The Pizitz Post

The students of this generation are often referred to as digital natives. They are growing up in an age of texting and streaming and posting. Although digital literacy is second nature to our students, we want to be mindful of their use of technology and the impact it has on them both positively and negatively. We want to foster opportunities to enhance their learning, while also being cautious of the pitfalls that can come with exposure to social media and websites that are not appropriate for their age and stage.

We want to encourage the use of the school's Chromebook for engagement in educational sites, and the support of efficiency with assignments and communication in the classroom. However, we discourage the use of system-issued Chromebooks for anything outside of educational purposes.

In addition, we allow students to have their phones at school- should you choose that for your child. However, we have reminded our students that personal phones and other technology devices are not to be used during class time. They are supposed to be kept in their lockers, away from distraction during the school day. They can have their phones at the end of the day to communicate with parents as needed. If students are inappropriately using their phones during the school day, students will be assigned a consequence.

Although we do not have oversight regarding the use of social media or interactions between students on their phones outside of school, there are times when their interactions interfere with the school day. When we learn of these interactions, we do report them to the parent. We strongly encourage all parents to regularly check your child's device to ensure their safety and the appropriateness of their interactions with others on different platforms.

Students in 6th and 7th grade interested in trying out for Pirate Ambassadors, please join the Google Classroom (Code to join: i2sb5wi).

In order to try out, the online form, money, report card, and interview questionnaire must be completed and turned in no later than Tuesday, March 14th at 3:00 pm.

Check out this handout for more detailed information.

Did you know VHCS has a middle school bass fishing team that includes Liberty Park AND Pizitz? Does your child love bass fishing? This message is to "reel you all in" and "bait" you to learn more about Vestavia Hills Juniors Bass Fishing team! If this "catches" your attention complete THIS google form to receive communication about next year's team. Below are sport specific details about team involvement. If you have any questions, email rayfieldbl@vhcs.us.

Notes about joining the team:

• The team is open to rising 6th through rising 8th grade students
• This team is unique and requires the captains to have their own bass boat (generally captain is a parent or grandparent) Unfortunately, there is not a way to join the team if you do not have a boat.
• Captains are responsible for all travel and related expenses. All tournaments are on Saturdays.
• Anglers (students) are required to raise sponsorships to cover membership, tournament entry, and team related fees.
• Anglers must fish with a partner (another rising 6th-8th grader)
• The season is year-round and is divided into two seasons; Fall season goes from August-December (King of the Coosa) and the spring season goes from January-June (ASABFA,) (anglers have the opportunity to attend approx. 1-2 tournaments/month during each season)

All students have the opportunity to participate in a scoliosis screener in March. If you would like your child to participate, please complete the form sent home with your child, or you can find the form attached here. If you do not complete the form, we will assume you do not want your child to participate.

Extra copies will be available at the front office. All forms are due on Friday, March 3rd. You may drop the form off at the front office or email to Nurse Nancy at hennekern@vhcs.us.

The VHHS Robotics Team is now accepting applications for 2023 - 2024. Applications must be turned in to Mrs. Rice (at Pizitz) by Thursday, March 2. Please email ricem@vhcs.us or hickmanpt@vhcs.us with any questions.

Check out the application and information provided by VHHS here.