THE COUNTY LINE
NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
MAY 2022: NEWS FROM THE 4TH 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
School office hours vary during the summer. Please check school websites for office hour updates before arriving to withdraw or enroll students. You may also find a listing for summer hours under each attendance zone's section below. Please call the school prior to arriving to ensure staff is available to assist. Schedules may vary due to unforeseen circumstances.
Lee County will be hosting summer recovery and enrichment programs for K-12 students during the month of June. We look forward to helping all students achieve!
West Smiths Station is proud to welcome Matt Trawick as principal of West Smiths Station Elementary. He previously served as an assistant principal at Wacoochee Elementary School. West Smiths Station is also proud to welcome Mrs. Meg Collins and Mrs. Michele Thomason as the new assistant principals.
Loachapoka Elementary is proud to welcome Carmen Anderson as principal of Loachapoka Elementary. She previously served as assistant principal at Loachapoka Elementary. LeSean Spencer will be joining the staff as assistant principal.
East Smiths Station is proud to welcome Keonn Nettles and Jennifer Hall as assistant principals.
Wacoochee Elementary is proud to welcome Mark Sanders as assistant principal.
Smiths Station Junior High welcomes Jonathan Fischer as assistant principal.
Smiths Station Freshman Center welcomes Luke Corona as assistant principal.
Beulah High welcomes Adam Johnson as principal.
Mrs. Jennings and her 4th grade students identified an error in a biography of Ruby Bridges. They contacted the publisher with their findings which resulted in the book being edited and reprinted with the correct information! Our students learned they have a voice, and they make a difference.
The faculty, staff, and students at Smiths Station High raised $4187 for UNICEF. This money will be used to support the citizens of Ukraine.
ALL LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS AND THE BOARD OF EDUCATION WILL BE CLOSED ON MAY 30, JUNE 20, AND JULY 4.
NEWS FROM BEAUREGARD
BEAUREGARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
The Lee County KINDLE classes have been on a journey to "Discover Alabama." They had the opportunities to visit DeSoto Caverns, Dauphin Island Sea Lab, and Space Camp.
The East Alabama Gem and Mineral Society shared gems and minerals from around the world with students. Billy Hoffman, Tony Johnson, and Bill Lamar shared their passion with students and inspired the next generation.
Congratulations to Trinity B. for winning the Chess Tournament and to Liam W. for placing 3rd.
Beauregard Elementary is excited to host a Jurassic Adventure during our summer tutorial and enrichment programs.
We congratulate Wendy Bass, Jerry Meyers, Rose Luke, and Rubie Cannon on their retirement. Thank you for loving our students and our school. You will be missed!
Congratulations to Mrs. Candy Crance who was awarded the Technology Innovation Award. Mrs. Crance is committed to using technology to enhance the learning of all students.
SANFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
SMS 6th grade students worked with the 4H Extension Office to determine production costs and profit.
Our students did an amazing job and had a BLAST during the Special Olympics.
Ms. Donovan's students used Takis to explore the properties of matter during Blue Tongue Tuesday.
WHOOO HOOO! The SMS Robotics Team will be competing in the VEX IQ Middle School World Championship in Dallas, Texas. The event will be live streamed. FLY HORNETS FLY!
Congratulations to Carter B. for winning the Youth Division of the New Breed Jiu Jitsu Federation Tournament.
BEAUREGARD HIGH SCHOOL
As we bring closure to the 2021-2022 school year at Beauregard High School, we bring to an end what has proven to be a wonderful school year. Our students have excelled on so many levels and fronts this year. We are proud of each and every one of these accomplishments.
Just recently, our Lady Hornets Track Team placed second in the state track meet. Katie Wilkerson won state championships in discus and javelin. We congratulate these ladies and their coaches for this outstanding accomplishment.
This year, Beauregard High School awarded diplomas to 128 graduates. We congratulate our valedictorian Joshua Len and Salutatorian James Conway.
Many of our graduates received scholarship offers that totaled over $1,737,050.00 collectively. A number of our students have chosen to join one of the branches of the United States Military. We wish all of the members of the Class of 2022 the very best as they enter a new chapter in life.
During the year, we had a number of students sign scholarships in to play collegiate sports. Signing to play college softball was Carolyn Willis, Cat Henson, Madison Champion, and Raley Thorn. We had our first female golfer Lexi Raiford sign. In football, Zander Baird excepted a scholarship offer. Ethan Pooler signed a scholarship offer to play baseball. Following extensive audition processes, we also had Cale Kinser sign to be a cheerleader at the University of Alabama while McKenzie Astin signed an agreement to be a member of the Auburn University Marching Band’s Tiger Eyes Majorette Line.
