A Fine Leader Will Be Missed!

The Talladega City Board Office was the site of a small gathering to honor and bid farewell to a wonderful leader, Mr. Lee Messer. Mr. Messer will be retiring on June 30 and turning over the reins to the District’s newest superintendent, Dr. Joanne Horton.

Along with a wonderful spread of refreshments, the guest of honor was presented with two gift cards from Central Office Staff and administrators. He was also given a frame filled with best wishes. Various employees rose to share memories, kind words, and thoughts of appreciation.

Talladega will continue to be home to Mr. and Mrs. Messer. Thanks for making a difference in our school system. You will not be forgotten!

THS Freshmen Band students participate in National Anthem Project

On Flag Day, June 14, 2007, the Talladega High School Band’s newest members participated in the National Anthem Project, a two-year initiative designed to reconnect American citizens with our country’s theme song. The Music Educators National Conference, The History Channel, Jeep and other corporate sponsors, subsidizes this two-year national event.

During the THS Band’s Freshmen Band Week, June 11-14, 2007, incoming freshmen band members and their section leaders rehearsed the “Star-Spangled Banner”. Then, on Thursday, June 14, the THS freshmen band members performed our National Anthem at 10:00 a.m. CST to coincide with one of the Grand Finale Concerts taking place at the Washington Monument at that same time.

Inspiration for “The Star-Spangled Banner”: Washington attorney Francis Scott Key penned the song of our nation at a dramatic moment during the War of 1812. On the night of September 13, 1814, Key watched as our country was attacked by the British navy at Fort McHenry. After watching the rockets’ red glare and bombs bursting in air throughout the night, dawn broke. Key was expecting to find Baltimore firmly under British control, but was stunned to see a battered but still flying American flag waving in the sunrise. So inspired was Key that he wrote the poem, “The Star-Spangled Banner.” Set to a tune attributed to John Stafford Smith, “To Anacreon in Heaven,” it became America's national anthem in 1931.

Talladega City Schools are moving forward! Part of this movement includes the 2nd Annual Back to School Parent Extravaganza, slated for September 18th at Ellis Junior High School and Harwell Auditorium.

In the early planning stages, the District welcomes ideas and suggestions from anyone affiliated with our school system. What sessions would be of interest to parents? What should be added that we did not have last year? How can we ensure that parents know about the event?

Please email your thoughts to pthomas@talladega-cs.net

"Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much." Helen Keller

A message from Dr. Horton

To the students, parents, and staff of Talladega, I want to tell you how excited I am about the opportunity to serve as your superintendent. The Talladega City School System is an outstanding system and one which holds so much promise.

The people I have met in Talladega have been wonderful, and they have shared with me their hopes and dreams for our system. I am firmly convinced that our best days are ahead, and that if we work together, we have the capability to the move the Talladega City School System to a new level. We owe nothing less to boys and girls who walk through our doors each morning.

I look forward to working with each Board member and with all stakeholders in our community as we begin this journey together.

Joanne Horton

Next Board of Education Meeting

The Talladega City Board of Education will meet on Monday, June 11 in the Graham School cafeteria. The meeting begins at 5:30. A Work Session, scheduled for 4:30 will precede the meeting.

Kindergarten, here I come!

"KINDERGARTEN HERE I COME"
KINDERGARTEN CAMP

Games, Drama, Songs, Science, Crafts, Snacks, & More
Activities support skills and concepts for kindergarten readiness.
(Certified Teacher)

FOR: Children entering kindergarten Fall 2007

DATES: July 16-July 20, 2007
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
LOCATION: Spring St. Rec. Ctr., Talladega
Fee: $60 per camper. Applications at front desk, Rec. Ctr.
*Space is limited to 20 campers*
For additional information, please call 493-0925.

Keep kids learning during the summer

Our students are now a week into the summer vacation. Many are enjoying extra time for sleeping. Others are enjoying extra time for a hobby. Others are taking the opportunity to learn a new skill. Summer offers choices for students. Some will choose to waste over two months. Others will choose to make the summer count.

The National Association of Elementary Principals has published this short "Report to Parents" with tips on keeping learning alive during the summer. To read the article, click here.