Softball Game Held to Support Relay for Life

On Wednesday, April 17th, Luverne School held its annual Relay for Life Faculty/Student softball game.  All proceeds will be used to support the American Cancer Society. And yes, the faculty won... again!

The Crenshaw County Relay for Life will be held at Turner Park this Friday, April 25.   Opening ceremonies are scheduled for 6 PM and the lighting of the luminaries at 9 PM.  The public is invited.

LHS Faculty/Student Relay for Life Softball Participants

Legislative Update

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it's the only thing that ever has."-  Margaret Mead (Borrowed quote from Dr. Eric Mackey, Executive Director of School Superintendents of Alabama and of course Margaret Mead, Anthropologist

On Tuesday of this week, I joined 300+ others on the Capital steps in support of Alabama's College and Career Ready Standards (CCRS).  Dr. Bice did an outstanding job setting the parameter and tone for the rally. After hearing from State Board Members, the Business Council of Alabama, legislators, a principal, teacher, AMSTI specialist, and a student, Dr. Bice concluded by asking "who else is left." The reality was that a small but vocal group were the only ones left.  Thanks to the united front, only hours after the rally, the notion to repeal the act was removed.  Onward with the CCRS! For more, click CCRS Repeal Removed.

Dr. Bice Addressed Crowd

More than 300 Rally for CCRS on Capital Steps

The Tim Tebow bill was put on life support Wednesday morning, however has rebounded and will be discussed today (Thursday) on the Senate floor.  This act would allow for home school students to  participate in high school athletic contest and a substitute bill would have virtually eliminated the Alabama High School Athletic Association.  

Bill sponsor Sen. Shadrack McGill said home schooling families pay taxes that support public schools and should have access to school activities. Opponents said it was unfair to allow families, who didn't want to be a part of a public school's academic program, to join that school's athletic teams. 

A revision of the Accountability Act (SB 360) is being considered.

• The original concept of the bill allows for students of failing public schools to enter any non-failing public or private school in the state.    
• Please recall that we have current policy that governs intra- and inter-district transfers which is allowable and acceptable under the new law. There was added very good language that makes it clear that a system has supreme authority to make decisions about inter-system and intra-system transfers. 
• The bill expand tax credits, expands the list of "failing" schools, and reduces the amount actually available to students for scholarships (tax credit vouchers are unlimited).  
• The new special education language is extremely useful and will likely save local systems much funding. 
• The "20%" clause will assure extra money for most "failing" schools, which is desperately needed in most of these pervasively underfunded schools. 

The ETF Budget was given a favorable report in Senate F&TE committee on Wednesday. Funds were restored to OCE ($18 million), instructional support (14.5 million), and transportation.  However, there was a reduction of the proposed pay raise from 2% to 1%.

Some contend that the increases needed for the budget and the increase of teacher salary to 2% could be offset by limiting the private school tax credit/vouchers.  The Senate is also proposing an additional payment to the Rainy Day account of $35 million which is the same amount needed for an additional 1% pay increase.

The Senate may take up the budget today and the final budget is likely to be decided in Conference Committee.

ARMT+ Extravaganza Held at LHS

Friday, April 19th was an exciting day for the middle school students of Luverne.  The students have been participating in a pen pal project to improve their writing skills all year long.  They have been writing the middle school students of Banks Middle School in Pike County.  On Friday, the Banks students came over to Luverne to meet their pen pals and participate in a massive ARMT+ review activity. Students from each school were divided into groups.  The students rotated to 19 different tables that each reviewed different ARMT+ skills in reading, math, and science.  Parents, teachers and high school volunteers managed the tables.  The students had the chance to review testing skills, meet their pen pals, and receive door prizes. After the review, students had a chance to socialize and get to know their pen pals. The students enjoyed all of the activities.  The ARMT+ Extravaganza turned out to be fun and educational for everyone involved.   Kudos to the organizations that contributed, Ms. James and others for organizing, and LHS for hosting!

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Rotarians Host Annual Honor Student Fishing Rodeo

On Thursday, April 18, the Luverne Rotary Club hosted the county's 6th grade honor students at the Crenshaw County Lake.  Participants were provided rod and reel, bait, and an opportunity to catch dinner via channel catfish. Much thanks to the Rotarians and Hicks Tackle for providing the opportunity. 

Rotarian and Board Member Steve Sanders Addresses the Crowd

Preschool Packets Forthcoming

K-4 packets may be picked up at your local school beginning May 15.  The packets must be returned to Mrs. Debra Pippin at Central Office by June 12, 2013.  A  drawing will be held at Central Office on June 20, 2013 at 10 AM.

HHS iRuns for Reading

The Highland Home Literacy Program sponsored its 2nd annual 'iRun for Reading' on April 13th, 2013. The fundraiser brought in $1000 and will be used to purchase 10 iPads for grades 3-6. The Program is also partnering with the Highland Home Players Community Theater in an effort to meet its goal. The theater will present 'Seussical the Musical' on May 30, 31, & June 1st at HHS. Thanks to sponsors, volunteers, and participants for your support!

