North Johnston Celebrates Music (New w/photo) March is designated as “Music in our Schools Month” to show the importance of music education. It is sponsored by the National Association for Music Education. A variety of activities are taking place at North Johnston Middle. The band and music classes in conjunction with the Johnston County Arts Council are participating in a variety of activities. They are making collages, posters, thinking maps, researching music careers and creating brochures using Publisher. “This Day in Music History” is spotlighted daily during morning announcements. On March 14th, Almost Recess will be performing at 1:30 p.m. in the gym. Parents and members of the community are invited to join us. On March 30th, Jag Wire Music Showcase, will be entertaining in the gym at 7: 00 p.m. This is an advocacy concert to promote music in the schools education. Performing will be band and chorus students. Students will also discuss careers in music. Everyone is invited to attend. For more information, please call Melissa Sevigny, Band Director, at 284-3374. Alpha Phi Alpha Students hosted JohnstonCountyGEAR UP students (New) The Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity of Fayetteville State University hosted the Johnston County GEAR UP students in recognition of Black History Month. Over 80 staff and students from Benson Middle, Selma Middle, and North Johnston Middle were treated to a unique experience at Fayetteville State University. The day began with a question-and-answer session about the university. FSU is the oldest public historically black institution of higher learning in North Carolina. Chancellor Dr. T.J. Bryan, who leads this 138 year old institution, is the first African-American woman to hold this position in a UNC institution. Alpha Phi Alpha and Dr. Jeffery Womble, director of public relations and advisor to the Epsilon Zeta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha, spoke of their dedication and commitment to FSU and to their fraternity, which is the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African-Americans. They stressed that the social aspect of college was exciting; however, the educational value at FSU was the ultimate goal. The six most popular undergraduate majors are business administration, criminal justice, psychology, sociology, history and elementary teacher education. FSU is also proud of back-to-back CIAA football championships in 2002 and 2003.GEAR UP students toured the FSU facilities which included classrooms, library, radio station, dorm rooms, football and basketball stadiums, and finally the dining hall. Dr. Marvin Curtis greeted the GEAR UP students as they walked from the dining hall. An FSU alumnus, Mr. Christopher Dickey, assistant principal at Selma Middle School, was happy to see one of his past professors. Dr. Curtis is a professor of music and also the composer of the original music for President Clinton’s first inauguration. GEAR UP students were thrilled to be a part of the Fayetteville State University Broncos if only for one day. They experienced life as a college student and have high hopes of their future goals and dreams.FSU and Dr. Womble presented all of the students with a gift from the university and they will be worn proudly. GEAR UP is a program which will assist the 8th grade students at Benson Middle School, Selma Middle and North Johnston Middle School from now until they graduate from high school. These students will be provided information on decision making in high school and appropriate choices for college and careers. They will have the opportunity to explore colleges and universities as well as business and industry. GEAR UP is always looking for partners to assist with achieving their goals. For more information contact: Rose Pittman at rosepittman@johnston.k12.nc.us or Megan Shaner at meganshaner@johnston.k12.nc.us, GEAR UP Coordinators, Johnston County Schools SelmaElementary School Collects for “Cents for the Suffering” (New) Mrs. Parrish’s 4th grade class at Selma Elementary School collected change for “Cents for the Suffering” annual fundraiser on February 9 – 23 from each class, kindergarten through fourth grade, to be used for cancer research. Students also purchased balloons for 25 cents in honor or memory of family and/or friends who had suffered with this terrible illness. The balloons were placed on a “Dare to Care” wall in the front hallway of the school. Students collected $1,175 in change to be given to the American Cancer Society. For more information, please contact Jeannette Parrish, SelmaElementary School at 919.965.3361. Vision Art Competition Winners at RiverwoodMiddle School (New w/photos) Riverwood Middle School held a school-wide art competition from February 22 - March 6. The grade-level winners of the