Winner!

Ethan N. was the proud winner of this adorable little monkey. Each week, students who have perfect attendance for the week are entered into a drawing to win a stuffed animal.

All students who have perfect attendance for the week are given an animal card to add into a collection. This is a great way to promote the importance of being at school.

NOTE FROM PRINCIPAL:

Thanks, Mrs. Lamberth for posting about our attendance program funded by R. L. Young's PTO. It is exciting to see students coming to school every day, eager to learn, and afraid they might miss something if not in their seats.
Ethan has great attendance and justly deserved this little monkey. When students return after the Labor Day weekend, we will begin our 20 Day Count. Stay posted for more information concerning the importance of having great attendance during this timespan.

Editable Plant Cell Cake

We enjoyed learning about Plant Cells this week. So----as a special treat---Ms. Haylee sent us an editable plant cell cake. All the parts of the cell were even labeled! WOW. Thank you for this delicious treat. I love to make learning FUN!!!.

 



Accelerated Reader....A GOOD Thing!

R. L. Young placed a huge emphasis on the Accelerated Reader program last year. All of this effort by teachers, students, and parents paid off BIG TIME when test scores came back. My professional stance on reading (and I have a plaque in my office that attests to this belief) is that the MORE kids read, the BETTER they read. They learn to read by reading, just as ball players get better by hitting around the ball. Reading should never be a punishment, the key is finding what your child is truly interested in and supply him/her with reading materials. My son loved dinosaurs. He had his own personal library of dinosaur books.

I encourage you if you are not a big fan of the program, to take a second look. It's a win-win situation for children. They pick their own books according to their interests, test individually and privately, and then reap the rewards for doing well with prizes and public recognition as a student and as a class.

The gift of reading when given to a child early makes your job as a parent easier in the later years. Plus, there is no better way to snuggle with a child than with a good book!

For more information on AR, click to read this guide for parents. Happy Reading............

First GOOD CITIZENS of the Month-AUGUST 2012

 Congratulations to the K-2 August Good Citizens: Cole E., Payton H.,

Zoey H., Maddox W., Aniya T., and Jordan B.

Representing grades 3-6 for Good Citizens: Izzy W., Chloe D., Maddison M.,

Tommy W., Hannah S., Taylor H., and Alex A.

We are very proud of all of these students and appreciate the good job they do every day

 at R. L. Young.

We Love Invented Spelling in Grades K-1

It is quite appropriate for children in kindergarten and first grade to use "invented" spelling. In fact, the way early readers and writers write, reveals what they know about letters and sounds. Watch this video and get excited about your child writing! Don't sweat the invention of spelling...celebrate their efforts! 

8-24-12 PE Star Student of the Week

This week’s star student has been respectful of herself, others, and her environment.  She has demonstrated great leadership qualities by following directions and leading by example.  She has been a bright shining star this week and has been shining for everyone to see.  Keep up the great work Lola A. and keep being respectful to yourself, others, and your environment.

School Store Opens MONDAY!

It is fun to go shopping, especially at the R. L. Young School Store! Various items are for sale ranging from 25 cents to $1.

The Ambassadors for the 2012-13 school year will be available to help students as they make their purchases. The store is open from 8:00 until 8:10 a.m. so no instructional time is lost.

Store Schedule:
K and 1st...Monday
2nd .....Tuesday
3rd......Wednesday
4th......Thursday
5th and 6th.....Friday

A trip to the store could be used as a reward for good conduct by a parent or if a child had birthday money to spend. All proceeds go back to the school to help with special projects and student rewards.

Happy Shopping, everyone!

Before and After...Thanks Mr. Jackson!

R. L. Young is blessed to have three buildings that make up our school. The main building was built in 1929, annex 1 which houses the library, and the new annex which is home to our UGA (Upper Grade Academy). 

This summer Mr. Jerome Jackson painstakingly recreated the arched doorways on both sides of the auditorium close to the boy and girl bathrooms. This was no simple task. Each door was custom-made using the existing doors pictured below as a pattern. We are thrilled with the final results and so appreciative that TCS has such talented staff on the Maintenance Crew. I call them the "Fantastic Five". 

