THE NEW LOOK. Drama Students Perform - OZ

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1 1 THE NEW LOOK V O L U M E 1 1 I S S U E 1 1 I S P R I N G, Drama Students Perform - OZ Oxford High School drama students performed Don Zolidis' one-act play OZ, an updated version of the classic, The Wizard of Oz on Thursday night, February 24, at the Oxford High School gymnasium. Beth finds herself in a strange world that strongly resembles the magical land Oz. Conversely, in the new Oz, the yellow brick road is sold to foreign investors, the munchkins are annoying, the Good Witch of the north is a hypocrite, the Scarecrow wants to stay ignorant, the Tin Man is grumpy, and the Cowardly Lion is paranoid- even Beth is not the sweet little Dorothy. In the end, Beth comprehends her situation and manages find her way back home. The drama students will once again entertain guests with the production of Many Unhappy Returns on March at the OHS lunchroom. Tickets for the Second Annual Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre are $20. Congratulations to OHS theatre students: Scottye Moore, Lindsay Shedrick, and Austin Goodwin. They auditioned and received major roles in the upcoming production of The Wind in the Willows at Theatre of Gadsden.

2 2 PENNIES FOR PATIENTS Oxford Middle School participated in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society s annual fundraiser because of a very special young man and classmate, Conner Burleson. Conner, an 8 th grade student at Oxford Middle School, was diagnosed last year with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma. The faculty and students showed their love and support of Conner by raising $2, in just three weeks for Pennies for Patients. This money will help fund blood cancer research and provide family support services. Conner, your positive attitude is an inspiration to us all at Oxford Middle School! OHS SCHOLARS BOWL Twenty intellectual and academically competitive students comprise the Oxford High School Scholars Bowl Team. The OHS Scholars Bowl Team was reinstated this year when several students who were once involved in the OMS Scholars Bowl along with some newcomers met with sponsor, Mrs. Lorie Burnett. Mrs. Burnett acknowledges, These bright young students thrive on competition, whether at an informal practice or a formal tournament. They practice on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons and bring with them an eagerness to learn. Oxford City Board of Education provided funds to purchase quiz books and a buzzer system, which allowed the team an opportunity to engage in mock tournaments, using questions from every subject imaginable. The OHS Scholars Bowl team has competed in area tournaments, as well as a couple outside the area. In February, a team made up entirely of Seniors competed at the regional Alabama Scholastic Association Tournament at Gadsden State Community College. Their scores earned them a spot in the district tournament and a winner s plaque. The Scholars Bowl team once again made Oxford High School proud at the district tournament at Gadsden City High School on March 5.

3 3 Go Green Go Oxford The Oxford High School science department, led by award winning teacher, Ms. Lisa Robertson, worked to establish and make a record of green practices at Oxford High School. The focus of the high school s new green practices is on recycling. Ms. Robertson arranged placement of plastic bottle recycling receptacles to be placed near water machines on each of the high school floors. At football games, her students distributed recycling bags to football fans, asking them to place their plastic bottles in the bags, which students collected after the game. I got the idea when I attended an Auburn football game. They provide recycling bags to tailgaters, then come back and pick them up, stated Ms. Robertson. That s when her wheels started turning...we could do the same thing in Oxford! Several existing features in Oxford High School s new building are already considered green because of their intention to save on utilities. Water efficiency bathroom wash sinks have automatic on/off switches that help reduce wasted water. Light efficiency classroom lights communicate with motion detectors that turn off lights in the classroom and teacher workrooms when there is no activity in the rooms. Permeable paving and cool roof installation are also eco-friendly and energy efficient. Ms. Robertson s efforts were rewarded when she was selected as the regional winner of the Wal-Mart/Coca Cola 2010 High School Sustainability Challenge and received the $2,500 prize money for her classroom. Environment plays an important role in education...just being in the building is a positive experience for me, and I think it must be good for the students, too, says Ms. Robertson. Water Efficiency Community Involvement Recycling Cool Roof Light Efficiency Permeable paving

