Classroom Blog

Riley will sign education budget

2008-06-11T10:41:00.001-05:00

Not that anyone doubted this would happen...OFFICE OF GOVERNOR BOB RILEYMEDIA ADVISORY FOR EVENT ON THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2008 Governor Riley to Sign Education Budget PRATTVILLE — Governor Bob Riley will sign the FY 2009 Education Trust Fund budget into law on Thursday, June 12, at 9:30 a.m. at Kiddie College in Prattville. The $6.3 billion dollar budget increases funding for critical programs that

Lordy

2008-06-09T10:09:00.002-05:00

Sorry for the long drought between postings- I took about three days of comp time last week after a very long tough stretch covering the special session in Montgomery.Some stories I'm working on- A new candidate has emerged in the race for Anniston City School board. It hasn't been confirmed yet, but I am meeting with someone today to find out more.- What have changes in the graduation

From an e-mail

2008-05-20T13:57:00.001-05:00

Here's what some folks are saying about yesterday's session....Dysfunctional Senate Kills Ed BudgetSpecial Session Coming SoonCLAS Legislative UpdateMay 20, 2008Monday the Senate wasted an entire day as Alabama and Auburn lobbyists dug in and killed the education budget. The big universities wrote some big checks to hire lobbyist Joe Fine and even after the House added $25 million in additional

Education budget and other stories

2008-05-20T10:10:00.003-05:00

The Senate failed to pass the $6.3 billion budget over a disagreement about additional funding for colleges and universities. This will put most local school systems in a bind, because they'll have to pink-slip teachers that are non-tenured, and they will inevitably seek other work in Georgia, Mississippi and Florida. So the question is not really, are you in trouble but, how much trouble are you

Follow-up thoughts from Valdosta

2008-05-05T10:02:00.002-05:00

I enjoyed the opportunity to get out of the office (ok, flee the office) and go down to Valdosta for Dr. Bill Meehan's interview. I learned a lot about what issues are facing regional universities as they try to fill their niche. And Meehan was in fact staying across the hall from me. We chatted informally for half an hour Tuesday night and I got a better sense of his thoughts on Alabama

I should do a story about this .....

2008-05-05T09:59:00.000-05:00

CHICAGO (AP) — American children take anti-psychotic medicines at about six times the rate of children in the United Kingdom, according to a comparison based on a new U.K. study.Does it mean U.S. kids are being over-treated? Or that U.K. children are being under-treated?Experts say that's almost beside the point, because use is rising on both sides of the Atlantic. And with scant long-term safety

More from Valdosta

2008-04-29T18:53:00.003-05:00

I toured more of the campus and spoke to students at Valdosta State University, who were an incredibly friendly and obliging bunch. Everyone was very helpful and had real insights into what was going on- rare when you do man-on-the-street type interviews. Jax-State University President Bill Meehan had his first public forum and I was glad to hear the depth of the questions the faculty asked. They

Valdosta State University trip

2008-04-28T18:12:00.008-05:00

Dan, this is the artist rendering of the Student Union –let me know if you need photos of anything else on campusValdosta State University, like other schools in Georgia, is preparing for an influx of students. The collge expects 16,000 students by 2020 and is in the middle of a $263 million expansion project. It's a bit bigger than Jacksonville State University already and will continue to grow

Blogging from Valdosta

2008-04-27T20:51:00.002-05:00

I'll be leaving bright and early tomorrow morning and head toward Valdosta, Ga., the setting for Jacksonville State University President Bill Meehan's two days worth of public interviews. Expect semi-regular updates and photos about the trip. I'll also be working to knock out some of my other assignments later in the week as well.If anyone knows where I can get any good food down that way, holler

Back from the meeting

2008-04-24T20:20:00.005-05:00

Joan Frazier is now the permanent superintendent of Anniston City Schools.In a 4-1 decision the board voted to give Frazier the top job.And, contrary to my earlier 'spider sense,' there was very little acrimony involved. Vivian Thompson voted no, but there was no heated debate. At the end, some of the parents even gave her a round of applause.There were some people in that room who weren't happy

Spidey sense tingling

2008-04-24T14:50:00.004-05:00

Some of you may have read this story about tonight's Anniston Board of Education meeting. Based on some of the rumblings I'm hearing from the community, it should be a hot one.If the board selects Interim Superintendent Joan Frazier as its permanent superintendent (something similar to what happened 10 years ago with Jan Hurd- which is another story) there are people who are not going to be happy

Get real paid

2008-04-21T17:18:00.006-05:00

I offer this because I couldn't find a place for it in tomorrow's story. Former Anniston Superintendent Sammy Lee Felton, through his attorney, sent the following letter to the Anniston Board of Education regarding how they would pay him the remainder of his contract, which is up next year. It includes an interesting turn of phrase, which I've placed in italics. BOE Attorney's Response- By letter

Bill Meehan could leave JSU

2008-04-17T14:05:00.004-05:00

That's the word- Dr. Bill Meehan, who's been with Jacksonville State University for decades and president since 1999- is entertaining a move to Valdosta State University.We have the story for free on our Web site.So what do you think? Should Bill Meehan stay if he gets the offer or should he go? How do you pesonally feel about him leaving?Please post your thoughts in our comments section.

