Thursday, October 29, 2015

10-30-15 Student Mission Briefing

GRYPHON MISSION BRIEFING
For Friday, October 30, 2015 – “N” classes
2015-16 L&N Student Mission – Own it!

School Ops:
·      Big congrats!  The girls cross country team placed 3rd at the Region 1 Championship on Thursday, which qualifies them to compete at the state championship in Nashville next weekend. Two sophomore girls qualified as individuals: Laura Bretscher (2nd) and Brooke Foster (10th). Rowan Hamilton, McKensie Nelms, and Grace Berry rounded out the scoring team. If you see them next week, wish them luck and swift feet! The boys team placed 6th, led by freshman Daniel Haught.  Way to go!

·      The L&N STEMpunks FRC Team 3966 are collecting socks for Socks for the Sox, a holiday outreach drive lead by the Evil Purple Sox FTC Team 8498. We need your help gathering socks to donate to our local Knoxville charity, and you can bring new and unused socks in the green recycling bin in the front office. We'll be collecting socks until December 4th, so please consider helping us give back to the community!

·      We know today is the day before Halloween, although our schoolwide “dress up” days were last week for Spirit week, we know some of you will want to wear your Halloween costume to school.  You may do so as long as your costume is reasonably within dress code (no bare midriffs, excessive skin, promotion of illegal substances,etc.) and it cannot include a mask or anything that covers your face. 

·      A reminder from our student-run bank, The Golden Gryphon:  When the bank is not open, please do not put things under the counter or move their signs.  You’re making them repeat work to set it up every day.  Thank you for respecting what they’re building for your convenience.

·      Students, your PTSA needs help to raise funds for you at our Haunted Station tonight, October 30, from 6:00 – 9:00.  Go here to sign up for a volunteer shift www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0C45A9A72EA64-lnhaunted
These would be great hours to count towards community/volunteer service!

·      Attached is information and the permission form for our trip to the upcoming National Science & Engineering Festival 2016 in Washington, DC, this coming April 13-17, 2016.  Ms. Jorgenson will also be taking a team of art honor society students to explore the wonderful (and free) art museums. See Ms. Ellis or Ms. Jorgenson to answer questions and collect deposits. There will be an informational meeting about the trip on Monday, November 2 at 5:30 pm, with both of them available to answer questions (and collect deposits) from 5-6 pm. Deposits are due the next day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015.  Also, if a parent wants to join us on the trip, there is a "Parent Traveler" form attached as well. Transportation and lodging for a parent is $410 (lunch/dinner on your own). 

·      Interested in writing a novel? Maybe you've already started one? November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Check out the website for the Young Writers Program and sign up here: http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/.  To celebrate and encourage participation, the Media Center will be open at 8 a.m. in the morning throughout November. Just think about what you could accomplish in just 1 hour a day for a month! Work alongside Mr. Crattie and Ms. Ellis as they work on their own novels.

Community  & Guidance Ops:
·      It’s time to be thinking about your entry in the PTA Reflections program. If you are talented in dance, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts, consider entering this program. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 6th by 4:30pm.  The theme for the 2015-2016 school year is Let Your Imagination Fly. This theme—created by Rachel Sperry of Northwood, N.D.—was selected through the Reflections Theme Search Contest. When asked what inspired her theme, Rachel said, "I tell myself to let my imagination fly when writing and sketching." The theme helps Rachel to explore her imagination and she hopes it will inspire others to be creative.  For more information or an entry form, contact Mrs. Morrell or Mrs. Jorgenson. Remember, the due dates for all entries is Nov. 6th by 4:30.

·      MONDAY you can support our school and help the community (and so can your parents!) at our annual MEDIC Blood Drive.  Here’s a link to sign up for your donation time: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0E4BADA623A20-fall1 
Students, parents, and teachers, mark your calendars to give the "gift of life" and participate in our MEDIC blood drive on Monday, November 2.
Students 16 and over are eligible to participate. If you're 16 and at least 120 lbs you may donate with parental consent. (Please use the form attached or come pick one up from Ms. Ellis in the Media Center.) Seventeen year olds who weigh 110 lbs or more may participate as well and DO NOT need consent. EVERYONE donating blood must have ID with them as well as a list of medications if appropriate. Please encourage your parents to contribute as well during our blood drive.   There will be a link to a sign up genius so you and your parents can make an appointment to donate.  The school receives a cash donation if we reach a certain number.  Please give!

·      TN Promise will drop off books on November 10th from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the STEM Space.  Students who plan to participate in the TN Promise proceedings will be given a 10 minute overview of the qualification process and mandatory attendance dates.  

