Future News Journalist Debut!

The broadcasting club has officially taken charge of the morning announcement using the school intercom. Mrs. Phillips and the students have been working diligently to learn the best methods for the morning announcements.


We hope that we will begin the video production soon! If you have any interest in this area, we are always looking for volunteers.

Half Way!

Wow! Did everyone enjoy the holidays? My family enjoys Christmas especially Nancijane. She was fortunate to get a drum set for Christmas. I've had a few parents to ask me, "Are you crazy?" There is a strong possibility that the answer could be yes!! However, I think it is important for students to explore different interests. Of course, I would have liked for her to play a flute but I suppose she is more a drum line type girl.



We attempt to offer as many extra curricula activities as possible here at OCR. In the past, we have offered skating, music, art, pottery, science, archery, Webkinz, and the list goes on and on. Although we have offered Spanish once we have not been able to offer a foreign language to our students on a regular basis. We have the possibility of applying for a teacher from China to teach our kids Chinese for a year. Would this be something parents and our community would support?

The 2020 Plan Grows



As you know, we believe we must prepare our students for when they graduate school not just the current year. Our 2020 plan was developed last year when first grade students would graduate in the year 2020. Our faculty decided we need to continue to teach our students to think and add to our science activities as well as real-life activities.


This year we have added to the Broadcasting Studio. In just a few short days, Mrs. Phillips and the Eagle News will bring to our student body the daily news over the intercom. We have the capability to begin video broadcasting in January.



We are seeking a carpenter to build us a news desk. Pictured below is one from Riverton Elementary. Thanks to their administration for allowing us to visit their studio. If you would like to help with any portion of the broadcasting studio, call us!

It is exciting to begin this process!

Excellence is a Journey not a Destination

Please take a few minutes and watch this video clip. It will help you to understand why our faculty has chosen to go through the Blue Ribbon Schools of Excellence Process.



http://www.tellonyou.com/movies/blueribbon/assessment.html

November 19- Thursday 5:15

I would like to invite you to join us at the Madison County Central Office to welcome, Mr. Scott Weeks, as our new Assistant Principal on Thursday, November 19 at 5:15. Mr. Weeks will be recommended to the Board. The MCBOE is located at 1275 F Jordan Road  in Huntsville. A few faculty members will be leaving from school and you are welcome to follow us.


It is a great opportunity to welcome a new member to our community.

Museum Update

Michele Ange, fifth grade teacher, has been working over time on the Natural Museum. When you see her, please let her know if you appreciate her working one weekend to put a new fence in the Museum.

The Museum looks fabulous!!! We have several hands-on items for little hands to touch.

Seashells

We also have several items to view.

If you would like to donate something to the Museum, please email me. We are also accepting monetary donations.

We just finished celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Students stomped out drugs one day by wearing mismatched shoes and on another day they stood up for drug free land by wearing red, white and blue. It was an interesting week. 

Mrs. Pearson normally leads Red Ribbon Week but she will be on maternity leave until December. Mrs. Thursten will be our part time counselor during November. We are glad to welcome Mrs. Thursten!

Good Luck, Mrs. Thorson!

     Stephanie Thorson, our assistant principal, is a dynamic educator who has impacted the students, faculty and community of Owens Cross Roads. Her knowledge of technology and innovative educational practices are simply "top notch."  However, she has often laughed with me as we have joked that I recommended her to be our assistant principal because of her social graces or if you will our "social butterfly."  If the truth be told, she does indeed have more social graces than I and she certainly has an extremely positive and caring outlook on life. However, she has contributed much more than I can express. As principal, I could have not have asked for a better assistant principal.  She not only has contributed much to the students, faculty and parents but she has been has been a great role model for me as principal.  It has been a pleasure working with Stephanie. 
     It is with a saddened heart that I share with everyone that she has accepted a position in a field outside of education. Her new career will allow her more time to spend with her beautiful little girls. I believe most educators decide to go into education because of children. Once we have our own we know time is so precious.  No one at OCR School begrudges Stephanie for making a choice which is better for her family but we must admit we will certainly miss her. 
    Thank you Stephanie for everything from sharing your knowledge of technology to helping us create a caring climate. I know I can state whole heartedly not only will I miss our assistant principal but I will miss my friend.  Best wishes, Stephanie!