Monday, August 25, 2014

Gryphon Announcements for 8/26/14


GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS
For Tuesday, August 26, 2014
“N” Day Classes

·      STEMScouts – a new co-ed STEM exploration group arm of the Boy Scouts of America, will have a sign-up and information night in the Commons area Tuesday, Aug 26, at 6:30 p.m.  Come find out about this exciting opportunity!

·      Come join the L&N Climbing Team for its second year of competition.  There will be a general interest meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug 26.  Practice times and important information will be discussed.  Email Mr. Jones – brad.jones@knoxschools.org with questions.

·      You don’t have to douse yourself in ice!  The Walk to Defeat ALS is September 13, starting at 9 am. One of our students is organizing a team in honor of her grandmother who is fighting ALS. All students and staff are invited to participate at the walk and to help support the ALS Association, which has done so much for all people with ALS.  The link for the sign-up is <http://webtn.alsa.org/goto/teamflash>. If anyone has any questions, the student organizer’s contact info is on that website.

·      Are you someone who enjoys playing football? If so, join the STEM Flag Football League. Games are played every Friday and all are welcome. If you are interested in joining, you MUST email s942950@student.knoxschools.org stating your interest and grade level to be added to the roster. The season will be starting soon, so do so ASAP!

·      Reminder: this Friday will be our first Early Release day.  You will go to all 4 classes but they will be shortened.  You will have Genius Hour the regular length so we can get you all fed.  We will dismiss at 2:30.  You’ll get a separate email with more details.

From the Guidance Office:
PSAT Registration is now open!  The PSAT is an optional test open to any interested 9th-11th grade student.  Students are able to take this test all three years if they desire.  Juniors wishing to participate in the National Merit Scholarship  Qualifying Competition must take the PSAT this year in order to be considered for eligibility.  Benefits of taking the PSAT can be found through the following links which are also posted under 'Testing Info' on the 'College and Career' page: 
Students can find the PSAT registration form on the 'College and Career' page of our website (under the School Counseling tab on main page).  The registration form and $14 fee may be submitted to Mrs. Johnson in the Guidance office.  Registration deadline is September 19th!

·      Bell schedule for regular class days is:
o  Zero block    8:00 – 9:25
o  1st period     9:30 – 10:52
o  2nd period    10:57 – 12:19
o  Genius Hour – you should choose one of the following windows to eat.  Be sure to check with your Genius activity coordinator for the day to make sure they don’t need you to eat a certain one.
§  1st lunch    12:19 – 12:46
§  2nd lunch   12:46 – 1:13
§  3rd lunch    1:13 – 1:41
o  3rd period    1:41 – 3:03
o  4th period    3:08 – 4:30


Quote of the day from Ralph Waldo Emerson:

That which lies before us and behind us is nothing compared to what lies within us.

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 – 2014)

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Gryphon Student Announcements for 8/25/14


GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS
For Monday, August 25, 2014
“L” Day Classes

·      Look for Mr. Childers’ email with Monday’s Genius Hour activities in it.  We’re adjusting days some things are offered so groups are not as big for some of them.

·      We got approval to hire more teachers, so we’ll be adjusting schedules early this week.  Most students won’t even notice the change – just be on the lookout for them.

·      STEMScouts – a new co-ed STEM exploration group arm of the Boy Scouts of America, will have a sign-up and information night in the Commons area Tuesday, Aug 26, at 6:30 p.m.  Come find out about this exciting opportunity!

·      Come join the L&N Climbing Team for its second year of competition.  There will be a general interest meeting at 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug 26.  Practice times and important information will be discussed.  Email Mr. Jones – brad.jones@knoxschools.org with questions.

·      You don’t have to douse yourself in ice!  The Walk to Defeat ALS is September 13, starting at 9 am. One of our students is organizing a team in honor of her grandmother who is fighting ALS. All students and staff are invited to participate at the walk and to help support the ALS Association, which has done so much for all people with ALS.  The link for the sign-up is <http://webtn.alsa.org/goto/teamflash>. If anyone has any questions, the student organizer’s contact info is on that website.

