Notes from the Board – September 10

By Grady Sue Saxon/Special to The Leeds News

Every day is important to our children and schools so I’ll start with a reminder that to get the most out of school, children need to be in school each day, on time and ready to learn. You can help at home by setting aside an area for homework and study, encourage your children, praise their progress, and let them know that you are interested in what they learn.



Precautions

Now that I have encouraged you to have your children in school every day, I have to clarify and remind you that sick children need to be at home until they are fever free for 24 hours. This will help prevent illnesses from spreading throughout the schools.

To help prevent sickness, please teach your children the following precautions: Wash hands for 20 seconds, sneeze and cough into the elbow instead of out into the room, and avoid others who are ill.



Getting into College: Some Hints

High school juniors who are planning to go to college should already be making contacts and completing applications. Can’t afford it? There are many scholarships available besides those for academics and athletics. Consult with our school counselor, Mrs. Hudson. Search the web for possibilities. Check for material in the Leeds library. You will probably find that there are scholarships for left-handed folks, those with Native American blood, sons and daughters of veterans of almost any war, and those who are the first in their family to attend college! Some local civic clubs and corporations offer financial assistance. Don’t delay and be persistent!

My most recent copy of Auburn Magazine has an article, “Getting to Yes,” that may be helpful for our students. Although, the information is specific to Auburn, 1 think the process is probably similar to other state universities.

Per this article, students began applying August 1. In October, the admissions administrators will start making “early action” decisions based strictly on academic criteria: grade-point average and test scores, such as those with at least a 32 ACT and a 3.0 GPA. These are admitted as early as possible because of academic scholarship opportunities.

Then, beginning in October, a review process begins that allows admission personnel to get to know the other applicants better and to dig deeper than academic criteria. They look at other factors such as “legacy” status (if family members attended Auburn), extracurricular activities, community service and leadership, and the answers to the four essay questions on the application. Under-represented Alabama counties are and first generation college students are given a consideration. For those who don’t immediately qualify academically, it is possible to take the freshman year at another school, perhaps a community college and build up the academic foundation and study skills.



Donations Needed for the Band Program

This year, there are over 100 band students in the LMS band program. The high school only has uniforms for 60. In order to be prepared for these upcoming students, the LHS Band Boosters are raising money to purchase additional uniforms and instruments.

The goal is $50,000 this year and $50,000 next year for a total of $100,000. If they are unable to raise the money, there will be no choice but to turn students away from the band program. Certainly, we do not want that to happen. Donations of any amount will be appreciated.

They are also selling sponsorships for $100 which buys a decal to be attached to the band trailer, $250 for a decal on the trailer and your company logo on the band banner, and $300 for a decal on the trailer, logo on the banner and an ad every month on the band calendar. Donations and sponsorships funds can be mailed to Band Boosters, P.O. Box 1211, Leeds, AL 35094. Make checks payable to Leeds Band Boosters.

The Band Boosters are also sponsoring a raffle for a $500 gift card to the Bass Pro Shops. Tickets can be purchased for $10 each from any band member. The drawing will be held October 30 during halftime at the Leeds vs Moody game. And, at each home game, they will be selling pork sandwiches from Rusty’s BBQ, pizza from Papa Johns, roasted peanuts, Pepsi products and Golden Flake potato chips. So, I encourage all to go very, very hungry to home games, ready to purchase food from both the Band Boosters and Athletic Boosters!

Sounds like this would also be a good time to dig out those instruments you have stored away. If they are still in good condition, this would be a good time to donate them to the band program.



Buy a Helping Schools Car Tag

When you buy your car tag this year, ask to purchase what is called a Helping Your Schools vanity tag. Tell the clerk that you want the funds to go the Leeds City School System. Last year, we received $500 from this program but with so many drivers in Leeds this could be much, much higher!



Introducing New Elementary School Employees

Let me introduce a few of our new employees at the elementary school. I asked them to provide educational training and experience plus any information that they want the community to know about them. Don’t forget to give them a hearty Leeds welcome.

Alison Kitty Wright is teaching physical education and is the jump rope coach. She has a BS in education – exercise technology and a master’s in education – physical education. She is getting married in November to Drew Holsomback, who works for the Gardendale Fire Department.

Brittney Hallmark is teaching fourth grade. She has a BS in early childhood elementary education from UAB. She is married to Chad Hallmark. Her hobbies are reading, scrapbooking and running. Her hometown is Irondale but she graduated from Pell City. She attends the Church of the Highlands.

Kristin Pilkerton is teaching first grade. She graduated from the University of Alabama with a BA in Communication and a master’s in elementary/early childhood education.



Alternative School Information

Our alternative school is located in the Jerry Oxford Gymnasium building, which is on the new middle school campus. Mr. Dale Burnett is the teacher. Each student’s regular classroom teachers provide assignments so the students can keep up with their regular classes.

Mr. Burnett sees that the assignments are completed successfully. These students are not allowed contact with other students so they do not mingle with others on campus and they are not allowed to ride school buses.

Many times, misbehavior is due to frustration, perhaps, because a classroom assignment seems too difficult, students don't believe in themselves, and/or problems within the home. To help these students become motivated, begin to believe in themselves, and raise their skill levels, we are pleased to have Mrs. Tamela Thomas tutoring them in math and science for 30 minutes each day and to use the Impact program for counseling. Hopefully, this will inspire a change in attitude about school and themselves, resulting in better classroom behavior.



A Closing Reminder

If everyone will help a little bit, no one person will be overwhelmed. Working together, we will succeed in making our schools the envy of all. Go, team!

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