4 4 I Can See CLeaRLY now "I Can See Clearly Now" is a series of lessons where students will use USB Digital Microscopes to capture both still and live microscopic images via computers to examine structures, plants, and animals that are not visible to the unaided eye. This will lead to a more detailed analysis of the microscopic samples presented in the lessons. The captured digital images and video will be used to create products that demonstrate not only the student's scientific knowledge but also a chosen personal perspective. Implementing this piece of technology into the unit will Brandi Gray, Cynthia Lynch, and Lisa Schwyn provide firsthand opportunities to understand and excel with the latest scientific technologies. Wow! I think I would want to be in that class! Three Oxford City School educators, C.E. Hanna s Cynthia Lynch and Lisa Schwyn and Oxford Elementary School s Brandi Gray, were among this year s recipients of Westinghouse Anniston s We Care grants. Each teacher was awarded $500 for innovative approaches to teaching science, math, and technology such as the above mentioned. Since its inception in 1998, Westinghouse Anniston has awarded more than $150,000 to 335 area teachers. Cynthia, Lisa, and Brandi, thanks for your commitment to excellence in the classroom! WRESTLERS PIN Title The varsity wrestling team had an outstanding year finishing with a 36-5 dual match record, a County Championship, 3 rd place finish in Sectionals, and a 7 th place finish at the State Tournament. This is the highest Oxford finish in 6A competition. Twelve Oxford High School wrestlers qualified for the state tournament: William Hardin, Jacob Shake, Preslee Kelley, Hunter Lee, Jordan Simpson, Eric Lee, Josh Shake, Gerald McRath, Brady Heard, Connor McCall, Mike Maglothin, and Xavier Johnson. Senior Eric Lee finished his senior year unbeaten 72-0 with a 135 lb. State title. Sophomore Jordan Simpson won his second State Championship at 130 lb. and finished the year Senior Gerald McRath placed 5 th in the 160 lb. category. Coach Matt Thompson, speaking about the team said, These are an awesome group of guys who have worked so hard this year. Their accomplishments speak for that. We will return 9 of the 14 starters next year and look for another year of success.

5 5 Family Fitness Night DeArmanville and Oxford Elementary School s Family Fitness Night is about a lot more than fun and games. It is an evening of fun and physical activities for students and parents using the school s equipment to stress the importance of staying healthy. Parents are invited to participate with their child in activities that are used in the physical education programs, such as the interactive fitness program that allows students to play virtual fitness activities on television, aerobic activities utilizing bikes, aerobic workout DVDs, and Nintendo Wii. It s a great way to expose parents to healthy activities that they can also do together at home, says Jamie Burgess, D ville s P.E. teacher. The Team Without a Name Jasmine Carter, Gina Pauluzzi(Team Leader), Savannah Champion and Ashley Harris On October 27, 2011, members of the Oxford High School Writing Team competed in the Jacksonville State University s Fifteenth Annual Writers Bowl. One OHS team, The Team Without a Name, won Second Place in the Poetry division and Second Place in the Overall Team division. In addition, Kacie Oglesby won Second Place in the Individual Essay competition. Kacie Oglesby 2nd Place Essay

6 6 Imagine the Possibilities The National Career Development Association celebrated its annual National Career Development week in November. This week is designed to highlight the importance of life-long career development and the personal empowerment of all people. In celebration of this week, NCDA sponsored its 39th Annual National Career and Development Poetry and Poster Contest. This year s theme was, Imagine the Possibilities. Oxford High School tenth grade students, Cara Pinson, Casey Cofield, and Taylor Todd, received state recognition. These ladies works will be entered in the national contest. National awards will be given to the first, second, and third place winners in both the Poetry and the Poster contest with winners to be announced in April. Please take time to congratulate these students and imagine the possibilities as you examine lives, careers, and the alternatives available to increase everyone s personal success and happiness. Cara Pinson, 1st place; Casey Cofield, 2nd place; Taylor Todd, 3rd place ROBOTICS for C.E. Hanna Do you remember playing and building things with LEGOS? That is exactly what the students in Cindy Lynch s class at C.E. Hanna are doing thanks to a $10,000 contribution from the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation. LEGO Robotics introduces younger students to real-world engineering challenges by building LEGO-based robots to complete tasks on a thematic playing surface. Students design, build, and program robots using LEGO MINDSTORMS technology. The kit is reusable from year-to-year. Students are required to develop strategies and build robots based on sound engineering principles. Tara Rutledge s robot is named The Flyer. With exuberance Tara stated, I knew I wanted to do more than just let my robot fly, so I decided to challenge myself to see what I could add to my robot. I added motor sensors, lights, and music. I also added a rotor spring that allowed the rotor to spin and determine the speed at which it would spin. I was so impressed with my accomplishment what I could do I DID IT!! The students are guided by their imaginations and through the process, learn to apply real-world math and science concepts. Research challenges facing today s scientists are being discovered in today s classrooms.

