Happy New Year!!

My first (almost) half-year at SHS has been amazing!  These pics are from our 1st Annual Parent Appreciation Breakfast.  It was a great way to close out 2012. Thanks so much for the support of parents, students and especially the teachers and staff of our wonderful school.  It is such a blessing to be back home!  Happy New Year from our family to yours!!

Acts of Kindness in Times of Tragedy

As the tragic events began to unfold on Friday, my heart was filled with sadness, sorrow and pain for the families of Sandy Hook Elementary School.  How could something like this happen in a school where children are presumed safe?  As a parent and as an educator, this is an impossible question to answer.

Our children face many emotional strains as they grow up.  Whether on TV or in their own lives, disasters leave children with questions and sometimes with fear.  I want to assure you that safety is a top priority at Salisbury High School.  We work closely with our own School Resource Officer the Salisbury Police Department and Rowan County Sheriffs Department,  Also, we are consistently working to review, refine and improve our safety routines and procedures.  My hope is that we always maintain a setting that is a safe learning environment for our students and workplace for our teachers and staff.  If you have any questions or concerns, I ask that you direct them to me, rather than your child's teacher or our office personnel.

Finally, I want to share a challenge with you.  Despite the fact that bad things happen in our world, we have so much to be grateful for.  During this holiday season (and beyond) please consider doing acts of kindness with others in mind.  Serving others while embracing the good that life has to offer is an excellent way to rebound.  A simple smile and kind words to others can make the difference!  I appreciate your continued support and hope you all have an Incredible Week!

Women in Leadership

I had an amazing time today with our young ladies of Me Time and PEARLS!  I served as a panelist for their 1st Annual Women in Leadership Conference.  The other two presenters, which included Maggie Blackwell, and I answered questions about the challenges of being women in leadership positions.  We addressed study habits, jealously, the importance of faith, professional dress and even hormones in the work place!  It was such an inspiring event.  I am truly proud of these young ladies for their interest in building each other up and working together to make our school and community great.  Thanks so much to their fabulous teachers and mentors, Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Young.  Their leadership makes a difference!

Have an Incredible Week everyone and Go Hornets!

1st Annual Women in Leadership Conference with Me Time and PEARLS!  Thanks to Mrs. Riley and Mrs. Young for your leadership and supporting these young ladies!  You make a difference!

Publishing Honor Roll Names

Greetings!  SHS Honor Roll names will be published in the Salisbury Post at the conclusion of the first semester (most likely in late January).  Our November Calendar/Newsletter mistakenly stated that the list would be in a November edition of the Post.  I do apologize for this!  We are very proud of all of our students and certainly want to celebrate those who excel academically.  Thank you for your continued support and for encouraging your student to work hard and study diligently!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Parent Appreciation Breakfast

We appreciate you!!  Please join us on December 18th at 7:15am for our 1st Annual Parent Appreciation Breakfast at GMBC.  A special thanks goes out to Ms. Steele and the Foods Ministry of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church for hosting this event. This is such a busy time of year but we really hope that you can find time to visit with us next week.  We will have several students share some insights with you about how important you are!  Involved parents truly make a difference.  See you next week!  RSVP to me at williamsab@rss.k12.nc.us or call 704-636-1221.

Cyber-bullying

How many of your students have Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or other social media accounts?  How many of them text daily?  In this era, most of our students have plenty of access to online or electronic communication.  At times, we have issues that arise due to students posting inappropriate, mean, private or untrue information about others.  This can lead to cyber-bullying.  I encourage you to monitor your child's online social life.  I know as a parent of a high schooler, it's often difficult to do this because we want to trust them and to give them a certain amount of privacy.  Still, it is important that we maintain our role as parents and guardians and continue to stay abreast about how and with whom our kids are communicating.

A new state cyber-bullying law is in place as of December 1, 2012 (Session Law 2012-149, Senate Bill 707; Section 4).  This law protects school employees from being victims of cyber-bullying.  For example, it makes it unlawful for a student to build a fake profile or web site as a means of torture or intimidation of a school employee.  The same is true for students posting or encouraging others to post private, personal or sexual information pertaining to a school employee.

At Salisbury High School, I want all students and staff members to feel safe!  In the coming months, our school will have access to an online bullying reporting system called Sprigeo.  We will use this system to respond to reports from parents or students involving bullying or harassment. In the meantime, students should always know that if they have a problem or are being bullied, they can talk to me, another administrator, guidance counselors, teachers and any staff member.

Thanks for your continued support!  Have an Incredible Weekend and Go Hornets!

