Gryphon Announcements for 5/20/14

Special note:  We know we will have veteran visitors from 11:15 – 12:15 on motorcycles at the Veteran's Memorial today.  They have a program and a schedule to keep so no, you cannot go out to join them.  Please let them eat and have their program in peace so they can keep their travel schedule intact.  Remember to have parents use alternate pick up location at 12:30 dismissal.

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Tuesday, May 20, 2014

 “N” Day –final exams (N1 & N2) LAST DAY!

·      Today’s Schedule: 

o   1^st period:  9:30 – 10:56

o   2^nd period: 11:02 – 12:30

o   When we dismiss at 12:30 everyone will be dismissed to lunch.  If you turned in a permission slip you should leave campus then. 

o   At 1:00 all students on campus will report to the Commons Area.  Teachers with makeup work or appointments with you will come get you from there.

o   Students are not to be anywhere on campus unless in company of a teacher.

o   Remember, like all early release days, you can not leave and then come back to catch your bus at 4:30.

·      Don’t forget if you plan to apply for your driver’s permit over the summer you MUST get an attendance verification form before you leave for the summer.  We will NOT be able to print them in the months of June or July.  Get it now and it will be good for the whole summer.  See Mrs. Patterson in the office to get one.

·      If you want to run cross country next year, please stick around for a few minutes after dismissal for an informational meeting about pre-season training. Meet in room 104 near the Commons at 12:35 PM on Tuesday 5/20. If you can't attend, please email Coach Wilsey at nick.wilsey@knoxschools.org to let him know you're interested.

·      Students not returning next year for any reason must turn in your iPad, charger block and cord, and case to Mr. Acosta before leaving today to avoid penalties.

·      Make plans now to join us for our first movie night of the summer Friday, May 30!  Come meet new students – bring your family with you for music and games on the plaza beginning at 7:00.  Bring lawn chairs/blankets to sit on.  Movie will start around 8:30.  The movie will be Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

Quote of the day from Mrs. Ashe

May you spend your summer amid plenty – of healthy sun-filled activity, friends and loved ones, and time to find and follow your passions. 

Your teachers and administration thank you for a great year and look forward to seeing you at events over the summer and welcoming you back in August!

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

Addition to Gryphon Announcements for 5/19/14

Two more important announcements that could not wait until tomorrow -

If you are planning on applying for a driving Learner's Permit anytime over the summer you MUST pick up the attendance form before this Friday, May 23.  Normally we can print these over the summer because we're here all summer long, however, this year the system is switching computer systems so we will not be able to print these during the month of June and most of July.  The THP will accept your verification letter dated this week all summer long.  But we will not be able to print any after this week.  Don't miss out on getting your permit this summer – this form is required to apply for it.  See Mrs. Patterson in the office if you have questions.
    2.  The date for the first summer movie is next Friday, May 30.  Be there!

Gryphon Announcements for 5/19/14

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Monday, May 19, 2014

 “L” Day –final exams (L1 & L2)

·      We are still in school.  The dress code still applies.  Girls – micro shorts are NOT in line with dress code.  When you get dressed hold your hands down at your side (not flexed and not curling your fingers up).  Your shorts/skirt should be BELOW your longest finger at your side.  Please don’t make us have to fuss at you.  Save the short shorts for the pool and beach this summer.  They are not appropriate for school!

·      Today’s Schedule: 

o   1^st period:  9:30 – 10:56

o   2^nd period: 11:02 – 12:30

o   When we dismiss at 12:30 everyone will be dismissed to lunch.  If you turned in a permission slip you should leave campus then. 

o   At 1:00 all students on campus will report to the Commons Area.  Teachers with makeup work or appointments with you will come get you from there.

o   Students are not to be anywhere on campus unless in company of a teacher.

o   Remember, like all early release days, you can not leave and then come back to catch your bus at 4:30.

·      You should have already turned in (or turn in this morning) your signed early dismissal slip for both days this week.  If you have not turned in a slip you will have to follow normal dismissal procedures (note from a parent or them coming to pick you up). 

·      Students not returning next year for any reason must turn in your iPad, charger block and cord, and case to Mr. Acosta before leaving campus on Tuesday to avoid penalties.

