The Shelby County School District had five students to win recognition at the State Superintendent's Visual Art Show. Hundreds of art pieces were submitted from school districts across the state, but only 18 pieces were chosen for recognition. " I believe that this is an all-time high for Shelby County in terms of state winners, " said Heather Mays, Library Media Services Program Supervisor. "With five or the 18 winners, my calculations show us bringing home 27 percent of the awards. That is wonderful for our students."

The winning students and teachers are as follows:

• Category I Two-Dimensional Work ( 7-8) 3rd place - Kayla Dunphy, Columbiana Middle School (Lonnie Moore, teacher)
• Category II Photography or Computer Generated Work (7-8) 1st place - Savannah Bayer, Chelsea Middle School (Jill Tolbert, teacher)
• Category II Photography or Computer Generated Work (7-8) 2nd place - Noah Peterson, Calera High School (Katherine Stewart, teacher)
• Category I Two-Dimensional Work (11-12) 3rd place - Mia Badham, Oak Mountain High School (Nicole McKinney, teacher)
• Category II Photography or Computer Generated Work (11-12) - 3rd place - Justin Tadlock, Shelby County High School (Laura Alvord, teacher)

The first graders in Amy Cook's classroom and the second graders in Chase Holden's classroom at Creek View Elementary participated in a Virtual Field Trip video conference with NASA on February 9, 2010. The program entitled " A View From the Top: Looking at Earth from Space" allowed the students to explore the use of satellites to determine climate changes, weather events, pollution, and land use. The live connection between the students and the astronauts from NASA enhanced the students' mastery of the objectives by allowing them to participate in a question and answer session and developmentally appropriate instruction.

To prepare for this field trip, the students practiced finding their homes, businesses and local landmarks using Google Earth. The students were well prepared and participated in activities to become familiar with terms the astronauts used during the "field trip". The students also received knowledge about the first satellites used during World War

Students participating in the German ACCESS Distance Learning class between Pelham High School and Calera High School took part in a special ACCESS Distance Learning opportunity on February 2. The students participated in a video conference with a panel of Vice-Consuls from the U.S. Consulate in Frankfurt, Germany. The video conference demonstration, which also included other high schools in Alabama, was part of the state's ACCESS Distance Learning Week and showed how ACCESS is linking classrooms throughout the state to expand student learning opportunities. Students were able to ask questions regarding the panel's careers, what foreign languages they speak, and the various countries where they have been previously assigned.

Chelsea High School senior Courtnie Davis recently won a Merit Award at the Southeastern Regional Art Competition held at Birmingham Southern January 10-22. According to Chelsea High School art teacher Max Newton over 400 art pieces were entered from local Southeastern states. From those entries, the faculty jury selected 60-70 pieces to compete. Ms. Davis' piece was one of 10 Merit Award winners, which is the highest award given. There were also 10 Honorable Mentions awarded. She received a Certificate of Merit and a cash award. Her piece was a charcoal drawing entitled The Raven, which also won first place honors in the Drawing and Painting category at the state Superintendent's Art show last year. The piece was inspired by the famous poem by Edgar Allan Poe.

For the SPQR project students will take on the roles of political and socioeconomic groups that existed in Rome in the late Republican period (27 B.C.). The students have researched their roles throughout the month of January. On SPQR Day, each student will assume his role, and in a costume appropriate to his social class, present an argument and engage in debate given from the point of view of his socioeconomic standing. The classes will be divided into the Senate, controlled by the Patricians, and a weaker political group called the Plebeian Assembly. At the end of a long day of heated debate in which the students may reveal surprise "secrets" that could sway the votes of others and create many other exciting "twists and turns", the students will vote to determine whether Rome will remain a repulic governed by a legislative body or become an empire ruled by one powerful leader.

The high school Latin students participated by doing their own research on the various socioeconomic roles. The middle school students spent the day at the high school on January 20 where each of the Latin classes presented the results of their research to them. The Latin students also armed the middle school students with a few Latin words to help them sound authentic when making their SPQR speeches. The middle school students have used this information and the resources to enhance their unit of study on Roman history and to assist their research. Then on SPQR Day the high school students will also dress in costume/character particular to their assigned socioeconomic class and participate in the debates with the middle school students.

"Mr. Croom has been doing this project with his students for about six years but he and I collaborated last year so that my Latin students now participate. We conducted the project more on an experimental basis last year just to see how it would work to combine middle and high school," said Ms. Boody. " Well, I have to say that in 34 years of teaching, I believe this was one of the top five most memorable days of my career! This was the 'wowest' of WOW lessons!"

"The day began with excitement in the air with the students in their First Century B.C. costumes," she continued. "After a brief introduction by Mr. Croom, the debate started and from that point on, I just sat back and watched the students engage each other in debate. They argued as if it were 27 BC, and they had to decide the fate of the Roman Republic. They were passionate! They argued from their points of view based on their research and were committed to the beliefs they developed during their research. They had so much fun and learned so much. It was powerful and exciting!"

Ms. Boody said the students will also participate in a Roman banquet for lunch. The students will eat food that would have been recognizable to a Roman living during that time.

"In other words, no pasta!" she said. "Pasta came from China much later and tomatoes weren't introduced to Italy until after the discovery of the New World in 1492."

Three Thompson Intermediate School students recently participated in Books for Baskets sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham. This competition consists of two major parts: an essay writing contest and a basketball shooting contest. Tavarus Hall, Lauren Black, and Kahyanne Bolton attended the UAB Blazers game on January 9, 2010, and participated in a half-time basketball shootout. The students got second place and won $2,500.00 for the school library to buy books. Lauren Phillips was the school's essay winner and earned an additional $500.00 for the school library. The librarian, Heather Kirk, 5th grade teacher, Sabrina Lynch, and PE teacher, Cameshia Pete, coordinated this event from Thompson Intermediate.

Thompson Sixth Grade Center’s Science Club has been awarded a $100 Junior Master Gardner Mini Grant from the Bonnie Plant Farm/ACES JMG program. The school also received a $500 field trip grant from Target that will be used for a field trip to the Bonnie Plant Farm this spring. The grant is being used to purchase gardening supplies and equipment for the more than 60 students who participate in the club. These students meet once per month after school to complete JMG activities and projects that help in the beautification of their campus. Students have participated in gardening safety training and look forward to receiving the tools and equipment needed to complete upcoming gardening projects in the spring. Thompson Intermediate School received a $5,000 grant from Lowes which is being used to support an outdoor classroom that is being shared with the Thompson Sixth Grade Center.

Meadow View Elementary students celebrated the 100th day of school by bringing in nonperishable food for Manna Ministries. Manna Ministries is a food share outreach program located at 8139 Hwy 119 in Alabaster.

The school collects canned food for them a couple of times a year because the organization supports so many families in Alabaster and the surrounding area. Last week, Wayne Blankenship, building manager of Manna Ministries, reported they helped over 125 families by giving them groceries for the week.

"They are very low on food right now, so they asked us to do another food drive," said school counselor Karen Sue Synder. "We did it in celebration of the 100th day of school and the response has been great so far. The kids have filled 5 huge trash bins full of cans!"

• Inverness Elementary held a “Change for Haiti” money drive that will be donated to the American Red Cross.
• Thompson Intermediate School held a “Change for Haiti” fundraising campaign, along with a “Hats for Haiti” campaign last week where the students were permitted to wear a hat in exchange for making a donation. The students raised $1,424 with both events.
• Helena Elementary students are also bringing in money for their “Helena Helps Haiti” project. The students will be making a paper chain to represent the total amount of their donation. For every dollar donated per class, a link will be added to a paper chain displayed outside each classroom. The school is also doing a Hats for Haiti event.
• Oak Mountain Intermediate School’s student council is collecting bottled water that will be donated to the American Red Cross.
• Creek View Elementary is holding a money drive for the next two weeks.
• Valley Elementary School is collecting coloring books and crayons, as well has hygiene supplies to send to the children of Haiti.
• Chelsea Intermediate School held a shoe drive and collected over 68 garbage bags full of shoes that will be donated to the victims through the Soles4Souls program.
• Valley Intermediate School also did a “Hats for Haiti” day where they raised $525 for the earthquake relief. They will also have a “Dollars to Doze” event this week where students will be permitted to wear pajamas in exchange for their donation.
• Helena Middle School will hold their “Hats for Haiti” day on January 29. Students will be allowed to wear hats that day for a donation to the relief efforts.
• Elvin Hill Elementary students are donating money this week in exchange for being able to wear a hat or crazy socks. To date, $350 has been raised. All money raised will benefit the American Red Cross.
• The Torch Club of Montevallo Middle School is sponsoring "Pajama Day for Haiti". Students are being asked to make donation of least $1.00 to the Haiti Relielf Fund in order to wear pajama pants on February 4. The Torch Club is also selling ribbons in red and blue, the colors of the Haitian flag. The monies generated from these two events will be given to the American Red Cross.
• Mt Laurel Elementary students are raising funds to help an orphanage in Ebeneezer, Haiti to supply food and medical supplies to the needy. This orphanage was not badly damaged and is being used as a distribution site for supplies.
• The Vincent High School Senior Beta Club and the RoadScholars are collecting items for health kits to be sent to Haiti. The items needed include hand towels, wash cloths, combs (large and sturdy), fingernail clippers, bath-size bars of soap (3 oz. and up), toothbrushes (adult single brushes only in original wrapper), large tubes of toothpaste, and adhesive bandages (Band-Aids). Each kit will be packed in a gallon-size Ziploc bag for shipping and easy distribution. Students will be collecting these items for the next two weeks. They hope to have the first kits ready for shipment by Tuesday, February 9. In addition to the kits, members of First Priority are also working hard to help raise much needed funds. They are collecting monetary to support the missionaries and orphanages in Haiti. The funds will be sent through the Church of God missions.
• Thompson High Schools Student Government Association and Key Club are sponsoring a faculty basketball game on Friday, January 29 at 2:30 p.m. with the goal of raising at least $2,000 to benefit the Haitian relief efforts.
• The male teachers at Calera High School have agreed to let the students have a good laugh at their expense in exchange for raising money to help the victims of the earthquake. The Art Club has placed jars in the cafeteria with the names of all the male teachers in the school. The male teacher that raises the most money for the relief in Haiti has agreed to come to school dressed as a woman. If the school reaches the goal of $1,500 the entire male faculty will dress as women.
• Shelby County High School hosted the band Sirock and raised over $400.
• Vincent Elementary students are donating money and making hearts to represent their donation through the Hearts for Haiti campaign.
• Chelsea High School students will help raised money for Haiti by selling flowers and candy to send to fellow students for Valentine's Day.
• Montevallo Elementary is holding a "Make Change" drive for Haiti's earthquake victims. Half of the money will be added to the City of Montevallo's dollar drive for the American Red Cross, and the other half will go to Save the Children to provide Child Friendly Spaces and activities for the children struggling to recover.
• Calera Middle School's First Priority organization is leading a fund raising drive for Haiti.
• Thompson Sixth Grade Center is holding a "Change for Haiti" fundraising drive with a goal of at least $500.
• Chelsea Park Elementary School is holding a "Help for Haiti" fundraising drive on February 12 to benefit the American Red Cross. Each child is being asked to donate $1.

Congratulations to the following students and teachers for being selected as winners in the 2010 Shelby County Superintendent's Art Show. A selection of these winners as well as other pieces will be sent to the State Superintendent's Art Show in Montgomery. All Shelby County Superintendent's Show artwork will be on display during the month of March at the Central Office in Columbiana. First place winners in each category and all state winners will be recognized at the March board meeting.

