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.

TEAM TIGER

Congratulations to the Team Tiger recipients of November 4, 2012! (Left to Right)- Kindergarten- Jacob McNeil, 1st Grade- Ja’Kayla Carr, 3rd Grade- Aniyah McGhee-Burnett, 6th Grade- Bryant Rushing, 5th Grade- Shikara Upshaw, 4the Grade- Elijah Brooks, and 2nd Grade- Jordan PARKS

Congratulations to Us!

The Alabama State Department of Education has invited us to present at the 2012 MEGA Conference!  During the 90 minute session, the system will present a synopsis of our journey in implementation of the College and Career Ready Standards and our preparations for the forthcoming assessments and accountability model.

Pioneer Projects, Pioneer Day and Farm Day

Fourth grade students annually participate in Pioneer Projects and Pioneer Day.  Thanks to the many members of the Crenshaw County Historical Society that make this event possible.

Also, the Luverne Kiwanis annually sponsors Kindergaten Farm Day.  Thanks to the many Kiwanians and local farmers that support this happening.

Summer Waters Places First at State

Summer Waters, 3rd grade student at Luverne High School took 1st  place and state honors in the "Smokey Bear" poster contest sponsored by the The Garden Club of Alabama, Inc.   Summer showcased her artistic talent to portray Smokey's fire prevention message "Only you can prevent wildfires."  The contest encourages children to take a personal role in preventing wildfires and conserving natural resources.  Summer was recognized at the November meeting of the Luverne Garden Club where she was presented several awards including monetary awards from the local, district  and state Garden Clubs.  Congratulations Summer!

Summer Waters

Retired Employees Return

We are so very blessed to have had wonderful educators and mentors pass the educational torch on to us.  Below are pics from each school as we recognized them this past Thursday.  Note the wonderful years of service of each.

Highland Home School Retired Teachers' Luncheon

Front row left to right:  Verbie Holston - Upper Elementary, Sherry Boyd  bookkeeper 32 years, Janice Norman - second grade 35 years, Joyce Eiland- second grade 30 years, Jessie Helen Gamble - aide 25 years

Back row left to right:  Nonie Taylor - English, speech, drama, French 29 years, Linda Sexton - elementary 23 years HHS 6 years Honoraville, Celia Daniel - FACS (AKA Home Economics) 36 years, Debe Armstrong - Elementary and reading coach 25 years Melanie (Mixon) Stonestreet - 7-8 math and PE 27 years.

Brantley School Retired Teachers' Luncheon

Paul Woolley 42 years of service began his career in Montevallo and finished at Andalusia High School.  Judy Woolley 32 years of service began her career at Thompson Elementary and finished at Fort Dale Academy.  Judy Knighten 27 years all at Brantley School.  Esther Lee 35 years of service began her career at Brantley School and finished at Luverne School.  Nora Hinson 25 years of service began her career at Brantley School and finished at Luverne School.  Elizabeth Henderson 29 years of service all at Brantley School.  Marilyn Foster 28 years of service began her career at McKenzie School and finished at Brantley School.  Fran Tisdale 30 years of service began her career at Stanhope Elmore and finished at Brantley School. Jane Rayburn 32 years of service began her career at Tri County Academy and finished at Brantley School.

LHS Students to Attend Honor Band

Congratulations to the following students as they were chosen to participate in the Southeast United States Middle School Honor Band at Troy University December 6-8: Frances Ackerman, LJ Ash, Jace Baines, Symphony Bodiford, Brett Bowlan, Mackenzie Carlos, Cley Coggins, Corey Davis, Elliana Harris, Mya Harris, Josh Hermeling, Jackson Holloway, Megan Hudson, Savannah Jones, Corbin Knott, Echo Mann, Treyanna McKee, Blake Meadows, Samyia Oliver, Alexus Parks, Katie Marie Smith, and Erin Walker

Impact Craters

Mrs. Katie Elliott's students recently designed an experiment to investigate how the size, velocity, or shape of objects that strike a planet’s surface affect the formation of craters.  Students learned that the greater the distance of the drop, the more force that is applied creating larger craters.  Students also learned that the larger metal spheres created larger impact craters.

National Board Certification Available

There are currently over 2,000 National Certified Board teachers in the State of Alabama.  National Board Certification is an advanced teaching credential. It complements, but does not replace, a state’s teacher license. It is valid for 10 years, and renewal candidates must begin the renewal process during their eighth or ninth year as NBCTs.

National Board Certification is achieved upon successful completion of a voluntary assessment program designed to recognize effective and accomplished teachers who meet high standards based on what teachers should know and be able to do. National Board Certification is available nationwide for most Pre-K–12 teachers.

As part of the certification process, candidates complete 10 assessments that are reviewed by trained teachers in their certificate areas. The assessments include four portfolio entries that feature teaching practice and six constructed response exercises that assess content knowledge.

If interested, please contact Mrs. Tammy Sims at tsims@crenshaw-schools.org.   There is a high probability that presenters will come to our county and present if we have any interest in the program. 

Honoring Those Who Serve

Crenshaw County honored the many service men and women of our communities this week.  In addition to the programs that were held  in our schools, the public  is invited  to a  county-wide Veterans Day Program at E.L. Turner Park on Monday, November 12, at 2:00 p.m.  Special honorees our veterans of World War II.  There will also be a reception after program, at the Luverne Library. The Soldier's Battle Cross will be on display and The  Missing Man Ceremony will be observed.

Veterans Attending Luverne School's Program

Veterans Attending Highland Home School's Program

Veterans Attending Brantley School's Program

After School Programs Going Strong

Our after school programs are now in their sixth year and are still going strong. The programs are funded annually to the tune of $375,000 via grants.  I watched one of our first-year students assist with Kids Check this past Wednesday. I also recalled the other day another first-year student learning how to shoot layups after school. No doubt that the program has created many an experience and had a positive impact on many.  Pictured below are students and teachers participating in a pumpkin enrichment activity.

Sixth Grade Class Studies Earthquakes

Sixth graders in Mrs. Cathy Wilkes’s class at LHS have been learning about earthquakes. Students demonstrated P-waves and S-waves using springs (Slinkys).  Students simulated the amplitude of earthquake waves as they moved the spring from side to side and pushed the springs. Students conducted timed trials and got the average of each.  They repeated this investigation to test whether changing the amplitude (the size of the initial jerk on the spring) affects the speed of the wave.  

After researching the best designs of of earthquake-resistant buildings, students worked in groups to design and build a house that could withstand the shaking of an “earthquake”.  The students used mini-marshmallows and toothpicks to build their houses.  Each group had a different foundation.  Both of these activities are AMSTI activities.  Students also have enjoyed checking the Drudge Earthquake Report daily to find out where earthquakes have occurred around the world, especially in the United States.