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GROWING LEADERS EVERY DAY!
Our school is proud of the traditions, high expectations, and inviting atmosphere that make it a good place to learn and grow.



Monday, April 30, 2012

April Good Citizens 2012


Good Citizens for the month of April for grades K-3:
Cole H., Micah S., Taylor Goodson,
Chloe D., Audry A.,
 Ambry H., Jaycie B., Ty H.

Good Citizens for grades 5th and 6th:
Gracie H., Blaise McG., and Alayna P.
Fourth grade Good Citizens, Briana K. and Kaylee R., were on a field trip to
Montgomery on the day of the luncheon.
Thanks for making our school and EVEN better place to learn and grow.

Friday FUN Day for R. L. Young 1st Graders 2012

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Jacks, Jacks, Jacks!

Jacks of Talladega is lending support to R. L. Young's Archery Team through coupon books with $30 worth of food for $5. All proceeds go directly to the Archery Team. Coupons can be used at any Jacks. You can see a team member/parent or contact the school's office at 256-315-5888.


Thanks in advance for your support!

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Talladega City Lends Support

Bottom row: Coach Chris Stephens, Cohen D., Tripp A., Luke W., Sierra A., Mary W.,  row 2: Coy C., Jaylin P., Alayna P., Jessica T., row 3: Principal Pattie Thomas Makenzie L., Keshawn L., Ja’Karle Porter K., Timothy J., row 4: Jay P., Matthew M., Logan L., Diamond O., Casey H., Victoria F., Top Row: City Council Members Rick Simpson, Joe Ballow, and City Manager Brian Muenger.

R. L. Young was visited this week by several city dignitaries, Mr. Brian Muenger, Talladega City Manager and City Council members Rick Simpson and Joe Ballow. Earlier the same day, City Councilman, Donnie Miller stopped by to bring us some good news and further support. He is declaring May 1 "R. L. Young Archery Team Day!" 10% of all profits from Miller's BBQ that day will be donated to the R. L. Young Archery Fund.  Wow! Thanks for the support. Go by and get lunch or supper and lend support to a good cause.
We were thrilled to have all of them on campus and appreciative of their wonderful support of our Achery Team that will be traveling to Nationals on May 11.

Great Article about Internet Safety


Internet safety speaker shares tips for parents
by Emily Adams
Apr 26, 2012 | 1025 views | 4 4 comments | 5 5 recommendations | email to a friend | print
Internet safety speaker Joe Coles shares tips for the safe use of technology at a community meeting Wednesday night. Coles visited fourth through twelfth graders during school Wednesday to discuss topics like cyberbullying, texting and social networks.
Internet safety speaker Joe Coles shares tips for the safe use of technology at a community meeting Wednesday night. Coles visited fourth through twelfth graders during school Wednesday to discuss topics like cyberbullying, texting and social networks.
SYLACAUGA – Sylacauga City Schools is staying proactive about educating its students on the proper use of technology.

The school system hosted Internet safety speaker Joe Coles on Wednesday as he spoke to fourth through twelfth graders about topics like cyberbullying, texting and social networks.

Coles also spoke at a community meeting Wednesday night, where he addressed ways parents can stay involved with their child’s online activities.

“The worst thing a parent can do technology-wise is tell their child ‘I don’t know anything about technology. You know more than I do,’” Coles said. “That is a red flag. You have to tell them, ‘I don’t know as much as you, but how do you do that?’ Show them you are learning and act interested.”

Coles said parents should monitor their child’s online and technological activities and create a plan for technology use.

“The best way to stay involved in what your child is doing online is to always make time to talk to them,” Coles said. “Face-to-face communication is a lost art. Show them you care. You can never care too much.”

Statistics show most teenagers spend three and a half minutes a day in a meaningful conversation with their parents, down from seven minutes a day just two years ago, Coles said.

“One way to get more time with your kids is to eat dinner together,” he said. “Studies prove that children who eat dinner with their family five times a week are less likely to smoke, drink or use drugs. And a technology-free dinner is an even better idea. Just take 45 minutes away from your phones or computers to spend with each other.”

