HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL names Eddie Roberts student of the month

KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL Eagle News includes stories from English department and many others

TOMMIE SAYLOR: The right emotions are always appreciated

“A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instill a love of learning.”

Brad Henry

By Tommie Saylor

Kennedy High School Principal

It may sound strange, but when an instructor, lay-person, secretary, maintenance, counselor or coach enters my office and “pounds” on my desk passionately advocating for their cause, I appreciate their zeal. 

I appreciate the emotion and the explosion of raw energy.  I appreciate their courage to advocate for students, the pluck and daring it takes to go to “the boss” and “lay it on the line” not for their own well being, but for the well being of others, the well being of our students.

I can teach a young instructor what it takes to be a first-rate teacher, what it takes to work with students and parents and how to develop lessons that are engaging and entertaining. I am well versed in pedagogy, methodology and what the latest research says about how students learn. 

I can demonstrate and instruct others how to put together a first rate lesson, how to deliver the lesson, how to capture student attention, the art and science behind teaching and learning.

But I can’t teach passion, the love for students, and the desire to help students find their inspiration. I can’t teach that longing in one’s core that wakes you up in the middle of the night when creativity suddenly strikes or that warm feeling deep inside that brings tears to your eyes when your students finally “get it.”

I can’t teach those things, and this is why I have said over and over again, teaching is a calling, a mandate from a higher power. 

So when someone comes into my office obviously upset concerning the well being and educational opportunities of students, I appreciate their concern, intensity and enthusiasm. They are showing me that they care.

Helping students to find their greatness. Making Kennedy the school of choice. Excellence by design.

TAYLOR PARKS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL enjoys holiday PBiS

At Taylor Parks Elementary School, snow was falling; a beautiful Christmas tree stood in the hallway; and students were getting excited about the holidays. 

This was the setting for the PBiS celebration in Mrs. Augustyn's fourth-grade classroom.  In keeping with the holiday spirit, she and her students created the most adorable gingerbread houses. Mrs. Augustyn can't help but wonder how many of these delectable looking creations will make it until Christmas?

CHOPPING BLOCK offers specials, great service throughout December

Remember, the Taylor School District's favorite restaurant, The Chopping Block, at the Career Center, is open periodically throughout December.

For the entire schedule, click here

Remember that seniors receive free coffee or tea, there is always a breakfast special (except on breakfast bar days) and birthday meals are free.

If you are hungry, The Chopping Block is the place to go!

DISTRICT OFFERS hints to keep your child in a learning mode over the holiday break

The holidays are coming up. Want to know some good ways to keep your child in a "learning mode" over the holiday break?

Try these hints from Nanette Kuhn of the Taylor School District:

1. Read several holiday stories together.

2. Bake cookies and other holiday treats with the entire family helping.

3. Write notes of cheer and thank-you notes for teachers, family, and friends.

4. Ask children to help you compare prices for gift shopping.

5. Encourage children to make a "wish list" of things they want. 

Insist that some of the items can't cost money.

6. Adopt a needy family and plan together how to provide them clothing, toys, food and holiday decorations.

7. Make homemade ornaments out of thread spools, shiny paper, ribbon, Styrofoam shapes, glitter, and spray paint.

8. Buy your child a small, live potted tree. Show her how to care for it.

9. As a family, choose and attend a concert or special holiday event.

10. Make musical memories. Have each family member select some favorite songs-and record them onto a family holiday CD.

11. Hold a "nostalgia night." Gather around, young and old. Share pictures and scrapbooks. Watch old movies. Talk about what it was like when each was young.

12. Allow your child to invite friends to come over and bring one toy or game to share.

13. Give small educational gifts like a funky ruler, calculator, or miniature magnifying glass.

14. Let your child help you plan a holiday trip and keep track of gas, mileage, and expenses.

15. Give your child "Me and You, Kid" coupons that she can use when she wants to spend time reading, playing, or working on a special project with you.

Reprinted from SchoolFamily.com  Copyright © 2013 Parent Institute

NUTRITION NUGGETS offers parents helpful hints

Recently, we discussed online newsletters that the Taylor School District makes available on a regular basis. Another helpful newsletter is "Nutrition Nuggets."

The newsletter discusses food and fitness for a healthy child. The November edition is currently still online at the district's website (click on parents and then online newsletters).

Among the helpful hints are nutrition label reading tips, road trip activities, healthy apps, pinpointing the right sport for your child, and even ordering the right meals for your children (not just ordering children's meals).

A healthy child is an attentive student -- take the first step toward helping your child in school by taking some tips from "Nutrition Nuggets."

The the complete November edition, click here