Home - Weekly Bulletin

4/12/2012

April 12, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

April 12, 2012 Vol. 17, #527

Congratulations to the Students of the Month for April.

Attention 8^th grade parents: We are looking for pictures for the 8^th grade slide show that will be shown at our celebration on May 11^th. We DO NOT want individual photos but instead group pictures. These pictures can be of current 8^th grade students from 6^th grade to 8^th grade. Please email the pictures to aslay@hoover.k12.al.us or mbritt@hoover.k12.al.us. All photos must be submitted by Friday, April 27^th. Submission of photos does not guarantee they will be used for the slideshow.

State Achievement Testing: The Alabama Science Assessment will be given in 7^th grade on the morning of April 17. Please try to avoid absences, check-ins and check-outs during this time. Students typically perform their best on standardized tests when they are well rested, have a good breakfast and are encouraged by adults. Thanks in advance for your support as we show our Berry pride.

Alabama Theater Field Trip: In celebration of meeting our annual reading goals, we will be going to the Alabama Theater on Friday, May 4^th, to see Zookeeper (rated PG). Students will be participating in many activities over the coming weeks, incorporating elements of the movie and our theme-"Unique Me: Wild About Reading". Details regarding the field trip will be sent home around mid-April.

Get ready for the annual “Berry’s Got Talent” talent show! Every year we are amazed by the GREAT talents here at Berry! The talent show will be held on Friday, May 4^th, when we return from the Alabama Theatre. Auditions for the show will be on Wednesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 26. Pick up information/permission packets in your grade level office. Signed permission forms are DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 13. NO EXCEPTIONS. The signed permission forms should be returned to the student’s grade level office. Contact Ms. Murphy (6-2), Mrs. Lee (6-4), or Ms. Miller (6-1) with questions. Thanks!

Teen Court of Jefferson County is recruiting teens for its upcoming training program. Teen Court is a peer sentencing court conducted by teen volunteers for first time non-violent juvenile offenders. Students can apply to serve as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jurors. Teen Court allows young people to participate in deciding how juvenile offenders will be held accountable. Teens interested in volunteering must be entering 8^th thru 12^th grade in the fall and be in good academic standing. If you are interested in serving as a Teen Court volunteer, please visit www.aclce.org or see your grade level counselor for an application. Applications are due before May 1, 2012.

2011-2012 Yearbooks: Please remind your child to double check the updated, yellow yearbook list posted by his or her homeroom teacher in order to confirm that a yearbook was previously purchased. If your child did not order a yearbook, extra books will be sold for $50.00 once all the purchased books have been passed out. Once the yearbooks arrive, a sale date will be announced so watch the upcoming newsletters for more information.

Boys’ Golf Team: The team will play Pizitz on April 17th at Vestavia Country Club.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will play Clay and Simmons at Grayson Valley Country Club on April 12th. They will play Simmons and Bumpus on April 17th at RTJ Oxmoor Valley.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will play in the Metro-South Tennis Tournament on April 13th and April 14th. The tournament will be played at Hoover, Bumpus, and Brock’s Gap.

Outdoor Track and Field: Berry will compete in the Metro Championship on April 23rd at Mountain Brook.

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will play in the Metro South Tournament on April 13th and 14th at Liberty Park.

Boys’ Basketball Spring Training: There will be a meeting TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. in the gym for current 6^th and 7^th grade boys interested in basketball spring training and summer team camp. Both student and a parent must attend this meeting in order to participate. If you have questions, contact Coach Peterson at cpeters@hoover,.k12.al.us for upcoming 8^th graders and Coach White at ruswhite@hoover.k12.al.us for upcoming 7^th graders.

Girls’ Basketball Spring Clinic: There will be a spring basketball clinic for any upcoming 7^th and 8^th grader interested in trying out for the girls’ basketball team. The clinic will be held April 24, 25, and 26 from 3:30-5:00. Any girl interested in participating in the clinic will need to have an updated physical and consent form on file before they can participate. If you have questions, please email Coach Heffner at eheffner@hoover.k12.al.us.

7^th and 8^th Grade Volleyball Tryouts will be held April 30^th, May 1^st and 2^nd from 3:15-5:15. Current 6^th and 7^th graders interested in trying out for next year’s teams must have an up to date physical and consent form turned in to one of the coaches prior to the start of tryouts. This is a closed tryout. Parents need to pick up their children no later than 5:30 at the back west entrance of the school. If you have questions, please contact Coach Jolley – jjolley@hoover.k12.al.us or

Coach Heffner – eheffner@hoover.k12.al.us

Wrestling: 6^th and 7^th grade boys who are interested in wrestling next school year can sign up in the 7^th grade office or you may e-mail Coach Swiderski at sswiderski@hoover.k12.al.us. Summer workouts will be on the dates listed below:

June: 12^th, 14th, 19th, 21st, 26th, 28^th from 11:00am – 1:00 p.m. at Spain Park High school wrestling room.

July: 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, 24th, 26th from 11:00am – 1:00 p.m. at Spain Park High school wrestling room.

If you did not fill out a physical, consent, and concussion form; it must be filled out and turned in before summer workouts. If they were filled out for football, then it is not needed. E-mail Coach Swiderski if you have any questions.

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

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4/5/2012

April 5, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

April 5, 2012 Vol. 17, #526

CHILD FIND: Help Hoover City Schools locate, identify, and evaluate Hoover residents from birth to age 21 who have disabilities or who are suspected of having disabilities. Contact the Department of Instructional Support Services for Hoover City Schools at (205) 439-1051.

State Achievement Testing: The Alabama Reading and Math Test will be given in 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades on April 10, 11, and 12. The Alabama Science Assessment will be given in 7^th grade on April 17. Please send your child with a supply of #2 pencils. Testing will generally take place during the first 3 hours of each school day; please try to avoid absences, check-ins and check-outs during this time. Students typically perform their best on standardized tests when they are well rested, have a good breakfast and are encouraged by adults. Thanks in advance for your support as we show our Berry pride.

Alabama Theater Field Trip: In celebration of meeting our annual reading goals, we will be going to the Alabama Theater on Friday, May 4^th, to see Zookeeper (rated PG). Students will be participating in many activities over the coming weeks, incorporating elements of the movie and our theme-"Unique Me: Wild About Reading". Details regarding the field trip will be sent home around mid-April.

Get ready for the annual “Berry’s Got Talent” talent show! Every year we are amazed by the GREAT talents here at Berry! The talent show will be held on Friday, May 4^th, when we return from the Alabama Theatre. Auditions for the show will be on Wednesday, April 25, and Thursday, April 26. Pick up information/permission packets in your grade level office. Signed permission forms are DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 13. NO EXCEPTIONS. The signed permission forms should be returned to the student’s grade level office. Contact Ms. Murphy (6-2), Mrs. Lee (6-4), or Ms. Miller (6-1) with questions. Thanks!