Coles said children who receive support from home are at a lower risk of bullying others, whether through technology or in person.

Other safety tips for parents are:

• Keep computers, cell phones and other technology out of an isolated area. Keep them in the family room, kitchen or other location where everyone spends time.

• Respect your child’s privacy online, but intervene if necessary.

• Talk to your children about cell phone usage and inform them everything they text or post online is there forever.

• Talk about what pictures are appropriate for social networks and texting.

• Be aware of their online activities.

• Inquire about filtering and parental control programs to install on your computer.

Coles said most children do not realize what they put online or text is permanently accessible to the public.

“I found out recently that cell phone companies can access every text that is sent from your phone number,” Coles said. “Everything you do with technology is public information.”

Sylacauga schools Technology Director Mike Robinson said the school system strives to stay ahead of any issues students may face with technology.

“We haven’t had any problems, but we are trying to be proactive, not reactive,” he said. “A lot of parents have good intentions to monitor what their child does, but staying on top of the current trends and changes can be hard.”

Robinson said students responded well to Coles’ presentations.

“A lot of their reaction was almost shock and awe,” he said. “They realized what they do with technology can affect other aspects of their life.”

Coles, who has visited the school system several times, said he is impressed with its effort to protect students from technology-related issues.

“You are very fortunate to be part of a school system that is proactive about these topics,” Coles said. “They care so much for your kids, and that is important because kids cannot learn if they do not feel safe and connected in school.”

Contact Emily Adams at eadams@dailyhome.com.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Hey, Testers....!


    


Hey, Testers for R. L. Young! The Barons Baseball game is on Wednesday, May 2. Don't forget your $ 


and permission slip is due Monday, April 30! Thanks for giving your best on the ARMT + test!

Don't Forget....


Don't forget we will be "boying with the boys"....at the Bowling Center in Talladega (male students from R L Young + adult this SATURDAY from 10 until 12! (Please no female students) $5 per person includes everything you need to have a great 2 hours of fun with some very special YOUNG men! 


Drive for Kids...A Success!

Thanks to all who drove on April 10 at our Drive for Kids sponsored by Bill Stanford Automotive and the Chrysler Corporation. Mr. Stanford is a great guy who gave over 2 1/2 hours of his time to help R. L Young. The school made $630! Thanks to the 63 people who gave up their time to drive. 

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Parents....We Want to KNOW WHAT YOU THINK!

In an effort to improve system practices, Raymond L. Young Elementary School is conducting a Parent Survey. We value your opinion and ask that you take the time to complete this survey.


In order to complete the survey, please go to the link provided on a letter coming home today, 
April 24, 2012. When you go to the link, it will ask you to pick a school and complete the questions. It is very brief and we love to get feedback. You must have a child in our school to be eligible to participate. 


We appreciate your input and participation! The window will close on May 11, 2012.

Monday, April 23, 2012

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION...APRIL 24, 2012


TALLADEGA CITY SCHOOL SYSTEM

Kindergarten Registration 4/24/12!

Registration for kindergarten students eligible for the kindergarten program in the Talladega City School System will be held on Tuesday April 24, 2012 from 8:30 A. M. to 2:00 P. M.  Students will be eligible to enroll in kindergarten if they are five years old on or before September 1st.  They should register in the following primary schools zones in which they reside.

R. L. Young Elementary School  -315-5888

THE PARENTS OF KINDERGARTEN STUDENTS ARE REQUIRED TO PRESENT THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS FOR ENROLLMENT ON
 (We cannot accept a Driver’s License or Personalized Checks).

1.              CERTIFIED BIRTH CERTIFICATE – MUST HAVE STATE SEAL
2.              ALABAMA CERTIFICATE OF IMMUNIZATION  (BLUE SLIP/Shot Record)
3.              SOCIAL SECURITY CARD
4.              PROOF OF RESIDENCE
A.             UTILITY BILL WITH NAME AND ADDRESS
(Electric Bill  - Water Bill )
B.             LEASE AGREEMENT


If you are not certain of the school zone for your child, call one of the elementary schools listed above for the correct information.

