January 6th, First Day of School for Students

We look forward to seeing all of our students on January 6th by 8 a.m. Get plenty of rest and be ready to LEARN and GROW in 2011! The new Top Dog group for the 4th Six Weeks starts when you return!

BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION WORKSHOP

Behavior Intervention Workshop

Date: 01/04/2011 


Time: 8:30 AM


Location: Career Tech Center (Talladega High School)
               Room 916


Participants: Administrators, Counselors, Parents, General & Special Educators, and Paraprofessionals


For more information, contact Ophelia Nash, Special Education Supervision/Psychometrist
256-315-5656 Extension 5911

Merry Christmas from R. L. Young!

                                    

                                    

 

R. L. Young Sing A Long 2010

One of our favorite traditions at R. L. Young is gathering on the last day for an hour of singing, more fondly known as the "Sing-a-long"! A former music teacher and friend, Mrs. Louanne Allen plays the piano for us. Dr. Frank Buck, former Special Education/Curriculum Coordinator for Talladega City Schools, brings his beautiful flute to entertain, too. R. L. Young is blessed to have such talented folks helping us with this fun event.

Adults share a song with the children. This year's choice was Walking in a Winter Wonderland.

Coach has a special guest this year.

Our featured student singer this year was Lauren Holbrook. Her mom and grandparents came to offer support and enjoy her beautiful voice.
Thanks, Lauren for sharing your talent with R. L. Young.

The Daily Home, 21 Dec 2010. Pages4 - 5

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The Daily Home
21 Dec 2010

A Special Santa and Gathering

Often the days before Christmas break are wild and tiring. But our faculty and staff took time to gather at Custom Pizza after students were dismissed on Friday, December 17th. The food was delicious, atmosphere cozy, and the company was delightful. We were glad to see Mr. Jemison, our custodian who has been ill for quite some time. We took time to honor him, Mrs. Diane, and Mrs. Mellon. These people keep our school running in tip top shape. We are able to do our jobs because of them!

I got a big surprise from the faculty and staff. The bag was huge and I had no idea what this group had purchased. In fact, I thought they might have stuffed a small child in the enormous sack. It turned out to be a beautiful, jolly ole' Santa. But this Santa was very special and unique... He was bearing a very long list of names....R. L. Young students, every one of them. And of course, all were on the GOOD list. What sneaky folks I work with.....Thanks for making this gift so personal. I love every child on our campus and it was like I was bringing them all home with me. Maybe Santa will leave extra presents when he sees all of their names. hummmmm....

I liked that we were able to catch our breaths before dashing out the door to begin the holiday. I told everyone I had one more task for them...get some rest and enjoy their own families. Educators sacrifice so much of themselves everyday. It is not a job you leave at the door on your way home each day. We are always looking for ways to improve. 

I wish all of our employees a very Merry Christmas...and I am looking forward to a bright new year! 

p.s. Thanks for the Santa. He is beautiful!

Fifth Grade Entertains R. L. Young Dec. 2010

This free slideshow generated with Smilebox

First Grade Gingerbread Houses 2010

Thanks to everyone who helped with this project, especially the teachers who organized the event and the ladies who got the houses ready to decorate. Everyone had a blast!

French's Group Takes the Trophy, Dec. 13-17, 2010

Congratulations to Mrs. French and her sixth graders for winning the trophy for HIGHEST COMPREHENSION % IN THE SCHOOL! Each week classes compete to see who has the highest % in comprehension. This is the first time for this class, but I bet it will not be the last. 


Of course, please note that I challenged the other sixth grade group (Mrs. Shirley's class) to bring home the trophy when they return in January. 
I am proud of R. L. Young students. Our overall % in comprehension is 89.3. I am predicting they may hit 90% before the school year ends. 


"The more you read, the BETTER you read". 

2010 December Good Citizens

Kindergarten - 2nd Graders: Madison S., Hero M., Addie S., Judson G., Mallory M., Jayden H., and Matthew W.

