Austinville Elementary
September 15 - 19 News
Austinville Librarian Receives Grant from Target
For the second year, librarian, Mrs. Denise Rose has written a grant to help restock the shelves of Austinville's Library. Since state funding for libraries was cut several years ago, schools and librarians have looked to other sources to find money to purchase new books. Mrs. Rose says her goal is to purchase fiction and graphic novels with the two thousand dollars she received from Target. As you can see, the students were thrilled with the news about new books on the way!
Area Churches Going the Extra Mile in Support of Austinville
For several years, Austinville has been fortunate to have the support of the community's churches. What an excellent role model these members are for the students and a wonderful example of the 7 Habits at work. Austinville plans to highlight all of the community churches and businesses that contribute to the school during the year. As they say, "It takes a village."
This week we are spotlighting First Baptist Church, St. Paul's Lutheran, and Austinville United Methodist.
First Baptist Church
As one of Austinville's Partners-in-Education, First Baptist Church started the year off by serving breakfast to the faculty on teacher workday. This month, their members sent Mellow Mushroom pizza and cookies as a middle of the day pick me up. Later this fall, families and teachers look forward to attending the church's Fall Festival. First Baptist provides buses for families, transporting them to and from the school and the church. In the past, this group of members has assisted with Outdoor Classroom Workdays and provided Austinville with a new mower. These members have also been helpful in providing food when there has been a death in a student's family. We are so blessed to have the support of this church.
St. Paul's Lutheran
Pastor Eddie Scheler leads the way as he and his church members give extra reading attention to more than thirty first graders. Some of these "Reading Buddies" have been a familiar face for fifteen years. What a special contribution to a child's day! For many years, this church has also collected and distributed school supplies to Austinville's students. We are so happy to have these members reading with our students.
Austinville United Methodist
For three years, these volunteers have given of their time to tutor Austinville students. Even Pastor Dallas Culver visits the school weekly to work with his group. These volunteers are delighted to see improvement as they strive to see Austinville students be successful. Since the arrival of student netbooks in fourth and fifth grade, this church also provides an internet wireless spot for students two days a week. We are fortunate to have this church and its volunteers in our community.
Open House ~ Title I Meeting Held Tuesday, September 16
Ms. Beth Hales and teacher/translator, Mrs. Jennifer Fernandez held the annual meeting for parents to explain what it means to be a Title I school. Parents were informed of their rights and what the Title I money is used for at Austinville. Parents were also encouraged to participate in the development of the Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) and to give feedback by taking the Parent Survey. Parents were then dismissed to visit the classrooms and afterwards were treated to pizza.
Pre-K Journals are a Hit with Parents
Families listened intently as their Pre-K children shared journals with them during Open House this week. Teacher, Mrs. Leah Archer beamed with pride as her students described their first school work.
Fourth and Fifth Grade Classrooms
Parents tagged along as students in fourth and fifth grade participated in a Scavenger Hunt. Teachers Mrs. Anna McCollum, Mrs. Wendy Hamilton, Mrs. Bridgett Hayes, and Mrs. Kim Patterson gave bonus points on this week's test for correct answers on the Hunt.
Pizza Treat
After visiting the classrooms, parents and students met in the cafeteria for fellowship. They were treated to pizza and drinks.
Service to Others Through Art Classes
This week, Mrs. Beth Young's ART classes discussed ways in which students can use their talents to help others. Austinville students are making magnets shaped like houses. These will be used to raise money for No Kid Hungry in Morgan County. The magnets called "Houses of Hope" will be given to Mrs. Melissa Dees of the Morgan County Volunteer Center.
Mark Your Calendars!
September 23 Students Dismissed 11:30 am Parent Conferences 1:00 - 7:00 pm
September 24 Kindergarten Visits Guillon Farms
September 26 Grandparents' Day Lunch
Parents Encouraged to Take Survey
Decatur City Schools is in the process of conducting an evaluation of our Title I parental involvement program, and we would like to know what you think. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey. The responses will be used to improve next year’s parental involvement program.