Category I (all media, mixed media)

• K-3
  1st place -- Eli Lovvorn, Montevallo Elementary, 1st grade -- Alan Cecil, teacher
  2nd place -- Marissa Morris, Helena Elementary, 2nd grade -- Alice Lobell, teacher
• 4-6
  1st place -- Jacob Goldberg, Calera Middle School, 6th grade -- Katherine Stewart, teacher
  2nd place -- Katelyn Bearden, Oak Mountain Middle School, 6th grade -- Diane Epperson, teacher
• 7-8
  1st place -- Anna Ospina, Oak Mountain Middle School, 8th grade -- Diane Epperson, teacher
  2nd place -- Noor Jarrar, Chelsea Middle School, 8th grade -- Jill Tolbert, teacher
• 9-10
  1st place -- JaMaia White, Calera High School, 10th grade -- Gay Niven, teacher
  2nd place -- Jessica Macon, Vincent Middle/High School, 9th grade -- Paul Williamson, teacher
• 11-12
  1st place -- Mia Badham, Oak Mountain High School, 11th grade -- Nicole McKinney, teacher
  2nd place -- Katelyn Dean, Calera High School, 12th grade -- Gay Niven, teacher

Category II (digital artwork, photography)

• K-6
  Matthew Gilchrist, Chelsea Middle School, 6th grade -- Jill Tolbert, teacher
• 7-8
  Savannah Bayer, Chelsea Middle School, 8th grade -- Jill Tolbert, teacher
• 9-10
  Summer Miller, Calera High School, 10th grade -- Gay Niven, teacher
• 11-12
  Justin Tadlock, Shelby County High School, 12th grade -- Laura Alvord, teacher

Students at Shelby County High School held a rock concert at their school on January 21 to raise money for the Haitian earthquake relief efforts. The school hosted the Nashville-based rock bank Shirock, which travels to schools across the country promoting the importance of students getting involved in social issues in their communities and living positive lifestyles. The event was sponsored by the Key Club. The concert raised $400 that will be sent to aid the Haitian victims of the earthquake.

Vincent Elementary students are also doing their part to help the earthquake victims through their "Hearts for Haiti" campaign. The school began the campaign on January 20 and will continue it until January 29. Students are purchasing hearts for fifty cents each. The hearts, which will have the student's name on it, will be used to create a display at the school. Photos of the display will be sent, along with all the money that is raised, to aid in the earthquake relief efforts.

Students at the School of Technology will soon not have far to go in order to open up a checking or saving account. They will be able to take advantage of a fully-operational branch of First Educators Credit Union that is opening on campus as part of the Business and Finance Academy.

“First Educators Credit Union has become a reality after I received a $5,000 grant from Alabama Rural Initiative,” said instructor Dora Montgomery. “The grant resulted from the skillful planning initiated by South Shelby Chamber of Commerce members and Business and Finance Academy advisory members who partnered with me to turn a dream into a reality. The process was long and difficult, but the work was well worth the effort as we implemented the concept of having the first high school credit union branch in Shelby County.”

Ms. Montgomery said the Business and Finance Academy students will run the credit union, which will offer great opportunities for students and parents to have a fully serviced checking account and/or savings account. Direct deposit will also be available. The First Educators Credit Union will be open during school hours.

“This will help the students to have a better understanding of financial literacy and will also help them enhance their employability skills,” she stressed. “We will also have students from the Public Service Academy that will be providing security for the credit union which helps them learn job skills also.”

The grand opening of the BAFA (Business and Finance Academy) branch of the First Educators Credit Union will be held January 28 at 5:30 p.m. at the School of Technology.

Monday, February 15 (Presidents’ Day) will be the make-up day for all students and employees due to the cancellation of school on January 7, 2010. This is listed as the first Inclement Weather Day on the approved 2009-2010 school calendar.

The Shelby County school district has announced that all schools will be closed on Thursday, January 7 due to the threat of severe winter weather. The After School Care Program will also be closed and all extracurricular activities for Thursday evening have been cancelled. Coordination with the local Shelby County Emergency Management Agency, as well as local and regional weather sources, all indicate that Shelby County is included in a Central Alabama weather band that will produce one to two inches of snow during the day Thursday. An evaluation of conditions will be made during the day Thursday to determine the status of school attendance on Friday. All personnel and parents should listen to their local media sources and monitor the Shelby County Schools website ( www.shelbyed.k12.al.us ) for an announcement on the status of school and school events for Friday.

Schools from the Alabaster area recently hosted an ESL potluck dinner at Thompson High School. Other schools that were represented were Meadow View Elementary, Creek View Elementary, Thompson Sixth Grade Center, and Thompson Middle. Parents with students in the English-as-a-Second Language Program each brought a dish to the program. After dinner, awards were givem to students within the ESL programs who achieved AYP status on the ACCESS test or who exited the ESL program. Dinner included tomales, pupusas, chili, empanadas, toquitos, carnitas, salsa verde, church's chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cookies, cake, tres leches, and pandas muertos. Decorations included student made flags from representative countries.

Montevallo Middle School has been awarded a $1,000 FuelUptoPlay60 grant from the Southeast Dairy Council. The school has two goals that will be implemented as part of the grant. First, the Physical Education department will be creating a gravel track out behind the school. The track will be utilized during physical education classes, as well as for before and after school walk clubs. The school will also be adding other after school fitness programs next semester. As part of the second goal, the cafeteria is offering a "grab and go" breakfast. The school has already started doing this a couple of days a week and breakfast consumption is way up. If the school continues the program, it could continue to receive additional monies up to $5,000. Many of the students have already volunteered to go online and participate in the FuelUpToPlay60 challenge.

Montevallo Middle School hosted a Retired Teacher’s Christmas Luncheon on Thursday, December 10th, in the Library Media Center. The eighth grade Family and Consumer Science students prepared the food, acted as hosts for the event, and enjoyed dining with their honored guests. Retired teachers from local Montevallo schools; Mr. Randy Fuller, Superintendent of Shelby County Schools; Steve Martin, Board Member of Shelby County Schools; and Mr. Lewis Brooks, Middle School Coordinator for Shelby County Schools were on the invited list. Mr. Ben McCrory, Mayor of Montevallo, was also in attendance.

The menu served included honey-baked ham, homemade macaroni and cheese, green beans, tossed salad, croissants, carmel apple cheesecake, red velvet cupcakes, coconut cake, and chocolate chip cookies. A variety of music styles were enjoyed during the luncheon. The concert choir and the 6th grade music elective class, led by Mrs. Virginia Cook, entertained the group with, “Sing Hosanna” and a Native American song. Sam Hudson, 7th grader, played a Dvorak piece from the New World Symphony on the trombone, followed by Chris Seeboth, 8th grader, engaging the audience with, “Rocking Around the Christmas Tree,” on the electric guitar. Mr. Lewis Brooks, Middle School Coordinator for Shelby County Schools, said that the students were demonstrating leadership skills and that he was very proud of them. Montevallo Middle School Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Mrs. Raynette Ellison, has organized this special day every year since 1997. Several teachers look forward to receiving their invitation every year. Retirees are grateful and really appreciate the camaraderie of their fellow retired teachers.

Thompson Sixth Grade Center’s Science Club has been awarded a Junior Master Gardner Mini Grant from the Bonnie Plant Farm/ACES JMG program. The grant is being used to purchase gardening supplies and equipment for the more than 60 students who participate in the club. These students meet once per month after school to complete JMG activities and projects that help in the beautification of their campus. Students have participated in gardening safety training and look forward to receiving the tools and equipment needed to complete upcoming gardening projects in the spring.

For many years Skillet Bird placed jars all over the Columbiana area to collect change to buy toys for needy children. This was Skillet’s own special ministry for decades. He became well known for this ministry. Later his Sunday school class at Columbiana United Methodist Church, the Luther Fowler Men's Class, took over the project and made it much bigger. Many people in the community and schools are now involved and the Skillet Bird Toy fund has grown tremendously. The Skillet Bird Toy Fund helps families that are just struggling right this moment. Sometimes those families will eventually pull out of the struggle and help others the next year when they are able.

Mrs. Marlana Hodo and the Wilsonville Elementary Student Government Association agreed to make the Skillet Bird Toy Fund project part of their mission. In addition, they decided to donate every penny raised in memory of John E. Jones. Mr. Jones has been a huge part of the Skillet Bird Ministry for decades. He and his wife Jane have worked tirelessly to assure needy children in the communities of Columbiana, Shelby, and Wilsonville were provided a nice Christmas.

In November, our Student Council hosted a canned food drive to put into action our character trait of "Cooperation" for that month. The entire school truly cooperated by collecting 2, 413 canned food items to benefit Family Connections. The agency's representative, Carol Williams, was blown away by the collection. Family Connection was not expecting our donation, but stated that it came at a perfect time because their pantry was bare.

In late November, early December, needy families begin turning in forms indicating a need to be adopted for Christmas. Classes at Chelsea Intermediate opted to adopt students from within their own school to buy presents for instead of exchanging gifts in the classroom. Classes collected money and then met on scheduled shopping nights to handpick items for their designated angel. These students learned about true compassion as they gave of their time and money to benefit a fellow student.

Chelsea Intermediate is so very blessed to have the complete and total support of community businesses and churches. Again, needy families were helped by the donation of Thanksgiving and Christmas meals. "At such a devastating time in our economy, it is wonderful to see that the entire community is pulling together to lend a hand in any way to those who need help", stated Chelsea Intermediate Principal, Stephanie Herring.

Riverchase Middle School students have been busy helping to spread Christmas cheer and help out the less fortunate during the holiday season. RMS held the first ever Jr. Panther Princess Pageant. Twenty-nine seventh and eighth grade guys bravely became “girls” for an afternoon and vied for the title of RMS Panther Princess. Between the participants and the students attending the pageant, $1,200.00 was raised. This money was used to buy Christmas gifts for students at RMS whose parents have lost their jobs or are facing other economic problems. The pageant was a huge success and will become an annual event.

The SGA sponsored a coat drive and collected over 80 coats. The coats were donated to the Mountaintop Community Church Compassion Ministry. The Ministry serves the homeless people in and around the Birmingham area.

Finally, students have been collecting and bringing in toiletries to be given to Oak Mountain Ministries so that they can be dispersed to families that need them. Students, faculty, and parents have brought in many box loads of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, and other related items.

The Linda Nolen Learning Center has been selected to host a discussion series called the “Great Stories CLUB.” The library is one of 265 libraries nationwide receiving a grant from the American Library Association (ALA) to host this series, developed by the ALA Public Programs Office (PPO) and Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA). Funding was provided for this program by Oprah's Angel Network.

The Great Stories CLUB (Connecting Libraries, Underserved teens and Books) is a book discussion program created to provide troubled teens with an opportunity to read and discuss books that are relevant to the challenges in their lives. The theme for the 2009 grant is “New Horizons.” As a recipient of this grant from ALA, LNLC will receive programming resources as well as copies of current literature for the students.

The discussion group meets daily and integrates research-based projects and comprehension activities into book explorations. Ginger Hewitt and Todd Crenshaw lead the discussions and facilitate activities at each session.

