Friday Thoughts
March 15, 2019
Barbecue with Teachers
Pick-up/Serving
11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Colbert County Schools’ Bus Garage
(Behind Tuscumbia Post Office)
If 10 plates are ordered from one location,
we will deliver!
CALL (256) 386-8565 TO PLACE YOUR ORDER.
All proceeds will go to faculty and staff
in the Colbert County School System
who have experienced damage from
the recent floods.
#shoalsstrong
#teamcolbertcounty
Friday, Mar 22, 2019, 11:00 AM
Colbert County School Bus Garage, Howell Heflin Lane, Tuscumbia, Colbert County, AL, USA
Did you know?
Nancy O’Connor, works in payroll/benefits, at the central office. She has worked in the system 25 years. Nancy is married 35 years) to Jospeh and they have 2 girls, Katie and Emily (Tet). They are also grandparents to two dogs and a cat.
Nancy enjoys arts and crafts with her daughters.
Mrs. O'Connor is a graduate from UNA with a MBA.
Nancy is the one employee who touches everyone's life..... everyone is on the same playing field when they walk into her office. Thank you Mrs. O’Connor for giving freely.
#teamcolbertcounty
One Team....One Goal....Our Legacy!!
Healthcare Watch
2019 Save Your Vision Month
Save Your Vision Month is observed every March and sponsored by the American
Optometric Association. Save Your Vision Month aims to increase awareness about
good eye care and encourages people to get regular eye exams. With computers and
cell phones becoming an everyday part of people’s lives, the risk of eye strain and
damage is higher than ever.
Tips for Keeping the Eyes Healthy
Have a comprehensive dilated eye
exam
Know your family’s eye health
history.
Eat right to protect your sight.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Wear protective eyewear.
Quit smoking or never start.
Be cool and wear your sunglasses.
Give your eyes a rest.
Clean your hands and your contact
lenses-properly.
Practice eye safety.
2019 Colbert County Schools College Signing Day
We are planning on having a HUGE college signing day on March 21st. This would be county-wide for all seniors that are going to college. Please encourage your students to apply to college. Finally, this grand day is for ALL students accepted into college NOT just students who are receiving scholarships. #teamcolbertcounty
One Team...One Goal...Our Legacy!!
Wednesday, Mar 20, 2019, 05:00 PM
Colbert County Board Of Education, U.S. 72 Alternate, Tuscumbia, AL, USA
Colbert County Schools' Fine Arts Department
3rd Annual Colbert County Schools Fine Arts Festival
We are also looking for sponsors for this event, private or business. If you or someone you know would be interested in sponsoring the festival and supporting our fine arts' students, please contact Nicholas Tyler, ntyler@colbert.k12.al.us, or Kayla McKinney, kmckinney@colbert.k12.al.us.
More information coming soon!
Saturday, May 4, 2019, 08:30 AM
Alabama Music Hall of Fame, Tuscumbia, AL, USA
Artistic Renderings of Youth Art Show - Congratulations!!!
March 21; 5:30 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at the Kennedy-Douglas Center for the Arts (Tuscumbia)
Colbert Heights High
Alexis Davis
Mayson Russell-Best Computer Generated
Rainee Berryman
Kasey Ezekiel
Taryn Kimbrough- Best in Show, Jerry Foster Avant-garde Award
Alaina McBride
Jami Watson
Olivia Nunley
Sam McKinney
Ella Scott
Sam McKinney
Santana Burns
Colbert County High
Krista Denden- 3rd Place
Marion Sharp
Bryan Gonzalez
Augustin Sanchez Rocha
Caitlyn Staggs
Harley Garrett
Sara Chaney
Trey Craft
Lillian Nichols
Olivia Parker
Cherokee High
Halie Ingle
Colton Marquart
Cailyn Ledbetter
Will Blackmon
Emily Kumse
Yante Paron
Kelly Kennedy
Dakota Copeland
Kaleigh Forrester
Kaylin Goroll
Addison Williams
Abagail Gregory
Jake Deaton
Laken Bunt
Colbert County First Class Pre-K Programs
2019 Registration
We have 8 openings at CES......that's it!!!! Please help me get the word out!!
ESL Edge - Ashley Harris Teacher
ALL students have completed their ACCESS test!
There are 4 sessions that require a total of approximately 3 hours to take per student.
Testing was administered online for the first time this year.