BEFORE

AFTER

Thanks Mr. Mitchell, Maintenance Supervisor, for helping to supply the needed materials and allowing Mr. Jackson to work on this much needed project. 

WE LOVE OUR NEW DOORS!

Scenes from 2012 Meet and Greet

August 16 was a busy time at R. L. Young. Teachers were bustling around getting ready for our annual MEET AND GREET. The custodial staff had worked through the summer and the first week back to ready buildings and grounds.

Y.E.S. (Young Elementary School) was ready for students and parents.

P.T. O officers were on hand to accept new members. It is NOT too late to join for just $5 per family. This can be sent by your child in an envelope. Please put your name and the child's name.

Our new lunchroom manager, Joyce Gurley and Angela Harvell, met with

parents and took lunch money.

 The UPPER GRADE ACADEMY which houses grades 5 and 6 went all out to welcome their new students. PEACE, LOVE, RESPECT, and UPPER GRADE ACADEMY...cool!

 

 
Respect of self, others, and the environment, this is our school-wide focus.

Classrooms filled quickly with parents and students eager to meet the teacher and look around.

                              Some teachers used the Promethean Boards to share information.

R. L. Young places a huge emphasis on good attendance. This giant frog will be given away after the 20 Day count which begins on Sept. 4 and ends on October 1.

Matthew and Kaden are glad to be in the same class.

The Upper Grade Academy joined forces to deliver important information to all parents.

They serve all 5th and 6th graders.

                                              Friends reconnected after a long summer.

Thanks to all of the parents who were able to visit on Meet and Greet Night. This event helps teachers get to know parents, allows children a chance to feel more comfortable about a new school year, and unites the school as a whole.

R. L. Young Library Opens This Week

Emily Ann introducing Anna Kate to who she says is famous on campus- Ms. Lane-Librarian! Emily Ann is excited about all the new chapter books Ms. Lane got over the summer! —Mrs. Wallace, parent

Mrs. Lane, R. L. Young librarian, got some rest this summer, but came back to school in a whirl. The school's library has fresh, new paint everywhere thanks to Mr. Jemison who also completed more projects over the summer. Stop in and take a peek.

I snagged this picture from facebook because it was so cute. It got me excited about another year of watching children learn to read or become better readers. Emily Ann is not new to our library and seems to already be pumped up to begin her reading journey. Perhaps she is also excited that her sister, a new kindergartener, will begin her own reading journey.

Books should be fun and exciting for kids. But sometimes you may hear, "I don't like to read". This statement troubles me. But there is hope because that child has not caught the "reading fever". To catch the fever they must first find a book they cannot put down. A book that draws them in and they can connect to in some way. This book must be on the child's reading level. This is why our students begin with the STAR test. It determines a child's independent level of comfort for reading alone without much assistance. 

R.L. Young uses the Accelerated Reading Program to enhance our core program. It allows children to select books in their comfort zone, read until they have grasped the book's contents, and test themselves on how well they really read the book. After the last question of the computer test, it reveals automatically the score they made. Instant reward and feedback! Amazing.....

Please encourage your child to find that just right book. And better yet, take a few moments to snuggle up and listen to them read. Quiz them along the way to see if they are just "calling words" or absorbing the book's contents. READING is a skill that is needed all through life. At Young this skill is a key focal point of our academic program. 

Happy Reading, EVERYONE!

Twas the Night...

Source: teacherspayteachers.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

Good things expected from archery program

Good things expected from archery program: TALLADEGA — Zora Ellis Jr. High School is preparing for an archery program aimed at building confidence and discipline in its students. This article interests me because many of our students will have an opportunity to continue their archery ability.

Good luck to our last year's sixth graders. May you shoot straight and make the Ellis Team!

Miss the Title 1 Parent Meeting? Here is the slideshow...

Title 1 parent meeting for 2012 from pattie thomas

Tips for Parents of Kindergarteners and First Graders

A little worried about that first day of school for your kinder or 1st grader? Read this article for some great tips. 