Teen Court of Jefferson County is recruiting teens for its upcoming training program. Teen Court is a peer sentencing court conducted by teen volunteers for first time non-violent juvenile offenders. Students can apply to serve as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jurors. Teen Court allows young people to participate in deciding how juvenile offenders will be held accountable. Teens interested in volunteering must be entering 8^th thru 12^th grade in the fall and be in good academic standing. If you are interested in serving as a Teen Court volunteer, please visit www.aclce.org or see your grade level counselor for an application. Applications are due before May 1, 2012.

Parent Reminders:

Buses will drop off and pick up students in the front of the school. Cars are not to pass a stopped school bus with stop sign extended. Tag numbers will be forwarded to police and drivers will be ticketed. (p. 11 in the Student Handbook in front of Agenda)

Carpool drop off/pick up: Cars will load and unload along the designated area at the curb. Car pool will move in a more efficient manner if students load/unload several cars at a time. Students are not allowed to walk to a parked car without an adult escort. (p. 11 in the Student Handbook in front of Agenda)

Students may walk to SPHS if they are: 1) participating in athletics or some other extracurricular activity with a sponsor or coach that will verify their involvement; or 2) if the parent/guardian is working or volunteering on any given day. A note or email will be needed to request walking. Students are not allowed to walk to SPHS for the purpose of getting a ride. However, the ride at SPHS may pick up the student in car pool at Berry. (Source: BMS Procedures)

2011-2012 Yearbooks: Please remind your child to double check the updated, yellow yearbook list posted by his or her homeroom teacher in order to confirm that a yearbook was previously purchased. If your child did not order a yearbook extra books will be sold for $50.00 once all the purchased books have been passed out. Once the yearbooks arrive, a sale date will be announced so watch the upcoming newsletters for more information.

Boys’ Golf Team: The boys golf team won their first match this season against Helena Middle School. The team will play Mountain Brook at Birmingham Country Club on April 11. They will play Pizitz on April 17 at Vestavia Country Club.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will play Clay and Simmons at Grayson Valley Country Club on April 12. They will play Simmons and Bumpus on April 17 at RTJ Oxmoor Valley.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will play at Bumpus on April 9.

Outdoor Track and Field: Berry will not compete in the Mountain Brook Relays scheduled for April 6^th at Mountain Brook. The Metro Championship will be held April 23 at Mountain Brook.

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will play Oak Mountain at home this afternoon beginning at 4:30. Berry plays its home games at Spain Park High School. The Metro South Tournament will be held April 13 and 14 at Liberty Park.

Boys’ Basketball Spring Training: There will be a meeting on Thursday, April 12, at 6:00 p.m. in the gym for current 6^th and 7^th grade boys interested in basketball spring training and summer team camp. Both student and a parent must attend this meeting in order to participate. If you have questions, contact Coach Peterson at cpeters@hoover,.k12.al.us for upcoming 8^th graders and Coach White at ruswhite@hoover.k12.al.us for upcoming 7^th graders.

Girls’ Basketball Spring Clinic: There will be a spring basketball clinic for any upcoming 7^th and 8^th grader interested in trying out for the girls’ basketball team. The clinic will be held April 24, 25, and 26 from 3:30-5:00. Any girl interested in participating in the clinic will need to have an updated physical and consent form on file before they can participate. If you have questions, please email Coach Heffner at eheffner@hoover.k12.al.us.

7^th and 8^th Grade Volleyball Tryouts will be held April 30^th, May 1^st and 2^nd from 3:15-5:15. Current 6^th and 7^th graders interested in trying out for next year’s teams must have an up to date physical and consent form turned in to one of the coaches prior to the start of tryouts. This is a closed tryout. Parents need to pick up their children no later than 5:30 at the back west entrance of the school. If you have questions, please contact Coach Jolley – jjolley@hoover.k12.al.us or

Coach Heffner – eheffner@hoover.k12.al.us

Wrestling: If your son is in 6^th or 7^th grade and wants to wrestle next school year; please have him sign up in the 7^th grade office or e-mail Coach Swiderski at sswiderski@hoover.k12.al.us. There will be information coming soon about a summer camp.

Congratulations to the 8th grade girls who were selected to be Spain Park High School Freshman Cheerleaders for 2012-2013.

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

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3/30/2012

March 29, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

March 29, 2012 Vol. 17, #525

Spring School Day Picture Proofs were given to students who had their pictures taken March 1. The deadline date for orders has been extended to Monday, April 2. Please return proofs with or without an order to Berry’s main office. This is a school fundraiser.

State Achievement Testing: The Alabama Reading and Math Test will be given in 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades on April 10, 11, and 12. The Alabama Science Assessment will be given in 7^th grade on April 17. Please send your child with a supply of #2 pencils. Testing will generally take place during the first 3 hours of each school day; please try to avoid absences, check-ins and check-outs during this time. Students typically perform their best on standardized tests when they are well rested, have a good breakfast and are encouraged by adults. Thanks in advance for your support as we show our Berry pride.

Congratulations to the Character Education Award Recipients. They were honored at a dinner on Thursday, March 15^th.

BETA Club: Are you a candidate for the BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL BETA CLUB? The Berry Middle School Beta Club is an academic recognition similar to the National Junior Honor Society with no club meetings and no time commitments. It is an honor society for eighth grade students ONLY who ARE NOT already members of the Berry National Junior Honor Society. (All eighth grade students were given an information letter about Beta Club in homeroom.) If you are interested in being a member of the Berry Middle School Beta Club, or if you want to learn more about the opportunity, please see Mrs. Howell in her classroom (Room 106) by Tuesday, April 3.

Alabama Theater Field Trip: In celebration of meeting our annual reading goals, we will be going to the Alabama Theater on Friday, May 4^th, to see Zookeeper (rated PG). Students will be participating in many activities over the coming weeks, incorporating elements of the movie and our theme-"Unique Me: Wild About Reading". Details regarding the field trip will be sent home around mid-April.

Teen Court of Jefferson County is recruiting teens for its upcoming training program. Teen Court is a peer sentencing court conducted by teen volunteers for first time non-violent juvenile offenders. Students can apply to serve as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs, and jurors. Teen Court allows young people to participate in deciding how juvenile offenders will be held accountable. Teens interested in volunteering must be entering 8^th thru 12^th grade in the fall and be in good academic standing. If you are interested in serving as a Teen Court volunteer, please visit www.aclce.org or see your grade level counselor for an application. Applications are due before May 1, 2012.

Math Team News: The 6^th grade math teams from Berry and Simmons spent most of the day on March 17 competing in Cullman. Berry came in 2nd and Simmons 3rd.

Ecology Club: Please remember to keep sending the pull tabs off aluminum cans and the screw-on plastic tops off of water and soda bottles. Thanks for your support!