I'm back, I'm back

2008-04-16T12:57:00.005-05:00

Back from my honeymoon and I'm ready to roll. While I was away, I received some feedback from my story about Anniston City Schools. (Subscription required.) Here are two letters I received.I joined IBM in 1960 and worked for them for 33 years. During the 1960's and 1970'swe could not build new plant sites fast enough to meet the growing demand for computer products. When opening new plant sites

JSU trustees raise tuition

2008-04-14T14:02:00.001-05:00

By Megan NicholsStaff Writer Updated 1:45 p.m. Tuition for Jacksonville State University undergraduates will go up 12.4 percent beginning this fall, after the JSU Board of Trustees approved the hike at its Monday morning meeting.The board also approved an 11-percent tuition increase for graduate students and a $50 per-credit-hour charge for distance-learning courses. Residential

Saks, Alexandria high schools compete in NASA moonbuggy race

2008-04-09T10:25:00.000-05:00

By Andy JohnsStaff Writer 04-09-2008 Photo: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star ALEXANDRIA — Saks and Alexandria high schools have been rivals in football, baseball and basketball for generations. Now the rivalry has been taken to the moon and back.Both schools built "moonbuggies" for NASA's Great Moonbuggy Race. The schools not only competed against each other but

Trantham finalist for teacher of the year

2008-04-08T09:12:00.000-05:00

By Andy JohnsStaff Writer 04-08-2008 A third-grade teacher at Alexandria Elementary School has been named one of the top four educators in the state, and more awards could be on the way.The teacher, Amber Trantham, is among the Alabama State Board of Education's "final four" in the teacher of the year running.The field of 147 nominated teachers was narrowed to 16 in March, with the

Randolph, Talladega, Clay school closing early for storms

2008-04-04T13:52:00.001-05:00

By Andy JohnsStaff Writer Updated 1:42 p.m. Several local school systems are dismissing students early this afternoon due to concerns about bad weather.All Randolph County and Talladega County schools will dismiss at 1:30 p.m.Clay County schools will dismiss at 1:45 p.m. Calhoun County and Jacksonville City schools officials said there were no plans to dismiss early. Cleburne County

Wellborn student earns national merit scholarship

2008-04-03T10:16:00.000-05:00

By Matt KasperStaff Writer 04-03-2008 It's a first, as far as June Bentley can tell.The social studies teacher at Wellborn High School, who has been teaching for 13 years at the school, thinks senior Erica Bell is the only national merit achievement scholar the school has ever had.Bell is at least the first in recent memory."She just looks intelligent," said Bentley, who is teaching

Nightmare or Dream Come True? Computer bug eats Ind. students' grades

2008-04-01T15:00:00.002-05:00

I can remember a few times wishing this would have happened to me. I am a little skeptical because this story did come out on April Fool's Day. -ajComputer bug eats Ind. students' gradesEVANSVILLE, Ind. (AP) -- A computer malfunction wiped out a month's worth of grades at three high schools and one middle school, giving struggling students a second chance but dismaying others.The

Programming note

2008-03-31T15:49:00.004-05:00

I will be out of the office starting April 2 because I am getting married on Saturday. There probably will be few or no education blog updates until April 16- but remember, we try to provide information about area schools and educational organizations in one handy index. So I hope you'll take advantage of it if you need it- its on the left-hand side of the blog under the links section.Hope

Last night's meeting

2008-03-26T13:02:00.003-05:00

If one thing is clear from Anniston's cost-cutting meeting last night it's this: there is no one solution. I've been working on a larger story concerning economic development and how it relates to the schools; the story will also examine what the picture looks like as we approach elections this summer. A letter in today's speakout, by Rose Munford- a concerned parent whose daughter recently

2008-03-25T12:26:00.004-05:00

Lineville assistant principal killed while huntingTHE STAR- An assistant principal at the Lineville elementary and high schools, who also was a former Ashland City Council member, died in a hunting accident over the weekend, the Clay County coroner said Monday.Charles Gerald "Gerry" Elliott Jr., 39, was turkey hunting early Saturday when he tried to climb a barbed-wire fence and slipped, Coroner

Stories I'm working on

2008-03-24T13:50:00.002-05:00

A feature obituary of Lineville High School/Elementary School Assisstant Principal who died in a hunting accident over the weekend.Also, two local teachers are among a "Sweet 16" list for Alabama Teacher of The Year. Also, check out this cool link my editor Bob Davis sent me. It shows how Alabama's schools stack up to our neighbors and the nation. I've added the link to our helpful links section

