THE COUNTY LINE
NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
OCTOBER 2022: NEWS FROM THE 1ST NINE WEEKS
ABOUT US
The mission of the Lee County School System is to challenge every student to pursue dreams, succeed with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse society.
LEE COUNTY STRATEGIC PLAN
Vision Statement
We envision a school system that promotes a passion for student learning, supports teachers, parents, and the community, and produces engaged and lifelong learners.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Lee County School System is to challenge every student to pursue dreams, succeed with integrity, and contribute meaningfully to a diverse society.
https://sites.google.com/lee.k12.al.us/lcsstrategicplan/home?scrlybrkr=f91a8f17
Website: https://www.lee.k12.al.us/
Location: 2410 Society Hill Road, Opelika, AL 36804, USA
Phone: (334) 705-6000
Twitter: @LeeCoSchools
NEWS FROM LEE COUNTY
Lee County Schools grieves the loss of board member Mr. Brian Roberson. His contributions and service to the community and to the students of Lee County will leave a legacy of commitment, dedication, and love.
Lee County Schools welcomes Mr. Napoleon Stringer as the board member for District 7. Mr. Stringer has served in this position before and will be committed to serving the students of Lee County.
Congratulations to the Beauregard Athletic Teams. They are enjoying great success with their football and volleyball programs. Fly Hornets Fly!
The faculty and staff at East Smiths Station Elementary have dedicated time and energy to learn how to deepen Digital Literacy and Computer Science and AMSTI Science practices in the classroom.
4th-6th grade lead science teachers are traininng in robotics and will be bringing robotics to the classrooms. We are excited to grow this program across the district.
Elementary STEM teachers continue their education with robotics and continue to incorporate robotics lessons in the STEM labs.
Lee County is partnering with Alabama Technology in Motion to develop and train teachers in grades K-6 in Digital Literacy and Computer Science.
High school English and Mathematics teachers received training in using evidence based practices to improve ACT scores and proficiency levels for students. The teachers who met the qaulifications received AIM Certified Educator Certification from ACT.
Lee County will partner with ACT to bring AIM Certified Educator training to high school science teachers in January.
6th-12th grade English Language Arts teachers are receiving training in implementing the new ELA StudySync program. They are working hard to learn the routines and resources and to use them effectively. Please show patience as teachers and students learn something new.
South Smiths Station Elementary School received a donation of a class set of Chromebooks to be used in the STEM lab. This donation is courtesy of TSYS, and we look forward to a new partnership as TSYS looks for ways they can support the students of Lee County. Lee County expresses gratitude to Mr. Don Chalkley for seeking out ways to build a new partnership.
Please be reminded of the Alabama Literacy Law. The Literacy Law applies to all students in grades K-3. Third grade students must demonstrate proficiency on Alabama State Standards in order to be promoted to 4th grade. Please contact your child's teacher for ways to help at home.
The Numeracy Act for Mathematics went into effect for grades K-5 this year. Students must demonstrate mathematics proficiency by the end of 5th grade. Please contact your child's teacher for ways to help at home.
ALL LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL BE CLOSED ON NOVEMBER 8, NOVEMBER 11, NOVEMBER 21-25, AND DECEMBER 19-JANUARY 2
NEWS FROM BEAUREGARD
BEAUREGARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Beaugregard Elementary is proud to celebrate Kalyn F., Jake M, Lai'Anna L., Rosie S., Brianna H., Daniel C., Hudson M., Caylor E,, and Ezra H. These students have gone above and beyond as they demonstrated good character, diligence, and hard work. Their teachers are very proud of them!
On October 5, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month by inviting our families for a breakfast reception. Parents were given literacy resources. Students were sent home with a new book and an educational game.
The library hosted a Scholastic Book Fair in September. The 50s themes was carried out as students rocked and rolled with books. Book sales were at an all time high as famillies made purchases of fun titles for their students to enjoy!
We celebrated Grandparents' Week as we enjoyed classroom visits and lunch with our grandparents. Grandparents recieved homemade gifts and poems. It was a special weeks and we enjoyed welcoming our grandparents to our school.
Beauregeard Elementary hosted a "Sock Hop" on October 13. We were excited to celebrate our hornets who worked hard to meet their AR reading goals for the first nine weeks. We also hosted our "Good Behavior Tailgate Party" and enjoyed celebrated all of our students who maintained exemplary behavior for the first nine weeks.