Note from PTO President

Thank you to all parents who joined PTO last night at Open House! It is very encouraging to see that so many of you care and want to have a voice in your children's future at Young! Some of you were under the impression that PTO would take up a lot of your time. I wanted to clear that up. 

The majority of what is asked of a member is simply a vote! As a parent, I know I would like to have a voice in how money I helped raise is spent. It is a fact that the more a parent is involved in their child's school, the more successful he or she is in school. 

If you did not get a chance to sign up last night, it's not to late! We will send home forms next week! We look forward to working with you and continuing to make R.L. Young "Simply the Best"!

Hope B. Allen

Meet and Greet TOMORROW, AUG. 16TH

                         
We will be hosting our annual Meet and Greet on August 16 beginning with a Title 1 parent meeting with the principal in the auditorium from 2:30 to 3 p.m.


Grade level meetings with parents will occur at various times after the parent meeting.

3:00 to 3:30-------1st grade (library)

3:00 – 3:30 ------ 3rd grade (in classrooms- seated session # 1)

3rd grade parents...choose 1 session to attend

3:30 – 4:00------ 3rd grade (in classrooms seated session # 2)

3:30 to 4:00-------2nd grade (meet in Armstrong's classroom)

4:00 – 4:30------ UGA (Upper Grade Academy 5th and 6th in auditorium)

4:30 – 5:00------ 4th grade (Main Building in auditorium)

5:00 – 6:00------ Kindergarten in library


Supplies or supply donations may be brought to the Meet and Greet.

You may bring lunch money, order school shirts, and join our hardworking pto.
                     
                               We are excited about seeing you tomorrow!

A Letter for YOU!

R. L. Young will have a change of leadership in the lunchroom this year. Our new manager is Mrs. Joyce Gurley. Although she is not a new face to our school, we want to recognize her in this position. Check out this letter:

*************************

Hello!
Welcome to another exciting school year.

I wanted to start by introducing myself. My name is Joyce Gurley and I will be taking over as lunchroom manager since Mrs. Gaither retired this past May. Most of you know me already as I have been working in the lunchroom for the past 5 years.

I am really looking forward to working with each and everyone of you this year to ensure our children are served healthy and delicious meals.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 256-315-5886. I will do my best to resolve them to your satisfaction. 

Thank you,

Joyce Gurley

                  *********************

She didn't tell you that she has been busy all summer preparing for the new school year. The lunchroom looks great. The theme this year is GOOD GRADES START WITH GOOD NUTRITION! Stop by our lunchroom at the Meet and Greet on Aug. 16 and say hello. 

To further assist you, I will be posting the lunch menu on the school blog each month. 

TOP DOGS at R. L. Young

Front row: Ethan N., Joshua K., Latasia E., Patrick R.
Back row: Principal Pattie Thomas, Luke W., Amari J.,
Riley K., and Mary W.

Take a look at these students standing under the TOP DOG board in the hall of the main building. They are a part of a group of great attendance achievers. I am happy to report that we had 14 PERFECT ATTENDANCE for the year and 6 EXEMPLARY ATTENDANCE recipients. I gathered as many of these students as I could to pick their brains about the attendance issue, how they made it, their best tips, and why it is important to come every day. 


Tips for having PERFECT ATTENDANCE (according to students):

• Set a goal to be TOP DOG. (No tardies, no checkouts, and no absences)
• Don't get sick. 
• Stay healthy, get active, and hydrated. (yes, one of these interviewees, said hydrated. Young kids are SO smart!)
• When you wake up, eat breakfast. 
• Wake up a couple of minutes early. And leave early so you won't be late.
• Come to school and stay committed.

I think one of the secrets to our wonderful attendance rate throughout the year is the recognition of perfect attendance EACH six weeks, not just at the end of the year. Even adults need recognition at frequent intervals. Of course, faculty and staff are recognized, too at each Honor Roll Assembly.


One of my favorite quotes from the student interviews came from Patrick Royster. He said, "I came to school and stayed committed". That is the whole key, commitment. 
R. L. Young faculty and staff members are committed to providing the best education and environment around. We are happy to recognize our students for not only their academic achievements, but for good behavior, and attendance. 


