The Buzzard, the Bat, and the Bumblebee

The BUZZARD:

If you put a buzzard in a pen that is 6 feet by 8 feet and is entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of its ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner. The reason is that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of 10 to 12 feet. Without space to run, as is its habit, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail with no top.

THE BAT:

The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkable nimble creature in the air,

cannot take off from a level place. If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly and, no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air. Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.

THE BUMBLEBEE:

A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out. It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides near the bottom. It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.

PEOPLE:

In many ways, we are like the buzzard, the bat and the bumblebee. We struggle about with all our problems and frustrations, never realizing that all we have to do is look up! 

That's the answer, the escape route and the solution to any problem.

Just look up.Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, but faith looks up!

Live simply, love generously, care deeply, speak kindly and trust in our Heavenly Father who loves us.

Upgrades on Gyms Begin

Last week, WAKA News did a small piece on the Luverne School renovations.  Here is a link to that article:  WAKA.  We are proud of these renovations as well as upgrades at HHS and BHS.  In a few weeks, Highland Home School gymnasium will receive a cooling unit and Brantley School will receive retrofitted windows in its gymnasium.  Funds for said projects are bond issues that may only be used for facility improvements.  Please do not enter any of the worksites.  Photos will be posted to update.

Before:  Note the conduit on the walls, unpainted columns between the windows,  hanging heaters, large steam piping (aforementioned were completed by Maintenance Department), unpainted light fixtures and trusses.

During:  Top bleachers have been removed and planed down for refinishing (thanks to all 3 local Ag shops), entire ceiling has been block filled and primed (paint turns solid after 8 foot fall so not to stick,  floor (not shown) covered in plastic and plywood.

Before

During:  One coat of primer and one coat of paint applied to columns and sill (Note:  It took one entire week to remove the 50 year-old dirt from the trusses, walls and window sills.  It took 2 days to power wash the gum from the balcony floor.)

During:  From the floor, a lift is used to elevate.  From the bleachers, a short ladder is used.  (Note:  It is nearly 30 feet from ceiling to floor)  Bleachers were pulled out so wall could be painted.

BHS JV Softball Wins Third Tournament

This past weekend the Brantley Junior Varsity Softball Team won its third consecutive tournament.  The future certainly looks bright for this group.

Agriscience Students On the Road in April

Please wish our agriscience students well as they have an eventful April.

1. Land Judging- April 4 in Autauga County
2. Career Development- April 4^th in Autauga County. 
3. Public Speaking-   April 14^th in Enterprise.
4. Parliamentary Procedures April 14^th in Enterprise.
5. Livestock Judging-  April 14^th in Enterprise, 
6. Forestry Judging- April 14^th in Enterprise,
7. Small Engines-  April 14^th in Enterprise,
8. Creed Speaking- April 14^th in Enterprise and 
9. Poultry Judging (finally an event that I could compete in) - April 14^th in Enterprise.

HHS Little Miss Pageant

Congratulations to the HHS Little Miss Pageant winners.  They are:

Young Miss

1^st Runner up: LaDeria Lowery

Winner: Lillian Sheffield

2^nd Runner up: Hannah Chesser

Little Miss                        

1^st runner up: Bre Whatley

Winner: Hannah Lowe

2^nd: Rebekah Barnes

Teen Miss

1st runner up: Hannah Mathis

Winner: Tanner Harris

2^nd runner up: Katelyn Sport

Teeny Miss

1^st runner up: Emma Clair Strength

Winner: Ally McElwain

2^nd runner up: Addison Hussey

Tiny Miss

1^st runner up: Hannah Cobb

Winner: Micaiah June

2^nd runner up: Hannah Laird

Mr. Robert Burgans Turns Match Maker

Last fall, Mr. Robert Burgans used his skill and precision in the CMT hit show "Sweet Home Alabama to kindly accommodate Paige and Jeremiah across the lake to Double J Whitetails Lodge in Rutledge, Alabama.   Apparently, Mr. Burgans worked a little more magic as Paige picked Jeremiah to be her beau in the season finale this past Friday Night. To view the event, click on  Sweet Home Alabama and go to 8:45 or vist Double J Whitetails and click on the You Tube video in the upper right hand corner of the page.

Beauty Queens Read to BHS

Brantley School's Kindergarten classes and preschool class welcomed a few guest readers of late.  They were Rising Star Miss Friendliest City- Merrill Anne Culverhouse, Miss Friendliest City-Elizabeth Anne Beasley and Miss Front Porch City-Katherine Fuller. 

