FIRST THURSDAY VOLUM E 5, ISSUE 11
Food Drive a Success for Holidays Students and staff at Bunn High School, Franklinton Elementary School, Louisburg Elementary School, and Laurel Mill Elementary School worked extremely hard to collect food for the Franklin County community as part of the 2010 Fall United Way Food Drive. More than 9,000 non-perishable food items were distributed on Monday, November 22 to ten different food pantries across the county. This was the largest food drive so far. The United Way credits Franklin County Schools as the goal could not have been accomplished without the district‟s support. In addition, thirty 40-pound boxes of sweet potatoes were distributed. For Christmas, there will be 200 turkeys distributed. “The schools have helped hundreds of people get needed food with their generous efforts,” says Kathy Harrelson, Executive Director of the United Way of Franklin County. “They reached out in a way that immediately made a difference.”
United Way Grant Awards Teachers across FCS met at Novozymes to receive grant awards. Page 2
Final FHS Football Game Marks History Final home football game marks the end of an era at current FHS campus. Page 3
Franklin County Schools Our Future, Our Commitment, Our Students
DECEMBER, 2010
Yeazel Named FCS Assistant Principal of the Year
Melissa Yeazel (second from right), Assistant Principal of Bunn High School, was surprised at school with the FCS 2011 Assistant Principal of the Year Award by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Lynn Henderson (far left) and Superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram (far right). Also pictured is Robin Faulkner (second from left), Principal of Bunn High School. Surprised by Central Office Leadership, Melissa Yeazel, Assistant Principal of Bunn High School, was awarded by Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Lynn Henderson and Superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram as the 2011 Assistant Principal of the Year for Franklin County Schools. Yeazel began her teaching career at Bunn High School in 1997 as a mathematics teacher. As a teacher, she taught every course offered in the area of mathematics from Pre-Algebra to Advanced Placement Statistics and Advanced Placement Calculus. She taught one year at Bunn High School and two years at Franklinton High School. In addition to teaching in Franklin County Schools, she also taught for four years in Hanover County, Virginia and three years in Elkhart, Indiana. Yeazel is beginning her fourth year as an assistant principal at Bunn High School. “This is an exhilarating job for me because I am part of such an extraordinary team,” Yeazel says. “Bunn High is a phenomenal group of teachers, staff, and students led by Robin Faulkner, who has been an inspiring mentor to me. All of our teachers are talented and dedicated to students, and we have a very energized student body. All of these things make this job both fun and personally rewarding.” SEE APOY PAGE 4
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
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29 FCS Teachers Awarded Grants from United Way at Presentation
Teachers from across the district attended an awards presentation held at Novozymes on Thursday, November 18. Twenty-nine teachers from various schools received grant monies. One teacher from Cross Creek Charter School also received grant money. The total amount of grants awarded was $30,958.95. Eighty-one grants were initially submitted for possible approval, a total of $94,356.23.
Eddie Hinton (left), who works with math tutoring at Bunn Elementary School, receives his money for the grant he wrote titled, “Mastering Math Technology Style.”
Creating an imaginative title for a grant was extremely popular as teachers from across Franklin County Schools applied for United Way Grants this school year. Varying titles for grants awarded this year included, “Gulliver‟s World,” “Something on the Inside Working on the Outside,” “You, Mii, Wii—Get Fit,” and even “SMART Kids Need SMART Boards.” On the evening of Thursday, November 18, several teachers and administrators met at Novozymes for the grant awards presentation. United Way Board of Directors Chairman and Creative Education Center Principal Dale Byrns led the presentation with the assistance of Kevin Potter and Laura Terry from Novozymes. Teachers from across the school district will use their grant money for new, exciting opportunities for their classrooms.
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
FHS Holds Final Football Game at Current Stadium
The 1958 Football Team, the school’s first football team known at that time as the “Red Rockets,” along with members of the 1958 Cheerleading Squad were honored during a special half-time presentation at Franklinton High School’s final home game on the existing campus of Franklinton High School. The school will be moving to its new campus at the intersection of Lane Store Road and Cedar Creek Road next school year.
At the start of the special half-time presentation, all decades of the school were honored across the football field. In addition, Franklin County Schools Assistant Superintendent for Auxiliary Services Tommy Piper (center) was honored during the half-time presentation for his hard work and dedication to the FHS athletic program while he was a coach at the school. Pictured with Piper is FHS Principal Charles Fuller (left) and FHS Assistant Principal/Athletic Director David Averette (right).
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FCS FIRST THURSDAY
APOY
DECEMBER, 2010
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District PLC for Grading and Reporting in Full Swing
Continued from page 1
Yeazel adds, “I am grateful for this award. Franklin County has a talent-rich group of leaders in the assistant principals and principals, and I am proud to be associated with them.� Yeazel holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from Wake Forest University, a Certificate in Executive Management from the University of Notre Dame, and a Masters of Arts in Education and Human Development-Educational Leadership and Administration from The George Washington University.
