October 2007 Everhart Express
By Jane Floyd-Bullen, Principal
Welcome to the new school year at Gretchen Everhart School! I am
proud to be the new Principal following Diane Brown's retirement. I
learned so much from Ms. Brown (and Dr. Atkinson before that) and am
looking forward to continuing to work alongside Dr. Kent Hamilton to
continue the many good things that the school has been implementing
for the last few years. I have big shoes to fill and will constantly
strive to do my best in doing what is best for all of our students.
With the new school year comes a great deal of excitement for us
all! We have many new initiatives that we are implementing. I told
the staff that it might feel like building an airplane while we are
in flight! The Pre-K teachers will be implementing and merging the
Open Court curriculum with the DLM curriculum like the other Pre-K
teachers in Leon County Schools. The K-12th grade teachers will be
using the new Sunshine State Standards and Access Points for
students with disabilities in the areas of Language Arts and Math.
Students in grades 3rd - 11th will be tested in March on the new
Florida Alternate Assessment. We will share our new information with
our families throughout the year.
By now we should all be adjusting to the new school hours. It is
very important the students be on time and come to school each and
every day. We will soon be closely monitoring attendance. If your
child is absent you need to send a note in the next day to let us
know why they were absent. We will be talking with you if attendance
becomes a problem, this includes times when students are coming late
and/or leaving early. Our school day is packed full of learning
opportunities and we need for students to be with us for each and
every minute so we can make sure they learn as much as possible.
Thank you for your help in making attendance a priority.
Parent and family involvement is also a key to your child's progress
at school. Please stay in touch with your child's teacher and get
involved in as many ways that you can to help the school and our
efforts. We have a very active PTO which partners with us to provide
for our students. If you haven't had a chance to volunteer your time
and help, please don't hesitate to contact our PTO President, Debra
Taube, or myself. Looking forward to a great year and a great
flight!
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
Department News
Post-Secondary (AKA the Outback)
Michael R. has been doing an exceptional job working at Goodwill
Industries. He even got his first paycheck last week! This position
will last for 8 weeks but his training will last forever. Way to go
Michael!!!!
Mr. Bill McGuire did another outstanding job this year with the
Owl Run!!! The post secondary department had a great time designing
and painting posters to show our support for the big race!!!! Some
of us raced and some of us were spectators. Mr. Bill invited Melba
Jacobs, our friend from Special Olympics, to be the guest speaker.
Thanks for a great activity, Mr. Bill!
Mr. McGuire's and Ms. Simmons' classes took a trip to the
Tallahassee Museum of Natural History on October 9. To prepare for
their trip, Jarrod Zinser, a new Speech/Language Pathologist at
Everhart, came and taught everyone sign language for some of the
animals they would see. They practiced the signs for a week. It was
a lot of fun to sign each animal as they saw them! Mr. Jarrod went
on the trip with them and taught them even more signs while they
were there. They also had a picnic at the gazebo that day when they
returned from the museum. They made grocery lists and shopped for
food during CBI. They were able to enjoy a great lunch that they
made by themselves! Ms. Lisa peeled apples for everyone to eat and
it was a GREAT day!
Ms. Wright's class is working on writing their very own book!
After an inspiring picture walk through the book, The Dog Who Cried
Wolf, by Keiki Kasza, the class worked on spelling some important
words on the computer. After the book was read, discussions were had
and letters were scanned. The class decided to title the new book,
The Kissing Dog. It is sure to be a best seller! Stay tuned!
High School
The High School Department has had a volunteer coming to join
them three mornings a week. His name is Brian Carpenter and he is a
Graduate student at Florida State University in the ESE Vision
Program. He has been going to all of the worksites and assisting the
students. They really appreciate him!!
The Department also welcomes some new teachers. Cherie Burton has
joined the team as well as Ceil Parramore. Dottie Morris, a long
time Everhart teacher has returned to teach at the high school
level.
Ms. Morris' class would like to say goodbye to Valerie Kelly, an
Instructional Assistant for 27 years at Everhart. She has accepted a
new position in Leon County. Everyone wishes her well. The class has
a new Instructional Assistant, Christine Haney. Welcome, Christine.
Middle School
The theme this Fall in Ms. Barnes' class has been the farm, the
family, and Fall. They are always looking for books and other props
that support literacy, technology, and our themes.