competition for sixth grade are: 1st Paul Frantz, 2nd Amelia Howden and 3rd Destiny Sanders. For seventh grade: 1st Amanda Wheaten, 2nd Nichole Towne and 3rd Sutton Black. For eighth grade: 1st Adaria Coulter, 2nd CJ Magnum and 3rd Kristine Jordan. The final part of the competition was held in the media center at 9:00 am on March 6. Judges were Jessica Meadows of Johnston County Arts Council, Gail O’Neal of O’Neal Designs and Donna White from the Johnston County School’s Board of Education. They were very impressed with the talent here at Riverwood Middle School. All 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners from each grade level in the Riverwood Middle School Vision Art Competition were judged to determine the school-wide winning artist. After calculating the score cards Destiny Sanders won! Congratulations Destiny! All first place grade level winners received a gift certificate to Wal-Mart and the school-wide winner received a gift certificate to Michael’s Arts and Crafts Store. Destiny’s artwork will be produced as the schools vision statement and displayed in every classroom. For more information, please call Magen Pike, Art Teacher, RiverwoodMiddle School at 919.359.2769. Your Logo Here or delete this text Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce names Renee Oliver Teacher of the month (New w/photo) Renee Oliver has been named Teacher of the Month by the Greater Smithfield-Selma Area Chamber of Commerce. Renee was nominated by MPL's principal, Angie Jacobs. Renee is a member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Educational Sorority, a National Board Certified Teacher and a member of the School Improvement Team. She also worked on the 9 week assessments and the pacing guide. Micro-Pine Level Elementary is proud of Renee Oliver. Her team-player attitude is an asset to MPL. Congrats Renee! For more information, please call Jessy Pilkington, Micro-PineLevelElementary School at 919.965.3323. Meadow Celebrates the Cat in the Hat’s 50th Birthday (New w/photo) As part of NEA’s Read Across America, Meadow kicked off their celebration Thursday, March 1, 2007, with a 50th birthday party for the Cat in the Hat. Students and their parents were invited to a Green Eggs and Ham dinner followed by Family Reading Night activities relating to Dr. Seuss Books. Mr. Britt and his family dressed in their patriotic costumes and greeted guests at the door. Each child received a foam liberty crown, a coloring book and a sheet of patriotic stickers. After registering at the door, students picked up their Seuss passports and nametags. Dr. Chris Godwin read Green Eggs and Ham followed by grace given by Little Miss Meadow, Tori Johnson. Mrs. Dean Britt, cafeteria manager, served a delicious meal of green eggs, baked ham, grits, and rolls. Mrs. Darene Honeycutt prepared a “Cat Hat” cake which she served after dinner for dessert. Reading activities included Cyber-Seuss in the media center; Mrs. Susan Brown, technology facilitator set up games on the SmartBoards for student interaction. The 4th grade students shared their recently published books and Mrs. Darden hosted a reading corner. Games included a Seuss Ring-Toss, Seuss Walk (green cupcake walk), Sneetch Booth, Fishing in McElligot’s Pool, and a Seuss Theatre. A photo studio offered children the opportunity to have their picture taken with the Cat in the Hat. The Cat in the Hat, the Grinch, and Thang 1 were in attendance and played with the children. Attached photos: (left to right) 134 – Alex Noles, Tori Johnson, Royce Johnson; 139 – Dr. Chris Godwin; 28 – Cat and his birthday cake For more information, please call Darene Honeycutt, MeadowSchool at 919.894.7064. Teachers Celebrate Seuss at MeadowSchool (New) As part of the Read Across America celebration, teachers honored Dr. Seuss' book Wacky Wednesday, March 7, 2007, by dressing Wacky. Meadow is also striving to boost teacher morale. Mr. Phil Moore, P.E. teacher, won the Wacky Wednesday Costume Contest. He won refreshments for his P.E. class. For more information, please call MeadowSchool at 919.894.7064. McGee’s Middle 8th Grade Girls Attend “Expanding Your Horizons” at NCSU (New) Dulce Arrendondo, Joy Buckner, Katelyn Donohue, Ariel Howard, Stephanie Kayye, Krystal Scott, and Edith Zavala were chosen by their teachers, Ashley Whittington and Cinnamon Frame, to attend the "Expanding Your Horizons" conference for eighth grade females on March 7 at NCSU. These girls were chosen because they show interest in science, mathematics, and/ or engineering and are candidates who might possibly consider a profession in these areas. The girls attended workshops on DNA, Violent Weather, Physics, Robotics, bacteria and even "vampire worms". In the afternoon sessions they had the opportunity to attend career activities with women who are in