Husky Highlights
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COMING THIS WEEK |
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Hightower Trail to Help in Haiti Relief As this issue of Husky Highlights goes to press, at least 50,000 are dead in Haiti, and hundreds of thousands more are in desperate need of food, clothing, and shelter. Read on to learn more about Hightower's role in the relief efforts, and give whatever you can. Please.
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HAITIAN EARTHQUAKE RELIEF: AN URGENT LETTER FROM DR. WILKINS
Dear Hightower Trail Family,
We have an opportunity to join an organized Haitian relief effort that was already in place before the devastating earthquake this week. Several churches in the area have partnered with Walmart and Home Depot to fill a 40-foot container and ship much-needed supplies to Haiti. Furthermore, and most importantly, contacts have been made and are in place in Haiti to receive and disperse the donations. This is especially critical now with the lack of order in the county. Our school had already been asked to assist with collecting school supplies for this effort. Now with the earthquake and immediate needs of the people of Haiti, we have decided to join in and also add clothing and food supplies to our donations.
A trailer will be moved to our campus this weekend for the collection. When it is full, it will be driven to the container site. Walmart will be responsible for transporting the container to Miami in March, and it will be shipped from there to Haiti. Home Depot is supplying cardboard boxes for packing the donations.
HereÕs how you can help: Review the attached donation list, and beginning Tuesday, January 18th, send or bring donated items to the 8th grade commons. There will be a posted list in the front office and the 8th grade commons where you can sign up for a time to help pack boxes to take to the trailer. Obviously, packing the items will be a big part of this effort. The trailer will be located on our campus for only two weeks, so this will need to be a rather quick turn-around. Please talk to your children this weekend, and plan on how you wish to be involved. We believe this presents an opportunity for an important life lesson for our students.
Suggested items to donate to Haiti Relief (No glass items or containers please)
1. Food and sundry items
- Canned soups
- Canned vegetables
- Canned fruit
- Canned and powdered milk
- Canned meats (vienna sausages, sardines, mackerel, etc.)
- Can opener (preferably cans with pop up lids)
- Rice, Beans (pinto, kidney, red beans) Corn meal, flour, sugar, salt, pepper, etc.
- Oatmeal
- Spaghetti, noodles
- Ketchup
- Cooking utensils: pots, pans, skillets ( no Teflon), wooden spoons, spatulas (stainless steel)
- Eating utensils: plates, spoons, folk, knives (plastic and metal)
- Containers (plastic pitchers, buckets, cups etc.)
- First Aid Kits (gauze, cotton balls, tape, band aid, hydrogen peroxide)
- Combs, barrettes, hair brush, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste deodorant, soap, women hygienic products
- Towels
- Caps, sunglasses, prescription eyeglasses
- Clothes pins for hanging clothes to dry
- Bug spray
- Mosquito nets
- Note: No electrical products since electricity is a limited resource in Haiti.
2. Clothing (no winter clothing)
- Men and boys Ð suits, neck ties, shirts, pants/jeans, shorts, t-shirts, shoes, sandals (flip flops), socks, underwear; etc.
- Women and girls Ð skirts, blouses, dresses (wedding dresses too), hoes, sandals (flip flops), under garments, socks/stockings, jewelry, etc.
- Infant and Toddler clothing
- Note: White shirts and blouses are popular. Women wear dresses and seldom wear pants and shorts. Black suits and dresses are important for funerals and are especially needed during this crisis.
3. School Supplies
- Pencils, pencil sharpeners, paper, erasers, pens, crayons,
- Rulers, glue, scissors, note books, 3 ring binders,
- Chalk for blackboards (sidewalk chalk), erasers for blackboards, backpacks, etc.
4. Amusement and recreational items
- Toys, jump ropes, jacks, cards, stuffed animals, baby dolls, small cars, bicycles (anything with wheels)
- Balls (tennis, football, soccer, basketball, baseball, etc.), sport uniforms and equipment, including air pumps for balls.