One of their parents, Elizabeth George, Nicolas' Mother, gave us
the book "Do you Have A Hat?", a cute picture book with a repetitive
line. She got the book from "Cheerio's" cereal! Thanks for being so
resourceful, Elizabeth.
Jenny Ger, Max's mother, gave us some Chinese candies to
celebrate the Moon Festival which occurs during the full moon of
September!
We are enjoying Fall and all of the great themes that go with it.
Ms. Droze's class has a very exciting CBI project going on. They
are partnering with the CARD center and Super Wal-Mart on West
Tennessee Street in order to give the students opportunities to shop
as independently as possible. The Wal-Mart manager, agreed to train
a cashier to focus only on our students as they enter the register
line. Now, every time we go on CBI, we find out who our cashier will
be and we go through that line.
Sue Loftis, Matthew's mom, brought this idea from an autism
conference. She learned "the teachers will deal with the disability
and the cashier will deal with the customer." The objective is for
the students to have repeated practice of the same skill with a goal
of reaching the full potential of independence for each student.
Thank you to Sue Loftis for donating Wal-Mart cards. Please see
Vicky Droze for more information about this project.
The Middle School Department had several new students join their
family. Welcome Ana B., Brittany H., Chris W., Casey M., Samar Z.,
JJ B., David G., John B., Bria W., Stephanie C., and Lindsay P.
We also have some new staff members. Welcome to our new teachers:
Ms. Ezobia Felder, Ms. Jennfier Smith, and Ms Susan Riley. Welcome
to our new instructional assistants: Caressa Nee, Classie Franklin,
Alisia Ash, Evelyn Clark, Elizabeth Carlson, Dot Williams, and Donna
Pollock.
Elementary
Courtney Benedix's class has had a very busy and exciting nine
weeks! First, they welcomed Donielle Wilburn, an intern from Florida
State University. Donielle will be with the class through December,
and they are so excited to have her.
The class has been working very hard and they have enjoyed
several fun cooking activities. The students really seem to enjoy
making yummy snacks, while working on very important literacy and
independent functioning skills. So far, they have made Jell-O
apples, brownies, rice krispie treats, and trail mix.
The class had a great time visiting the book fair. They would
like to thank Sophie's family, Paul's family, and Antionette's
family for their generous donation of new books from the book fair.
They are really enjoying the new books!
Several members of the class went to Camp Read A Lot, and have
returned to write a book about their camp experiences. Paul and
Courtney had a great time "running" in the Owl Run, and Paul would
like to thank all of his supporters!
Ms. Barrett's Angels would like to welcome new students Brandon
D. and Kei'yaun K. to their class.
Pre-K and Owl's Nest
Ms. Long's , Ms. Waltermyer's and Ms. Callen's classes have been
learning about Families and All Kinds of Friends. They have had
several volunteers in their classes. The volunteers have been
Michelle Wilson, Amanda Barlow, Ashley Barlow, Debra Dodd, and
Caroline Willis.
Ms. Benson and Ms. Morris' classes have been focusing on many
topics. They have learned about themselves, their families, and
their pets. They have also been working on opposites, and color,
shapes, and sizes. Through the new Open Court curriculum, they have
been learning letter recognition and the proper way to read and
enjoy books.
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
What's Happening...
School Activities News
The first ice cream social will be held on Wednesday, October 24,
2007, 1:00pm-2:00pm. On that day we will recognize students who have
made outstanding progress during the first nine weeks of school.
Future events for the school include performances by the
Cornerstone Community Learning School and Jazz Jams who will provide
a wonderful toe tapping and dancing experience for all of our
students.
We will be celebrating diversity at our school through the arts
by providing more multicultural experiences for the students. We
have so many families with very rich cultural backgrounds. If you
know of any performing groups or individuals from different cultures
who would like to come and perform for our very appreciative
students, please contact Brenda Rice, 488-5785 ext 244.
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
Athletic News
By Jenny Chang and Jackie Pittman
Everhart recently competed in the Special Olympics Area
Gymnastics Competition in Taylor County. The gymnasts are: Kassady
Q., Cassie G., Brittany N., and Kristen G. The girls competed in
Vault, Uneven Bars, Balance Beam, Floor Exercise, and the All Around
Competition. They were FANTASTIC and all received many ribbons. They
all qualified to compete in the Fall state games in Orlando. Make
sure to congratulate them when you see them!
