The holidays are a time for decorating, but families need to take precautions to be safe  this season.

Check each set of lights, new or old, for broken or cracked sockets, frayed or bare wires, or loose connections. Discard damaged sets or repair them before using.

Fasten outdoor lights securely to trees, house, walls or other firm support to protect from wind damage.

Use no more than three standard-size sets of lights per single extension cord.

Turn off all lights on trees and other decorations when you go to bed or leave the house. Lights could short and start a fire.

Never use electric lights on a metallic tree.The tree can become charged with electricity from faulty lights, and any person touching a branch could be electrocuted! To avoid this danger, use colored spotlights above or beside a tree, never fastened onto it!

Keep "bubbling" lights away from children. These lights with their bright colors and bubbling movement can tempt curious children to break candle-shaped glass, which can cut, and attempt to drink liquid, which contains a hazardous chemical.

Mrs. Christie Johnston, teacher at Mary Persons High School, is coordinating a possible trip to London and Paris through EF Educational Tours for June of 2014. She will be holding an informational meeting on December 13th at 6:00 in the Media Center at MPHS. Interested Mary Persons High students, their parents, and Monroe County Schools employees are invited to attend. For more information, contact Christie Johnston or click here.

I want to personally thank the community of Forsyth/Monroe County for their support of Mary Persons football this season. It has been quite special, and I am honored to have been a part of it.                                                                          

A big thank you is extended to Mary Persons High School. This includes our cheerleaders, band members, students, faculty and administration. Each and every one of them plays a special role in the spirit of our school environment and their support was amazing.

To our fans in the community, thank you. To see you in the stands every Friday night was a reminder of just how blessed we are. Your support, especially during the last few weeks has been unbelievable. No matter how long the road was, you were there to cheer us on. For that, we will be forever grateful.

Most importantly, I want to thank the players. Football requires a great amount of time and effort. I am so proud of each and every one of you for your commitment and dedication to Mary Persons football.

As this football season comes to an end, I would like to ask the community to continue to show your Bulldog Pride for all Mary Persons athletics. Our coaches and student-athletes appreciate your enthusiasm and support.

I am extremely proud to be a part of the Bulldog Nation. It carries with it a long standing tradition of excellence and achievement, and it is my hope that it continues to flourish and be a source of pride for our community.

Thank you and GO DOGS!!

Coach Nelson

TOGETHER. BELIEVE. PRIDE.