Moving Beyond Everyday Expectations

This year, in conjunction with our implementation of the Common Core State Standards, our school has established an Instructional Support Team and a Leadership Team.  Mr. Kuhn is our Instructional Support Team Lead Teacher.  He and I attended a meeting recently and returned with a plethora of information to begin the process of developing a Data Plan.  The Data Team (our Leadership Team and administrators) will focus on our EOC classes and will meet with these teachers during the first week of December.  We will dissect the data and begin the RTI or Response to Intervention process.  This is the system that we will use to provide intervention for struggling students. I am so excited about getting to this point of the year.  As we consider our data, we will begin to make instructional decisions in an effort to close our achievement gap.  This is a crucial part of our School Improvement Plan and also one of the key areas of growth as determined by our Equity and Culture Assessment.  The complete findings from the assessment will be shared during the BOE meeting on December 17th.            

One key element to closing our achievement gap is increased/improved vertical teaming.  This is includes working with our primary feeder school, Knox Middle.  We began our partnership, Moving Beyond Everyday Expectations, last week and I am definitely looking forward to doing some great work with the teachers and students of Knox.  If you or your organization is interested in working with us, we would love to have you!  We need mentors, tutors, program presenters, and meal sponsors.  If you have not already done so, please email me your ideas and anticipated start date and let’s get the ball rolling! Thank you for your continued support!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Happy Thanksgiving!

From our family to yours, please enjoy a happy and safe Thanksgiving holiday.  If you are in town, please come out and support our Hornets football team in the 3rd Round of conference play.  We are one game away from the State Championship!  It's a GREAT day to be a Salisbury Hornet!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Exciting School-related Opportunities: The Color Purple

This year our fabulous Teacher of the Year, Ms. Riley, introduced us to Exciting School-related Opportunities or ESOs.  Many teachers are working with groups of students for mentoring, service learning, enrichment and other co-curricular activities.  One group lead by our own Ms. Mensing planned a trip to the Meroney Theater in downtown Salisbury for the play The Color Purple.  What an awesome experience for our students!  Here is more information from Ms. Mensing:

"The 19 of us boarded our "limo" (the activity bus) and headed to Downtown Salisbury.  Our students were thrilled to see how many other students were waiting outside the theater to see the special audience performance.  Teachers may bring students to final dress rehearsals, which is how we gained our free access that night.  We sat in the balcony with a perfect view of the whole stage.  It was a cultural high for the Salisbury High School bunch, and I was excited to see them spellbound for the entire 2 1/2 hour show.  The next morning, I was happy to be greeted with excited descriptions of what it was like to see the musical. "I mean, every voice on that stage was on pitch," said Myshia Phifer.  They were truly grateful and happy, albeit a little tired.  Nija Brockington-Payton asked if we are going to go see the special audience performance of To Kill a Mockingbird, "since we HAVE been reading it in class"!  It seems a semi-annual tradition of exploring culture in the community may have been born Tuesday night.  Mrs. Allen has already agreed to chaperone again, and some of our students have asked twice if we'll be going again."

Great job ladies!  As always, thank you for your continued support!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

End of First Quarter - Wow!

Wow!  It's hard to believe but our first grading period is coming to an end!  Friday October 26th is the end of our first quarter of school.  To date, students should have brought home 3-week progress reports for each academic class.  We hope that this will take the guess-work out of knowing and understanding report card grades next month.  I encourage you to not wait until report cards to begin asking your student about his or her grades!  Some key questions to ask are:

1.  Tell me about your favorite class this year.  Why do you enjoy that class?
2.  Are you having a difficult time in any of your classes?  Which ones?
3.  What type of helped have you asked for?
4.  What type of help do you need?

By asking these open-ended questions, your student will need to think and take ownership for their progress.  This is vital as we prepare our young people for college and career pursuits.  If you have any questions about the specific classes or the requirements, your student's teacher is the best person to ask.  Also, remember that our guidance counselors are here to support and help guide our students through the many decisions that they may face in the coming year(s).

Remember that students are dismissed at noon on Friday and out of school next Monday Oct 29th for a teacher workday.  Report cards will go home on Thursday November 8th.  Students will receive their report cards in homeroom on that day.  We will send a Connect Ed phone message to remind you to ask for it!  Thank you for your continued support!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

College Application Week

We are so excited!  Salisbury High School will be hosting a College Application Week event during Nov. 13 - 16, 2012.  The goal of College Application Week is to provide all seniors at Salisbury High the opportunity to apply to college on line using CFNC.org.