In other news, Everhart's Powerlifters competed in the Special
Olympics Area Powerlifting Competition. James B., KC N., and John B.
all placed 1st in their divisions! Great job boys!
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
From the Clinic
Jill Klein, RN, Jan Oldenburg RN,
and Leslie Montanez SHA
"F" is for Fall ......and Flu shots!
This year's supply of influenza vaccine should meet the needs of
our country, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Two years
ago some of the supply was contaminated and had to be destroyed.
Only certain high-risk groups could be vaccinated against the "flu"
until about 2 months later into the season when more vaccine was
available.
Like the common cold, the flu is a virus and it has to run its
course. (Antibiotics have no effect on viruses.) The only way to
catch the flu is to have close contact with another person who is
infected. Late November through April/May is flu season; people are
together inside more during these months. You can catch the flu each
year because new strains are evolving and each year scientists must
make up a different vaccine to cover the strongest flu strains
circulating at the time. So be ready to roll up you sleeve every
single fall!
Unlike the cold, flu can cause a fever of up to 104 with severe
body aches, headaches, nausea, cough, and dehydration. Once the
virus is over, you can remain weak for several more days.
Complications, such as pneumonia, can occur, especially if you have
a medical condition like asthma or diabetes, or if you smoke.
The ideal time to get vaccinated against influenza is mid-October
to mid-November. However, if you miss this time frame, you can still
get the shot, as long as you don't become infected in the mean time.
Healthy persons between the ages of 5 and 49 may be able to take the
new inhaled FluMist. The best idea is to call your personal doctor
or local county health department for an appointment right now.
Check the local news to find out where and when flu shot clinics are
being held. You may have to wait in line a while if you chose one of
these clinics.
If you do end up getting the flu the most important things to
remember are to drink plenty of fluids (water, Gatorade, Jell-o,
chicken broth are examples), get lots of rest, and take your
temperature if you feel feverish or have just had the chills. Call
the doctor if you develop a severe headache, can't keep fluids down,
are short of breath from coughing, or your fever stays uncomfortably
high.
It is with great sadness that we share with our Everhart family
the passing of Nickolas H. on August 16, 2007. Nick was a senior
high student in Bill Thon's classroom. Nick attended Gretchen
Everhart School for ten years where he was known and loved by all.
Nick's family has asked that donations be made in Nick's memory to
be used towards the renovation of the sensory room at the school. We
will miss seeing Nick everyday but his spirit will live on with us
all.
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
The Spirit of Giving
The Owl's Nest and Pre-K classes want to thank their parents for
donating many supplies at the beginning of the year, goodies for the
Owl Run and books from the book fair. Claire's mom, Debbie Kelly,
donated a box of books and tapes.
Ms. Barrett's class would like to thank Tanner Deckerhoff for
donating a CD player, Rosalyn Deckerhoff and Metra Herring for
donating clothes.
The SMILE program would like to thank Mark Sheppard for the
donation of toys to their program and they would also like to thank
Chris Shaw for the donation of a microwave. They also want to say a
big thank you for the donations of new books and pencils from the
Scholastic Book Fair.
Ms. Huchins' class would like to thank the wonderful parents of
their ISC students for supplying them with snacks and classroom
supplies. Much appreciation to Teresa Gay, Sherri Trickey, Jackie
Livingston and Deletta Starke for making contributions to support
their child's class. A special thank you to Rod Bigelow for
volunteering in the Book Fair, and to Symin Movaghar and Deletta
Starke for purchasing books for our classroom.
Ms. Benedix's class would like to thank every one who donated
much needed supplies to our classroom. Thanks to Asia' family,
Paul's family, Hope's family, Antionette's family, and Sophie's
family for their donations.
Thank you to Tammie Brumbley and Sandra Buchanan for donating
snacks to Ms. Droze's class.
Jenny Chang would like to say thank you to Robin Garland, Linda
Ray, Connie Norman, and Lucy Quick for their help with the
Cheerleading Fundraiser. It wouldn't be possible without the support
and help of these parents. Thanks so much to all of you!