This year we will say good bye to three of our teachers who are retiring. Pam Kenney is retiring after serving 14 years as the director of the choral music program. Penny Spates is retiring after 25 years of service to the Lee County with 20 of them at Beauregard High School. While at Beauregard, Mrs. Spates taught business courses and served as the testing coordinator and facilitator for online courses. Ms. Susan Thompson is also retiring this year following three years of service. Ms. Thompson primarily taught government and economics. We will also say goodbye to a number of teachers who will be moving along to accept new opportunities.
We are very excited about our upcoming summer school and enrichment program that will begin on June 6, 2022. Our summer school program will run daily from 7:45 AM until 12:00 Noon. Transportation will be provided for students. There are three categories of instruction: course recovery, core subject area offerings, and an enrichment program.
Course recovery is being offered to any student who needs complete a failed course in which he or she received a grade of 40 or higher. We will offer core subject offerings in English, mathematics, science, and history/social studies.
Our enrichment program will include a fine arts rotation between instrumental music, choral music, visual arts, and drama. This program will run two consecutive weeks beginning June 6, 2022.
Expanding our enrichment offerings, we will also offer agr-science/leadership, crocheting, creative writing, driver’s education (limited to 15), history through film, reading comprehension, and Spanish culture. The dates and times for these offerings vary.
You can find more information at the Beauregard High School link.
As we close out the 2021-2022 school year, we are already in preparation for the upcoming 2022-2023 school year. We will have many new teachers join our faculty and staff with a few from the past returning that we are glad to see rejoining us. We are planning to expand our offerings in both academics and extracurricular and co-curricular areas. We are looking forward to an exciting fall season with our football team, volleyball teams, cheer, and band.
We hope all of you have a safe and enjoyable summer. GO HORNETS!!!
BGES
BGES
BGES
NEWS FROM BEULAH
BEULAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Beulah Elementary held Spring Olympics during the week of April 25-28. Students enjoyed competing in several events throughout the week during their scheduled PE times.
Beulah Elementary students had the opportunity to compete in the Science Olympiad where we had several teams place in their events. Kolton W. and Dalton M. placed 1st in Barge Building. Bella G. and Kenly Y. placed 2nd place in Weather. Kenly Y. and Madi L. placed 3rd in Food for Thought and Energy. Brianna T. and Chloe N. placed 4th for Starry Starry Night. Bo A. and Kara P. placed 4th in Deep Blue Sea. Way to go Beulah Elementary!
BEULAH HIGH SCHOOL
On May 3rd, Mrs. Harrell's Education & Training classes celebrated our seniors by holding a Teacher Signing Day for those that have decided that they want to pursue a career in Education. We are so proud of their commitment and dedication to pursuing this wonderful career! Students that signed: Melanie Harris, Caty Sue McConnell and Lane Fuller
A huge thank you to our FTA students and volunteers for organizing a “clean-up” day on our campus on Saturday, April 23rd. Thanks again for all of your hard work to help keep our school looking its best!
FTA remembered our wonderful office staff on Secretary’s Day. These wonderful ladies hold the school together and work hard behind the scenes in many ways. Thank you, ladies, for all you do!
Congratulations to our Softball Team on winning the regional championship title! They will play for the state title on May 17th!
Students will keep their devices over the summer. Please be responsible with your device so that it will be in good working condition for the next school year. An inventory will be conducted at the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year. All incoming 7th graders will receive a device at the beginning of the year.
BHS
BHS
BHS
NEWS FROM LOACHAPOKA
LOACHAPOKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
We want to thank you all for the support and patience shown these past 10 months. We had successes and some challenges, yet despite all, we continued the work that has to be done to ensure the safety and educational needs of our students. We truly could not have accomplished our tasks without the support and dedication of our faculty, staff, students and parents!
Our students have been exposed to many unique learning opportunities and our hope is that distance learning has instilled the importance of valuing learning wherever it takes place in life.
Summer Hours Our school will be open Monday-Friday from 7:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:00 CST until June 2. Our registrar will be available to assist with enrollments and withdrawals.
Beginning July 21, our registrar will return to campus and be available from 7:00-12:00 and 12:30-3:00 CST to assist with enrollments and withdrawals.
Enrollment and withdrawal paperwork may be dropped off to the main office during the times listed above.
LES will be open June 6-30 for parents to drop off and pick up for summer camp from 7:45- 12:00 CST.
We will be closed June 20.
LOACHAPOKA HIGH SCHOOL
We are excited to announce that one of our students, Renee Jay, applied for and received an opportunity to attend Princeton University this summer for the month of July. We are so proud of her hard work and know she will represent us well. We also had three students to earn Dual Enrollment credit through Auburn University this semester. A big shout out goes to our Track and Field team. Janai Winston placed 1st in the 1A Girls Shot Put. The 4x400 Relay team placed 2nd. JC Hart placed 3rd in the 400M.