We are excited to offer weekly 30 minute STEM classes to all students this year. Pumpkin catpults, jack o lantern lava lamps, and lego creations are just a few of the challenging activities that students have enjoyed.
Beauregard Elementary proudly celebrates Ms. Candy Crance as Teacher of the Month. Ms. Crance dedicates her time to making the Media Center a place where students can discover the joy of reading as she creates magical experiences for her student readers.
SANFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sanford Middle School is proud to recognize the Students of the Month for August and September: Alexis S., Hayden E., Macie B., KeZerrious P., Dayanara C., Chris C., Madison P., Ziquan W., Mallie Cate J., William K., Lydia M., Tristan R., Avery O., Asher B., Anna Marie C., Jamarrion W.
5th and 8th grraders collaborated on a Science experiment on buoyancy. The students designed a floating structure out of aluminum paper to see how many marbles could be placed in the structure without sinking it.
Sanford Middle School proudly celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month. We are thankful for the contributions and dedication to our country and our community.
Reminder: Parents, we have numerous lost and found clothing items that have been collected around the school. If your child has left or lost something, please feel free to come by and check the lost and found items. We will keep them for a short period of time and after that they will be donated or incorporated into our Needs Closet here at the school. Please label all sweatshirts, jackets, and lunch bags to assist with getting them returned to their owners.
BEAUREGARD HIGH SCHOOL
At Beauregard High School, we have had an exciting start to this school year in many respects. Many of our students, school activities and organizations are experiences numerous successes. Athletically, our fall sports are experiencing success!
Beauregard High School Hornets Football Team is 6 and 0. The team has been victorious in their first six football games.
We congratulate Coach Justin Jones, the coaches, and especially the Beauregard Hornets for this outstanding accomplishment.
As well, The Lady Hornets Volleyball Team is having a great season. The varsity volleyball team has had a very successful season this year. The team has had a total of 734 kills, 231 service aces, and 1,059 digs thus far. They will be hosting the Area Tournament for the first time in 10 years on Wednesday, October 12 at 5:30. We invite you all to come out and support your lady hornets.
The Cross Country team is just beginning what is looking to be a very promising season.
In the area of fine arts, we welcome two new teachers to our faculty. Ms. Emily Bigler has joined us as our new choir teacher.
Our new video productions and drama teacher is Ms. Emily Godwin. Our fine arts programs will present numerous programs through out the year. Please watch for concert and other program announcements.
A number of our band members have participated in marching honor band sponsored by area universities. Band members Matt Martin, Lilli Coleman, and Catherine Wiggins participated in the Auburn University Marching Honor Band.
We had three band members participate in the Point University Marching Honor Band. These students were Anakin Butler, Lilli Coleman, and Emma Coleman.
The Beauregard High School Choir participated in the Auburn University High School Honor Choir Festival on September 27. They participated in an amazing workshop with Mr. Dr. William Powell and Mrs. Dr. Rosephanye Powell where they received feedback on their singing technique and were offered information to help the choir improve. The students were able to learn two songs and participate in a concert with the AU Chamber Choir, as well as watch a performance by the Chamber Choir, the AU Singers, and MelAUdic, the A Cappella group on campus.
Overall, the students were able to have an amazing time while getting to participate in an amazing learning opportunity!
Recently, Alabama Senator Tom Whatley presented two donations to organizations at Beauregard High School. Donations of $10,000.00 each were presented to the Beauregard High School Lady Hornets Softball Team and the Future Farmers of America (FFA) program. HOSA student Antonio Lopez recently received the CTE award for student of the month for the month of August.
The Joint Leadership Development Conference in Mobile was a blast for our students. They learned that our imagination is the only thing that limits what we do in our life, pressure can lift you up or break you, focusing on goals is imperative, being an authentic friend is more valuable than followers, and leadership starts right here right now with each one of our members. Excited to bring back our excitement to our chapter!!!
There have been a multitude of activities occurring in the classrooms at Beauregard High School. Our science students are continually utilizing the science labs to complete lab assignments. Recently, Ms. Ali McDonald's ninth grade English classes completed projects where they made dioramas focusing upon reading assignments. Our video productions program is working on an number of interesting projects.
Beauregard High School hosted an open house for parents on the evening of August 18. We were most appreciative of Mr. Andrew Click, Technology Director for the Lee County Schools joining us to give a presentation to our parents on the use of the PowerSchool Parent Portal. His session was most informative. Following the opening session, parents had the opportunity to visit with their child's teachers.