Students at Helena Intermediate School have recently participated in a number of projects to show their care and concern for others. In November the HIS Student Council sponsored a “Can Food Drive.” A total of 868 cans of food were collected. With the donated items, food was provided for six families at Thanksgiving and four more families at Christmas. In December the HIS Student Council sponsored a “Toy Drive.” Students brought in over 212 items. The Day Starters club also sponsored a "Hat Day" to raise funds for needy families. For a $1 donation, students could wear the hat of their choice for the day. A total of $364 was collected. Some 25 different families, churches, or individuals also made donations towards Christmas needs for families. With the donations of toys and cash, Christmas gifts were provided for 18 families in the community.

The HIS Hands in Service Club recently supported a project begun by third grader Bryce Ivey to collect blankets for New Beacon Hospice in Alabaster. The Hands in Service Club helped to collect nearly 100 blankets that will help keep terminally ill patients warm during the winter.

Several HIS classes recently wrote letters and made cards to cheer up and encourage Marines who have been wounded in Afghanistan. The soldiers are recovering at Bethesda Navy Medical Center in Maryland. Mrs. Teri Portwood's class and Mrs. Celia Ingram's class also had a visit from CPL Kyle Portwood, a Marine, just recently back from a tour in Afghanistan. Kyle shared information with the students regarding his deployment and service in the marine corps. Kyle is the proud son of Reece and Teri Portwood, both teachers at HIS.

Thompson Intermediate's fifth grade choir will be travelling to Shelby Ridge Rehabilitation Center on December 18 to serenade the residents with Christmas carols. Student Kristina Howse, initiated the outing along with her mother who is an employee at the center. The choir has also recently participated in the PTO's fundraising efforts by providing entertainment at their annual silent auction. Bonnie Herenu, music teacher and choir director, said the students were thrilled to be invited to sing.

The National Junior Honor Society from Thompson High School turned the school's cafeteria into a free place to 'shop' on Saturday, December 12. The group had been collecting clothing items over the past several days with the intention to giving them away to individuals and families in the area who needed it. The students spent many hours sorting and organizing the clothing by sizes in preparation for the event. Once the clothing was organized by size, it was displayed in the cafeteria for people to come take what they needed. The clothing included adult, youth, children, and baby sizes. There were also shoes, coats, and various accessories. According to school leaders, the event drew a large turnout of people who came to take advantage of the free clothing. Clothing that was not given away on Saturday was donated to the Hannah Home.

Columbiana Middle School made Christmas possible for many families in the Columbiana community by raising funds to purchase clothing and toys for those in need. FCCLA, private donations, and our very first ever, Kiss a Pig Contest provided the monies to make Operation Santa Claus possible.

According to Guidance Counselor Rhonda Rush, Operation Santa Claus was a huge success and one that the school hopes to continue in the future. "Through this project our students have gained an appreciation for what they have, and we believe that our students truly understand the meaning of the phrase, 'It is better to give than receive,'" said Ms. Rush.

Nick Fiveash and Emily Gillum from Oak Mountain Elementary School and Emily Hicks and Sarah Hicks from Creekview Elementary School entered the 2009 Liz Moore Holiday Art Contest sponsored by the Liz Moore Low Vision Center at St. Vincent's East. Each student received Awards of Excellence. Nick Fiveash and Emily Hicks both received additional honors by being selected for one of the 12 coveted spots for the next years St. Vincent's Foundation Calendar.

The framed art was on display in the rotunda of St. Vincent's East around a two-story tall Christmas tree. An awards ceremony was held on Monday December 7, where the students received a cash award and their framed picture. This was followed by a tree lighting and a party. Additionally, the student's teachers received a cash award to be used during the year. Congressman Spencer Bacchus also presented each school with a flag that was flown over the capital.

Denise Sample, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments at the Linda Nolen Learning Center, was the vision teacher that entered the show with Nick Fiveash and Emily Gillum's art work. Lynn Wyatt is the art teacher at Creekview Elementary that worked with Emily and Sarah Hicks.

Emily Gillum created a dimensional feather tree of purple and pink feather clusters on a background of sparkling snowflakes. Nick Fiveash created a dimensional moss wreath with shells and natural fibers for bow. Emily and Sarah Hicks painted a picture of the manager scene.

Ginger Aaron, a physical education teacher at Valley Elementary School, was recently awarded the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance (AAHPERD) Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart Grant. This $2,500 grant was awarded to only ten teachers across the nation to supplement their physical education department in recognition of their dedication to the Jump Rope for Heart/Hoops for Heart program. Ms. Aaron, a national board certified teacher, will be honored at the national AAHPERD convention in Indianapolis, Indiana in March.

Jump Rope for Heart is an educational fund-raising event held each year to raise funds for the American Heart Association whose mission is "Building healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke." During the weeks leading up to the event day, students at Valley will learn about the heart and its function, wholesome foods, and healthy lifestyle choices. Valley Elementary will hold their annual Jump Rope for Heart event on February 16. Parents and special guests are invited to visit during their child’s physical education time to jump, cheer, turn ropes, clap and support students as they jump.

A Chelsea Middle School student, Marwa Elgazzar, has been selected as a Jack Kent Cooke Foundation Young Scholar. The Young Scholar’s Program is a collaboration between the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation and the Duke University Talent Identification Program. Ms. Elgazzar, an eighth grader at Chelsea Middle, is one of a very small number across the nation to make it through the incredibly rigorous selection process and one of only two from the state of Alabama. Ms. Elgazzar will pursue an individualized course of study to support her interest in medical research as part of a cohort of 50 students from around the nation.

Oak Mountain Middle School students have once again exceeded their fundraising goal for the annual Toys for Tots campaign, raising $25,746 to buy gifts for deserving children in Central Alabama. The money is part of the school's annual Toys for Tots drive, which has raised more than $250,000 since 1999. The school holds the national record for the largest school donation for Toys for Tots with $42,000 raised in 2006.

According to Principal Larry Haynes, the school has set a goal of $20,000 each year for the toy campaign. Each year, the goal has been surpassed.

The Oak Mountain Toys for Tots project is lead by the National Jr. Honor Society. The NJHS students will spend the money on new toys at the Toys-R-Us in Hoover at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 17. The United States Marine Corps, who sponsors Toys for Tots, will attend the school's Christmas Assembly that same afternoon at 2:15 p.m. to pick up the toys.

The Oak Mountain High School National Honor Society also concluded its first ever Toys for Tots fundraiser recently, raising more than $3,000.

Calera Middle School’s Student Government Association raised over $1,000 in their first annual turkey-thon. Students purchased more than 2,000 paper turkeys for fifty cents each in an effort to form the longest turkey line. All of the money went towards purchasing turkeys and providing Thanksgiving dinners for several area families in need. The food was delivered to local families and churches by the school's SGA.

Thompson Intermediate School partnered with State Farm Insurance to provide gift boxes full of toiletries and snacks for soldiers fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Thompson Intermediate School Gifted Department sponsored the “Gift in a Box” project and helped collect and sort items that filled over 70 boxes. The students promoted the project by making daily school announcements, creating posters, and designing flyers about the project.

State Farm provided funding for postage on the boxes and also contributed to the collection of toiletries. The success of the project is credited to the joint efforts of Thompson Intermediate School families, TIS Gifted Department, and State Farm employees.

Two Calera High School Teachers were awarded "One Classroom at a Time" grants today during a special assembly. According to CBS Anchor Ken Lass, this is the first time the station has awarded two grants to teachers at the same school on the same day. Kate Button, who teaches seventh grade science, and Joanna Watts, who teaches seventh grade math, both received $1,000 grant awards for supplementary classroom materials. The awards were presented by Ken Lass and Constantine Zouboukos from Chic-Fil-A in a surprise assembly after lunch.

A group of 44 National Honor Society members from Chelsea High School, eight parents, and teacher sponsors Carlene Hooper and Nancy Stroup traveled to Atlanta, GA on December 4 to work at the Operation Christmas Child distribution center. This ministry, began by Franklin Graham, enables thousands of children in some of the world's poorest countries to receive a Christmas box filled with joy and hope. Over 850,000 shoe boxes prepared by civic clubs, churches, and individuals had been packed for children.

Students processed each box, removing donations made for shipping expenses. They also removed items that cannot go into certain countries and replaced those items with other suitable items. Finally, they helped tape and pack boxes into crates to get them ready to be shipped all over the world. The Atlanta Distribution is one of six located in the United States. This was the third annual trip made by Chelsea High School's National Honor Society.

"It's amazing to think that what we did here today will make such a big difference in a child's life," said student Lauren Swee.

"Everyone was overwhelmed at the generosity of so many Americans, and, indeed, agreed that they discovered the true meaning of Christmas in a huge, drafty warehouse in Atlanta," said teacher sponsor Nancy Stroup.

The Shelby County High School chapter of the National Honor Society recently raised money to provide Thanksgiving dinner for needy families in the Columbiana area. Members purchased and delivered the food to each family. The meal included a turkey and all of the fixings for a traditional Thanksgiving meal.

Greg Horton, Kevin McNorton, Samantha Adams, Whitney Gaut, Kinna Macneill, and Katie Horton organized a Kiss the Pig fund raiser. They made piggy banks into which students cast penny votes for their favorite teacher. Coach Michael Harrison received the most votes. Students were thrilled to see runner-up teachers, Bethany Manoske, Allison McCammon, Twyla Fryer, Josh Arnold, and Assistant Principal Barbara Snyder kiss the pig too.

Family and Consumer Science students from Thompson High School recently sewed 35 homemade Christmas stockings and stuffed them with goodies to give to children living at SafeHouse, a domestic violence shelter that serves Shelby County. The students not only learned a valuable lesson about giving back to others during the holiday season, but also about domestic violence. Specifically the students learned about a growing problem - domestic abuse among teenaged dating couples. Representatives from SafeHouse educated the students about the warning signs of controlling behavior, such as constant and harassing text messages, which is a type of emotional abuse.

Several clubs and organizations at Pelham High School have been busy helping to spread Christmas cheer. On Dec. 2, the visual ensemble visited the Cerebral Palsy Center in Homewood to perform for the residents. The ensemble has been visiting the center for several years and enjoy the opportunity to share their Christmas spirit by performing and sharing Christmas cards with the people in the center. After visiting the center, the students also went to a nursing home in Alabaster, where they performed for residents and guests that came to visit the show. After the show they took time to sing Christmas carols and go room to room to visit the other residents.

The Art Club made homemade Christmas cards for nursing home residents. They will also be sponsoring two different families selected by Oak Mountain Ministries. The students will be helping to provide presents for a seven-year-old, a two-year old and their parents. The Art Club will wrap the gifts and help Santa deliver them before the Christmas break. They held monthly bake sales throughout the fall to help raise money to pay for the gifts and also took donations.

The Junior Civitans rang the Salvation Army bells in front of JC Penny in Alabaster at the first of December. The Key Club also volunteered by ringing Salvation Army bells outside the Pelham Wal-Mart.

The SGA is helping to sponsor Christmas Hope for Children’s Hospital. They have asked that students and teachers donate toys during the week of Dec. 7-11. They are asking for toys for infants and children, arts and crafts, and scrapbooking supplies. These gifts will be given to the patients at Children’s Hospital on Christmas Eve.

Other holiday projects include collecting canned goods for the Jimmie Hale Mission (sophomore class), delivering meals with Meals on Wheels (ROTC), shredding paper to take to the Shelby County Humane Society, and collecting personal hygiene items for patients at Veteran's Hospital.

