Visitors Welcomed

Please know that we will have guests on our campuses on the following dates:

• October 30, 2012-  Parents' Day
• November 8, 2012-  Veterans Day Program at 10 AM (HHS and LHS
• November 9, 2012-  Veterans Day Program at 9:30 AM (BHS)
• November 15, 2012-  Retired Teachers' Day (Thanksgiving Meal)

We are looking forward to these events.

LHS Band Attends Troy Band Day

The Luverne School Marching Band joined 2,300 high school band members representing 32 schools from three states performing with Troy University’s Sound of the South marching band during halftime this past Saturday as the University celebrated its annual Band Day.  The event, which began in 1998, provides high school band students the opportunity to experience performing at the collegiate level. “Band Day provides high school band members a chance to come to TROY to be a part of a Division I football game and perform at halftime with the Sound of the South,” said Dr. Mark Walker, Troy’s associate director of bands. “It is a great recruiting tool for the band and the entire University.”  LHS Band and the other bands took part in a rehearsal Saturday morning with the Sound of the South. The bands then took part in the Trojan Victory Parade and the team’s Trojan Walk.

To view the entire show, click the link TROY BAND DAY 2012. (Fastforward to the 7:30 mark to see the high school students join.)

Dynamic Duo Does Their Duty, And Then Some

Not too many years ago, we traveled to neighboring systems for professional development on the collaborative classroom.  In turn, we returned to the system and provided training for grades 7-12. The concepts of this style of teaching has not dwindled as predicted, much less disappear anytime soon.

The "tables have turned" and we are proud to say that we now have many collaborative classrooms that we would and have readily invited our neighbors to tour in order for "them to grow from us." The Albritton/Baines combo is such a classroom.

After visiting Mrs. Julie Albritton's and Mrs. Tracy Baines' classroom, a supervisor raved about the technology that was being utilized and the student engagement that was occurring ..."and you know Mr. Wilkes, the bell rang and not one student moved...they all continued working."  

To get a first-hand glimpse of this, what will soon become a common occurrence across our curriculum,  I too visited the class.  Yes, I did see the technology (technology that I have to have), but I saw much more.  I saw desks turned into pods, both group engagement and student work, one teacher lead and the other follow-up and later a reversal of roles (which teacher had the special education background and which did not, the most casual observer would not have known), and I witnessed student excitement...a wontedness to respond and respond with confidence and certainty.  All attention turned to a student leading the class in a discussion of the Pythagorean Theorem, one in which he did not merely give the answer and demonstrate the algorithm, rather he gave explanation as to why the lengths were as the were and the purpose and necessity of triangle being a right triangle.  To beat all, the student then used the theorem to determine the hypotenuse of the right triangle, to determine the area of a triangular prism.  After further inspection, I noted that the class was composed of  students of various exceptionalities.

Kudos to our dynamic duo!  Cape Crusaders!  Tonto and The Lone Ranger! Lewis and Clark! Laverne and Shirley...Ethel and Lucy...KNOWING THAT THERE ARE MANY MORE FANTASTIC TEAMS, JUST LIKE THIS IN OUR SYSTEM!!!

Oh, the technology...Mrs. Albritton was using her ipad and stylus remotely as a white board.  The apps were LogMeIn (remote) and AirSketch (whiteboard).  The stylus used was Bamboo. 

Highland Home Memorables from Homecoming 2012

Two weeks ago, Highland Home School celebrated its homecoming in grand style with over 30 students returning from the Class of 2003.  A full day of fun was had by all!

Highland Home School Homecoming Court 2012

Elementary Attendant: Gracie Brown, Freshman Attendant: Constance Posey, Junior Attendant: Tanisha Brantley, Miss Football: Kristy Sport, Homecoming Queen 2012: Brandy Cauthen, Senior Attendant: Khadijah Shepherd, Sophomore Attendant: Ashlee Davis, Middle School Attendant: Katelyn Sport, Primary Attendant: Hope Richardson.

