around our schools shout outs april 2015, volume 2 alamance … · 2015. 4. 10. · around our...

Around Our Schools Shout Outs April 2015, Volume 2 Alamance-Burlington Schools Public Information Office

Shout Out from Western High Kenneth Lockner

After a brief delay for weather in Atlanta, our intrepid group of 10 adults and 35 students headed off for a wonderful 10 day excursion to explore Scotland and Ireland! We landed in Dublin and were off on a great adventure—walking on the Irish sea coast, toured Trinity College in Dublin, saw the finest illustrated manuscript in the world, the Book of Kells. Next day, a local guide took us all around Dublin, including Georgian Square to take a look at the doors of Dublin, including one built specifically for King Edward VII.

We toured St. Patrick's Cathedral, followed by a trip to Phoenix Park, where we saw the Pope's Cross, built when Pope John Paul II said mass when he visited Dublin. Dinner was in the Temple Bar area of Dublin, followed by a two hour show of traditional Irish dancing and music, where we all learned to Irish dance.

Trust me, the cast of Riverdance is in no danger of us taking over anytime soon!


The third day of our tour saw us leave the Euro zone and enter the realm of the British pound sterling. We spent the night in Belfast, Northern Ireland before taking the ferry across the Irish Sea to Scotland. We toured Titanic Belfast, a fabulous museum. The great ship was built here at the Harland and Wolfe shipyards, and the museum was spectacular. I think all of us came away with a deeper understanding and newfound reverence for the disaster.

After Titanic, we had dinner, then on to Queen's College of Belfast.

When people ask me what the most beautiful place I have ever traveled to, I am always at a loss for an answer. After this trip, Edinburgh will definitely be on the short list of beautiful places. After a very early start, we boarded a large ferry in Belfast that took us across the Irish Sea into Scotland. After disembarking, we drove to the Robert Burns Cottage and Museum. Burns is Scotland's national poet, and his homestead in Alloway did not disappoint. We had a great time exploring his cottage, an old Scottish


church and graveyard, and the greatest bridge I have ever seen (the Brigadoon). I have included a picture, but it does not do it justice. It seemed as if the place and the town were out of a Hollywood set. After the Burns museum, we drove through Glasgow before arriving in Edinburgh. Our hotel is only one block from the Royal Mile, which we explored before dinner. The Royal Mile has Edinburgh castle on one end and Holyrood House (the Queen's Scottish residence) on the other. Lots of tartans and Scottish gifts were purchased.


We toured Old and New Edinburgh (new Edinburgh was built in the 1850's). We saw the home of Jonathan Swift, Sir Walter Scott, the "birthplace" of Harry Potter, and the bar which was the genesis of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. We also got to stop at Holyrood Palace, the official home of the Queen in Scotland. We ended our tour at Edinburgh Castle where our Latin was put to the test on several occasions. Some of us returned to Holyrood House for the complete tour, where we learned of the life and times of Mary Queen of Scots, then went shopping. Most of us ended our day with a Ghost Tour of Edinburgh. No sightings.


Shout Out from Graham Middle Rachel Clark, 7th Grade ELA

Graham Middle School Project Unify celebrated our Spread the Word to End the Word campaign last week! We enjoyed spirit week, in conjunction with our spring sports' teams, to show school pride and unity for all students. Monday was pledge day. All students were asked to sign a banner pledging to never use the r-word (retarded). Tuesday was team day. Students were encouraged to wear jerseys of their favorite teams. Wednesday was wear blue because blue signifies unity and confidence. Thursday was Falcon Pride day to support our baseball, volleyball, and soccer teams. Finally, Friday was class color day. Each home room, team, and/or grade level chose a color for their students to wear.

We also had our first annual Spring Fever Extravaganza on Wednesday afternoon. It was an opportunity to dance, eat, drink, play games and socialize. We even had Kona Ice on hand for the event as well.

This was GMS Project Unify's main fundraiser to support our contribution to Alamance Special Olympics. We run Olympic Town every year. This year we raised over $500 to fund our event!


Shout Out to Hillcrest Elementary Alexis Kagel, Music

Third graders took the stage on March 31st at Hillcrest Elementary to celebrate Music in our Schools Month! They performed in a concert of folk songs from around the world, featuring music from the Southern United States, Hawaii, Brazil, and Australia. Each student had a part to play; some were dancers, some percussionists, others played ukuleles donated to Hillcrest by DonorsChoose.org.


The students were not the only ones performing in this concert, the staff and audience got involved too! The third grade teachers, principal Julie Bethea, and even superintendent Dr. Harrison were invited on stage to play drums, and the entire audience was invited to dance along to the Australian "Heel Toe Polka" at the end of the night. It was an interactive evening of music and fun.

Great job third grade Hornets!


Shout Out to Child Abuse Prevention Month Danielle Woodall, Lead School Social Worker

Attached are several pictures from the Ring Out event at the Children's Museum in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month. Students from Graham Middle planted a pinwheel garden. Dr. Monroe and I were a part of the program and Vernetta Bridges and I also participated in a media campaign to #PassthePinwheel. There is also a pinwheel garden

planted in front of the ABSS central office building at 1712 Vaughn Road


Please join the ABSS School Social Workers in raising awareness during National Child Abuse Prevention Month.

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to recognize that we each play a part in promoting the social and emotional well-being of children and families in our communities. Since 1989, thousands of people nationwide have worn a blue ribbon during April to create awareness of the need to prevent child abuse and neglect.