While the focus of College Application Week is particularly on first-generation college students and students who may not otherwise apply to college, we extend the activities to include all senior English classes (1st and 2nd Semester).  The involvement of all students in College Application Week will add to the college-going culture at Salisbury High.  Students and staff will be encouraged to wear their favorite college shirts during the week and we will spotlight a variety of our teachers. It should be a fun and productive week for all!  Thank you for your continued support!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Heritage Panel

Congratulations to our 30 students who were selected to participate in our school's first Heritage Panel. The Heritage Panel is a unique student leadership opportunity designed to combat bullying and to create a more inclusive school environment.  This co-educational program was created by the Young Women's Christian Association of Central Alabama.  Holley Jackson, YWCA Coordinator of AmeriCorps and Social Justice, said the Heritage Panel is a two-day social justice training where students are encouraged to tell a story of a time when they witnessed, perpetrated or were a victim of discrimination or bullying and how they will learn from the experience.  The focus is on seeing past our differences.  I am so excited for our students to have this opportunity!  Look for more information after the conclusion of the two-day program!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

SHS Homecoming Week

Our Homecoming Week is underway!  The students and teachers are having a great time with Spirit Week.  We started with Favorite Team Day and today is Gender Bender Day.  We wrap up the week with Twin Day, Decade Day and of course Red, Black and Gold Day!  Thank you for encouraging your students to participate.  I love the show of positive school spirit!  We look forward to the Homecoming Parade and of course crowning our Homecoming Queen on Friday.  Come out and show your Hornet Pride! The Homecoming Parade is at 3:15 and the game is against Lexington at 7:30.  It's a great WEEK to be a Salisbury Hornet!!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Academy of Math and Science Information Meeting

On tomorrow, Wednesday, Sept 19th we will meet at 7pm in the SHS Auditorium to share new information about the Academy including revised guidelines. As globalization results in increased competition for job and economic opportunities, there is an urgent need for students to be more prepared in math and science. The creation of the Academy responds to this need by encouraging students to take advanced courses in math and science while allowing flexibility in course scheduling. Upon completion of the Academy guidelines, students may graduate as either an Academy Scholar or Academy Scholar with Distinction and receive recognition upon graduation. All students are encouraged to consider becoming part of the academy.  Hope to see you tomorrow!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

PTSA Open House

Greetings!  I look forward to seeing you all tomorrow evening for our PTSA Open House!  We have had a busy but very productive school opening and I thank you all for being such involved parents.  These years are so crucial to our students!  Open House begins at 7pm (Monday, Sept 17th) in the school auditorium.  Come out to meet your child's teachers and get information about our fabulous school.  It is such an exciting time to be an educator!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

What a Week!

Thanks so much to everyone who helped make this week so great.  I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the excitement in our students as we begin a new year.  This is definitely my favorite time of the school year.  As it progresses, I want to encourage our students and parents to remain focused.  Students, this year can truly set the tone for the rest of your life.  Make it count!

Parents, please know that your students still need you.  In many ways, they need you now more than ever.  Continue to encourage them to do their homework, study, get enough sleep at night and eat a healthy breakfast.  If they are athletes or involved in other extracurricular or community activities, help them with their time management and prioritizing.  Thanks so much for supporting them through these important years!

Finally, we want to give our condolences to the friends and families of Cody and Tyrelle from West Rowan.  My heart goes out to you during this trying time.  You are in my thoughts and prayers!

Everyone have an Incredible Weekend, be safe and Go Hornets!

Happy School Year!!

The first day is upon us!  Are you ready?  Well, as I have said to several of my staff members, ready or not -here they come!  I look forward to seeing our wonderful students next week.  In order for this to truly be a Happy School Year for all, I want to share a few reminders:

1.  Students should come to school dressed appropriately.  We will enforce the RSSS Student Code of Conduct.  Parents, we need your help with this.  Check your student(s) to ensure that there is no "sag and drag".  Shorts and skirts should be of appropriate length (approaching the knee).  Hats should be left at home or stored in a locker.  Shirts designed to be tucked in should be tucked.  The complete policy is on page 38 of the Student Code of Conduct.  Your student(s) will be given this on Monday morning.

2.  Cells phones and other electronic devices should be turned off and put away during all instructional times.  This includes the ear buds or head phones. If a phone or other device is confiscated, a parent or guardian must pick it up.  Students who choose to break this rule repeatedly will be assigned in-school suspension.

3.  Students will receive paperwork on the first day of school that needs to be read and reviewed.  Several pieces will need to be signed and returned.  We ask that you do this within the first 2 days of school.  Please be sure that the emergency contact form is completed and returned so that we have the most updated information in the event that we need to reach you.

4.  Most importantly, students should bring a positive attitude and a willingness to learn!  Let's make this the best year ever!  Have and Incredible Weekend and Go Hornets!

