Thursday, February 18, 2010

Straughn Middle School Student Receives Honors




Brent Dorman, a seventh grader at Straughn Middle School, was recognized at the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Awards Luncheon February 11, 2010. Brent received an award certificate for Honorable Mention in Division 7-8, Category II in the State Superintendent’s Visual Arts Exhibit and a State Board of Education Resolution for his photograph titled Water lily. Brent’s piece, along with several other pieces contributed by students from Alabama schools, is on exhibit in the Old Supreme Court Library in the Alabama State Capital. Brent took this photograph at the Straughn Middle School’s coy pond last the fall. He is the son of Rodney and Wendy James and the Grandson of Henry and Elaine Patterson.

These photos are of Brent with his piece in the exhibit and Brent with
Dr. Tommy Brice, Deputy State Superintendent of Education, receiving his certificates.

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Haiti Healthcare Packets

Straughn Middle School, Straughn High School, Mrs.Cobb's 2nd grade class, and Mrs.Morgan's 1st grade class all pitched in to collect items for Haiti Healthcare Packets. We collected enough items to complete 43 packets. Any items that didn't complete a packet were also sent to the First Methodist Church of Opp. We along with Mt.Gilead Baptist Church completed 98 total packets. Thanks for giving!

Monday, February 8, 2010

Ms.Simpson is Chamber of Commerce Teacher of the Year

Ms. Paula Simpson 8th Language Arts teacher and EDP director has been named the Teacher of the Year by the Area Chamber of Commerce. Ms. Simpson is described by the Chamber of Commerce as being "innovative and dynamic in the classroom." She has been teaching for 16 years. We are proud of you, Ms. Simpson.

Turning Up the Heat!






The 8th grade "turned up the heat" in science class. Students donned goggles and used Bunsen Burners to observe the changes that occur in various chemicals when heat is applied to those chemicals.

Last Day to Help with Health Packets

Tuesday, Feb.9th is the last day to bring in items for the Haiti Health Packets.
Items most needed:
  • full sized hair combs
  • nail files
  • fingernail clippers
  • $2.00

Friday, February 5, 2010

A HEART OF A CHAMPION by Rollin Kinsaul

A HEART OF A CHAMPION is someone who picks themselves up when falling down

A HEART OF A CHAMPION is humble and not boastful in their minds

A HEART OF A CHAMPION would never give up when their bodies tell them too

A HEART OF A CHAMPION doesn't stop trying until they hear the word success

A HEART OF A CHAMPION tries their best in EVERYTHING

A HEART OF A CHAMPION is a STRAUGHN TIGER!!!!!

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

SMS Students Perform

SMS students: Katie Frasher, Kayla Mitchell, and Audrey Livingston will be performing solo dances for Andalusia Ballet's Valentine Dance. The performance is Sunday, February, 14th at 2:00pm in the LBW Dixion Center.

Building Thermometers



Mrs. McLaurin's 8th science classes built their own thermometers yestserday. This lesson is part of the Alabama Math and Science Initiative which has recently been incorporated into the SMS curriculum. This is one of many hands-on learning activities made possible by AMSTI.

Tuesday, February 2, 2010

WOW


The 7th grade students in Mrs. Kinsaul's science classes studied the grooming techniques of the wowbug. Wowbugs are microscopic insects that look very similar to wasps. The students worked in groups to find and observe the wowbug through microscopes.

Monday, February 1, 2010

Have a Heart: Help the People of Haiti


Have a Heart: Help the People of Haiti

Our school has been given an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. We will be collecting donations in an effort to “Help the People of Haiti.” We have been given a list of items that are needed right now in that area. If you would like to help make a worthwhile donation you may send the item(s) to our homeroom. Any donation(s) would be greatly appreciated. We will be taking up donations until Tuesday, February 9th.
Thank you,
SMS J

*1 Hand Towel (15”x25” up to 17”x27” – No kitchen towels)

*1 Washcloth

*1 Comb (large and sturdy, not pocket-sized)

*1 Nail File or Fingernail Clippers (no emery boards or toenail clippers)

*1 Bath-size bar of soap (3 oz. and up)

*1 Toothbrush (single brushes only in original wrapper, no child-size brushes)

*6 adhesive plastic strip sterile bandaids