Homecoming Queen Brittany Cauthen, escorted by Kirby Cauthen

Principal Barry Gross with Alumnus of the Year Coach Doug Norman

HHS HC Court and Senior Football Team Members

Brantley Said

In the Dynamic Duo piece, it was stated that "The tables have turned"and we are proud to say that we now have many collaborative classrooms that we would and have readily invited our neighbors to tour in order for them to grow from us."  To expound upon that notion, we would say that we have invited many into our classrooms, not just the collaborative setting, but in many other areas.

Recently, in a neighboring system, a mutually shared consultant sat in observance of a meeting and repeatedly heard, "but Brantley said...but Brantley said."  Who was the Brantley?  Where was he from?  What was his last name?  He soon found out that the last name was School as in Brantley School.

It is said that mockery is the greatest form of flattery. At least four other systems, all of whom have visited at least one of OUR schools, have followed our lead with the math initiative.  Know that what we have done, are doing, and will do, does not only affect our students but many others across the area.  Let us encourage one another to "Keep on Keeping on!"

BHS Ag Students Present Fire Safety Program

On October 11, 2012, BHS Agriscience Officers, Emily Alverson Cassidy Catrett,  Caleb Petty, Trent Warrick, Ryan Compton, and Aaron Hendrick, presented an annual fire prevention program to fourth grade students.  The officers created their own curriculum and presentation.  Each fourth grader received a fire prevention calendar which reminds them when to check their extinguishers and fire alarms.

TIGER Leaders Named

Congratulations to the following TIGER Leaders!

October 12^th, 2012

Emma Weatherbee

Brenna Reaves

Hunter Simmons

Tobey Powell

Mackenzie Daniel

Jahyia Oliver

M’Kayla Dawson

October 19^th, 2012

Camryn Sanders

Noah Daniel

Denise Burgans

Kyoshia Ezell

Chance Turner

Jaycie Breland

John Bender

October 5^th, 2012

Wyatt Cornett

Kara Gomillion

Jennifer Holliday

Ellian Harris

Jahdiya Lowery

Kaylee Oswald

Jennasis Peak

College Fair

Seniors from Highland Home, Brantley, Luverne, and Crenshaw Christian Academy attended the annual College Fair on October 22, 2012, where they visited with representatives from approximately thirty colleges and universities. The annual event is the direct result of a partnership between Crenshaw County Public Schools, ALACRAO (Alabama Association of Collegiate Recruiters and Admission Officers), and the Luverne Campus of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.  The following institutions attended:

Enterprise State Community College Wallace Community College Dothan Darton State College Lurleen B. Wallace Community College WyoTech Bevill State Community College Jacksonville State ROTC University of North Alabama ROTC The Art Institutes Shelton State Community College Lawson State Community College Miles College University of North Alabama Birmingham-Southern College University of Alabama in Huntsville Alabama A&M University Auburn University Jacksonville State University Louisiana State University Stillman College The University of Alabama The University of West Alabama Troy University Tuskegee University UAB University of Montevallo University of South Alabama

LHS Announces Sleeping Beauty Coming to Town

On November 26, 2012, the Birmingham Children's Theatre will present Sleeping Beauty to the students of Luverne School.  There is no admission to the event.

$5000 Today or 1 Cent Doubled Every Day for 30 Days

Mrs. Albritton's and Mrs. Baines' class was captivated by the story read by Mrs. Albritton in Math class. The story was One Grain of Rice by Demi. A story about a raja from India and a young girl asking for repayment for a good deed. She asked for one grain of rice on the first day and then it doubled every day following for 30 days. The students were asked if they had a choice, would they take $5000 today or one penny doubled everyday for 30 days. Everyone chose the $5000. After listening to the story they discovered that they missed earning over 5 million dollars. The lesson grabbed their attention and kept them engaged throughout. A great opportunity for reading across the curriculum.

Mrs. Susan Walden Selected as Class Act

Congratulations to Mrs. Susan Walden of LHS!  She was named WSFA's “Class Act” teacher of the week.  The news story will air this Monday, at 5:00 pm.   Kudos Mrs. Walden!

Employee Notice: Retirement Cost Will Affect Your Take Home

Expect your October 31 checks to be a little less as the State applies another step increase of 0.25% for retirement cost.  The amount will be taken from your gross pay.

