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Show Thursday, March 8, 2007 Page 4 AMERICAN FORK CITIZEN i notes NEWS AND IDEAS FROM CLASSROOMS AND EDUCATORS 4-? I If ' V X,. . I If - ' - t I'll , ' ' i -; x ; III f H ' . : ' f- : '.': '' :Ai-Ei..i,:.-:.:,;St':, .'J, ' "" it ' M " -J. s' " . 'V '- ... - JL-: Scott Blood works one-on-one with Jane Kho while a student teacher works with the class. Barratt teacher takes learning to a Barbara Christiansen NORlHCOUriiYS'AII Many things have changed since Scott Blood started teaching teach-ing at Barratt Elementary School 24 years ago. Many others things have stayed the same. Blood is a third grade teacher and has spent all but one year of his teaching career in the same room, teaching the same grade. Despite some changes in the methods and curriculum, one of the constants has been the traits he wants the students to develop. i want to teach the kids good self esteem and have them feel good about themselves." them-selves." he said. He may feel he has done the right things when students come back and talk with him. "Kids sometimes come back from high school and say 'Hi,' " he said. "It is really good to see them. They thank me for teaching teach-ing them the times tables and remember reading books we have used. It Ls good to see they are successful and doing good." Principal Brent Palmer praised Blood for his contributions. contribu-tions. "I have been so impressed AF High students, staff honored Barbara Christiansen NORTH COUNTY VAFf Eight students and three staff members from American Fork High School were honored hon-ored as heroes in the annual Heroes Assembly. Daniel Rellaford, Keenan Smout, Jessica Houston, Jordan Jor-dan Kitchen, Amanda and Katie Soto, Rebecca Ingram and Shannon Carlson were the students honored. Counselor Douglas Meacham, lunch clerk Merilee Palmer and drama teacher Nea Johnson were also selected. Daniel Rellaford's family recently re-cently adopted two girls from Russia. "He has been a great help with them and finds the good in them, especially when it's not apparent to the rest of us," says his nomination. "You can always count on Dan. He's reliable, reli-able, dependable, responsible." Keenan Smout was diagnosed diag-nosed with cancer in November Novem-ber of his ninth grade year. With surgery and four rounds of chemotherapy, he faced many challenges. "Through it all Keenan showed everyone why he is a hero," according to his nomination. "He never complained and bore this order with great courage. He is an inspiration to his family and the rest of us." Jessica Houston has also undergone many surgeries, for Spina Bifida. Her nomination says, "She doesnt let it get her down. She with the patience and kindness of Scott Blood," he said. "He could truly be called a gentle giant. He is caring and nurturing nurtur-ing with his students and a giant help to our faculty and school." He said he appreciated his work through the years and what that perspective has added to the school. "Scott is greatly respected by other teachers for his wisdom wis-dom and experience," he said. "He is always open to new ideas but mindful of the tried and true methods that have been so effective in the past. I appreciate Scott's ideas and helpfulness in finding solutions to school problems." One solution he has found is creating a way to teach students stu-dents to reach. "Over the years I have developed devel-oped my reading program," he said. "I really like to do reading groups where they have different dif-ferent tasks. I feel it is really important for the kids to learn how to do a summary. They write the key points down, then do a summary. They have gotten really good at making summaries." He helps the students share what they have learned and what they think about what has had the sweetest and most positive disposition and has remained so strong and determined deter-mined through so much since the day she was born." Jordan Kitchen was honored for the service he has given. "His biggest act of service was when he went on a humanitarian hu-manitarian project to Mexico where he helped replace dirt floors with cement, put together to-gether and delivered several humanitarian kits, taught first aid and dental care to local schools, gave haircuts and helped in an orphanage," says his nomination. "Smiles, hugs and high fives are given frequently by this dynamic duo who have got a great zest for life," says the nomination for Amanda and Katie Soto. They were both born with Down Syndrome which required them to work extra hard to master basic skills. Becca Ingram has been involved with drama at the high school. What her classmates class-mates didn't know before her nomination as a hero is that she likes to provide opportunities opportuni-ties for others. "One summer Becca single-handedly created a week-long musical theatre summer camp program for the children in her neighborhood," the nomination says. "Enrollment "Enroll-ment filled up rapidly, mostly due to Becca's reputation of being a loving, intelligent and talented young woman." Shannon Carlson was nominated nomi-nated for her loving, caring they read. "I am a discussion director and ask questions to get the kids thinking," he said. "I have them choose a passage they really