Education stories

2008-03-24T13:37:00.005-05:00

The beat goes on, as they say. Here are a few stories I published last week.Local school boards working out boundary disputeTHE STAR-Jacksonville City Schools officials say 14-year-old Cody Chapman belongs at White Plains High; the Calhoun County Board of Education, which runs White Plains, says he belongs at Jacksonville High.Each school system has a different map showing who is responsible for

Study: 'Flutie Effect' more than a myth

2008-03-23T18:22:00.002-05:00

AP Photo/SUSAN WALSH As a big sports fan this is interesting to me. I admit that I never would have hear about Gonzaga, Xavier or Drake if it wasn't for picking them in my March Madness bracket every year. -ajBy DENA POTTER Associated Press Writer RICHMOND, Va. (AP) -- Turns out there's some basis for the long-held

stories I'm working on

2008-03-19T13:57:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow morning I'll visit McClellan and see an event coordinated by the Calhoun County Extension Office in honor of Earth Day. Today, I'm working on a story about arts education in local elementary schools. I visited White Plains Elementary School and talked with some of the other principals at other county schools- all of which have been extremely positive, professional and helpful. Look for

Two stories dealing with the Felton fallout

2008-03-18T09:37:00.004-05:00

Felton sues Anniston Board of EducationTHE STAR-Former Anniston schools superintendent Sammy Lee Felton is suing the city's school board for firing him, The Star learned Monday.According to court documents filed Thursday, Felton alleges he has not been paid one years' salary and benefits to which he says his contract entitles him as severance pay. Felton asks the court to make the school board

2008-03-15T01:54:00.006-05:00

Report details 9 standards violationsTHE STAR- A report compiled by an independent school-accrediting team details a number of problems at Anniston High School, and says many stemmed from the management style of former Superintendent Sammy Lee Felton.Interim Superintendent Joan Frazier released the report Friday.The report, compiled by a review team for the Southern Association of Colleges and

Status report

2008-03-14T20:11:00.002-05:00

Thanks to all the school employees who helped me with my stories this week; I came down with an illness Wednesday and on Thursday found myself way behind on everything. Your prompt responses and professionalism was appreciated.I have a story coming out tomorrow about Anniston High School which should interest more than a few people.Went to Oxford Middle School for their homage to Pi and Pie. It

Saks High School

2008-03-11T10:35:00.003-05:00

Had a job shadower follow me today as I interviewed Lisa Amerson, the technology director for Calhoun County Schools. She recently received an award for her work. Expect that story to run later in the week.The computer lab reeked of mildew from the recent storm damage- but the computers were ok, she said.I'm also working on a story examining why Anniston has higher legal fees than other local

Jacksonville and Anniston discuss delayed report cards

2008-03-11T10:25:00.003-05:00

As some of you in education circles are aware, the state department allowed the area Superintendents to sign off on every piece of data contained in the massive annual data compilation known as school report cards. Some schools, including Annistion and Jacksonville, were held up- and J-Ville has gotten the state to take their's down because of faulty data. (It was still removed this morning.) But

Story in today's paper

2008-03-10T09:47:00.002-05:00

Schools look at ways to keep teachers in classTHE STAR-Two local school boards are exploring plans to keep teachers in the classroom.A recent study, which showed a link between declining student achievement and teacher absences, says that one of the plans on the table — paying teachers who do not use personal leave or sick days — can help.The August 2007 study by the National Bureau of Economic

Here's a couple of stories that ran over the weekend.

2008-03-09T11:12:00.007-05:00

Weaver Elementary School serves breakfast to moms, dadsTHE STAR- On Thursday, the school served muffins to the moms. On Friday, it was doughnuts for the dads.Every parent who visited their kids for an hour at Weaver Elementary School this week said it was time well-spent.The school celebrated the National Education Association's "Read Across America" event with an open-house for moms and dads.

Here's one that'll inspire parents...

2008-03-07T10:44:00.002-06:00

I should've gone to Brazilian law school....Brazilian boy, 8, passes law school entrance examAP- Brazil's lawyers have been shocked to find that a boy aged eight has managed to pass the entrance exam to law school.The Bar Association said the achievement of Joao Victor Portellinha should be taken as a warning about the low standards of some of Brazil's law schools."If this is confirmed, the

Stories in today's paper

2008-03-07T08:55:00.002-06:00

Jax State business school top ranked for womenTHE STAR- The first thing visitors to Jacksonville State University's business school see is a mosaic profile of a naked man.He's part of a large mural in the lobby. He drinks from the fountain of knowledge.Women were once scarce in business schools and the business world.It's different now, professors at the business school say.Today many of JSU's

Weaver Elementary and other things

2008-03-06T21:13:00.006-06:00

I missed the good sausage biscuit breakfast at Oxford High School this morning. Being new to the beat, I couldn't find my way into the cafeteria. By the time I got there the students were being locked down for Graduation Exam testing. Shot on over to Weaver Elementary and chatted with the parents there about a special "Muffins for Moms" breakfast. I had forgotten, being a grownup with no children