LHS Beauty Pageant Displays Beauty and Talent

In front of a sold-out auditorium, Luverne School displayed its grace, poise and ability in its annual Beauty Pageant this past Thursday night.  Over 100 students performed to its "Brand New Day" theme in the one hour and thirty-six minute event.  To much delight, student talents of singing, playing of instruments, acting and dancing were featured.

Taking the night was the presentation of each contestant's platform, as heart-felt testimonials were shared without a stumble or stammer.

Mallie Alford was crowned Miss LHS this past Thursday night.  First runner-up was Virginia Allison, second runner-up was Tori Free and Miss Congeniality was Brianna Taylor.

Congratulations to all who assisted in the production, too many to list here, but duly noted in the program.  Kudos to the directors!

Second Runner-up Tori Free, Miss LHS 2012 Mallie Alford,
First Runner-up Virginia Allison, and Miss Congeniality Brianna Taylor

Students Shine as Public Speakers

Randall Sipper Addresses Board

At our inaugural Institute on January 3, 2010, we talked about the necessity of our students articulating themselves in public forums. Many teachers have incorporated such in the classroom and many have further expounded on the notion. This week alone, LHS Beauty Contestants delivered their platform to a  capacity-filled auditorium and LHS 10th grader Randall Sipper wowed the Crenshaw County Board of Education at its Regular Meeting with a speech regarding the benefits of our JAG program and the role that it plays in drop out prevention.  On Tuesday, BHS 9th grader Katelyn Mount delivered a flawless speech to the Luverne Kiwanis Club. Kudos to the students and their sponsors!

Reception Held In Honor of Mr. Eiland

Highland Home School hosted a reception for Mr. Joseph Eiland this past Wednesday.  Well-wishers acknowledged the many achievements of Highland Home School during his tenure. The HHS faculty gifted him with a 2011 Auburn Football National Championship print.  Mr. Eiland will join the Alabama State Department of Education in April. He will enjoy a much deserved R&R next week. Thank you Mr. Eiland for your commitment to Highland Home School for the past 7 years.

Mr. Elton Mitchell Named Interim Principal At HHS

Mr. Elton Mitchell

Please welcome, fresh out of retirement, Mr. Elton Mitchell, Interim Principal of Highland Home School. Mr. Mitchell retired from Crenshaw County Board of Education with 31 years of experience. he has served the system as elementary teacher, Luverne Elementary Principal, Luverne High School Principal and Transportation, Maintenance and Title I Director.

Teddy Roosevelt Takes Center Stage at Dei Center

This past Tuesday night, nearly 200 community members  enjoyed the "Friends of the Library" dinner theatre presentation by the 26th President of the United States of America, Theodore Roosevelt. Actor Joe Wiegand did a superlative job portraying the life and times of the New York-born, frail and sickly child, science enthusiast, conservationist, Harvard graduate, cowboy, amateur boxer, Rough Rider,Bull Moose politician, and most colorful White House personality. Kudos to Mrs. Sandy Walker and company for the dinner and the LHS junior varsity cheerleaders for their outstanding service. The squad received many compliments and we all liked their teddy bear ears.

On Wednesday, President Roosevelt did a repeat performance for the system's eighth and ninth graders. Outsiders were most complimentary of the students' behavior and appearance.

Please be sure to thank our public library staff with a special thanks to Mrs. Catherine Tomlin, Director of the Luverne Public Library. Also, please thank members of Luverne United Methodist Church and Pastor Ken Jackson for providing the facilities.

Picture By Regina Grayson of the Luverne Public Library

BHS JV Wins Another Tourney

Congratulations to the Brantley JV Softball Team. They won first place in the Ariton JV Softball Tournament this past weekend.

Pictured Left to Right, Bottom Row: Elizabeth Bush, Annslee Kilcrease, Peyton Hill, Morgan Harris, Lauren Johnson, Mary Strickland; Second Row: Hannah Sims, Leanna Johnson & Kassidy Wilcox (Managers), Alex Wilcox, Alexius Bell, Jessica Hermeling, Danielle Prescott; Third Row: Head Coach Cindy Hawthorne, Madeline Driggers, Assistant Coach Rena Hudson and Assistant Coach Jimmy Johnson

Highland Home School to Host County-wide Honor Band

The public is invited to Highland Home this weekend for the Crenshaw County Honor Bands Concert.  The bands will consist of junior high and high school band students from all 3 schools.  The guest Junior High Honor Band conductor is Mr. Kerry Palmer, principal at Trinity Middle School in Montgomery.  The guest Senior High Honor Band conductor is Mr. Eddy Williams, Director of Bands at Huntingdon College in Montgomery.  The concert starts at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, and will take place in the Highland Home Gym.  

