Mitchell County The Eagle’s Nest School System · PDF fileThe second grade students at South ... Eagle News Coordinator e-mail: ... read the poem “The Reading Star” written by

October 2013

Mitchell County

School System

The Eagle’s Nest

Inside this issue:

Caught in the Act 2

Diving into Reading 3

Understanding the CCPGS 4

MCMS Science 5

Fun with Grandparents 6

JROTC’s High Expectations 7

FCCLA at MCHS 8

SMCES Erupting Apples 9

NMCES Literacy Kick-Offf 10

MCMS Football Team 11

Calendar of Events 12

Homecoming October 16-19

Theme:

“A Haunting in Camilla”

October 16-P.J. Day

October 17-Tacky Day

October 18-Spirit Day

October 19:

Homecoming Parade-10 a.m.

Tailgating: 1-5 p.m.

Pre-game Senior Night-6 p.m.

Game Time: 6:30 p.m.

Halftime-Crowning of MCHS

Homecoming Queen

Call 336-0970 for details.

Vic Hill, MCSS Superintendent

Mark Your Calendar

Fall Carnival

November 1

Food, Fun, Games

and Haunted House

SMCES 2nd Graders Learn

About Our Government

The second grade students at South Mitchell County

Elementary have been discussing rules and laws standard

SS2CG1 for Social Studies. We discussed our government

at the local, state and national levels. The students learned

who our President, governor and mayor are. The students

learned about following rules and laws. The students were

very excited to meet our Mayor Mr. Vernon Twitty.

Parent Scavenger Hunt

at

Mitchell County High School Mitchell County High School held a parent scavenger hunt on September 18

giving parents an opportunity to spend a fun filled evening at the high school.

The night started with a quick overview of the programs offered at the high

school with a focus on the advanced requirements for academic achievement.

The parents were then given their scorecards and maps of the school and their

hunt time started. Hundreds of parents were seen racing around the building, moving from room to room, in

a race to get to E117, the final destination where their time was tallied and they were rewarded with a

chicken dinner furnished by Mr. Joe White and prepared by Ms. L. Wingate’s Culinary Arts Class.

As parents moved through the various station, they

had the opportunity to try our 3-D Rover. Parents

were able to put on 3D glasses and see biology

presented in a whole new way. They visited each

academic department and obtained requirements

for each core area, as well as requirements for

state testing, and what it takes to earn a diploma.

Parents received informational sheets with

advanced academic opportunities available at

Mitchell County High. Our Career, Technical and Agriculture

Programs were highlighted by hands-on presentations, which stressed

the rigorous academic requirements and the student engagement work

ethic requirement as well. In the Business Department, parents had an

opportunity to be in the movies as they were given a script, and they

performed in front of a green screen (a show to remember). Stopping

by Mrs. S. Anglin’s Certified Nursing Class, they had their blood

pressure checked, moved to the bio-fuels lab and then to the greenhouse

where they received a plant from Mr. F. Peters.

Continued on page 5…...

Mitchell County

Middle School

Book Fair

November 4-11

Page 2

The Eagle’s Nest is the official newspaper for the Mitchell County School System (MCSS).

All articles for publication in this newsletter should be electronically submitted to the school media specialist by the 15th of each month.

Visit us on-line at http://www.mitchell.k12.ga.us or see all past editions at http://mitchell2.mch.schooldesk.net/Information/Newsletter/tabid/6958/Default.aspx

Produced by: Ruth Lee, Eagle News Coordinator e-mail: [email protected]

Special thanks to everyone who contributed and who helped proof this issue. It is the policy of the Mitchell County School System not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion,

national origin, age, or disability in any employment practice, educational program, or any other program, activity or service.

Superintendent: Vic Hill MCSS Board Chair: Norma Gilpatrick MCSS Board Vice-Chair: Barbara Reddick

Schools:

South Mitchell Co. Elem. (SMCES) North Mitchell Co. Elem. (NMCES) Mitchell Middle (MCMS) Mitchell Co. High (MCHS)

Vicki-Hicks, Principal Jacquelyn White, Principal Patricia English, Principal Robert Adams, Principal

Parents, if you do not wish for your child’s picture to be placed in the newsletter or on the MCSS web sites, please go to the Central Office to sign a waiver form.

