Tiger News
Swansea High Freshman Academy
December 2015
“Ensuring Student Performance at the Highest Level”
Important Dates
December 2015 - January 2016
Dec 2: Interims
Dec. 21- Jan. 1: Winter Break-- No School
Jan 4: Students return to school
Jan 18: Dr. M.L. King Holiday-- No School
Jan 20: Report Cards
SHFA 1st Community Night
Thank you to all who attended our 1st Community Showcase Night. It was a huge success because of the hard work from our teachers and students, as well as our community and parents.
We are planning our next Community night in the Spring. We hope to see you there!
Guidance News
Our career cluster spotlight this month is Information Technology!!
Students interested in pursuing a career in this field will have time to explore the many opportunities in this area during a workshop at school. Also, Midlands Tech will present the classes and majors available at their campuses in the information technology cluster.
Student council members are reminded to send in their gifts unwrapped by December 17th.
Dana Lackey
Announcements
Our Swansea Tiger Marching Band performed at the Annual Carolina Carillon Parade on Saturday, December 3
Be the Change- We are excited to continue Be the Change with the Class of 2019. We kicked off the new year of Be the Change on October 29th. This year's focus is Community: how our students can improve our community. Our students are working on different projects including beautification, health awareness, Special Olympics, and many more exciting topics. Students will be working of these these topics throughout the year.
STEAM Night is coming in January!!! We will be showcasing our students' physics and art projects during STEAM Night. It should be fun for the whole family. More information to come in the next few days...
Teacher News Corner
Mrs. Skinner and Mrs. Nicholas:
--Our students are starting their Physics projects. After they have finished researching and designing their project, they will begin to build their design. In January, we will host a STEAM night where our students will display their projects and compete for a position on the Science Olympiad team. Science Olympiad will take place in February at Newberry College. If a student wins at Science Olympiad they receive a $2000 scholarship to Newberry College and an opportunity to go to Nationals.
We still need materials for the projects. If you could donate any of the following materials to be used during class that would really be a great assistance! You may send the materials you would like to donate at any time during the year with your student, or you may bring the materials to the front office. Materials: Balsa wood (all types, shapes, and sizes are needed), Super Glue (Cyanoacrylate), Wood glue, Hot Glue, Wooden boards of all lengths and sizes, Wood screws (coarse) 2+ inches, Sand paper (all grits), Craft Sticks (popsicle), and More Balsa wood!
Ms. Railey:
--We are starting a project for the STEAM event in January. Students are working to develop art making mechanisms that relate to physics. We could also use cardboard for projects!
Celebrations!
Students have averaged at least 16 hours of reading on Curriculet, and an additional 340 minutes per student for SSR time, and Stop, Drop and Read...
December is Aids Awareness Month
Student Art
Student Art
Student Art
Student Art
Student Art
Student Art
Student Art
What's New at SHFA
Students have been participating in several new exciting activities at SHFA:
Stop, Drop, and Read: We are trying to encourage our students, teachers, and everyone to READ. At random times during the week, an announcement is made for everyone to stop what they are doing and read for 20 minutes. Our Staff is reading as well to model their love of reading. It gives everyone a chance to read for pleasure.
Carpe Diem: Carpe Diem is from 8:00 to 8:20. During this time our students are able to eat breakfast, check email, reach out to teachers and staff, check grades, or anything else that could benefit them… They could also use it for PLT (personal learn time) for any class, read for their own enjoyment, work on Curriculet, etc… This time is valuable and we encourage our students not to waste it.
Mentorship: Similarly to Carpe Diem, students can work with their mentor teacher to improve their grades and work on a plan to succeed. This is extremely valuable time for teachers to assist their group of students to become advocates for their own success. Mentor teachers can sit down with each student and look at and discuss their grades directly in powerschool and help them work through a plan for improvement that should include emailing teachers and/or parents right then and there.
Keys to Success
- Communication
- Kindness
- Selfless Service
Teacher of the Year
Congratulations to Laura Liger for being named
2015-2016 Teacher of the Year!
NURSE'S NOTES
Flu Season is upon us
What is influenza (also called flu)?
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Signs and symptoms of flu
- Fever* or feeling feverish/chills - Muscle/body aches
- Cough - Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose - Headaches
- Fatigue (very tired)
** Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults
How flu spreads
Spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, eyes or possibly their nose.
Period of contagiousness
1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick
How to prevent the Flu
-The single most important step to frequently preventing the flu is to get a flu shot
-Do not eat or drink after anyone
-Stay away from people who are sick
-Wash your hands
If you are sick then…..
- Do not come to school or work until your fever has been gone for 24 hours without the use of medication
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them
To get your flu shot contact :
Lexington County Health Dept.
1070-B South Lake Drive
Lexington 29073
(803) 785-6550
Appointment Only – 1-800-403-404
* The cost of the seasonal flu shot is $25.
* Please do not let cost prevent you from seeking your flu shot. Ask how we can help.
* Please wear a short-sleeved shirt.
Swansea High Freshman Academy
Website: http://shfa.lexington4.net/
Location: 1195 I W Hutto Road, Swansea, SC 29160, United States
Phone: 803-490-7006