STEM STUDENT Announcements for 12/21/12

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Friday, December 21, 2012

Last day of fall Semester

Designated Make up day for mid-terms

·      School buses will run normal routes for pick up this morning.

·      Cafeteria will not be open at all today.

·      We expect only students with make up work to complete.

·      Have a great Winter Break – we’ll return to normal full day schedules beginning with an “L” day on Tuesday, January 8.  Early Release (ER) Wednesdays will not return until Feb 6.

Quote of the day: from Ralph Waldo Emerson

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

When you make your New Year’s resolutions, make exceling at school part of your list!

Happy Holidays from your Administration, Teachers, and Staff of the L&N.  See you in 2013!

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism

STEM STUDENT Announcements for 12/20/12

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Thursday, December 20, 2012

"L" Schedule Day

Early Dismissal Test Day

·      Regular class times for 1^st and 2^nd block this morning then students will be dismissed to eat lunch or leave campus.  Students are not to be in classroom areas unless accompanied by a teacher. 

o   Thanks to all those who stopped and signed the card for Newtown students yesterday.  It will be in the Commons Area at dismissal time today for anyone else who wishes to sign before we send it out.

o   Note about Friday – cafeteria will not be serving any food at all.  Teachers will expect you ONLY if you have makeup work scheduled with them.  Students who are here will NOT be allowed to stay as a group in the Commons Area but will be divided to go with the teacher to whom they owe work.

Mid-terms Exam Schedule

Thursday, Dec 20 – L1 and L2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission).  Cafeteria will have limited breakfast and limited lunch – Mr. McFalls (our cafeteria manager) made a special batch of salad for lunch today, you are welcome to purchase and enjoy it before leaving campus.

Friday, Dec 21 – exam make up day – only students who owe work should be here on this day.  The cafeteria will NOT be serving at all today.

Quote of the day: from Charles Dickens

I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year.

Have a great break with loved ones and friends.  Take time to just “be” and think about what’s going well in your life and what might be changed to be even better.  When you make your New Year’s resolutions, make exceling at school part of your list!

Happy Holidays from your Administration, teachers, and staff of the L&N.  See you in 2013!

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism

STEM STUDENT Announcements for 12/19/12

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Wednesday, December 19, 2012

"N" Schedule Day

Early Dismissal Test Day

·      A couple reminders this last week – as the weather turns cold I know hats help keep us warm outside, but as soon as you enter the building (into the Commons or any other entrance) they need to come off your head.  It is against Knox County policy and is just plain ol’ good manners to remove your hat indoors.

·      Regular class times for 1^st and 2^nd block this morning then students will be dismissed to eat lunch or leave campus.  Students are not to be in classroom areas unless accompanied by a teacher. 

o   At 12:28 (dismissal) today, anyone interested is invited to a short memorial moment in honor of the students and adults slain in Newtown, CT at Sandy Hook Elementary School.  We will have a short remembrance around the flag pole in our parking lot and then sign a large card that will be sent to students, staff, and families of that community (this idea was proposed by T’ynecia Jackson – thank you!).

o   After eating, at 1:15, everyone still here will be gathered in the Commons Area until your ride/bus arrives.

Mid-terms Exam Schedule

Wednesday, Dec 19 – N1 and N2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission).  Cafeteria will have breakfast and lunch.

Thursday, Dec 20 – L1 and L2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission).  Cafeteria will have limited breakfast and limited lunch.

Friday, Dec 21 – exam make up day – only students who owe work should be here on this day.  The cafeteria will NOT be serving at all today.

Quote of the day: from Albert Einstein

Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow.

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism

STEM STUDENT Announcements for 12/18/12

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Tuesday, December 18, 2012

"L" Schedule Day

Advisory Day

·      No Learning Lab or Chess Club this week.

·      Even though the week will get unusual due to testing schedules as we progress – don’t forget, we are still in school and have work to do.  Hunker down, focus, and push through this last week to finish your 1^st semester as strong as possible! Good luck on your exams J

·      A couple reminders this last week – as the weather turns cold I know hats help keep us warm outside, but as soon as you enter the building (into the Commons or any other entrance) they need to come off your head.  It is against Knox County policy and is just plain ol’ good manners to remove your hat indoors.

·      Sophomores and Juniors – you’re getting called out!  We restricted access to App rooms by Freshmen and the condition did not improve.  Step up guys – take care of your surroundings and clean up after yourselves.  We’ll deal with access to this school feature when we come back from break.

Club Meetings:

·      None this week of exams.

Mid-terms Exam Schedule

Monday, December 17 – N3 and N4 exams

Tuesday, December 18 – L3 and L4 exams

Wednesday, Dec 19 – N1 and N2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission)

Thursday, Dec 20 – L1 and L2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission)

Friday, Dec 21 – exam make up day

Quote of the day: from Calvin Coolidge

Christmas is not a time nor a season, but a state of mind.  To cherish peace and goodwill, to be plenteous in mercy, is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism

Parent resources for helping your student deal with the CT tragedy

Parents - I know you join the staff and administration of the L&N in heartfelt grief over the irrational tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, CT last Friday.  Please be reassured that we take your child's safety very seriously. 