October 2013

Learning About Place Value in

1st Grade at NMCES

The 1st graders at NMCES are having fun exploring the

world of place value. For the past two weeks, students have

engaged in hands-on activities and identified the place value

of two-digit numbers. With the help of base ten blocks, rods

and units, students have mastered the concept of identifying

the value of any digit in a given number. Students have also

shown their artistic skills as they modeled numbers by

drawing rods and units to illustrate numbers. With a good

understanding of place value, students will have an easier

time with addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, expanded notation, etc. Place value is the “why” behind the basics of mathematics; it

teaches beyond memorization and repetition. Common Core Standards: MCC1.NBT.2 Understand that the two digits of a two-digit number

represent amounts of tens and ones. Understand the following as special cases: MCC1.NBT.2.a: 10 can be thought of as a bundle of ten ones

- called a "ten." MCC1.NBT.2.b: The numbers from 11 to 19 are composed of a ten and one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine

ones. MCC1.NBT.2.c: The numbers 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90 refer to one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, or nine tens (and 0

ones).

Caught In the Act!!!! Highlighting

SMCES Fourth Grade Star Students…

September and October This month we would like to highlight our new Star Students of the Month….drum roll….

Yaneli Rodriguez and Roderick Fowler: September

Angel Rios and Tiana Lamar: October Yaneli, from Mrs. K. Williams’ class, Roderick and Tiana from Ms. P. Dawson’s class and Angel from Ms. A. Kelly’s have been

identified as hardworking and are always on task in every class. They work well in peer group settings and have a positive attitude for

learning. Thank you for all you do to learn and have fun learning. These students will be awarded gift bags filled with prizes and will receive

posters to decorate which will go up on our “Wall of Fame.” They will also be announced in the WBEN television news broadcast at South

Mitchell Elementary School. Congratulations goes out to each student. Who will Be Next?

Mitchell County High School Teachers and Parents

Working Together for Student Achievement On September 12, 2013, Parent Conferences was held from 4 to 6:30 p.m.; however, many parents

and teachers did not wait till that day. Parents came throughout the first five weeks of school to

find out how their child was doing in school. In some cases, where parents could not come out or

would not be able to attend the parent conferences on September 12, the teacher met with the

parents at their house or at a designated location. One teacher met a parent at McDonald’s at 7 p.m.

The parent came through Camilla on her way home from work in Thomasville. Both teachers and

parents are doing what it takes to help make students be successful in school. Business students

Jontravia Huntley, Tiffany Saxon, and Orenthal Spence took pictures of the event.

Page 3 October 2013

NMCES Counselor’s Corner By: Vanessa Williams

Having good character is a very important part of each person’s life. Early in September, we started character education

throughout the school. We discussed respect, responsibility, and being trustworthy. We are instilling into each child that

these three words are a good start to building good character. They were taught that if they show respect for themselves

FIRST, that same respect will flow to others they are around. They were taught that through responsibility others will also

be able to find them to be trustworthy. Being responsible means that everyone can depend on them to take care of

themselves and to perform all the duties they have been taught. When others can depend on you to be responsible, that

means you can be trusted with responsibilities. Trust also means that you are honest, loyal, and show yourself as a good

friend. The students were taught to deposit these words into their character bank so they can remember how to have good

character. They did a wonderful job by participating in different activities which included two fun, interactive videos about being responsible

and respectful. In the month of October, we will continue depositing words into our character banks. The words to be deposited are fairness,

citizenship, pride, and equality. These words will tie in to Bullying/Drug Prevention month.

Dive Into Reading at SMCES South Mitchell County Elementary dove into reading on Wednesday, September 4 at 9:00 in the

gymnasium. The program began with a welcome by Iyen Butler, 2012-13 SMCES Top Boy Reader.

Next the 2012-13 Top Readers paraded around the gym including Kamille Murray, De’Areail

Jenkins, Kacy Pace, Trinity Wallace and Claudia Soto. Trinity Wallace explained to the students

why they were celebrating. New Music Teacher, Ms. Jade Anderson, got the student body pumped

up as she led the students in a dance and song-Teach Me How to Read-(to the tune of “Teach Me

How to Dougie.)” Top Girl Reader, Claudia Soto, read the poem “The Reading Star” written by

retired teacher, Mrs. Hilda Inman in honor of her son, the late Mr. Reginald Garrard. The

grandchildren of Mitchell County School System Human Resource Coordinator Bonita White introduced her to the students. Mrs. White

(shown above) encouraged the students to read as much as they can. She targeted each grade, gave them a snapshot of certain books, and

encouraged them to read to find out what happens in each book. The students sang the school’s theme song “The World’s Greatest.” The

program ended with remarks by Principal Vicki Hicks. The students at SMCES are fired up to reach the school’s goal of 9,000 points.