The Chelsea High School Green Club recently raised enough money to purchase Thanksgiving meals for 10 families. The funds and food items were collected from October 13 through November 15. Students used the money to purchase non-perishable food items that were donated to the families on November 20 and November 23. According to Green Club sponsor Angela Washington, the students started out trying to feed only one family. Due to the students' generosity, they were able to feed 10 families instead.

OAK MOUNTAIN-Shelby County’s finest elementary, middle, and high school teachers were honored at the Teacher of the Year reception held November 30 at Oak Mountain High School. The reception was sponsored by the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation.

Honored at the reception were the 39 school Teacher of the Year recipients. From that list of 39 candidates, three top winners were named from the three grade level categories of elementary, middle, and high. The top three winners were Rose D’Alessio, High School Teacher of the Year; Lisa McEwen, Middle School Teacher of the Year; and Joy Porter, Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Also honored were eight Shelby County teachers who recently earned National Board certification, the highest level of certification a teacher can earn.

Ms. D’Alessio has taught for 28 years and currently teaches French I, II, and III and Alabama Reading Initiative (ARI) Academic Enhancement at Montevallo High School. Ms. McEwen has taught for 24 years and currently is a sixth grade special education inclusion teacher at Oak Mountain Middle School. Ms. Porter has taught for 29 years and currently teaches kindergarten and serves as the first grade interventionist at Elvin Hill Elementary School.

Ms. D’Alessio said her passion for teaching and experiencing various cultures began as a college student when she studied at the Sorbonne University in France and also worked as an au pair for three young French girls.

“Providing care and tutoring three young French girls during my year-long adventure convinced me that at age 20, I was a natural for the field of education! I was destined to impart my love for languages, foreign cultures and travel to the spirited minds awaiting me in my very first classroom,” she wrote in her Teacher of the Year essay.

And while her first love is teaching foreign languages, her Alabama Reading Initiative training opened her eyes to the needs of struggling students at her school. “While my initial days of teaching began solely as a foreign language instructor wanting to inculcate the importance of being global learners in today’s educational and economic area, training as an ARI reading interventionist six years ago opened my eyes to the dire need for remediation offered to struggling readers,” she said.

Ms. D’Alessio also oversees the high school’s successful Reading Buddy project, which unites high school struggling readers with students from Montevallo Elementary School several times a year, and Peacemakers, a group of students who strive to foster a sense of fellowship and unity among all students and to provide community service to those in need. “My greatest pleasure and satisfaction in teaching comes from positively affecting students’ lives, seeing the influences coming to fruition over the years,” she said.

Ms. McEwen said her journey to become a classroom teacher began after she spent time in high school as a volunteer at the Shriners Burn Institute. She formed very close bonds with the children that were there recovering from their debilitating burns. She first felt that she was being called into the field of nursing, but soon realized that it wasn’t the medical aspect of working with children that she found so rewarding.

“Helping them (the patients) stay up to the date with their studies was a welcomed challenge and guiding each one through the emotional ups and downs changed me forever,” she wrote in her essay. “Knowing they both counted and depended on me was life altering. My desire to help children facing the greatest obstacles led me to choose not just education but special education. It was a decision I never regretted and would not hesitate to choose again. Quite simply, teaching is truly who I am, and I can’t imagine having spent my life doing anything else.”

Ms. McEwen is a proponent of the whole child approach to education which attempts to nurture the development of a child’s intellect as well as their emotional, physical, and social needs. She is also an advocate of inclusive classroom environments for students with special needs.

“The rewards I find in teaching are priceless examples of helping to make a positive impact in a child’s life,” she wrote.

Ms. Porter, the Elementary Teacher of the Year, said it was her own teacher who inspired her to want to be a teacher. “My teacher made me feel important, safe, secure, and she had so much to teach me,” Ms. Porter said. “My teacher praised me and my confidence soared. I found out during my first grade year that I could help other readers and I felt like a teacher. That was what I really loved!”

Ms. Porter said teaching in a small community has brought her a lot of joy as she has been able to see her former students become successful adults. “Over the past 29 years, I have seen my contributions and accomplishments through the growth of my former students,” she wrote. “Living in a small community and teaching at the same school for 27 years has enabled me to watch my students grow. Even after my students have grown up and become professionals, many continue to stay in touch with me and we still celebrate successes together with a hug, smile and congratulations…just like we did in the classroom. How lucky I have been to be able to watch former students continue that life-long learning process and become successful adults.”

She said she believes that being a good teacher is not something that can be taught at an institute of higher education – it is a gift that can only be developed and enhanced. “I believe that the desire and ability to teach comes from within. Degrees and textbooks do not make a teacher. A teacher is driven by the desire to make a difference,” she explained. “Children are like snowflakes – delicate, fragile and unique. We cannot expect to effectively educate with a one-size fits all method.”

Other Teacher of the Year candidates who were honored included: Wendy Williford, Calera Elementary; Suzanne Armfield, Chelsea Intermediate; Karen Pruitt, Chelsea Park Elementary; Heather Atkins, Creek View Elementary; Kim McCowen, Helena Elementary; Natalie Landrum, Helena Intermediate; Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary; Michael Jones, Linda Nolen Learning Center; Rebecca Austin, Meadow View Elementary; Karen Brooks, Montevallo Elementary; Celia Castle; Mt Laurel Elementary; Sally Flynn, Oak Mountain Elementary; Myra Watson, Oak Mountain Intermediate; Carlyn Duncan, Shelby Elementary; Gaile Randall, Thompson Intermediate; Leslie Nelson, Valley Elementary; Mary Foy, Valley Intermediate; Ashley Tilley, Vincent Elementary; Christina Wyatt Miskelly, Wilsonville Elementary; Leslie Blankenship, Calera Middle; Sherri Spears, Chelsea Middle; Makeisha Garrett, Columbiana Middle; JaNae Bozeman, Helena Middle; Sheila Jett, Montevallo Middle; Mary Butts Jones, Riverchase Middle; Cindy Zabala Thompson Middle; Jennifer Winslett, Thompson Sixth Grade Center; Paula Hughes, Alternative School; Katy Hope, Calera High; Farrah Fowler, Chelsea High; Judith Ann Archer, Oak Mountain High; Keri Reynolds Ross, Pelham High; Elizabeth Turnbull, School of Technology; Brookie Harbison Shelby County High; Michelle Johnson, Thompson High; and Rhonda Mack, Vincent Middle/High.

Teacher who were honored for achieving National Board certification include Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary; Kelly Hill, Inverness Elementary; Lacey Hughes, Inverness Elementary; Jennifer Kiser, Linda Nolen Learning Center; Laurie Watson, Meadow View Elementary; Linda Sears, Oak Mountain Intermediate; DeEtte Currie, Special Services Center and Denise Davis, Special Services Center.

Shelby County will honor its finest teachers on Monday, November 30 at the annual Teacher of the Year awards reception. The event will be held from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at Oak Mountain High School. Teachers who have been selected as Teachers of the Year from each local school will be recognized, along with eight teachers who have recently completed the process to become National Board certified.

Three teachers representing elementary, middle, and high school grade spans, will be selected as the overall Teachers of the Year. The list of local school winners includes: Wendy Williford, Calera Elementary; Suzanne Armfield, Chelsea Intermediate; Karen Pruitt, Chelsea Park Elementary; Heather Atkins, Creek View Elementary; Joy Porter, Elvin Hill Elementary; Kim McCowen, Helena Elementary; Natalie Landrum, Helena Intermediate; Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary; Michael Jones, Linda Nolen Learning Center; Rebecca Austin, Meadow View Elementary; Karen Brooks, Montevallo Elementary; Celia Castle; Mt Laurel Elementary; Sally Flynn, Oak Mountain Elementary; Myra Watson, Oak Mountain Intermediate; Carlyn Duncan, Shelby Elementary; Gaile Randall, Thompson Intermediate; Leslie Nelson, Valley Elementary; Mary Foy, Valley Intermediate; Ashley Tilley, Vincent Elementary; Christina Wyatt Miskelly, Wilsonville Elementary; Leslie Blankenship, Calera Middle; Sherri Spears, Chelsea Middle; Makeisha Garrett, Columbiana Middle; JaNae Bozeman, Helena Middle; Sheila Jett, Montevallo Middle; Lisa McEwen, Oak Mountain Middle; Mary Butts Jones, Riverchase Middle; Cindy Zabala Thompson Middle; Jennifer Winslett, Thompson Sixth Grade Center; Paula Hughes, Alternative School; Katy Hope, Calera High; Farrah Fowler, Chelsea High; Rose D’Alessio, Montevallo High; Judith Ann Archer, Oak Mountain High; Keri Reynolds Ross, Pelham High; Elizabeth Turnbull, School of Technology; Brookie Harbison Shelby County High; Michelle Johnson, Thompson High; and Rhonda Mack, Vincent Middle/High.

Teacher who will be honored for achieving National Board certification include Cheryl Bramlett, Inverness Elementary; Kelly Hill, Inverness Elementary; Lacey Hughes, Inverness Elementary; Jennifer Kiser, Linda Nolen Learning Center; Laurie Watson, Meadow View Elementary; Linda Sears, Oak Mountain Intermediate; DeEtte Currie, Special Services Center and Denise Davis, Special Services Center.

Several schools in Shelby County recently raised money to help feed individuals at the Jimmie Hale Mission. Thompson High School's DECA and FCCLA clubs helped raise $441.51 which will feed 226 people for Thanksgiving. The school held a coin drive each day at lunch and in the teacher's classrooms to raise the money. Third grade students at Meadow View Elementary also raised $300 for Jimmie Hale by donating pennies. Their donation will feed 153 people for Thanksgiving.

Students at Helena Intermediate School recently participated in Bullying Awareness Week, November 14-20. Parents and students were educated on what bullying is and is not, how to deal with bullying, and questions to aid students in determining if they are bullies themselves. Each morning school administrators conducted an "I Spy" activity via the intercom. Students had to locate the posters that were displayed in the hallways of the school. Throughout the week, students and teachers reviewed the HIS Pledge for a Bully-Free school. The pledge was signed by all students and is currently hanging in each classroom. Through the use of the school's Listserv, daily emails were sent to parents with myths/facts about bullying.

The events concluded with a "Stamp Out Bullying" day where the students wore western attire. Assistant Principal Genet Holcomb said the activities were very successful in raising awareness of bullying.

Shelby Elementary School has been awarded a $500 Fuel Up to Play Mini Grant from Alabama Action for Healthy Kids. The grant is being used to educate the students and increase their awareness of nutrition and exercise. The activities are occurring before, during, and after school, according to school nurse Elizabeth Ingram who applied for the grant.

The Child Nutrition has been providing a Healthy Tip for fruits and vegetables every day. The students are incorporating the tip into their daily morning news program. Part of the grant will be used to help purchase real fruits and vegetables for the students to use as on-set props for their morning newscasts. The students have already used real bananas, leafy green vegetables, asparagus, avocadoes, and beets to teach the “Healthy Tip” of the day. According to Ms. Ingram, the students have really enjoyed using the fruits and veggies to decorate the Wildcat mascot that is used as a backdrop for the set.

Another aspect of the program occurs after school for the students that are waiting up to 35 minutes for shuttle buses coming from the middle and high schools. “Instead of them trying to keep quiet and still after a long day of school, we have come up with some activities during that time including walking the track on nice days and line dancing in the gym on rainy days,” said Ingram.