State of the work week

2008-03-05T18:18:00.005-06:00

Finished my work on a story about opportunities for women in the business college at Jacksonville State University. I appreciated all of the wonderful sources that took time out of their day to help me put it together. The art (the photo, I mean) looks good, too.I have been told it will run Friday, major disasters notwithstanding. Did some preliminary work for a Sunday story I hope will run

OMA meeting and JSU field trip

2008-03-04T19:38:00.003-06:00

Every day is a field trip on my job- my first big meeting was with Calhoun County School's Superintendent Judy Stiefel, Board Chairman Tom Young, and their attorney on the open meetings act. I felt some extra clarity was needed because the board has held closed-door meetings, known as executive sessions, for the last two meetings, I think. There is nothing improper about what the board's been

Celebrating Seuss: Children's author's birthday honored by local students

2008-03-04T19:35:00.000-06:00

THE STAR-They would read them on a train. They would read them in the rain.They do like books, Sam I Am. They dig books like "Green Eggs and Ham."Elementary school students at Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic School flexed their mental muscles Monday as part of "Read Across America," a national event promoted by the National Education Association. In addition to celebrating their love of reading,

A closer look at AMSTI

2008-03-03T08:23:00.001-06:00

Local schools learn new tricks in Alabama Math and Science Technology InitiativeThe Star- Brigett Vernon's second grade class at Jacksonville's Kitty Stone Elementary learned about balance and weight Friday; but they didn't get it from a textbook.The school, which is part of the statewide Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative (AMSTI), learned about balance by sitting on their hands and

Oxford BOE met

2008-03-03T08:20:00.002-06:00

I just got back from the Oxford school board meeting and found out some exciting news about a building project there.Of course, you can only find the details on The Star's Web site. So be sure to check the "since this morning" section for a quick update.On a personal note, there's not enough coffee in the world to make me fully coherent for a 7 a.m. meeting. Makes me glad I didn't chose a career

AMSTI

2008-02-29T12:08:00.001-06:00

Seven local schools were recently added to the list of schools participating in the Alabama Math and Science Technology Initiative. (AMSTI) I'm working on a piece exploring the program's impact in Calhoun County.ON Anniston BOE matters, there's a new cost-cutting committee of sorts, trying to figure out how to build up Anniston's reserve account. I'm getting all of the important details from

County BOE meeting tonight

2008-02-28T13:26:00.002-06:00

There's a county BOE meeting tonight at 4 p.m. Additionally, the good folks over at Saks High let me and one of our job-shadower candidates tour the storm damage there. There was visible water damage on the ceiling tile and everything was shrouded in a black tarp, in dark rooms.Still no word on what fixing that will cost, but hopefully the BOE will illuminate us a bit at tonight's meeting. For

Why did some schools get more grant money and others get less?

2008-02-28T13:24:00.001-06:00

The Star- The state of Alabama gave out millions in grant money to public schools and libraries this year, but two local legislators say political interests muddied the process.Additionally, a communication error might have caused some local school systems to apply for less money than they could have received.Some school systems in other counties got much more money than Calhoun County's local K-

Press Release: Weaver student nominated for U.S. Military Academy

2008-02-13T11:01:00.001-06:00

From the Office of Richard Shelby WASHINGTON, D. C. Wednesday, February 13, 2008--- U. S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) today applauded a Calhoun County student who was nominated to the United States Service Academies. The service academies include the U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Military Academy and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. “Furthering one’s education at

Press Release: More Education Pays Off; As Does Certain Fields of Training

2008-01-29T16:42:00.000-06:00

This is from the Census Bureau: The field of training can sometimes have as dramatic an effect onearnings as the level of education, according to a series of data tablesthe U.S. Census Bureau released today. Workers who held vocational certificates in engineering averaged about$3,880 a month, which is nearly the same as those with bachelor's degreesin natural science. Likewise, those

Some random (but interesting) facts from the Census Bureau

2008-01-11T14:15:00.000-06:00

Detailed tables: http://www.census.gov/Press-Release/www/releases/archives/education/011196.html One-Third of Young Women Have Bachelor’s Degrees About 33 percent of young women 25 to 29 had a bachelor’s degree or moreeducation in2007, compared with 26 percent of their male counterparts, according totabulations released today by

Boy glues hand to bed to avoid school

2008-01-08T16:56:00.000-06:00

This is funny stuff.On a separate note, Steve has moved on to another newspaper, like he wrote in his post. We are re-shuffling the beats and should be back on track in about a week. In the meantime be sure to check our main page at www.annistonstar.com. -aj MEXICO CITY - A 10-year-old Mexican boy dreaded returning to school after Christmas break so much that he glued his

Farewell and thanks!

2007-12-21T13:31:00.001-06:00

This will be the last post from here me on the Classroom Blog. After nearly two years at the Star, I'm headed to North Carolina.Thanks to all of you who have kept coming back for local education news since we launched in August. Happy holidays everybody, and remember to check back once school's back in session for even more updates.