We want to say congratulations to the class of 2022. The administrators, teachers, and staff wish you luck in all of your future endeavors. Go out and show your Poka Pride!
Please use the link to view a letter from Principal Weeden: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xyg5w9tyB1j_-jfEp7wNhY_EmfXKxBb4/view?usp=sharing
Summer Enrichment will begin on June 6, 2022.
Office hours: (Enrollment/Withdrawals) 8:30-11:30 CST Monday-Thursday; June 6th-June 30th.
The Main Office will be closed July 4th-8th and July 18th-22nd.
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NEWS FROM SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
EAST SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
It has been an exciting spring at East Smiths Station Elementary School. The Pre-K students learned plant life cycles and planted their own plants.
Kindergarten held their Parent picnic on April 18th, and a good time was had by all in attendance. Kindergarten began their backwards ABC countdown, and it will last until the end of the year.
On April 18th, Mrs. Sparks and Mrs. Seibert had a detective from the Phenix city police department visit and share about his job for community helpers.
On Tuesday April 19, the Kindergarteners enjoyed a Reptiles on the Road animal show from Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center.
Mrs. Seibert's class participated in Stem science experiments with PEEPS marshmallow and predicted did they sink or float, and how fast they would dissolve or change depending on the color of the peeps.
First grade went on a field trip to Oxbow Meadows Environmental Learning Center and learned about characteristics of reptiles, habitats of reptiles, and adaptations of reptiles.
The 3rd graders had Tyler Allendar from WTVM come and speak about the different types of weather.
Mrs. Brown’s and Mrs. Snell’s 4th grade classes conducted experiments on weathering. They used sugar cubes to mimic rocks falling down a mountain. In math classes, they used sidewalk chalk to demonstrate geometry skills.
SOUTH SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
We are proud of our 239 students who completed the 20-Book Challenge this year. Students received a yard sign, free book, and got to participate in a magic show.
Mrs. Long along with her senior class from Smiths Station High School shared their knowledge of volcanoes with our third and sixth grade students.. Students constructed volcano models and created tri-fold boards with information about each of the five types of volcanoes. Our students were excited to partner with the team from Smiths Station High, and they had a great time learning about volcanoes.
WACOOCHEE ELEMNTARY SCHOOL
March was a busy and exciting month at Wacoochee. We celebrated Read Across America the first week in March and had dress up days each day. We ate green eggs and ham for breakfast one morning, and had many guest readers come read to students including Smiths Station high school students and Auburn University majorettes.
Our spring book fair was also going on at the same time so our school was definitely focused on reading! We had a very successful book fair once again. Thank you to all parents who helped support this!
Another big event that was held during this fun week of our focus on reading was our very first ever I Love Learning Night. Parents were invited to come visit our school and learn about different areas of their child's curriculum. Pizza was served, the book fair was open, and we really had great participation from our wonderful parents.
Field Day was held in May, something the students always look forward to. Lots of smiling faces and competitive spirits were in abundance. A big thank you goes out to our coaches, PTO, parent volunteers, and high school students for helping out with this.
The Bleeker Ruritan Club donated $150 to our school library so that additional books could be purchased. We appreciate their generosity!
Lastly, we want to encourage all of our Wacoochee students to read over the summer. Reading is such a fun hobby and it helps prepare students for their next grade in school! Have a wonderful summer!
WEST SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
West is excited to welcome Mr. Matt Trawick as our new Principal. Mrs. Meg Collins and Mrs. Michele Thomason as our joining our team as the new Assistant Principals.
We wish Mr. Lindsay and Mr. Smith good luck in their new positions. They will always be a part of the West Family!
Spring is the time of the year for field trips! Kindergarten went to the zoo. First grade visited Westville. Second grade went to the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center. Third grade made the trip to Oxbow Meadows. Fourth grade visited our state’s capitol. Fifth grade stepped back in time at the Civil War Museum. Our Sixth graders explored the Little White House.
Second, Third grade teachers and our PTO sponsored our Daddy/Daughter dance on April 29, making special memories for their students.
Block Parties in March and April were a great reward for students with excellent behavior.
West’s own, Mrs. Michelle Cato, was named one of the recipients of the 2021-2022 Lee County Schools Technology Innovation Award. Mrs. Cato is a Sixth Grade teacher and also our yearbook advisor. She loves to incorporate technology into her lessons.
On April 27, Mrs. Katie Nelson was awarded the Golden Apple for excellence in teaching. Mrs. Nelson is one of our Special Area teachers. She always has a ready smile, and her love for her students shines through every day.
The Spring Olympics at West are always great! Our PE Coaches do an outstanding job making each day’s competitions fun for our students. West appreciates and thanks our PE Department for all the hard work that goes into making this a special week for our students!