The school is also wanting to start a program called HEAL...Healthy Eating, Active Lifestyles. Through this program, the students would have their Body Mass Index (BMI) calculated at the start of the program. The students would participate in planned physical education activities that would also monitor their heart rates, resting pulse rate, and their maximum pulse rate during and after exercise. All of the data would be recorded and another BMI would be taken at the end of the school year to reflect the results of the nutrition and exercise initiatives. The school is currently seeking corporate sponsors to assist with the costs of implementing the program.

The Calera High School PTO recently hosted its second annual Calera Eagle 5K and one mile Fun Run, raising more than $5,200 for the school. Despite rainy, cold weather conditions a total of 115 runners participated in the event. Michael Marquart won for the second straight year with a time of 17:20, winning a year’s membership to Fitness Forever in Calera. Nathan Langner, a senior at Calera High School, was the student winner with a time of 20:39. Nathan, also a repeat winner, was awarded four free movie passes to the Amstar theater in Alabaster and a free meal from Dixie Dogs in Calera. The money raised included sponsorships, race registrations, and a $1,000 grant from Walmart. The money will be used to purchase technology for classrooms.

Members of the HMS Student Council will present their first donation of the year to The Jimmie Hale Mission to buy fifty Thanksgiving meals. A representative of The Jimmie Hale Mission will present a certificate and accept the students’ donation on Friday, November 20. The funds were raised during the “Kiss a Pig” event held during “Panther Pride Week” from October 5 through October 9. Students placed money in a bag for the teacher of their choice. The top three teachers had to kiss “Lilly”, a 180 lbs. pot belly pig, during a pep rally held on October 12. The winners were: Ms. Kim Romano, Ms. Malerie Huguley, and Coach Robert George. They all graciously kissed Lilly showing their support. Student Council members will be also able to support other charities with the funds raised.

Residents of Shelby County have an opportunity to help Santa and his elves this year through the Shelby County "Santas" gift drive. The drive, which kicks off November 20 and runs through December 15, will be held at all CVS Pharmacy locations in Shelby County. According to Shelby County School's Social Worker Dorann Tanner, each CVS Pharmacy will have a drop box for individuals to make donations.

"We are asking for donations for students ages 5 to 18," said Mrs. Tanner. "Our intention is to help make sure that all students in Shelby County have presents under the tree. We have students that do benefit from programs like Toys for Tots, Angel Tree, and Gifts for Kids. But, we also have a lot of students that don't meet the income eligibility for those programs but are still needy. We want to make sure that their needs are also met."

Suggested donations include toys, gift cards, electronics, DVD's, school supplies, books, coats, clothing, shoes, and personal hygiene items. Mrs. Tanner said items will be collected, sorted, and distributed to schools throughout the school district. She will be working with school guidance counselors to identify the students who will benefit from the gift drive.

Schools throughout Shelby County will be holding celebrations to honor local veterans next week. Below is a listing of the activities that will be held:

• Shelby Elementary is having their first annual Veterans Day program on November 10 at 2 p.m. The students will be performing patriotic songs and recitations for local veterans from the community who will be recognized at the program. Refreshments will be provided for the veterans and their families after the program. All community members are invited to attend.
• Elvin Hill Elementary will be having their Veterans Day program on November 9 at 8:15 a.m. The students will be singing patriotic songs and various students will be speaking about our nation’s history
• Meadow View Elementary School’s third grade choir will sing patriotic music to honor both veterans and active military members. The school has also invited parents, grandparents, friends to attend the special service on Tuesday at 9 a.m.
• Oak Mountain Intermediate School will hold an assembly where Principal Linda Maxell will share with the students about her recent visit to the beaches of Normandy. The students will also watch the video "Honoring All Who Served". The fourth grade assembly will be at 8:30 a.m. for fourth grade and 1:30 p.m. for the fifth grade on November 10.
• Valley Intermediate School will hold a Veterans Day program on November 10 at 1:30 p.m. Veterans who are family members and friends of the Valley Intermediate students have been invited to be the guests of honor. A local Boy Scout Troop will present the flag. The veterans will march in behind the banner of their military branch. Students will sing patriotic songs with a slide presentation honoring the veterans. Several classes will recite poems, read essays and make banners. All veterans will be introduced and their student will present them with a red carnation.
• Thompson Sixth Grade Center will have a Veterans Day assembly at 9 a.m. on November 10. The school will be hosting a guest speaker from the National Cemetery in Montevallo. The student band and choir will also be performing.
• Thompson Sixth Grade Center will have a Veterans Day assembly at 9 a.m. on November 10. The school will be hosting a guest speaker from the National Cemetery in Montevallo. The student band and choir will also be performing.
• Montevallo Elementary School will have a special program to dedicate the center portion of their new parking lot to local Montevallo veterans and Prisoners of War (POW’s). The dedication program will be on November 12 at 10 a.m. Senator Hank Erwin will be present to assist in the dedication ceremony.
• Vincent Elementary will hold a Veterans Day program on Tuesday, November 10th at 10 a.m. Local veterans will be honored with a special program and a reception to follow.
• Fourth Grade students from Thompson Intermediate School will be performing in a Veterans Day program on November 10 at 5:30 p.m. for the public. The students will have a second performance for the school on November 12 at 8:30 a.m. This year's program will feature a play adapted from the book America's White Table by Margot Theis Raven. The students will recognize and honor veterans at both programs, so all veterans are invited to attend either performance. The Gifted Resource Center students will also present a play about the ways families may support our current military men and women as part of the Gift in a Box service project for their class.
• The Chelsea Park Elementary "Harmony Hornets" third grade choir will be performing "America" at 1:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. in the school cafeteria on November 10 in honor of Veterans Day.
• Valley Elementary School has two second grade music programs scheduled to recognize Veterans Day. They are November 9 and November 10 at 9 a.m.
• Thompson Middle School will hold their program on November 10 starting at 1 p.m. in the school’s gym. There will be a reception for all visitors immediately following the program. The Thompson High School ROTC program will help salute the veterans.
• Thompson High School’s ROTC students will be in charge of the school’s Veterans Day program. The choir will sing and the band will play musical numbers to honor veterans from all of the military branches. There will also be a short reception following the program.
• The Shelby County Alternative School will be showing the DVD called "American Heroes" to all students.

Riverchase Middle School Principal Charles Smith is hoping that the school's seventh annual Career Fair will not only help his students to undercover future career paths but might also help others in the community find employment opportunities. For the first time in the event's history, the Career Fair will also be open to parents and others in the community who are seeking jobs.

"We wanted this year's Career Fair to be something we were doing to help the community," said Smith. "With the current state of the economy we thought it would be worth it if we could help someone to find a job."

Smith said a total of 82 businesses are expected to attend the Career Fair. A few of the businesses who have current job openings have expressed a willingness to speak to adults who might want to apply for those openings. Smith stressed that not every business represented at the Career Fair will be networking with the adults - only those who have current job openings. The Career Fair will be held from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on November 13.

Calera High School students will be showing their appreciation to local veterans next week by lending them a helping hand at their homes. The students, who will be representing various clubs and organizations at the school, will visit the local veterans homes to do yard work in honor of Veteran's Day. The yard work will vary but will generally include tasks such as raking and bagging leaves, cleaning gutters, trimming hedges, and mowing grass.

Principal Richard Bishop said the school has developed a list of 12 veterans who will be helped. Each veteran has been assigned a club or organization to assist with the yard work. The student groups will visit the veteran's homes on one of three days next week - November 9, 10 or 11.

The school clubs and organizations who will be assisting include the 8th Grade Math Team, National Junior Honor Society, the Baseball Team, Student Government Association, Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), Future Teachers of America (FTA), Band, Conservation Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Mu Alpha Theta, Technology Student Association (TSA), Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA), First Priority, Senior Government, and National Honor Society.

For over ten years eighth grade students from Oak Mountain Middle School have learned to overcome their differences and work together as a team through a motivational program called High Flight. The program, which derives its name from the school's eagle mascot, is held at the 4-H Center in Columbiana. The program offers seminars led by certified instructors that address issues pertinent to the emotional and social development of teenagers, such as taking responsibility for their actions, being tolerant of each other, resolving conflicts, and developing a sense of integrity.

Each grade level at Oak Mountain Middle School is divided into three teams - red, white, and blue. For High Flight, the eighth grade teams each take one day to attend the High Flight seminars. Red Team attended on Monday - November 2, White Team attended on Tuesday - November 3 and Blue Team will attend on Monday - November 9. In addition to the workshops, the students participate in a series of team-building exercises on the low ropes course. The students must work together and use critical thinking skills in order to successfully accomplish some of the difficult tasks. Certified low ropes instructors from the 4-H Center help to lead these exercises, which includes follow-up discussions on what the students have learned and what they could have done differently to have accomplished a better result.

The students are divided into pre-arranged groups that force them to get to know other students that might not be in their immediate circle of friends. The intended purpose is to develop a sense of camaraderie among the students and their teachers. School administrators and teachers report the bonding that takes place during High Flight usually helps to reduce the number of cliques at the school.

"Our job as middle school educators is to help our students transition through a challenging time in their lives," said Principal Larry Haynes. "High Flight is a program that builds character among our eighth graders. We want to give them opportunities to be leaders and role models as they prepare to move on to high school and beyond."

Meadow View Elementary School recently participated in the third annual Students Helping Students Mitchell’s Place coin drive “Donate Your Change – Change Autism Now”. Mitchell’s Place is a comprehensive treatment center for children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.

Each of the 52 classes were given an individual jar to collect change throughout the week of September 14-18. The jars were combined at the end of the week, resulting in a grand total of $1,139.52 in loose change and bills to donate to the organization. Mitchell’s Place sponsored a pizza party for Mrs. Michelle Brakefield’s third grade class who collected the most for an individual classroom with $240.20!

Oak Mountain High School’s DECA chapter recently toured the Talladega Super Speedway. Students were shown the many aspects of the racing industry as well as career opportunities in marketing, hospitality, event planning, and security. They were allowed to race around the track in a Shelby County school bus and take pictures in Victory Lane. Forty students are enrolled in the new Sports and Entertainment Marketing course at Oak Mountain High School. Oak Mountain’s marketing teacher and DECA advisor is Sandra Gallups.

The Shelby County School District has been awarded a $250,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Enhancing Education Through Technology (EETT) grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant involves a total of 10 seventh, eighth, and ninth grade teachers at Montevallo Middle and Montevallo High. The teacher's classrooms will be outfitted with 21st Century technology including an interactive whiteboard, student response devices, a digital video camera, a teacher laptop, and a digital document camera. The grant will also be used to purchase three mobile laptop carts that will be shared between the teachers at the two schools to plan hands-on activities for their entire classes on a regular basis.

"The grant’s overall goal is to improve each student’s ability and motivation to graduate from high school, while making classes more exciting and relevant to the ‘real’ world'," said Technology Coordinator Susan Poling.

In addition to attending class each day knowing they will be learning in a 21st Century classroom environment this year, students will work on some big digital projects next school year. The seventh and eighth graders will work on projects that involve family members and students at higher grade levels. The ninth grade students will raise funds in order to make loans to “would-be” entrepreneurs in foreign countries via www.Kiva.org. Students in both schools will interact with each other and with classes at the University of Montevallo via distance learning so that they can gain insight as to what high school is like or what college is like. Also, the ninth grade teachers will be showing incoming Freshman how to use a wide range of technologies that will help them to be successful throughout their four years of high school.