Third - Six Graders: Hannah L., Hannah J., Kaitlyn I., Zarria C., Caitlin K., Caleb C., Malachi D., KeShawn L.

"A delightful group of students who make R. L. Young a great place to learn and grow!" 

Blog Followers Increase

The R. L. Young Blog was first created by one of the teachers, Mrs. Becky Armstrong. I appreciate her efforts to publicize the wonderful things that happen everyday. As I assumed the role of principal in January 2008, the blog continued to grow and change. The graph above showcases the growth of our followers.


 The current # of views as of today (12/12/10) is. We appreciate all who take an interest in our school, students, and employees! We will continue to give you an inside view of our school in 2011. 

Proud to be the Host for the Talladega City School Foundation Meeting

R. L. Young served as the host for the school system's Educational Foundation committee. The members are busy men and women with one thing in common, their concern and love of our school district. Each spring they offer teachers an opportunity to write grants for special projects, ideas, materials, or events. The Foundation's goal is to provide educators with funds to increase the learning opportunities for students. 

They also recognize those that go above and beyond in their roles as educators. 

R. L. Young is appreciative of all of the members who serve on the School Foundation. Glad you visited the school! **Special thanks to our lunchroom staff for the wonderful meal served. 

A Brand New AR Trophy Winner

Everyone got a big surprise last Friday when Mrs. Thornton's 3rd graders took the trophy with an astonishing 95.8% overall class comprehension. This sharp group also got another pat on the back with 100% of students benchmarking on the state mandated DIBELS test.


The DIBELS assessment is administered 3 times a year and helps to determine reading success for students in grades kindergarten through third grade. We are proud of all of our students for their efforts!

Toy Drive-A Huge Success

The children and the families at R. L. Young are amazing! Mrs. Nelson, the TOY DRIVE sponsor, sent a note home announcing this worthwhile project. The faculty and staff decided to join forces with the students as our service emphasis. A week and a half later, the floor beneath the tree in the main hallway was bursting full of presents. Pictured below are the Ambassadors and the many bags of toys.

Ambassadors help load the vehicle headed to First Family Services.

We are proud of the "giving nature" of the folks that are associated with R. L. Young. Perhaps, with our combined efforts, we will make a difference for many children in Talladega county this Christmas. 

Thanks to all who gave!

"You never know when one kind act, or one word of encouragement, can change a life forever."

~ Zig Ziglar

                                                           

Elves at R. L. Young

Teachers at R. L. Young know that during the holiday season children become excited. In fact, teachers get excited, too. But the great educators at our school take this opportunity and the use of fun activities to keep kids tuned in to learning.

 Some strange things have been happening lately and it is believed that it could be the work of two elves (Bailey and Junior). They have been spotted hanging out in a first grade classroom. The biggest prank they have played is causing a ruckus in Mrs. Beard's computer lab.

Isaac W., a kindergarten student in Mrs. Nabors' room, made this sign for the lab. It says,"No elves allowed!" Because of the cleverness of these educators, they allow children to use their talents and take an active role in learning. Wise teachers also know that if they use the interest of the children to guide the instruction, the students will learn more! 

Mrs. Bittle's class has been busy making giant elves. Each elf is different, just like our students. These elves will be used as a motivational tool for students to write. Since the elves were created by the children,they will be more willing to attempt one of the hardest tasks for young children....writing.

Here is a sample of some first grade writing about the elves...

Ally T.

Bailey is sneackey. He is a boy. He is an elf. He is sweet. He has got blod hair and Junior is the elf on the shelf. I just can not wayte in till Christmas. 

Tyler W.

My elf is so cool. I love him so much. He is a boy elf, not a girl elf. I have to git a elf for Christmas Day. He has a scroll to see all the things kids want. 

Monterio R. is very proud of his finished product. This will be a keepsake and memory from his first grade year. 