Berry’s 7^th and 8^th grade Multimedia Students want you to View their videos and Vote for your favorite Public Service Announcements (PSA) at http://www.koronisfest.org Voting online is for KoronisFest “People’s Choice” award the annual competition sponsored by the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Public Health. Everyone is invited to be a judge! Just select the 1-5 Star rating system below the video. UAB judges will be also be choosing their own top 3 favorites in each category for a monetary award. Be sure and share the news with your family and friends, so that they can view the fine work of Berry’s students, cast their vote, and see the other entries, too.

Check out the leaderboard at the bottom of the webpage to see how the videos & posters are currently ranked.

Our students are doing quite well!!!

Below is a list of all the PSA entries submitted by Berry’s Multimedia Students.

Hopefully this will make it easier for you to find Berry's PSAs in the long list of all submissions.

Congratulations to all the students! We are so proud of you and your wonderful projects!

Live Action Video PSAs (18 and Under) - Berry’s Entries (11 out of 25 total entries)

1. Get Active! (7^th grade)

2. Energy Drinks (7^th grade)

3. Anti-Cyberbullying (7^th grade)

4. TNT (8^th grade)

5. Video Game Obesity (8^th grade)

6. Do What's Right (8^th grade)

7. Know The Facts (8^th grade)

8. It's Not A Joke To Smoke (8^th grade)

9. The Best Protection (8^th grade)

10. Death is All Around You (8^th grade)

11. Meth: You're this close to the edge (8^th grade) (mistakenly listed under live action/19 years +)

Animated PSA Entries (18 and Under) - Berry’s Entries (1 out of 11 total entries)

1. You Do The Math (7^th grade)

Poster PSAs (1 out of 31 total entries)

1. Meet the Reaper (8^th grade)

Boys’ Golf Team: The team will play Helena at Riverchase on April 3. They will play Mountain Brook at Birmingham Country Club on April 11.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will play Hewitt-Trussville at Trussville Country Club this afternoon. Their next match will be April 12 against Clay and Simmons at Grayson Valley Country Club.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will play Liberty Park this afternoon at home. They will play Clay-Chalkville on April 3 at home.

Outdoor Track and Field: The Homewood Middle School Invitational scheduled for March 30^th will be held at Homewood High School’s Waldrop Stadium. It is not located at the High School. Waldrop Stadium is located on Snow Drive, which is off West Oxmoor. Directions can be found at http://www.homewood.k12.al.us/athletics/facilities/directions.html.

The April 3^rd Metro Meet at Vestavia is scheduled to begin at 5:00 instead of 4:00.

Berry will not compete in the Mountain Brook Relays scheduled for April 6^th at Mountain Brook

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will compete in the Bumpus Tournament March 30 – April 1. They will play Clay at home on April 2 and Bumpus at home on April 4. Berry plays its home games at Spain Park High School.

Girls’ Basketball Spring Clinic: There will be a spring basketball clinic for any upcoming 7^th and 8^th grader interested in trying out for the girls’ basketball team. The clinic will be held April 24, 25, and 26 from 3:30-5:00. Any girl interested in participating in the clinic will need to have an updated physical and consent form on file before they can participate. If you have questions, please email Coach Heffner at eheffner@hoover.k12.al.us.

7^th and 8^th Grade Volleyball Tryouts will be held April 30^th, May 1^st and 2^nd from 3:15-5:15. Current 6^th and 7^th graders interested in trying out for next year’s teams must have an up to date physical and consent form turned in to one of the coaches prior to the start of tryouts. This is a closed tryout. Parents need to pick up their children no later than 5:30 at the back west entrance of the school. If you have questions, please contact Coach Jolley – jjolley@hoover.k12.al.us or

Coach Heffner – eheffner@hoover.k12.al.us

Wrestling: If your son is in 6^th or 7^th grade and wants to wrestle next school year; please have him sign up in the 7^th grade office or e-mail Coach Swiderski at sswiderski@hoover.k12.al.us. There will be information coming soon about a summer camp.

JV Dazzlers at Spain Park High School: Congratulations to the 8^th grade girls who will be Spain Park JV Dazzlers for 2012-2013.

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

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3/15/2012

March 15, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

March 15, 2012 Vol. 17, #524

Multicultural Day will be held Friday, March 16^th. The students will make presentations on their native countries in their classrooms during first period, from 8:15- 9:00 a.m. The Multicultural Assembly will begin in the gym at 9:00 a.m. We would like to invite parents to come and join us. There will be a reception for parents and performers after the assembly in the library.

Spring School Day Picture Orders were given to students who had their pictures taken last week. The deadline date for orders is March 28. Please return proofs with or without an order to Berry’s main office. This is a school fundraiser.

Spring Holidays will be observed March 19 – 23.

State Achievement Testing: The Alabama Reading and Math Test will be given in 6^th, 7^th and 8^th grades on April 10, 11, and 12. The Alabama Science Assessment will be given in 7^th grade on April 17. Please send your child with a supply of #2 pencils. Testing will generally take place during the first 3 hours of each school day; please try to avoid absences, check-ins and check-outs during this time. Students typically perform their best on standardized tests when they are well rested, have a good breakfast and are encouraged by adults. Thanks in advance for your support as we show our Berry pride.

Withdrawals: If you know that your child will not be returning to Berry after spring break or in the fall, please contact your child’s grade level office by calling the appropriate number at the top of this newsletter.

Congratulations to the Students of the Month for March.

Math Team News: Berry’s MathCounts Team came in 4th in the State MathCounts competition. This was our hardest competition of the whole year, and we are very proud of what they achieved!

Band News: Berry’s 7^th and 8th grade bands performed at the 2012 Alabama Bandmasters Association Music Performance Assessment on March 8th. The day went beautifully as the band scored all superior ratings (three superiors for stage performance and a superior for sight reading performance). This is the highest scores given to bands in the state of Alabama.

Letters About Literature Contest: Congratulations to the students who have been selected as Alabama semi-finalists in the Letters About Literature Contest. These finalists were selected from 600 letters entered in this year’s contest from all over the state. They are also in the running for state winner in the contest.

Choir Students: We will sing at Friday’s Multicultural Day Assembly. Please wear blue jeans and your black choir shirt.

The Tuskegee University section of the Society of Women Engineers is hosting Wow! That's Engineering! a hands-on workshop for middle school girls. The event is a day to do hands-on engineering activities, meet women engineers and technologists, and hear first-hand about these exciting career paths.

Event Details:

Location: Tuskegee University Campus

Date: Saturday, April 14, 2012

Time: 8:30am – 4:00pm (Lunch will be served)

Target Audience: Girls in Grades 6-9, parents and educators

Registration: http://tuskegeewow.eventbrite.com

For more information contact: tuskegeewow@swe.org or Watch our video.

Registration is now open for girls in grades 6-9. There will also be a separate program for parents and educators. Registration for both programs can be found at http://tuskegeewow.eventbrite.com. Registration is $5.00 for students and includes lunch (financial assistance is available. Email tuskegeewow@swe.org for more information).