Calhoun County Schools' financial director to retire

2007-12-21T08:42:00.001-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-21-2007 Bob White will conclude his 23-year career today as the chief financial officer for Calhoun County Schools. Photo: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star In his nearly 23 years on the job, the Calhoun County Schools annual budget has tripled, and the cost of a school bus has grown 20-fold.But during his tenure, chief financial

Anniston students lend hand to local charity projects

2007-12-20T15:54:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-20-2007 Misha Whatley and Niketa Hughley paused in Anniston High School's hallways to see what their hard work led to.The seniors gazed at a poster showing the 168 gifts bought with money they raised for Toys for Tots.With beaming smiles, they high-fived."We did it," Whatley said.Their efforts were part of a busy holiday season at the high school as

Winners and travelers at Donoho

2007-12-19T14:10:00.000-06:00

A couple of announcements from The Donoho School have come my way thanks to Paige Faulkner.First, eighth-grader Jack Lentjes won the school-level competition for the National Geography Bee, sponsored by the National Geographic Society, last week. He answered the most oral questions on geography in the first round of the 20th annual bee. He will take a written qualifying test next month for a

New drama club takes center stage at Saks Middle School

2007-12-19T08:37:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-19-2007 The Saks Middle School drama club works on the final script before the broadcast of the morning news to the school’s classrooms. Pictured from left are Kelly Kilgore, Marissa Washington, Deja Dorman, Tiffany DeBoer, Jacob Callahan and Akeem Webster. Photo: Kevin Qualls/The Anniston Star Tiffany DeBoer likes to stay involved

Merging schools: Gadsden superintendent praises consolidation of high schools

2007-12-19T08:35:00.001-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-19-2007 Bob Russell will tell anyone who asks about the success of consolidating Gadsden’s three high schools into one.Tuesday he offered a report to the Anniston Rotary Club.“As you go around the state, people talk about (consolidation) all the time, but they’re too scared to do it,” said Russell, a 38-year veteran of education and Gadsden’s

Grant would team up JSU with Oxford

2007-12-19T08:33:00.000-06:00

By Markeshia RicksStar Capitol Correspondent 12-19-2007 MONTGOMERY — Jacksonville State University is in the running for a $20,000 grant that would establish Oxford City Schools as a demonstration site for co-teaching.Known throughout the state for its success in teaming-up general and special education teachers in the classroom, Oxford City Schools is a natural fit for such a

ACT offers tips for high schoolers

2007-12-18T14:43:00.000-06:00

ACT has sent along a couple of news releases over the past week trying to keep high school students and parents on their toes.First, they offer advice for courses college-bound students should be taking. Generally, they advise that taking the most challenging classes available is the best way to prepare for college and the workplace. That means, four years of English, four years of math including

JSU housekeeper Ester Uesry named employee of the year

2007-12-18T07:46:00.001-06:00

By Megan NicholsSpecial to The Star 12-18-2007 Ester Uesry spends her days on five floors of Jacksonville State University’s library.Starting at 6:30 a.m., she mops, vacuums, dusts, and cleans bathrooms on floors eight through 12 of Houston Cole Library, pausing occasionally to speak to students she recognizes.When the JSU Board of Trustees meets on the 11th floor of the library,

Out-of-district attendance policy undergoing revisions

2007-12-17T10:17:00.002-06:00

By Matt KasperStar Staff Writer 12-16-2007 JACKSONVILLE — The out-of-district attendance policy at Jacksonville schools, unchanged since 1995, is undergoing revisions that could mean increasing tuition costs next school year for students enrolled in the system who live outside the city limits.Unlike other school systems in the county, Jacksonville and Piedmont city schools have

Calhoun County considers plan to provide laptops to students

2007-12-17T10:17:00.001-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-15-2007 Megan Singleton, left, and DeAnthony Smith, students at Weaver High School, work on their new laptops. The Calhoun County School System are considering a program that would provide laptops for all students in grades 7-12. Photo: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star The Calhoun County school system is considering a plan to keep

More from Huntsville

2007-12-14T14:31:00.001-06:00

During yesterday's hearing about the construction of White Plains Middle School, judge C. Lynwood Smith Jr. complimented the Calhoun County Schools for what he saw on a tour last week to examine whether facilities are equal regardless of racial makeup."Everyone was very courteous," he said. "The principals were exceptional and you should be proud of what you have been able to accomplish with the

White Plains school hearing concludes; decision pending

2007-12-14T07:46:00.001-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-14-2007 HUNTSVILLE — Calhoun County Schools officials offered more than two hours of testimony Thursday and now await a federal judge's ruling on construction of a new middle school in White Plains.U.S. District Judge C. Lynwood Smith Jr. scheduled the hearing to find out why he wasn't informed construction was under way until the school system had

