Wednesday, March 9, 2016

3-10-16 Student Mission Briefing

GRYPHON MISSION BRIEFING
For Thursday, March 10, 2016 – “L” classes
2015-16 L&N Student Mission – Own it!
School Ops:
·      The Knox County Nutrition Dept. & your L&N STEM Academy cafeteria staff would like to thank everyone who donated during the Medic blood drive.  The students whose names were drawn to win the ITunes gift cards are Kathryn Ellis, Thomas King & Chloe Shiverdecker.  Congratulations to these students! You may pick up your gift cards from the cafeteria.
Thank you again, L&N students & staff, for giving the gift of life!

·      Be advised – due to space limitations, you may eat outside of the Commons or Verandah; however, you must eat within sight of school personnel.   That means you may not eat on the walkway around the side of the building that faces the student parking lot, or the workers’ table outside of the War Room, or the backside of the Depot building.  Rule of thumb  - if a teacher cannot see you, you should not stay there or take food there.  Thank you for your compliance with this policy.

·      L&N students - Please click the link below and perform a few easy tasks to help earn up to $1,000 for your PTSA from US Cellular. It takes 5 minutes or less. Remember, all money raised by PTSA goes back into our school!

·      Students – we recognize that you are completing a week of testing and spring break is approaching, but this is a reminder that we are still in school!  There is new learning to learn, new assignments to complete, and new dreams to have.  Let’s keep focused.  We need to use indoor voices in the Commons, we need to touch no more than hands with our spring crush, we just need to practice professionalism.  Your teachers and classmates thank you for your cooperation with this request.

·      We are having issues with students riding the elevators without an elevator pass.  These passes may only be obtained from the front office and they do have an expiration date.  Students ignoring this policy and riding are subject to discipline up to and including out of school suspension for being in an unauthorized area.  Make smart choices!

·      Congratulations to Justin Cross – who was just named a Haslam Scholar at UT for next year!  A prestigious honor – way to go Justin!

·      Come join us at the National Science & Engineering Festival Trip to DC!
REMINDER: Your $300 balance is OVERDUE if you are going (and have already paid your deposit) to the National Science & Engineering Festival in Washington, D.C. April 13-17. Please bring your payment to Ms. Jorgensen or Ms. Ellis before THIS MONDAY. If for any reason, you cannot come, please let us know right away so we can find a replacement. You will only have your deposit refunded if we can fill your spot. We have an additional slot for a female student on the DC Field Trip. First come, first served. E-mail cheri.jorgenson@knoxschools.org if you decide to go. Bring your $400 (total cost) and filled out field trip permission form (attached). Ms. Jorgenson will also be taking a team of art students to explore the wonderful (and free) art museums. For more information, see http://www.usasciencefestival.org.

·      It's time to sign up for AP Exams! We encourage all students who have taken or are currently enrolled in an AP course to take the corresponding AP exam.  Registration forms and payment should be returned to the Guidance office by Thursday, March 24th.  AP Exam order forms are available here: http://www.knoxschools.org/Page/12097,  in the Guidance Office, and the document was emailed to all students.  The testing site for the AP exams will be announced soon.  Please check back for the dates, times & locations for pre-administration sessions. Attendance at one of these sessions is required.   Questions about AP exams?  Email Mrs. Morrell:  lori.morrell@knoxschools.org

·      SENIORS: This is the last week to pay Senior Dues! Don't delay! Full dues are $140.  See breakdown of price below.  Don't forget your $25 Senior Fee.  This is not included in the dues! Dues and Fees can be brought to Ms. Stanish or Mrs. Brown. 
Senior Dues Breakdown: (fee waiver CANNOT be applied) 
1) $50 Yearbook (discounted $20)
2) $40 Prom ticket (discounted $15)
3) $50 Senior Luncheon and 10 custom Thank you Cards
Senior Fees: (fee waiver CAN be applied)
$25 for diploma and diploma cover


Community  & Guidance Ops:
·      The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Libraries will host Big Orange STEM Saturday for high school and first-year college students from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2. Students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering or mathematics and their parents are invited to attend the event in the John C. Hodges Library, 1015 Volunteer Blvd. Big Orange STEM Saturday is free, but participants should register online by Friday, March 25.

STEM Saturday will begin with a keynote presentation by chemist and educator Tam’Ra Kay Francis. Francis, who was once the youngest faculty member in the chemistry department at Fisk University, is committed to improving STEM instruction and mentoring budding young scientists. She is a doctoral candidate in science education at UT.
Following the keynote presentation, students can attend two of four breakout sessions:
·      Current UT students will talk about the different majors available in the College of Engineering and their personal experiences with study abroad, internships, co-ops and research assistantships, followed by a hands-on activity demonstrating how engineers solve problems.  
·      A professional in the field of digital humanities will show students how scientists are collaborating with artists and others in humanities disciplines to create innovative, relevant and exciting projects.
·      Staff from UT’s Center for Career Development will tell students how to expedite the move from classroom to workforce.
·      Another session will highlight the importance of mathematical skills in all STEM careers. Participants will practice some of these skills by solving math puzzles.

·      Knox County Youth Health Board is seeking applicants.  The Youth Health Board is a diverse group of young people from across Knox County.  Two reps from each high school will be accepted.  Students who are selected will be able to explore the field of Public Health and expand their knowledge by working with numerous health professionals.  Members will work with their community to address issues that they are passionate about.  Deadline to apply is April 1, 2016.  See front office for more info and applications.

·      Current juniors – are you interested in having a voice in our system?  Applications are now open for the Student Rep on the Knox County School Board.  Pick up an application in the office.  Deadline is March 11.

Quotes of the day from Mahatma Gandhi:

There is more to life than increasing its speed.

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)


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