LHS Drama and Choir Present Anti-Bullying Program

Luverne High School's Show Choir, “The Tigerlights”, presented an antibullying program entitled “We’re Not Gonna Take It!”, to  4^th-12^th grades on October 18^th.  The program consisted of several skits and songs reflecting the possible outcome of bullying.  The Tigerlights reminded the student body of the “Golden Rule”, do unto others as you would have them do unto you…and also the importance of, if you don’t have something nice to say, then don’t say anything at all. Many of the skits were comical but had a tremendous impact on the students.  “Miss” Daun Long Pittman, the director of Tigerlights, hopes the students at LHS are now more aware of what bullying is and that they will not just sit back and watch this happen anymore.  Our motto this year is….”We’re Not Gonna Take Bullying anymore!”

LHS has 60 choir members 

BHS and HHS Participate in PINK Out

The National Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a collaboration of national public service organizations, professional medical associations, and government agencies working together to promote breast cancer awareness, share information on the disease, and provide greater access to services.

Our schools join in this effort and encourage our students to wear pink in support of the awareness. Pictured below are BHS and HHS students and staff adorned in their pink.

Kudos to those who participated and organized the effort.

HHS

BHS 

First Citizens Sponsors Reading Club

“Reading to Earn” is a reading club sponsored by First Citizens Bank of Luverne.  Every Tuesday, employees from the bank read Accelerated Reader books to 3^rd grade classes.  Students take a test on the computer to earn points.  At the end of the year, students who maintain an 80 average and earn at least 50 points will be rewarded at the Awards’ Program.  For each point over 50, students will receive $1 in a savings account at the bank. 

Ms. Joanne Hall, Mr. Steve Sanders (the quarter man), and Ms. Stephanie Sowell are seen in these pictures reading to the third graders.

Golden Apple Link

We reported last week that Mrs. Starla Jones of LHS would be this week's recipient of WAKA's Golden Apple Award.  If you were unable to view it live and you need a little inspiration, here is the link:  Golden Apple Winner Starla Jones.

Golden Apple Winner to Appear

Congratulations to Mrs. Starla Jones of Luverne School.  She is a recipient of WAKA's Golden Apple Award.  Students nominated Mrs. Jones by entering information on WAKA Golden Apple Nominations Form.  The segment honoring Mrs. Jones will air Monday night during the CBS 8 News at 6 and 10 PM.  (Note:  The segments are said to be different, so you will want to watch both).

Ashley, Shae and Mrs. Starla Jones

Senator Taylor Awards Service Grant

Senator Bryan Taylor recently awarded Crenshaw County Public Schools a $5,000 Community Service Grant.  Said funds will be used to support an upcoming technology initiative.  Thank you Senator Taylor.

LHS HOSA Sports the PINK

On Wednesday, October 17th, LHS HOSA students encouraged all of LHS to wear pink in support of  Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The HOSA students in the photo distributed pink ribbons to all students grades 5-12, faculty and staff.  Stickers were sold and  proceeds will be used to support the American Cancer Society.  In the Health Science classroom, lessons were taught in regards to prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of this disease.  Special events will also be conducted at this week's LHS friday night football game! 

Note:  It is estimated that 26,000 Alabamians will be diagnosed with cancer this year.

In the photo left to right are: Taye Walker, Daniel Jones, 
Nadaja Debose, Kelly Morgan, Makyia Smith, 
Ashley Gorey, Shaniya Foster, & Briana Odom.

BHS Conducts Fire Safety Training

Brantley School students grades K-4 through 3 recently participated in Fire Prevention Week at Brantley School. Mr. Allen Dyess of Kinston used a puppet to demonstrate the importance of fire alarms, how to safely exit a burning building, and a plan of action once outside. Students were also shown by the Brantley Volunteer Fire Department how to exit a smoked filled building via the "Little Smokehouse."  Also, former BHS Head Football Coach Paul Woolley gave students a tour of the Fire truck!

Mrs. Stewart Teaches ABCs to Sixth Graders

...that is the ABC reading strategy.  Students can use this strategy as a straight-forward way to activate prior knowledge before they start to read about a broad-ended subject. Students individually list everything they know about a particular topic and fill in facts based on an alphabetical outline. Then, they work in small groups to compare and add information. Students review their ABC list for accuracy and add to the outline as they read. This strategy can also be used to review information following a reading. 