Dad’s Bring Your Child to School Day at SMCES By: Tiffany Simmons

On Tuesday, September 10, the students began the day with their dads bringing them to school.

This was a day for dads to come out and see how their child’s day begins. There were also some

of our hometown constituents (Mayor Vernon Twitty, City Councilman Derek Hadley, Attorney

Gregory Williams, Rev. Ananias Hopkins, and Mr. Dewayne Burley) and school officials

(Superintendent Vic Hill, Mr. Cartier Whitlock, and Mr. Willie Marcus) who greeted our

students and their dads. There were approximately “100” dads who came out for this

occasion. The South Mitchell County Elementary School Family truly appreciates the support

that was shown on our first “Dads Bring Your Child to School Day.”

Page 4 October 2013

“Good Clean”

Counseling

Collaboration The 6th grade language arts teachers, Mr.

R. Warrick and Mrs. D. Whitaker

collaborated with Mitchell Middle’s

school counselor Mrs. D. Williamson to

co-teach the importance of good hygiene

skills, tying in the themes of the book

Guts by Gary Paulson. Students learned

and discussed that many of the things that we expect to harm us, such as sharing make up

items and not cleaning our jackets and coats regularly, are not the ones truly making us sick.

This opportunity not only provided the students with important hygiene facts but allowed them

to review facts of the novel they were studying in a new and different way!

MCMS Partnering with Parents

Using Infinite Campus Portal Mitchell County Middle School’s Parent Portal enrollment is on the rise. During a recent parent

partner day, Mrs. Gale Silas, Mitchell County Middle School’s data clerk, presented to parents

the advantages of signing up and accessing our parent portal. Mrs. Silas assisted the parents

through the process and then later in the week provided each parent/student with a parent portal

folder to help them log-in and navigate through the system. This is just another exciting way

Mitchell County Middle School is trying to improve parent involvement!

Class of 2020 Represents! Mitchell County Middle School’s 6th grade class continues the tradition

of making the commitment to graduate on time. Each school year the

new 6th grade class of MCMS signs their name on the class’s graduation

gown as a commitment and reminder to stay on task and graduate on

time. Every year the gown is displayed above the grade level’s hallway.

Then at the end of the class’s middle school career, the gown is passed

on to the high school where it too follows them until the day they

graduate.

Good luck to the new class of 2020!

SMCES—Understanding the CCGPS Across the Grades Wednesday, September 18, was a day of educating the parents of South Mitchell County Elementary School on the Common Core Georgia

Performance Standards (CCGPS). Parents received a very thorough overview of what students learn in Kindergarten -12th grades. Many of

them were amazed at how the skills are taught from grade-to-grade. Parents were also given an opportunity to understand our CCGPS writing

and math standards by doing some hands-on activities. They are excited about the next Parent Involvement Workshop over the CCGP

Standards!

Left to right:

Counselor Tiffany Simmons

Nikki Moore, and

Cecilia Bradley and Saraetta King

participating in a writing lesson.

Page 5 October 2013

MCMS Media Center By: Pam Taylor, Media Specialist

Keeping up with technology is a challenge; however, Mitchell Middle is striving to do just that. To better serve our students and teachers we

have installed a new circulation system. This system keeps track of resources within our media center. Teachers will now be able to search

our school’s media center for resources aligned to curriculum standards. Students will be provided with more efficient tools to conduct

research and will be able to search the school's library resources on their smartphone or tablet- anywhere, anytime. We will also be adding

ebooks for the first time to our collection! All students at MCMS

visited the media center and explored the new software. Students

performed searches for fiction and nonfiction books and located those

books within the center. Students were able to check out a book of their

choice. Parents, please ask your child about the book they checked out

from the media center. You should also see your child reading this

book every night for at least 20 minutes so that he or she meets his or

her reading goal each nine weeks. Grades are taken based on their point

goals and rewards are given.

MCMS Physical Science By: MCMS 8th Grade Science Teachers

The 8th grade physical science teachers, Mrs. M. Owens and Mr. D. Mackey, are excited about the new school year at Mitchell County Middle

School. We would like to take this opportunity to give a brief explanation of what physical science is and what concepts our students will be

learning in 8th grade science this year. Physical science consists of the studies of astronomy, chemistry, and physics along with some concepts

related to Earth science. Physical science is concerned with physical properties of objects, as opposed to the study of the characteristics of

living things, as done in the life sciences. Physical science can be difficult to grasp because it consists of

many intangible ideas rather than actual objects. For this reason, it is important that students develop

good study habits and classroom work ethics. Also, as teachers we

have worked hard to design lessons that will engage students and

appeal to their various learning styles. Our students will have the

opportunity to learn through many hands-on activities that promote

critical thinking skills such as analyzing, problem solving, and

evaluating as well as promote creativity. We have also designed

lessons that will help students link their learning to real life

Parent Scavenger Hunt at

Mitchell County High School continued from page 1..