Anniston High could get new sports programs

2007-12-12T12:55:00.000-06:00

At last night's Anniston BOE work session, Interim Superintendent asked for some guidance on starting new golf and wrestling programs at Anniston High School.County Commissioners James "Pappy" Dunn and Robert Downing combined to give Anniston $10,000 to start the programs. The school hasn't yet spent that money. Board members told Frazier they would like to see a plan for what the coaches would

Trinity Christian has new principal

2007-12-12T08:42:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-12-2007 Trinity Christian Academy principal Tim Snow talks with students Hunter Bennett, left, Katie Spenlove and Katlyn Dobbs, right. Photo: Kevin Qualls/The Anniston Star OXFORD — Tim Snow never thought he’d find himself teaching a classroom full of students.Now he’s gone to the principal’s office.Snow is the new principal at

Anniston BOE to decide payroll issue later

2007-12-12T08:41:00.000-06:00

The Anniston Board of Education will decide next week whether to seek a loan to make its December payroll.Board policies require employees be paid on the last working day of each month, which will be Dec. 20.But the system will not find out from the Alabama Department of Education when its monthly state money will be transferred to its account until Dec. 17.In 1999 as well as the past three years

Felton out of running for Russell post, for now

2007-12-11T15:41:00.000-06:00

Sammy Lee Felton, Anniston's former superintendent, was one of five finalists to be the next schools chief in Russell County. The board there plans to meet tonight to discuss salary negotiations with its first choice, Yvette Richardson.in Monday's Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, writer Sara Pauff examines the Russell board's dealings with superintendent turnover.The Anniston BOE signed Felton to a

Ohatchee teachers get classroom money

2007-12-10T11:12:00.000-06:00

Thanks to Terri Beecham at Ohatchee Elementary, who passed this along:Third grade teachers there were presented with a $1,500 reading grant from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. To earn the grant, teachers and students completed reading and health activities and produced class journals to demonstrate what they had learned. The teachers received the grants at a ceremony on Friday. Students

Does a pot bust trump a 4.0 GPA?

2007-12-10T08:37:00.001-06:00

Larry Gordon of the Los Angeles Times recently had a story about colleges and universities increasingly worrying about students' backgrounds. The Virginia Tech murders earlier this year has administrators concerned about past behavior and whether they've ever been convicted of a crime.But critics claim it's an invasion of privacy to look into a student's history, and high school seniors are

State teachers earn national certification

2007-12-07T11:29:00.000-06:00

The Alabama Department of Education announced this week that 226 teachers across the state had earned National Board Certification.The National Board for Professional Teaching Standards is a nonprofit, nonpartisan group formed in 1987 to advance the quality of teaching and learning by developing professional standards for accomplished teaching.Alabama pays each candidate's $2,500 application fee

Judge’s tour could decide White Plains’ building plan

2007-12-07T08:08:00.001-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-07-2007 A federal judge spent most of the school day Thursday touring five of Calhoun County’s 17 schools.Judge C. Lynwood Smith requested the tour before he decides whether to approve the construction of a new middle school in White Plains.Smith originally had scheduled a courtroom hearing for Thursday as well, but decided to delay the hearing to

Ranburne High School to use portable classrooms while new building constructed

2007-12-06T09:47:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-06-2007 Ranburne High School Principal Trevor Kribbs looks into one of the many broken windows at the school. Cleburne County school officials plan to raze the building, then conduct classes in portable trailers while a new school is built. Photo: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star Paint peels, concrete crumbles and students squeeze

AIDB celebrates anniversary, continues music program

2007-12-05T10:25:00.000-06:00

Some goings-on of note this week at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind:The Alabama Industries for the Blind will celebrate its 75th anniversary tomorrow. They plan a day-long celebration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and including a formal program at 2:30 p.m. The keynote speaker is Jim Gibbons, president and CEO of National Industries for the Blind.Begun in 1932, AIB is one of the nation's

Yellow Jackets go Orange; Blue Knights in high Cotton

2007-12-05T08:42:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 12-05-2007 Oxford High School band members practice Tuesday after school for their performance at the Orange Bowl and a parade in Miami on New Year's Day. Photo: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star Two local bands will help revelers ring in the New Year in two of the country's biggest cities.Piedmont High School will travel to Dallas for

JSU alum named Alexandria assistant principal

2007-12-04T08:56:00.000-06:00

Thanks for indulging the Classroom Blog's three-day weekend. Now it's back to work on this chilly Tuesday morning.We'll start this shortened week with some news from Alexandria High School. Banyon Allison has been named the school's assistant principal. Allison also serves as an adjunct professor at Jacksonville State University's Department of Educational Leadership, where he recently won the

Delay in notification to judge could postpone work on White Plains Middle School

2007-11-30T08:35:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-30-2007 Construction on the new White Plains Middle School may be delayed because a provision of a 1970 desegregation order says a federal judge must approve any new school construction. Photo: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star A federal judge wants to hear from Calhoun County Schools officials why a new middle school in White Plains