Please congratulate these boys and girls when you see them!
In other news, the ESL program has 4 new students! 😃😃😃😃
Colbert County High School
2019 FBLA Conference and Competition
CCHS FBLA is preparing for the Alabama FBLA State Conference and Competition that will be in April in Birmingham. The following students will be competing:
Public Speaking- Aukieveyanna Simpson
MJ Satchel
Graphic Design - Gabe Cochran
Ashlyn Brown
Andrew Smith
Ag Business - Lyndsey Joiner
Publication Design - Aubrey McCravy
Ivie Scott
Healthcare Administration- Madison Dickens
Web Design - Xavier Beloued
Processing- Kerigan Mardis
Good luck and God’s speed!!
2019 Alpha Gents Ball
MJ’s awards:
1. Participant award
2. 2nd place Ad Sales
3. 3rd place Highest Grade Point Average
4. 3rd place ticket sales
5. Community Service Award
6. The People’s Choice Award
7. Leadership Award
8. All expenses paid to the Alpha’s District Leadership Academy
9. All expenses paid to the Alpha’s Regional Leadership Academy (Alcorn State University)
10. Emmitt Jimmar Leadership Award
MJ was the only young man from CCSS.
2019 CCHS Black History Play (This weekend)
March 17th @ 5pm. Students will present the play to the community
March 18th
@ 8:15 am we will present for the elementary students (5th & 6th graders)
@ 1:18 pm (beginning of 4th) we will present for CCHS students
2019 Student of the Year for CHHS
Google Certified Educator Level 1 Exam
Google Level I - Adam Herring
The Google for Education team would like to take this opportunity to celebrate one of your
educators; Adam Herring, who recently passed the Google Certified Educator Level 1
Exam on 04 March 2019. The GCE Level 1 exam is the capstone certification for Google's
ISTE-inspired Professional Development training courses for teachers. The program's goal
is to help educators master the technological skills needed to integrate Google tools into
the classroom, helping improve teacher efficiency, communication, and student outcomes.
It’s softball season and the grand slams have started....
Cherokee High School
2019 Student of the Year for CHS
CHS Car Show
Saturday, Mar 16, 2019, 10:00 AM
Cherokee High School, High School Drive, Cherokee, AL, USA
7th grade science -extracting DNA from a strawberry!
Colbert Heights Elementary School
Hatton Elementary School
NW Alabama 4-H STEM Expo
New Seating......what are your ideas?
HES Supporting College Signing Day
Leighton Elementary School
Coach Wilson Reads To Our Children
Cherokee Elementary School
CES supporting College Signing Day
New Bethel Elementary School
NBES
STEM
St. Patrick’s Day STEM stations in the library this week. The students read the story “How to Catch a Leprechaun” and then worked in St Patrick’s Day STEM stations.
Grading Policy Reminder
It is important to remember that board policy states that graded assignments should be entered into the grade book and returned to students within 5 days of the assignment. Also, 6 grades per 9 weeks are required in each subject.
Please stay current with your grades..... parents are more active and they want to see current grades. Thank you for our help in this next level of communication!!
Attendance - -Everyday is a day of Learning!!
Please continue to encourage attendance of all students everyday. I assure you that Ms. Cagle is doing all she can to get them here. When you consider the State School Report Card, nothing is more important than attendance. Yes, chronic absenteeism only counts for 15% of our score, but absenteeism is likely the largest factor in academic growth and achievement.
Saturday School
Technology Professional Development
Casie Barksdale - Dirctor of Technology & Integration Specialist
We have completed Google Productivity. I know the digital transition is new for the majority of faculty but they have embraced it well. The several teachers show stronger confidence in their Google knowledge and could be ready for the Level 1 Google Certification if they are willing.
If you were recommended for additional Google Level Certification, please do not hesitate to speak with your principal regarding next steps.
Human Resources & Business Office
Family Medical Leave Act
Legislative Update Local/National
On Tuesday, Governor Ivey signed the gas tax bill; a bill to create and guide the Joint Transportation Committee; and, a bill to allow the Department of Transportation to issue bonds for the dredging and widening of Mobile Bay. Mission accomplished.