First Family Services & YOUNG Team Up for Child Prevention Month


Just in time for Earth Day, R. L. Young received a visit from members of First Family Services and Mrs. Nicole Parker, Director of DHR to deliver and help plant 2 blueberry bushes on our campus. The bushes, although small now, will grow and mature, just like our students.
 It is the desire of FFS, the Department of Human Resources, and Faculty and Staff of R. L. Young, that our students grow up happy and healthy. We now have a "growing" reminder to be ever so mindful of what is going on in the lives of our students. A special thanks to St. Peters Episcopal Church for donating the plants for our school. 


Sunday, April 22, 2012

St. Jude Childrens' Hospital MATH-A-THON

Can you read their shirts? It says, "St Judes". Our students at R. L. Young and event sponsor, third grade teacher Cathy Thornton, wanted to help very sick children. So they picked up their pencils and worked math problems for a cause. Each child pictured here got sponsors who encouraged them to be good math students and think of others at the same time. 


If you were a sponsor, parent, grandparent, or family friend who encouraged your child to participate, THANK YOU! Your dollars went to a good cause. Some families that come to the hospital cannot pay, yet St. Jude takes them in to help their sick child. It is through donations like this that make that possible. Miracles for children and our students are a part of that! Our students raised $1,200.01 for St. Jude! WOW...

Zora Ellis Students Visit Young

R. L. Young sixth graders were very excited about some special visitors, Zora Ellis Junior High students, on campus last week. These energetic guests shared extra curricular activities and clubs that they could choose once they become a ZE student. It was especially great to have some of our alumni back on campus again. 


Accompanying the Zora Ellis students was former teacher of R. L. Young and currently the assistant principal of ZE, Mrs. Gloria Thomas. She quickly connected with the students and shared some important things they must know like dress code and ISI. Her message was very upbeat and informative. Plus, it was great to see her on our campus!


There was a level of comfort between the assistant principal and our 6th graders. Her wit and charm was quite evident, even though some serious information was being shared. Providing an opportunity to ask questions in a small group setting was helpful to our students, too. 


Great idea to have Zora Ellis students visit our school (and others in the city system) and next on the agenda will be for them to walk on campus to take a look around. 


Zora Ellis has a blog, too. This site will be very helpful to parents as they prepare for a transition from elementary to junior high. Check out this post by Mrs. Gloria Thomas, assistant principal of Zora Ellis. Thanks to all for coming! Our students look forward to visiting your campus, too!

Saturday, April 21, 2012

2nd Graders Present....



Their message was clear...Hit a homerun on the ARMT + for R. L. Young! Great program, very uplifting, teamwork, hard work, and determination all rolled into 25 minutes. 


A big thanks to our 2nd graders and their teachers for helping to motivate our TESTERS. There will be many 4's, I am sure!

And the Winner is....

Every Friday I run several reports from the Accelerated Reader Program to get a picture of how our students are progressing. We encourage everyone (but kinders) to participate in the AR program. We have learned that if kids practice reading with books in their current level, they progress better and faster. Plus, if allowed to read what they like and want to read, they are more likely to do it! 
Regretfully I missed the last day of this school week because of illness. (I hardly ever miss this job that I LOVE!) In a phone conversation with one of my teachers, she mentioned the kids were disappointed that I did not announce this week's winner. 
Well, let me do that NOW...drum roll, please...

The highest comprehension average (98.2) was earned by:
Mrs. French's sixth graders. Please keep in mind that this was done during the week of our ARMT + testing. FANTASTIC effort on everyone's part. All students tested and helped earn this trophy. Now that's team work.
This principal is VERY proud!

Friday, April 20, 2012

Talladega School Foundation Features Archery Team

Check out this nice post by Graham Hadley featuring our Archery Team and our quest to help fund their way to Nationals! Any donations are welcomed and appreciated. Just give the school a call at 256-315-5888 or email the principal at pthomas@talladega-cs.net.

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

4-6-12 PE Star Student of the Week

This week’s star student has shown his classmates how to be a true leader.
He is always following directions the first time. He treats his classmates with a smile every day. He is a wonderful student who is really trying to do his best in everything he does. Great job Kaleb F. for being this week’s brightest star! Keep up the great work!