The participating teachers will spend nearly 200 hours in professional development over an 18 month period, beginning in January 2010. The teachers will not only be learning to use the new technology, but the grant will also focus on helping them to develop the highest quality technology-based lessons and assignments. Students will have new ways to communicate with the teacher, to explore the content, and to apply what they are learning. Several of the school district's central office staff, two Nationally Board Certified Teachers, and a media specialist from another school in the district will also become members of the Professional Learning Community that these 10 teachers will be forming while they go about transforming teaching and learning in their classrooms over the next year.

The 3rd Annual Mt Laurel Elementary Turkey Trot will be held on Saturday, November 7th at 9:00a.m. The Turkey Trot is a one mile fun run that begins at Mt Laurel Elementary School and travels through the Town of Mt Laurel. This event is sponsored by the Mt Laurel Elementary Physical Education department to raise money for classroom equipment and track club incentives. The event is also a great way for the students, parents and community to come together to promote health and fitness. The Turkey Trot will also include an appearance by "Mrs. Gobble Gobble" and healthy snacks for everyone. This year there will be approximately 400 students, parents, siblings and relatives to participate making it the largest Turkey Trot thus far.

The Shelby County School District not only earned the coveted prize of District Accreditation, but also the praise and recognition of being a “model school district” by the AdvancED Quality Assurance Review Team.

“When I think of a model for continuous improvement, I will now think of Shelby County,” Dr. Veronica Harts, Vice President for Professional Learning for AdvancED, told the Board of Education and district leaders who had gathered to hear the Oral Exit Report from the QAR team.

The QAR team recognized the Shelby County school district for several strengths including: superintendent leadership; organizational structure; strategic planning/plan; continuous improvement planning/plan; having an award winning website; professional learning/development; professional learning communities; pride among all stakeholders; having highly motivated, dedicated and passionate administrators, teachers, and support staff; and having human, financial, and physical resources provided by stakeholders.

In addition to the strengths, the QAR team gave special commendations to the district for:

• Exemplary system level leadership that models a collaborative work culture, a commitment to student achievement, and dedication to continuous improvement.
• Comprehensive, targeted professional development opportunities at all levels to promote continuous improvements.
• Developing and maintaining an exemplary district website which serves as an excellent information tool for all stakeholders and community.
• Leadership at all levels that is focused and committed to refining and improving the climate and learning of all students.
• Effective collaboration at all levels to sustain continuous improvement.

AdvancED, the world’s largest educational community, is dedicated to advancing excellence in education through accreditation, professional learning, innovation, and information and educational technologies. District accreditation is a national protocol for school districts committed to systemic, systematic, and sustainable improvement. Going through the district accreditation process helps to stimulate and improve effectiveness and efficiency throughout the organization.

To earn district accreditation a school district is expected to meet the seven standards for quality systems, identify and guide the implementation of a systemic continuous improvement process, monitor all schools through a quality assurance process, prepare and host a Quality Assurance Review (QAR) every five years, and respond to any recommendations made by the QAR team. Schools within the district are expected to meet the accreditation standards, implement the district’s continuous improvement process, and participate in the district’s quality assurance process.

The QAR team was comprised of current and retired educators from all over the Southeast. They spent three days in Shelby County where they reviewed the school district’s data and relevant documents, heard presentations about the district and its programs, and visited schools to observe teaching practices and classroom environments. The QAR team also interviewed 491 stakeholders, including board members, administrators, teachers, support staff, students, parents, and business/community leaders.

“You told us that you were doing a good job and we have been able to validate that what you said was going on, really was going on,” said Dr. Harts. “One of your middle school students told me ‘at our school, our teachers don’t do what it easy and best for them. They do what’s best for us.’ I heard that from a middle schooler and I started to cry.”

As part of the overall review, the QAR team also pointed out a few challenges facing the district. Those included the decrease in state funding due to proration, growth caused by a consistent increase of students and families, building new facilities and keeping existing ones updated, attracting and recruiting a diverse workforce, and increasing parent participation from minority parents.

The QAR team also recommended the district design and implement an aggressive plan for the recruitment and retention of highly qualified minorities for teachers, local school administrators, and district leadership positions. A written report of the findings will be submitted to the district within 30 business days. The district will be expected to monitor school and system accreditation standards and improvement efforts on an ongoing basis.

Superintendent Randy Fuller thanked the QAR team for validating through their findings that the Shelby County school district was a model for excellence.

“We wanted someone to come in and tell us that we were doing something right,” Fuller said. “I want to thank all of our district leaders for their buy in – for recognizing that our focus truly is student centered. We knew that you would find that we are special.”

Thompson High School students will be rocking out for a good cause. The school will be hosting the national touring band Shirock for two concerts on Friday, October 30, at 1:00 and 2:00 p.m. Shirock travels to schools across the country to encourage students to get involved in social issues, while also living a drug and alcohol free lifestyle. Their debut album, "Everything Burns", was released in February 2009, and has been featured on MTV, ABC, NBC, and radio stations nationwide.

The school has been selling tickets for $5 to the concerts, which will benefit Shelby County Sheriff Chris Curry's Needy Children's Fund. Principal Robin Thomas said the school will make a donation of $2,500 to the fund, which helps purchase Christmas presents for needy children in Shelby County.

The Pelham City Council recently approved a resolution to donate a total of $119,999 to the Pelham area schools. The money will be for academic purposes and is based upon the number of total teacher units per school. Each school will receive $504.20 for every teacher unit.

Pelham High School will receive $42,352.80, Valley Elementary School will receive $29,747.80, Valley Intermediate School will receive $24,705.80 and Riverchase Middle School will receive $23,193.20. Pelham Mayor Don Murphy will award the money to the school principals during the City Council meeting on November 2.

School Resource Officers serving the Oak Mountain area schools will be honored on October 23 with a special "SRO Appreciation Day." The event will honor the hard work and dedication of Deputy Jerry Riggins, Deputy Diana DuCros, and Deputy Rachel Ivey, who all serve as School Resource Officers for the Oak Mountain schools.

The schools have coordinated and planned a full day of activities to honor the officers. They will begin the day with visits to Inverness Elementary, Oak Mountain Elementary, and Oak Mountain Middle School. They will then be the guests of honor at a special luncheon at Oak Mountain High School. Following lunch, the officers will conclude the day with a visit to Oak Mountain Intermediate School and then will be recognized during the Oak Mountain High School Pep Rally.

Student athletes from Chelsea High School will be visiting Mt Laurel Elementary and Chelsea Park Elementary throughout the school year to volunteer as "Reading Buddies." The student athletes will visit an elementary school once a month throughout the year, alternating between the two elementary schools.

The first school to be visited will be Mt Laurel Elementary School on October 23. A total of 33 Chelsea High School football players will visit the school from 11 a.m. until noon to read to the students and have lunch with some of the classes. On November 20, the student athletes will visit Chelsea Park Elementary. On December 11, they will return to Mt Laurel and will continue to alternate between the two schools throughout the year. The students will visit both schools the same week in the spring for the "Read Across America" celebration.

According to parent volunteer Holly Mock, who helps organize the "Reading Buddies" program, the first visit to Mt Laurel will be football players, but athletes representing the other sports will also participate throughout the year.

"We started this program last year at Mt Laurel," said Mrs. Mock. "It was so successful that we decided to expand it to Chelsea Park Elementary this year. The high school students have such a good time and really enjoy sharing their stories on the bus ride back to the high school of how the younger children responded to them being there. This encourages them to give back to their community and to be good role models to these younger students."

Last year, Shelby County school buses transported 15,269 students to school each day. Bus drivers logged in a combined total of 17,150 miles per day, which is equivalent to driving the 2,450 mile trip from New York to Los Angeles seven times. National School Bus Safety Week, being celebrated this week (October 19-23), is a time set aside to recognize the importance of following safety laws in order to protect children riding school buses each day.

The theme for this year’s week is “Avoid Harm, Obey the Top Arm.” The theme reminds drivers to pause and review the laws regarding school bus safety. Some of those laws include:

• Slowing down in school zones.
• Slowing down for yellow flashing lights on school buses.
• Stopping for red flashing lights and the stop arm. (On a road with two-way traffic, cars traveling in both directions should stop, unless it is a four-lane divided highway with a median.)

Drivers should also remember that buses must also come to a complete stop at all railroad crossing, regardless of whether there is a train approaching. And, as winter months draw near and daylight savings time ends, drivers should be extra cautious of students who will be waiting for the bus or walking to the bus in the dark or being dropped off at dusk.

Another important aspect of school bus safety is a well-maintained fleet of buses. Every bus in the Shelby County fleet goes through a thorough inspection by the State Department of Education each year. Out of the 385 buses inspected, there were only nine buses that were found to have minor problems, which were repaired immediately. That is an average of less than three percent of buses that needed repairs and none were considered major enough for them to be taken out of service.

“The State Department considers anything less than ten percent to be excellent, and we had less than three percent,” said Transportation Coordinator Jerry Davidson. “There are very few school districts that have achieved that percentage. Our mechanics are to be commended for the excellent job they do to keep our buses well maintained.”

The Valley Elementary School Physical Education Department recently held their 7th annual Trick or Treat Trot family fun run benefitting the Arthritis Foundation. The Trick-or-Treat Trot is a 1.5-mile family fun run event that promotes health and fitness for elementary school aged children, while involving their parents and our community. Through proceeds of this fundraising event, the Arthritis Foundation is able to provide many educational programs, literature and support services for those who are affected by arthritis here in the Birmingham Metro Area. This year the Trick or Treat raised $3,130 to benefit the Arthritis Foundation.

Lieutenant Governor Jim Folsom, Jr., will visit Calera High School on October 20 at 9:30 a.m. to recognize a group of students who won a college-level Basic Utility Vehicle design competition sponsored by The Institute for Affordable Transportation (IAT) in April. Their design of a BUV that could be converted into an ambulance not only scored the highest of any other team, but also won the most innovative award. The students will be bestowed the honor of Honorary Lieutenant Governors. Students who will be recognized by Lt. Gov. Folsom include Kyle Brasher, Eric Burrells, Delvin Davis, Kalyn Grant, TJ Killingsworth, Jared Lollar, Ethan McKenzie, Cikai Shanks, and Julius Smith. Their instructor, Brian Copes, will also be honored.

How do you honor a good citizen? You bring in a good citizen. Columbiana Mayor Allan Lowe visited the sixth grade at Columbiana Middle School on Wednesday, October 14, to present some well-deserved awards to Mrs. Tara Jones’ and Ms. Robin Gurganus’ Social Studies classes. He talked with the students about the characteristics that a good citizen should possess, such as respect, diligence, perseverance, helpfulness, and a good attitude.

Thompson Intermediate School recently participated in the 3rd annual Students Helping Students Mitchell's Place coin drive "Donate your Change- Change Autism Now". Each of the 37 classes were given an individual jar to collect change throughout the week of September 14- September 18. The jars were combined at the end of the week, resulting in a grand total of $1,048.94 in loose change and bills to donate to the organization. The fourth graders set the pace for the drive, collecting $702.55 of the final total.

Mitchell's place sponsored a pizza party for Mrs. Shanon Johnson's fourth grade class who collected the most for an individual classroom with $108.01. Library Media Specialist Heather Kirk and Assistant Principal Lea Grimes also sponsored a party Mrs. JoEllen Blackmon's class for raising the most for a fifth grade class with $53.85.

