Merry Christmas from Austinville
December 8 - 19 News
Student Council Sponsors Toy Drive for the NCC Toy Store
During the month of December, the Austinville Student Council encouraged all students to donate new and gently used toys for the Neighborhood Christian Center's Toy Store. The toys will be given to families who need assistance in providing gifts for their children. Austinville students once again rose to the occasion and brought many toys. The faculty is so proud of the children who wanted to help others. Many boys and girls will have a toy at Christmas because of the thoughtfulness of Austinville students.
American Legion Holds Flag Retirement Ceremony
Austinville Receives a New "Old Glory"
Students and teachers alike were in awe of a recent ceremony conducted by the American Legion. As Austinville's flag was ready for retirement, the Honor Guard from the American Legion scheduled a ceremony to teach students the proper use and disposal of a flag. Special guests for the event included Mr. Robert Dexter, a fifth grade parent and veteran of the Vietnam War. Austinville Flag Girls participated in the ceremony. These student leaders are responsible for raising and lowering the flag each day, so the ceremony was especially meaningful to them. Austinville students listened as Post Commander George Krigbaum and Honor Guard members demonstrated the meaning of the folds in a flag. The next part of the ceremony was an official inspection of the school flag followed by it's proper disposal, which is burial by fire. During this part of the ceremony an Honor Guard member played taps. Commander Krigbaum personally donated a new flag to Principal Beth Hales to fly over Austinville. Flag Girls raised the flag to its new location and the student body recited the Pledge. Austinville students and teachers are extremely grateful for the American Legion's informative ceremony as well as their service to our country.
Third, Fourth, and Fifth Graders Share Christmas Lunch with Families on December 11
Astro Physicist Visits Math Club
UAH astro physicist graduate and cool math trickster, Will Peterson visited the Austinville Math Club during December. Ms. Mary Alice Cagle, Math Club Sponsor, said Will is working with club members preparing them for the Math Tournament in February. While here, Will assessed the third and fourth grade members and assisted them with tips to answer questions in a faster manner. Will plans to return to Austinville after winter break with help for fifth grade members.
DHCA Brings Friendship and Cheer to Second Graders
Seasonal Learning Fun
This time of year, students and teachers enjoy some seasonal learning mixed with crafts and take home gifts of every variety. Almost every student in the building posed by the tree - a portrait for Mom and Dad. From kindergarten students who made Olaf and gingerbread houses, third graders who made ornaments to Mrs. Patterson's math students who put Santa on the grid, Austinville has been alive with activities. Every student became a writer in order to send letters to that special man. We hope these pictures reflect the spirit of learning and giving in our school this season.
'Christmas Memories' Fundraiser a $uccess
On the Sunday afternoons of December 7 and 14, Austinville families were all smiles as they made forever memories. This family portrait fundraiser has grown over the past five years. This year a record setting fifty-one families took advantage of the Christmas picture packages. The proceeds enable hands-on math and science activities to be taught in the Outdoor Classroom. Ms. Clark wishes to thank everyone for supporting the fundraiser and environmental education at Austinville.
Austinville Students Perform Winter Program
Parents enjoyed the performances of students from pre-K to fifth grade and even a few teachers as they celebrated the season in song and dance this week. The opening number was performed by the Austinville All Stars. The program was considered a debut of sorts for Austinville's new music teacher, Dr. Jeff Gilbreath. It was definitely labeled a hit!
Austin Students Continue Traditional Pre-K Christmas Party
This week, pre-k students were thrilled with special attention from Austin students . . . and the gifts didn't hurt either. For ten years, Austin's Thespian classes have provided gifts to Austinville's pre-k students at Christmas. The tradition started when the four-year-olds met the drama teens at Austin's nursery rhyme play one fall. In early December, the Decatur Daily published children's letters to Santa. You guessed it. The Austin Thespian students read the letters and insisted they purchase a gift for each child. It was seconded by drama teacher Mrs. Susan Thompson. Each year, pre-k teacher, Mrs. Leah Archer looks forward to the squeals and fun frenzy created by the opening of packages by little hands. Austinville is grateful to this special group of students for making our students smile.
Family Math Night a Success!
Teachers across the building deemed Family Math Night an outstanding way to end the first semester. Students and parents visited classrooms and tried their hand at different math activities. From drawing line segments on a grid and creating a snowman to place value and multiplication spinner games, students shared their math skills with their parents. Teachers enjoy taking the opportunity to give tips to parents on how they can help their children. After visiting the classrooms, families went to the cafeteria for a pizza supper. Volunteers from Journey Church served almost 600 slices to Austinville families.
Celebrating with Shining STARS
Before December's STAR testing took place, Ms. Hales set goals for the test and challenged Austinville's students. Teachers were looking for improvements from the August testing. Along with the challenges came some rewards for students to learn the value of hard work. Students that improved fifty points were given stars to place in the hall and treated to a dance party with refreshments.
Pajama Day with Mrs. Archer, Mrs. Lindsey, Mrs. Kat and the Austinville Pre-K Students
Sweet Potato Sale
Our first Sweet Potato sale just ended with proceeds going to the new marquee. Austinville sold 340 pounds of these healthy vegetables from McAlister & Rogers Farms! We will continue this sale in January. A ten pound box sells for $10.
Merry Christmas from the Faculty & Staff of Austinville
Mark Your Calendars for the New Year!
January 7
- Students Return to School
January 8
- Report Cards go Home