mathematics and science careers. Each girl's name will be entered in a drawing for a savings bond. For more information, please contact Ashley Whittington or Cinnamon Frame, McGee’s Middle School at 919.894.6003. FamousAmericanWax Museum at PrincetonSchool (New w/photo) Mrs. Peedin’s and Ms. White’s 2nd grade class at Princeton School have been studying Famous Americans and their positive impact on society. To further their learning, each student chose a famous American who interested them. They read about that person and write a short speech. On Friday, March 2, the students portrayed that person when they presented their Famous American Wax Museum at 1:45 in Mrs. Peedin’s second grade classroom. The students dressed and presented their speeches as they came to life at the push of a button. For more information, please call Ken Williams, PrincetonSchool at 919-936-5011, extension, 319. RiverwoodMiddle School’s π Pi Day π (New) On Wednesday, March 14, the Australia Team on the seventh grade hall at Riverwood Middle School will celebrate “Pi Day”. Throughout the day, students will participate in several activities related the number and concept of Pi. These activities includeSir Cumference and the Dragon on Pi literature activity; exploration of how Pi was calculated; Pi memorization project; Pi bee. The winners will get to throw a pie at Mr. Hinrichs. Keeping with the theme of the day, we will be serving pie during the Pi bee. The cost for a piece of pie is $1. For more information, please call David Hinrich, Math Teacher, RiverwoodMiddle School at 919.359.2769. WRAL News Anchor Visits Rambassadors (New) WRAL News Anchor Valonda Calloway spoke to Cleveland Middle School’s RAMBASSABDORS and Student Council members on February 22. Public speaking and making good first impressions were the focus of the session. Mrs. Calloway talked to the students about the importance of making good connections, and gave advice on how to pursue a career in journalism. Writing is the key to her job, she said, encouraging the students to focus on those skills. “Mrs. Calloway was very informative,” Student Council President Rosina Joyce said. “She helped me understand the journalism world better.” Rambassadors Advisor added, “The students were very excited to hear her speak. Some of them were star-struck, having a local celebrity in the room, but she spoke with them on a very down-to-earth basis, engaging them with personal stories. Her presentation was fantastic, and the students asked wonderful questions. It was a learning experience for all of us.” Commenting on Calloway’s advice on first impressions, Cleveland Middle School Principal Kathleen McLamb said, “Students need to remember that impressions are very important when meeting people; you may never know how they will affect you positively in the future. Mrs. Calloway’s professors and mentors were key contacts who made a difference in later key positions in her life. They remembered her for her hard work, diligence and perseverance. Mrs. Calloway is a great inspiration for the student leaders, administration, and teacher leaders.” For more information, please call Cynthia Pinkston, Teacher, at 919.553.7500. MiddleCollege To Host Information Session (New) Have you heard of the Middle College and what it has to offer? Did you know that you can take college classes for free – and that they count as credits for high school graduation? Join us for an information session to hear details about the Middle College on Monday, March 19 at 7 p.m. at Johnston Community College in the Great Hall. All community members are invited to attend. Middle College staff will provide a brief presentation and answer questions about this exciting opportunity for the students of Johnston County. For more information, please call Dr. Amelia McLeod, Principal, at 919.989.6208. West Smithfield Students Portray Cat in the Hat (New w/photo) Students in Mrs. Courtney Renfrow's first grade class enjoyed being the Cat in the Hat on Dr. Seuss' birthday, March 2. Pictured with them is Mrs. Edith Barnes, 1st grade assistant. For more information, please call Vanessa Watson, Media Coordinator, 919.989.6418. Smithfield Artist Visits Princeton (New w/photo) On March 2, Judy Boyette's advanced art classes enjoyed a visit from Smithfield artist Karen Borsos who shared with them her love for altered book art. Mrs. Borsos has retired from the art department at Johnston Community College. She documents her travels and joy of life through participation in a group of artists who share ideas and artworks and who inspire her with her style of choice, collaging old books. Mrs. Borsos showed the students how they can get artistic inspiration from just the smallest insignificant-seeming piece of a post card or an interesting button, things that are around us every