Boys’ Golf Team: The team will open its season this afternoon against Hewitt at Trussville Country Club.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will play Hewitt-Trussville at Altadena Valley Country Club this afternoon.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will play Oak Mountain at Inverness Country Club this afternoon.

Outdoor Track and Field Team results from the King of the Mountain Meet held on March 9^th at Vestavia Hills High School. The Boys and Girls both placed 4^th overall. The track and field team will compete in a Metro Meet this afternoon at Oak Mountain.

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will play at Mountain Brook this afternoon beginning at 4:30.

Wrestling: If your son is in 6^th or 7^th grade and wants to wrestle next school year; please have him sign up in the 7^th grade office or e-mail Coach Swiderski at sswiderski@hoover.k12.al.us. There will be information coming soon about a summer camp.

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

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3/8/2012

March 8, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

March 8, 2012 Vol. 17, #523

Daylight Saving Time 2012 begins March 11. Set your clock(s) forward one hour at 2:00 a.m.

MEDIA CENTER NEWS: Holocaust survivor, Marion Blumenthal Lazan, will visit our school on the afternoon of March 13, 2012. Mrs. Lazan’s memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the years she and her family spent in fear during the years following Hitler's rise to power. Ms. Lazan, her brother and her parents were forced to live in refugee and prison camps. Although they survived the camps, her father died shortly after being freed and it would take three years before she, her mother and brother would be able to come to the United States. Her story is one of terrifying horror and hardship, but it is also a story of triumph. She will share her story of courage, hope and the will to survive with our students when she speaks in March.

You may purchase Mrs. Lazan’s book, Four Perfect Pebbles, until March 15^th in the Media Center. Paperbacks will be $6.00 and hardbacks will be $17.00. Please call the Media Center if you have any questions, 439-2042. Thank you.

Report Cards will go home on March 14.

Multicultural Day will be held Friday, March 16^th. The students will make presentations on their native countries in their classrooms during first period, from 8:15- 9:00 a.m. The Multicultural Assembly will begin in the gym at 9:00 a.m. We would like to invite parents to come and join us. There will be a reception for parents and performers after the assembly in the library.

Spring Holidays will be observed March 19 – 23.

Artistic Expression Contest for February’s Black History Month: Winners came from the following three categories: Written Expression, Visual Art, and Multi-media/Technology. The sponsors of Berry’s MAC Scholars Program would like to thank all who participated. Congratulations to all winners!

2012 Yearbook: A team teacher will post an updated (yellow sheet) list of names of students who have purchased a 2012 yearbook. Please encourage your child to check the list. If your child purchased a yearbook and his or her name is not on the list, then send a copy of the receipt to Ms. Mullins in the main office and your child will be able to receive a 2012 yearbook. If you have not purchased a 2012 yearbook then some will be available for purchase in May on a first come basis.

Math Team: The Math Teams competed in the Hoover High School Math Tournament on Saturday, March 3. Once again, the Simmons and Berry teams did very well.

7th grade: Simmons came in 2nd with Berry right behind (only a tie-breaker or two off!) at 3rd.

8th grade: This time Berry took 2nd place and Simmons 4th.

Next weekend five Berry students will represent the Birmingham district at the state MathCounts.

Sixth graders have two more tournaments: Cullman Middle School on March 17th and Randolph School in April. In the meantime, all students are preparing to host a tournament at Berry on April 14th.

Congratulations to the students who were selected to the 2012 Young Voices Honor Choir.

2012 – 2013 Berry Singers: Any 6^th or 7^th grader interested in being a part of Berry’s show choir next year should stop by the choir room to see Mrs. Johnson. Parents may also email Mrs. Johnson at cijohnson@hoover.k12.al.us (Be sure to put an “i” after the “c”)

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 Dance Team.

Student Athletic Training Program: Eighth graders, Spain Park High School is recruiting interested students to the student athletic training program. Interested students should pick up an application in the main office at Berry.

Boys’ Golf Team: The team will open its season on March 15 against Hewitt at Trussville Country Club.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will play Bumpus on March 14 at RTJ-Oxmoor Valley. They will play Hewitt-Trussville at Altadena Valley Country Club on March 15.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will play Pizitz at Wald Park this afternoon. They will play Homewood at home on March 13 and Oak Mountain at Inverness Country Club on March 15.

Outdoor Track and Field Team will participate in the Kind of the Mountain Meet on March 9^th at Vestavia Hills High School. The track and field team will compete in a Metro Meet on March 15^th at Oak Mountain.

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will play in the Ardmore Lady Tiger Tournament on March 9 and 10. They will play Hewitt at home on March 12 and they will play at Liberty Park on March 14. All home games are played at Spain Park High School.

Football: There will be a parent meeting on Tuesday, March 13^th, in the Berry lunchroom at 6:30 p.m. for current 6^th and 7^th graders who are planning to play football next season. Each interested student should have at least one parent in attendance.

Wrestling: If your son is in 6^th or 7^th grade and he wants to wrestle next school year, please have him sign up in the 7^th grade office. Information about a summer camp is coming soon .

The Spain Park Colorguard will hold tryouts the week of April 9th. If you are interested in trying out for the Colorguard and Winterguard line, please attend the mandatory parent meeting on Tuesday, March 13^th, at 6:00 p.m. in the SPHS band room. If you have questions about tryouts or Colorguard, please email Lindsay Holden at lhholden@hoover.k12.al.us. The Colorguard is a wonderful way to get involved at SPHS!!!

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

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3/1/2012

March 1, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

March 1, 2012 Vol. 17, #522

MEDIA CENTER NEWS: Holocaust survivor, Marion Blumenthal Lazan, will visit our school on the afternoon of March 13, 2012. Mrs. Lazan’s memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the years she and her family spent in fear during the years following Hitler's rise to power. Ms. Lazan, her brother and her parents were forced to live in refugee and prison camps. Although they survived the camps, her father died shortly after being freed and it would take three years before she, her mother and brother would be able to come to the United States. Her story is one of terrifying horror and hardship, but it is also a story of triumph. She will share her story of courage, hope and the will to survive with our students when she speaks in March.

You may purchase Mrs. Lazan’s book, Four Perfect Pebbles, until March 15^th in the Media Center. Paperbacks will be $6.00 and hardbacks will be $17.00. Please call the Media Center if you have any questions, 439-2042. Thank you.

Bus Safety Reminder: Please remember that all automobiles must STOP while buses are unloading in the morning at school. Besides being against the LAW, this is very unsafe for our school children, bus drivers, and other bystanders in the front of the school if vehicles pass the buses.

According to the School Bus Stop Law that became effective in October of 2006, “The driver of a vehicle upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging any school children on a highway, on a roadway, on school property, or upon a private road shall bring the vehicle to a complete stop before reaching the school bus…”

Violations of the School Bus Passing Law may result in the following fines: 1^st Offense - $150 - $300 fine; 2^nd Offense - $300 - $500 fine, 100 hours community service, 30 day driver license suspension; 3^rd Offense - $500 - $1000 fine, 200 hours community service, 90 day driver license suspension; 4^th Offense - $1000 - $3000 fine, Class “C” Felony, one year driver license suspension.