Oxford Middle among first to use ARI-Project for Adolescent Literacy to improve students’ reading

2007-11-28T08:25:00.001-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-28-2007 Oxford Middle School algebra teacher Heather Smith works with eighth-grade student Auburn Ramey. Photo: Trent Penny/The Anniston Star OXFORD — A reminder to WIN greets students in almost every class this week at Oxford Middle School.The message — to understand the What of everything they read, find the important Information,

Local schools make use of innovative Smart Boards

2007-11-27T10:48:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-27-2007 The new equipment protruding from the wall in Donna Plunkett’s classroom at The Donoho School looks a little intimidating.But Plunkett knows it offers new, engaging ways for her elementary science students to learn.Plunkett’s room on Monday became the second at the school to be equipped with a Smart Board, a high-tech combination white board,

Researchers say kids will eat healthy school lunches

2007-11-26T08:39:00.000-06:00

Hope everyone had time to sleep off the tryptophan this weekend. To wrap-up our weekend of feasting, here's an item from the AP today on school lunches:By Steve KarnowskiAssociated Press 11-26-2007 MINNEAPOLIS — Maybe getting schoolchildren to eat healthy foods isn’t a hopeless struggle.Bucking some common notions, a University of Minnesota study has found that school lunch sales don’

Takin' a turkey break

2007-11-21T13:25:00.000-06:00

Schools began their five-day recess for the Thanksgiving holiday today, and likewise the Classroom Blog will take a brief respite.In the meantime, check out The Star this holiday weekend for stories about a volunteer in Saks who's been carrying the chains on the sidelines at Wildcat football games for 40 years, and another about giving books as Christmas presents for children this season.Happy

County BOE keeps officers

2007-11-20T13:39:00.001-06:00

At its regular monthly meeting last Thursday--covered ably by staff writer Dan Whisenhunt in my stead--the Calhoun County Board of Education voted to maintain its officers for the next year.Tom Young will remain the board's chairman and June Evans keeps her post as vice chair. They were the top-two vote getters in the 2006 election and were elected to those positions after being sworn in last

State will lure teachers with scholarships

2007-11-19T15:31:00.000-06:00

Sallie Owen, of the A+ Education Foundation, passed this note along recently:The state will begin offering $2.4 million in scholarships for teacher education students. Priority will be given to applicants who want to teach math, special education, science and English language arts. Applicants must be Alabama residents enrolled at in-state institutions, and recipients will be required to teach

Ashland, Lineville school merger on the table: Consolidation would end 84-year-old rivalry

2007-11-19T08:14:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-18-2007 Photo Illustration: Bill Wilson/The Anniston Star ASHLAND — It might seem that the annual Clay Bowl is the only time Ashland and Lineville residents care to be within shouting distance of each other.Maybe that’s because they’re on opposite sides of a football field. Shouting.Lifelong residents here will tell you that the

Lineville alumna wins state teaching honor

2007-11-16T11:42:00.000-06:00

Proud parents John and Linda Garrett wrote in this week to let us know their daughter, Bonnie Garrett, has been named one of the Milken Family Foundation's top teachers in the country.Garrett, 29, teaches biology and aerospace science at Ed White Middle School in Huntsville. She was Alabama's only recipient from Milken this year. The honor comes with a $25,000 check.Garrett graduated from

Anniston schools still short of funding

2007-11-16T08:22:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-16-2007 The Anniston City Schools system remains shy of its state-mandated general fund balance, but it did not lose ground from last year.State law requires school systems to maintain one month’s operating expenses in their general accounts. At the school board’s meeting Thursday night, Chief Financial Officer Tanya Holcombe said Anniston ended

County BOE plans to seek system-wide accreditation

2007-11-16T08:20:00.000-06:00

By Dan WhisenhuntStar Staff Writer 11-16-2007 The Calhoun County school system will seek district-wide accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, replacing individual school accreditations, the Calhoun County Board of Education agreed Thursday evening. Accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools measures such factors as the quality of a

Donoho calls off Friday classes

2007-11-15T14:04:00.001-06:00

By Andy JohnsStar Staff Writer Administrators at The Donoho School have decided to call off all Friday classes to allow students and faculty to attend memorial services for 17-year-old student Benjamin Stanford."We just felt like that's our way to the family of saying we love them and we support them," said Donoho president Jan Hurd.Hurd said that in a faculty meeting Wednesday,

Meet Patty Hobbs

2007-11-14T13:07:00.000-06:00

Patty Hobbs left Northeast Alabama for the big city after college, but her alma mater persuaded her to come back home.Hobbs graduated from Jacksonville State University and briefly taught at Weaver High School. But her interest in politics lured her to Washington, D.C., where she worked for 27 years, first on Capitol Hill for then-Rep. Dick Cheney. She moved to the Reagan White House and then on