Friday, April 13, 2012

Armstrong's 2nd Graders GRAB that TROPHY

                        Although Mrs. Nelson's 6th graders worked diligently and received an impressive 95.1 % in AR comprehension for the week, it was not enough to keep the trophy for a 3rd week. Mrs. Armstrong's 2nd graders worked all week long and earned a 95.3 % for the week.

The school is especially proud of both groups, and really all AR participants. Our school average is 91.1% which is AMAZING!

Accelerated Reader Program has made a remarkable difference in our students' reading abilities because it allows them to practice the most important reading component...COMPREHENSION at a comfortable level!

Please encourage your child to get a book from the library in his/her reading range and take a test. The practice will benefit them in every subject.

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Nelson's Students Hang On!

The AR Trophy for Highest Comprehension was held hostage this week by Mrs. Nelson's class. Their hard efforts paid off with an impressive 98% comprehensive average for this smart bunch.

Congrats to you all. Can they do it a third week? Mrs. Armstrong's 2nd graders have been the most successful this year with keeping the trophy for weeks at a time. Stay tuned for an update and Happy Reading!

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Kindergarten Readiness Checklist

Wondering if your child is ready for Kindergarten? Check out this list of skills to help you decide. Kindergarten Registration for Talladega City Schools is April 24.
You can use this checklist to see how well your child is doing in acquiring the skills found on most kindergarten checklists.

• listens to stories without interrupting

• identifies rhyming words

• pays attention for short periods of time

• listens and can follow directions

• cut with scissors

• shares with others

• able to recognize authority

• button shirts, coats, pants, and zip zippers

• controls oneself

• speaks understandably

• talks in complete sentences

• write first name

• use restroom independently

• can lose at games and takes turns without becoming upset

If your child has not mastered any of the above skills, please work with them during the summer.

Thanks for your support!

Monday, April 9, 2012

DRIVE for our KIDS April 10th

JUST A CUTE REMINDER
 THAT WE NEED ALL LICENSED DRIVERS
TO COME TEST DRIVE A NEW CAR FROM 3 TO 5:45 P.M.
on April 10th. PTO meeting and 2nd grade program will follow at 6 p.m.

This is the easiest and 0 cost fundraiser we will ever have! Thanks in advance for your participation. See you tomorrow!

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Nelson's 6th Graders Snag the Trophy

School was dismissing for Spring Break, but that didn't deter Mrs. Nelson's 6th graders from snagging the trophy for  HIGHEST COMPREHENSION % in AR for the week.
     Congratulations and Great Job!     

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Chrysler and R. L. Young TEAM UP!

                   
Schools are always in need of extra funds to bring improvements to students. But seldomly do we have an opportunity to receive money with no cost to parents.
Thanks to Bill Stanford Automotive in Talladega and the Chrysler Corporation, our school has been invited once again to participate in the DRIVE FOR THE KIDS on April 10th from 2:45 until 5:45 p.m. prior to the PTO meeting/2nd grade program.

Every test driver earns $10 for our school. Our goal is to have 100 drives and earn $1000! There is also an event bonus if we have 150 drives, Chrysler will donate an additional $250 to our school. Every driver is required to complete a brief survey about their experience. No sales person will contact you and there is no pressure to buy a vehicle.

The Drive for the Kids National Program was created in 1993 to help parents raise money for educational and student enrichment programs. It has been held at more than 5,000 school events, raised more than $2.8 million and conducted more than a half million test drives. Drive for the Kids combines a fundraiser for the school with an opportunity for parents to try out Dodge's newest crossover, the Dodge Journey. The program is a fun and easy way for schools to earn money to benefit students.


When you come to drive, be sure to sign up for your special child to win a cool prize. The winner will be announced the next day at school.
THANK YOU in advance to all participants, DODGE Chrysler Corporation, Joe Doyle, and BILL STANFORD AUTOMOTIVE in Talladega! We look forward to seeing you on campus for your test drive.