THE COUNTY LINE
NEWS AND INFORMATION FROM LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS
Lee County School District: Lee County, AL
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.
Website: lee.k12.al.us
Location: 2410 Society Hill Road, Opelika, AL, USA
Phone: (334) 705-6000
Facebook: facebook.com/LeeCountySchools
Twitter: @LeeCoSchools
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.
NEWS FROM LEE COUNTY
A new Mathematics Course of Study went into effect for all K-12 Alabama schools this year. This includes changes to the math pathways all students are required to complete in order to graduate. Please work with your child's math teachers to support their success with the updated standards.
Social Media Safety is important for the social, emotional, and academic well being of your child(ren). There are many challenges that circulate through social media which could have serious consequences for students. Please monitor what your child is exposed to online. A great tool for parents can be found by clicking the Parents Need to Know tab on the following link: https://www.commonsensemedia.org/
Lee County Schools is seeking bus drivers. For more information, call Rhonda Long at 334 705 4123.
NEWS FROM BEAUREGARD
BEAUREGARD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
“Books ARRGGGHHH Great” was the theme for our October Book Fair. Our pirates came out and purchased 100's of books for their reading pleasure. Thank you to our parents and community for helping our book fair to be successful. We were awarded over $4,000 in cash to buy new library books for our students.
October is National Down Syndrome Awareness Month. Learn more here: https://www.ndss.org/syndrome-awareness-month-means/
We debuted the Beauregard Buzz this month. The Buzz is our NEW "Daily News Broadcast." Segments include The Birthday Buzz, Hungry Hornets (Lunch Menu, The Buzz on Sports, Hornet Habits (character) and Hornet Highlights. Students from the 4th grade are new anchors. They record, edit, and help publish the daily news using a Green Screen App and iMovie. Check out the “BB” on our school Facebook Page.
The Lee County School Maintenance Department hired a paint company to give the school a Playground Makeover! It looks brand new after they pressure washed it and given a fresh coat of paint. The students are going to be so excited to be able to explore our playground.
Student Ambassadors are 4th graders who are chosen to represent Beauregard Elementary School. They must fill out an application, maintain a C Average in academics, be voted on by peers, and teacher recommended for the program. Ambassadors represent our school as a positive role model for younger students. They help as hostesses at special events, assist at car riders in the morning, and conduct service projects throughout the year.
Fall PBS Incentives: Oct 4th – 29th “Snug as a Bug” - bring something soft to make the day more comfortable - has to fit completely in backpack - stuffed animal, pillow, small blanket Nov. 8th – Dec. 10th “Shades Day” – wear sunglasses or hat
Picture Make-Up Day – Oct. 18th
Vision screening is October 20-21 for K, 2nd, and 4th grades.
The Red Ribbon Week theme for 2021 is Inspire Kid’s to Be Happy! Learn more here: https://www.redribbon.org/
Health Hero’s Flu Vaccines for students. Paperwork will be sent home.
Pictures with Santa will take place on Friday, December 3rd.
This December our school will participate in a Family Ornament Project - Beauregard Elementary families will send in one ornament to donate that is special to them, ask students to list 3 reasons why that ornament is special or means something to them to share.
In September and October we explored the experiences, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans who have shaped Latino—and American—history. Watch this video animated music video "Join the Celebración" - an original song that celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month through icons, artists, and heroes like Frida Kahlo, Celia Cruz, and more! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9tmJmcpUDhM
SANFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL
Sanford Middle School is proud to sponsor an Anti-Bullying Campaign. This campaign will be launched during the month of October and reoccur throughout the year. Outside guests will be invited to speak with students about ways they can prevent the harmful effects of bullying.
BEAURGEGARD HIGH SCHOOL
The students and faculty at Beauregard High School have experienced a wonderful start to the 2021-2022 school year in many respects. Of course, the beginning of every school year opens with much fanfare as classes and many activities ensue.
Prior to the beginning of the school year, Beauregard High School was privileged to host the New Teacher Orientation for the school system welcoming all of the new teachers to the Lee County Schools. The V.E.S.P.A. (Venue for Educating Students in the Performing Arts - auditorium) along with our new computer labs proved to be the perfect facilities for hosting this event.
