Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Verbena HS Seniors are GREAT!
I am so proud of the VHS Class of 2012! This class is working to continue their education, have a career, and give back to the community. I am hopeful that we will have 100% of this class to apply to some form of post-secondary school - whether it is career tech, junior college, or 4-year university. Let me know if you are proud of a particular member of this class of 2012 or have a comment.
Mississippi State University Spring Preview Day
MSU Spring Preview Day will take place on Monday, March 26th. This event is designed to assist high school juniors in the college search process. There is a $10 charge per person. Upon arrival, students will receive a packet of information and a t-shirt for their participation. Lunch will be provided along with some famous MSU ice cream. Space is limited, and seats will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis.
Friday, February 24, 2012
Tuskegee University Open House
The 2012 Tuskegee University Spring Open House Program, sponsored by the Office of Admissions and Enrollment Management, is scheduled for Saturday, March 24th, 2012.
During this special event, administrators, faculty, staff, and students representing various departments and programs will share information on Tuskegee University programs with our visiting students and will be available to answer their questions. In addition to the opening session in the session in the Chapel, there will be an informational session and entertainment session in the Chappie James Center. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour our campus. Check out the poster in the guidance area.
During this special event, administrators, faculty, staff, and students representing various departments and programs will share information on Tuskegee University programs with our visiting students and will be available to answer their questions. In addition to the opening session in the session in the Chapel, there will be an informational session and entertainment session in the Chappie James Center. Participants will also have the opportunity to tour our campus. Check out the poster in the guidance area.
Friday, February 17, 2012
HELPING KIDS DEAL WITH BULLIES
A bully can turn something like going to the bus stop or recess into a nightmare for children. Bullying can leave deep emotional scars that last for life. And, in extreme situations, it can culminate in violent threats, property damage or someone getting seriously hurt. The CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama is prepared to fight back against this problem in our state. The CHIPS Center staff is a team of specially trained clinical counselors, doctors, social workers and nurses who work with law enforce-ment, the Department of Human Resources (DHR), and Child Advocacy Center (CAC) representatives to provide education, counseling or referrals to children and families affected by abuse, which includes the various forms of bullying.
“If your child is being bullied, there are ways to help him or her cope with it on a day-to-day basis and lessen its lasting impact,” said Amy Ray, a clinical counselor at the CHIPS Center. “Even if bullying isn't an issue in your house right now, it's important to discuss it so your kids will be prepared if it does happen.”
What Is Bullying?
Most kids have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point. And it's not usually harmful when done in a playful, friendly, and mutual way, and both kids find it funny. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind, and constant, it crosses the line into bullying and needs to stop. Bullying is intentional tormenting in physical, verbal, or psychological ways. It can range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats, and mocking to extorting money and treasured possessions. Some kids bully by shunning others and spreading rumors about them. Others use email, chat rooms, instant messages, social networking websites, and text messages to taunt others or hurt their feelings. It's important to take bullying seriously and not just brush it off as something that kids have to "tough out." The effects can be serious and affect kids' sense of self-worth and future relationships. In severe cases, bullying has contributed to tragedies, such as school shootings.
Why Kids Bully
Kids bully for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they pick on kids because they need a victim — someone who seems emotionally or physically weaker, or just acts or appears different in some way — to feel more important, popular, or in control. Although some bullies are bigger or stronger than their victims, that's not always the case. Sometimes kids torment others because that's the way they’ve been treated. They may think their behavior is normal because they come from families or other settings where everyone regularly gets angry, shouts, or calls names. Some popular TV shows even seem to promote meanness — people are "voted off," shunned, or ridiculed for their appearance or lack of talent.
Signs of Bullying
Unless your child tells you about bullying — or has visible bruises or injuries — it can be difficult to figure out if it's happening. But there are some warning signs. Parents might notice kids acting differently or seeming anxious, or not eating, sleeping well, or doing the things they usually enjoy. When kids seem moodier or more easily upset than usual, or when they start avoiding certain situations, like taking the bus to school, it might be because of a bully.
Let your kids know that if they're being bullied — or see it happening to someone else — it's important to talk to someone about it, whether it's you, another adult (a teacher, school counselor, or family friend), or a sibling.
Advice for Kids
The key to helping kids is providing strategies that deal with bullying on an everyday basis and also help restore their self-esteem and regain a sense of dignity.
Here are some other strategies to discuss with kids that can help improve the situation and make them feel better:
*Avoid the bully and use the buddy system. Use a different bathroom if a bully is nearby and don't go to your locker when there is nobody around. Make sure you have someone with you so that you're not alone with the bully. Buddy up with a friend on the bus, in the hallways, or at recess — wherever the bully is. Offer to do the same for a friend.
*Hold the anger. It's natural to get upset by the bully, but that's what bullies thrive on. It makes them feel more powerful. Practice not reacting by crying or looking red or upset. It takes a lot of practice, but it's a useful skill for keeping off of a bully's radar. Sometimes kids find it useful to practice "cool down" strategies such as counting to 10, writing down their angry words, taking deep breaths or walking away.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to teach kids to wear a "poker face" until they are clear of any danger (smiling or laughing may provoke the bully).
*Act brave, walk away, and ignore the bully. Firmly and clearly tell the bully to stop, then walk away. Practice ways to ignore the hurtful remarks, like acting uninterested or texting someone on your cell phone. By ignoring the bully, you're showing that you don't care. Eventually, the bully will probably get bored with trying to bother you.
*Tell an adult. Teachers, principals, parents, and lunchroom personnel at school can all help stop bullying.
*Talk about it. Talk to someone you trust, such as a guidance counselor, teacher, sibling, or friend. They may offer some helpful suggestions, and even if they can't fix the situation, it may help you feel a little less alone.
*Remove the incentives. If the bully is demanding your lunch money, start bringing your lunch. If he's trying to get your music player, don't bring it to school.
For more information about bullying or to seek help please call the CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama at 205-558-2751 or visit www.childrensal.org.
“If your child is being bullied, there are ways to help him or her cope with it on a day-to-day basis and lessen its lasting impact,” said Amy Ray, a clinical counselor at the CHIPS Center. “Even if bullying isn't an issue in your house right now, it's important to discuss it so your kids will be prepared if it does happen.”
What Is Bullying?
Most kids have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point. And it's not usually harmful when done in a playful, friendly, and mutual way, and both kids find it funny. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind, and constant, it crosses the line into bullying and needs to stop. Bullying is intentional tormenting in physical, verbal, or psychological ways. It can range from hitting, shoving, name-calling, threats, and mocking to extorting money and treasured possessions. Some kids bully by shunning others and spreading rumors about them. Others use email, chat rooms, instant messages, social networking websites, and text messages to taunt others or hurt their feelings. It's important to take bullying seriously and not just brush it off as something that kids have to "tough out." The effects can be serious and affect kids' sense of self-worth and future relationships. In severe cases, bullying has contributed to tragedies, such as school shootings.
Why Kids Bully
Kids bully for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they pick on kids because they need a victim — someone who seems emotionally or physically weaker, or just acts or appears different in some way — to feel more important, popular, or in control. Although some bullies are bigger or stronger than their victims, that's not always the case. Sometimes kids torment others because that's the way they’ve been treated. They may think their behavior is normal because they come from families or other settings where everyone regularly gets angry, shouts, or calls names. Some popular TV shows even seem to promote meanness — people are "voted off," shunned, or ridiculed for their appearance or lack of talent.
Signs of Bullying
Unless your child tells you about bullying — or has visible bruises or injuries — it can be difficult to figure out if it's happening. But there are some warning signs. Parents might notice kids acting differently or seeming anxious, or not eating, sleeping well, or doing the things they usually enjoy. When kids seem moodier or more easily upset than usual, or when they start avoiding certain situations, like taking the bus to school, it might be because of a bully.
Let your kids know that if they're being bullied — or see it happening to someone else — it's important to talk to someone about it, whether it's you, another adult (a teacher, school counselor, or family friend), or a sibling.