Math Team News: The math team went to Pizitz for a tournament last weekend. There were about 1200 students registered; the place was packed! And we walked off with a whole bunch of trophies!

6th grade: Simmons took home the 3rd place trophy (with only 4 students there), Berry took the 4th place, and Brock's Gap the 5th place.

7th grade: Simmons took 1st place, Bumpus 3rd and Berry 5th.

8th grade: Simmons only had 3 competitors (sure hope the others did well at Scholar's Bowl!)
and did not place. Berry walked away with 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 7th and 10th places!!!

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 7^th Grade Basketball Cheerleaders.

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 7^th Grade Football Cheerleaders.

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 8^th Grade Basketball Cheerleaders.

Congratulations to the 2012-2013 8^th Grade Football Cheerleaders.

2012-2013 8^th grade Cheerleaders: There will be a MANDATORY parent information meeting on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. in the Media Center. Important business matters will be discussed!!

Student Athletic Training Program: Eighth graders, Spain Park High School is recruiting interested members to the student athletic training program. Interested students should pick up an application in the main office at Berry.

Boys’ Golf Team: The team will open their season on March 15 against Hewitt at Trussville Country Club.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will open their season on March 6 against Pizitz at Vestavia Hills Country Club. They will also play Pizitz on March 7 at Altadena Valley Country Club. The team will play Bumpus on March 14 at RTJ-Oxmoor Valley.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will play Mountain Brook at Mountain Brook High School this afternoon, and Thompson at home on Tuesday, March 6. They will play Pizitz at Wald Park on March 8.

Outdoor Track and Field Team will open its season on March 2nd at Hoover High School with the Middle School Open. They will participate in a Metro Meet on March 6^th at Hoover High School.

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will play Chelsea at home this afternoon beginning at 4:30. They will play in the Jaguar Classic Tournament on March 2 and March 3. The Lady Jags will play Simmons at home on Monday, March 5, beginning at 4:00 p.m. They will play at Helena on Tuesday, March 6, beginning at 5:00 p.m. The softball team will play Mountain Brook at home on Wednesday, March 7, at 4:30 p.m. All home games are played at Spain Park High School.

Football: There will be a parent meeting on Tuesday, March 13^th, in the Berry lunchroom at 6:30 p.m. for current 6^th and 7^th graders who are planning to play football next season. Each interested student should have at least one parent in attendance.

Wrestling: If your 6th or 7th grade son is interested in wrestling, please have them sign up in the 7th grade office

The Spain Park Dazzlers try-out information meeting is TONIGHT at 6:00 p.m. in the SPHS small theater. This is a mandatory meeting for both students and parents. Please contact Rachael Matherson if you have any questions at rmatherson@hoover.k12.al.us.

Attention 8^th Grade Girls Interested in Playing Volleyball for Spain Park High School: Volleyball Tryouts will be held March 5 – 7 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Spain Park High School. You must have a current physical and updated consent to participate form. All forms are on the website www.sphsvolleyball.com under the link “Forms” If you have questions, please email Coach Paula Dill at pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Spain Park will be hosting a volleyball pre-tryout clinic for all high school and upcoming 8^th graders on Friday, March 2^nd, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. Cost is $25 per player (checks should be made payable to SPHS). The instructor will be Ellen Rehme. Registration can be done by emailing pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Attention 6^th and 7^th Grade Girls Interested in Playing Middle School Volleyball: Spain Park will hold a volleyball clinic for middle school girls to help them get ready for middle school tryouts. The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 7, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Bring your own lunch. Cost is $60 per player. To register, go to www.sphsvolleyball.com If you have questions, please email Coach Paula Dill at pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

Posted at 9:56 AM by Caver, Susan | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2/23/2012

February 23, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

February 23, 2012 Vol. 17, #521

Eighth graders: Law Academy applications are due by TOMORROW. You may turn in completed applications to your social studies teacher or Mr. Aufdemorte in the main office.

SafeHouse Presentations: Kathy Holsombeck, Prevention Educator for SafeHouse of Shelby County, will be spending a day with each 6^th grade team presenting a lesson on Healthy Relationships. The presentation will cover friendship, communication skills, bullying/harassment, and abuse. We hope that through education we can encourage healthy relationships among friends and reduce the incidences of conflict. Please contact Kathy Hartwiger, 6^th Grade Counselor, if you have any questions.

The Pride Survey: On February 27, 2012, students at Berry Middle School will complete the PRIDE survey. This survey is given statewide and provides information about alcohol use, drug use, and violence. The survey is anonymous. The results assist us in assessing the effectiveness of our school programs in helping to educate students about these important topics.

If you prefer that your child not participate, please either complete an “Opt Out” form that can be obtained from grade level offices or send us a written note indicating that you do not want your child to complete this survey. A copy of the survey will be available in the grade level offices if you would like to review its content.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to develop confident, healthy, drug and alcohol free young people.

Science Olympiad: We can be proud of the Science and Engineering team that represented Berry at this year’s state tournament in Tuscaloosa this past Saturday. We competed against 16 teams in 21 events. Our students took home a number of medals including gold, silver and bronze. Of the 14 members of our team every member had at least a 6^th place finish in an event. According to Mr. Hodge, this is a pretty competitive tournament and he is very pleased that our students represented Berry so well.

The International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the widely known and respected International Baccalaureate diploma. For more information about the International Baccalaureate Program, please see the attached letter at the end of the News Letter and visit the following web link. http://www2.hoover.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/academics/ib/Pages/Information.aspx

MEDIA CENTER NEWS: Holocaust survivor, Marion Blumenthal Lazan, will visit our school on the afternoon of March 13, 2012. Mrs. Lazan’s memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the years she and her family spent in fear during the years following Hitler's rise to power. Ms. Lazan, her brother and her parents were forced to live in refugee and prison camps. Although they survived the camps, her father died shortly after being freed and it would take three years before she, her mother and brother would be able to come to the United States. Her story is one of terrifying horror and hardship, but it is also is a story of triumph. She will share her story of courage, hope and the will to survive with our students when she speaks in March.

You may purchase Mrs. Lazan’s book, Four Perfect Pebbles, until March 15^th in the Media Center. Paperbacks will be $6.00 and hardbacks will be $17.00. Please call the Media Center if you have any questions, 439-2042. Thank you.

Student Athletic Training Program: Eighth graders, Spain Park High School is recruiting interested members to the student athletic training program. Interested students should pick up an application in the main office at Berry.

Boys’ Golf Team: The team will open their season on March 15 against Hewitt at Trussville Country Club.

Girls’ Golf Team: The team will open their season on March 6 against Pizitz at Vestavia Hills Country Club.