Parents of Vincent Elementary School students now have the chance to socialize, celebrate and support their kids in the classroom. This year, VES has adopted the Parent Parties program to end the cycle of boring meetings. The program kicked-off on September 10 in the Vincent Elementary Media Center. Over 50 parents enjoyed a birthday celebration for August and September birthdays, games such as “Pingo” where parents receive prizes for school-involvement, recipes for school success, music and refreshments

“The purpose of Parent Parties is to make parental involvement exciting and engaging. We want parents to buy in to the idea that supporting their students at school is fun and can be positive,” says Beverly Miller, Vincent Elementary School Principal.

Vincent will host several more themed parties for parents through out the year. “Keys to Successful Parenting: SMILE—Super Moms and Dads are Involved through Love and Encouragement” is the theme for the second party scheduled for October 22. Subsequent parties will be hosted on December 9 and February 11, 2010. For more information, contact Melba Holloway (205) 682-7321 or mholloway@shelbyed.k12.al.us. Parent Parties is created by Second Mile Parenting Initiative, a non-profit organization in Huntsville, Alabama, that works to increase parental involvement in schools. For more information on Parent Parties, please visit www.parentparties.com.

To celebrate statewide Parenting Day, Valley Intermediate School will host their second annual International Bread Festival on October 22. The International Bread Festival is a way to celebrate and recognize the diversity of the student population of the school. Each class has been studying a country and learning about that culture. Classrooms have been assigned a country based on the country of origin of one of the students or family member of a student. Over 20 countries will be represented during this year’s event.

Students and their teachers have designed PowerPoint presentations about their country and have decorated classrooms with artifacts and national flags. Parents are contributing to the festivities by volunteering their time in the classrooms as “tour guides” during the event and also by supplying bread and artifacts. The International Bread Festival drew over 200 parents to the school last year and school officials are hopeful that parents will visit for the event this year also.

On the morning of the festival, the school will hold opening ceremonies in the cafeteria for each grade level. The opening ceremonies will include Venezuelan and Mexican Hat Dance performances, a bagpipe performance, and a presentation of the various national flags. After lunch, students will travel from class to class to learn about the different countries featured and taste their traditional bread. Students will have their passports stamped as they go from room to room to learn more about the cultures of the world represented at Valley Intermediate. Students will reflect on what they have learned the next day with a writing activity.

Students in Crystal Watford's 7th grade Advanced English class at Helena Middle School will be competing in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) during the month of November. Over the course of the month, students will be writing a novel of 10,000-15,000 words. Students will be working on several Alabama course of study requirements during this time, including composing works in narrative modes, applying the mechanics of writing, and applying grammar conventions through writing. NaNoWriMo helps students improve their fluency, confidence, creativity, and time management. On December 1, they will celebrate their successes and move on to editing and possibly sending their novel out for publication. For more info, see http://ywp.nanowrimo.org .

Oak Mountain Elementary School students have been putting their good character into service in order to help orphans in the Sudan. The school will hold a closing celebration assembly to celebrate the "Character in Service" accomplishments of second and third grade students on Friday, October 16 at 9 a.m.

This the second year that OMES students have participated in the "Character in Service" program with Make Way Partners, a Birmingham-based ministry that runs an orphanage in Darfur, Sudan. The program is designed to provide education and hands-on service opportunities to develop character in young people. It teaches students, through age-appropriate opportunities, to take local action that has a global impact in the lives of orphans in Sudan.

Students earn merits based on good character traits they exhibit both at school and home. In exchange for their character merits, the students will be presented with a donation from Neil Damron, with Neil’s Pharmacy, that will benefit the Make Way Partners orphanage in Sudan.

“Students who have completed service projects will be recognized, and every student will be celebrated for their efforts in making a difference by putting their character in service,” said school counselor Hayden Belisle.

Vincent High School Junior ROTC Cadet Jasmine Pritchett was recently awarded the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for Achievement. The Bronze Cross for Achievement is awarded to cadets of the Reserve Officers Training Corps (ROTC) who have demonstrated excellence in military, scholastic, and civic affairs. This highest national Junior ROTC Award is most significant because it is awarded to less than 50 high school Junior ROTC cadets each year.

The award was presented by Legion of Valor member, Lieutenant Colonel James Schlottman, during a special ceremony at Harpersville Town Hall on October 8. Lieutenant Colonel Schlottman told the attendees that “even though Cadet Pritchett is receiving this prestigious award, every member of the cadet battalion should be proud of the accomplishment. Cadet Pritchett is the recipient, in part, because of all the support provided by the members of the unit."

Lieutenant Colonel Schlottman is a recipient of the Distinguished Service Cross, the nation’s second highest decoration for heroism. Colonel Schlottman received the honor for extraordinary valor while serving in Viet Nam in 1966. The Legion of Valor is an organization of recipients of the Medal of Honor, Distinguished Service Cross, the Navy Cross, and the Air Force Cross that selectively recognizes outstanding high school Junior ROTC cadets each year.

Students at Helena Elementary will have the opportunity to experience Body Trek from October 13 to November 10. A mobile, free standing unit created by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and Children’s Health Systems, Body Trek provides students with a learning experience that enables them to learn to make positive health choices now and in the future. Through a series of interactive exhibits, small groups of students will be introduced to the concept of making healthy choices in everything from the foods they eat to the games they play. A nutrition area, healthy food choices, child passenger safety, fire safety, the five senses and germs are examples of some of the learning experiences in Body Trek.

The students will also be provided with the opportunity to check their height, weight, blood pressure, and pulse. Through this truly innovative design, all students K-2, will experience an exciting journey through the human mind, body, and senses that can provide information they may use for the rest of their lives.

Oak Mountain Elementary School students will get to learn firsthand about where milk really comes from when the Southwest Dairy Farmers bring a mobile dairy classroom to visit the school on Wednesday, October 7. Students in grades K-3 will visit the mobile dairy classroom starting at 8:30 and ending at 10:45 a.m.

Teaching kids about the dairy industry is one of the priorities of the Southwest Dairy Farmers. The Mobile Dairy Classroom is a traveling milking parlor, featuring a live cow and an oral presentation by an instructor. Trained instructors will demonstrate how to milk a cow, describe how milk goes from the farm to the consumer, and then answer questions from the audience. This is an innovative program that brings the dairy experience directly to children. At schools, students and teachers share an experience that includes math, science, health (nutrition), and agriculture, all presented in an outdoor classroom format.

Students at the Thompson Sixth Grade Center have a new opportunity to become hands-on scientists with the creation of an after school Science club. The new club is not only benefitting the sixth grade students, but is also serving fifth grade students from adjoining Thompson Intermediate School.

“We are looking for things that will peak students’ interest and give them a more hands-on experience beyond their regular academic day,” said Lori Kerley, a sixth grade science teacher. Since its first meeting in September, over 60 students from both schools have joined the club.

With the assistance of TIS teacher Kristen Howell, the fifth grade students are receiving the opportunity to learn and work alongside sixth grade students in the after school club. This helping to train and prepare them to make the transition to middle school next school year.

According to sixth grade science teacher Betty Longshore, offering an after school science club is vital to providing a more in-depth study of environmental science concepts such as recycling, composting, gardening, and water conservation. Utilizing an on-site greenhouse and planned outdoor classroom areas, the faculty and students will work to complete projects such as: Recycle and Reuse; Composting – What is it?; Plant, Grow, and Earn; Water Conservation; Saturday Clean-up Days; Thompson Radon Investigation Project ( Project TRIP), and the Junior Master Gardener Challenge.

In order to complete the above mentioned projects, the school is asking for donations of items such as gardening tools, picnic tables, vegetable and flower seeds, potting soil, aprons, and gardening gloves. The club's teacher sponsors are also seeking landscaping and gardening ideas from local landscapers or Master Gardeners. They recently received a donation of a pond pump and filtering system from Home Depot to update the Koi pond located in one of the proposed outdoor classroom areas. They are also seeking grant funding and are asking for business and community donations in order to build a top-notch outdoor environmental program and long-term sustainability for the project.

Dr. Janey Thorton, The Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services for the U.S. Department of Agriculture will read to kindergarten students at Valley Elementary School from 12:30 – 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 8 supporting the nationwide "Read for the Record" Day.

Dr. Thorton will be reading “The Very Hungry Caterpillar” by Eric Carle. The event's sponsor, Jumpstart, is encouraging one million students to all read the book on that day (http://www.readfortherecord.org/site/DocServer/IRAPressRelease.pdf?docID=3721). The school's Child Nutrition Program will be providing students with food samples based on what the caterpillar eats in the book.

For more information contact: Cindy Warner, Public Relations Supervisor, 682-7084, 288-2150

Students at Mt Laurel Elementary School have spent the past two weeks studying the works and life of renowned artist Vincent Van Gogh. The students will be able to see some of his famous works of art blown up on a grand scale when a traveling art exhibit visits the school next week (Oct. 5-9).

“The traveling exhibit contains pieces on very large canvas banners,” said art teacher Celia Castle. “These works will be hanging in the school lobby and the students will be able to see the work on a very impressive scale.”

The works that will be on display at the exhibit include “Yellow Wheat and Cypresses” (7 feet by 17 feet), “Café Terrace at Night” (4 feet by 8 feet) and “Trees in the Garden of Saint-Paul Hospital” (4feet by 4 feet).

Ms. Castle has spent the past several weeks teaching a unit on Van Gogh. The students have not only learned about his famous works of art and his artist style, but also about the troubled artist’s personal life and struggles. They learned that he loved to paint using dashes and swirls, his favorite color to paint with was yellow, and that he often painted sunflowers. They also learned that he lived in improvised conditions, battled sadness his entire life, and did not become famous until after his death at the age of 37.

As part of the study, the students are completing their own version of Van Gogh’s most famous painting “The Starry Night.” Ms. Castle has a large version of this painting in her art room and is using it to guide students through their various art lessons. During the exhibit next week, students will be working in the school lobby, where they will continue discussions about Van Gogh’s work and will work on their own drawings.

Heather Mays, Supervisor of Media and Fine Arts for the Shelby County School District, was honored recently with the President’s Award from the Alabama Library Expo. The award was presented by Michael Simmons, president of the Alabama Library Expo.

Mrs. Mays was one of 21 librarians or library media specialists who were honored during the Alabama Library Expo, a five-day, five-city tour offering professional development and exhibits to library media specialists across the state of Alabama. The tour made stops in Mobile, Montgomery, Birmingham, Scottsboro, and the Shoals area.

In addition to The President’s Award, the organization also honored 20 individuals with the Herman Moore LAMP Award of Exceptional Service which honors librarians and library media specialists who have rendered outstanding and exceptional service to their patrons, schools, and communities over an extended period of time. The organization selects four recipients from each of the five cities to receive the Herman Moore LAMP Award for Exceptional Service. Only one librarian is selected to receive the President’s Award, the organization’s highest honor.

“I am honored to be chosen as the recipient of the President's Award by the Alabama Library Expo board,” said Mays. “Every day I have the privilege of working with 41 library media specialists that are dedicated to providing 21st century learning experiences and high-quality literature and research materials to Shelby County students. This award is really a celebration of their accomplishments and the strides we have made in Shelby County to align our information skills curriculum to current 21st century learning standards and school improvement and reform efforts.”

History teacher, Regina Dawn Howard recognized as Alfa’s Teacher of the Month for October. As the honoree for October, she will receive $1,000 from Alfa Insurance and her school will receive $1,000 from Alabama Farmers Federation.

