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MONROE MESSAGES, A Newsletter of Monroe County Schools
Pictured are: Jenny Rooks, Special Education Services, Annie Haynes, Kelsey Brown, and MCMS Principal Jay Johnston.
Congratulations to Kelsey Brown and Annie Haynes, Recipients of the Special Education Impact Award 2014

Each year Middle Georgia's GLRS sponsors the Special Education Impact Award Luncheon to recognize staff in each school system. Districts are asked to select professionals who impact the district's special education program in a significant manner.

While Monroe County has many high quality special educators, Ms. Brown and Ms. Haynes have worked diligently to develop a high quality middle school ACCESS program this year. These professionals are passionate about meeting the diverse needs of this significant population.  "Monroe County is very fortunate to have these young professionals on our staff and we hope they will be in Monroe County advocating for our students for years to come," stated Lisa Allred, Student Support Services Director. 

 

Board of Education Makes Recognitions at March Meeting
At the March Board of Education meeting, Mary Persons High School recognized students.  Students making a perfect score on the Georgia High School Writing Test were Kelsea Carneal , Rachel Pope, and Caroline Waldrep.  Mary Persons High School recipients of the 180 Degree Award were also recognized, and they are Quinn Chesney, Chelsey Cheshire, and Shanika High

 

180 Degree Winner Quinn Chesney is pictured with MPHS Principal Jim Finch and BOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant.

 

Lisa Singley, Nutrition Director, recognized cafeteria managers.  They are:  Donna Cunefare, MPHS; Michele Roberts, KBS;  Michelle Oliver, HES; Kathy Rabun, TGScott; Tonia Copelan, MCMS Banks Stephens Campus; and Rebecca Williams, MCMS Hubbard Campus.

Nutrition Director Lisa Singley, Nutrition Manager Tonya Copelan, BOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Nutrition Manager Rebecca Williams, and Nutrition Manager Kathy Rabun.

 

Mrs. Singley stated, "The School Nutrition Managers are to be commended for their efforts every day, but particularly, I would like to recognize their efforts during the Administrative Review. They defined the meaning of teamwork and support, which was evident to me as well as the State review representatives.  Our Nutrition Managers are dedicated and committed to quality meals and superior customer service on a  daily basis, but the time and management skills utilized during the Administrative Review revealed just how devoted this team is to performing at the highest level. I appreciate each and every one tremendously, and I am elated that I have the opportunity to recognize them for an exceptional job that had a very positive end."

 

The Board of Education also recognized the Memory of the late Reverend Ben Taylor for his dedication and service as a member of the Monroe County Board of Education from 1993-2004. During his three terms as a faithful board member, Rev. Taylor supported the mission of Monroe County Schools and served as the legislative liaison to the Georgia School Boards Association. His contributions to the education of the boys and girls of Monroe County will be long lasting. 

BOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant, Mary Ben Taylor, and Mrs. Dale Taylor are pictured with a commemorative plaque honoring the late Reverend Ben Taylor, former MCS Board of Education member.
 

The Board also honored the commitment of Mr. Vernon Sanders for his dedication and service as an alumnus of Mary Persons High School.  Mr. Sanders played for the MPHS Bulldogs from 1958 to 1961. Mr. Sanders has been a long time member of the Touchdown Club and served four terms as president of the organization. He has continued to show support for his Alma Mater as the "voice of the bulldogs" from the press box at Dan Pitts stadium at Mitchell field for 38 years.  Mr. Sanders' contributions have positively impacted the Mary Persons Football Program, the young men who have played after him, and will long be remembered.  Upon the recommendation of the Touchdown Club, the administration recommended placing a plaque in the press box at Dan Pitts Stadium at Mitchell Field in honor of Mr. Vernon Sanders' contribution to the Mary Persons High School Football Team, The Bulldogs.  Mr. Chad Sanders, son of Mr. Vernon Sanders, accepted the award on his father's behalf. 

BOE Chairman Dr. J. Ray Grant and MPHS Principal Jim Finch are pictured with Mr. Chad Sanders, who accepted a plaque on behalf of his father, Vernon Sanders.

 

Monroe County Schools has Successful Second Annual Transitions Fair

Last month, over twenty community resource agencies filled the MPHS cafeteria for Monroe County's Second Annual Transition Fair.  Leslie Gavin, Monroe County's parent mentor, collaborates with area resources to coordinate this event.  Parents and students came to gather information associated with Medicaid Waivers, accommodations for college, and alternate postsecondary placements.  "The transition fair is a wonderful opportunity for parents and students to gather a lot of information about services provided for persons with disabilities," shared Lisa Allred, Director of Student Support Services.  "Thank you to all Monroe County School staff that helped with this event. A special thank you to our community representatives that took time out of their evenings to provide Monroe County families with this important information." 





This Teacher is Tops! 
Steve Herr featured on WMAZ
MPHS teacher Steve Herr was featured last week on WMAZ's "My Teacher is Tops!" segment.  Mr. Herr is a special education teacher who co-teaches in Math III and American Government/Civics courses.  You can view the segment here.  Congratulations, Mr. Herr!
Radio Disney Visits HES
Hubbard Elementary School was recognized by RadioDisney recently for the schoolwide efforts to be healthy.  Pictured above are RadioDisney personnel with HES Principal Dr. Marcy Hunt-Harris.

Monroe County Achievement Center Hosts Special Guest Speakers

After a recent Saturday School session, Monroe County Achievement Center was honored to have the Brothers United in Friendship Forever to speak with students. Mr. Douglas Fletcher, Mr. Malik Douglas, and Apostle A.B. Ford were present to give their testimonies as well as provide life skills of how to prepare for the future. They shared real life examples of people making wrong choices, and how they turned these choices around and started making right choices. Also, they stressed that there were people that helped them along the way and when someone reaches out to help, reach back and help them to show your gratitude. In life, you can be whatever you want to be and with that, the question was asked, "Where do we go from here?" The speakers emphasized making the right decisions is crucial for the directions you choose in your life.


