The HEARTBEAT
OCTOBER EDITION
October - A Month of Inspiration
"Inside every TITAN beats the heart of a WARRIOR!"
Where has time flown? October marks the end of the first nine weeks; and, before parents, students, and staff know it we will be at the end of the semester. Even though October is a short academic month due to our two week Fall break, the students have explored academic interests, potential career paths, and community service opportunities. They are truly demonstrating "the heart of a Warrior."
Junior Achievement Inspire
Junior Achievement is a national organization pushing for student success by providing training in economic and business concepts. The program helps students learn entrepreneurial skills that can be applied to any workplace. It also teaches them how to be productive, contributing members in their communities. The JA Inspire program is led by Junior Achievement of Kentuckian, and it is a coalition of industry leaders and educators.
All Things Science!
Staying Alive!
Hitting the Airwaves!
Math Function Fair
Ms. Sparks and Ms. Tickle's students presented at the Math Function Fair on October 5th. Students worked with a partner to research math functions and how they relate to the real world. Students presented their findings to visitors in the library. As students and staff stopped by, the 8th grade mathematicians spoke animatedly about their research. Students not only gained math knowledge, but this experience provided an opportunity for them to practice speaking and writing skills. The presenters impressed all who stopped by with their displays and presentations.
Abby Creque and Sara Beard
Issac Belcher and Jacob Allen
Kennedy Lafferty and Ja' Shea Jones
October Star Students
Alfonso Soto
Alfonso is an extremely conscientious, hard-working student. He's receptive and responsive to feedback and doesn't settle for anything less than his full effort. He's also consistently kind and respectful to students and staff. (Mrs. Smith)
Zach Hisle
Zach is always helpful to his classmates and teachers. His work is excellent, he has a great attitude, and he is the type of student that others want to be around.
(Mr. Watts)
Jaesylin Stephens
Jaesylin always gives 110% on every project. She is very creative, has an excellent attitude, and is a pleasure to have in class!
(Mrs. Wilson)
McKenzie Thorp
Kenzie has been a huge help in my second period class. She is always willing to help those around her if they don't understand as well as helping me every opportunity she sees. She always has a positive and contagious attitude and a smile on her face. She's always willing to participate and is prepared.
(Ms. Pennington)
Bradley Williams
Bradley is always helpful and maintains a positive attitude when faced with challenges. He is a hard worker and a very nice person.
(Mrs. Kuykendall)
Hannah Price
Hannah helps her classmates, particularly in her group that she works with every day. I challenged her to be a leader at her table and she is like a second teacher at her table!
(Mr. Traylor)
Elijah Smith
Elijah is polite towards me and others in the class. He participates, and is never afraid to answer a question. He knows how to make someone smile and laugh and has good character all around.
(Ms. Sparks)
Jaelin Jones
No matter what is going on, Jaelin will always greet me with a smile and a “Hello, Ms. Byard” or a “Good morning, Ms. Byard”. This makes me feel appreciated as his teacher. He is a great kid!
(Ms. Byard)
Joshua Mudd
Joshua is an exceptionally respectful and hard-working student. Joshua meets, and exceeds, classroom expectations! His work is proof of his efforts, and he is a role model to those around him.
(Ms. Robinson)
Allison Robinson
Allison always gives her best effort. She is accepting of feedback and works to improve every day. She is a joy to teach and is always engaged and appreciative.
(Mrs. Germano)
Teacher Spotlight: Social Studies Team
Mr. Blake Traylor
Ms. Jenny Pennington
Academic Support
After-school tutoring for eighth graders started on Wednesday, September 6.
Tutoring is held every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday (transportation provided on Thursdays ONLY) from 3:30-4:30 p.m. through April 26, 2018.
Ms. Leanne Sparks will support students in math/science in room 526, and Mrs. Cynthia Germano will support students in language arts/social studies in room 528. Ms. Byard is available on Wednesdays to assist students who need to make-up tests. She can also support students in language arts and social studies.
"PARENT ACADEMY"
As the semester continues, here are some ways you can continue to support your student:
Attendance: It is important for students to be in class. When students are absent they miss class dialogue and interactions that cannot be made up. There is a direct connection between academic success and school attendance. Students who attend school regularly are more likely to pass reading and math assessments than students who don't attend school regularly. For more facts on attendance read: "10 Facts About School Attendance" by Attendance Works. http://www.attendanceworks.org/facts-stats-school-attendance/
Reading: Students should read 120 minutes a week. Two hours may seem like a lot of time, but encourage your student to break the time up over the entire week. If they are not meeting the 120 minute expectation, then slowly build up to it by adding a few minutes each night. Reading in short bursts add up over time.
Tutoring: Take advantage of the tutoring offered to our students. If you see your child falling behind, contact their teachers and encourage your child to stay for extra assistance.