·      Are you someone who enjoys playing football? If so, join the STEM Flag Football League. Games are played every Friday and all are welcome. If you are interested in joining, you MUST email s942950@student.knoxschools.org stating your interest and grade level to be added to the roster. The season will be starting soon, so do so ASAP!

·      Still need return of the forms you got in Advisory our first week of school.  You can turn them in to the orange crate in the front office as soon as you get them signed.

·      Are you a student in need of clothing or shoes for the new school year but family is strapped for money?  Email Ms. Keith (Hillary.keith@knoxschools.org) for info on how she an help you get what you need. 

·      Reminder: this Friday will be our first Early Release day.  You will go to all 4 classes but they will be shortened.  You will have Genius Hour the regular length so we can get you all fed.  We will dismiss at 2:30.  You’ll get a separate email with more details.

·      Bell schedule for regular class days is:
o  Zero block    8:00 – 9:25
o  1st period     9:30 – 10:52
o  2nd period    10:57 – 12:19
o  Genius Hour – you should choose one of the following windows to eat.  Be sure to check with your Genius activity coordinator for the day to make sure they don’t need you to eat a certain one.
§  1st lunch    12:19 – 12:46
§  2nd lunch   12:46 – 1:13
§  3rd lunch    1:13 – 1:41
o  3rd period    1:41 – 3:03
o  4th period    3:08 – 4:30


Quote of the day from Eleanor Roosevelt:

Do the thing you think you cannot do.

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 – 2014)

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

Gryphon Announcements for 8/21/14


GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS
For Thursday, August 21, 2014
“N” Day Classes

·      Thank you for your professionalism and cooperation during our lock down on Wednesday.  This was not a drill so we appreciate you taking it seriously.  We had a person on campus grounds (not in the building) who was refusing to leave.  We did not think he would harm any of you, but we needed to be sure we took every precaution until he was removed from campus by police.  Your cooperation helped us ensure your safety.  Thank you!

·      Are you someone who enjoys playing football? If so, join the STEM Flag Football League. Games are played every Friday and all are welcome. If you are interested in joining, please email  s942950@student.knoxschools.org, stating your interest. The season will be starting soon, so do so ASAP!

·      Big congrats to the golf team: they had a record setting match Wednesday night. The team counted a 157 which is their all time best. They also completed the ALS Ice Bucket challenge following the match and nominated the Robotics team, the Ultimate Frisbee team and the swim team to do the same. You can view their video at

Speaking of the ALS ice bucket challenge – Mrs. Ashe’s husband, the principal of the STEM Academy at Hardin Valley, challenged her!  She’ll be doused on Friday during Genius Hour – need some good creative ideas – email Mrs. Ashe ASAP with ideas!

·      Yearbook/school photos will be taken tomorrow, Thursday, Aug 21 during school. You must bring  the envelope you were given in Advisory last week with payment to order any pictures.  You must bring it back to give to the photographer even if not ordering so your name is spelled right in the yearbook – everyone will have their picture taken, even if you’re not ordering.  Senior picture retakes (formals only, no environmentals) will be done at the same time.    You will be called to pictures with your 1st period class.  You will not go to 2nd period until we finish with pictures, so you may not go to 2nd at all on Thursday.

·      Genius Hour groupings will be posted in the Commons for those without iPads and Mr. Childers sent a link for those that have one.  Keep up the good work on campus clean up after lunch!

·      You can return the forms you got in Advisory to any teacher or turn them in to the orange crate in the front office as soon as you get them signed.

·      Are you a student in need of clothing or shoes for the new school year but family is strapped for money?  Email Ms. Keith (Hillary.keith@knoxschools.org) for info on how she an help you get what you need. 

·      Bell schedule for regular class days is:
o  Zero block    8:00 – 9:25
o  1st period     9:30 – 10:52
o  2nd period    10:57 – 12:19
o  Genius Hour – you should choose one of the following windows to eat.  Be sure to check with your Genius activity coordinator for the day to make sure they don’t need you to eat a certain one.
§  1st lunch    12:19 – 12:46
§  2nd lunch   12:46 – 1:13
§  3rd lunch    1:13 – 1:41
o  3rd period    1:41 – 3:03
o  4th period    3:08 – 4:30


Quote of the day from Richard G. Scott:

We become what we want to be by consistently being what we want to become each day.