Quote of the day from Albert Einstein:

You have to learn the rules of the game.  And then you have to play better than anyone else.

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism
L&N STEM Academy – TN’s First Apple School of Distinction, 2-time TN Reward School for Performance (2012 – 2015)




Wednesday, October 28, 2015

10-29-15 Student Mission Briefing

GRYPHON MISSION BRIEFING
For Thursday, October 29, 2015 – “L” classes
2015-16 L&N Student Mission – Own it!

School Ops:
·      We know Friday is the day before Halloween, although our schoolwide “dress up” days were last week for Spirit week, we know some of you will want to wear your Halloween costume to school.  You may do so as long as your costume is reasonably within dress code (no bare midriffs, excessive skin, promotion of illegal substances,etc.) and it cannot include a mask or anything that covers your face. 

·      A reminder from our student-run bank, The Golden Gryphon:  When the bank is not open, please do not put things under the counter or move their signs.  You’re making them repeat work to set it up every day.  Thank you for respecting what they’re building for your convenience.

·      Good luck to our Cross Country runners today as they race in the Region 1 Championship.  Run all the way to a place at state Gryphons!

·      Students, your PTSA needs help to raise funds for you at our Haunted Station this Friday, October 30, from 6:00 – 9:00.  Go here to sign up for a volunteer shift www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0C45A9A72EA64-lnhaunted
These would be great hours to count towards community/volunteer service!

·      Congratulations to the L&N National Art Honor Society!  They won FIRST PLACE in the Open Streets Knoxville banner contest, high school level, this past weekend!

·      Attached is information and the permission form for our trip to the upcoming National Science & Engineering Festival 2016 in Washington, DC, this coming April 13-17, 2016.  Ms. Jorgenson will also be taking a team of art honor society students to explore the wonderful (and free) art museums. See Ms. Ellis or Ms. Jorgenson to answer questions and collect deposits. There will be an informational meeting about the trip on Monday, November 2 at 5:30 pm, with both of them available to answer questions (and collect deposits) from 5-6 pm. Deposits are due the next day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015.  Also, if a parent wants to join us on the trip, there is a "Parent Traveler" form attached as well. Transportation and lodging for a parent is $410 (lunch/dinner on your own). 

·      TODAY IS THE LAST DAY!  Help SGA collect donations for Coats for the Cold! Bring in gently used coats, blankets, gloves, hats, scarves, or donations to the collection bin in the front office.

·      Interested in writing a novel? Maybe you've already started one? November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Check out the website for the Young Writers Program and sign up here: http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/.  To celebrate and encourage participation, the Media Center will be open at 8 a.m. in the morning throughout November. Just think about what you could accomplish in just 1 hour a day for a month! Work alongside Mr. Crattie and Ms. Ellis as they work on their own novels.

·      Need some homework help? Remember that www.Tutor.com offers you free online tutoring from 3 to 11 p.m. All you need is a library card to access it! (Thank you Knox County Public Library!) If you don't have a library card, stop by the Media Center to pick up an application to get one. They're free too!  

Community  & Guidance Ops:
·      It’s time to be thinking about your entry in the PTA Reflections program. If you are talented in dance, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts, consider entering this program. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 6th by 4:30pm.  The theme for the 2015-2016 school year is Let Your Imagination Fly. This theme—created by Rachel Sperry of Northwood, N.D.—was selected through the Reflections Theme Search Contest. When asked what inspired her theme, Rachel said, "I tell myself to let my imagination fly when writing and sketching." The theme helps Rachel to explore her imagination and she hopes it will inspire others to be creative.  For more information or an entry form, contact Mrs. Morrell or Mrs. Jorgenson. Remember, the due dates for all entries is Nov. 6th by 4:30.

·      MONDAY you can support our school and help the community (and so can your parents!) at our annual MEDIC Blood Drive.  Here’s a link to sign up for your donation time: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0E4BADA623A20-fall1 
Students, parents, and teachers, mark your calendars to give the "gift of life" and participate in our MEDIC blood drive on Monday, November 2.
Students 16 and over are eligible to participate. If you're 16 and at least 120 lbs you may donate with parental consent. (Please use the form attached or come pick one up from Ms. Ellis in the Media Center.) Seventeen year olds who weigh 110 lbs or more may participate as well and DO NOT need consent. EVERYONE donating blood must have ID with them as well as a list of medications if appropriate. Please encourage your parents to contribute as well during our blood drive.   There will be a link to a sign up genius so you and your parents can make an appointment to donate.  The school receives a cash donation if we reach a certain number.  Please give!

·      TN Promise will drop off books on November 10th from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the STEM Space.  Students who plan to participate in the TN Promise proceedings will be given a 10 minute overview of the qualification process and mandatory attendance dates.  