The gas tax is projected to raise more than $300 million a year for roads, the first increase in state fuel taxes since 1992. The state tax on gasoline and diesel fuel will increase by 6 cents a gallon after Aug. 31, followed by an additional 2 cents a gallon on Oct. 1, 2020 and another 2 cents on Oct. 1, 2021. Beginning in 2023, it will be adjusted according to a national highway construction cost index. It could change by no more than a penny, up or down, every two years. The Alabama Department of Transportation will get 67 percent of the money, counties will get 25 percent and cities 8 percent. About $12 million a year will be allocated to a bond issue to widen and deepen the shipping channel in the port of Mobile to increase its capacity for cargo traffic. Federal funds will pay for 75 percent of that project.
On Tuesday, March 19 the Alabama Legislature will reconvene the 2019 Legislative Session. Both chambers will come into session at 3:00 p.m. In terms of activity, this is the first work-week of the regular session so Tuesday will be slow. Committee chairs have posted agendas and Wednesday will be busy.
There is one bill in committee on TUESDAY that SSA is watching. It is the vaping bill, HB41 by Rep. Stringer and Rep. Drummond and it will be heard in the House Judiciary committee at 1:00. There is no public hearing, but committee members could ask for input. This bill restricts access the access and use of non-nicotine products.
Alabama State Department of Education
Proposals To Cut Billions From Education Budget
The federal government has proposed decreasing the Education Department’s funding by $7.1 billion on last year, equating to a near 12% cut, as part of next year’s proposed budget. The proposals suggest eliminating 29 programs—after-school and summer programs for students in high-poverty areas, among other things—and feature requests for an increase in $60 million for the Charters Schools Program. The budget requests $700 million for school safety measures from multiple agencies, including the Education Department, the Justice Department and Health and Human Services, and features a recommendation to eliminate the $2 billion grant program for teacher professional development. Washington Sen. Patty Murray, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, said: "Secretary DeVos is proposing gutting investments in students, teachers, public schools, and even school safety—all to make room for her extreme privatization proposal that no one asked for."
Alabama Senate approves gas tax increase
12th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest
The 12th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2019, from 11 am until 5 pm in Wilson Park, Florence.
Attached is the information and form for the 12th Annual Shoals Earth Day Fest Official T Shirt Design Contest.
All Colbert County School students in grades 4-12 are eligible. FYI: A NBES student won last year!! :)
For more information about our group please visit:
Colbert County Reporter
- There's a sale going on...... everyone likes a sale!!
- May I encourage you to renew your subscription because students from our district will be writing and editing for each distribution?
- Please support our kids and our local paper!!!
Another great partnership!!
Student Support Services
Junior High Scholar's Bowl Winners
Content Area 2019 Winners School
Science Lucas Cornelius CHHS
Math Karmen Randolph CCHS
Language Arts Brandon Underwood CCHS
Social Studies Noah Sanderson CHHS
All-Star Noah Sanderson CHHS
Overall 2019 Jr. High Scholar's Bowl Winner:
Colbert Heights High School
CHHS scored a total of 780 points!
Alabama School Transportation Association (ASTA) Conference Mike Cox Memorial Education Scholarship
Deadline April 26,2019
The scholarship is a one-time, $1,000 education scholarship awarded to two (2)deserving public school students whose parent/guardian is an active pupil transportation employee for the past years.
Alabama School Transportation Association (ASTA) Conference Greg Ray Memorial Education Scholarship
Alabama School Transportation Association (ASTA) Conference Charles "Chuck" Poland Memorial Education Scholarship
Character in Action
The Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary of the Shoals Presents The 16th Annual Empty Bowl Luncheon
Tickets:
$15 In Advance
$20 At the Door
Our student ambassadors will participate and yours' truly will be a model, supporting the fundraising goal.
Wednesday, Apr 17, 2019, 11:00 AM
Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa, Hightower Place, Florence, AL, USA
Pre-K Completion Ceremony
Sunday, May 19, 2019, 02:00 PM
Highland Park Baptist Church, South Wilson Dam Road, Muscle Shoals, AL, USA
Academic Competitions
High School Scholar’s Bowl
Thursday, Apr 11, 2019, 08:30 PM
Colbert County High School, High School Street, Leighton, AL, USA
Valedictorian/Salutatorian Luncheon
Monday, May 13, 2019, 11:30 AM
Rhoda P's Restaurant & Catering, North Montgomery Avenue, Sheffield, AL, USA
Colbert County Honor’s Night
Thursday, May 16, 2019, 06:00 PM
Highland Park Baptist Church, South Wilson Dam Road, Muscle Shoals, AL, USA
Education Foundation/Grant Opportunities
EDUCATION FOUNDATION NEXT-STEPS:
"Show Me The Love" Payroll deduction is still available. Did you know if EVERY employee donated $5 per month, the foundation would earn $25,000 per year? Guess what? the funds go directly into the classrooms.....no exceptions!!!