To read ALFA's article, click here.

Oak Mountain Middle School was honored Monday with the 2009 Alabama Safe Schools Initiative Award of Excellence. The award was presented by Alabama Attorney General Troy King.

The school was selected after an independent panel of experts representing law enforcement, school administrators, and emergency response professionals, placed Oak Mountain Middle School among the top ten percent of state-wide safe school nominations. King announced during a school-wide assembly that Oak Mountain’s nomination had been ranked first of all the ones submitted state-wide. He then led the student body in a loud cheer of “We’re number one, we’re number one!”

King told those in attendance that the award was created after the incident at Columbine High School to honor schools that place a strong emphasis on school safety. Oak Mountain’s School Resource Office, Diana Du Cros, was instrumental in helping to develop the school’s safety plan and nominated the school for the award. Du Cros received a standing ovation from the students and teachers when recognized by Principal Larry Haynes for her efforts to ensure school safety.

The assembly was attended by several special guests including Indian Springs Mayor Steve Zerkis, Representative Mary Sue McClurkin, Marilyn Lewis from the State Department of Education, Board of Education President Lee Doebler, Superintendent Randy Fulller, Assistant Superintendent of Operations Tom Ferguson, local fire and rescue personnel from North Shelby Fire District, Shelby County Sheriff Deputies, representatives from Alfa Insurance, PTO representatives, and several Central Office personnel.

Three Shelby County students are featured in the September-October 2009 edition of Portico Magazine as “21 People Who Will Change the World. The annual edition features local students for being leaders in their schools and communities. The students featured include Brandi McPherson and Gifford Usher from Pelham High School and Mary Scott Hodgin from Oak Mountain High School.

McPherson, a senior at PHS, is a member of Mu Alpha Theta, the English Honor Society, the National Honor Society, and the Pelham Juniorettes – a girl’s volunteer organization. She also plays French Horn in the marching band. She plans to pursue a degree in aerospace engineering and dreams of a career working for NASA.

Usher is also a senior at PHS. He is one of Pelham’s top students and has also been recognized as an outstanding soccer player. He plays for the Pelham High School soccer team as well as competitive clubs like the Pelham Jets and the Birmingham United Soccer Association. He is also very active in school organizations such as Mu Alpha Theta, National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Usher is also very active in his church, where he volunteers for mission trips. His goal is to earn his law degree.

Hodgin is not only a gifted student but is also a talented musician, currently playing violin with the Alabama Youth Symphony. The Oak Mountain High School senior also recently attended Governor’s School at Samford University, a two-week program that hosts some of the state’s brightest students. She is a member of the Latin Honor Society, French Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She also volunteers with a variety of programs, including a music program for underprivileged kids, and PALS – a peer group that works with special needs students. She has not decided on a major, but would like to spend some of her college career studying French and Spanish abroad.

Kaitlyn Burnside, drum major for the Pelham High School Tower of Power Marching Band, has been selected as the drum major for the Macy’s Great American Marching Band. Kaitlyn, a senior at PHS, is one of two students chosen from Alabama to participate in the band. She also makes history as the first student drum major of the Macy’s band, which has historically been led by the co-directors.

Burnside is one of 185 student performers accepted as members of the band, which will perform in New York on Thanksgiving Day. Stepping-off from Central Park, the Band will be cheered by 2.5 million live spectators, before arriving at Macy's Herald Square for their national performance for more than 50 million TV viewers watching the broadcast live on NBC.

“I'm really excited to have been chosen as I have always loved the Macy's parade. At the same time, I'm a little nervous to lead the group in front of so many people on national TV,” she said.

The musicians, under the direction of Dr. Richard Good, from Auburn University and Ohio State University's Dr. Jon Woods, will be complemented by approximately 50 flags and dancers choreographed by Greg Lagola of the famed Cadets Drum Corp of Pennsylvania. The students will also have the opportunity to attend a leadership/educational workshop while in New York. The workshop will focus on leadership and encourage students to achieve their maximum potential.

Her high school band director has two reasons to be proud of her. Not only is Jeffery Burnside her band director, but he is also her father. “As her band director, I'm honored for Kaitlyn to have been chosen and excited that she is representing our band and our school,” said Burnside. “As her father, I am ecstatic because I know how much the parade has always meant to her and how special it will be for her to conduct in Herald Square.” Kaitlyn's mother is Katherine Burnside, who also teaches at PHS.

Students from Thompson High School and Oak Mountain High School represented the Shelby County School District at the Sixth Annual Statewide Youth Council Conference, held September 15 at Hewitt-Trussville High School. The conference was sponsored by the Alabama Department of Education, Alabama Department of Public Health, and Alabama Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy, the FOCUS Program, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, and Coca Cola Bottling Company.

The conference provided the tools and training for youth leaders to help educate their peers on the importance of reducing risky behavior that leads to teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted diseases, and emotional consequences.

“The students chosen to attend are leaders in their schools and were empowered to go back and help their peers be responsible,” said School Social Worker Dorann Tanner. “One of the keynote speakers was Jeff Yaldren, a Teen Life Coach from the MTV show ‘MADE.’ The students really enjoyed hearing his message, which encouraged them to take responsibility for their own actions and to help their peers make responsible decisions.”

Thompson High School students who attended the event included Mary Afton Day, Asia Anchrum, Jesse Davis, and John Wooley. Oak Mountain High School students were Katie Spink, Will Gorman, Drew Maddox, and MyKayla Johnson.

Inverness Elementary School has received a Sharing the Dream grant from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. The $3,000 grant is one of 30 grants to be awarded nationwide featuring innovative ways to actively engage communities within a school. Inverness will use the grant to bridge the gap between their successful Toyota Family Literacy Program (where English-As-A-Second Language parents are actively working to improve their own literacy skills, while also becoming actively involved in their child's education) and their general parent population.

The grant will be used to conduct family workshops, take parents on educational fieldtrips, host a Cultural Fair, and to provide presentations by community resource representatives. The activities and workshops are open to all parents.

"We are hoping the workshops and activities provided through this grant will help our Non-English speaking parents get better acclimated to our school environment and will support them in developing relationships with other parents so they feel more comfortable attending PTO meetings and other school events," said Principal Christine Hoffman.

More than 20 restaurants and wineries will participate in A Taste of Shelby County, which will benefit the Greater Shelby County Education Foundation. The event, which is sponsored by the Greater Shelby County Chamber of Commerce, will be held September 17 at the Village at Lee Branch, 611 Doug Baker Boulevard, from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 and can be ordered by phone at 663-4542.

Restaurant vendors will have a variety of food samples and each participant will receive a commemorative wine glass. The University of Montevallo jazz band will provide the entertainment. Jennifer Trammel, Executive Director of the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce, said the vendors will also be participating in a table decorating contest to see who has the most impressive tablescapes.

This is the second year for the event, which was held last year at the Shelby campus of Jefferson State Community College. The event was so successful last year that it is being moved to a larger venue this year. The goal is to raise $18,000 this year.

“This is a great event that benefits the Education Foundation, which has donated more than $300,000 to our local schools since its inception in 1992,” said Superintendent Randy Fuller. “The Education Foundation has provided funding to our local teachers to purchase equipment and fund innovative classroom projects for the past 17 years. Their contributions have been invaluable to our local schools.”

Representatives Cam Ward and Mike Hill will be at Linda Nolen Learning Center at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 27 to present checks for $35,000 each (total of $70,000) to Principal Michele Shepherd for a new adapted playground. The school has recently relocated to its new location on Highway 35 in the former Bradford Health Center Building and does not currently have a playground. An adapted playground with specialized equipment will be constructed to meet the physical needs of students who attend the school.

COLUMBIANA-Last year, children at Montevallo Elementary School learned that eating fresh fruits and vegetables for snack is not only healthy, but tastes good too! This year, children at Elvin Hill Elementary and Vincent Elementary will be able to learn that same lesson thanks to additional grant funding received from the USDA that will enable the district to expand the program.

Shelby County Child Nutrition Program Coordinator Maureen Alexander said the purpose of the program is to help educate the students about various fresh fruits and vegetables, including how they are grown and the benefits of choosing them as a healthy snack option.

“Alabama has one of the highest rates of childhood obesity,” said Ms. Alexander. “With this program, we are trying to change their eating habits by exposing them to various fruits and vegetable options and educating them about making better food choices.”

The program was so successful last year at Montevallo that Ms. Alexander decided to write additional grants in order to expand the program to the other two schools. All three grants combined will provide just over $103,000 to purchase fruits and vegetables for the program, which will start on August 24 and run through May 15, 2010.

“A student/teacher survey we conducted showed the positive impact on the students at Montevallo Elementary last year, especially how much they looked forward to it every day,” Ms. Alexander said. “|The students had learned a lot about fresh fruits and vegetables. The exposure to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables had really broadened their understanding of how they are grown and how beneficial they are to their health”

The students also got to sample foods they might not have tried before – including such exotic fruits as kumquats, star fruit, and kiwi to lesser known vegetables such as snow peas and sugar snap peas.

“They also tried different varieties of apples, pears and berries,” Ms. Alexander said. “They had some favorite fruits, such as pineapple and strawberries, but this really gave them an opportunity to try some that they probably had never heard of before.”

In addition to the USDA grant money, the Child Nutrition Program has also been awarded $43,320 from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (AARA). This money will be used to purchase a self cook center for Vincent High School and a combi oven for Montevallo Elementary.

COLUMBIANA-Shelby County School District leaders are celebrating the improved performance of several schools that made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) on the state’s annual accountability report. The school district also made AYP for the third year in a row.

Several schools that did not make AYP last year improved their performance, including Shelby County High School, Thompson High School, Valley Elementary School and Valley Intermediate School. Montevallo High School made AYP for a second year in a row, which brings them out of school improvement status.

“We are really proud of the collaborative efforts of our teachers and administrators throughout the system,” said Superintendent Randy Fuller. “It is a true indication of how hard they have worked this year to make sure that our students were well prepared.”

District leaders were especially encouraged about the performance of the Title I elementary schools, all of which made AYP again this year. Fuller credited the district’s Continuous School Improvement (CSI) process for the improved performance of the schools this year. Through the CSI process teachers meet collaboratively in professional learning communities to review assessment data and develop goals and instructional strategies for their schools.

“Our CSI process allows each school to review their assessment data and develop strategies geared toward improving student performance,” Fuller said. “The fact that these schools made AYP this year is a clear indication that the strategies that they put into place last year were successful.”

Only two schools did not make AYP this year – Chelsea High School, due to their graduation rate, and the Linda Nolen Learning Center. The Linda Nolen Learning Center, which serves students with severe special needs, did not make it due to graduation rate and reading and math proficiency scores of their “all-student” subgroup. Because this is the third year in a row that the Linda Nolen Learning Center did not make AYP it will now enter School Improvement, Year Two.

Elisabeth Davis, School Improvement Specialist for Shelby County Schools, said the district has already been working on developing a plan to address the issue of the Linda Nolen Learning Center’s graduation rate. She noted that additional strategies will be developed within their school improvement plan to help the school improve reading and math score.

The graduation rate formula used to determine whether a school makes AYP doesn’t just look at the number of students who drop out during their senior year. It takes into account the number of students from that same graduating class who dropped out in previous years (ninth, tenth, and eleventh grades). It also looks at the number of students who completed course work in high school, but didn’t actually graduate with a diploma.