Safe Harbor To Implement Grant

A grant secured through Safe Harbor in Greenville brings Mrs. Misty Tate to our system to implement lessons from the Prepare, Enrich, and Inspire for Teens series. She will begin implementing the "relationship building" program in grades 9-12, primarily in our health and workforce essential classes.  Please make her feel welcome.

Baldwin County Superintendent Responds to Charter Schools

RE: “Legislature should give families more school options.” – Press Register, March 16, 2012

I ask that the Press-Register, our Legislators, our Governor, and any other person advocating charter schools to slow down and think this through.

Charter schools are touted as a better alternative to public schools because they have fewer regulations, restraints, and governmental intrusions into their operations.  These new charter characteristics, plus creating a school not managed by a local board, will allow the school to function without stifling encumbrances.

Well, local school boards did not create the regulations, restraints, and intrusions into the classrooms that are so contrary to common sense.  Both the federal government and the state government are the creators of ineffective, slow moving, and failing schools here in Alabama and across the country. If school boards could function as they were intended, the number of failing schools in Alabama would plummet.

Additionally, the proposed bill is being highly touted because it has an embedded opportunity for public schools to apply for regulatory waivers. But if the bill supporters have already identified the egregious regulations to be eliminated for charter schools, then why not remove the same regulations for public schools, rather than creating one more bureaucratic, required state process in order to be able to run a school intelligently?

Two things have happened in Alabama that provide lots of potential for achieving world-class schools.  First, there was the passage of the Students First Act last year, an initiative led and supported by our local delegation. They should receive applause from all of us. Second, the selection of Dr. Tommy Bice as the new State Superintendent of Schools has already begun to have major positive impact, as he has a vision and operates with common sense.

Charter schools are a fad, cloaked in a mantle of false adoration. There is no substantive data that gives any assurance that a charter will be better than your own public school.  The only assurance is that a charter will steal funds from Alabama’s already underfunded public schools.

I challenge our legislature to halt the process of trying to create something that will keep us up with the “Joneses,” and take the meaningful step to return more authority to local boards and our exceptional teachers.  Short of that, wipe away the regulatory barriers and give us the latitude to make good decisions in how we operate, and my teachers will out-educate their teachers any day of the week.

Alan T. Lee, Ph. D.
Superintendent
Baldwin County Public Schools

Two Alabama School Systems Move Ahead

Pike County is adding new facilties and Baldwin County gives each student a new MacBook. Click on the links to read more: Baldwin County Schools Recognized by White House , Pike BOE Oks Capital Plan

Mann Takes Stand

Catlyn Mann, junior at Highland Home School, emailed me last week seeking assistance in bringing awareness to the Invisible Children Campaign, Kony 2012. She told me about warlord, Joseph Kony of Central Africa and directed me to the Kony 2012 video.  

She also told me about “Cover the Night” which is a part of the Invisible Children Campaign that helps bring global awareness to this horrible crisis. The worldwide “Cover the Night”  campaign is set for the night of April 20, 2012.   She further stated that people all over the world have formed groups scheduled to  assemble on this night and cover towns with posters, pictures, and/or anything pertaining to this event. She is asking Crenshaw County to participate; to help make a difference.

Catyln has asked me for access to a color printer, paper, and 15-20 large sized poster boards.  We are glad to oblige.

Catyln is a "teen leader," she has made it a point to set a positive example.  She believes, as stated in the "Kony 2012" video, "every person is brought into the world the same way" and that these children did not choose the path given to them, nor the situation or conflict they are forced to take part in.

We are proud of Catyln's stand and ask you to support her.  If interested, please contact her at  catlynelizabethmann@yahoo.com.  