7 7 Athletic Scholarships Three Oxford High School football players signed athletic scholarship letters on the National College Football Signing Day. These young men represent Oxford well, and we are confident they will go on to be good representatives at their colleges. They are what Oxford is all about on and off the field-champions, stated OHS head football coach John Grass. These young men set goals and worked diligently to reach those goals. That s what it takes to be a part of the Oxford family. Stephen McLeroy was one of the top kickers in the county, kicking seven of eight field goals this season with the longest being 37 yards. McLeroy will attend Rochester Community College in Minnesota and pursue a degree in engineering. Bobby McCain just loves playing sports football and baseball, offense and defense. This was one of the reasons McCain chose Memphis, because the coaches agreed he could play both sports. This year he had more than 900 yards receiving and four touchdown catches as well as a weapon on punt and kickoff returns. McCain plans to major in sports therapy. Allan Carson was named All-County, All-State and named a 3rd team All American. Carson was a threat on defense for the Yellow Jackets. Signing with a SEC team has been a dream of his since he was 12 years old, Carson said. While playing for the Tennessee Volunteers, Carson hopes to become a coach one day. Ever Naugher will be furthering her education at Gadsden State Community College while participating as a cross-country athlete. OHS Cross Country Coach Presnell, stated that Ever is an outstanding athlete and student. She is an excellent representative of family, school, and community. Stephen McLeroy Rochester Community College Bobby McCain-Memphis Allan Carson-University of Tennessee Career Day Ever Naugher-Gadsden State Community College

8 8 Tech Bits Northeast Alabama Technology Competition Winners Jacksonville State University March 5 General Applications: 1st-Xianyo Zhang, Erik Midkiff, Taylor Mullinax; Multimedia: 2nd- Kayla Spurling; Website Creation: 2nd-Josh Thompson; Technology Testing: 2nd-Erik Midkiff; Video Production: 3rd-Ashley Harris, Riley Simpson Oxford High School General Applications: 1st-Mary Kate Holladay, Michelle Bui, Danielle Bolton; 2nd-Danielle Bentley; Multimedia: 2nd- Laura Davenport, Winter Taylor, Cole Macoy; Video Production: 1st-Laura Davenport, Winter Taylor, Lauren Findley, Emily Robertson; Hardware Robotics: 1st- Christopher Jarmon, Andrew Muncher, Dillen Miller, Jake Oxford Middle School Bolton; Computer Programming: 1st-Corey Waldon, Austin Osborn, Madison Mintz; Website Creation: 1st-Annabeth Mellon, Cecilia McGuffin; Technology Test: 3rd- Elizabeth Braden; Honorable Mention-Austin Osborn Technology Information: 1st- Ashleigh Goodwin; Honorable Mention-Jordan Pate, Allie Higgins, Adam Anders; Multi- Media: 3rd-Datreauna Dye, Katie Jackson, Mariah Fudge; Video Individual: 1st:-Kasia Chatman & Shainya Frazier; 3rd- Allie Higgins; Video: 1st-Kasia Chatman, Shainya Frazier; 2nd Trinity Houston, Logan Prater; Website Creation: 1st-Rachel Williams; 2nd-Leah Dugger; Website Creation: 1st-Ashleigh C.E. Hanna Goodwin, Abby McDow; 3rd-Erin Lott, Jordan Pate, Anna Livingston; Hardware Robotics: 2nd-Tara Rutledge, Sarah Abernathy, Danielle McKinney, Dalton Rowe, Tucker Winfrey, Udit Shah; 3rd-Caden Higgins, Carson Lindsey; Computer Programming: 2 nd -Hannah Jones 85th Birthday Celebration The students at C.E. Hanna have been invited to be a part of the 85 th Birthday Celebration with the Queen of England. Students will not attend individually of course, but will be sending the Queen a special gift. Students from around the world have been invited to draw a portrait of the Queen that will be presented to her on a digital frame as a part of her Birthday Celebration. Our artwork will be posted on for friends and family to view. Art classes are working on how to draw portraits, so this is a great way for us to give a gift to the Queen and practice our skills as artists. Prizes are awarded to students in each age group. Every student who completes a drawing, and enters it in the contest will be able to print a certificate, and could possibly win a cash prize and a commemorative mug to celebrate the Queen s birthday. Happy Birthday, Queen!

9 9 CALHOUN COUNTY CHAMPS The Oxford High School Basketball team was crowned Calhoun County Tournament Champions for the first time since 1998 and went undefeated in all county games this year. Junior, Dion Hobdy, was named Calhoun County Tournament Most Valuable Player. They finished the season with a record with ten of their thirteen losses, being a seven point difference or less. The season will certainly be a challenge because they have added several tough regular season opponents: Spain Park, regional semi-finalist, and Vestavia Hills, Final Four participant. Coach VanMeter announced, With hard work and improvement from this group of young people, we look to have a successful season in ICT LITERACY IPADS Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy reflects the need for students to develop learning skills that enable them to think critically, analyze information, communicate, collaborate, and problem-solve. ICT also reveals the essential role that technology plays in realizing these learning skills in equipping students to be 21st Century learners in today's knowledge-based society. Research studies on the effectiveness of technology on student achievement revealed positive and consistent patterns when students were engaged in technology-rich environments, including significant gains and achievement in all subject areas, increased achievement for both regular and special needs students, and improved attitudes toward learning and increased self-esteem. IPads engage all students, enhance their studies, and inspire them to achieve their best-regardless of physical or learning disability. Through a professional development workshop, Oxford City School teachers had the opportunity to explore the instructional benefits of the ipad. Echoes of amazement and chatters of my students will love this, were heard throughout the session. IPads are uniquely equipped to let every student succeed and have built-in solutions that break down barriers to learning. They incorporate a range of tools that help students get organized, stay focused, and improve literacy. The teachers realized how ipads can enrich instruction and enhance learning of reading, mathematics, science, language, and writing.