Thank you,
Dr. Wilkins
CO-PRESIDENTS' LETTER
HAPPY NEW YEAR! We sincerely hope you had a peaceful holiday with your families. Your PTSA took a small break after providing sweets for our wonderful faculty & staff in December, and then proceeded to work on getting ready for 2010 at Hightower Trail. There are some exciting events coming up so please remember to read your Husky Highlights every week.
We are working on some new committees to further enhance our school (gardening and resources for parents) so be on the look out for those. We are also working on implementing a new running club for girls. We couldn't do any of these things without the help of our wonderful parents who graciously volunteer their time and energy. This is what make Hightower such a wonderful school, and makes our jobs easier.
We will soon begin nominations for the 2010-2011 school year so please let us know if you might be interested in serving in some capacity on the PTSA board by emailing us at htmsptsa@hightowertrailptsa.org. There are many opportunites, big and small. It is very rewarding working with the Hightower faculty & staff while meeting so many parents and children. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our entire board who has been working so hard this school year. We have a lot of fun too!
Just a few things to keep in mind:
Thank you for all you do to make Hightower a nurturing, learning environment for all of our children!
Beth Russell & Susan Welborn
PTSA Co-Presidents
ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL'S LETTER
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Students in eighth grade will take the Grade 8 Writing Assessment on January 20. The Grade 8 Writing Assessment will provide information on student writing skills and is part of the required assessment program for the state of Georgia.
It is important for your child to be at school on time the day of testing. Testing begins in our school at 9:15 and ends approximately 11:45. Students will not be allowed to enter the testing room once testing has begun. Please schedule your childÕs appointments accordingly. Although there is a makeup session the following morning with the 8th grade counselor, students usually perform best when they take the test in a familiar environment.
Please stress to your child the importance of the test and doing his/her best. However, be careful not to create undue anxiety. Students perform best when they are relaxed.
You will be notified when test results are received in the spring. Thank you for your cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the 8th grade counselor, Mrs. Reichenbach at (770) 578-7228.
Sincerely,
Laura Montgomery
Assistant Principal
Testing Coordinator
PTSA NEWS
New! Survey on School Uniforms. The PTSA is investigating parent sentiment regarding school uniforms. Please go to the following link to vote on Hightower students wearing school uniforms. Please do not worry! We will not be making any changes any time soon, but rather are just interested in your opinion. Thank you for your time. http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=4NLp_2fliFcS2Liv0KXCX8Hw_3d_3d
Heroes Contest. PTSA Honoring Our Heroes Contest: Students, start thinking about who your real-life hero is for the annual PTSA Honoring Our Heroes contest. Plan to write up to a two page essay describing how your hero has made a positive impact upon your life. Entry forms will be posted on the HTMS website, and your language arts teacher's blogs. You can also pick one up in the Media Center after the holiday break. Essays are due by February 13 with two winners to be chosen from HTMS as well as grade level special honor winners. Contact Ginger Vukas at ginger.vukas@att.net for more details
New! The 8th Grade Dance Committee held its initial meeting on Monday, January 11 at 11:00 AM to begin planning for the 8th Grade Dance which will be held on Thursday, May 20. Anyone who hasn't already volunteered and is interested in helping (or who has volunteered but hasn't been contacted yet) please RSVP to karenstroly@comcast.net.