Tennis Teams: The tennis teams will open their season at home against Hewitt-Trussville on Wednesday, February 29. They will play Mountain Brook at Mountain Brook High School on Thursday, March 1, and Thompson at home on Tuesday, March 6.

Outdoor Track and Field Team will open its season on March 2nd at Hoover High School with the Middle School Open.

Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will open their season by participating in the Thompson Tournament on Friday, February 24^th and Saturday, February 25^th. They will play at Oak Mountain on Monday, February 27, beginning at 4:00 p.m., and at home against Homewood on Wednesday, February 29^th beginning at 4:30 p.m. All home games will be played at Spain Park High School.

Wrestling: If your 6th or 7th grade son is interested in wrestling, please have them sign up in the 7th grade office.

Spain Park High School Cheerleading Tryouts: Spain Park has had to make some adjustments regarding cheerleading tryouts, therefore, the dates for cheerleading clinic have been moved to March 26^th-29^th from 3:45-6:00 p.m. Tryouts will be on Friday, March 30^th, beginning at 3:45 p.m. There will be a required parent meeting on Thursday, February 23^rd , at 6:00 p.m. in the theater at Spain Park High School to discuss these changes in further detail. Anyone who did not attend the original parent meeting can attend and their child will be allowed to try out. Thank you!

The Spain Park Dazzlers try-out information meeting is Thursday, March 1st at 6:00 p.m. in the SPHS small theater. This is a mandatory meeting for both students and parents. Please contact Rachael Matherson if you have any questions at rmatherson@hoover.k12.al.us.

Attention 8^th Grade Girls Interested in Playing Volleyball for Spain Park High School: Volleyball Tryouts will be held March 5 – 7 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Spain Park High School. You must have a current physical and updated consent to participate form. All forms are on the website www.sphsvolleyball.com under the link “Forms” If you have questions, please email Coach Paula Dill at pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Attention 6^th and 7^th Grade Girls Interested in Playing Middle School Volleyball: Spain Park will hold a volleyball clinic for middle school girls to help them get ready for middle school tryouts. The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 7, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Bring your own lunch. Cost is $60 per player. To register, go to www.sphsvolleyball.com If you have questions, please email Coach Paula Dill at pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

International baccalaureate

Hoover City Schools

January 2012

Dear HHS Class of 2016,

My name is Brad Coltrane, and I am the Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School.

The IB Diploma is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the most widely known and respected diploma in the world through the IB Program.

Some quick facts about Hoover’s IB Program:

Over the past ten years, Hoover IB students have achieved a Diploma pass rate and average IB scores above the worldwide average
Hoover IB students participate in extracurricular activities, athletics, community service and creative projects outside of the classroom
In 2011, IB seniors earned a combined $11.9 million in scholarship offers with an average total scholarship offer of over $500,000

Taking pre-IB courses next year does not obligate you to enter the IB Diploma Program, but these classes will help ensure that you are prepared for the IB Program while you decide if it is right for you. These courses emphasize critical reading and writing skills, and are excellent preparation for many courses you might choose in high school and beyond.

I’m enclosing a brochure about the IB Program along with answers to frequently asked questions on the back of this letter. I will be hosting an IB Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Hoover High School. I hope you and your parents will be able to attend and meet some of our current teachers, parents and students who can answer some of your questions about the program. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information or just want to let me know you are interested in IB. I am looking forward to seeing you next year in high school.

SAVE THE DATE!

IB OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, Feb 28th

6:30 PM HHS cafeteria

Sincerely,

Brad Coltrane

IB Coordinator

Hoover City Schools

bcoltrane@hoover.k12.al.us

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2/16/2012

February 16, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

February 16, 2012 Vol. 17, #520

Attention 8^th Grade Parents: Please visit the Counselor’s wiki for information on 8^th grade transition to SPHS and Academy applications http://bmscounselors.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us . Academy applications may be turned in to Mr. Aufdemorte or at your scheduled course selection appointment.

Presidents’ Day Holiday: Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 20, unless needed as a make-up inclement weather day.

SafeHouse Presentations: Kathy Holsombeck, Prevention Educator for SafeHouse of Shelby County, will be spending a day with each 6^th grade team presenting a lesson on Healthy Relationships. The presentation will cover friendship, communication skills, bullying/harassment, and abuse. We hope that through education we can encourage healthy relationships among friends and reduce the incidences of conflict. Please contact Kathy Hartwiger, 6^th Grade Counselor if you have any questions.

Eighth graders: Law Academy applications are due by Friday, February 24. You may turn in completed applications to your social studies teacher or Mr. Aufdemorte in the main office.

The Pride Survey: On February 27, 2012, students at Berry Middle School will complete the PRIDE survey. This survey is given statewide and provides information about alcohol use, drug use, and violence. The survey is anonymous. The results assist us in assessing the effectiveness of our school programs in helping to educate students about these important topics.

If you prefer that your child not participate, please either complete an “Opt Out” form that can be obtained from grade level offices or send us a written note indicating that you do not want your child to complete this survey. A copy of the survey will be available in the grade level offices if you would like to review its content.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to develop confident, healthy, drug and alcohol free young people.

MathCounts: Mrs. Clopton reported on the Math team competition held last weekend. Nine schools and about 60 students met at Simmons to battle over who gets to represent the Birmingham district at the state competition on March 10.

The Countdown Round gave a clue as to the outcome, showcasing the top 12 students.

The team scores were, as always, close among the top 3. Pizitz won first place, followed closely by Berry, and (only one point behind) Simmons. Pizitz and Berry advance to state. The number of schools that advance is determined by the number of competing schools. Had we had three more schools in the competition, Simmons would also have gone.

To get to the top three spots, we had to defeat ASFA, Altamont, and Mountain Brook, among others.

The International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the widely known and respected International Baccalaureate diploma. For more information about the International Baccalaureate Program, please see the letter at the end of the News Letter and visit the following web link.

http://www2.hoover.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/academics/ib/Pages/Information.aspx

Media Center News: Holocaust survivor, Marion Blumenthal Lazan, will visit our school on the afternoon of March 13, 2012. Mrs. Lazan’s memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the years she and her family spent in fear during the years following Hitler's rise to power. Ms. Lazan, her brother and her parents were forced to live in refugee and prison camps. Although they survived the camps, her father died shortly after being freed and it would take three years before she, her mother and brother would be able to come to the United States. Her story is one of terrifying horror and hardship, but it is also is a story of triumph. She will share her story of courage, hope and the will to survive with our students when she speaks in March.

The Media Center will be selling her book, Four Perfect Pebbles, beginning the week of February 21^th and continue to sell her books until March 13^th in the Media Center. Paperbacks will be $6.00 and hardbacks will be $17.00. Please call the Media Center if you have any questions, 439-2042. Thank you.