Parents, don't let your students hit the summer slump! Below are links to area public libraries. They are great resources for free programs!
https://phenixcitylibrary.com/
https://www.opelika-al.gov/786/Summer-Library-Adventure
We want to wish all of our West Families a safe and happy summer! We will see you in August!
SSSES
SSSES
SSSES
NEWS FROM SMITHS STATION SECONDARY SCHOOLS
SMITHS STATION JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The SSJH Band Program took time out of their busy schedules to put on a mini concert and instrument presentation to our upcoming 7th grade students. These 6th graders enjoyed learning all about the band program and what instruments they may want to learn to play. We always enjoy having our future students visit our campus and learn about the exciting opportunities we have here at SSJH.
The Smiths Station Intermediate band participated in the Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment in March at Opelika High School and was awarded straight superior ratings by all judges. The students prepared music from a state list and also sight read. The students certainly surpassed the goals set by the directors. The band students learned that hard work and dedication to a common goal will bring about success.
On April 28, approximately 60 beginning and intermediate students will participate in Solo and Ensemble Festival which will be held on the campus of Smiths Station High School. We are excited that so many of our students are participating in this elective event. Our students will have the opportunity to perform prepared selections for band directors from around the state of Alabama. The culmination of a fabulous year will be the spring concert to be held on May 14th at the Smiths Station Junior High School Auditorium. This concert will feature both the Beginner Band and the Intermediate Band.
Coach Wade was instrumental in coordinating the donation of equipment from the United States Tennis Association to our school. They donated very nice large travel bags that contains 30 beginner rackets and covers, floor tape, various sizes of balls and a large binder containing a curriculum guide. They have also partnered us with Brett Peterson from Auburn to help with instruction and questions if we need him. We are very blessed!!
Congratulations to the 2022-2023 SSJH Cheer Team! Tryouts were held in March, and we are so excited for our new cheerleaders. We can't wait to see them on the field!
This year the Junior Station Delegation held our 1st Easter Eggstravaganza Fundraiser. For two weeks students were able to purchase eggs from their Advisory teacher for 25 cents each and competed to win a donut party for their class. Mrs. Wright's Advisory (Band) won the contest, while Mrs. Brown and Mrs. Collins finished up the top three. Schoolwide we raised $1150 for the family of an 8th grade student who is currently battling cancer. The money was delivered to the family on Easter Sunday and they wanted to relay their extreme gratitude to our students and teachers for this amazing gift.
All current 6th and 7th grade students have been given a Course Request Form for the 2022-2023 school year. Please make sure these are completed and returned to the school your student currently attends, so we can prepare their schedule for the next school year.
SMITHS STATION FRESHMAN CENTER
Several students in Mrs. Stecenko's Business Technology Applications class have received a credential in Microsoft Office Specialist. Mr. Ames has several students that have earned a credential in Adobe this semester. Our Pops for Passers Team distributed 310 Blow Pops to students that had no failing grades on their quarter 3 report cards.
We currently have 8 art students in Mrs. Lyles class who’s artwork has been accepted to be published in the Spring 2022 Celebrating Art Book!
SMITHS STATION HIGH SCHOOL
One of the highlights of this year has been high school students working with the new PreK program on campus. High school classes have gone to the PreK class and taught and shared with them. From the Horticulture classes teaching them about plants, to Science classes teaching them about volcanos, to Spanish classes showing them and letting them bust pinatas, it has been great seeing the interactions and learning from one another.
The JROTC rookie Air Rifle Team placed 2nd in a field of 28 other teams from the country in the Orion National New Shooters Air Rifle League.
One of SSHS's golfers, Jackson Williams, made it to the AHSAA State Golf Tournament. The SSHS Bass Fishing Team competed in the East Alabama High School Bass Trail tournament with the team of Jackson Greer and Matt Hancock finishing 4th in the event.
Two SSHS students, London Van Every and Austin McCaffrey have been selected to receive a paid fellowship in the Auburn University Research and Mentoring Program for this summer. London and Austin will be mentored by Auburn University faculty and graduate students as they conduct a research project on Auburn’s campus for six weeks. They will present their research results at the end of the program, and then have an opportunity to travel to Washington DC present their results.
The Smiths Station High School's "Panther" 2021 yearbook was featured in the Jostens Look Book 2022. The Look Book celebrates the best-of-the-best in yearbook design and inclusivity from schools across the country.
SSHS will be offering 2 new Dual Enrollment opportunities for the 22-23 school year - US History 101 and 102. This is a great chance for students to earn college credit while still in high school.
SSHS is tentatively planning to offer a new Career Tech pathway in Public Safety and Firefighting. Students interested in taking either of these classes can complete schedule change forms over the summer to sign up.
Three SSHS band students were selected for All-State Honor Band: Davis Hill, Seth Holloway, and Riley Thornhill
Junior Kelsi Clotfelter received first place at the Alabama Beta Club Convention in 2-dimensional design.