New! Needed: Office Volunteers for the 3rd Tuesday PM shift and for the 4th Friday PM shift (12:30-4:15 PM). Please contact Beth Gibeaut at 404-483-5266 [cell] or 770-650-9105 [home]
New! Parent to Parent. Hightower Trail PTSA is hosting a program called ÒParent to ParentÓ by The Passage Group this February. It is a prevention program that empowers parents to raise healthy, responsible kids in our increasingly toxic culture. Each week, a small group of parents (20 or less) watch a DVD presentation and hold discussions with a trained facilitator. Some of the topics discussed will be putting yourself in the way of our toxic culture; signs and symptoms of a healthy and unhealthy child; children are not adults and why schools cannot raise children; 11 ways to raise a toxic child; managing the internet; and drugs and alcohol. The program is free. Materials are $16 per family and include a book and set of CDs to keep. "Parent to Parent" sessions will be Tuesdays, February 2, 9, 16 and 23 from 6 to 8 PM at HTMS and Wednesdays, February 3, 10, 17, and 24 from 9 to 11 AM at Tritt. Parents are welcome to join either session depending on their schedule. To sign up or for more information about the sessions, contact (Beth Russell, Co-President) htmsptsa@hightowertrailptsa.org. For more information about Parent to Parent see http://www.thepassagegroup.com/PARENT-TO-PARENT_PROGRAM.html
New! PTSA Nominating Committee. It's hard to believe we have to start planning for next year's PTSA officer positions, but it is getting to be that time again! We are currently looking for individuals who are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee for the 2010-2011 PTSA officer elections. We need a total of 6 individuals (must be a current member of the Hightower Trail PTSA): 5 committee members and 1 alternate member. If you are interested in serving on the Nominating Committee or would like more information on what the requirements are, please contact Current PTSA Co-Presdident, Beth Russell, htmsptsa@hightowertrailptsa.org .
New! 2010 Georgia PTA Legislative Priorities
Funding:
Health and Wellness:
Legal Awareness:
What does Georgia PTA do with the priorities?
Priorities form the basis of Georgia PTA's efforts with the Georgia General Assembly and Congress. Georgia PTA monitors all legislation and policy issues affecting children and youth, including K-12 education, postsecondary education, Pre-K, child health and safety, gun safety, teen driving and underage drinking. Our priorities receive most of our attention; however, Georgia PTA responds to any legislation covered by our position statements.
Reflections Contest Winners: For those of you who may have missed the original list in the busyness before the holidays . . . here are the results of the Reflections Program. Forty-six students participated and submitted 70 pieces of artwork. All 1st and 2nd Place WInners' works were sent to the county-level juding in October. Everyone received certificates in recognition of their placement and efforts.
DANCE CHOREOGRAPHY
1st Place: Jacquelyn Benthall, 8th Grade
FILM/VIDEO PRODUCTION
1st Place: Chichi Zhu, 7th Grade
1st Place: Julian Lee, 8th Grade
2nd Place: Gabriel Sotillo, 7th Grade
2nd Place: Jessica Bowen, 8th Grade
LITERATURE
1st Place: Maria Hamill, 6th Grade
1st Place: Chichi Zhu, 7th Grade
1st Place: Darby Thompson, 8th Grade
2nd Place: Jordan McDermitt, 7th Grade
2nd Place: Daniel Ward, 8th Grade
3rd Place: Isabel Araneta, 7th Grade
3rd Place: Linda Zhou, 8th Grade
Honorable Mention: Olivia Buck, 8th Grade
PHOTOGRAPHY
1st Place: Kevin Melcher, 6th Grade
1st Place: Alex Swartz, 7th Grade
1st Place: Jordan McDermitt, 7th Grade
1st Place: Annie Grohovsky, 8th Grade
2nd Place: Kevin Melcher,
2nd Place: Annie Grohovsky,
3rd Place: Kevin Melcher,
3rd Place: Kevin Sholl, 7th Grade
3rd Place: Annie Grohovsky,
Honorable Mention: Ansley Robinson, 6th Grade
Honorable Mention: Anne Grohovsky,
VISUAL ARTS
1st Place: Serena Thayer, 6th Grade
1st Place: Connie Li, 7th Grade
1st Place: Eric Gu, 8th Grade
2nd Place: Marni Rein, 6th Grade
2nd Place: Logan Cooperman, 7th Grade
2nd Place: Ashley Hansen, 8th Grade
3rd Place: Tyler Borko, 7th Grade
3rd Place: Alyssa Clay, 8th Grade
Congratulations to all!
FOUNDATION NEWS
Attention Students: Mandatory Reading Books will be in this week at the Husky Hut:
The Outsiders by SE Hinton
The Adventures of Tome Sawyer
To Kill a Mockingbird
New Items at the Husky Hut! Stop by Today!