TGScott Readers Have
Books and Lunch Together
TGScott Elementary Media Center hosts students for lunch as they share books with each other.
TGScott Elementary has
Special Guest Reader
TGScott Elementary Media Specialist Cassandra Ogletree (at left) welcomed Marvin James of WMAZ this week.  Mr. James shared stories with TGScott Elementary students.
A Message from Monroe County Schools Nurses:  About Asthma

Asthma is a lung condition that causes difficulty breathing, and it's common among children and teens. Symptoms include coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Anyone can have asthma, even infants, and the tendency to develop the condition is often inherited.

Asthma affects the bronchial tubes. When someone breathes normally, air is taken in through the nose or mouth and then goes into the trachea (windpipe), passing through the bronchial tubes, into the lungs, and finally back out again.

But people with asthma have inflamed airways that produce lots of thick mucus. They are also overly sensitive to certain things, like exercise, dust, or cigarette smoke. This sensitivity causes the smooth muscle that surrounds the airways to tighten up. The combination of airway inflammation and muscle tightening narrows the airways and makes it difficult for air to move through.  More than 25 million people have asthma in the United States. It is the #1 reason children chronically miss school. And asthma attacks are the most common cause of pediatric emergency room visits due to a chronic illness.

Some children have only mild, occasional symptoms or only show symptoms after exercising. Others have severe asthma that, left untreated, can dramatically limit how active they are and cause changes in lung function.  With new medications and treatment strategies, children with asthma no longer need to sit on the sidelines, and parents no longer need to worry constantly about their child's well being.  With patient education and the right asthma management plan, families can learn to control symptoms and asthma flare-ups more independently, allowing children to do just about anything they want.

Reference :  http://www.choa.org  






MCMS Holds ELA Night
at MCMS Hubbard Campus
English/Language Arts teachers gathered with students and their families for a night focused on poetry, writing, language, and technology.  Families attended sessions including "Haiku Painting," "There's an App for that," and "ELA Jeopardy."
A Message from Monroe County Schools Counselors:  "What Did You Do Today?"

As parents, how many times have we asked our children how their day was, only to be met with a quick "okay" or a mindless shrug of their shoulders?  We may ponder how an 8+ hour school day can be summed up with only two syllables!  Rest assured, your children are learning, interacting, and growing each day.  Sometimes, simply changing the way we talk to our children can open the doors to more evening conversation, helping us to feel more connected and informed as to what our child's day was really like.  

 

The next time you sit down to talk to your child, try asking more open-ended questions, such as:

         What are you looking forward to at school tomorrow?

         What has been your most favorite activity this year (ask this at various points throughout the year)?

         What was your favorite part of your day?

         Did you get frustrated with anything at school today?

         Were you able to finish all of your work today?

         Do you have any questions that maybe your teacher couldn't answer?

         Was the test you were studying for as hard/easy as you thought it would be? What kind of questions were on it?

         Who did you hang out with at recess today?

         Tell me one new thing you learned at school today and I'll tell you one thing I learned at work.

         Who or what made you laugh today?

         Tell me about what you read in class.

         "I'm sorry you didn't get invited to Sarah's birthday party. I know you're disappointed. How have things changed between you and Sarah now that you're not in the same class?"

         "I really like the way you choose such nice friends. What qualities do you look for in a friend?"

         "How's it going with your activities and schoolwork? What would make it easier for you to manage your schedule and responsibilities?"

         "I feel like I haven't talked to you in ages. How about we go for a walk and catch up?"
Monroe County Schools Announces Kindergarten Enrollment for 2014-2015

The Monroe County Board of Education is revising the process for Kindergarten Registration beginning with the 2014-2015 School Year. Below you will find a timeline that will hopefully be more convenient and more accommodating for all parents/guardians. Students currently enrolled in the Monroe County Schools Pre-K program are NOT required to complete the enrollment process.  Kindergarten Registration Packets will be available for pick up at the Monroe County Board of Education from 7:30 am.- 5:00 pm, Monday - Friday.

 

Beginning Monday:  Parent(s)/Guardian(s) may call or come by the Monroe County Board of Education Office to schedule an appointment to register their 2014-2015 kindergarten child.  Appointments will be scheduled with the System Registrar, Cindy Seymour at 478-994-2031 ext 1037.  Appointments will be scheduled from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. On Tuesday and Thursday, appointments will be scheduled from 8:00 am until 6:00 pm.

 

March 24, 2014:  Kindergarten Registration Appointments begin. Parent(s)/Guardian will receive a letter confirming the school zone and Kindergarten enrollment for the upcoming school year when all necessary documentation has been received.  Your child will not be enrolled until all required documentation is provided. Please review the school system's documentation requirements. Failure to provide all documentation at the time of your appointment will require that you make a second appointment at a later date to complete the process.  

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Monroe County School System
http://www.monroe.k12.ga.us
Monroe County School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex in its employment practices, student programs and dealings with the public. It is the policy of the Board of Education to comply fully with the requirements of Title VI, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act and all accompanying regulations. As a result, the following people have been appointed to oversee specific areas. Title II, Adult 504, Adult Title IX  Dr. Mike Hickman  25 Brooklyn Avenue, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031  Student and Athletic Title IX Jackson Daniel 25 Brooklyn Avenue, Forsyth, GA 31029  478-994-2031 Student 504  Lisa Allred  
433 Highway 41 South, Forsyth, GA 31029  
Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved.  

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