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We SOAR!
Be Safe
Be Outstanding
Be Accountable
Be Respectful
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Read Across America
in Honor of Dr. Seuss' Birthday
Friday, March 1, 2019
Celebrating the birthday of Dr. Seuss has become one of the most important days (or weeks) of the school year for all library Media Specialists. It is the day we look forward to from the first day of school. This year's celebration was like non-other. I was incredibly fortunate to have an organized committee, lead by one of our many outstanding lead teachers, Mrs. Borland. The outcome was extremely organized and a fantastic day for everyone.
We had guest readers of all types scheduled so that every class had at least two (many had more) to visit their classrooms. The children were thrilled.
It was a joy and honor to have such incredible support from our parents and the community. Two high schools, Campbell High School and Whitefield Academy transported students to read aloud in the classrooms as our little ones looked up in awe. Dr. Diane Ray, former CCSD middle school principal, president of P.A.G.E, and best of all an NPK Alumni, was thrilled come and read to classes.
Teachers decorated their doors and the hallways, everyone was encouraged to dress up. Every student received a Dr. Seuss bookmark. Students and teachers that dressed up received another small award.
This was a fantastic day, following on the heals of NPK Literacy Night. The timing could not have been better. It felt as though Literacy Night was the kick-off for our celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday (which was actually on Saturday, March 2.)
We had guest readers of all types scheduled so that every class had at least two (many had more) to visit their classrooms. The children were thrilled.
It was a joy and honor to have such incredible support from our parents and the community. Two high schools, Campbell High School and Whitefield Academy transported students to read aloud in the classrooms as our little ones looked up in awe. Dr. Diane Ray, former CCSD middle school principal, president of P.A.G.E, and best of all an NPK Alumni, was thrilled come and read to classes.
Teachers decorated their doors and the hallways, everyone was encouraged to dress up. Every student received a Dr. Seuss bookmark. Students and teachers that dressed up received another small award.
This was a fantastic day, following on the heals of NPK Literacy Night. The timing could not have been better. It felt as though Literacy Night was the kick-off for our celebration of Dr. Seuss' birthday (which was actually on Saturday, March 2.)
Norton Park Literacy Night
Norton Park Literacy Nights are planned and organized by one of our Key Team committees and they are a lot of fun for everyone including students, parents, staff, and anyone else that comes.
There are games, puzzles, a load of other activities, and of course prizes and a raffle which is so much fun our students forget they are learning while they play. The slideshow below shows only a fraction of the activities.
There are games, puzzles, a load of other activities, and of course prizes and a raffle which is so much fun our students forget they are learning while they play. The slideshow below shows only a fraction of the activities.
For many, the first day of school is the best day of all after a long summer break. Most students are ready to return to the happy and secure atmosphere of learning here at Norton Park Elementary.
It's also fun to show off their new clothes.
It's also fun to show off their new clothes.
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It took me no time to fall in love with Norton Park staff and students! That says a lot about the atmosphere of my new home.
I have no doubt that this will be a wonderful year!
I have no doubt that this will be a wonderful year!
What is a P.B.I.S. School?!?
When I was first told that Norton Park Elementary School was a P.B.I.S. school, I was a bit confused because that was something new to me. Every school is different, but I quickly learned that P.B.I.S. is one of the reasons that Norton Park Elementary is a phenomenal school that rises above others.
The three important aspects of a P.B.I.S. school include a progressive approach to teach children positive behavior as a life-long skill.
1. Positive behavioral interventions and supports (P.B.I.S.) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior.
2. P.B.I.S., students learn about positive behavior, just as they would about subjects such as reading or math. It is an important addition to the curriculum.
3. In P.B.I.S. schools, the focus is prevention, not punishment.
Below you will find one example of the way Norton Park Elementary is supporting our children with a program that nurtures the P.B.I.S. program.
Because P.B.I.S. is so incredible, I am adding a page devoted how it works. Simply click on the tab labeled P.B.I.S and you will be taken directly there.
