Thank You!

As you know, Friday is my last day at SHS.  In case you missed it, I have accepted an executive director position in Guilford County.  I want to thank everyone at SHS and this community who welcomed me and supported me during my time here.  As excited as I am about this new opportunity, I will greatly miss being here and I will especially miss our kids.  This will always be HOME so I am sure that our paths will cross again!  Have an Incredible School Year and Go Hornets!

United Way Day of Caring

Each year United Way volunteers from throughout Rowan County participate in the Day of Caring!  We are so pleased and grateful to have had the men of the Salisbury Fire Department to work at Salisbury High School!  Here are some pics and be sure to take a look at their awesome work in our stadium the next time you are visiting with us!  Have an Incredible Weekend and Go Hornets!

Never Forget!

September 11th is known as Patriot Day.  Patriot Day was signed into law on December 18, 2001 as a day to remember those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on our country.

On Patriot Day, Americans should fly their flags at half-staff and observe a moment of silence to honor those individuals who lost their lives as a result of the terrorist attacks.  On September 1, 2001, two hi-jacked civilian aircrafts crashed into the towers of the World Trade Center in New York City.  A third hi-jacked aircraft crashed into the Pentagon outside Washington, DC.; and a fourth aircraft crashed in southwestern Pennsylvania after passengers tried to take control of the aircraft in order to prevent the hi-jackers from crashing the aircraft into an important symbol of democracy and freedom.  Thousands of innocent people lost their lives in this tragedy.

Today, we remember and honor those who gave so much so that we may continue to enjoy our freedom.  We will never forget!

Crosby Scholars - Apply Today!

Greetings! This year, our 9th and 10th graders have a fabulous opportunity to learn all they ever wanted to know about continuing their education after high school.  Crosby Scholars is a unique college access program available to all RSS students in grades 6-10.  By becoming a Crosby Scholar, our students will be better prepared academically, financially and personally to succeed in the college admission process. Understanding the college entry process and expectations NOW will make a tremendous difference! The best thing about it is that it's absolutely free!  There are some program requirements to include participating in informative academies and remaining drug and alcohol-free!  I would love for every SHS 9th and 10th grade student to become a Crosby Scholar!

For more information contact the Rowan County Crosby Scholars Office at (704) 638-6235 or info@crosbyscholarsrowan.org or visit the website at www.crosbyscholarsrowan.org.  Students who sign up by this Friday, September 13, will receive a free T-Shirt.  Students can see Ms. Steele for help applying.  Apply today!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Fantastic Opening Week!

We are off to a fantastic start so far!  Yes, I know it is still very early but I am so excited!  Grade-level assemblies were held for each class to encourage students to do their best this year.  We have worked diligently to ensure that student schedules reflect the best possible academic opportunities for our students.  Kudos to our wonderful guidance staff for their continued efforts to this end.  Our athletics are jumping and I look forward to an exciting sports season as always.  Here are a few pictures from our opening week.

The Marching Hornet Band gives quite a show in our stands during football!

Students in Math 2 Class use ramps to equate speed based on various inclines.

Hornets Varsity Volleyball!!  These girls go hard and keep the crowd pumped!

All smiles!  And why not? Lady Hornets Tennis team is amazing!  They have rings to prove it!

SHS teacher work together using Problem-Based Learning! We are excited about the STEM Academy!

Happy School Year!

Welcome to the 2013-2014 school year!  We are so excited and ready for another great year.  I hope that everyone had a safe and fun summer and that you are coming to us rested and ready to learn.  We do have a few new programs at SHS!  Look to hear more about the following:

1.  STEM Academy for all grades
2.  Crosby Scholars for grades 9-10
3.  College Advisors Corps for grades 11-12
4.  PowerSchool - Parent Portal coming soon!

