BEARDEN SHOPPER-NEWS • FEBRUARY 14, 2011 • A-9
Library gets student seal of approval, national recognition By Betty Bean
Two finished “Art Masters” originals by A.L. Lotts Elementary students: “Swirls” by Emily Watson and an untitled piece by Danielle Perez.
A heart for ‘Art Masters’ By Lorraine Furtner Five parents teach the PTA funded program “Art Masters” to Connie Noland’s 2nd grade class at A.L. Lotts Elementary. Tanya Churyuk, Pak Glover, Anita Patel, Shari Rhea and Sheila Spates spend one day a month teaching the lessons. Each project focuses on a different artist, is fun and exposes the students to a variety of media. A.L. Lotts Elementary student Sanam Patel creates an “Art Masters” project. Photos by L. Furtner
A.L. Lotts Elementary 2nd grader Jack Looney displays his artwork. Jack’s dad worked as a commercial artist. “He’s the best artist in Knoxville,” said Jack.
They’re happy that the school librarians got the recognition, but these West High students didn’t really need the president of the American Association of School Librarians (AASL) to tell them that West High’s library is a terrific place to be. AASL president Dr. Nancy Everhart is conducting a 50-state tour of the nation’s best high school libraries and chose West High School’s library as the one she wanted to see in Tennessee. The visit happened last Wednesday, and librarians Sarah Searles and Martha Emrey get high marks from students who use the facility on a daily basis. “It’s the best in the state,” said Kathryn Nelson. “The librarians got a plaque.” Anna Rennich works there every day as part of her Senior Experience. “The best part about the library is they make all the resources accessible. They work hard with the students to connect them to books and online resources, and they have a lot of new technology, which makes learning fun – like cameras and stuff. One of our Spanish classes writes and films movies. With the new computers we have iMovie, so they can go into the library and edit them.” Kelli Reese says she’s there every day, too. “I just kind of live there. I’m taking two independent studies, so I’m there for an hour and a half, also mornings and after school. They
West High student in the library: (front) Anna Rennich; (standing) Kelli Reese, Kathryn Nelson, Sam Vallecillo and Greg Tate. Photo by B. Bean
stay open until 4:45 or 5 every afternoon and from 6-8 p.m. on Mondays.” She said the librarians are so knowledgeable that they can deal with any computer problem students are likely to encounter. Sam Vallecillo says he’s there a lot, too. “I go because it makes me feel like it’s kind of the right place to be in school. Anything I need they get it for me and they help me a lot. It’s the right place to study and do my homework too. And when I need to do my work, which is every day, I go there before and after school. Sometime I skip lunch and go there, or I will ask my teachers if I can go. The librarians always make you feel very comfortable. Greg Tate thinks the library is great for class re-
search projects because of the number of databases that are accessible. “They also have a vast resource of Netbooks for everyone which allows you to be alone and doing your own independent thing at the same time as being in a classroom environment. And kudos to whoever designed it. It’s well-designed with lots of natural light.” “It’s a great big open space with lots of computers and comfortable chairs,” Kathryn said. “On days like Thursdays, I can be in the library for up to 3 and a half hours. It’s a great work environment. Or maybe you just want to read a book, or go on the Internet and play Sporkle; the librarians are there to support you. It’s a great place no matter when you’re going to it.
Cedar Bluff Elementary 5th grade chorus students perform “We Are Children of the World” :(front) Ana Tisdale, Jeemi Shah, Kailey Lay; (second row) Kylie Kubicki, McKenzie Myers, Madison Medley; (back) Sarah Roy and Sara Jacobsen. Photos by L. Fortner
‘This ain’t your momma’s PTA’ Any event doling out awards and speeches has snore fest potential (which could explain the hoopla over dresses at the Oscars). Eventually, Hollywood discovered that brevity, a few laughs and good music keep folks somewhat interested.