like. We get someone to read it out loud. They get self-confidence." self-confidence." Another thing Blood uses is called "Word Finder." "We choose three words, write down the definitions and write them in sentences," he said. "The kids love it. It gets them motivated in their reading. read-ing. I think they learn a lot." Through the years there have been some changes in subject matter. Blood gave an example. "In science, we are now teaching about simple machines," ma-chines," he said. "We don't teach electrical safety any more." For the future, he would like more of the same. "I have had a chance to move to different schools," he said. "I love Barratt so much. I am going to see if I can end my years here and retire from Barratt. Bar-ratt. What makes it special is the kids and parents. We have excellent students and parents, and also good teachers and an excellent principal that make this school outstanding. I have personality. "A truer friend you will not find," her nomination says. "Shannon frequently goes out of her way to make others feel included and loved; she spreads her happiness to those around her. Shannon is a great example ex-ample to everyone she meets; she would never do anything to compromise your feelings and will stick up for you when you feelings or standards are compromised." Mecham was selected based on his loyalty and tenacity. "He does so many little things for others, that it is hard to talk about one in particular," the nomination says. "He does everything to the fullest degree and never complains about it. He will do anything for anybody any-body at any time without any questions." A student was quoted in the tribute to Palmer. "I always hated coming to school," the student was reported to say. "I had hardly any friends, but the one thing that would keep me going was a lunch lady named Merilee. When I'd go to get food Merilee Mer-ilee would call me by name and ask how I was doing. Someone acknowledging that I was there and that I actually existed exist-ed was the motivation I needed to keep coming to school." Some of Johnson's students said they look up to him as a father figure. One told about a time Johnson showed him scholarship opportunities. "He proceeded to let me BARBARA CHRISTIANSENNorth County new level been here so long I have good Barratt Bobcat spirit." Principal Palmer said Blood was helpful and added to the school's spirit. "Scott is one of those special spe-cial people who is willing to give extra help to anyone in need," he said. "This applies to students and teachers alike. Scott has a wonderful sense of humor and a laugh that is contagious. He loves life and learning and is a wonderful role model for his students." One of Blood's role models was Stan Reid at American Fork High School. "When I was in high school, Stan Reid was my Spanish teacher," Blood said. "He is one I really admire and look up to." When he is not teaching or preparing for it, Blood enjoys hiking and has hiked Timp several times. He also enjoys hiking in southern Utah and has other hobbies. "I like to read," he said. "I really re-ally like Wilson Rawls." "In the summer I really take pride in my yard," he said. "I enjoy planting flowers and making my yard look the best it can. My dad always has a beautiful yard. I have a hard time keeping up with him but Itry." as heroes r f J He proceeded to let me know that he believed in me and that he thought I had great potential to do whatever I want in life. ... I to this moment in my life, have never experienced such kindness from a teacher and friend. Anonymous student know that he believed in me and that he thought I had great potential to do whatever I want in life," the student wrote. "I, to this moment in my life have never experienced . such kindness from a teacher and friend." . All schools I Holiday The next school holiday is.March 23 due to a teacher compensation compensa-tion day. No school will be held for students or teachers on this day. American Fork High School I Test payment due The deadline for AP test payment is March 23. No tests will be ordered after this date. All AP tests can be ordered at the student finance window for $83 each. AP testing will begin May 7. I AFHS Soccer car wash Saturday Sat-urday The AFHS boys soccer soc-cer team will sponsor a car wash in the American Fork Wal-Mart parking lot from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. For $5 you drivers have their cars looking beautiful, and help support a program for boys at the same time. They will be near the roundabout in the parking lot. They would appreciate the support of the community. I Teachers honored School officials, staff and faculty congratulate teachers John Miller, Neal Johnson and Leilani Sheen who have been inducted into National Honor Roll's Outstanding American Teachers. Test registration deadline Tomorrow is the deadline for the April 14 ACT test registration. Packets must be postmarked March 9 to avoid late charges. Registration can also be done online. The late registration deadline is March 23 and additional fees are charged. Juniors are encouraged to take the April ACT test and should sign up for the AFHS testing location. I Prep classes offered ACT prep classes are being be-ing offered in preparation for the April ACT test. Classes will begin March 26 and will run for three weeks, Monday through Thursday of each week. The cost is $30 and can be paid at the student finance window. For more information, informa-tion, pick up a flyer in the Counseling Center. American Fork Junior High School I Play opens The school play, "As You Like It," will open tonight and run through Saturday at 7 p.m. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults and can be purchased at the door. I Open house for incoming students The Counseling Counsel-ing Center is sponsoring an open house for all 6th grade students and their parents Wednesday at 6 p.m.. All 6th grade students who will be attending American Fork ' Junior High next year are invited to attend. Mock trial The mock trial competition will be next Wednesday at noon at the Orem court house. I Jazz band festival The Jazz Band will participate at a Jazz Band Festival at Mountain Moun-tain Ridge Junior High School Wednesday. The Crescent Jazz Festival at BYU wfl also take place the same day. I Check-out procedure clarified clari-fied Parents are reminded that when checking their caveman JAKE PACKER Good Morning, Cavemen. It has been quite a week . The soccer team had their first game this week, the team is looking pretty good Last week, the tennis team had tryouts, and track started The Renaissance assembly last week was awesome. We played bingo, it was pretty fun, so for all of you that didn't make it this time, next time work hard so you can go. It was really nice not having hav-ing school on Monday. It was nice just to relax and 1 had time to get all of my homework done. The term is coming to a close so keep on working hard there is still time to get the grades you Utah County Mews wm.heraldextra.com student out of school, the parent needs to come to the office and sign their student out. Also, if a student stays home with parent permission, parents are asked to call the school to excuse their student. Forbes Elementary School Birthday table The PTA will sponsor its monthly birthday table tomorrow during lunch Parents are invited to come and eat with their student who is celebrating celebrat-ing a March birthday. A special treat will be given to all students celebrating their birthday. PTA meeting The next PTA meeting will be next Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the PTA room. All board members are encouraged to attend. Voting will take place on next year's PTA board members. Any patron desiring to attend is invited to do so. Early-out reminder Parents Par-ents are reminded that every Monday is early out day. Parents are asked to make arrangements to meet this schedule. I Reminder of rules Parents Par-ents are reminded that students stu-dents are not allowed to have roller blades, skate boards, roller skates, roller shoes and Nintendo-type games at school. Skate boarders and roller bladers will be reported and the police department has agreed to conduct extra patrols pa-trols after hours in an effort to maintain the safety of all children. I Reading charts due February Feb-ruary BEAR reading charts are due tomorrow. There is only one more month of BEAR reading left. Students are reminded to turn in their charts so that they can be part of the skating party in May. I Ball wall A ribbon cutting cut-ting ceremony was held this week in honor of the students who helped to earn money for the ball wall. School officials and faculty members thank Superior Concrete for being so willing to build the wall at a discounted price. I Photo sale extended Because of the great response re-sponse to the Cory Adam's family photo fund raiser, the sale of the certificates will be extended two more weeks. Shelley Elementary School t Storytelling festival The storytelling festival will be tomorrow at 1:15 and 2:30 p.m. I PTA board meeting The next PTA board meeting will be Monday at 10 a.m. Maturation clinic The maturation clinic for 5th grade girls will be Monday at 12:15 and 130 p.m. Parents are invited and encouraged to attend with their daughters. I Junior high orientation All 6th grade students and their parents are invited to a junior high orientation night Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Students Stu-dents and their parents will have an opportunity to learn more about what AF Junior High offers to mcoming 7th graders. For more information, informa-tion, contact the junior high Counseling Center. want so just keep working hard, you can do it. Well, how is school going for all of you Cavemen? Is it getting really hard to get out of bed in the mornings or to do your homework? It's OK, we are almost done with the school year, you can make it. Let's make the best of the rest of the time we have at the high school. Have lots of fun come to all of the soccer and baseball games and support sup-port your fellow students, the games are a lot of fun. The play is coming up soon so when the play comes out, go to it I am shore that it will be amazing. For all of you interested in running for student council next year, applications will be online at the end of the month, then the elections will be next month. Time is flying by don't let it slip away make the most of it and have as much fun as possible. See you all later. |