Check here for updates and celebrations throughout the year.  Please come out and support our athletes and coaches this fall.  Our sports schedule can be found on our school website.  I look forward to seeing you soon!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

SHS - STEM Academy

We are so excited!  In June Salisbury High School received approval to transform our stellar Academy of Math and Science into a full STEM Academy.  STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  Each of our feeder schools have also been designated as STEM schools which is also exciting for our school.  The STEM Academy will provide our students with opportunities to challenging course offerings that will prepare them for College and Career Readiness.  Our teachers will receive extensive training on how to integrate problem-solving techniques into their classroom instruction.  Technology will be used to enhance the curriculum.  Moving forward, we will develop more course offerings in Engineering as well as expand the options for Career and Technical Education.  Students in the Academy will continue to have the opportunity to graduate with the distinction of being identified as a STEM Academy Scholar.  More information about the Academy will be provided at the start of the school year.  As always thanks so much for your support! Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Congratulations Graduates!

Congratulations to the SHS Class of 2013!  Such an amazing group of young people!  I am so excited and proud of you all.  I know that great things are ahead for this group.  Thank you for making this year so special to me and remember this is not the end; it is only the beginning.  Stay grounded and never forget that it's ALWAYS a great day to be a Salisbury Hornet!!  Have an Incredible Summer and Go Hornets!

Exciting Times at SHS!

The last few weeks have been filled with lots of activities and excitement!  Several of our senior athletes were honored at a recent Signing Party.  These guys and gal are going places and I could not be more proud of them all!  Of course we have had a number of Senior Projects with informative presentations ranging from anti-bullying, dog training to cheerleading stunting.  Our kids are so talented!  We have a new SHS Spirit Rock thanks to Katelyn Smith and her dad.  I can't wait to see it painted!  The Prom was such an amazing night for our juniors and seniors.  Mrs. Etters and her team did an impeccable job decorating and creating an Enchanted Forest.  The After-Prom was also a blast!   Finally, our 1st Annual End of the Year Athletic Banquet was top-notch.  With guest speaker Mike Rucker, a delicious meal and of course plenty of student recognitions, it was a night to remember!  Thanks so much to everyone who helped make these last few weeks unforgettable.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!!

SHS State AP Ranking

I am so excited for SHS!!  Here is the US News and World Report ranking of high schools based on AP students and a complex methodology.  We are ranked 10th in the state!!

http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/north-carolina/rankings

We are 1097 in the nation based on the methodology.  The main article can be accessed at:  http://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/national-rankings 

This is an outstanding accomplishment for our school and community.  Thanks so much to our students, parents and awesome teachers!!  It's a GREAT day to be a Salisbury Hornet!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Report Cards go Home Today

Just a reminder that students will receive their 3rd Quarter Report Cards in Homeroom today.  Any parent or guardian who would like to come by and pick up a copy of their child's report card may do so after Wednesday of this week.  Just call your assigned guidance counselor beforehand.  As you are reviewing the grades on the report cards, please also pay close attention to the attendance.  Any student who is absent from a class for more than 8 days during the semester, will not get credit for that class.  Credit recovery is available but students must see their guidance counselor for participation.  I encourage you to meet with your child's teacher for course specific questions.  As always, I am available if you have any other concerns.  Thanks for all you do to make our school great.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!!

It's ALWAYS a Great Day to be a Hornet!!

 Congrats to our 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year, Chris Painter!

 Dr. Kreslyn Kelly encouraged our 9th graders to find their Passion, Purpose and Priorities!

 I enjoyed meeting Dr. Marvin Thompson of the OWN Network's Blackboard Wars at the Country Club!

 Our Men's

Tennis team ROCKS!

 These ladies know the meaning of hustle!  Love our Lady Hornets Softball Team!

 Roman Gabriel III and other athletes presented the Sold Out Assembly to our student body.  Very motivational and encouraging. 

Our Theater Students took some time out for a Photo Op!  They are an awesome group!

Any1Can! Painting Party

I am so excited!  I had an awesome time with members of Mothering Across Continents and the SHS Heritage Panel at our first Any1Can Painting Party fundraiser.  You may have seen the article in the Post earlier this week.  The fundraiser is to aid our newest country, South Sudan.  Progress has been made to build new schools, provide quality education and supply clean drinking water.  We hope to host another painting party this fall.  Thanks to all who participated and I look forward to seeing our shirts displayed in Charlotte next month!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

My shirt!