Advice for Kids
The key to helping kids is providing strategies that deal with bullying on an everyday basis and also help restore their self-esteem and regain a sense of dignity.
Here are some other strategies to discuss with kids that can help improve the situation and make them feel better:
*Avoid the bully and use the buddy system. Use a different bathroom if a bully is nearby and don't go to your locker when there is nobody around. Make sure you have someone with you so that you're not alone with the bully. Buddy up with a friend on the bus, in the hallways, or at recess — wherever the bully is. Offer to do the same for a friend.
*Hold the anger. It's natural to get upset by the bully, but that's what bullies thrive on. It makes them feel more powerful. Practice not reacting by crying or looking red or upset. It takes a lot of practice, but it's a useful skill for keeping off of a bully's radar. Sometimes kids find it useful to practice "cool down" strategies such as counting to 10, writing down their angry words, taking deep breaths or walking away.
Sometimes the best thing to do is to teach kids to wear a "poker face" until they are clear of any danger (smiling or laughing may provoke the bully).
*Act brave, walk away, and ignore the bully. Firmly and clearly tell the bully to stop, then walk away. Practice ways to ignore the hurtful remarks, like acting uninterested or texting someone on your cell phone. By ignoring the bully, you're showing that you don't care. Eventually, the bully will probably get bored with trying to bother you.
*Tell an adult. Teachers, principals, parents, and lunchroom personnel at school can all help stop bullying.
*Talk about it. Talk to someone you trust, such as a guidance counselor, teacher, sibling, or friend. They may offer some helpful suggestions, and even if they can't fix the situation, it may help you feel a little less alone.
*Remove the incentives. If the bully is demanding your lunch money, start bringing your lunch. If he's trying to get your music player, don't bring it to school.
For more information about bullying or to seek help please call the CHIPS Center at Children’s of Alabama at 205-558-2751 or visit www.childrensal.org.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Dual Enrollment
Sophomores and Juniors, if you are interested in taking dual or accelerated enrollment courses at Jeff State please see me. Dual enrollment forms (pink) are on the guidance bookcase. English 101/102 are the only courses at the moment which can be taken as dual enrollment; 11th grade English must be completed first. There are many courses which students could take now to get started on their college education. Go to the Jeff State website, www.jeffstateonline.com, for the application directions, forms, and course schedule.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Scholarship Zone Website
Try the http://www.scholarshipzone.com/ website for registration instructions for a drawing for a $10,000 scholarship. Next drawing is Feb. 15, 2012.
Other scholarship registration information is available on this website http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.
Other scholarship registration information is available on this website http://www.aesengineers.com/scholarships.htm.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Jack and Rita Jones Scholarship
Any prospective student (male or female), resident of the USA, who plans to pursue a higher education or college, including trade and vocational school may complete an application for the Jack and Rita Jones Scholarship.
To be considered as eligible for this one year grant, a student must:
a.) have an overall B average
b.) earn a diploma from an accredited public school or an accredited private school
c.) GPA and ACT must be provided with a notarized copy of high school transcript
d.) have letter of acceptance from the college you will attend. The recipient of this one-year grant must enroll as a full-time student.
Qualification of a dependent minor applicant will be based on parents' average gross income. The scholarship money may be used for state schools, trade schools, vocational schools and private schools anywhere in the United States of America.
Please see Mrs. Champion for an application or check the guidance bookcase in hall. The completed application must be returned to Mrs. Champion by March 19, 2012.
To be considered as eligible for this one year grant, a student must:
a.) have an overall B average
b.) earn a diploma from an accredited public school or an accredited private school
c.) GPA and ACT must be provided with a notarized copy of high school transcript
d.) have letter of acceptance from the college you will attend. The recipient of this one-year grant must enroll as a full-time student.
Qualification of a dependent minor applicant will be based on parents' average gross income. The scholarship money may be used for state schools, trade schools, vocational schools and private schools anywhere in the United States of America.
Please see Mrs. Champion for an application or check the guidance bookcase in hall. The completed application must be returned to Mrs. Champion by March 19, 2012.
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