All in all, it was an informative, yet busy night. Once the word was out that the fastest time would receive $100, the race was on. The night

ended with over 450 meals being served to our parents and students. The winner of our scavenger hunt race was Ms. Telama Gilbert, who

scored big with the fastest time of 32 minutes.

Thanks to our parents and students, the faculty and staff, the Scavenger Hunt was pretty cool and an educational experience as well.

Business students Victor Johnson, Xavier Aytch,

Orenthal Spence, Kendarius Silas, Jontravia Huntley,

Kayla Lawrence, Vanessa Santillan, and David Aaron

was busy throughout the evening taking pictures and

video taping parents. Shown left are some of the

Culinary Arts students helping out-Erin Moore,

Shanteria Gaines, Kameshia Perry, Tatayana Johnson.

Page 6 October 2013

6th

Graders Make Hamburgers By: Diana Whitaker

Hamburgers! MCMS 6th graders are cooking up grades by creating hamburger paragraphs. These hamburgers are graphic organizers

designed to help students put more detail into their paragraph writing. Ms. D. Whitaker stated, “One of the most difficult aspects of writing

for students is to understand that three or four sentences do not make good in-depth paragraphs. To help solve that problem, I decided to use

the hamburger model to allow students to create their own hamburgers.” The students first used a hamburger graphic organizer to outline

their paragraphs. Then, the ELA teachers gave precut hamburger condiments to write their sentences. The idea was to write a juicy, big boy

burger and not settle for a wimpy kid burger. The two pieces of the bun were used for the topic sentence and the closing and the hamburger.

Cheese, mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato were used for the supporting details. Students were allowed to add more to their hamburger if

needed. “I liked the activity because it was easy to organize.” – Caleb Aldavera. “I liked the hamburger organizer because it was creative

and fun.” – Utorria Jones. “I learned how to organize people’s lives and other things in a paragraph.” – Britney Smith

NMCES Grandparents’ Day

Pictures NMCES Kindergarten students are reaching out to the

community. The students are making a connection to

patients at Mitchell County Convalescent Center. Each

month the students will complete a project in connection

with the elderly community members of Mitchell County.

For September the

students colored a

Grandparents Day picture. The teachers and

students talked about things the elderly/

grandparents do.

Dr. K. Davis presented the pictures to the

patients at the Convalescent Center. It was a

pleasure to see the smiles on their faces.

Above Right: Jazmyn Harris and Christeena

Hutto; Left: Zakary Watson

SMCES Students Meet

MCSS Superintendent Vic Hill While visiting South Mitchell County Elementary School on September 12, 2013,

Superintendent V. Hill was invited to Mrs. K. Haynes’ class. She introduced him to

her students and explained to them exactly what his duties are as the county

superintendent. The students discussed with him the rituals and routines of the

classroom and what their favorite subjects were.

Mr. Hill in turn told them where he was born, where he went to school and what his

favorite subject was in school. He thanked Mrs. Haynes and class for the visit and

wished them a very positive year.

Calling all SMCES

3rd

Grade Parents Dust off those cobwebs because in

October our 3rd grade will start

working on those

SpOOky Multiplication Facts.

We will need your help with drill

and practice.

Fun With

Grandparents

at SMCES The South Mitchell County

School Pre-K classes

enjoyed a fun filled

morning with their Grandparents. The Grandparents were served breakfast and were entertained

by the children with special activities and songs. After the breakfast, they were invited to the

classes to read and work with their grandchild. The celebration ended with the children

presenting their Grandparents with a heartfelt gift.

Page 7 October 2013

GA-946 AIR FORCE JUNIOR ROTC CADETS

START SCHOOL YEAR WITH ENTHUSIASM! The 157 cadets of GA-946 AFJROTC started the school off with enthusiasm and high expectations as Zakia Toombs, senior, was promoted to

Cadet Colonel and assumed command of the unit as Group Commander. Cadet Toombs is in her fourth year in AFJROTC at Mitchell County

High School and has served as Element Leader and Flight Commander. Xavier Aytch, senior, was promoted to Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and

assumed the Deputy Group Commander leadership role. Cadet Aytch is in his fourth year and has served as an Element Leader and Flight

Commander. Both Toombs and Aytch have completed at least one Summer Leadership School. All second, third and fourth-year cadets were

promoted and began their new assignments in various positions in the cadet corps.