EJ Callaway

Parker Driggers

Football Region Rankings

Our friend with the Alabama High School Athletic Association is good to keep us in the know regarding athletic rankings and upcoming events.  Below are the current Region Rankings for football.  Each school could make the playoffs.  Take time out to support our students.  Attend a game this weekend!

Special-Called Board Meeting

A Special-Called Board Meeting has been called for Tuesday, October 23, 2012, at 7 PM, in the auditorium of Luverne, School.  A Board Work Session will begin at 6 PM and will include a principal led walk-through of all facilities.  The public is invited to attend.

Kudos to the County's Volleyball Teams

Congratulations to all of our volleyball teams.  Each had outstanding seasons and have represented us well.

Brantley School won the regional championship in its inaugural season and will play in Montgomery, next Friday at 10:15 AM.

Highland Home defeated Luverne School to ensure a spot in Montgomery next Friday.  The Squadron then lost to the Eagles of Goshen 3-2.  HHS will play also on the 26th at 5:30 PM.

These South Super Regional Volleyball Tournament is to be hosted at the Multiplex At Cramton Bowl, Montgomery (Note: The South end of the Multiplex is located opposite the football stadium).

Governor Bentley Announces Retirement Incentive

HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Gov. Robert Bentley this afternoon announced a voluntary retirement incentive for state employees aimed at whittling the cost and size of the state workforce.  "This is a voluntary program. No one will be forced to take part," Bentley said. 

 To read more, click here.

BHS Inducts Honor Club Students

Brantley Elementary Honor Club inducted 66 students into their Elementary Honor Club on October 11, 2012.  Students from 4th, 5th & 6th Grades with an overall average of 90 or above in the six academic subjects were invited to become members. Membership to this club is one of the highest honors that a student may achieve. Students must work diligently to become a member and to maintain their membership. Members must also strive to exemplify high standards in all of their actions. Congratulations to these students on a job well done!

Pictured above are BHS's Elementary Honor Club Students with
Sponsor Amanda Stewart and 
Assistant Principal Ashley Kilcrease

Coach Suber's Class Studies the Electoral College

LHS Senior Morgan Baines explains:  

During the week of October 22-26, members of the senior honor's government class are paired and will present the Presidential candidates, via visual aide (e.g. poster), to all Luverne School classes, grades 7-12. Students are allowed to state the facts only (i.e. we ask that they leave Big Bird out of the conversation). Each 3rd period class is representative of a state with the largest class equaling the largest state and electoral votes (e.g. the 3rd period band class, which is the largest during that period, is representative of the largest number of electoral votes). During the week of October 29, students in grades 7-12 will cast their votes.  The government class will compile the data, determine an LHS winner and discuss the differences of  popular and electoral vote.

LHS Government Students will simulate the map above using the results from the school-wide election.

TEAM TIGER for the Week, September 24-28, 2012:  Maggie Morgan (K), Hannah Burgans (2), Lillian Marchand (2), Hollan Helms (6), Riley Marchand (5), Gregory  Garmon (3), and Jaden Brogden (1).

CONGRATULATIONS!

Luverne School's Elementary Honor Club Inducts

Luverne Elementary Honor Club inducted 110 members on October 9, 2012, in the Samuel M. Carr Gymnasium.  Students from 4th, 5th & 6th Grades with an overall average of 90 or above in the six academic subjects were invited to become members.

Membership to this club is one of the highest honors that a Luverne Elementary School student may achieve. Students must work diligently to become a member and to maintain their membership. Members must also strive to exemplify high standards in all of their actions.

Members participated in the Homecoming Parade Last week and will participate in the Christmas Parade in December.  Members will also take an educational, fun-filled field trip in the spring.

The Honor Club hosts the “Award’s Day” Ceremonies in May of each year.

Congratulations to these students on a job well done. 

Sponsors for the Honor Club are Mrs. Shelly Hughes, Mrs. Heather Sanders, and Mrs. Traci Sanders.