The three important aspects of a P.B.I.S. school include a progressive approach to teach children positive behavior as a life-long skill.
1. Positive behavioral interventions and supports (P.B.I.S.) is a way for schools to encourage good behavior.
2. P.B.I.S., students learn about positive behavior, just as they would about subjects such as reading or math. It is an important addition to the curriculum.
3. In P.B.I.S. schools, the focus is prevention, not punishment.
Below you will find one example of the way Norton Park Elementary is supporting our children with a program that nurtures the P.B.I.S. program.
Because P.B.I.S. is so incredible, I am adding a page devoted how it works. Simply click on the tab labeled P.B.I.S and you will be taken directly there.
Path to Shine
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It is a great honor for the Norton Park Library Media Center to host all the wonderful mentors from Path to Shine. This group of exceptional men and women donate their time every week not simply to assist with homework or tutor. The goal is to foster each student's dreams that will motivate them to stay in school and attend college. Every Monday just before afternoon release these dedicated adults arrive hauling loads of activities and crafts of interest to the children they have grown to know and love. Broken into small groups of no more than two students per adult, they have a snack, play-time, homework, then reading and story time. I have witnessed a positive transformation in these children since school started. I want to personally thank all of these wonderful and dedicated volunteers for doing a great giving our children a reason to SHINE.
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The Eagle Vision Morning News Team
The Norton Park Eagle Vision morning news team are a dedicated and close group of students that show up every morning to ensure announcements are made and everyone is informed on what is happening at Norton Park. There is always at least one administrator at the news desk and it is usually our principal, Mrs. Curry. Sometimes we add a little humor to keep it lively, but each week a different class is scheduled to send a few students to say the Pledge of Allegiance - LIVE. Although they know and are instructed to face the flag when saying the pledge, some simply cannot resist looking at the monitor to see themselves. Each group is precious. This is one of my favorite parts of our broadcast.The slideshow below is just a sample of the Eagle Vision Team and a few Pledge of Allegiance in action.
One of the very best things about fall is the annual Fall Festival sponsored by our wonderful PTA
Everyone had a really great time, even the brave souls that sat in the dunking tank. Mr. Bales, Mr. Teller, and my son, Charles all went under and it was not necessarily warm.
BIBLIONASIUM:
NPK School Wide Reading Program
When Biblionasium (Biblio) was first suggested to me as an inventive, and interactive way to begin a new reading program at NPK, I will admit that I was secretly a little afraid. I knew nothing about the program and, being my first year I wanted nothing less than to bring a program into the school that did not fit with the curriculum or school philosophy.
My fears were quickly put to rest. I spent one weekend learning everything I could about the program. On Monday, I was ready to jump right in with the classes; and that is just what I did with full support of my Principal.
One of my first actions was to email all grade level teachers to succinctly describe what Biblionasium is and the ways it will be a fantastic asset to the teachers, students, myself and the entire school, especially for collecting data in real time. I attached this very simple guide to that email and occasionally resend it to classes that I haven't seen in a while. Below is the Step-by-Step instruction guide for teachers and students. Feel free to use it if you need.
My fears were quickly put to rest. I spent one weekend learning everything I could about the program. On Monday, I was ready to jump right in with the classes; and that is just what I did with full support of my Principal.
One of my first actions was to email all grade level teachers to succinctly describe what Biblionasium is and the ways it will be a fantastic asset to the teachers, students, myself and the entire school, especially for collecting data in real time. I attached this very simple guide to that email and occasionally resend it to classes that I haven't seen in a while. Below is the Step-by-Step instruction guide for teachers and students. Feel free to use it if you need.
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First Lady of Georgia, Mrs. Sandra Deal, Visits Norton Park Elementary School
We could not have been more honored to be one of the few Cobb County Schools that First Lady, Sandra Deal visited and read to the children. It was a joy to have her and she lived up to her reputation as a gracious former teacher that will always promote literacy.
