CONNECTIONS, the Walton High School e-Newsletter
Sharing Walton Stories to Inspire and Applaud

Feb. 05, 2016

Missed this Week's Announcements?

Archived E-Blast from Sunday, Jan. 31

WHS Art Students Take 1st Place in
National Competition
2015 Winning Mural from WHS
Congratulations to WHS Art Teacher, Ms. Kathleen Petka, and her art students for winning the Wyland National 'Water is Life' Mural and Art Challenge for the second time!  The Wyland Foundation and its partners provided 100 schools with paint supplies, educational materials and 50 sq. ft. canvas murals to look at the economic, cultural and aesthetic value of the world's ocean resources.  Over 4,900 students participated in the contest this year. 
 
Ms. Petka is very proud that her students' interpretation of the theme once again earned this national award.  "The Wyland National Mural Challenge represents an opportunity for our students to explore the issues surrounding our water supply.  They worked together to conceive and execute this grand scale project and learned a great deal in the process."  Anyone interested in contributing towards the framing of this 10'X5' WHS masterpiece can contact Ms. Petka here: WHS ART
Principal's Leadership Committee Hosts Operation Miracle Celebration
"For The KIDS!"
WHS Commons, Feb. 6 from 12-4 pm
 
"A hundred years from now it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove but the world may be different because I was important in the life of a child."


PLC & UGA Plan Operation Miracle

The WHS PLC believes miracles do happen every day at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta!  The PLC has been fundraising for Children's Operation Miracle for several months and will celebrate with representatives from UGA and Kell High School this Saturday in the WHS Commons.  Walton's support allows Children's to care for the sick and injured children of Georgia who need them. In addition to innovative treatments, leading edge research and compassionate care, Children's is fueled by a mission: Dedicated to All Better. 

Would you like to be a part of the miracle? Here's how:

*Come: Students, plan to attend the WHS OPERATION MIRACLE celebration on Saturday, Feb. 6.  There will be free food and lots of fun!  Meet the Miracle Kids and see the incredible results your support can bring to the life of a child.
Barney Working "For The Kids"

*Contribute: Join with the WHS Principal's Leadership Committee to raise funds for these amazing kids. Buy an awesome comfort color t-shirt for $12 in one of 5 great colors at the OM Celebration.  You can also make a direct charitable contribution to CHOA.  Checks (make out to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta) or cash will be accepted at the event!

Thank you for your support and remember:
It's for the Kids!
 
Education Advocacy

Last week, the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education (GPEE) presented their Top Ten Issues to Watch in 2016 to the Ga Legislature's Joint Education Committee.  Formed in 1992, the GPEE mission is "to inform and influence Georgia leaders through research and non-partisan advocacy to impact education policies and practices for the improvement of student achievement." This is the 12th year the GPEE has presented a report to the Legislature on the most pressing issues facing education in Georgia.

For each issue, the report presents an overview of the topic, its significance for Georgia, and recommends action steps for our state to take to address the issue.  The 2016 Report delves into these areas:

1.) Success For All: What to do with chronically failing schools?
2.) Assessments: What is their rightful place?
3.) Georgia's Teaching Pipeline: Protecting our future
4.) Student Funding: More equitable pie?
5.) Mind the Gaps: Equity and outcomes in education
6.) Early Learning: An economic foundation for Georgia
7.) After School Time: Where learning continues
8.) Workplace Readiness: The role of K-12
9.) Postsecondary Education: Access and success
10.) The Future of Education in Georgia: Where are we going?

To read the complete report, click here: Top 10 Issues for 2016
 
This publication is funded entirely by the WHS PTSA. 
No public funds were used to convey this message.

IN THIS ISSUE
WHS Mural Wins National Competition
Operation Miracle Celebration
Top Ten Issues in Education
Tips to Avoid Cold & Flu
36th Annual Raider Chase
WaltonStrong
 
Take Steps to Stay Well!
 
It's that time of year...when it seems that everyone you know is either sick or getting sick.  It's really hard to perform at your best if you don't feel well. Here are a few tips for you to implement to avoid the colds, flus and viruses always circulating in a school environment: 
  1. Sleep, sleep, sleep!  Try to be in bed no later than 11 pm.  Study your notes every night so you don't have to cram.
  2. Avoid daily sugary drinks and treats!  Sugar suppresses your immune system by up to 50% for 24 hours.  This means that if someone coughs near you, sneezes near you, or touches a door handle before you and just "junked it up" then you are 50% more likely to get the bug.  We don't need treats everyday!
  3. Eat well!  Eating lots of vegetables, lean protein, fats and fruit (not juice) to provide your immune system with nutrients, vitamins and minerals will help you fight illness.
  4. Avoid sharing drinks, straws and silverware.  Keep your cooties to yourself!
  5. Taking Vitamin C daily and a good whole food multi-vitamin is always a great supplement to support your immune system.
  6. Wash your hands frequently.  Spray your hands with the lavender oil in your classrooms.  It is an effective way to kill the bad bacteria on your hands while keeping the good bacteria alive.
  7. Manage your stress through meditation, journaling, light exercise (walking and yoga), and sleep.  .
  8. Use a drop of peppermint essential oil orally whenever you are around someone that is sick.  Just be sure it is an oil that can be used orally.
Here's to enjoying a healthy winter at Walton, staying in school, learning a lot and keeping your incentive!
 
Jill Gregory
Walton Health and Wellness Chair
Nutritionist and Personal Trainer
 36th Annual Raider Chase







Saturday, February 13
8:00 A.M.
At Raider Valley

What are you waiting for? Register TODAY to run the Walton Raider Chase 5K on Saturday, February 13th! It is a fun, fast 5K in the heart of East Cobb at Walton High School and is the only fundraiser that supports our Cross Country and Track and Field Programs.

This race is a community-wide event and is one of Cobb County's longest running traditions. Join in the fun and register today at: Raider Chase

 

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