November 9, 2022: The HOSA program at Beauregard High School will host a blood drive on the campus.
NEWS FROM BEULAH
BEULAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Students had a blast as they enjoyed the first Student of the Month luncheon. We are proud of the excellent behavior and good character that our students are displaying.
Kindergarten students enjoyed an apple festival on September 30.
Our students are also earning points through PBIS. They are able to save their points to go shopping in the PBIS store.
Beulah Elementary proudly recognized the hard work of our custodians as we celebrated Custodian Appreciation Day. The custodians received a gift from the faculty and staff as we honored their hard work and contributions to our school.
BEULAH HIGH SCHOOL
Our FCCLA officers recently attended training in Prattville for the Academy of Chapter Excellence (ACE). They learned how to run future meetings and activities.
Congratulations to Maddie Potter on completing her Google Teacher Certification Level 1! She is halfway to her CCRI for Education & Training. So proud of you, Maddie! -
Savanna Clements has committed to play softball at LBW after graduation.
Brandy Phillips has committed to play softball at Wallace State after graduation.
Our ELA teachers are doing a fantastic job with implementing StudySync.
All teachers are focusing on our school's problem of practice and engaging students through the use of technology, hands-on learning, communication, and collaboration.
August Employees of the Month: Ms. Harris and Mrs. Hood
September Employees of the Month: Coach Aikens and Mrs. VanHorn
NEWS FROM LOACHAPOKA
LOACHAPOKA ELEMENTARY
Congratulations to Ja'Kayla W. on meeting her Accelerated Reading Goal. She received the first gold coin to use in the book vending machine. Way to go Ja'Kayla!
Mrs. Weiland's class participated in a webinar with National Geographic. Students talked about preserving the ecosystems and how trash ends up in the ocean. They learned about the different types of items found in the ocean, how to clean it up and ways to help. The students also were able to ask questions with the host. Although many schools were viewing, Loachapoka Elementary School was selected to participate in the questions. Angel, Justin and Ava all asked informative questions during the live feed. The live feed was featured on YouTube and National Geographic Explorer Classroom.
Here is the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyTEwMRF-oo
Congratulations to our September's Attendance Challenge Winners. Classes with the best attendance received treat bags, and a plaque to hang on their classroom door for bragging rights!
Attendance Champions!
Ms.Kincey
Ms. Smotherman
Ms. Bailey
Ms. Janigan
Ms. Weaver
Ms. Watts
Red Ribbon Week - October 24-28 Book Character Parade
October 31 Book Fair- October 31 through November 4
LOACHAPOKA HIGH
Football team continues its undefeated status and has two more regular season games. Since our inaugural year in 2021, the flag football team earned their first ever win versus Booker T Washington Tuskegee.
The National Honor Society is hosting the Alabama vs. Auburn Food Drive campaign. We will collect non-perishable items from October 6th-November 15th.
The Agriscience department's greenhouse was completed recently. We will begin horticulture instruction and projects this fall. The agriscience department planted watermelons on the last day of the 2021-2022 school year and they harvested this past August 2022. The Agriscience Department donated some of the harvest to the students at LHS for lunch: pictured above are some of the watermelons that were donated. Mrs. Owen hosted a FAFSA informational session for parents and guardians on October 6th. She will also host the College and Career Fair on December 7th.
November 3: ASVAB- Any interested 11th and 12th graders need to See Mrs. Owen to sign-up. November 4: Senior Dues of $175.00 are due We will continue ACT Tutoring on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:15 to 5:15 .
NEWS FROM SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
EAST SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
East Smiths Stations is honored to recognize the following Super Heroes of the Month. These students go above and beyond in demonstrating excellent behavior, kindness, and hard work: Aubreigh B., Robert B., Destiny A., Ashton C., Landon D., Brandon J., Michael H., Blakely M., Willow B., Anahi T., Jaxon U., Addie J., Tucker B., John M., Dylan D., James H., Ida C., Aria S., Ellie M., Nolan D., Summer M., Leann D., Hannah A., Slade C., Houston G., Hadley J., Emma B., Braxton P., Ava M., Brynleigh W., and Emily S.
In Mrs. Sullivan's pre-k class, we have discussed confidence and what it means to be confident. Students determined what makes them feel confident and created flowers to showcase their choices on the petals. Together our class makes a garden of greatness!
Pre-k students explored their five senses by making, painting, and tasting chocolate pudding.
Pre-K hosted a parent lunch on September 23.