·      Make plans now to join us for our first movie night of the summer!  Come meet new students – bring your family with you for music and games on the plaza beginning at 7:00.  Bring lawn chairs/blankets to sit on.  Movie will start around 8:30.  You’ll get a survey link to vote for the movie later today.

Quote of the day from Bob Marley

The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.

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

Gryphon Announcements for 5/16/14

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Friday, May 16, 2014

 “N” Day –final exams (N3 & N4)

·      We are still in school.  The dress code still applies.  Girls – micro shorts are NOT in line with dress code.  When you get dressed hold your hands down at your side (not flexed and not curling your fingers up).  Your shorts/skirt should be BELOW your longest finger at your side.  Please don’t make us have to fuss at you.  Save the short shorts for the pool and beach this summer.  They are not appropriate for school!

·      Are you interested in sailing, or learning to sail?  Attend a very brief informational meeting about a new club forming – a Sailing Club, today, May16, 4:30 in room 104.

·      New club interest meeting – we’re starting a SECME chapter (SouthEastern Consortium of Minorities in Engineering) at the L&N.  In this case, a “minority” is described as an under-represented group in STEM fields, so this is not about ethnic minorities, it is also gender – so girls, come on!  We’ll also be discussing plans for a fall college visitation trip overnight somewhere for fall 2014.  Come find out more today, May 16 at 9:00 in room 104.

·      Our STEM Venturing Crew (0101) will be having a pancake breakfast this Saturday from 8:00 – 10:00 at the Chili’s on Mabry Hood Rd.  Tickets are $5 per person – see student Eric O’Reilley to purchase.

·      This afternoon, May 16 your parents need to use alternate pick up locations after school.  World’s Fair Park Drive will be closed due to an event.

·      Don’t forget to bring your signed permission slips for early dismissal next week – due today!

·      We will have Habit dogs in the building again today for you to spend time with before taking exams.  No one is required to see them, but they are there to help calm you down so you can concentrate for tests.  Students MUST have teacher’s permission to visit with the dogs and your time may be limited so others can visit, too.  They will be out on the Verandah with the schedule being Frosty here from 10-12 (he was here Thursday, too), Rivers and Jenny will be here from 12 – 1.  I don’t know what kind of dogs each of them are but their handlers will be with them at all times.  Please remember to thank our PTSA for arranging for these calming visits by four-legged ambassadors!

·      Today is a big day for our STEM classes. A year and a half ago, a group of our students took lab tours at ORNL as a reward for winning a STEM class challenge. On the way home, students designed a study based on the research conducted at ORNL’s marine biology lab. Later that spring, STEM 2 Natural Sciences wrote the methodology and worked to get fishtanks donated to the school. This winter, the project continued as the now juniors formalized the research proposal and Clark Smith and his team of engineers daisy chained the fishtanks to a centralized pump and sump system. 

Students did not let frustrations with setbacks deter, as today we have crayfish swimming in the filtered water ready the marine biology study.  Five students have volunteered to come in over the summer and conduct the research they planed. We are all proud of the tenacious attitude maintained by those who have worked hard to make this long-term project reality, and we look forward to their published work. We expect these tanks to be used for many diverse projects in STEM and science classes for years to come.  Plans have already been drafted for an expansion into a hydroponic greenhouse so other students can develop and conduct research in marine biology or plant sciences.

Quote of the day from Socrates:

I cannot teach anybody anything, I can only make them think.

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

Gryphon Announcements for 5/15/14

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Thursday, May 15, 2014

 “L” Day – First final exams (L3 & L4)

·      Good luck to our track athletes who will compete this afternoon in sectionals to qualify for the state championships!  Go Gryphons!

·      Are you interested in sailing, or learning to sail?  Attend a very brief informational meeting about a new club forming – a Sailing Club, Friday, May16, 4:30 in room 104.

·      New club interest meeting – we’re starting a SECME chapter (SouthEastern Consortium of Minorities in Engineering) at the L&N.  In this case, a “minority” is described as an under-represented group in STEM fields, so this is not about ethnic minorities, it is also gender – so girls, come on!  We’ll also be discussing plans for a fall college visitation trip overnight somewhere for fall 2014.  Come find out more Friday, May 16 at 9:00 in room 104.

