May 5 – Cinco de Mayo
May 8 – Mother’s Day
May 11 – National School Nurse Day
May 21 – Armed Forces Day
May 25 – Honors Program for grades 3-6 at 9:30 A M
May 24-25 – Semester Exams
May 25 - Honors Program for grades K-2 at 1:30 at Annex
May 26 – Last day of school for students
Senior Graduation
May 30 – Memorial Day
Monday, May 2, 2011
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Helpful Website for Parents and Educators
I found this website in a search for resources, http://www.educationcoffeehouse.com/k12/index.html. Maybe someone else can find some useful information in it. I really did!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Fourth Nine Weeks Progress Reports
Parents/guardians should be looking for their children or teens to be bringing home their fourth nine weeks progress reports today (04/25/11).
If you have any concerns about your child's grades, please call the school at 280-2820 to set up an appointment with your child's teacher(s). There are five weeks left in this school year. Keep your child on their homework schedule and do not let them slack up with studying.
If you have any concerns about your child's grades, please call the school at 280-2820 to set up an appointment with your child's teacher(s). There are five weeks left in this school year. Keep your child on their homework schedule and do not let them slack up with studying.
Good Sportsmanship
The character education word of the week is GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP. The following article on sportsmanship is from the website kidshealth.org.
Emily was crying by the time the softball game ended. It wasn't because her team had lost. It wasn't because she was unhappy about her own playing. It wasn't even because of anything the other team had said or done. Emily's tears came after her dad yelled at her — in front of all her teammates — for missing the fly ball that could have saved the game. Emily is just 8 years old.
If your child has ever participated in a sport, you've undoubtedly met people like Emily's dad, parents who behave inappropriately and upset their kids. These parents get so wrapped up in winning and losing or how well their own kids perform that they lose sight of what's really important. They forget that one of the most important goals of kids' sports is to promote a sense of good sportsmanship.
What Is Good Sportsmanship?
Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Kids learn the basics of sportsmanship from the adults in their lives, especially their parents and their coaches. Kids who see adults behaving in a sportsmanlike way gradually come to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity — whether they win or lose a game.
Parents can help their kids understand that good sportsmanship includes both small gestures and heroic efforts. It starts with something as simple as shaking hands with opponents before a game and includes acknowledging good plays made by others and accepting bad calls gracefully.
Displaying good sportsmanship isn't always easy: It can be tough to congratulate the opposing team after losing a close or important game. But the kids who learn how to do it will benefit in many ways.
Kids who bully or taunt others on the playing field aren't likely to change their behavior when in the classroom or in social situations. In the same way, a child who practices good sportsmanship is likely to carry the respect and appreciation of other people into every other aspect of life.
Good Sports Are Winners
Ask first- or second-graders who won a game and they may answer, "I think it was a tie." It's likely the question isn't of any real interest at that age. Kids may be more eager to talk about the hits they got or the catches they almost made.
But as they move into older and more competitive leagues, kids become more focused on winning. They often forget to have fun. Without constant reminders and good examples, they may also forget what behavior is appropriate before, during, and after a sporting event.
Kids who have coaches who care only about being in first place and say that anything goes as long as they win, pick up the message that it's OK to be ruthless on the field. If parents constantly pressure them to play better or second-guess their every move, kids get the message that they're only as good as their last good play — and they'll try anything to make one.
Adults who emphasize good sportsmanship, however, see winning as just one of several goals they'd like their kids to achieve. They help young athletes take pride in their accomplishments and in their improving skills, so that the kids see themselves as winners, even if the scoreboard doesn't show the numbers going in their favor.
The best coaches — and parents — encourage their kids to play fair, to have fun, and to concentrate on helping the team while polishing their own skills.
Fostering Good Sportsmanship
Remember the saying "Actions speak louder than words"? That's especially true when it comes to teaching your kids the basics of good sportsmanship. Your behavior during practices and games will influence them more than any pep talk or lecture you give them.
Here are some suggestions on how to build sportsmanship in your kids:
Unless you're coaching your child's team, you need to remember that you're the parent. Shout words of encouragement, not directions, from the sidelines (there is a difference!).If you are your kid's coach, don't expect too much out of your own child. Don't be harder on him or her than on anyone else on the team, but don't play favorites either.Keep your comments positive. Don't bad-mouth coaches, players, or game officials. If you have a serious concern about the way that games or practices are being conducted, or if you're upset about other parents' behavior, discuss it privately with the coach or with a league official.After a competition, it's important not to dwell on who won or lost. Instead, try asking, "How did you feel you did during the game?" If your child feels weak at a particular skill, like throwing or catching, offer to work on it together before the next game.Applaud good plays no matter who makes them.Set a good example with your courteous behavior toward the parents of kids on the other team. Congratulate them when their kids win.Remember that it's your kids, not you, who are playing. Don't push them into a sport because it's what you enjoyed. As kids get older, let them choose what sports they want to play and decide the level of commitment they want to make.Keep your perspective. It's just a game. Even if the team loses every game of the season, it's unlikely to ruin your child's life or chances of success.Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your kids. Talk about the bad examples, too, and why they upset you.Finally, don't forget to have fun. Even if your child isn't the star, enjoy the game while you're thinking of all the benefits your child is gaining — new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help all through life.Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Originally reviewed by: Steve Sanders, PhD
Emily was crying by the time the softball game ended. It wasn't because her team had lost. It wasn't because she was unhappy about her own playing. It wasn't even because of anything the other team had said or done. Emily's tears came after her dad yelled at her — in front of all her teammates — for missing the fly ball that could have saved the game. Emily is just 8 years old.
If your child has ever participated in a sport, you've undoubtedly met people like Emily's dad, parents who behave inappropriately and upset their kids. These parents get so wrapped up in winning and losing or how well their own kids perform that they lose sight of what's really important. They forget that one of the most important goals of kids' sports is to promote a sense of good sportsmanship.
What Is Good Sportsmanship?
Good sportsmanship is when teammates, opponents, coaches, and officials treat each other with respect. Kids learn the basics of sportsmanship from the adults in their lives, especially their parents and their coaches. Kids who see adults behaving in a sportsmanlike way gradually come to understand that the real winners in sports are those who know how to persevere and to behave with dignity — whether they win or lose a game.
Parents can help their kids understand that good sportsmanship includes both small gestures and heroic efforts. It starts with something as simple as shaking hands with opponents before a game and includes acknowledging good plays made by others and accepting bad calls gracefully.
Displaying good sportsmanship isn't always easy: It can be tough to congratulate the opposing team after losing a close or important game. But the kids who learn how to do it will benefit in many ways.
Kids who bully or taunt others on the playing field aren't likely to change their behavior when in the classroom or in social situations. In the same way, a child who practices good sportsmanship is likely to carry the respect and appreciation of other people into every other aspect of life.
Good Sports Are Winners
Ask first- or second-graders who won a game and they may answer, "I think it was a tie." It's likely the question isn't of any real interest at that age. Kids may be more eager to talk about the hits they got or the catches they almost made.
But as they move into older and more competitive leagues, kids become more focused on winning. They often forget to have fun. Without constant reminders and good examples, they may also forget what behavior is appropriate before, during, and after a sporting event.
Kids who have coaches who care only about being in first place and say that anything goes as long as they win, pick up the message that it's OK to be ruthless on the field. If parents constantly pressure them to play better or second-guess their every move, kids get the message that they're only as good as their last good play — and they'll try anything to make one.
Adults who emphasize good sportsmanship, however, see winning as just one of several goals they'd like their kids to achieve. They help young athletes take pride in their accomplishments and in their improving skills, so that the kids see themselves as winners, even if the scoreboard doesn't show the numbers going in their favor.
The best coaches — and parents — encourage their kids to play fair, to have fun, and to concentrate on helping the team while polishing their own skills.
Fostering Good Sportsmanship
Remember the saying "Actions speak louder than words"? That's especially true when it comes to teaching your kids the basics of good sportsmanship. Your behavior during practices and games will influence them more than any pep talk or lecture you give them.
Here are some suggestions on how to build sportsmanship in your kids:
Unless you're coaching your child's team, you need to remember that you're the parent. Shout words of encouragement, not directions, from the sidelines (there is a difference!).If you are your kid's coach, don't expect too much out of your own child. Don't be harder on him or her than on anyone else on the team, but don't play favorites either.Keep your comments positive. Don't bad-mouth coaches, players, or game officials. If you have a serious concern about the way that games or practices are being conducted, or if you're upset about other parents' behavior, discuss it privately with the coach or with a league official.After a competition, it's important not to dwell on who won or lost. Instead, try asking, "How did you feel you did during the game?" If your child feels weak at a particular skill, like throwing or catching, offer to work on it together before the next game.Applaud good plays no matter who makes them.Set a good example with your courteous behavior toward the parents of kids on the other team. Congratulate them when their kids win.Remember that it's your kids, not you, who are playing. Don't push them into a sport because it's what you enjoyed. As kids get older, let them choose what sports they want to play and decide the level of commitment they want to make.Keep your perspective. It's just a game. Even if the team loses every game of the season, it's unlikely to ruin your child's life or chances of success.Look for examples of good sportsmanship in professional athletes and point them out to your kids. Talk about the bad examples, too, and why they upset you.Finally, don't forget to have fun. Even if your child isn't the star, enjoy the game while you're thinking of all the benefits your child is gaining — new skills, new friends, and attitudes that can help all through life.Reviewed by: Steven Dowshen, MD
Date reviewed: October 2008
Originally reviewed by: Steve Sanders, PhD
Monday, April 18, 2011
PREVENTING CHILD ABUSE
Child abuse is more than bruises and broken bones. While physical abuse
might be most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or
child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child
abuse are subtler than others. Since April is National Child Abuse
Awareness Month, the experts of Children's Hospital want to remind you
of the importance of recognizing and reporting abuse of any kind.
"By learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a
huge difference in a child's life," says Deb Schneider, director of
Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services, or the CHIPS
Center at Children's Hospital. "The earlier abused children get help,
the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate
the cycle."
The four types of child abuse are:
* Physical Abuse
* Sexual Abuse
* Emotional Abuse
* Neglect
In Alabama, one in six kids are physically abused every year and as many
as 25 percent of children will be sexually abused by the time they reach
age 18. Physical abuse is the leading cause of death under the age of 3.
Neglect remains the highest reported form of abuse in our state.
The signs of child abuse vary depending on the type of abuse, but there
are some common indicators:
Warning signs of emotional abuse in children:
* Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something
wrong.
* Shows extremes in behavior (extremely compliant or extremely
demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive).
* Doesn't seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.
* Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other
children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking,
tantrums).
Warning signs of physical abuse in children
* Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
* Is always watchful and "on alert," as if waiting for something
bad to happen.
* Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or
belt.
* Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems
afraid to go home.
* Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as
long-sleeved shirts on hot days.
Warning signs of neglect in children
* Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the
weather.
* Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair,
noticeable body odor).
* Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
* Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in
unsafe situations and environments.
* Is frequently late or missing from school.
Warning signs of sexual abuse in children
* Trouble walking or sitting.
* Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to
his or her age, or even seductive behavior.
* Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an
obvious reason.
* Doesn't want to change clothes in front of others or participate
in physical activities.
Fortunately, help for Alabama's abused children is available at The
CHIPS Center. The CHIPS Center provides forensic medical evaluations,
psychosocial assessments, play therapy, counseling for non-offending
caregivers and other support services. All services are free, thanks to
the generosity of the Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Loggers
Council, which donate approximately $250,000 to the clinic each year
through Log-A-Load For Kids.
If you suspect a child has been or is being abused, it is imperative
that you contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources, or you can
call the CHIPS Center at Children's Hospital by dialing 205.558.2751.
For more information, please visit www.chsys.org.
might be most visible, other types of abuse, such as emotional abuse or
child neglect, also leave deep, long lasting scars. Some signs of child
abuse are subtler than others. Since April is National Child Abuse
Awareness Month, the experts of Children's Hospital want to remind you
of the importance of recognizing and reporting abuse of any kind.
"By learning common types of abuse and what you can do, you can make a
huge difference in a child's life," says Deb Schneider, director of
Children's Hospital Intervention and Prevention Services, or the CHIPS
Center at Children's Hospital. "The earlier abused children get help,
the greater chance they have to heal from their abuse and not perpetuate
the cycle."
The four types of child abuse are:
* Physical Abuse
* Sexual Abuse
* Emotional Abuse
* Neglect
In Alabama, one in six kids are physically abused every year and as many
as 25 percent of children will be sexually abused by the time they reach
age 18. Physical abuse is the leading cause of death under the age of 3.
Neglect remains the highest reported form of abuse in our state.
The signs of child abuse vary depending on the type of abuse, but there
are some common indicators:
Warning signs of emotional abuse in children:
* Excessively withdrawn, fearful, or anxious about doing something
wrong.