day. Students had a chance to talk with Mrs. Borsos and peruse her altered books. Honors Art students are currently creating their own hard-back books and this presentation will encourage their own creativity and artistic expression. For more information, please call Ken Williams, Career Development Coordinator, at 919.936.5011 , extension 319. Clayton High Students Win at 2007 DECA Conference (New with photo) Clayton High School’s DECA Club competed at the state DECA conference in Greensboro on March 3. Following is the winners’ list: Josh Blalock- Overall Finalist in Business Services Marketing and Proficiency winner; Chris Nichol- High Exam Score winner in Buying and Merchandising Team Event, High Case Study winner, Proficiency winner, and Overall 3rd Place; Josh Bredeman- High Case Study winner, Proficiency winner, and Overall 3rd Place in Buying and Merchandising Team Event; Brady Hedglin- Proficiency winner in Retail Merchandising and Overall 2nd place in Entrepreneurship Participating Event; Nick Gradus – High Exam Score and High Role Play, Proficiency, and Overall 4th place Quick Service Restaurant Management; Porscha Armwood- High Role Play winner and Proficiency in Food Marketing; Hillary Rigg- High Role Play winner in Quick Service Restaurant Management, Proficiency winner; Justin Ormond- High Role Play winner in Quick Service Restaurant Management, Proficiency winner; Eric Pyle- Proficiency winner in Retail Merchandising; Taylor Hickey- High Exam Score in Sports and Entertainment Marketing, and Proficiency Winner; Brie Singletary- High Role Play winner in Sports and Entertainment Marketing and Proficiency Winner; Josh Soehnge – Proficiency Winner in Sports and Entertainment Marketing; Kristi Kovacs and Jacob Coats also participated. For more information, please call Natalie Everett, Advisor, at 919.553.4064. Photo: Going to Nationals winners picture, left to right: Nick Gradus, Chris Nichol, Natalie Everett (Advisor), Josh Blalock, Brady Hedglin, and Josh Bredeman Artists-in-the-School Programs for the Month of March Anyone interested in observing any performances should call the school to request permission and confirm the date and time of the performance. The Artists-in-the-Schools Program is supported by the Fred Smith Company, the Johnston County Arts Council, Johnston County Schools and corporate, foundation and individual donors. For more information, call Jessica Meadows, Executive Director AITS, at ­919. 553.1930 or 919.753.7393. Birdman Dave will perform at Corinth-Holders on March 14, 2007, at 8:05 a.m. Using live birds, storytelling, and audience participation, "Birdman" Dave will take students for a journey down the Amazon and all of its amazing wonders. For more information, please call Paula Coates at 919.365.7560. Almost Recess will perform at North Johnston Middle on March 14, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. Almost Recess will perform songs-both originals and covers-and band members describe how they create their music, incorporating explanations of vocal arrangements, songwriting, the history of a cappella, voice parts, and vocal drumming. For more information, please call Ray Stott at 919.284.3374. Arithmetickles will perform at Clayton Middle on March 15, 2007, at 1:30 p.m. This fun-filled, fast paced performance will include multiple and advanced math theory applications. For more information, please call Deborah Woodruff at 919.553.5811. Trent Arterberry will perform at East Clayton Elementary on March 20, 2007, at 9:00 a.m. Internationally traveled mime artist, Trent Arterberry, uses mime, storytelling, and audience participation to support themes of good decision-making, avoidance of substance abuse, and perseverance to achieve one's goals. For more information, please call Dr. Peggy Smith at 919.553.5311. Get ready, get set, Kindergarten, here we come! Johnston County Schools presents: “Get Ready, Get Set...Kindergarten, Here We Come”, a free informational session on kindergarten transition. In this session, parents will learn about the daily experiences of a typical kindergarten student; find out specific types of activities you can offer your child to give him or her a “jump start” on kindergarten; children will begin the transition to the school setting by meeting their teachers, asking questions about kindergarten, and meeting other students...all while having fun! Several sessions are scheduled as follows: Tuesday, March 13, 2007 @ West Smithfield Elementary Monday, March 19, 2007 @ Corinth Holders Elementary Tuesday, April 17, 2007 @ Meadow Elementary Thursday, April 19, 2007 @ Glendale Kenly Elementary For more information, program times, or to register, please call Sarah Thompson at 934-4361, extension 376. Polenta Elementary invites parents to school Polenta Elementary School is