Common Core/Essential Standards

Greetings!  As we approach the start of the school year, I know that many of you have heard about curriculum changes that are taking place within our district and state.  The Common Core Standards represent a new framework for Math and LanguageArts/Literacy and Essential Standards are for Social Studies and Science.  This is an exciting time to be an educator!  By adopting the standards, our state and district will provide curriculum that is aligned with national standards.  Therefore, when students move in or move out of our district or state, the curricular variance will be minimal.

This summer, our teachers have spent a great deal of time familiarizing themselves with the standards for their subject area.  A team of lead teachers from each school worked with district leadership to establish best practices for the implementation of the standards and developed curriculum maps.  I am so excited to be a part of this process.  Please let me know if you have any questions about this implementation as we move into our new school year.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Wonderful New Teachers

This time of year is so exciting!  Today I attended the annual New Teacher Breakfast and had the wonderful opportunity to meet many of Rowan-Salisbury's bright, new faces.  Among them were three of our own: Amber Lane, dance instructor; Kacey Pegram, Family and Consumer Science; and Jacob Morton, Social Studies.  We are so very excited to welcome them to the SHS Family!  We know that they will enhance the existing greatness at our school.

This week marks week 2 of high school football practice.  I met the team at their first practice and I'm getting super pumped about seeing them play East Rowan next week!  Join the Booster, get your pass and join us for our opening game on Friday August 17th.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Virtual Reality at SHS!

As you may know, STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) courses are an important part of our curriculum at Salisbury High.  As part of this, we are so excited to offer Virtual Reality to our students again.

Virtual Reality is a project-based course that ultimately requires students to solve problems.  The problems that are posed to students require them to apply information that they have previously learned, integrate skills that they have developed, and apply real world experiences in creating stunning visual representation of data.  The course is ultimately self paced for students and they determine their own learning goals with guidance from the instructor.  Students are at the forefront of completing various tasks with the instructor providing "just in time" assistance.  Students more often seek help from their fellow students leading a greater level of collaboration.  This is excellent preparation for college, the workforce and beyond!  Additionally, the skills learned in this course will provide necessary background for students interested in Game/Art/Design as well as many other fields.

As we approach the start of the school year, look for more information about this course & others on our school website.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Busy But Productive!

I have had an awesome time during my first few weeks at Salisbury High School. My days have been busy but very productive.  One of the highlights has been meeting parents and students who have visited or participated in our summer programs.  The cordial reception that I have received has truly warmed my heart and made me feel right at home.  As I have worked closely with my administrators, teachers and staff, my excitement has intensified (I didn't think that was possible!).

Our activities have included interviewing perspective teachers, scheduling, updating handbooks, and planning a faculty and staff retreat.   Additionally, we are developing some new committees and programs.  I am particularly excited about our Wellness Initiative (Healthy Hornets!).  Teachers and staff will learn more about this at our retreat on August 16th.

As we move forward and continue to prepare for our opening, please feel free to email me at williamsab@rss.k12.nc.us.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Booster News

I attended my first Athletic Booster Club meeting this week.  It was a pleasure to meet so many involved parents as we plan the 2012-2013 athletic season for Salisbury High.  If you are the parent of a student athlete, we encourage you to get involved.  Join the Booster Club and volunteer your time!  That willingness to serve and commitment to our students make our school great!

A few important dates were given at the meeting:

July 19th - Athletic Physicals (4pm in the gym lobby; $10 per student)
Aug 4th - Sports Picture Day beginning at 10am (check with your coach for specifics)
Aug 5th - Required parent meeting at 3pm (includes Concessions Orientation)
Aug 6th - Next Booster meeting (Join us!)

I hope to see you at the next Booster Club meeting.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Getting Started

Greetings!  I am officially in place and working as of Monday, July 2nd.  I hope everyone had a fantastic and safe 4th of July and that you continue to enjoy this week.  My school email has been set up and that email address is williamsab@rss.k12.nc.us

We have several summer programs, including JROTC and Reading Plus beginning next week.  Please call the school (704-636-1221) for information about times, dates and locations.  As I get settled, I certainly look forward to meeting you and working with you to continue the tradition of excellence as we move Salisbury High School to the next level.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

What's The Buzz???

Greetings!  I am so excited about the opportunity to lead and serve at Salisbury High School.  This blog, The Buzz, is one tool that I will use to share information and celebrations with all who are interested.  I invite you to join in but feel free to just follow the weekly updates (without joining).  I am currently living in Alabama, but I look forward to moving home in just a few weeks.  In the meantime, feel free to email me at dr.avisw@gmail.com.  Have an Incredible Week and GO Hornets!!