This year, the Hornets welcomed new head football coach Justin Jones to Beauregard High School. Coach Jones joined us in April last spring. To kick off the school year and the fall band and athletic seasons, Beauregard High School hosted an open house for parents/stakeholders that was followed with a community-wide pep rally in the stadium presented by our cheerleaders on Thursday, August 19. Those from Beauregard will understand! The Two-Bits torch was passed from father to son at this event ensuring a long-standing Beauregard tradition. Under Coach Jones’ leadership, the Hornets took the field on August 20 hosting the Valley High School Rams beginning a ten-game regular season. Our marching band, cheerleaders, volleyball, and cross-country teams have had successful fall seasons as well.
Other groups have also been very active during the fall. Our Future Farmers of America (FFA) has experienced a number of successes. This group of outstanding students recently placed first with an informative booth at the Lee County Fair. The students researched the facts and constructed the booth as a student led project. Representing Beauregard High School at both the state and national levels, James Conway placed first in the state and 12th in the nation in the FFA Employability Skills Leadership Development Event. He will compete at the national level for a finalist spot on October 28, 2021 in Indianapolis.
Academically, our students have been very engaged in the teaching-learning process during the first nine-weeks grading period. On October 6, our seniors took the WorkKeys Exam. This exam focuses upon employability. On Wednesday, October 13, members of the sophomore class took the PreAct. The PreAct is a multiple-choice exam that familiarizes students with the ACT mirroring the style of the official college entrance exam. Our recently introduced visual arts program is proving to be a resounding success. Our student artists are creating outstanding works utilizing multiple artistic genres. The new science labs are being used to enhance instruction in the scientific disciplines.
During the week of October 11-15, the students and faculty have celebrated both homecoming and senior week.
As we begin the second nine-weeks, we look forward to many upcoming events and activities. We will kick off our basketball, wrestling, and bowling activities for the year. Our band and choir will present their annual Christmas Concert on December 14 in the V.E.S.P.A. Additionally, we will continue to focus upon instruction in the academic and elective disciplines as we complete the first semester.
We invite you to follow our school on our website, our FaceBook page, Instagram, and Twitter.
NEWS FROM BEULAH
BEULAH ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Beulah Elementary has added a STEM program for all K-6 students. While in the STEM lab, students receive hands on exploration of grade level topics while working together to solve real world problems. Mrs. Gregory is excited to bring STEM education to all students and looks forward to adding robotics to the STEM lab.
Please remember to mark these dates on your calendars:
- FALL PICTURES 10/20/21
- GRANDPARENT'S PICNIC 10/28/21
- RED RIBBON WEEK 10/25-29
- ONLINE SILENT AUCTION FUNDRAISER 11/1-3
BEULAH HIGH SCHOOL
Congratulations to the Lady Bobcats on winning Area for Volleyball!! Beulah High School will host the Area Tournament October 13th at 4:00 in the Jerry Southwell Gymnasium.
Beulah High School's Education and Training class went to Beulah Elementary to work with students in the special needs class.
The Workkeys assessment was administered on October 6th, and the Pre-ACT will be administered on October 13th to all 10th grade students.
Beulah Counselors are preparing for college application week, which is October 18th - 22nd.
Congratulations to Emma Brewer on being elected Beulah High School's 2021 Homecoming Queen!
NEWS FROM LOACHAPOKA
LOACHAPOKA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At Loachapoka Elementary School, the Auburn vs. Alabama reading competition is still going on. We are asking parents to encourage their children to "Read to Succeed" for their team! Students who complete six books and turn in their completed reading log by 10/22 will be entered into a drawing for free tickets to the Iron Bowl!
We will celebrate Red Ribbon Week October 25-29. We are currently finalizing plans so, be on the lookout for information regarding this school-wide event.
We will have our first book fair for the 2021-2022 school year November 1-5! There will be many interesting titles to choose.
Loachapoka Elementary has added a STEM program for all K-6 students. While in the STEM lab, students receive hands on exploration of grade level topics while working together to solve real world problems. Dr. Carter is excited to bring STEM education to all students and looks forward to adding robotics to the STEM lab.