Husky Hut Hours: Tuesday through Friday 8:30-9:10 AM
Spiritwear Days are the 2nd and 4th Friday of the month
SCHOOL NEWS
Lunchtime Learning for Parents February 2 from 11:00-12:00 Hightower Media Production Room Parents Do you want to know something your children are doing at school to help motivate them to be more successful and plan long-term goals? Come discover the exciting Career Cruising. Students (and you) learn how to research careers of interest by answering a self-interest survey, view intricate details of jobs, discover scholarships available to them, locate college and university programs of study, and unravel the mystery of how to write a great rŽsumŽ. Planning for the future can be fun and motivating while keeping the end in sight. For more information contact Judith Reichenbach, 8th grade counselor at (770) 578-7228 Ext. 231
GUIDANCE NEWS
Notebook Busters help with organization of notebooks and lockers will begin the first Wed. in November and continue throughout the school year on the first Wed. of each month.
Eight Grade Counselor's Corner. Mrs. Reichenbach, the eighth grade counselor, would like to call the attention of all eighth-grade students and parents to the following:
The Middle to High School Transition Calendar is now up on my blog (under Guidance). You will find dates for high school registration, Magnet Schools website, Pebblebrook auditions, Pope Curriculum Night and more.
Remember to have your child show you his/her Career Cruising portfolio and rŽsumŽ created online with me. The rŽsumŽ is a living document that will grow as they grow. Students need to be aware of how the choices they make now and beyond will affect their future opportunities. I gave all of the students a Career Cruising guide. If you need another one, let me know and I can email it to you.
Magnet High Schools Information for Interested 8th grade Parents and Students. You may access the video and slide show on magnet schools at http://www.cobbk12.org/schools/magnet/ You will also find each magnet school's information along with Open House dates, applications, requirements for admission, and contact persons' email and phone numbers. Please direct all your questions to them. They are happy to hear from interested parents and students.
Kennesaw Girls' Softball Registration for all age groups (slow pitch and fast pitch) starts in January. The more girls that participate, the more teams that can play each other at the park. The more teams that play each other at the park, the more fun the entire season is for everyone. The spring softball season is a terrific way for kids to stay active, have fun, and meet life-long friends while learning and playing an extremely fun sport. For more details, go to: www.leaguelineup.com/kgsa
Walton High School 5K Raider Chase and 1 Mile Fun Run. Do you need to get off the couch and get some running done? Join the Cross Country (XC) & Track teams of Walton High School for their 31st Annual Raider Chase 5K & 1 Mile KidsÕ Fun Run at 8:30 AM on Saturday, January 30, at the Walton Track. Everyone is welcome to participate! In addition, if you are a past, present, or future Walton High affiliate (student, parent, faculty) you are also invited to compete against the XC & Track teams for prize money & trophy for your team in the 1st Annual Raider Chase Challenge. For more details, contact: www.waltontfxc.com
Walton High School Pre-Race Silent Auction. Enjoy an evening of drinks & hors dÕoeuvres with the Cross Country (XC) & Track teams of Walton High School as they host their annual Silent Auction on Friday, January 22 @ 7:00 PM at the Asheforde Subdivision Clubhouse (lower Roswell Road). The cost is $10 per person and proceeds benefit the XC & Track & Field programs at WHS. For more details, www.waltontfxc.com.
This event is for parents only!
Husky Highlights is a weekly e-publication of the Hightower Trail Middle School PTSA, designed to keep you up-to-date on all the exciting activities happening at Hightower. It appears in subscribersÕ email boxes each Thursday.
Subscribe at: http://www.hightowertrailptsa.org
Submissions to: highlights@hightowertrailptsa.org [deadline 6 PM Tuesday]
Highlights Editor: A. Bowdoin (ÒBowÓ) Van Riper highlights@hightowertrailptsa.org
PTSA Co-Presidents: Susan Welborn and Beth Russell htmsptsa@hightowertrailptsa.org