Did you know...?

As we begin a new school year, there is hardly a better time to think about the shift that is happening in our global society, the role our children will play, and its implications for schools.

Originally composed by Colorado High School teacher Karl Fisch, the message has been adapted and shared with with countless people around the world. This video is one you will not soon forget.

Horton's Highlights

Tonight's Board of Education meeting was very productive. We were pleased to have received an excellent audit report for the 2005-2006 school year. Way to go financial staff!

The highlight of our meeting was the approval of new employees. The entire slate was approved by a vote of 5-0. We wish a warm welcome to the following professionals who will join the Talladega City School System:

• Gayle Ross--Special Education Teacher (Graham)
• Jennifer Pinson--4th Grade Teacher (Graham)
• Sabrina Williard--3rd Grade Teacher (Northside-Hal Henderson)
• Blanca Berrerro--7th Grade Science Teacher (Zora Ellis)
• Jacqueline Maduro--Math Teacher (THS)
• Jessica Bentley--Math Teacher (THS)
• Shirley Leonard--Science Teacher (THS)
• Todd Bates--Driver's Ed./Business Ed. Teacher (THS)
• Trisha Howell--Career Technical Director (THS Career Tech)
• Steve Watson--Plato Lab Teacher (THS)
• Rosita Nelson--Custodian (Graham)

We scheduled dates for the next three Board of Education meetings:

• August 3 at 11:30
• August 13 at 5:30
• August 30 at 5:30

Locations for each meeting will be announced later. The public is always invited to attend our meetings and share in the progress of our school system.

My thanks to each of our Board members for the spirit of cooperation shown in tonight's meeting. We are moving forward!

Dr. Joanne Horton

Video games and computers

Video games and computers are a part of the culture of today's youth. How can we help them balance the attraction to technology with the others aspects of their lives? This "Report to Parents" from the National Association of Elementary School Principals provides some suggestions. To read the article, click here.

Salter Elementary Blog

C.L. Salter Elementary has a new blog for local school news! We invite parents, students, and community members to visit. Just copy and paste the following link.
http://salterelementary.blogspot.com/

Summer Vacation

For our students, summer vacation is half gone. Half still lies ahead, and there is plenty of time left to make the summer count.

The National Association of Elementary School Principals has produced this report to parents with suggestions for making summer both enjoyable and educational.

Changing of the Guard

Talladega City Schools recently said goodbye to a very dedicated employee, Willedean Williams. Ms. Williams worked for the district for 32 years. She served for many years as Title One Federal Programs Clerk, but her most current position was Payroll/Insurance Clerk. Everyone would agree that this is an important job and she handled the multitude of tasks well!

Recently, the Central Office staff enjoyed a retirement lunch in her honor at the Golden Eagle Restaurant in Talladega. Willedean was presented a gift card to use for her many projects planned for her home. The district wishes her a happy retirement.



Talladega City Schools was fortunate to have Sharon Blankenship step into the vacancy on May 29th. She comes to the city school system from the Talladega County Commission Office where she served as Human Resource Manager for the past 11 ½ years. A graduate of Talladega High School, Sharon is married and has 2 children.

Mrs. Blankenship looks forward to working with everyone across the district. New employees will have an opportunity to complete the necessary paperwork at a new teacher orientation meeting to be announced in the future.