Innisbrook Wrap: The Berry PTO would like to thank all of you for supporting Innisbrook Wrap throughout the year. You can still order for any wrapping/gift needs for Birthdays, Spring, Mother's Day, etc. by logging on to www.Innisbrook.com and our customer number is 122800. Product will be shipped directly to the address you designate and Berry will still receive 50% on most items! What a great way to continue to support our school!

Congratulations to the 2012 Boys’ Golf Team. The team will open their season on March 15 against Hewitt at Trussville Country Club.

Congratulations to the 2012 Girls’ Golf Team.

Congratulations to the 2012 Girls’ Tennis Team:

Congratulations to the 2012 Boys’ Tennis Team:

The tennis teams will open their season by playing Hewitt-Trussville at home on Wednesday, February 29.

Outdoor Track and Field Team will open its season on March 2nd at Hoover High School with the Middle School Open.

Congratulations to the 2012 Softball Team: Berry’s Lady Jags will open their season by participating in the Thompson Tournament on Friday, February 24^th and Saturday, February 25th.

Wrestling: If your son is interested in wrestling during the 2012 – 2013 school year, please e-mail Coach Swiderski at sswiderski@hoover.k12.al.us and stay tuned for information regarding summer workouts.

Spain Park High School Cheerleading Tryouts: Spain Park has had to make some adjustments regarding cheerleading tryouts, therefore, the dates for cheerleading clinic have been moved to March 26^th-29^th from 3:45-6:00 p.m. Tryouts will be on Friday, March 30^th, beginning at 3:45 p.m. There will be a required parent meeting on Thursday, February 23^rd , at 6:00 p.m. in the theater at Spain Park High School to discuss these changes in further detail. Anyone who did not attend the original parent meeting can attend and their child will be allowed to try out. Thank you!

Attention 8^th Grade Girls Interested in Playing Volleyball for Spain Park High School: Volleyball Tryouts will be held March 5 – 7 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Spain Park High School. You must have a current physical and updated consent to participate form. All forms are on the website www.sphsvolleyball.com under the link “Forms” If you have questions, please email Coach Paula Dill at pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Attention 6^th and 7^th Grade Girls Interested in Playing Middle School Volleyball: Spain Park will hold a volleyball clinic for middle school girls to help them get ready for middle school tryouts. The clinic will be held on Saturday, April 7, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Bring your own lunch. Cost is $60 per player. To register, go to www.sphsvolleyball.com If you have questions, please email Coach Paula Dill at pdill@hoover.k12.al.us

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

International baccalaureate

Hoover City Schools

January 2012

Dear HHS Class of 2016,

My name is Brad Coltrane, and I am the Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School.

The IB Diploma is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the most widely known and respected diploma in the world through the IB Program.

Some quick facts about Hoover’s IB Program:

Over the past ten years, Hoover IB students have achieved a Diploma pass rate and average IB scores above the worldwide average
Hoover IB students participate in extracurricular activities, athletics, community service and creative projects outside of the classroom
In 2011, IB seniors earned a combined $11.9 million in scholarship offers with an average total scholarship offer of over $500,000

Taking pre-IB courses next year does not obligate you to enter the IB Diploma Program, but these classes will help ensure that you are prepared for the IB Program while you decide if it is right for you. These courses emphasize critical reading and writing skills, and are excellent preparation for many courses you might choose in high school and beyond.

I’m enclosing a brochure about the IB Program along with answers to frequently asked questions on the back of this letter. I will be hosting an IB Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Hoover High School. I hope you and your parents will be able to attend and meet some of our current teachers, parents and students who can answer some of your questions about the program. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information or just want to let me know you are interested in IB. I am looking forward to seeing you next year in high school.

SAVE THE DATE!

IB OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, Feb 28th

6:30 PM HHS cafeteria

Sincerely,

Brad Coltrane

IB Coordinator

Hoover City Schools

bcoltrane@hoover.k12.al.us

Posted at 10:56 AM by Caver, Susan | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2/9/2012

February 9, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

February 9, 2012 Vol. 17, #519

The Berry MathCounts team will compete at the district tournament this Saturday, February 11, at Simmons, for a chance to go to the state tournament in March.

Congratulations to the Students of the Month for February.

Attention 8^th Grade Parents: Please visit the Counselor’s wiki for information on 8^th grade transition to SPHS and Academy applications http://bmscounselors.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us . Academy applications may be turned in to Mr. Aufdemorte or at your scheduled course selection appointment.

Hoover Service Club: 8^th graders, the Hoover Service Club is sponsoring awards to students demonstrating excellence in academics and citizenship. Interested students should see Mr. Aufdemorte for an application. Applications will be due Monday February 13, 2012.

Band News: The 7th and 8th grade band will practice after school this afternoon until 4:30.

The 7th and 8th grade band Pre-MPA Concert will be held Monday, February 13, at 7:00 p.m. at the Spain Park High School Theater. Call time for students is 6:15 p.m. in the SPHS Band Room.

Presidents’ Day Holiday: Schools and offices will be closed in observance of Presidents’ Day on Monday, February 20, unless needed as a make-up inclement weather day.

The International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the widely known and respected International Baccalaureate diploma. For more information about the International Baccalaureate Program, please see the attached letter at the end of the News Letter and visit the following web link. http://www2.hoover.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/academics/ib/Pages/Information.aspx

Parent Alert! Bulletin entitled Prescription for Danger: Unfortunately, a new study reveals the harsh reality associated with the trend of prescription drug abuse. According to a report released last month by the National Center for Health Statistics, drug poisonings related to prescription drug abuse is the leading cause of accidental deaths in the United States, topping automobile accidents for the first time in more than 30 years . The HCS Student Assistance Team felt this was a timely topic to help parents with awareness on how they can help their child be healthy and successful, and aware of the dangers associated with prescription drugs. No age is too young for parents to start talking to their child about this topic.

Media Center News: We are very excited to have Marion Blumenthal Lazan visit our school on the afternoon of March 13, 2012. Mrs. Lazan’s memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the years she and her family spent in fear during the years following Hitler's rise to power. Ms. Lazan, her brother and her parents were forced to live in refugee and prison camps. Although they survived the camps, her father died shortly after being freed and it would take three years before she, her mother and brother would be able to come to the United States. Her story is one of terrifying horror and hardship, but it is also is a story of triumph. She will share her story of courage, hope and the will to survive with our students when she speaks in March.

We will be selling her book, Four Perfect Pebbles, between February 27^th and March 13^th in the Media Center. Paperbacks will be $6.00 and hardbacks will be $17.00. We will send a note home with students about her visit and purchasing her book closer to her visit. Please call the Media Center if you have any questions, 439-2042. Thank you.

Parents: Please remember to contact your child’s grade level office (numbers are listed at the top of this newsletter) if your telephone numbers change. It is imperative that we be able to reach you in the event of an emergency concerning your child.

Girls Golf – Girls interested in trying out for the golf team should plan to take the rules test on Tuesday, February 14. Please have a ride by 4:30. Practice will be Thursday, February 16 at Altadena Valley. Girls need to be ready to play by 4:00. Please have ride by 5:30.