Child abuse can be defined as a non-accidental injury or pattern of injuries to a child. Child abuse includes non-accidental: physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, and neglect. Child Abuse and Neglect occurs when parents/caregivers are stressed, lack support, and lack understanding of child development and parenting. Child Abuse is a 100% preventable problem! When families have the help and assistance they need to put protective factors in place they can be happy, healthy, and successful. It is important for families to know there is help available and resources

to get the support they need. It is never okay for a child to suffer abuse/neglect and it is important for children to tell a trusted adult to get the help that they need for themselves as well as their family.

Please take the time this month to engage in activities like wearing blue, ringing bells, plant a pinwheel garden, wear blue ribbons, wear blue every Monday during April, offer “Ring Out’ Child Abuse announcements during school-wide announcement, TV broadcast or assembly.


In North Carolina 64,765 reports were referred to local Department of Social Service (DSS) agencies for possible abuse and neglect in state fiscal year (SFY) 2013-2014. Those 64,765 reports involved a total of 129,263 children in our state.

Out of the 64,765 CPS reports made: Alamance County held a total # of 828 of those accepted reports: (this # does not include courtesy/request from other counties/screen outs) this break downs to Alamance County DSS accepting around 69 reports each month.

Out of the 828 accepted cases in Alamance County there were a total of: 1616 children involved with: 809 being female; 807 male

Out of the 1616 children: 652 were between age 0-5; 644: between age 6-12; 315: between age 13-17; 5 unknown

Out of the 1616 children: 828 were first time report; 788 was re-reports

Out of the 828 accepted cases (referral source)

41 were anonymous 4 care providers 188 educational personnel 124 law court 114 medical personnel 105 relative 63 non-relative 126 human services 4 victim 34 parental

Event shines light on child abuse awareness: http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/top-news/planting-a-symbol-to-ring-out-child-abuse-1.459052

http://www.thetimesnews.com/news/top-news/planting-a-symbol-to-ring-out-child-abuse-1.459052


Shout Out to Southern High FFA Nick Anders, FFA Advisor

FFA members participate in state Leadership Conference

Greensboro, North Carolina- Members of the Southern Alamance FFA Chapter participated in the 2015 MEGA conference conducted by the NC FFA Association March 28-29. Members attending were, Austin Cutter, Carli Patterson, John Michael Scott, Sarah Maddry, Jonathan Hester, and Kayelep Vance.

“MEGA Conference provides students with an opportunity to explore the FFA and learn ways to impact their chapters after returning home,” said Gerald Barlowe, state FFA advisor. “Students that participate in this conference are the future leaders of our organization.”

By focusing on the importance of teamwork, communication skills, goal setting, FFA history, opportunities and risk taking, students are able to explore many facets of their leadership potential. A staff composed of the current state FFA officer, past state FFA officers and collegiate FFA members created a high quality, fast-paced, enthusiastic conference.

“MEGA Conference is a great opportunity for FFA members to develop their potential as leaders for the future of agriculture,” Barlowe attested. “This year’s conference has been designed to elevate the level of personal growth for our members while providing an environment where students can learn, lead and succeed.”


Shout Out to Williams High Scientists Erica Bower, Biology/Earth & Environmental Science Congratulate our Williams High Science Olympiad Team! As a first year team, we placed in 8 events which lead to our 4th place finish at regionals, headed to state competition in Raleigh! These kids have worked so hard since October and the three coaches (Alicia, Dirk and me) are very proud of these students, as all of us should be. For those that do not know Science Olympiad, the competition is composed of 23 different events (like the Olympics) in all areas of science. Proud coaches are: Alicia Curtis, Dirk Trimble and Erica Bower Medal Count: 8 total! Go Bulldogs! Medal Count (if you need it - 8 in total) 2nd place - Bridge (Thomas James, Shrey Patel) 3rd place - Forensics (Samuel Cryan, Jos Boswell) Air Trajectory (Austin and Everett Desern) Mission Possible (Samuel Cryan and Savannah Williams) GeoLogic (Jos Boswell, Savannah Williams) 4th place - Dynamic Planet (Hugh White, Savannah Williams) Chem Lab (Hugh White, Everett Desern) Write It, Do It (Alex Ceseña, Sagar Patel)

Photo at left: L to R: Sara Realini and Julie Realini in the Egg-O-Naut event

Photo at right:

L to R: Shrey Patel and Thomas James in the Bridge Building Event (2nd place finish)


WWSH Team

Front Row: Alex Ceseña Second Row (L to R): Spencer Coffey, Shiv Patel, Jos Boswell, Samuel Cryan, Savannah Williams, Julie Realini, Sara Realini Back Row (L to R): Maharshi Pandya, Thomas James, Austin Desern, Shrey Patel, Hugh White, Everett Desern, Sagar Patel

Not pictured: Aaron Love & Shanna Burk Coaches: Erica Bower, Alicia Curtis and Dirk Trimble


Shout Out to ABSS Scientists Melaine Rickard, ABSS STEM Specialist Five ABSS schools participated in the regional Division B and C Science Olympiad Tournament in Greensboro on Saturday, March 21, 2015. The middle school teams competed against 19 other teams while our high school team from Williams High competed against 20 other teams! These teams have practiced since October on over 20 different events to be ready to compete. All ABSS teams won medals, and Western Middle and Williams High will move to the state competition in Raleigh on April 24 and 25! A Big Congratulations to our scientists from: Graham Middle: 2 medals Turrentine Middle: 2 medals Woodlawn Middle: 4 Medals Western Middle: 15 medals Williams High: 8 medals Pictured at right: Top Right: Graham Middle Bottom Right: Western Middle

around our schools shout outs april 2015, volume 2 alamance … · 2015. 4. 10. · around our...

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