Luverne School's Elementary Honor Club

BHS to Celebrate Homecoming

Brantley School is celebrating homecoming on October 26, 2012.  The following were chosen to be a member of the homecoming court: Football Sweethearts, Alexis Foster and Sabrina Fowler;  Freshmen attendant, Peighton Carpenter; Sophomore attendant, Lauren Johnson; Junior attendant, Shayna Witherington; Senior attendant, Summer Jenkins; Queen, Erica Daniels.

Homecoming festivities will begin Friday morning with the pep rally at 10 and the assembly at 12:45. The parade will follow the assembly. 

Pictured: Front Row: 

Shayna Witherington, Alexis Foster, Summer Jenkins

Back Row: Peighton Carpenter, Lauren Johnson, 
Erica Daniels, Sabrina Fowler

Mrs. Kim Hall's Class Gets the BIG Picture

Mrs. Kim Hall's 3rd grade class recently targeted skills of finding the main idea and listing details with the reading selection of "Penguin Chick."  The students worked in groups to add the main idea and details of the selection to life size Emperor penguin models.  Students listed the main idea at the top of the model and listed supporting details on the body of the penguin chick.  

HHS Students Attend J-Day at Troy

Highland Home School students recently attended Troy University’s annual “J-Day."  Students came prepared to experience the world of journalism through workshops on reporting, editing, writing, photography, layout, social digital media, technology and more.  J-Day placed increased emphasis on flexibility and cross-platform training as we move forward into the future of journalism.

Left to right: Kristen McCulllough, Khadijah Shepherd, 
Tristyn Pierce, Kristy Sport, Ashlee Davis, Destiny Clayton,
Austin Dawkins, LaSheka Sankey

 John Dunn & Austin Dawkins were the camera men for the 

Trojan Vision cable show.

LHS Celebrates Homecoming 2012

This past Friday, Luverne School celebrated its homecoming, welcoming back the Class of 2003. Students enjoyed an assembly program, parade, game and dance.  The theme was "Our Moment in Time."  Below are pictures of Queen Allison Riley and her court.

Front Row:  Jayden Parks, Keyanni Gregory, Finley Marchand, Jackson Ballard
Ashlynn Odom, Morgan Taylor, Brianna Taylor, Queen Allison Riley, Jemesha Jackson, 
Chelsea Worthington, Marlie Alford

Front: Ashlynn Odom, Morgan Taylor, Brianna Taylor, Queen Allison Riley, 
Jemesha Jackson, Chelsea Worthington, Marlie Alford
Back (Senior Football Players): Steven Tillman, K'deem Hamilton, Dontrell Hall, 
Jemarcus June, Kentrell Jones, Deshaun Lowery

LHS Homecoming Court 2012

Congratulations Andrew Parker

Andrew Parker scored 4 total touchdowns for No. 3 Brantley and was named Montgomery's Player of the Week.  Each week, AL.com selects one Player of the Week for the Montgomery area.    The article reads: 

Brantley’s Andrew Parker wasted little time putting his team ahead of Geneva County on Friday. Before the running back tallied a single carry, he had already scored twice for the third-ranked Bulldogs.

The junior returned two punts for touchdowns of 59 and 62 yards in Brantley’s 60-0 win before carrying five times for 128 yards and another pair of scores.

Parker’s efforts in the big win have earned him AL.com Player of the Week honors for the Montgomery area.  Last week’s winner was Carver-Montgomery quarterback Jeremy Johnson.

“It was one of those nights where things were working right for all of us,” said Brantley head coach David Lowery. “He had some good blocks. It all boils down to the team.

Brantley's Andrew Parker

October Board Meeting at HHS

The Crenshaw County Board of Education will host its Regular Board Meeting on Monday, October 15, 2012, at 7 PM,  in the Highland Home School auditorium.  A work session will be held at 6 PM.   The public is invited to attend.  

Click here to see the agenda.

First Ever TEAM TIGER Recipients

Pictured are the first recipients of TEAM TIGER for the week of September 17-21.  They are as follows:   K- Nehemiah Bedgood, Grade 1- Javiin Thigpin, Grade 2 Austin Cooper, Grade 3 Destiny Pressley,  Grade 4 Rose Daniels,Grade 5 Libbey Jones, and Grade 6 Tae Brantleyn.

Congratulations Students!

Tiger T-Shirt