Homewood poet talks creativity to White Plains students

2007-11-14T07:53:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-14-2007 WHITE PLAINS — Charles Ghigna knows there’s still time for some converts.Growing up, like most boys especially, he despised poetry and preferred sports.Tuesday, the author of 38 books and more than 5,000 poems from Homewood tried to spark some creative interest in students at White Plains Elementary.“I hated English,” he told the students,

Talladega College is awarded grant for black health-care study

2007-11-13T08:24:00.000-06:00

By Todd SouthStar Staff Writer 11-13-2007 Talladega College has received a $83,000 grant to gather information on black health-care problems.Dr. Angela Martin of Anniston will assist in the three-year study to identify challenges black Talladega residents face with access to health care and health-care information.Talladega College will hold monthly open forum meetings with an

Jacksonville board member re-elected to state post

2007-11-12T14:11:00.000-06:00

Sue Jones, a member of the Jacksonville Board of Education, has been re-elected as leader of the Alabama Association of School Boards sixth district.She's one of nine members of AASB's Board of Directors, which governs the association. Jones sits on the bylaws and Teacher of the Year selection committees and has presented at AASB's summer conference.Jones was first elected to the Jacksonville

Low revenue could signal tuition hikes: Presidents to meet next week

2007-11-12T08:18:00.000-06:00

By Markeshia RicksStar Capitol Correspondent11-10-2007MONTGOMERY—A slowdown in revenues going into the Alabama Education Trust Fund and a continued rise in fixed costs for four-year colleges could lead to tuition hikes for students at four-year institutions around the state.The education fund is expected to grow by 6 percent, down from its initial 8 percent projection, and four-year university

Felton talks buyout with Russell board

2007-11-09T15:17:00.000-06:00

From the Columbus (Ga.) Ledger-Enquirer today, Sammy Lee Felton, Anniston's former superintendent, interviewed with the Russell County school board to become their next schools chief.The paper reports Felton addressed questions about his buyout in Anniston this past August. The school board here clashed with Felton over who should be assistant principal at Anniston High School, and the

Anniston schools tech coordinator thrives in role

2007-11-08T15:58:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-08-2007 Anniston City Schools Technical Coordinator David Land checks on computer hardware in an Anniston High School classroom. Photo: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star As Melinda Hicks erases equations off her white board, she asks her Anniston High School calculus class a question.But with a smile she directs it at David Land.“This

State preschool program highly ranked, lacks accessibility

2007-11-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-08-2007 Alabama’s state-funded preschool program consistently ranks among the highest quality nationwide.But it serves less than 2 percent of the state’s 4-year-olds, the least accessible in the country.That’s where private preschool centers, such as Jacksonville State University’s Child Development Center, come in. The Calhoun County Chamber of

Biz and ed on the same page

2007-11-07T13:19:00.000-06:00

A few leftovers from this morning's meeting of the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce education committee:- Lynne Smith from the Community Foundation of Calhoun County, was one of 13 local representatives who traveled to Washington, D.C., recently for a summit of the Institute for a Competitive Workforce, part of the national Chamber of Commerce. During the conference, she heard from business

Alabama is among leaders for standards for school principals

2007-11-07T08:00:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-07-2007 Alabama is among the South’s leaders in making sure quality principals lead every public school.The state has shown improvement since 2002 in five of six areas for designing programs to train and certify principals, according to a report from the Southern Regional Education Board.Those strides trail only Louisiana among the nonprofit board’s

Local high school students get life lessons on leadership

2007-11-07T07:58:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-07-2007 Monte Abner, guest speaker at Tuesday’s Anniston High School leadership workshop, makes a point to students during his presentation. Photo: Stephen Gross/The Anniston Star As an Anniston High School senior, Stacy Jackson tries to set an example for his peers.He’s helped organize homecoming events with student council, and he

AHS construction updates

2007-11-06T13:38:00.001-06:00

A few notes from my visit to Anniston High School today, covering their first ever leadership retreat (which you can read about in tomorrow's Star):- The Anniston City Council approved giving the school system $44,250 Monday morning for repairs to the Anniston Center for the Performing Arts. The money will pay for lighting, sound and other equipment damaged by water and smoke after a May 2006

Schools to offer computer science classes

2007-11-05T08:16:00.000-06:00

By Steve IveyStar Staff Writer 11-03-2007 Anniston schools may be home to the next generation of computer whizzes with the help of some new classes.The Young Computer Scientist Academy will come to the city’s seven schools to increase students’ knowledge of how computers work and what they can do on them.“You want to get them young, when their brain is still fresh,” said Andrea

Writing lessons

2007-11-02T14:05:00.001-05:00

A big thanks to Connie Whorton and Elizabeth Wise, fifth-grade teachers at Kitty Stone Elementary in Jacksonville. The two invited me to visit with their classes yesterday to speak with students about descriptive writing. Wise brought in roasted pumpkin seeds on Wednesday and assigned students to write vivid essays, using all their sense, to describe the seeds and the scene in the classroom.On my