LOACHAPOKA HIGH SCHOOL
Greetings! We hope you are doing well and enjoying cooler temperatures as we move into October! We hope this newsletter is informative and provides relevant information, so you stay up-do-date with what is happening at Loachapoka High.
We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Auburn University for weekly ACT tutoring. All juniors and seniors with upcoming test dates attend each Monday.
LHS teachers will also be offering ACT tutoring afterschool starting the week of October 12th on Tuesday and Thursday from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Please remember to mark your dates on your calendars:
Hispanic Heritage month is September 15 – October 15. We celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic American champions who have inspired others to achieve success.
October 7th: Financial Aid Parent Meeting @6pm (12th Graders)
October 8th: End of 1st Nine weeks October 13th: PreACT Test Day (all 10th graders)
October 15th: Report Cards go out
October 18-22: Homecoming Week - Parade @ 1:15pm & Pep rally to follow at Tate-Jones Stadium
October 26th: ACT Workkeys Test (all 12th graders)
October 27th: Lead Day (all 12th graders) October 28th: Health Heroes - flu vaccinations will be given at LHS
November 5th: Southern Union representative visits 9th graders in Career Prep to discuss the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics career cluster.
November 5th: ASVAB Test (11-12 graders)
#GetBetterTogetherforStudentSuccess #GoIndians
NEWS FROM THE SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY DIVISION
EAST SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
At East we are proud of our new faces and new opportunities. We are incredibly honored to introduce in pre-kindergarten Mrs. Nichols, in kindergarten Ms. Hanson and Mrs. Valdez, in 1st grade Ms. Miller, in 2nd grade Mrs. Burt, in 3rd grade Ms. Clark and Mrs. Cliatt, in 5th grade Mrs. Smith, our counselor Mrs. McDonald, in special education Mrs. Kamphaus, Mrs. Nelson, and Ms. Wilson, in instruction coaching Ms. Kozak, Mrs. Morgan, and Mrs. Robinson, and in our STEM lab Mrs. Malloy. These new members and relocated members are certain to lead East as we grow and prosper for classes now and in the future.
Beginning on October 25, East will be celebrating a healthier future with Red Ribbon Week. Look for fliers to come home with more details.
Mrs. Malloy is proud to bring STEM education to students. She is working with K-6 students to use hands on science to solve real world problems. Students are having an amazing time working with Mrs. Malloy!
SOUTH SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Lee County Schools provided a new roof to the school and new flooring in the cafeteria entry of Building 2.
Our Fall Book Fair was a success! Thank you to all of our families for supporting our first Book Fair of the year!
Beta Club is underway as our members are preparing for the annual "Beat Bama" Food Drive.
South's Moving Mountains is our new theme. Supporting Student Success is the new school motto.
We have a new Stem Lab at South SSES. Our students are learning exciting science experiments. Mrs. Baldwin is providing all students hands on science lessons and will be adding robotics in lessons to come!
WACOOCHEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
We held our fall book fair during the month of September and it was a HUGE success being that we earned more money than ever before! It was held to coincide with National Grandparent's Day and we had many grandparents visit during the day to shop with their grandchildren.
It is with great excitement that we announce our new STEM lab is open for business! Mrs. Sasser is our STEM teacher and the students at Wacoochee are loving everything about it! Some students met a hedgehog named Prixie as they learned about animal adaptations and animal habitats. Other students constructed parachutes as they learned about speed, the force of gravity, and air resistance. Many exciting, educational, and fun items have been purchased for the lab including robots - such as Bee Bots, Dash, and Vex 123 -We also purchased microscopes, circuits, a skeleton, and much more!
Our 6th graders were were able to attend the Smiths Station Homecoming parade and had a great time.
Each Friday during football season, our PTO sells spirit items to the students to get them ready to cheer on the Panthers!
WEST SMITHS STATION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
West Smiths Station Elementary has added a STEM program for all K-6 students. While in the STEM lab, students receive hands on exploration of grade level topics while working together to solve real world problems. Mrs. Collins is excited to bring STEM education to all students and looks forward to adding robotics to the STEM lab.