Director of Elementary Education and Title I Linda Frederickson discusses grading and reporting with representatives from each grade level of each school at the first meeting of the district professional learning community (PLC) in November at Bunn Elementary. The objective of the district PLC is to open conversations with all regarding standardsbased grading and student engagement.
RES Awards Pancake Breakfast for Academics
Schools Closed for Holidays All schools will be closed during Christmas Break. All schools except the Early College will have teacher workdays on Monday, December 20 and Tuesday, December 21. The Early College has teacher workdays on Friday, December 17 and Monday, December 20. School will resume on Monday, January 3. YES will be holding Extended Learning during the week of January 3-7. The Early College will resume on Tuesday, January 4.
Students at Royal Elementary School were recently awarded with a pancake breakfast. The breakfast was an incentive for completion of all homework and class assignments, along with passing four Accelerated Reader tests in two weeks. Third through fifth grade participants enjoyed good company and food during this academic celebration.
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
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Bunn Middle School Highlights
In Mary Ciffone-Baker‟s classes, she introduced the concept of spreadsheets, vocabulary, symbols, and formulas associated with the creation of spreadsheets. Mrs. Baker taught the main function of spreadsheets, which is the calculation of data. She emphasized the real life use of them by assigning students data from Billy Bob‟s Burger Barn Restaurant (a fictitious Name). They were given data that included menu items. They had to order a certain amount of food items, calculate the total, and then calculate their final bill and change. Finally, they were asked to calculate the mean of what the cost of the items equaled as part of a final formative assessment.
“Ever heard of Marchetta „Bulldog‟ Grantham? She ain‟t comin‟ to sing the National Anthem!” Those exact words were on display on a flyer throughout Bunn Middle School in preparation for the PBIS faculty and student volleyball game that was held on Tuesday, November 23. The game was held to encourage student attenance and create school spirit. The teachers were great sports, and the school had a lot of fun getting ready for the game. “PBIS is working at BMS,” Assistant Principal Andrea Faulkner said, “and we are excited about all of the efforts of the PBIS team.”
Students in Ms. Hensley‟s Social Studies class completed a Historical Action Figure project. Each student chose a historical figure from Europe, Russia, or Latin America they felt played an important role in history. In this project, the classroom audience acted as representatives from a toy company. Each student then made a prototype of their figure and wrote a “sales pitch” to persuade the “toy company” to manufacture their historical figure. Hensley said, “My students did an excellent job with this project. Their „sales pitches‟ were an excellent format for delivering a report and they had a great time doing it. I am impressed with their artistic talents and creativity in making their prototypes. I am very proud of their hard work.”
An anti-violence initiative was held at Bunn Middle School in October to promote anti-violence in homes, school, and the community. “Hands Are Not for Hitting,” sponsored by Franklin County Safe Space, is a school-community partnership to assist students in understanding their hands should not be used to hurt another person or peer. Students traced their hands on a display as a pledge. This was displayed at the Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil and will be returned to the school to be displayed.
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
Cedar Creek Captures MAC-9 Conference Championship in Football
Congratulations to the Cedar Creek Middle School football team for their amazing season! They soundly defeated Hawley Middle School 29-14, closing out the season with a 7-1 record—the best in the schoolâ€&#x;s 13-year history! With this victory, the Jaguars captured the 2010 MAC-9 Conference Championship title. Congratulations to the coaches for all of their hard work, and the Jaguar players who made it happen.
Bunn High School Football Team Makes it to 2010 Class 2-AA State Football Playoffs The Bunn High School Wildcats made it to the third round of the state playoffs on Friday, November 26. Unfortunately, the Northeastern High School Eagles in Elizabeth City defeated the Wildcats 35-7 using a balanced offensive attack and an aggressive defense. The Wildcats had previously defeated North Pitt during the first round of the playoffs a couple of weeks prior by having a strong overall team speed advantage. They also defeated Kinston a week later with its best defensive effort of the season. The Wildcats record at the end of the state playoffs was 11-3. Congratulations to Head Coach Chris Miller, his coaching staff, and his team for all of their hard work and effort this school year.
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Third Graders at EBES Learn Early How Not to be a Bully
Third graders at Edward Best Elementary eagerly learned how to do their part in helping to keep EBES a bully-free school. Melissa Jennings from Safe Space talked to all third grade students on Monday, November 15 to ensure they learn early how to respect others and to make sure they are not showing bully behaviors to others. They also learned some strategies of what to do if someone shows bully behaviors toward them. They ended each class session by agreeing to sign a pledge not to bully, and this pledge will hang in their classrooms.
Smokey the Bear Visits YES
Smokey the Bear and the NC Forest Rangers visited first graders at Youngsville Elementary School. They shared a video, five rules of preventing fires, and goodie bags.
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
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Long Mill Elementary School Happenings
ABC 11 Chief Meteorologist Chris Hohmann visited Long Mill Elementary on Monday, November 29. He spoke to fifth graders about how meteorologists predict the weather. In addition, he taught students about severe weather awareness and answered questions from the audience. Hohmann is on ABC 11 Eyewitness News during the evening hours. The Long Mill Lions gave Hohmann a school shirt as a gift for speaking.