Ms. Dottie Morris' parents generously donated supplies for the
classroom. Special thanks to Andrew Miller's mom, Gina for a
monetary gift for the class to use as needed!
Ms. Chris Morris' class would like to thank our principal, Jane
Floyd-Bullen for donating a DVD player to use in the classroom.
The Pre-K Department would like to thank the many parents who have been so helpful and donated snacks, tissues, ketchup, and swimmy diapers to all of the classes. Some of our parents have donated books from the book fair to the classrooms as well. Thank you!
Donna Gaborde, parent in Ms. Merritt's class donated a cake for open house and soft drinks for the Owl Run. Debbie Bridges gave books to the class from the book fair. The students appreciate it! A big thank you to Angela H.'s family for donating books for the classroom.
Ms. Erickson's students would like to give special thanks to Lori Williams, Rick and Sandy Rickards, Clyde and Beverly Benedix, and Debra and Jim Taube for book donations from the book fair.
Mr. Thon's class would like to thank Nick H.'s parents, Kelly and Mike, for buying many books from the book fair and donating them to the class.
Tiffany's mom, Mrs. Murray, gave a donation at the book fair so that Ms. Riley's class could purchase a book for the class. Ashley K.'s family and Michael H.'s family donated money for the Owl's Run. Thanks from Ms. Riley's class!
Julie Delmonego donated "bug" items and books for Ms. Bloomquist's Science classes. She even found bug boxes at the Dollar Store. Thanks, Julie!
Paul C.'s family donated clothes and snacks for the students in Ms. Estes class. Thank you Chafin family!
Ms. Benedix's class would like to say thank you to Hope O.'s family, Paul L.'s family, and Antionette E.s' family for donations of snacks and supplies for the classroom.
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
Music Notes
By Brenda Rice and Jennifer Reese
Welcome back! We in the music therapy department are excited about
the 2007-2008 school year and all that it will hold. With so many
new faces here at Everhart and throughout Leon County, we are sure
to add lots of new programs and experiences to enhance our music
adventures this year!
We are excited to introduce two new music therapy interns, Shea
Clanton and David Parker. Shea comes to us from William Carey
College, in Mississippi, where she is completing her bachelors
degree in music therapy. David is originally from Oregon and is
completing his masters in music therapy at Florida State University.
Both joined the music therapy team in August and are already busy
leading students throughout Leon County in exciting new music
experiences. Shea and David will be with us until the end of
February.
On October 14, 2007, Everhart students and their families were
treated to an amazing performance at Opperman Music Hall on the FSU
campus. Phyllis Pancella, a Tallahassee resident with a 20 year
international career as a classical singer gave a benefit concert
featuring works of Bach, Handel, Berlioz, Rachmaninoff, and the
comic song cycle "Miss Manners on Music". Joining her on the program
were two distinguished FSU music faculty, pianist Timothy Hoekman
and cellist Gregory Sauer. Admission to the recital was free, but
proceeds from donations at the concert and sales of refreshments at
intermission are being given to the music programs of both Gretchen
Everhart and Cornerstone Learning Community. With the funds raised,
we are hoping to purchase new equipment for the music therapy
department. We will let you know what we are able to purchase in
upcoming editions of the Everhart Express.
As part of our daily music classes, we continue to work closely
with teachers to reinforce literacy experiences around Everhart.
Currently, we are all enjoying the sights, sounds, smells, and
tastes of Autumn in Tallahassee, and hope that you will feel free to
drop in and visit any of our music classes throughout the day. If
you are interested in volunteering in any way, please contact us at
Everhart.
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
PTO News
The school year has started off with a bang! Everyone should have
received their Parent Folder/Pack at the beginning of the school
year. We are in the process of putting together the Student
Telephone Directory, having already distributed the directory via
email (to those requesting an electronic copy) and will have a hard
copy in a folder (to those that requested). The directory has been
designed so that it can be easily updated during the year as new
students arrive at our school. Your PTO thinks this is a great way
to stay in touch with other students and parents! Please contact us
if you would like to purchase a hard copy of the directory or
receive it (for free) via email.
Thanks to all who visited and volunteered to help with the
Scholastic Book Fair this year. Thanks to your support, GES PTO will
make close to $700.00.
With fall now upon us, the first of four PTO sponsored dances
scheduled to be held this school year is set for Friday, October 26.