West Smiths Station is proud to partner with Sarah West and Lee County Schools to bring art instruction to 6th grade students. Through this partnership, 6th grade students will receive monthly art lessons.
Make sure to mark your calendars for the following:
10/19 Choctafaula
10/25-29 Red Ribbon Week
10/28 Health Hero Flu Shots
11/2 Election Day (No school)
11/10 Progress Reports
11/11 Veteran’s Day Holiday
11/22-26 Fall Break
12/17 End of 2nd Weeks
12/20-1/4 Winter Break 1/5 Students Return
NEWS FROM THE SMITHS STATION SECONDARY DIVISION
SMITHS STATION JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
The Smiths Station Junior High volleyball team had an outstanding season this year. The Lady Panthers finished their regular season with a record of 13-2. Highlights of the season included winning a set against Long Cane 25-0 when Kenzie Lester served 25 aces straight in a row and beating Auburn Junior High at our last home match in a 3rd set tiebreaker.
The SSJHS 7th grade football team has started off the 2021 football season 4-0 so far. To date, they are out scoring their opponents 104-34. With three big games remaining, the team looks to remain perfect against Opelika, Auburn, and PCIS.
We would to congratulate the following students for making the boy's basketball team: Kendrick Finley, Mykell Edmond, TJ Jackson, Jalyen Huff, Boston Brown, Jayden Peabody, Jordan Peabody, Aaron Carter, Cortez Hugley, Jamari Rogers, Josiyan Mohogany, Jamuan Mills, Bryson Shepard, Marcus Wiliams, and Damarian Upshaw. We look forward to an exciting season.
Smiths Station Junior High School is in the process of developing an after-school tutoring program to assist students in Math, English, and Science. There will more information on this program coming home in the next couple of weeks.
Congratulations to the ladies who represented Smiths Station Junior High on the Homecoming Court. Seventh grade representatives include Brooklyn Chimielewski, Jolie Crawford, Alyssa Freeman, Kinsley Marian, and Kynlea Morris. The eight grade representatives included Rebecca Cooper, Emma Gilmore, McKenzie Lester (queen), Molly Medlock, Adyson Tharpe.
SMITHS STATION FRESHMAN CENTER
SSFC will hold their first annual Reading Bowl this spring. Students are signing up now to begin reading the assigned books. Reading Bowl is being led by the English Department.
All SSFC teachers are incorporating ACT items in their daily instruction to better prepare students for the Pre-ACT and the ACT when they get to SSHS. Examples include using an item a day for the bell ringer activity and adding ACT-like questions on tests.
SSFC's focus this year will be Learning Targets as well as the strategic teaching strategy "I Do, We Do, You Do".
SMITHS STATION HIGH SCHOOL
Smiths Station High School reminds parents to mark your calendars for the following:
10/13 Pre-ACT Testing for 10th grade (11th & 12th grade College and Career Fair, 11th grade ACT Prep, 12th grade FAFSA workshop)
10/19 First EVER Home Flag Football game for SSHS
10/26: PSAT Testing (11th and 10th graders who signed up)
11/2: No School
11/10: Progress Reports
11/11: No School in observance of Veterans' Day
11/22-11/26: Thanksgiving Break
Organizations – The June Club is currently collecting money and items for backpacks for the homeless. These can be dropped off in East Commons before school. FTA is having a Sock Drive – you can donate new pairs of socks in any of the boxes located around the school.
Sports – Fall sports are winding down, and soon winter sports will start. If you haven’t yet, come out and see a cross country meet, a football game, or our newly added sport, flag football. In November, basketball and wrestling will begin.
Information about schedule changes for 2nd semester will be sent out in December
Follow our SSHS Facebook and Instagram pages for daily posts with student shout-outs, pictures from class activities, announcements, and more
Please follow the Smiths Station High School Facebook and Instagram pages for daily posts with student shout-outs, pictures of what’s going on in classes, and daily announcements. Each Friday, you can also find the Panther Planner posted on our social media sites and website, with a calendar of all upcoming events.