EngineerGirl! Chosen from LHS 6th Grade

Congratulations to Echo Mann of LHS as she has been chosen to participate in the EngineerGirl! Girls’ Advisory Board.   She is one of approximately 150 girls on the board representing 30 different states.  Eleven years ago, the EngineerGirl! website (www.engineergirl.edu) was developed by the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) with input and recommendations from a panel of girls living across the United States and Canada (The EngineerGirl! Girls Advisory Board).  The NAE is currently redesigning the EngineerGirl! website and reinstating the Girl’s Advisory Board to get input on making our site more effective and interactive.  Echo will take part in one to three web-based conference calls to examine the layout of the website and provide us with comments based on their preferences. Additionally, Echo may participate in events that are structured to give feedback about girls’ preferences and will provide her with opportunities to explore engineering careers (such as online chats with professional engineers).  Echo will receive special notice of engineering-related opportunities that may appeal to them and would be invited to continue to engage with the EngineerGirl! community throughout her high-school years. 
All students were directly nominated by their teachers as good candidates for the board.  They were chosen both for their leadership abilities as well as for the potential to benefit from interaction with girls across the country in discussions about engineering.

Engineer Girl Echo Mann

Charter School Bill Proposed

Yesterday, Governor Robert Bentley unveiled his charter school legislation.  Of most concern to us is the implications of "low performing" schools, the notion of federal and local dollars following the student, and funding of a second type of Alabama schools when we cannot afford to operate the one we have now.  For more read the  Montgomery Advertiser.

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley details plans to offer local school systems more flexibility during a news conference in front of the old Cloverdale School, on the grounds of Huntingdon College, in Montgomery, Ala., on Wednesday, March 14, 2012. Bentley and Republican legislative leaders are offering a bill to legalize charter schools and give existing public schools the option to get waivers from state regulations in return for increased accountability. / LLOYD GALLMAN/ADVERTISER

HHS Wak Through

This past Monday, I went in the wrong direction and got to do walk-throughs on my own.  I am happy to report that HHS is still rocking and rolling along.  Here is what I saw:

• Mrs. Gayla Pierce administering one-to-one reading instruction and readying for the AAA.
• Mrs. Tara Bailey  differentiating reading instruction with small groups.  Special emphasis was given to silent sounds at the beginning of words such as in the words gnaw, kneel, knife, and wrinkle.  "Pen Pals" was the reading assignment for this particular group.  Finger tracking, read them like you know them and teacher echoing were strategies used.
• Mrs. Kim Best's class working with money.  "On Monday, the girls counted 14 pennies in their jar.  Can each girl get 1/2 of the pennies?"  Sure they can.
• Mrs. Gwen Jones's math class working with a/b, a/b/b, and a/a/b patterns.  
• Ms. Virginia Holladay differentiating reading instruction with small groups.  Outside of the small group, this  most functional environment consisted of  two students at a listening center, one working with a high school assistant, paraprofessional Helen Gamble working with a student, another student on the computer and one reading to himself.    The teacher bell then sounds and students rotate and other activities begin.  
• Mrs. Connie Jacobs working with counters and addition via the hovercam and dice.  Per the "Ten Turns" activity, students roll the dice and add each roll to the previous.  Counters are placed in rows of five.  Discussion then occurs in regards to placing counters in rows of ten and how students can best organize counters.
• Mrs. Bridget Worthington working in reading groups discussing words such as dwell, discover, resident and welcome.  Students discussed cause and effect using the reading the book entitled "Special Buildings."   (I thought the Chrysler Building was the Empire State Building...guess I need to get out a little more.)
• Mrs. Wanda Rogers was too working in small reading groups.  Again, there was much structure and organization as students were working at their desk, reading centers, and in smaller groups.  There was much emphasis given to "Read it over and over until you read it fluently."  I also observed good use of writing journals.   
• Mrs. Amanda Hughes was discussing following the rules with patterns and shapes.  "Does the pattern break the rule?   Does the whole side touch or do just the corners touch?"
• Mrs. Kasey White's reading students were working in groups via "Child's Life in Korea."  
• Ms. Leann Perdue's K4 students were watching sloth video and crayoning large murals.  
• Mrs. Melissa Phillips working students were discussing part of a whole---fractions. Tremendous mention was given to homework and parental involvement.  Her "Hello Letter" was most impressive.  
• Mrs. Sabrina May's students were finishing an assignment from last Friday. Students were organized into small groups and spread throughout the room.  Cups, magnifying glass, color coded cubes were disseminated. Students performed various tests on an unknown substance.
•  Mrs. Sandra Kilpatrick's class was preparing for the ARMT+.  Students were allocated 15 minutes  to complete 4 problems and one open ended question.  Emphasis was given to time allocated and working at an appropriate pace.
•  Mrs. Becky Richardson's class built a cheeseburger and listed descriptive words while listening to  Jimmy Buffet's "Cheeseburger in Paradise."  (Jimmy's sister LuLu makes a mean cheeseburger...hope to get one real soon!)

GOOD JOB HHS!