planning a Parent Involvement activity called "Family Games Night." Students and their families are invited to participate and bring board games and then families can meet other families to play games. This event is planned for 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 15, 2007, in the school cafeteria. Drinks and snacks will be provided. For more information, please call Deborah Bennett at 919.989.6039. SouthSmithfieldElementary School will have a visiting author Author Jan Brett will visit South Smithfield Elementary on March 16. She will present a session with the K-2 students from 8:45 – 9:45 a.m. and a second session with the 3-5 students from 10:00 to11:00 a.m. As part of her visit, she will autograph her books from 1:00-3:00. During this time, she will be able to sign approximately 200 books. All students will receive a free paperback book with a signed bookplate. K students will receive Gingerbread Baby; 1st grade, The Umbrella; 2nd grade, The Hat; 3rd grade, The Mittens; 4th grade, Trouble with Trolls; and, 5th grade, Daisy Comes Home. For more information, please call Carla Taylor, Principal, at 919.934.8979. PolentaElementary School will host "Go Active with Ronald McDonald” The Ronald McDonald show will be at Polenta Elementary School on March 16. Ronald says students need both physical activity and physical education to adopt and maintain an active lifestyle. Ronald's message, "It's what I eat and what I do.... and what I do is “Go Active," challenges students to literally think on their feet in more ways than one about healthy habits. For more information, please call Nancy Nettles, Principal, at 919.989.6039. Princeton Hosting Annual Reverse Drawing Princeton School’s 14th Annual Bulldog Reverse Drawing for a $5,000 cash prize will be held on Saturday, March 17 at 6 p.m. in the cafeteria. The event is sponsored by the PHS Athletic Department. A $50 donation will include a steak dinner; an extra meal ticket is $10. Door prizes will be distributed throughout the night. For more information, please call Ken Williams, Career Development Coordinator, 919.936.5011, extension 319. Showcase of Stars Starts March 16 Johnston County Schools and the Johnston County Education Foundation are jointly offering “Progress Energy Showcase of Stars.” Held in the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium on the campus of Johnston Community College. Clayton High area schools will perform on Friday, March 16 at 7:00 p.m. North Johnston High area schools and South Johnston High area schools will perform on Saturday, March 17 at 3:00 p.m. Smithfield-Selma High area schools will perform on Saturday, March 17 at 7:00 p.m. Princeton High and West Johnston High area schools will perform on Sunday, March 18 at 3:00 p.m. All schools will perform only once. Tickets are necessary for all (including performers) who wish to watch even a portion of a performance; the exception is young children who will be continuously be held. All seats will be reserved. All tickets will be sold through the Paul A. Johnston Auditorium box office beginning February 14, 2007. Credit card orders can be taken by phone. All other purchases need to be made at the Auditorium box office. The box office hours are Monday through Friday from 1:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Visit or call 919.209.2099. For more information, please call Lorine Davis at 919.934.2016, extension 105. Steve Troxler, Agriculture Commissioner, to visit River Dell Elementary On Wednesday, March 21, NC Agriculture Commissioner, Steve Troxler will visit River Dell Elementary with the “Germ City” crew to help educate our students in germ prevention. Commissioner Troxler will put on his “hat” and read to our students as they participate in this special learning activity at River Dell Elementary. For more information, please call Bridgette Spaulding, Principal, at 919.553.1977. Presenters needed for Career Day at Wilson’s MillsElementary School In preparation for Career Day for its fifth grade students, Wilson's Mills Elementary School is seeking interested adults who are willing to contribute 15 minutes of their time to present information about their jobs and careers to the students. Stations will be set up in the school's gym and small groups of students will be led from station to station to hear the presentations. The event is tentatively scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, March 23, 2007. For more information, please call Chris Strayer, guidance counselor, at 919.934.2978. Human Resources Services will host the annual Job Fair The annual Johnston County Schools Job Fair is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, 2007, in the Smithfield-Selma High School cafeteria. For more information, please call Kay Gardner at 919.934.6031, extension 251.
