument about putting up the Christmas lights. I guess that sometimes I feel like you are pushing me too hard when you want something. I realize that I was wrong and I am apologizing for being such a hard-headed guy. All I want is for you to be happy and be able to enjoy the holiday season. Nothing brightens the Christmas spirit like Christmas lights! I took the time to hang the Lights for you today; and now I will be off to the football game. Again, I am very sorry for the way I acted yesterday. I'll be home later. Love you HER RESPONSE Hi Honey, Thank you for that heart-felt apology. I don't often get an apology From you, and I truly appreciate it. I, too, felt bad about the argument and wanted to apologize. I realize That I can sometimes be a little pushy. I will try to respect your feelings from now on. Thank you for taking The time to hang the Christmas lights for me. It really means a lot. In the spirit of giving, I washed your truck for you; and now I am off to the mall. I love you too!

AdvancED System Accreditation External Review Committee Named

We are excited that our AdvancED Review, formerly know as SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) is fast approaching.  Members of our review team have been named and are as follows:  Dr. Rozalyne Wright- Sebring, FL, Dr. James Jeffers (retired Superintendent)- Tallassee, AL, Mrs. Victoria Anderson- Andalusia, AL, Mrs. Charlotte Oglesby-  Perry County,  Mrs. Kristen Bilkey- Kokomo, IN.  The dates for the vist are January 27-30, 2013.

LHS Kindergarten Presents

On Monday, November 19, 2012, the Kindergaren Class of LHS performed a Thanksgiving program, which consisted of leading The Pledge of Allegiance, “My Country Tis of Thee”, “Mr. Turkey” poem, and “Over the River and Through the Woods.”

As always, we appreciate the efforts of our Parent-Teacher Association and certainly enjoy every opportunity to place our students "front and center."

Preschool To Be Considered

Governor Robert Bentley this week expressed his support for 4-year-old pre-K, although we question his assertion that it’s more important than the Alabama Reading Initiative. Pre-K is a wonderful starting point, but the success of the ARI, which has helped drive Alabama childrens' reading scores upward, speaks for itself.

Bentley wants the Legislature to put more money into pre-K, and legislative leaders agree the program deserves additional funding now and in the future.

To read more, click here.

Mrs. Gayla's Class Celebrates Thanksgiving

Mrs. Gayla Pierce's class celebrated the First Thanksgiving in a big way. Specifically, the students discussed reasons that the Pilgrims left England, difficulties of the Mayflower Voyage, struggles in the New World, friendships established with Native Americans basic needs of the Pilgrims, the bountiful harvest, particular foods that were shared at the feast, and the purpose of the feast, which was to give thanks.

Students dressed as and received names of Native Americans.     The actual feast was a culmination of the study and allowed students an opportunity to share in thanksgiving and fellowship with their school family.

Time of Thanks

Mrs. Wilkes begins November 1 of each year by posting to the social network one blessing for each day of the month.  This reminds me that every moment of every day, we should be thankful, for we have truly been blessed far more than we deserve. 

In keeping with notion of counting our blessings, and as I reflect on OUR organization, the following is a list, not necessarily in an hierarchal order,  of what I am most thankful for 1st semester 2012-2013.  

1. Student Safety-  Though we are not perfect, we do have a safe learning and working environment.  
2. Gift of Gratitude-  Many unfortunate happenings have occurred in our communities and each time our schools have answered the emotional and  economical calling.  Whether we are dressing in pink or collecting funds for a funeral, we are there for one another.  
3. Sense of Community- Our outreach, via Veterans Day Programs,  Retired Teachers' Day Luncheon, Grandparents' Day Luncheon, Parents' Day Luncheon, Homecoming Celebrations and Fall Festivals, allows for complete stakeholder involvement.
4. Student Recognition- The Superintendent's Corner demonstrates just a small portion of our overall student success.  The emphasis that our schools place on student achievement prior to extracurricular events, during student assemblies, and by way of morning announcements is unsurpassed.
5. Godly Men and Women To Serve Our Students.

During this time of which we place emphasis on a thankful heart, remember not only to be thankful for your family, friends and faith, remember your schools, too.

Board Meeting Tonight At BHS

The November 2012 Regular Meeting of the Crenshaw County Board of Education will be held in the Brantley School gymnatoriom.  The Honorable Jim Perdue will administer the Oath of Office to Board Members, Mrs. Bertha Jones, Mr. Ronald Rhodes and Mr. Steve Sanders.  The Work Session will begin at 6 PM with a tour of the facilities.  The public is invited.  Please see the agenda.