Zachary Shepherd and Charlie McVay in Mrs. Connie Jacob's Room

New Graduation Rate Effective This Year

Last year, all systems within Alabama benchmarked their graduation rate with a group of 9th graders who were set to graduate within 4 years and no later than the 2009-2010 school year.  It is imperative that all understand the means of acquiring the rate and sanctions of not meeting goal.

1. This year's cohort graduated last school year, 2010-2011.
2. Every child who began the 9th grade in 2006-2007 must be considered.
3. To count as a graduate for this cohort, each student must graduate within 4 years.
4. Credit is given for:
1. Honor and standard diplomas,
2. Credit based diplomas, and the
3. Alabama occupation diploma (this was not originally the case).
5. Students are removed from the cohort if:
1. they transfer to church or private schools or
2. transfer out-of-state.
6. Students that are not considered graduates are those who :
1. drop out,
2. withdrawn and whereabouts are unknown,
3. receive a certificate,
4. failed to complete all credit requirements,       
5. completed all required credits but failed to pass the required number of subject subtests of the AHSGE,
6. receive a GED, and are
7. no shows.

This information will, in the least, be used for:

1. Accountability and AYP,
2. An "apple to orange" comparison to charter schools,
3. An "apple to orange" comparison to private/parochial schools, and
4. media releases.

All of us must maintain our proactive status and implement preventative measures. Your principal will devise and implement a plan of action for obtaining and maintaing proficiency in this matter.

Senator Taylor Meets with Local Superintendents

This past Monday, local superintendents met with Senator Bryan Taylor to discuss upcoming legislative issues that might affect public schools.  Major agenda items were:  The Flexibility Act, charter schools, and the ETF Budget.  Senator Taylor was very receptive to our thoughts and ideas.  For more information, click on the  Troy Messenger.

BHS Boys Win Tourney

Congratulations to the Brantley Varsity Baseball Team!  They won first place in the BHS/LHS Baseball Tournament this past weekend.

BHS JV Softball Wins Tourney

Congratulations to the Brantley JV Softball Team.  They won first place in the BHS/LHS JV Softball Tournament this past weekend.

WAKA Visits BHS Science Club

Brantley School Participates in Read Across America

LHS Celebrates Read Across America

In conjunction with NEAs Read Across America, Luverne Elementary celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 108th birthday on March 2nd.   Each grade level chose a theme to base their activities on for the day.  Kindergarten--“ObSEUSSed”, K-4 and 1st grade--One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, 2nd grade--Bartholomew and the Oobleck, 3rd Grade--Happy Birthday to You, 4th Grade--Oh the Places You’ll Go, 5th Grade--The Cat in the Hat, and 6th Grade--Horton Hears a Who.
    
The day began with readers in each classroom which included employees of  First Citizens’ Bank, Judge Jim Perdue and the Junior Varsity and Varsity Cheerleaders.  The Cat in the Hat also appeared in every classroom!

Students enjoyed a picnic lunch at the stadium.  Mayor Joe Rex Sport joined them for the reading of NEAs Read Across America Proclamation that was presented to Ms. Green and Ms. Traci.

Students were recognized and rewarded for their achievements in Accelerated Reader and encouraged to keep up the good work.  The top three students in each grade were:  2nd grade 3rd--Hunter Defee, 2nd--Aniyah McGhee-Burnett, 1st--Chloe Taylor; 3rd Grade 3rd--Gabrielle Smiley, 2nd--JaShon McKee, 1st--Westley Person; 4th Grade 3rd--Autumn Bullock, 2nd--Sang Wook Roh, 1st--Aaliyah Harris; 5th Grade 3rd--Bryant Rushing, 2nd--Hun Won Choi, 1st--Jayden Carlos; 6th grade  3rd--Cassidy Brooks, 2nd--LaTaevis Forbes, 1st--Hyun Ryu.  Overall Winners were 3rd place--Jayden Carlos; 2nd place--LaTaevis Forbes; 1st place--Hyun Ryu  Teachers winning top honors were 2nd grade Ms. Tiffany Worthington, 3rd grade Ms. Shelly Hughes, 4th Grade Ms. Dot Youngblood, 5th Grade Ms. Lynn Miller, 6th Grade Ms. Cathy Wilkes

Following the awards, students went to the black-top for a dance-off.  Ms. Wilkes and the 6th grade were declared the winners!!

Students went back to their classrooms and had “birthday parties” for Dr. Seuss!

Article submitted by Mrs. Traci Sanders, Librarian