Quote of the day from Booker T. Washington:

If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism
L&N STEM Academy – TN’s First Apple School of Distinction, 2-time TN Reward School for Performance (2012 – 2015)




Tuesday, October 27, 2015

Parent Traveler form for Washington DC - USA Science & Engineering Festival & Art Tour, April 2016


10-28-15 Student Mission Briefing

GRYPHON MISSION BRIEFING
For Wednesday, October 28, 2015 – “N” classes
2015-16 L&N Student Mission – Own it!

School Ops:
·      Students, your PTSA needs help to raise funds for you at our Haunted Station this Friday, October 30, from 6:00 – 9:00.  Go here to sign up for a volunteer shift www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0C45A9A72EA64-lnhaunted
These would be great hours to count towards community/volunteer service!

·      Congratulations to the L&N National Art Honor Society!  They won FIRST PLACE in the Open Streets Knoxville banner contest, high school level, this past weekend!

·      Attached is information and the permission form for our trip to the upcoming National Science & Engineering Festival 2016 in Washington, DC, this coming April 13-17, 2016.  Ms. Jorgenson will also be taking a team of art honor society students to explore the wonderful (and free) art museums. See Ms. Ellis or Ms. Jorgenson to answer questions and collect deposits. There will be an informational meeting about the trip on Monday, November 2 at 5:30 pm, with both of them available to answer questions (and collect deposits) from 5-6 pm. Deposits are due the next day, Tuesday, November 3, 2015.  Also, if a parent wants to join us on the trip, there is a "Parent Traveler" form attached as well. Transportation and lodging for a parent is $410 (lunch/dinner on your own). 

·      Help SGA collect donations for Coats for the Cold! Bring in gently used coats, blankets, gloves, hats, scarves, or donations to the collection bin in the front office from now until October 29th.

·      Interested in writing a novel? Maybe you've already started one? November is National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo). Check out the website for the Young Writers Program and sign up here: http://ywp.nanowrimo.org/.  To celebrate and encourage participation, the Media Center will be open at 8 a.m. in the morning throughout November. Just think about what you could accomplish in just 1 hour a day for a month! Work alongside Mr. Crattie and Ms. Ellis as they work on their own novels.

·      Need some homework help? Remember that www.Tutor.com offers you free online tutoring from 3 to 11 p.m. All you need is a library card to access it! (Thank you Knox County Public Library!) If you don't have a library card, stop by the Media Center to pick up an application to get one. They're free too!  

Community  & Guidance Ops:
·      It’s time to be thinking about your entry in the PTA Reflections program. If you are talented in dance, film production, literature, music composition, photography or visual arts, consider entering this program. The deadline to apply is Friday, Nov. 6th by 4:30pm.  The theme for the 2015-2016 school year is Let Your Imagination Fly. This theme—created by Rachel Sperry of Northwood, N.D.—was selected through the Reflections Theme Search Contest. When asked what inspired her theme, Rachel said, "I tell myself to let my imagination fly when writing and sketching." The theme helps Rachel to explore her imagination and she hopes it will inspire others to be creative.  For more information or an entry form, contact Mrs. Morrell or Mrs. Jorgenson. Remember, the due dates for all entries is Nov. 6th by 4:30.

·      NEXT WEEK you can support our school and help the community (and so can your parents!) at our annual MEDIC Blood Drive.  Here’s a link to sign up for your donation time: www.SignUpGenius.com/go/60B0E4BADA623A20-fall1 
Students, parents, and teachers, mark your calendars to give the "gift of life" and participate in our MEDIC blood drive on Monday, November 2.
Students 16 and over are eligible to participate. If you're 16 and at least 120 lbs you may donate with parental consent. (Please use the form attached or come pick one up from Ms. Ellis in the Media Center.) Seventeen year olds who weigh 110 lbs or more may participate as well and DO NOT need consent. EVERYONE donating blood must have ID with them as well as a list of medications if appropriate. Please encourage your parents to contribute as well during our blood drive.   There will be a link to a sign up genius so you and your parents can make an appointment to donate.  The school receives a cash donation if we reach a certain number.  Please give!

·      TN Promise will drop off books on November 10th from 8:45 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. in the STEM Space.  Students who plan to participate in the TN Promise proceedings will be given a 10 minute overview of the qualification process and mandatory attendance dates.  

Quote of the day from Les Brown:

Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears.

Practice L&N Habits every day: Collaboration, Critical thinking, Design, Innovation, Inquiry, & Professionalism
L&N STEM Academy – TN’s First Apple School of Distinction, 2-time TN Reward School for Performance (2012 – 2015)