I would be amiss if I did not give a "Shout Out" to the parents of this group. Children at this level do not drive. Someone had to get them up, bring them to school, and help them make this an achievable goal. Thank you, parents!!!


It will be interesting to see if we can beat the record of 14 Top Dogs for the Year. Good luck everyone!

Summer...a time for fun and Archery!

R.L. Young Elementary students are Alabama State Champions! Congratulations, Mary Wilson (graduated from 6th grade this year) and Jaylin Peters (will be in 6th grade this year)!

 Both students competed at the state level in Dothan representing Lincoln Park and Recreation.  

JAM-PACKED 2012 Meet and Greet

Tailgate Party will be rescheduled due to the JAM-PACKED Meet and Greet at R. L. Young....always a good place to learn and grow! Date will be announced at a later time. STAY POSTED!

Success in School Starts with the Parent

Source: fun-in-first.blogspot.com via Jennifer on Pinterest

How to Ease Back into School

One fact of life is that children do worry and on the top of many of their lists is starting back to school. A way to ease these fears is sharing a good "Back to School" book and talking about how fun school is going to be. The public library is a great free source and they may be able to suggest additional titles. You can contact the Talladega Public Library at (256) 362-4211.

First Day Jitters by Julie Danneberg, Judith Dufour Love (Illustrator)

Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes

Naughty Nancy Goes to School by John S. Goodall

Virgie Goes to School With Us Boys by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard, Earl B. Lewis (Illustrator)

Making New Friends (Hardcover) by Jacqueline H. Blumenstock, David C. Pool, Colleen M. Madden (Illustrator)

Franklin's New Friend (Franklin) (Paperback)by Paulette Bourgeois, Brenda Clark (Illustrator)

It's Back to School, Charlie Brown by Charles M. Schulz

I Don't Want to Go Back to School by Marisabina Russo (Author)

Tales From Duckport: Back To School? Cool by Suzy Spafford (Author)

Back-to-School Belly Busters : And Other Side-Splitting Knock-Knock Jokes That Are Too Cool for School! by Katy Hall (Author), Stephen Carpenter (Illustrator)

Sparky and Eddie: First Day of School (Sparky and Eddie, No 1)by Tony Johnston, Susannah Ryan (Illustrator)

Summer's End by Maribeth Boelts, Ellen Kandoian (Illustrator

Arthur's Back to School Day by Lillian Hoban (Illustrator)

Get Ready for Second Grade, Amber Brown by Paula Danzinger

Jazzbo Goes to School by Matt Novak

If You Take a Mouse to School by Laura Numeroff (Author), Felicia Bond (Illustrator)


So snuggle with your little one, grab a good book, and ease them back into routine.

Class Rolls are UP!

Come on by and take a peek....
PLUS:
Don't forget MEET AND GREET on August 16!
*order your school t-shirt
*pay for lunch money or complete lunch forms
*Join PTO...the hardest working group of parents ever!
*See all of your friends
*Bring in school supplies OR pay supply donation
*Take a look at all of the changes

MEET and GREET is Just Around the Corner!

2012-13 Meet and Greet Schedule


AUGUST 16, 2012

2:30 – 3:00 ------- TITLE I Mandatory Parent Meeting in Auditorium w/ Principal

3:00 to 3:30-------1st grade (library)

3:00 – 3:30 ------ 3rd grade (in classrooms- seated session # 1)

3rd grade parents...choose 1 session to attend

3:30 – 4:00------ 3rd grade (in classrooms seated session # 2)

3:30 to 4:00-------2nd grade (meet in Armstrong's classroom)

4:00 – 4:30------ UGA (Upper Grade Academy 5th and 6th in auditorium)

4:30 – 5:00------ 4th grade (Main Building computer lab)

5:00 – 6:00------ Kindergarten in library

Available during this time will be PTO membership drive ($5 per family), school t-shirts can be ordered, and lunch money can be paid.



PTO is also planning a Tailgate Party to welcome everyone back to school. Stay turned for details.