Some of the things we have in place to help keep our campus safe include:

•  having students and staff wear their IDs visibly on their body.  This helps the security guards, teachers and administrators quickly identify anyone who should not be inside one of our buildings;
•  if you have ever signed your student out early you have been asked to show ID at the front desk, another way we limit access to students;
• all visitors sign in when entering the building - they are given either a lanyard and badge (if they are there all day - like a sub) or a bright yellow "visitor" sticker, again, to help identify those who should be in the building;
• and we are lucky to have two active Security Resource Officers and a KPD officer who routinely patrol our campus around the perimeter, between, and inside the buildings.  They are constantly looking out for individuals who should not be among our students.

Our staff is trained in emergency drills and procedures (just two weeks ago we had a lockdown drill, which would be used in the instance of an unwanted stranger in the building); and we take the practice of them very seriously.    I just wanted to take this moment to reassure you we are doing everything possible to reasonably assure safety of students and adults when on our campus, and when we are together off campus.

If you are in need of some resources to help talk to your student about the tragedy in CT, please visit the system's page at http://knoxschools.org.  They have posted tips and strategies to use to help young people deal with tragedy.   Per President Obama's order, our flags will be flown at half mast in honor of the victims of the tragedy until sunset, Dec. 18.  If there is anything we can do to help your child deal with the situation, please make us aware.

STEM STUDENT Announcements for 12/17/12

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Monday, December 17, 2012

"N" Schedule Day

Enrichment Day

·      I’m sure you’ve all heard about the tragedy in Newtown, CT.  Let me reiterate that we have procedures in place (like making your wear your IDs in a visible way) and people whose job it is to be aware of who is in our building - your safety is always of our utmost concern. 

o   We know that everyone deals with things differently; please let one of your teachers or the office know if you wish to talk to someone. 

o   We will continue to hold school as normal this week, but let someone know if you have questions or a need to talk.

o   Some people deal with grief by wanting to do something.  Some of your peers have asked what we can do – please send ideas either to show support for the community of Newtown, or perhaps for the same age children here closer to home, to Mrs. Ashe and we’ll set something up as a school to show our concern and good wishes.

·      Bring your early release permission slips TODAY (Monday).

·      No Learning Lab or Chess Club this week.

·      Even though the week will get unusual due to testing schedules as we progress – don’t forget, we are still in school and have work to do.  Hunker down, focus, and push through this last week to finish your 1^st semester as strong as possible! Good luck on your exams J

Club Meetings:

·      Teens for Christ meets Monday mornings at 9:00 in the STEM space in the Depot.

·      Model UN meeting Monday, We will elect officers as well as conference details including registration and payment deadlines.

·      Asian Culture & Language Club (ACLC): every Wednesday during Enrichment in D223.

·      Chess Club meets on Wednesdays from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. in the media center.  

·      Gryphon Studios, film club, on Thursday afternoons 4:45 – 6:00 PM, in Room 214 in the Station.

Mid-terms Exam Schedule

Monday, December 17 – N3 and N4 exams

Tuesday, December 18 – L3 and L4 exams

Wednesday, Dec 19 – N1 and N2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission)

Thursday, Dec 20 – L1 and L2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission)

Friday, Dec 21 – exam make up day

Quote of the day: from the XIV Dalai Lama

Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength.  No matter what sort of difficulties, how painful experience is, if we lose our hope, that’s our real disaster.

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism

STEM STUDENT Announcements for 12/14/12

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Friday, December 14, 2012

"L" Schedule Day

Enrichment Day

·      Today is the last Learning Lab day of the semester.  We will not have Learning Lab from 8:00 – 9:15 in the Depot next week.

·      If you weren’t here last night you missed the hottest show in town!  Our Music Department (orchestra, band and chorus) put on an AWESOME display of talent as a musical holiday gift to everyone attending.  Thank you Mr. Gibson and musical Gryphons – you should each be very proud of yourself for a great concert!

·      Don’t forget to return your early release permission slips for next week!  Turn in to your first period teacher by Monday, Dec 17.  Extra copies are on the front counter in the office.  If you do not return the slips you will not be allowed to leave early next Wednesday and Thursday.

·      Last day to buy an SGA candy cane message!  The candy canes will be handed out during advisory on the 18th.  Share your holiday spirit with the ones you love!  $1 each

   

·      Brown Bag Chat today: Doug Smith & Richard Stair about Wireless Charger Technologies, Texas Instruments.  Email Mr. Smith to let him know you plan on attending.

Service Opportunities:

·      Ijams Nature Center has lots of opportunities for service.  For example, they would like volunteers for their annual holiday craft party on 12/15 from 10-2. They’ll show you how to do the craft and then you’ll help children and families make them during the event.  Lots of fun!  If you are interested you may contact Sabrina deVault, outreach coordinator, at sabrina@ijams.org.

Club Meetings:

·      Teens for Christ meets Monday mornings at 9:00 in the STEM space in the Depot.

·      Model UN meeting Monday, We will elect officers as well as conference details including registration and payment deadlines.

·      Asian Culture & Language Club (ACLC): every Wednesday during Enrichment in D223.

·      Chess Club meets on Wednesdays from 8:45 to 9:15 a.m. in the media center.  

·      Gryphon Studios, film club, on Thursday afternoons 4:45 – 6:00 PM, in Room 214 in the Station.

Mid-terms Exam Schedule

Monday, December 17 – N3 and N4 exams

Tuesday, December 18 – L3 and L4 exams

Wednesday, Dec 19 – N1 and N2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission)

Thursday, Dec 20 – L1 and L2 exams (release at 12:30 for those with permission)

Friday, Dec 21 – exam make up day

Quote of the day: from Buddha

However many holy words you read, however many you speak what good will they do if you do not act upon them?

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism