Exceptional Children Program at Southwest Elementary Nominated for National Kindness Award

Students and teachers in the exceptional children (EC) program at Southwest Elementary School have been nominated for a Charlotte Bacon Acts of Kindness Award.

Here’s how that came about:

Each year, Southwest speech therapists Maria Vernon and Beth Dodson organize a lemonade stand through Alex's Lemonade Stand to raise money for cancer research. Working on the project - making signs, making the lemonade and selling it – also helps students develop their communication skills.

This past year, Fox8 television did a story on the stand. To see the story, go to  Fox8

After the shootings at the school in Newtown, Conn., in December 2012, the family of one of the children, Charlotte Bacon, founded an organization called Newtown Kindness.One of the things this organization does is award the Charlotte Bacon Act of Kindness Award each year on her birthday.

In an email about the nomination, Principal Matt Dixson wrote:

“In the fall, the parent of one of the first recipients of the award contacted me after finding the Fox8 story online. We communicated via email and phone for several weeks because she wanted to nominate our EC students for their work on the lemonade stand. I worked with the families involved and got written permission from many of them to be included in the nomination. I received an email today from Charlotte Bacon's grandfather that they have officially been nominated. Nominations are open until Feb. 1 and the awards ceremony will be Feb. 22 (Charlotte's birthday).

“I thought it was a huge honor for our school, EC students/teachers, and for the school system and wanted to pass it along.”

This past June, the school raised more than $800 at the lemonade stand, Vernon said, by selling lemonade at 25 cents a cup as well as “ generous donations from staff, students and community members….There was so much support from all of the classes, teachers, administration, parents and community to make this possible.

“There is a book that we have available for all students and staff to read a few weeks before the lemonade stand to raise awareness and support for pediatric cancer research.  The book is called Alex and The Amazing Lemonade Stand written by Alex and her parents and the book tells all about Alex, her life and how Alex was determined to help others!  My favorite quote from this book comes at the end, ‘There’s a lesson to be learned from the Lemonade girl with pretty blue eyes and hair that once curled. You see, Alex lived by the words from which her foundation was laid….when life gives you lemons, just make lemonade.’

“This nomination for the Charlotte Bacon act of kindness award is such an honor and we are so proud of our school and students.”

Moore receives $5,000 grant from Lowe's

Moore Magnet Elementary School has received a grant of $4,980 from The Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation for the school's beautification project. 

Moore’s landscape and garden committee’s mission is to improve the landscape around the school with a focus on native plants, edible plants, and a garden that will educate the children on healthy food, sustainability, and the science of agriculture. This grant will be used to purchase plants, shrubs, and trees, as well as fund our expanding edible garden. The project is scheduled to be completed by June of 2014.

“Lowe’s is committed to enhancing the educational experience and improving schools for students across the country through the Lowe’s Toolbox for Education program,” said Marshall Croom, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “With community support and the hands-on help of local Lowe’s Heroes employee volunteers, these funds will go a long way to improve the future of thousands of children.”

Since its inception in 2006, Lowe’s Toolbox for Education has provided more than $38 million in grants to 8,000 schools, benefiting nearly 5 million schoolchildren. Grants are available to K-12 public schools in the United States for a wide range of improvement projects. Large schools or school districts may be eligible to receive Toolbox grants up to $100,000. Parent groups and educators can apply by visiting ToolboxForEducation.com. The spring cycle will remain open until Feb. 14, 2014.

Piney Grove Elementary Community Rallies in Support Student

Noah Fowler

In the Thursday, Jan. 9, issue of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Wes Young writes about the Piney Grove Elementary School community coming together to support one of the students. Here is an excerpt: 

Help can come by the armful.

Just ask Nicholas Thornton and his family.

Nicholas has aplastic anemia, a rare condition in which the body’s bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells and platelets.

A local nonprofit group has raised about $14,000 toward the cost of a van to help with Nicholas’ transportation needs, but some enterprising kids have helped, too, by making and selling rubber-band bracelets.

Last January, Nicholas’ parents noticed some bruises that didn’t look quite right, so they took him to the doctor. Nicholas’ blood count was low; he was sent to Brenner Children’s Hospital where the diagnosis of aplastic anemia was made.

Weeks later, Nicholas suffered a brain hemorrhage and landed in intensive care. A second hemorrhage soon followed, and by May 1 he was transferred to Levine Children’s Hospital in Charlotte, where he began rehabilitation.

Nicholas Thornton

“At that point he was not talking and couldn’t move his left or right side,” said Nancy Thornton, his mother. “We were there for 128 days of rehab, and now he’s talking and moving his right side, but his left side is still immobile.”

In September, Nicholas received a bone-marrow transplant from his dad, Jon Thornton. Nicholas finally returned home Dec. 11, but with plenty of challenges. Nicholas has a powered wheelchair and needed a van for transportation to his numerous medical appointments.

People who know the Thorntons — and a whole lot of folks who do not — have been contributing help in the form of money and time.

One of those was Noah Fowler, one of Nicholas’ best friends and a fifth-grader at Piney Grove Elementary School. Noah worked up the courage late last year to ask Principal Susan Frye if he could make and sell rubber-band bracelets to help his friend.

Frye said yes, and got the student council involved, too.

“It was a real heartfelt thing that a fifth-grade boy would come to my office,” Frye said. “It really touched my heart and so I was really taken — Noah’s humanity for a friend and wanting to help out.”

For the full story, go to Winston-Salem Journal

Newspaper at South Fork Elementary School Keeps Everyone Informed

Kendall Smith, Marwin Gonzalez, Dante Daniels

In the latest issue of the South Fork News, reporters Kendall Smith, Marwin Gonzalez and Dante Daniels write about the day that people from the school system’s Arts Education Department came to South Fork Elementary School to recognize SayBarMu, the student whose art was chosen for the department’s holiday card.

In the story, Dante writes, “I believe she left there with a beautiful smile.”

In an earlier issue of the News, readers learned about what a wonderful example a second-grader named Victoria sets each day with her kindness, patience and commitment to do her best. In other issues, readers learned about art teacher Leslee Monda’s adventures at the Dixie Classic Fair and Marwin’s dreams of owning a Nissan GTR car one day. “I have loved that car since I was 8 years old,” Marwin wrote. “One day, I will get the car of my life!”

Those who want to stay informed about South Fork know that reading the News is a must.

Kim Jones is the faculty adviser.

Student Art in January 2014 Issue of Forsyth Family Magazine

On page 94 of the January issue of Forsyth Family Magazine, you will find art by four students in Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Lindy Southern goes to Sherwood Forest Elementary School. Her art teacher is Stephanie Parsons.

Catherine Windham is a senior at Reagan High School. Her art teacher is Jennifer Willard.

Chelsea Bradsaw and Alexa Shelton are students at Reynolds High School. Their teacher is Phil Benenati.

Classified Advisory Council's Monthly Spotlight on Lakisha Halsey at Easton Elementary

Lakisha Halsey

For December 2013, the Classified Employee Council’s Monthly Spotlight is on Lakisha Halsey, who works in the cafeteria at Easton Elementary School:

Lakisha Halsey has worked for the WS/FC school system for seven years. She loves working with the students and staff at Easton Elementary.

Her favorite things are reading, eating and talking on the phone but her greatest loves are her family and friends.

Ms. Halsey has two children ages 2 and 6 and is currently pursuing a nursing degree, so she is truly motivated every day.

“The kids love her and so do we!” says an Easton staff member.

Mount Tabor High Student Wins United Professional Horseman's Association Exceptional Challenge Cup

Rachel Sanchez

In the Friday, Jan. 3 issue of the Winston-Salem Journal, reporter Meghann Evans writes about Rachel Sanchez, a student at Mount Tabor High School. Here is an excerpt:

Rachel Sanchez has a lot to be thankful for — her health, her family and an equestrian title.

The 16-year-old Winston-Salem resident was struck in the head by a bullet at age 5 and is legally blind as a result, but it hasn’t slowed her down.

In November, she won the United Professional Horsemen’s Association Exceptional Challenge Cup at the American Royal National Championship in Kansas City. It was her second time competing at nationals.

“I was in shock,” Rachel said of her win over 14 other riders. “I was like, ‘What just happened?’”

Her mother, Stefanie Sanchez, said the result was unexpected because Rachel broke her ankle in June and didn’t ride all summer. They worked hard for a month and a half to prepare for the show.

Rachel currently trains at High Caliber Stables in Greensboro. The owner, Mary Orr, is a friend of the family.

“Rachel is a very special young lady,” Orr by email. “She is a fighter. She loves her horse and she strives to be the very best she can be.”

Rachel’s hard work paid off, according to her mother.

“She nailed it,” her mom said.

That she was able to compete at all is a major accomplishment.

One cold, February day in 2003 when Rachel was 5, a 15-year-old boy was shooting at vehicles on Interstate 40 in Hickory. Rachel’s family lived in Virginia at the time, and she and her sister were visiting their grandfather in Catawba County. The girls were traveling along I-40 with their grandfather when a bullet went through the car window and hit Rachel behind her right ear, lodging in the left part of her skull.

Rachel made it through surgery, a lengthy drug-induced coma and therapy, but she was not unscathed. The traumatic brain injury left Rachel legally blind and suffering from some speech and cognitive
impairments. Her visual clarity varies with how tired she is.

For the complete story, go to Winston-Salem Journal 

Paisley Robotics Club wins regional First LEGO League tournament

Students from Paisley IB Magnet School will take on teams from around the state in the First LEGO League state tournament on Jan. 11 after winning the regional tournament last month.

Two Paisley teams competed in the regional tournament, and both qualified to be a part of the 60 teams competing in the state tournament.

Robotics Team 1 beat out all 22 teams in the regional to win the tournament. The theme this year is "Nature's Fury." Teams had to learn and talk about natural disasters, such as hurricanes and tornadoes.

Each team had to do a 10-minute presentation about their robot project, a presentation about the theme and talk about how they worked as a team. Then they had to show how their robots were programmed to perform various feats to get through obstacles on the course.

Dan Loftis is the robotics coach.

Team one included Blake Neuendorf, Issac Present, Kenan Althoff, Jake Reilly, Sosa Abinigi, Daisey Zorezo, Baye Samodal, DJ Edwards, Yusif Smith, Donnelley Arnett and Liam Samodal.

Team two included Andrew Allen, Chigamecha Oparanozie, Xavier Mitchell, Sean Mitchell, Jefri Samodal, Anthony Porazzi, Tramond Cobb, K.P. Kuita, Michael Cade Padden, Henry Kuti and Jacob Melton.

Atkins Academic Team narrowly misses state title in NCASA Twelve

Atkins High School narrowly missed winning a state championship title by a single point in the state final of the NCASA Twelve competition hosted at Rogers-Herr Middle School in Durham on Saturday, December 14. The Twelve is the first in a series of academic contests that lead to the awarding of the NCASA Scholastic Cup at the end of the school year. The third-place finish nets Atkins HS 45 points in the Cup Race. 

"I am really proud of the Atkins team," said Atkins Principal Joe Childers. "When you consider that the top two schools were five or six times our size, I think our team did an outstanding job." At the end of twelve close rounds of twelve questions each, the Atkins team was one point out of the lead with 110 correct, behind a first-place tie between two Charlotte Mecklenburg schools, Ardrey Kell and Myers Park, both with 111. Both Charlotte schools tying for first have student enrollments in excess of 2,000. 

Also with 110 points was Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy. An overtime round was held to try to determine a tie-breaker between Ardrey Kell and Myers Park, but both teams scored eight points and the contest was left a tie. The third-place tie was left unbroken.

According to NCASA Executive Director Leon Pfeiffer, "The 2013 Twelve Competition was one of the most exciting competitions in NCASA history. "It was easily the most competitive competition in our history with four schools finishing within one point of each other after the final round. Six different schools also won rounds, another record indicating parity among the competing schools. This parity made every single question and answer count in every round. Going into the final round, Ardrey Kell led Myers Park and Thomas Jefferson by two, and Atkins by three. However, the final round brought these teams together with just one point separating the four schools. Even the overtime round could not differentiate the co-champions as each team earned 8 points in overtime." 

For Atkins, coming this close to winning a state title was not without mixed feelings. "It feels good to know that we have the talent and the desire to compete with any team in the state, but it does feel a little hollow coming so tantalizingly close to winning, but still ending up in third place. Any two questions we would have gotten right would have given us a victory," said Atkins teacher and Twelve Team Coach Kevin Hamilton. Of the twelve rounds, Atkins won the Current Events round and tied for the lead in Word Problems and Geography. 

The Twelve competition is unique to the NCASA organization and pits twelve students from each school against each other in a twelve-round competition with twelve questions per round. The contest features questions from a wide array of academic areas including US and World History, Civics and Economics, Physical and Life Sciences, several types of Mathematics, Literature and Grammar, and even wildcard topics. The wildcards on Saturday were Current Events and the Performing Arts. "Twelve is a unique competition in a number of ways," said Pfeiffer. "First, it is a knowledge-based competition that allows students to specialize in a particular subject, like US History or Life Sciences. However, it rewards those students who can contribute in other areas by allowing each student to compete in three rounds. It also rewards those well-rounded students by including two wildcard topics in each competition."

Team member AJ Goren was excited about the team's results, saying it was "definitely a good feeling, especially considering that we were only one point behind. Having the second-highest score, especially by such a close margin, is really exciting even if it gets counted as a third-place finish because two teams tied for first." Student Meredith Hemphill said, "We improved over last year and placed in a state competition. There aren't many teams who can say that." She also noted that it was also hard for the team to not be disappointed with coming so close to a victory. Hemphill is a two-time individual state champion and was a member of the state champion Quill writing team two years ago. 

The Twelve team was made up of Meredith Hemphill, John Henry Jackson, Hunter Chen, Lazar Trifunovic, Jack Bloomfled, Nik Bramblett, Chase Miller, Sterling Davis, Jonathan Grubbs, Vinish Kumar, AJ Goren, and Devika Ghosh. Alternates who attended to cheer their team on were Abi Udaiyar, Blakely Mitchell, and Emory Soper.

Fifth-Grade Dancers at Forest Park Elementary Win Dancing Classrooms Competition

On Dec. 12, five elementary schools gathered at Easton Elementary School for the Colors of the Rainbow, Dancing Classrooms Competition.

Each boy/girl team performed the Rumba, Merengue, Tango, Fox Trot and Swing. When all the dancing was done, students at Forest Park Elementary received the gold medal for coming in first place.

The other Winston-Salem/Forsyth County elementary schools that participated were Easton, Hall-Woodward and Old Town. The fifth school was Shady Grove Elementary in Davie County. All the schools had participated in the Take the Lead Dancing Classrooms program, which includes 10 weeks of ballroom dancing instruction for fifth-graders.

"We are so lucky to have this wonderful program available to schools,” said Norma White, a teacher assistant at Forest Park who worked with the program. “Our students build such confidence and respect for themselves as well as in their classmates. We are so proud of all they accomplished. This gold trophy is just another outstanding achievement to add to the list."

The coaches for the Forest Park team are technology facilitator Anna Dooley and teacher Ricquel Pratt. Falicia Fuller is the principal at Forest Park, and Ann Guill oversees Take the Lead: Dancing Classrooms for this area. 

Norma White