Na’Viesha Mathis leads Alpha Flight; Ronnie Saxon is in charge of Bravo Flight; Joshua King runs Charlie Flight; Christopher Feaster leads

Delta Flight; Shacristal Shine is in charge of Echo Flight; and Tamia Banks runs Fox Flight. Each flight has already completed three Flight

Competitions, and Charlie Flight is currently in first place with 17 points, followed closely by Bravo Flight with 16 points and Fox Flight with

12 points.

Eight cadets began flying lessons last

week and have already logged two

hours of flight time with flying

instructor, Mr. Art Morris. Each cadet

will be required to complete aviation

academics, flight simulator training and

up to twenty hours of flying time with

Mr. Morris. Once cadets complete this

rigid program, each will have an

opportunity to take off and land the

airplane by themselves (with no

instructor on board!) at the Camilla

Airport. Good Luck to Cadets Neal

Aldavera, Xavier Aytch, Jennifer

Easterling, Na’Viesha Mathis, Ashley Potts, Ronnie Saxon, Shacristal Shine, and McKinley West!

Seventeen cadets gave blood or helped during the high school’s recent blood drive conducted by Mrs. S. Anglin’s class. Cadets Xavier Aytch,

Myia Barnes, Teryetta Chester, Jennifer Easterling, A’Darius Harvey, Deaundra Hill, Stephanie Holton, Victoria Holton, Jewana Jackson,

Kezian Jackson, Joshua King, Ashantek McCoy, Erin Moore, Ashley Potts, Khristal Stevens, Zakia Toombs, and Matthew Winfree each

earned one-half credit toward their Community Service Ribbon! Way-2-Go cadets!

In addition to the events listed above, the cadets have provided Honor Guard details to all the home football games and to the NAACP

Freedom Fund Banquet! Cadets Neal Aldavera, Ashantek McCoy, and Zakia Toombs have already earned their Honor Guard ribbons in the

just the first four weeks of school…AWESOME job! Cadets are currently in a “Penny War” fund raiser and this flight competition (and fund

raiser) will end October 1. Other upcoming events include the first Leadership Lab on October 1, Homecoming Parade October 19 and Super

Sports Day scheduled for October 25. The cadet corps has completed their first uniform day (all cadets looked sharp!) in addition to their first

Physical Fitness (P/T) day which included push-ups, sit-ups and body builders!

Group Staff (1st period) and instructors welcome all cadets back to school and looked forward to “Developing Citizens of Character Dedicated

to Serving Their Nation and Community” this school year and remind each cadet of the unit’s motto which was adopted in 2006, “NO

EXCUSES, MAKE A WAY!”

Shown below from left to right:

Group Commander Zakia Toombs, Lt. Group Commander Xavier Aytch, Flight Commanders: Na’Viesha Mathis, Ronnie Saxon, Josh King,

Christopher Feaster, Shacristal Shine, Tamia Banks

Page 8 October 2013

Mitchell County High School FCCLA By: Sakesha Drakes, FCCLA Member

Are you looking for a club to join? Then FCCLA is the one! Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, FCCLA, sponsored by

Mrs. Paxton Crosby and Ms. Lillibel Wingate, is a great student organization to join if you are interested in certain activities such as student

leadership, competitive events, community service and opportunities to travel. To join this organization, there is a fee of $14 and MCHS

students must be currently enrolled in Early Childhood Education or Culinary Arts or have previously taken these courses. Becoming a part

of this great organization leads to new friends and lifelong leadership skills. If you are interested in joining, please see Mrs. Crosby or Ms.

Wingate for more information. On Monday, September 6, Family Career and Community Leaders of American (FCCLA) officers and

advisers hosted a New Member Pizza Party for new members. During this event, FCCLA members enjoyed pizza and fellowship among

their peers. This occasion was a success, and FCCLA hopes to have more members join during the 2013-2014 school year. Advisers P.

Crosby and L. Wingate would like to thank all the FCCLA members and officers for helping make this event enjoyable for everyone.

FCCLA Car Wash By: Sakesha Drakes, FCCLA Member

On Saturday, September 14, Mitchell

County High School FCCLA members

hosted their first car wash fundraiser at

Advance Auto Parts in Camilla. The

FCCLA members were able to raise over

$145. Way to go FCCLA! FCCLA

members and advisers would like to

thank the employees of Advance Auto

Parts and each community member that supported the fundraiser.