Please take the month of February to show your love for our students!!!
#teamcolbertcounty
Education Foundation Inserts - Sheffield Utilities
I am happy to say that we have completed a full cycle of the Colbert County Board of Education mailers and are getting some response. Special thanks to CCEF members for setting this up.
University of North Alabama
UNA Homecoming 2019
Saturday, Sep 28, 2019, 03:00 PM
University of North Alabama, Harrison Plaza, Florence, AL, USA
Northwest Shoals Community College
Next Level of Instruction:
National Board Certification
4 and counting.......
Hooray for these educators:
- Laura James (CHHS)
- Brittany Leathers (NBES)
- Amy Michael (CHES)
- Ashley Harris (ESL)
- Breanna Owens (NBES)
- Lori South (CHES)
"Champions keep going when they don't have anything left in their tanks.... that's the difference between the greats." unknown author
Student Interns
MaLeah Dalrymple
#teamcolbertcounty
Zoe Loosiet
Zoe is completing her student teaching under the leadership of Mrs. Owens. She attends the University of North Alabama.
Sam Worsham
Financial Literacy
Business Highlight
Corporate Sponsors
Special thanks to our community partners for supporting professional development and for believing in our school system:
Gold Partner:
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Anderson
Medical Associates of the Shoals
Silver Partner:
First Metro Bank
Bronze Partner:
J.T.Ray Company
Terminix
North Alabama Gas District
Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C.
Valley Credit Union
Legal Shield
Community Sponsor:
Cherokee Auto Part
Wittichen Supply Company
Lewis Electric Supply Company
Non-Profit Support with H & R Block
Current H & R Block numbers:
CES $60
CHS $120
CCHS $520
CHES $160
CHHS $100
HES $220
LES $660
NBES $60
It's easy..... Just tell your tax preparer at H & R Block which school you would like to support!!
In order to be awarded the additional grant funds, the top schools must reach $500, LES and CCHS you got it!!
1st place an additional $2000
2nd place an additional $1000
3rd place an additional $500
Please contact Lydina South Bennett (CCHS Alumni)
Master Tax Advisor
Muscle Shoals
256-353-8211
Simply Healthy
Now Open 7:00 a m - 4:00 p.m.
We specialize in all things healthy!! We have fresh juices, smoothies, detox tea, healthy food, and more!!
Important Dates
Graduation Dates and Times
Colbert County High School
Thursday, May 23, 2019, 06:00 PM
Colbert County High School, High School Street, Leighton, AL, USA
Cherokee High School
Friday, May 24, 2019, 06:00 PM
Cherokee High School, High School Drive, Cherokee, AL, USA
Colbert Heights High School
Friday, May 24, 2019, 07:30 PM
Colbert Heights High School, Woodmont Drive, Tuscumbia, AL, USA
Love Notes
- Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary to all those who are celebrating in the month of March!!
- Unspoken prayer request for students, faculty, and staff.
- Please continue to keep the following staff members lifted: If your heart desires, please send a card. Invite your students to send a card...
- Wilma Crosswhite -she is at home and resting
- Aubrey Kimbrough.... please him and wife family in your thoughts and prayers.
- Joyce Clements.... still fighting the fight!!
- Sandra Cooper...... at home and gaining strength
- Christy Wilcoxson - (CES) and her husband are expecting their baby boy!!
- Laura Peden - (CES) and her husband are expecting their baby boy!!
- Karly Herring (LES) & Adam Herring (CHES) are expecting their second boy!!
- Ashley Isbell - (HES) and her husband are expecting their second boy!!
- Natalie Abrams - (LES) and her husband are expecting a baby boy!!
Dr. Gale Denise Story-Satchel
Every Student...Every Day....Our Legacy!!
#teamcolbertcounty
"See through your heart”
Email: gsatchel@colbert.k12.al.us
Website: www.colbert.k12.al.us
Location: 425 U.S. 72, Tuscumbia, AL, USA
Phone: 256-386-8565