·      Our STEM Venturing Crew (0101) will be having a pancake breakfast this Saturday from 8:00 – 10:00 at the Chili’s on Mabry Hood Rd.  Tickets are $5 per person – see student Eric O’Reilley to purchase.

·      This Friday, May 16 your parents need to use alternate pick up locations after school.  World’s Fair Park Drive will be closed due to an event.

·      Don’t forget to bring your signed permission slips for early dismissal next week – due tomorrow!

·      You will receive information today by email about summer school options.  Please look it over and send questions to administration or guidance.  This is a good opportunity to stay on track to graduate on time!

·      Today is a big day for our STEM classes. A year and a half ago, a group of our students took lab tours at ORNL as a reward for winning a STEM class challenge. On the way home, students designed a study based on the research conducted at ORNL’s marine biology lab. Later that spring, STEM 2 Natural Sciences wrote the methodology and worked to get fishtanks donated to the school. This winter, the project continued as the now juniors formalized the research proposal and Clark Smith and his team of engineers daisy chained the fishtanks to a centralized pump and sump system. 

Students did not let frustrations with setbacks deter, as today we have crayfish swimming in the filtered water ready the marine biology study.  Five students have volunteered to come in over the summer and conduct the research they planed. We are all proud of the tenacious attitude maintained by those who have worked hard to make this long-term project reality, and we look forward to their published work. We expect these tanks to be used for many diverse projects in STEM and science classes for years to come.  Plans have already been drafted for an expansion into a hydroponic greenhouse so other students can develop and conduct research in marine biology or plant sciences.

Quote of the day from Walt Disney:

Around here, we don’t look backwards for very long . . . We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things because we’re curious . . . and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.

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

Gryphon Announcements for 5/14/14

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Wednesday, May 14 , 2014

 “N” Day – AP TESTING – Early Release Schedule!

·      AP testing in the STEM space all day long.  If your class normally meets upstairs in the Depot you will meet your teacher in the Commons Area today.   Please remember to keep quiet out of respect for your classmates and their need to concentrate.

·      Our STEM Venturing Crew (0101) will be having a pancake breakfast this Saturday from 8:00 – 10:00 at the Chili’s on Mabry Hood Rd.  Tickets are $5 per person – see student Eric O’Reilley to purchase.

·      This Friday, May 16 your parents need to use alternate pick up locations after school.  World’s Fair Park Drive will be closed due to an event.

·      You will receive permission slips in first block today to be dismissed following exams at half day next Monday and Tuesday.  Please get these signed by your parents and returned ASAP!

·      You will receive information today by email about summer school options.  Please look it over and send questions to administration or guidance.  This is a good opportunity to stay on track to graduate on time!

Quote of the day from Nelson Mandela:

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

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

Gryphon Announcements for 5/13/14

GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS

For Tuesday, May 13 , 2014

 “L” Day – AP TESTING

·      AP Government test 8:00 – 11:00 in the STEM Space – so all classes 1^st period will move from the STEM space to the Commons.  AP Human Geography will be in the Conference room in the afternoon.  Please remember to keep quiet out of respect for your classmates and their need to concentrate.

·      Congratulations to the Class of 2014!  Everyone is invited to graduation tonight at 6:00 at Thompson Boling Arena.  No admission or parking fees.

·      Our STEM Venturing Crew (0101) will be having a pancake breakfast this Saturday from 8:00 – 10:00 at the Chili’s on Mabry Hood Rd.  Tickets are $5 per person – see student Eric O’Reilley to purchase.

·      PTSA spring vintage t-shirts are here!  If you ordered from the PTSA stop in the media center today to pick yours up!

·      Thank you to the Class of 2014 for their senior gift to the school.  Look over the door to room 104 (computer lab off the Commons) for the quote selected by this class to be on their graduation announcements.  It is a sentiment particularly appropriate for our school!   Thank you Class of 2014!

·      Next Wednesday, 5/14, will be our last Early Release Day of the year.

·      This Friday, May 16 your parents need to use alternate pick up locations after school.  World’s Fair Park Drive will be closed due to an event.

Quote of the day from Khalil Gibran

Your living is determined not so much by what life brings to you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.

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