Math Teachers Celebrate Pi Week!

This week Ms. Waller, Ms. Moore, Mr. Byrum, and Mrs. Young are celebrating Pi Week!

It's SHS Pi- Spirit Week and even if you missed the Pi-ink Day on Monday, it's not too late to join in on the the fun!  Check out the cool door decorations too.  Here is what is in store for the SHS Pi Week:

Monday is PI-ink Day!
Tuesday is PI-rate Day!
Wednesday is American Pi Day...wear Red, White, and Blue!
Thursday is Pi T-shirt Day or Dress as Einstein Day!

Some classes are doing week long activities and others have a full day of Pi activities ready for 3/14...Pi Day!

Classes are bringing in circular foods (pies, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, etc.) to help celebrate Pi Day on Thursday.

Thursday during 4th block, Ms. Waller and Mrs. Young will be participating in a Pi Eating Contest. If you are free stop by the cafeteria. We will also name our first ever Pi Day King and Queen (students and teachers)!

Please encourage your student to join the fun by participating in one of the Spirit Days, if you like to bake, bring in a Pi for Thursday, or come check out the Pi Eating Contest.  Have an Incredible Pi Week and Go Hornets!

Spring has Sprung!

Welcome to our Spring Sports Season!  We have some exciting opportunities for you to come out and support our coaches and athletes.  Baseball, Softball, Girls Soccer, Boys Golf and Tennis and Track are all on tap for this spring.  Calendars went home last Friday and also available at the school and online.  Check out the dates and make plans to join us as we cheer our Hornets on to victory!  Spring sports make great outdoor fun for the entire family so I hope to see you out!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Safe and Orderly Learning Environment

Greetings!  Last week I held student assemblies to emphasize students' responsibility in SHS maintaining a safe and orderly learning environment.  The following was discussed:

• Attendance and Tardies - Students should monitor their absences and ensure that they are not in danger of losing credit due to absenteeism.  Research shows that school attendance is one of the greatest predictors as to whether or not a student will graduate high school in four years.  Students were also encouraged to get to class on time.  Five minutes are allotted for class change at this time but this can be reduced if students do not need this length of time.  Passes out of class will be limited to emergencies and reasons of an academic nature.  We need you in class.
• Safety and SRO -  Officer Hunter, our School Resource Officer, spoke about his role.  He has and will continue to intervene as necessary.  He is a valued resource for our students and staff and works very hard to ensure that all students are safe.
• Credit Recovery and Night School - These will continued to be offered but students should work on getting their credits initially rather than relying on these structures.  
• Gangs - Our community has a gang presence.  There are times when this presence shows itself at our school.  This will not be tolerated.  Students are not allowed to wear their flags and are strongly cautioned about participating in ANY gang-related activities at our school.  Please see page 26 of the RSS Student Code of Conduct for more details to include the district's definition of a gang.
• Drugs and Alcohol - Ms. Chinaka, our intervention specialist, spoke about her role in providing services for students in need.  Whether it's substance abuse or pregnancy, she has vital information and support to help meet the needs of our students.  We also have guidance counselors and a social worker available to work with our students and families.  I encourage you not to wait until you are in trouble.  Seek help early!

In closing, I want to restate my commitment to ensuring that SHS has a safe and orderly learning environment for students, teachers, staff and the community.  This is a group effort though.  I ask that parents and other concerned citizens work with us, not against us.  Our students deserve that!  Please also know that I am open to suggestions and I value your input.  Thanks for all you do and have an Incredible Week!

Teacher of the Year - Chris Painter!

Congratulations to Chris Painter, our 2013-2014 Teacher of the Year!  He will certainly represent Salisbury High School well.  Mr. Painter is an outstanding Social Studies teacher and coach.  He is also a 21st Century Teacher and is one of our local technology experts.  Students in his class enjoy hands-on learning experiences that are connected to the real-world.  I am so excited for him to receive this much-deserved honored.  Please join me in congratulating Mr. Painter!