Lorraine Furtner
Thumbs-up to Knox County Council PTA president Pam Trainor for timing it right and showcasing students at last week’s gala.
Cedar Bluff performs for Knox County PTA Cedar Bluff Middle School orchestra and the Cedar Bluff Elementary School 5th grade chorus performed for the PTA Founders Commemoration and celebration of 100 years of Tennessee PTA. PTA presidents, including Knox County school board vice-chair Karen Carson, were recognized. The Tennessee PTA awarded the “100 Year Tennessee Ambassador for PTA” pin to National PTA president Charles “Chuck” Saylors. Tracy Bidinger re-
Chuck Saylors
ceived the PTA Tennessee Life Achievement Award for decades of service. The awards provide funding for scholarships. Saylors, the first man to head the national PTA, was the keynote speaker. Sandra Rowcliffe, 2nd vice-president, introduced Saylors as proof that “this ain’t your momma’s PTA.” Saylors said that all adult role models should commit to “three for me,” spending three hours a year in their child’s school. Parents help a school succeed. School achievement is an economic development tool because relocating companies look at schools and infrastructure. There should be a community conversation with those who control the purse strings to ensure that schools are a priority or that performing arts aren’t cut
from the budget, he said. As if validating Saylor’s endorsement of the arts, 7th grade members of the Cedar Bluff Middle School orchestra and Cedar Bluff Elementary School 5th grade chorus delivered great performances. The orchestra played “Resolution” and the chorus sang three songs from the upcoming spring concert “Songs of the World.” Christy Bock, director of the 5th chorus, said the group does require an audition, but former experience is not necessary. For example, Erica Cofer is new to chorus joining more seasoned singers Angel Bonner and Christal Goines. Angel sings in a church choir and Christal is part of the Knox County Honors Choir. For some students, music is a vital outlet. Stormi and Jakob Leath lost an older sister, Mysti “Breezi” Leath, several months ago. Stormi plays violin and Jakob sings; watching their performances helps their mother cope with the grief.
Bearden Middle ‘Believe’ program Shelly George and Devrin Young addressed attitude at Bearden Middle School’s “Believe” program assembly last week. The program recognizes students with significant academic improvement.
Shelly George sends Bearden Middle School student Ty’schan Davis off with a T-shirt after shaking hands with Bearden High School senior Devrin Young. Teachers Steven Jones and Anthony Hancock help distribute shirts. Principal Sonya Winstead said approximately 200 students received recognition and a T-shirt. George, a school parent and law professor at Lincoln Memorial University, encouraged students to explore, dream and discover. Decide now what you want to do and who you want to be; then determine to get there with hard work and discipline, said George. “You can do anything you set your mind to. If you can conceive it, you can achieve it.” Former BMS student Devrin Young is on the cusp of achieving his dream. The Bearden High School senior has made a University of Tennessee football commitment. Guidance counselor Jimmy Cannington said even though the PrepXtra Offensive Player of the Year has great stats and averages almost 11 yards a carry, Devrin was asked to speak because he also maintains a 3.0 GPA. Young said his GPA could have been higher if he’d cared more about it earlier in high school and had had a good, positive attitude toward school and teachers. He admits he had trouble in middle school, receiving ISS (inschool suspension) and OSS (out-of-school suspension). “I had the stigma of being a good athlete but having a bad attitude. I didn’t want to listen, but constructive
Cedar Bluff Middle School Orchestra 7th grade members get pointers from orchestra director Abigail Buczynski while warming-up before performing “Resolution” at the PTA celebration: (front) Stormi Leath, violin, and Michelle Waters, viola; (back) Buczynski and Clara Grace Willson, viola.
criticism can help you.” Devrin said that stigma cost him friendships and respect of the teachers. He also encouraged female students to fight against stereotypical roles.
“It is highly important that you go to college. You don’t want to depend on (anyone) but yourself,” said Devrin. Contact Lorraine Furtner at 951-9813 or Furtner_JL@hotmail.com.