Right: Back row, L to R: Gracelita Lopez, Ebonie Hodge, Deaundra Hill,

Sakesha Drake, Elantra Clark, Tiandra Standford;

Front Row, L to R: Blanca Lopez, Neal Aldavera, Leonor Davalos

Using Math Skills

in Ag Class Mr. A. Collins’ first period class is

studying construction and practicing

laying out a work site. The students

can see the practical use of right

angles and the real world usefulness

of the math formula A²+B²=C² to

insure that the corners are 90°

angles. When finished, the students

checked the two diagonal lines to

make sure that the layout was

perfectly square. Photographer:

Business student Orenthal Spence.

Blanca Lopez, Antonia Jones,

Myesha Williams Tremel Emanuel, Bruce Bryant, Terry Emanuel Ebonie Hodge

MCHS Senior Advisement Senior Advisement for Mitchell County High School seniors and their

parents was held on September 12 at 6 p.m. Guidance Counselor Lori

Brinkley conducted the workshop. Ms. Brinkley gave each parent and

student a folder with the student’s transcript and a timeline of tasks

that seniors need to complete before graduation. Additional handouts

were given about how to calculate GPA, college admission

requirements, SAT registration, financial aide, senior week, and

NCAA clearinghouse.

Pictures of the event

were taken by Business

students Blanca Lopez,

Kendarius Silas, and Victor Johnson.

Page 9 October 2013

This Week’s Topic: What is a Reimbursable Meal? Provided By: The Georgia Department of Education School Nutrition Program

September 16, 2013, Contributed By: Lynn Davis, Ph.D., SNS; GaDOE, School Nutrition Program, Research and Education & Training

Key to Excellence: Accountability

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) and School Breakfast Program (SBP) meals are primarily federally funded and reimbursed to

local school systems through the Georgia Department of Education at a set rate based on student eligibility data. At lunch, students must be

offered 5 food components with portions based on their grade, including: fruits (½-1 cup daily), veggies (¾-1 cup daily), grains (1-2 ounce

daily), meats/meat alternates (1-2 ounce daily), fluid milk (1 cup daily). At breakfast, students must be offered 3 food components, including:

juice/fruit/veggie (1/2 cup daily), grains and optional: meat or meat alternate (1-2 ounce daily), fluid milk (1 cup daily)

Students are offered an opportunity to select only items they will consume as a means to cut down on waste. This is called Offer versus Serve

(OVS). Schools are required to offer choices within each food component to encourage children to choose a well-balanced meal including all 5

components from items they like. OVS is optional at lunch for grades K-8, but is required for grades 9-12. OVS is optional for all grades at

breakfast. Signs at the serving line and menus sent home to parents or on your school system’s website will assist students and parents with

their selections. Healthy school meals at lunch gives students with the OVS option the opportunity to take at least ½ cup vegetable or fruit,

plus 2 items from the food components listed above. So at school, your child is receiving a balanced meal including fruit and/or veggie, milk,

a grain item, and a protein source. Healthy school meals at breakfast allows students with the OVS option to choose at least 3 food items based

on 3 of the components listed above. Again, your child is receiving a balanced breakfast that includes age appropriate calories, and reduced

sodium and saturated fat. Additional information is available: http://www.doe.k12.ga.us/Finance-and-Business-Operations/School-Nutrition/

Pages/Review-and-Technical-Assistance-.aspx. USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

MCMS– The Importance of Energy By: Jameia Morman and Montserrat Santillian

Seventh grade students in Mr. Brian Bush’s life science class have been

studying the importance of energy for all living things. Living things are

divided into three different groups: producers, consumers, and decomposers.

Energy passes through a system called an ecosystem. Living things get their

energy from either the sun or from eating other organisms.

A food chain is used as a diagram to show how energy flows from one

organism to another. A food web is a diagram that is used to show the feeding

relationships in an ecosystem. The food web is an excellent way to help

students to better understand how the system really works.

To assess students’ knowledge of the ecosystem, students were assigned a

project to show how the food web is designed and functions.

Left are some of the examples the students created.

SMCES Pre-K

Erupting Apples In Ms. Ashley Powell’s Pre-K class,

the theme for the week has been

“Apples.” The students have

discussed the parts of an apple,

created apples out of paper plates, and

have completed a science experiment where they make apples

erupt. In this experiment, the students got a chance to put the

scientific method into use. They made guesses, asked

questions, and used their observation skills to see what would

happen when you put colored vinegar into an apple filled with baking soda. To recreate this experiment

you will need: one large apple, baking soda, cinnamon or nutmeg (optional), food coloring, vinegar. First,

cut a hole in the apple near the top. Next, fill in your hole with baking soda and cinnamon. The

cinnamon will give it a sweet smell after the vinegar has been added. Then add food coloring to the

vinegar and slowly pour into apple. Finally, watch what happens when the vinegar mixes with the baking

soda and cinnamon. Enjoy!