NC Technology In Education Teacher of the Year!

Congratulations to Mrs. Felecia Young!  She was selected to represent our state as the NC Technology in Education Teacher of the Year!  What an outstanding honor.  It is well-deserved as she sets the standard for integrating technology in the classroom.  Her students know to expect her lessons to be hands-on and relevant to the world in which we live.  She will be recognized next month at the NCTIES Conference in Raleigh.  We are so proud of her!  Go Hornets!

Exam Grades and Report Cards

Great news!  EOC and  MSL scores are in.  Students can see their 1st semester teachers between class to find out their score.  These scores are final exams and they do count 25% of the student's grade for the semester.  Report cards will go home on Wednesday, February 13th.  If you would like a copy of your child's report card (in case it doesn't make it home!), please feel free to call and/or visit their counselor on Thursday or Friday of next week.

I hope to see everyone at our PTSA Open House this evening!  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

Mrs. Riley Goes to India!

We are so excited! Our Teacher of the Year, Sakinah Riley,  has a phenomenal opportunity this summer.  For two weeks she will visit and study in India through the Center for International Understanding.  An area of focus is to forge positive relationships.  Additionally,  there will be an emphasis on the similarities in our socioeconomic standings and also a greater exploration in implementing technology.  Mrs. Riley wants to enhance the use of technology in her classroom in ways that will engage her students.  We are so grateful to the Blanche and Julian Robertson Family Foundation Award for funding this awesome educational experience.  We look forward to hearing all about her trip upon her return.  Congratulations Mrs. Riley!

Back to Business!

Welcome to 2nd Semester!  With our weather delays coupled with testing, it seemed that we would never escape our 1st Semester!  As we move forward, I want to encourage our students to get back to business.  We have much to accomplish during the remainder of the school year and now is certainly not the time to lose focus.  So consider the following as you plan for the last half of our first year together:

1.  Your attendance is crucial!  At the end of our 1st Semester, I had the tough job of making decisions about attendance appeals for course credit.  While I'm glad that this process exists for students who experience trauma, it should not be relied upon as an alternative to attending school.  We need you here everyday!  Remember after 8 absences, your credit is in jeopardy.
2.  Get involved!  Even if you were unable to join a club or play a sport during the 1st Semester or in previous years, it is not too late.  Show your school spirit and support our athletes and coaches by attending games. We need you and value your input and ideas.  If Salisbury High School does not have a club or activity that interests you, help us create one!
3.  Respect yourself and others!  Follow the rules and treat others as you would like to be treated.  Do  random acts of kindness.  Show everyone what it means to be a Salisbury Hornet!  Dress appropriately every day.  Use your phone and other e-devices only as they are allowed.  Choose language that your grandmother would be proud of!

I hope that this semester more than meets your expectations as we all get back to business.  Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!

SGA Winter Dance

Tomorrow is the first day of Second Semester!  Students should report to homeroom upon arriving at school so that they may receive their schedule.  As we move forward with the remainder of our school year we are so excited!

SGA will sponsor a Winter Dance on February 9th.  Information about tickets will be announced this week.  Tickets will be on sale for $10 in advance this week and next week but the price will increase the week of the dance.  This fabulous event will take place at the American Legion Post 342 on Lincolnton Road.  More details will be shared during morning and afternoon announcements so listen up!  Get your tickets and make plans to attend!  Parent chaperone volunteers should contact our SGA advisor, Mr. Scarvey.  Have an Incredible Week everyone and Go Hornets!!

Testing, Testing!

As we wrap up our testing week, I want to commend our students for working so diligently this week!  I know it is not easy to return to school after a break and then prepare for and complete semester exams.  Our students have done a  phenomenal job!  Thanks also to our teachers and staff for their flexibility as we had many shifting roles during this week.

Tomorrow is a make-up exam day but also an early-release day.  This day does count for attendance so students who wish to be counted present must attend whether they have a make-up exam or not. Second semester begins on Wednesday January 23rd. Thanks to you for your patience this week and I look forward to seeing you soon! Have an Incredible Week and Go Hornets!