I love this type of teaching......R. L. Young is blessed!

In Honor of our Spelling Bee Participants

Spelling Bee 2010

R. L. Young recently held a Spelling Bee among grades 4th-6th. 

On Thursday, the final elimination round was held with these top 14 spellers.

Bottom row: Logan C., Luke W., JR A., Desmick W., Jackson B., Riley K., and Tommy W.,
Top Row: Zarria C., Alayna P., Kayla W. (Winner), Meagan W., Jasmine W. (Runner Up), Shayla C., and Kiersten W.
Congratulations for the time you put into this competition!

 Kayla W. (on the right) will go on to compete in the county competition. Jasmine W. will serve as a substitute if Kayla is unable to attend. Congratulations to both young ladies! We are very proud of you. R. L. Young will be WELL represented.

12-10-10 PE Star Student of the Week!

Carlee M. is a student with a kind heart. Carlee is always willing to be there for anyone in need. Carlee always follows directions and strives to be the best at everything she does. Great job Carlee for being a bright shining star that everyone can see and follow.

Thank You, First National Bank of Talladega

R. L. Young Harvest Queens and Kings and Ambassadors jumped aboard the First National Bank Christmas float to send "Merry Christmas" wishes and sweet treats to the crowds that braved the cold Monday night.

Thank you, 1st National for helping our school have a little fun together.

Lexi, Natalie, and Kayla don red Santa hats and big, pretty smiles!

Kiara, Megan, Clay, Malik, and Benson are ready to throw CANDY!

Second grade teacher, Mrs. Armstrong, joined in the fun. She and Rudolph look great!

R. L. Young Harvest Queens Briana, Sara, and Meagan are beautiful.

1st AR Ice Cream Party in 2010

Missoula Children's Theatre Directors Visit Young

R. L. Young 3rd graders got a special treat this week with a visit from the Missoula Children's Theatre directors, Andy Pokel and Alisha Eberhart. Not only do they visit the schools, but they offer a chance for kids to be a part of a major production.

 Auditions were held on Monday and these two talented young adults had one week to prepare everyone for the show. This is a wonderful opportunity for children who live in or close to the city of Talladega. 

Isabella B. and Aiden G. get their faces painted. 

The Missoula Children's Theatre helps children think creatively, such as with these 3rd graders who have been transformed by a little face paint.

Thanks for coming to R. L. Young and spreading lots of FUN!

12-3-10 PE Star Student of the Week!

Makenzie L. has been a model student with a great attitude. Makenzie always tries her best at everything she does. Thank you Makenzie for being a great leader to those around you. Keep up the good work and keep working hard.

GREAT JOB!

R. L. Young Teacher of the Year/JSU Teacher Hall of Fame Nominee

Congratulations to Mrs. Cari Wilson, R. L. Young's selected educator for TEACHER OF THE YEAR AND JSU TEACHER HALL OF FAME NOMINEE. She will go on to complete for the district title of TOY and JSU Teacher Hall of Fame nominee for Talladega City Schools.

Mrs. Wilson is a seasoned teacher with 15 years of experience. She is a National Board Certified Teacher, the highest honor bestowed to an educator. The process of National Board Certification is strenuous, lengthy, and can take up to three years to achieve. She is one of only 3 teachers in the district to achieve this status. Mrs. Wilson has taught kindergarten and fourth grade at Young for a total of 13 years and for 2 years maintained a multi-age classroom at Coldwater Elementary.

We are proud to recognize and commend Mrs. Wilson for her professionalism and love of students. With the expertise and knowledge of all of our teachers, it is truly an honor to be selected by her peers. Thanks for going the extra mile for our school!

Safety FIRST!

How does our school ensure your child's safety?
     Each month the children at R. L. Young participate in a timed fire drill in which everyone evacuates the buildings to the playground. Teachers do a roll call and the time it takes to exit is announced to the students. This month's time was 2:16! 