Due to an oversight on our part, the Parent Folder/Pack incorrectly
stated the minimum age for students to attend dances. Any child that
is 14 or older (not 16 as stated in the Parent Folder) is eligible
to attend the dances. They are a wonderful opportunity for our
children to socialize and have a great time in a protected
environment (a great opportunity for parents and guardians to
participate as well!).
If you have not done so already, please sign-up for the Gretchen
Everhart School List Serve GESES-PARENTS - you will find a link to
it on our home page). While we
currently have 166 subscribers there are still a lot of you that
have not subscribed. Everyone is encouraged to join, as this is the
official electronic means of providing you with timely information
about school and PTO events and activities (such as the upcoming
Fall Festival on November 16th).
Debra Taube, President (ttaube@earthlink.net)
Clyde Benedix, Vice President (gesweb@netscape.net)
Laurie Brennan, Secretary (lbren0326@aol.com)
Sandra Buchanan, Treasurer (sandibuc@gmail.com)
Jackie Livingston, PTO Volunteer Coordinator (JGLTLH@aol.com)
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
Art with Heart
By Judy Hoecherl
Everhart students have started the year off expressing their
creativity. Several classes painted black and white photographs and
displayed them in their buildings. The high school classes used the
techniques of artist Chuck Close to create a mystery face collage.
Preschool students made life-size paintings of themselves (really
fun and really messy!!).
As the air gets cooler, and fall starts to creep in, students
have been making creepy crawly spiders and jolly orange pumpkins.
October brings many activities to our area, to include the
"Celebration of La Florida" at the Mission San Luis. The focus of
this event is to draw attention to Florida's Hispanic Roots. The
following students exhibited art at Mission San Luis: Denard W.,
Melita O., Jareth B., Ana & Helen B., Uche O., Preston P., Asia C.,
and Kasey B. All the artwork was great and really represented
Florida's Hispanic Heritage. Ana B. won first prize in her category
for her drawing entitled "Santiago Sails", an oil crayon rendering
of Ponce de Leon's ship, the Santiago.
We appreciate the donations we receive from the community.
Currently, we are in need of wooden scrabble tiles, fabric ribbon,
old jewelry, beads, or anything you have that you feel we could make
into art! We love to be creative at Gretchen Everhart School, and we
find purpose in all things.
We are looking forward to many exciting things this year...but
the most important thing to create is a SMILE!! Judy Hoecherl
(whitehurstj@mail.leon.k12.fl.us)
or 488-5785 ext. 230
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
SMILE
By Pam Jameson and Jeannie Barrett
In August, Everhart's SMILE program was featured in an online
newsletter for afterschool programs called AfterWords. Pam Jameson,
site coordinator for the SMILE program, wanted to share the article
with parents, staff and the community .
"The SMILE (Students Motivated in Learning at Everhart)
afterschool program in Tallahassee, Florida, is showing that there
are no limits to what students can do. SMILE is a 21st Century
Community Learning Center program that serves students with moderate
to severe mental disabilities, many of whom have physical
disabilities as well."
"Pam Jameson, site coordinator at SMILE, acknowledges that the
program is unique because special-needs students constitute the
majority of the program's participants. She is quick to point out,
however, that her program uses strategies that all afterschool
programs can use with special-needs students. "We see possibilities
of what every child can do rather than focusing on limitations," she
says."
"Jameson also says that the program operates with the belief that
all of its staff can work with special-needs students. Although many
instructors have training or certification to teach special-needs
students, others learn by working with these qualified staff
members. Through agreements with colleges, SMILE also recruits
trained volunteers who are majoring in special education and want
on-the-job practice. The program has several partnerships with
community organizations, including the Boy Scouts and a hands-on
science program called High Touch High Tech Science."
In other news, The before school students in the SMILE program
have been learning about fitness and nutrition. They are reading and
writing about their favorite fruits and vegetables. (Sorry, French
Fries don't count!). Everhart has a new fitness room and the before
school SMILE students have been putting it to good use by learning
about the importance of exercise and keeping fit. They are also
using their literacy skills by labeling the equipment and the
activities in the fitness room. Not only are they working out in the
fitness room, but they also swim in the pool every other day to keep
fit.
Return to October 2007 Everhart Express Index
Page updated: 04/07/2008
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