Page 10 October 2013

North Mitchell County Elementary School’s Literacy Kick-Off 2014 By: LaJuana K. Smith

The North Mitchell County Elementary School celebrated its annual Literacy Kick-Off on Wednesday, September 17, 2013 in the school’s

gymnasium. The gym was packed and everyone was hyped up. The program opened up with a warm welcome given by Amayah Frazier

and the Pledge of Allegiance by Raziya Hodge. The NMCES Cheering squad performed two cheers to encourage all students to read. Under

the direction of Miss Nancy Davis, Ms. D. Layne’s fourth grade students and Ms. J. Mullins’ third grade students performed two musical

selections. Following the student performance, NMCES was visited by Queen Howard. Queen Howard journeyed all the way from Africa to

come and tell her story to the students of NMCES. As the Queen read her story “Mufaro’s Beautiful Daughters” written by John Steptoe,

Principal J. White, Assistant Principal F. Quimbley, Miss K. Knowlin, Mrs. L. Smith, Mr.

P. White, Little Miss Kennedi King, Little Miss Jazmyn Harris,

Little Miss Aria Randall, and Little Mr. Makiah Martin portrayed

the characters in the book. MCYAC students performed a brief

skit focusing on the importance of reading. A very special

thank-you goes out Mrs. S. G. Williams and the NMCES

Cheerleader Coaches, MCYAC, Miss N. Davis, and all the

participants in the skit for participating on the program. NMCES

wants to say thank to MCYAC for providing each of our students

with a new book to take home. Last but not least thanks to our

parents for coming out and all of our outstanding students for a

great time!

MCHS/MCMS Band Front Row: Mr. M. Grimes, Jamia

Mobley, Joshua Moore, Quinte'

Cooper,;

Second Row: Charles Grissom,

Latoriah Hill, Vershawn Johnson,

Lekayla Williams, Ashley

Haywood, Kwezeta Butler;

Third Row: Shania Dewberry, John

Dent, Akeria Burns, Randy

Donaldson, Kamillyah White;

Fourth Row: Allen Brown,

Armarion Stegall, Shykira Stanford,

Seattle Johnson

Homecoming October 16-19—Theme: “A Haunting in Camilla”

October 16-P.J. Day, October 17-Tacky Day, October 18-Spirit Day

October 19:

Homecoming Parade-10 a.m.

Tailgating: 1-5 p.m.

Pre-game Senior Night-6 p.m.

Game Time: 6:30 p.m.

Halftime-Crowning of MCHS Homecoming Queen

Call 336-0970 for details.

Tips for Encouraging School Success

Talk to your child’s teacher

Read together for fun

Set a regular study time

Get involved in school events

Reward efforts-not just results!

Support At Home =Support At Home =Support At Home =

Success In SchoolSuccess In SchoolSuccess In School...

Page 11 October 2013

Pictured left to right-1st row Rickey Burley, Eric Caison, Jared Jones,

Demontavious Clayton, Dumars Pollard, Cedric Knight, 2nd row Rodney

Keaton, Shawndell Smith, Perry Macon, Marcus Collier, Dontrianta Davis,

Kendrick Patterson, 3rd row Malik Barnes, Knaulijje Jackson, Cortez Hill,

Anthony Pace, Rodney Jones, Anthony Mcintyre, Caleb Wimberly, 4th row

Dre’Kwan Daniels, Quandrekus Moye, Rondarrius Williams, Devin Vicks,

Jertavious Wimberly, Charles King, Denarrius Spence, Quinte Cooper, 5th row

Davion Rhodes, Kelvin Stubbs, Corterrius Herring, Quo’Darrius Gaines, James

Thomas, Deondre Wheeler, 6th row Logan Knight, Cornellius Frazier,

Kentavious Broadway, Coach Frazier, Javarious Stewart, ZyShaun Facison,

Jaquez Butler, not pictured Akeem Smith, Shikezi Pinkins, Tyler Reese,

Jadakiss Harvey, Tyke Williams

MCHS Softball Team MCHS Cheerleaders

Row 1: I’onna Spence, Kennedi Butts, K’dierea Wilson,

Shacristal Shine, Shaikeria Hill; Row 2: Derykah Yates,

Kimbreyonna Williams, Stephanie Holton, Brittany Mitchell,

Ke’aira Riggins; Row 3: Juanita Holmes, Alexis Maples,

Keondra Jones, Myia Barnes; Row 4: Kelsee Broadway,

Zakia Toombs, Kendria Hill, Elantra Clark, Kenosha Sanders

Mitchell County Middle School Football Team

Mitchell County High School Football Schedule October 4—Home game against Randolph-Clay