10 10 Future Botanists Third grade students at Coldwater Elementary School used hands on activities from AMSTI to learn about the life cycle of plants. Students planted Wisconsin Fast Plants in the beginning of February. Since then they have charted the growth of the plants, learned how pollination is important to the life cycle of plants, and have harvested the seeds from the flowers. Some students learned the harsh lesson that not all plants survive even under the best conditions. A class survey was conducted on their favorite activity. Cross pollinating with bees was the class favorite followed by the actual planting. Austin Champion said, I enjoyed having to care for my plant, and Alyssa Craft liked learning about different plants. This has been a great learning experience for both students and teachers. OMS Black History Quilt Oxford Middle School conducted a quilt contest on February 14th and 15th. Each homeroom class was given a 15 by 15 patch. They were instructed to create something on the patch about Black History that was relevant to their core subject area. The most creative and i nformati ve pat ch would win in each team, thereby yielding 4 winners. After a panel of 5 judges decided on the winning patches, all 26 patches were then sewn together to created our OMS Black History Quilt. The winners were: Mr. Fink s Math class team 1, Mr. Morrison s Language Arts class team 2, Mrs. Strickland s Math class team 3 and Coach Darden s History class team 4. CHAMPIONS Champions by name and nature Wayne and Libby Champion, are two dedicated volunteers at Coldwater Elementary School. Every Monday and Thursday you will find them in the workroom donating their time assisting teachers with whatever tasks need to be completed. Mr. and Mrs. Champion s children and grandchildren attended CES, so they have an ownership in the school. Most importantly, they love the children. Mr. and Mrs. Champion are an integral part of the Coldwater family. As one teacher stated, Their friendliness and kindness are so welcoming and we are so fortunate to have them as part of our school community. Mr. and Mrs. Champion, thank you for displaying a servant s heart in all you do.

11 11 A Story to Tell C.E. Hanna s Art Fair will be Monday, May 9, 2011, from 6-8 pm. Each student created an original work that represents ideas presented in class. Sixth graders selected a picture of something that is special, and meaningful to them. Some students chose their pet, or a special place they visited, or even objects that they had at home that were meaningful to their family. Prior to the Impressionist movement in art, most art was religious. We studied different cultures and the artifacts they have left behind. What we know from history is mainly based on the art of the facts. Artists were the first scribes and were skilled in the cuneiform or pictogram writings that told the history of the cultures. Students learned that the objects we create and leave behind will be the artifacts that tell our story years from now. Students are encouraged to learn to interpret what they are seeing and celebrate their individual ideas. We all learn from mistakes and work to problem solve when things are not exactly what we had in mind. Art teaches so many life skills. It is a non-threatening way to learn confidence in ideas and to feel confident in sharing ideas. The art fair is the art department s fundraising event. Parents are invited to come and purchase their child s framed artwork. Student artwork can also be viewed and purchased on cups, cards, key chains, and other gift items by visiting Students are proud of their creations, and look forward to sharing their ideas with you. Every picture tells a story, and we look forward to sharing our story with you. Student artwork displayed Hanna s Art Fair May 9, 6-8 pm QUEEN Oxford High School senior, Jayme Wagner, has been chosen to represent Oxford High School as a state finalist in the America s Homecoming Q u e e n S c h o l a r s h i p Pageant. She was chosen among all other high school queens in Alabama. Jayme is an outstanding leader and community servant. She is a n O H S V a r s i t y cheerleader and was named NCA All-American. She was also chosen by her classmates as Miss OHS. Jayme is a member of the Foreign Language Club, Future Teachers of A m e r i c a, a n d D D Community Service Club. She plans to attend JSU and pursue a degree in Spanish education and criminal justice with the goal of becoming a FBI agent. Congratulations, Jayme! STATEMENT OF NON-DISCRIMINATION It is the policy of the Oxford City Board of Education that no person shall, on the grounds of race, color, disability, sex, religion, creed, national origin or age, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program, activity, or employment.