Students worked together to make applesauce on Johnny Appleseed Day.
Students in Ms. Griffith's 6th Grade Science class have been learning about Severe Weather. Students have made a tornado in a bottle to model a vortex. Students thought about how air within a tornado moves and then put the model into motion. Student's also shared a Severe Weather PSA and presented them on Flipgrid.
We have been working on procedural text in ELA and this particular activity involved students reading and understanding a recipe. We combined ingredients for a Halloween Harvest Hash treat. They had to read the recipe (with guidance), use the correct measurements and then answer questions related to the recipe while enjoying their treat!
Students completed grab bag book projects to highlight story elements in fiction texts. They are also creating nonfiction mobiles to highlight finding important information in texts.
Sparks Scholars have been learning lots of math games. "What comes next". Learning math by playing games makes learning so much fun!
The Physical Education department had a successful "Fun Run" fundraiser meeting their fundraising goal!
East Smiths Station proudly recognizes the work of our Media Specialist Dr. Nunes Bufford. Dr. Nunes Bufford is doing an outstanding job in bringing Digital Literacy and Computer Science instruction and support to our students and staff. She is working hard to bring 21st century skills to all of our students.
Red Ribbon Week- 10/24-28.
Book Fair, October 24-28,
First Class Pre-K field trip to the Rocky Top Pumpkin Patch is on October 27th.
SOUTH SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
20 Book Challenge
We've already had four students meet the 20 Book Challenge. The 20 Book Challenge is met when students read 20 books and score at least 80 on the A.R. test. After accomplishing this challenge, students pick out a book to keep from a special collection of books and they get to display a "20 Book Challenge" sign in their yard.
Parent Taco Night: Curriculum/Title 1 Meeting
On September 20th, South Smith Station Elementary hosted Curriculum Night. The night started off with tacos for dinner and then a session to talk about (taco-bout) annual Title 1 topics. Families were presented with school participation, requirements of Title 1 and rights according to Title 1. Emphasis was placed on community and family involvement. After tacos and a large group meeting, families met with teachers to find out about all the amazing things happening in the classroom. Curriculum night was a huge success with many families enjoying our great community and learning about school happenings. Opelika Public Library and Phenix City-Russell County Library attended to share ways they can support literacy including Accelerated Reader resources.
Fall Scholastic Book Fair
September 12-16 South Smiths Station Elementary held its annual fall Scholastic Book Fair. During the week of the book fair, grandparents were honored with an invitation to have lunch with their grandchildren and to visit the book fair. This event was a huge success, received much support from families and was enjoyed by everyone.
It's all about Johnny Appleseed!
Mrs. Groves class learned about Johnny Appleseed. They celebrated by dressing up and participating in "Johnny Appleseed" activities. Lots of fabulous learning going on at SSSES.
WACOOCHEE ELEMNTARY SCHOOL
Wacoochee Elementary has implemented new things to support our students. One thing we have started is a "Calm Down Corner." This creates a safe place to go when a student is feeling upset or overwhelmed. This has been comforting and is helping to reduce office referrals.
Wacoochee had our Meet the Teacher Night on August 4th. We had a great turnout with many parents and students coming to meet their teachers. Our new teachers this year include Ms. Downs- 2nd grade, Mrs. Tally- 3rd grade, Mrs. Nolen- 4th grade, and Ms. McMurray -SPED. Welcome to our school!
Mrs. Good, our principal, has gotten her dog Harper trained and certified to be our school’s therapy dog. Harper loves to be read to by our students and brings smiles to any students (or faculty members) who need cheering up. Mrs. Good and Harper have gone to every classroom to have an orientation lesson with students so they know how to interact with her. Harper has been a wonderful addition to our school and we all love her!
Upcoming events at Wacoochee include our book fair that will held beginning October 24th. Red Ribbon Week and our annual Scarecrow Festival will be held during that same week, so we are gearing up for a very fun October! Bagged candy donations are welcome to help with our Scarecrow Festival which will be on the afternoon of the 25th.
WEST SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
West Smiths Station had a fantastic time as we welcomed back parents during our Open House at the beginning of the month. Our classrooms have been working on standards and having fun with hands on activities. We had several of our first grade students show us that they are All Star Readers!
We celebrate Mrs. Humphries who was selected as the Teacher of the Month.
Trunk or Treat on October 20th, Red Ribbon Week October 24-28
NEWS FROM SMITHS STATION SECONDARY SCHOOLS
SMITHS STATION JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The SSJHS Intermediate Band got to perform with the SSHS band at a football game this season.