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

L&N STEM Academy – TN’s First Apple School of Distinction, 2012-13 TN Reward School

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Gryphon announcements for 8/20/14


GRYPHON ANNOUNCEMENTS
For Wednesday, August 20, 2014
“L” Day Classes

·      Big congrats to the golf team: they had a record setting match Wednesday night. The team counted a 157 which is their all time best. We came in second at the match, losing to Alcoa (the defending state champions) by only 1 stroke. Chris Kleinschmidt shot 39, Nick Barnard shot 38, Jacob Samar shot 40 and Ryan Menavich also shot 40.  They also completed the ALS Ice Bucket challenge following the match and nominated the Robotics team, the Ultimate Frisbee team and the swim team to do the same. You can view their video at

·      Yearbook/school photos will be taken tomorrow, Thursday, Aug 21 during school. You must bring  the envelope you were given in Advisory last week with payment to order any pictures.  You must bring it back to give to the photographer even if not ordering so your name is spelled right in the yearbook – everyone will have their picture taken, even if you’re not ordering.  Senior picture retakes (formals only, no environmentals) will be done at the same time. 

·      Genius Hour groupings will be posted in the Commons for those without iPads and Mr. Childers sent a link for those that have one.  Keep up the good work on campus clean up after lunch!

·      If you wish to pay class or school fees please have your parents write a separate check for each fee and pay it to the teacher of that class.  General fees (like Instruction, electronic resources, and iPads) can be paid to any teacher.

·      Student Government Association (SGA) meets during Genius Hour on Mondays. If you're planning on attending this Genius Hour activity, you must have turned in a completed application and your fee to Ms. Ellis by Monday, August 25th. Students who don't comply will be reassigned to a different Genius Hour activity. Please see Ms. Ellis (in the Media Center) if you need an application or have any questions.

·      Our ID machine has gone kaput.  It is going back to the factory to get reconditioned so if you haven’t gotten your ID made for the new year yet, hang tight.  We should have it back up ready to go by next Tuesday.

·      You can return the forms you got in Advisory to any teacher or turn them in to the orange crate in the front office as soon as you get them signed.

·      Are you a student in need of clothing or shoes for the new school year but family is strapped for money?  Email Ms. Keith (Hillary.keith@knoxschools.org) for info on how she an help you get what you need. 

·      Applications are now available for new board members for the State Farm Youth Advisory Board (YAB). This is an incredible opportunity for a young person to grow as a leader, help out their communities, and network with a diverse group of 28 youth, ages 17-20, from across the U.S!  The YAB board is responsible for granting $5 million dollars in service-learning and community impact grants that seek to solve important domestic issues. As a member of the YAB, students will be provided an amazing personal developmental opportunity, as well as being able to make a long-lasting impact in communities they care about and provide solutions to today’s pertinent issues.  Students can apply now by visiting http://sfyab.com/apply/the-board/. The application deadline is Oct. 3, 2014 at 5 PM (CST).  You can check out the YAB on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube!

·      Bell schedule for regular class days is:
o  Zero block    8:00 – 9:25
o  1st period     9:30 – 10:52
o  2nd period    10:57 – 12:19
o  Genius Hour – you should choose one of the following windows to eat.  Be sure to check with your Genius activity coordinator for the day to make sure they don’t need you to eat a certain one.
§  1st lunch    12:19 – 12:46
§  2nd lunch   12:46 – 1:13
§  3rd lunch    1:13 – 1:41
o  3rd period    1:41 – 3:03
o  4th period    3:08 – 4:30


Quote of the day from Eric Thomas:

When you want to succeed as bad as you want to breathe then you will be successful.

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

L&N STEM Academy – TN’s First Apple School of Distinction, 2012-13 TN Reward School