     Our school also participates in a severe weather drill twice a year. Students are instructed on how to protect themselves during a thunderstorm or tornado. By practicing these drills, our children are calmly prepared, if an emergency arises. 

     The other drill we have at school at least twice each year is a lockdown. This would be used in the case of an intruder or unauthorized visitor. Teachers gather everyone in a corner of the room, pull shades/blinds, and lock the door from the inside. All rooms are checked to see that they are secured. Outer doors are locked and all buildings are secure. 


R. L. Young takes your child's safety very seriously. Being prepared helps children remain calm if an emergency does occur. 

Thinking of Others at Christmas

The good book says it is "more blessed to give than to receive" and at R. L. Young we are promoting this attitude, especially during the month of December. Mrs. Nelson, fifth/sixth grade teacher is heading up our 3rd annual R. L. Young Elementary /1st Family Services Toy Drive.


First Family serves children from birth to 12 years of age. By combining our efforts with this local agency, we not only are we hoping to brighten someone's Christmas, but we are providing life lessons about giving, love, gratitude, and helping others.


We are asking students to bring a new, unwrapped toy to school by WEDNESDAY, Dec. 8th. With your help, we can make a dramatic difference in the lives of children in Talladega County.


Suggested Items:
balls (footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, etc.)
remote control cars
hand held games
board games
baby dolls
cars/trucks
dress up clothes
Barbie dolls
princess items


NO STUFFED ANIMALS, PLEASE

November 2010 Good Citizens

Each month R. L. Young teachers select a student from their class to be  GOOD CITIZEN. We believe that recognizing good behavior, kindness, and being a role model for others is worth the effort and recognition. 

This year,the selected students each month complete a survey of their likes, favorites, and respond to why they feel they were chosen as a GOOD CITIZEN. These surveys hang in the lunchroom for all to read. 

Congratulations to the November Good Citizens.

"YOU make Young a BETTER place to learn and grow!"

K-2nd Grade  Good Citizens: Kamryn C., Latasia E., Carlee M., Tanner M., Riley L., Isaac W., Ty G.

3rd-6th Grade Good Citizens: Marlee S., Ragan P., Kevin W., Lauren H., Cason H., Julie G., Kacie P., Haylee W. 

Progress Reports TODAY! November 29th

If your child's report is not satisfactory, consider the following items:

*Is your child frequently tardy?

*Does your child complete homework?

*Does your child and you study for tests?

*Does your child know school is important to you, too?

*Does your child bring the necessary supplies to class?

*Do you visit the school for an occasional lunch date or to speak to the teacher?

*Is your child frequently absent from school, but could have probably attended? 

The problem may not be his/her ability to learn, but obstacles that can be easily removed.

Dear Faculty and Staff,
Thanks so much for the pretty flowers you had delivered to my office at Zora Ellis. When I look at them on my desk, it reminds me of all the wonderful teachers and friends at Young. I have especially appreciated your kind words of encouragement in my new position.

Please keep in touch.

Love,
Gloria Thomas

  

Thanks, Bill Stanford and Chrysler Corporation

The Chrysler Drive for Kids was the easiest fundraiser the school has ever done thanks to Bill Stanford and the Chrysler Corporation. There was no obligation to R. L. Young or to the drivers. Each driver earned $10 for the school for a total of $770 in 2 1/2 hours! 
Thanks to everyone who helped....

From the Faculty and Staff of R. L. Young

R. L. Young faculty and staff can think of 266 reasons to be thankful! We wish your family a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday.

Elves Visit School

While most R. L. Young folks were sleeping in on the first day of Thanksgiving vacation, Christmas elves were spotted hanging the greens at the school. 


A special thanks to the following elves:
Mike and Diane Gay
Teresa Mellon
Alayna Pody
Linda Hodnett


Magical things happen at R. L. Young....a good place to learn and grow!