Long Mill Elementary recently held their student council elections. Students gave speeches at an assembly. The students are (left to right): Isaiah Walker, Sydney Stine, Kyshun Black, and Ben Haight. The student council sponsors are Jennifer Thompson (back left) and Cindy Walker (back right).
A talent show was held on Monday, November 8 at Long Mill Elementary School. The show was held as part of the school fitness initiative. There were thirteen acts total in the talent show. Members of the Library Club are seen above dancing to “Cotton-Eyed Joe.�
The Photography Club at Long Mill Elementary School recently participated in a workshop given by local professional photographer Scott Wilson. This club is part of the LOMES student leadership initiative.
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
Franklinton Elementary School Happenings
Kaitlyn Klein and Selena Rosabal, both students at Franklinton Elementary, recently received notification that they were winners in the 2010 NC School Bus Safety Poster contest. Kaitlyn received 2nd place and Selena received 3rd place. Each received a plaque to honor their accomplishment. Mrs. Yvette Masullo, their Art teacher, submitted the posters. Entries are also posted online at www.ncbussafety.org.
Staff and students dressed up as their favorite book characters at FES recently. The fourth grade teachers dressed up as characters from “Cloudy with a Chance for Meatballs� by Judi Barrett. Bob the Builder (aka Mrs. Pennington) even completed a few work orders on campus!
Franklinton Elementary School celebrated the grand opening of their newly renovated gymnasium on November 18, 2010. Students performed songs and Lester Wilder spoke to the crowd of over 300 and inspired the students of FES to work hard and rise to the challenge. Alumni of the classes of 1961-1968 were also in attendance. After the dedication, the visitors were invited to visit the many booths set up in the gym that focused on making healthy choices.
On Monday, November 22, Mary Green (right), Treasurer of the Franklinton American Legion Auxiliary presented FES Principal Carol Davis (left) with a check. This money will be used for the Special Education department at the school.
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FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
TLMS Boy’s Soccer Team Has Undefeated Season
Congratulations to the Terrell Lane Middle School Boy‟s Soccer team on an outstanding season. The Tornados went 11-0 and won both the regular season and conference tournament championships. This is the first time the soccer team has posted a perfect 11-0 season and brought both the regular season championship and tournament championship to Terrell Lane. Congratulations to the players, managers, and coaches for their hard work this season. Also, a special thanks to all the fans that came out and supported the Tornados this season.
Louisburg Elementary School Highlights
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BES Holds Annual Turkey Trot to Promote Wellness
All of the students and staff at Bunn Elementary School walked together around the campus on Tuesday, November 23 as part of their annual Turkey Trot to promote wellness at the school.
LHS Band Performs for Veterans’ Day
The Louisburg Elementary PTA held a Veteran‟s Day Program honoring forty-eight veterans from their student‟s families. A delicious pancake supper ended the event.
Fifth graders at Louisburg Elementary recently attended an International Fair with their peers. Each student in Mrs. Leonard‟s Starquest Class became experts on a country in South America. They dressed the part and served store-bought foods from their assigned country.
The Louisburg High School Band performed for the Franklin County Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday, November 11. The band featured patriotic selections including an Armed Forces Medley, "This Land Is Your Land", "Columbia The Gem of the Ocean", "God Bless America", "Remember Pearl Harbor", Sousa's 1888 march "The Crusader", and Sousa's 1918 setting of our National Anthem. This year was the sixteenth straight year the LHS Band has performed for the Franklin County Veterans.
FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
Holiday Greetings from FCS Superintendent Dr. Eddie Ingram December 2, 2010 The Holiday Season is upon us! It is hard to believe we are on the cusp of beginning the second decade of the 21st century. The Holidays provide us the time for rest and reflection. While today’s world certainly presents us with many challenges, I know our community and school family are prepared to meet and exceed expectations despite the economic downturn. Our best days are truly ahead of us, and together, we shall continue to make Franklin County Schools a school district without peer. I appreciate and look forward to continuing our work with everyone to create sound educational experiences for our children. I believe that the spirit of the season provides us a time to momentarily forget our troubles and embrace what is truly important‌ our relationships with family and friends. It is good to balance our work lives with festivity and rest. My sincere wish is for everyone to have a wonderful holiday and a prosperous 2011. Happy Holidays!
Eddie Ingram, Ed. D. FCS Superintendent
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FCS FIRST THURSDAY
DECEMBER, 2010
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Louisburg High School Band Students Accepted into UNC-Wilmington Honor Band
Left to Right: Justin Benfield, Erin May, Joshua Lusky, Colleen Leonard, Erin Davis, Danielle Wagner, and David Wood.
Seven students from the Louisburg High School Band were accepted in and attended the UNCWilmington Honor Band Festival on Thursday, November 18 through Saturday, November 20. The students worked with the UNC-W music faculty for ten hours of rehearsal to prepare a concert on Saturday, November 20. Ninety-three students from across North Carolina and Virginia joined together to create the UNC-W Honor Band.
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