* Shows extremes in behavior (extremely compliant or extremely
demanding; extremely passive or extremely aggressive).
* Doesn't seem to be attached to the parent or caregiver.
* Acts either inappropriately adult (taking care of other
children) or inappropriately infantile (rocking, thumb-sucking,
tantrums).
Warning signs of physical abuse in children
* Frequent injuries or unexplained bruises, welts, or cuts.
* Is always watchful and "on alert," as if waiting for something
bad to happen.
* Injuries appear to have a pattern such as marks from a hand or
belt.
* Shies away from touch, flinches at sudden movements, or seems
afraid to go home.
* Wears inappropriate clothing to cover up injuries, such as
long-sleeved shirts on hot days.
Warning signs of neglect in children
* Clothes are ill-fitting, filthy, or inappropriate for the
weather.
* Hygiene is consistently bad (unbathed, matted and unwashed hair,
noticeable body odor).
* Untreated illnesses and physical injuries.
* Is frequently unsupervised or left alone or allowed to play in
unsafe situations and environments.
* Is frequently late or missing from school.
Warning signs of sexual abuse in children
* Trouble walking or sitting.
* Displays knowledge or interest in sexual acts inappropriate to
his or her age, or even seductive behavior.
* Makes strong efforts to avoid a specific person, without an
obvious reason.
* Doesn't want to change clothes in front of others or participate
in physical activities.
Fortunately, help for Alabama's abused children is available at The
CHIPS Center. The CHIPS Center provides forensic medical evaluations,
psychosocial assessments, play therapy, counseling for non-offending
caregivers and other support services. All services are free, thanks to
the generosity of the Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Loggers
Council, which donate approximately $250,000 to the clinic each year
through Log-A-Load For Kids.
If you suspect a child has been or is being abused, it is imperative
that you contact the Alabama Department of Human Resources, or you can
call the CHIPS Center at Children's Hospital by dialing 205.558.2751.
For more information, please visit www.chsys.org.
Friday, April 15, 2011
Third Nine Weeks Good Citizens for Grades K-6
The following students were chosen by their teachers and classmates to be the Good Citizens of their homerooms for the third nine weeks.
Kindergarten
Deloach: Emily-Grace Holsomback, Kimberly Martinez-Pulido
Pike: Bobby Jones, Kadence Willis
First Grade
Dale: Chloee Cleckler, Kendall Smitherman
Whittle: Jacob Edwards, Junior Duhon
Second Grade
Davis: Mackenzie Graves, Mark Jones
Bryant: Lydia Edwards, Natalie Easterling
Third Grade
Cleckler: Shaniah Pasley, Rowlan Brady
Deavers: Gabrielle Edwards, Maniyah Nunn
Fourth Grade
Easterling: Tyler Abbott, Makinlee Mims
Hauswirth: Rekell Ray, Abby Cleckler
Fifth Grade
Rheaume: Bethany Hancock, Brandon McCullough
Smith: Blake Nelson, Cassidy Manley
Sixth Grade
Childress/Martin: Ethan Lett, Makaylie Kelley
Kindergarten
Deloach: Emily-Grace Holsomback, Kimberly Martinez-Pulido
Pike: Bobby Jones, Kadence Willis
First Grade
Dale: Chloee Cleckler, Kendall Smitherman
Whittle: Jacob Edwards, Junior Duhon
Second Grade
Davis: Mackenzie Graves, Mark Jones
Bryant: Lydia Edwards, Natalie Easterling
Third Grade
Cleckler: Shaniah Pasley, Rowlan Brady
Deavers: Gabrielle Edwards, Maniyah Nunn
Fourth Grade
Easterling: Tyler Abbott, Makinlee Mims
Hauswirth: Rekell Ray, Abby Cleckler
Fifth Grade
Rheaume: Bethany Hancock, Brandon McCullough
Smith: Blake Nelson, Cassidy Manley
Sixth Grade
Childress/Martin: Ethan Lett, Makaylie Kelley
Thursday, April 7, 2011
KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION AT VHS
Parents or guardians may register their children for the 2011-2012 kindergarten class at Verbena High School during the week of April 11-15. Children must be five on or before September 2, 2011. To register a child for kindergarten, the parent or guardian must bring the child's original Alabama blue immunization form, original birth certificate, Social Security card, proof of residence, and proof of custody or guardianship. Registration will be held in the office of the main campus at Verbena High School.
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