HHS Literacy Program sponsor Melanie Matthews, HHS alumni Chris Matthews, HHS student Ava Matthews & upcoming student Greyson Matthews

HHS 1st grade teacher Jenny Holladay & her husband Stephen 

(2nd & 3rd place in their category)

19 & Under Winners: 3rd place - HHS Student Nathaniel Hebert, 2nd place - HHS Alumni Dustin Nolan, 1 Mile Fun Run Winner - HHS Alumni Raheem Berry, and 1st place - HHS Student Khollon Brown

30-49 Winners: 3rd place - HHS Parent Belinda Duett, 2nd Place - HHS Nurse Michell Crowe, and 1st place - HHS Instructional Coach Melanie Matthews

LHS Step Team Wins Idol Competition

HOSA National's Team recently hosted an LHS Idol Competition, in which many students and student groups demonstrated their talents.   The event raised $1,752.  Proceeds will be used to fund their trip to competition in Nashville this summer.

THE WINNERS: 1ST - LHS HIGH STEPPIN TIGERS STEP ROUTINE (CENTER), 2ND - FFA STRING BAND INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE (RIGHT), & 3RD -  AUTUMN BULLOCK VOCAL PERFORMANCE (LEFT)

LHS CHOIR

HIP HOP DANCERS

Autumn Bullock

RYAN ALSBROOKS WHO WON 1ST RUNNER UP 

IN THE WOMANLESS SKIT

PRESSLEE PITTMAN SINGING

CHANCE TURNER WHO WON THE WOMANLESS

 HOSA SKIT

Gas Money and Sponsor Mrs. Becky Cornelius

LHS Drama's "Hank Morgan: A Day in the Life" Gets Two Thumbs Up

On Sunday, April  21st at 2:30 PM, many enjoyed a matinee performance of "Hank Morgan: A Day in the Life" presented by the LHS Drama Department.   The cast of Chelsea Worthington (Miss Morgan), Kaitlin Galloway (Aunt Louisa), Hope Davis (Karen), Ryan Alsbrooks (The Real Hank Morgan), Luke Barron (Hank), HartLee Pittman (Lillian), Anna Brooks (Celia), and Hannah Helms (Usher) wowed the audience with fast paced dialogue and sporadic tense shifts (yes, it took me a few minutes to catch on).  The crew of Shaquera Upshaw (Director), Kamron Womack (Stage Manger), Amber Pope (Costumes), Hannah Bowles (Programs), Daniel Jones and Randall Sipper (Sound), and Mr. Pippin and the LHS Agriscience Department (Set Design) did an outstanding job as well.  Kudos to Drama Sponsor, Mrs. Starla Jones for going above and beyond in providing students the opportunity.  

From Brooklyn Publishers, here is a brief synopsis:  Lillian Morgan has come to watch a play based on a day in the life of her brother, Hank Morgan, but the play is utterly wrong. Barely one detail is correct, and Lillian, as a former drama teacher and meticulous journal-keeper, cannot bear to have the audience deceived. She interrupts the play and demands it be ended. She is adamant, despite the protests of the director, the actors, and her brother himself. Only when the actress playing Lillian's younger self appears does Lillian relent, allowing it to continue. But for the show to go on, Lillian must actually take a part. By the end of this comedy, she learns that the accuracy of her memories may not be as important as the feelings behind them.

LES Honor Club Visits GA Aquarium

The Luverne Elementary Honor Club visited the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta on April 19.  Students were led in a “Weird & Wild” educational experience, enjoyed in 4D “Deepo’s Undersea 3D Wondershow”, “DolphinTales” show and free time to explore the exhibits.  There are approximately 90 members in the Honor Club.

Elementary Honor Club Sponsors:  Mrs. Shelly Hughes, Mrs. Heathers Sanders, Mrs. Traci Sanders 

HOSA Day at UAB

Crenshaw County HOSA students recently attended its first-ever HOSA Day at UAB, sponsored by UAB School of Health Professions.  The picture below shows all of our students who participated in this event. UAB presented our students with information required to make a well-informed decision about their future education. The day was filled with demonstrations, hands on activities and tours of their dynamic school of health professions!

Crenshaw County HOSA Students at HOSA Day

Ronald McDonald House Receives HOSA Donation

HOSA students recently visited the Ronald McDonald House in Birmingham to deliver the group's bags of pop tabs. The group contributed 118 pounds! Please know that it takes 1,280 tabs make 1 pound so there was an estimated 151,040 pop tabs donated to this community service project. Also, know that 80 pounds houses a family for one night so HOSA helped a family stay for one and a half nights just by pulling tabs off drink cans. Kudos to the students and sponsor!!!

Charlie Ball Crowned Campus Beauty

Congratulations to all of the Brantley School beauty contestants, entertainment persons and sponsors of last night's performance, "Puttin' on the Ritz."  Miss Charlie Ball was crowned Campus Beauty.  First runner-up was Raven Averrett and second runner-up was Haven Cade.  Miss photogenic was Haley Adams. Miss Congeniality was Chelsea Smith and winner of the interview category was Erica Daniels.  Congratulations once again to all!

Charlie Ball Crowned

Chelsea Smith, Haven Cade, Raven Averrett,
Charlie Ball, Erica Daniels and Haley Adams