Mrs. Tolbert has "sweet" learning opportunities for her students. They made fudge as part of their learning of the scientific method.
Our library media center got a total makeover this past summer. Some of the added features: a variety of new seating/work spaces to read/study/work on projects/have class, a makerspace area, and new books.
Mrs. Pearson's science classes are learning collaboratively. They have to work together to save Walter by using only three paper clips.
Mrs. Head, Mrs. Whitmer, and a few students worked with Ms. Danson's class to create tie dye shirts for the "Tie Up the Cats" spirit dress up day.
Congratulations to Mrs. Carliles-Keith! She is our Perfect Attendance award winner for the month of August. Our Teacher Spirit Leaders have been working hard to promote school spirit and pride this year. Teachers and students are dressing up for spirit days (football game days) and Homecoming Week to support the Panthers. Special thanks to Mrs. Copeland, Mrs. McCoy, and Mr. Tomlin!
SMITHS STATION FRESHMAN CENTER
We had five students, who represent Positive Behavior criteria, that were chosen by the SSFC staff for Student P.R.I.D.E. Team of the Month:
PREPARATION Hannah Scroggins
RESPECT Sarah Holmes
INTEGRITY Molly Medlock
DEPENDABILITY Leo Ortiz;
EXCELLENCE Marlee Cook
Biology and Forensics classes have been busy since the beginning of the school year. In Mrs. Genesee Cook's forensics class, students model Bertillon's first method of criminal identification. Student's in Mr. Janie Musgrove's class investigate the different properties of water and how they work together to support life on Earth.
The first Teacher P.R.I.D.E. Team of the Month was selected by peers and students this month. Teachers selected Mrs. Genesee Cook for Professionalism; Ms. Amy Overton for Resourcefulness; Miss Natalie Wade for Inventiveness; Mr. Merrell Warren for Demonstrates High Standards; and the student body selected Mrs. Alicia Goodson for Encouraging Teacher of the Month. (No group picture - Only 5 individual pictures) Nurse Cassandra Waller was chosen as P.R.I.D.E. Support Staff of the Month.
Boys Varsity and JV Soccer Tryouts Sept. 26, Sept. 27, Sept. 29, Sept. 30 from 6-8 p.m. Eastern Contact Coach Daniel Womble for more information at womble.daniel@lee.k12.al.us
Girls Varsity and JV Soccer Tryouts Sept. 12, Sept. 13,Sept. 19, Sept 21 - 6:30-8 p.m. Sept. 16 4:30-6 p.m. Eastern Contact Coach Genesee Cook for more information at cook.genesee@lee.k12.al.us
Freshman dues at $20. Dues include a class tshirt and you will be included in the class picture that will be displayed at SSFC for years to come.
Please pay as soon as possible on Pay Pams or in cash.
Tell your parents to join PTO today … Dues are $5 and you get a Panthers water bottle … Dues can be paid on PayPams or in cash.
SMITHS STATION HIGH SCHOOL
Smiths Station High is proud to recognize the achievement of our Panthers of the Month:
Perseverance – William B. Altruistic - Marley Newsworthy – Colin S. Trustworthy – Addison K. Helpful – Courtney L. Excellence – Devyn P. Respectful – Cole B. Studious – Cole W.
Austin McCaffrey and London Van Every participating in a summer research program at Auburn University. They worked on developing a new polymer recycling technology that aims to increase the recycling rates of multilayer food packaging.
SSHS students obtaining Adobe Premier Pro certification: Cannon Saunders, Myniah Barnhill, Baylee Bryant, Gabe Epp, Morgan Ritter, Tasha Judkins
Congratulations to the SSHS Panther Spirit Marching Band. The band has competed in 3 competitions this season and received 19 Superior ratings, 8 Best in Classification Awards, 4th Place Finish, 3rd Place Finish, and 1st Place Finish. We are proud of our students!
Mrs. Brown's English Composition classes conducted Socratic Seminar circles to analyze and discuss significant themes and symbols in The Scarlet Letter.
Mrs. Byrd's AP Computer Science built human networks and justified their balance between cost, time efficiency, and the need for redundancy.
Congratulations to Ms. Amy Long for being selected as the Teacher of the Month!
LEE COUNTY LEARNING CENTER
Anna B, Zariah C., Aliyah C., Abbrielle H., and Emilyna S. are working hard to earn their credits and are showing dedication to success! We are so proud of these students!