October 11-Home game against Terrell County

October 19-Home game against Stewart County (Homecoming and Senior Night)

October 25-Away Game against Calhoun County

Front row: Tiandra Stanford, A'miracle Jones, Antonia Jones, Myesha

Williams, Antonya Jones, Tymara Pace; Back row: Coach Pre'sha, Myia

Barnes, Navesha Mathis, Jamaica Williams, Tonisha Williams, Leonor

Davalous, Adriana Harvey, Amanda Cole, Shaderrica Williams, Coach K.

Taylor

Techy Tuck’s Tip of the Month: October 2013 Teachers! Do you enjoy apps? Are you searching for a way to integrate more technology into your classroom by

using apps? Are you searching for new ways to assess your students to see if they are grasping the content in your

classroom? Do you question if what you are teaching to your students is actually sinking into their brains? Do you

want to cut down on grading time? Do you want instant feedback of quizzes or need a quick, “ticket out the door”?

Do you like free apps? Let me introduce to you a great free app called, Socrative! Socrative is a smart student

response system that empowers teachers to engage their classrooms through a series of educational exercises and

games via smartphones, laptops, and tablets. You can use Socrative across all platforms, too. It is super simple to

use and only takes seconds to login in and create. Teachers login through their device and select an activity which

controls the flow of questions and games. Students simply login with their device and interact in real time with the content. Student

responses are visually represented for multiple choice, true/false, and short answer questions. For pre-planned activities, a teacher can view

reports online as a Google spreadsheet or as an emailed Excel file. AND IT’S FREE! YEAH! We love FREE! Try it out. Create a free

account at www.socrative.com Engage your class using ANY device! Download the free app on iOS, Android, and Blackberry.

Jennifer L. Tucker, MCHS Media

Page 12 October 2013

Mitchell County School System’s Calendar: October 2013

South Mitchell County Elementary

10-9 Unity Day

10-10 PTA/Title I Super Science Night at 6:30 p.m.

10-17 Group Pictures/Picture Retakes

10-18 Kindergarten and 2nd Grade Field Trip

10-25 Muffins for Moms at 9 a.m.

North Mitchell County Elementary

10-16 Fundraiser returns

10-18 4th Grade trip to Indian Reservation; Kindergarten

trip to Marks Melon Patch

10-22 Muffins for Moms at 8:30 a.m.

10-29 Math Family Night at 6:30 p.m.

Mitchell County Middle School

10-10 PTA Dance

10-12 Study Skills Workshop for Parents at 9 a.m. and

Math Workshop for parents 10 a.m.

10-17 PTA/Family Night at 6 p.m. Academic Content

Strategies/Classworks

School System Calendar

10-4 Professional Learning Day (No school for students)

10-11 Intersession Day

10-14/15 Fall Break

10-17 CCC Meeting from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m. in the Superintendent’s

Conference room; Board work session at 6:30 p.m.

10-22 Board regular monthly meeting at 6:30 p.m.

Mitchell County High School

10-2 Picture Day

10-8 ASVAB

10-9 Drug/Alcohol Awareness Assembly—1 p.m.

10-16 PSAT, Benchmark Exams

10-17 Benchmark Exams

10-18 Benchmark Exams

10-19 Homecoming Parade-10 a.m., Homecoming Game at 6:30 p.m.

10-25 JROTC Super Sports Day

Math Mania at SMCES Our math geniuses are back at it again. This year we are encouraging our students to have a strong foundation in mathematical computation and

math concepts. It is important that our students understand basic computation and concepts in order to solve a variety of mathematical

problems. It’s a known fact that students who aren’t successful in math are very weak with mathematical computation and lack understanding

in most concepts. Math Mania is our way of trying to encourage our students to become fluent in math computation and to strive in developing

a deeper understanding of all math concepts.

Winners from our first competition are as follows:

1st grade- K. Watts

2nd grade- G. Hunter

3rd grade- J. Etheridge

4th grade- S. Thomas

5th grade- S. Meredith

1st 2nd

3rd

4th 5th