Wrestling: If your son is interested in wrestling during the 2012 – 2013 school year, please e-mail Coach Swiderski at sswiderski@hoover.k12.al.us and stay tuned for information regarding summer workouts.

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

International baccalaureate

Hoover City Schools

January 2012

Dear HHS Class of 2016,

My name is Brad Coltrane, and I am the Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School.

The IB Diploma is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the most widely known and respected diploma in the world through the IB Program.

Some quick facts about Hoover’s IB Program:

Over the past ten years, Hoover IB students have achieved a Diploma pass rate and average IB scores above the worldwide average
Hoover IB students participate in extracurricular activities, athletics, community service and creative projects outside of the classroom
In 2011, IB seniors earned a combined $11.9 million in scholarship offers with an average total scholarship offer of over $500,000

Taking pre-IB courses next year does not obligate you to enter the IB Diploma Program, but these classes will help ensure that you are prepared for the IB Program while you decide if it is right for you. These courses emphasize critical reading and writing skills, and are excellent preparation for many courses you might choose in high school and beyond.

I’m enclosing a brochure about the IB Program along with answers to frequently asked questions on the back of this letter. I will be hosting an IB Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Hoover High School. I hope you and your parents will be able to attend and meet some of our current teachers, parents and students who can answer some of your questions about the program. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information or just want to let me know you are interested in IB. I am looking forward to seeing you next year in high school.

SAVE THE DATE!

IB OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, Feb 28th

6:30 PM HHS cafeteria

Sincerely,

Brad Coltrane

IB Coordinator

Hoover City Schools

bcoltrane@hoover.k12.al.us

Posted at 2:35 PM by Caver, Susan | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

2/2/2012

February 2, 2012

6th Grade Office 439-2015 7^th Grade Office 439-2065 8th Grade Office 439-2064

Fax Number 439-2001

BERRY MIDDLE SCHOOL

PARENT NEWSLETTER

February 2, 2012 Vol. 17, #518

Open House: You are invited to Berry’s open house on Tuesday, February 7^th from 7:00 – 8:30 p.m. in the gym.

Progress Reports will go home February 7^th.

Attention 8^th Grade Parents: Please visit the following link to the Counselors web page for information on the 8^th grade transition to Spain Park High School. http://bmscounselors.wiki.hoover.k12.al.us

Reminder: When your child is absent from school, please be sure to send a note, explaining the absence, to your child’s grade level office the day they return to school. Thank you.

SCOLIOSIS SCREENING: The school nurse, with the assistance of Children’s Hospital Scoliosis School Screening Program, will be conducting a free screening to detect adolescent scoliosis on February 9, 2012. This is done in accordance with Alabama Law, Section 16-29-1, Code Alabama, 1975.

The screening, which takes about one minute, is simple and not embarrassing. It involves a visual examination of the back while standing straight and while bending over. Males and females will be screened separately. Scoliosis is a twisting, or curve of the spine which occurs in about 10% of the adolescent population and about 2 ½ % will require some type of medical attention. The first sign of scoliosis is usually noticed between the ages of 10 and 14. If any symptoms are detected for your child, you will be notified by letter.

Please make sure your child wears a slip-on shirt or blouse on the screening day. For females, tanks or camisole will not have to be removed.

If your child is receiving medical care for a spinal deformity from a physician, please contact the school nurse, Kelly Ferrell, kferrell@hoover.k12.al.us to request your child be exempt from the screening.

Hoover Service Club: 8^th graders, the Hoover Service Club is sponsoring awards to students demonstrating excellence in academics and citizenship. Interested students should see Mr. Aufdemorte for an application. Applications will be due Monday February 13, 2012.

The International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the widely known and respected International Baccalaureate diploma. For more information about the International Baccalaureate Program, please see the attached letter at the end of the News Letter and visit the following web link. http://www2.hoover.k12.al.us/schools/hhs/academics/ib/Pages/Information.aspx

Lost and Found: If your student has lost items while at school, please encourage them to look in the lost and found areas. There are a number of items in the first floor lost and found near the lunchroom and also on the 3^rd floor in the lobby.

Parent Reminders:

Carpool drop off/ pick up: Cars will load and unload along the designated area at the curb. Car pool will move in a more efficient manner if students load/unload several cars at a time. Students are not allowed to walk to a parked car without an adult escort. (p. 10 handbook; Pick-up/Drop off of students)

Students may walk to SPHS if they are 1) participating in athletics or some other extracurricular activity with a sponsor or coach that will verify their involvement and 2) if the parent/guardian is working or volunteering on any given day. A note or email will be needed to request walking. Students are not allowed to walk to SPHS for the purpose of getting a ride. However, the ride at SPHS may pick up the student in carpool at Berry.

Media Center News: We are very excited to have Marion Blumenthal Lazan visit our school on the afternoon of March 13, 2012. Mrs. Lazan’s memoir, Four Perfect Pebbles, recalls the years she and her family spent in fear during the years following Hitler's rise to power. Ms. Lazan, her brother and her parents were forced to live in refugee and prison camps. Although they survived the camps, her father died shortly after being freed and it would take three years before she, her mother and brother would be able to come to the United States. Her story is one of terrifying horror and hardship, but it is also is a story of triumph. She will share her story of courage, hope and the will to survive with our students when she speaks in March.

We will be selling her book, Four Perfect Pebbles, between February 27^th and March 13^th in the Media Center. Paperbacks will be $6.00 and hardbacks will be $17.00. We will send a note home with students about her visit and purchasing her book closer to her visit. Please call the Media Center if you have any questions, 439-2042. Thank you.

Boys’ Basketball: The Jags will participate in the Metro South Tournament January 31 – February 3; 7^th grade plays at Berry and 8^th grade plays at Pizitz.

Girls’ Basketball: The Lady Jags will participate in the Metro South Tournament January 31 – February 3; 7^th grade plays at Homewood and 8^th grade plays at Liberty Park.

Golf: Any 7^th or 8^th grade boy or girl wishing to try out for Berry’s golf teams needs to attend a parent meeting on February 7^th in the lunchroom at 6:23 p.m. (This is the night of Berry’s open house) For more information, contact Coach Shelnutt (Boys) Sshelnut@hoover.k12.al.us or Coach Clark (Girls) liclark@hoover.k12.al.us

Dance Team: There will be a mandatory parent meeting on Monday, February 6^th, for all 6th and 7th grade girls interested in trying out for dance team. The meeting will be held in the cafeteria and will start at 6:00 p.m. Remember – a parent must attend the meeting with you.

Dance Team tryouts for the 2012-2013 school year will be held February 27^th – March 1^st from 3:30 until 5:15 with tryouts on Friday, March 2^nd. Any student wishing to tryout must have a current physical to attend the first day of clinic, February 27th.

Tennis Tryouts will begin for 7^th and 8^th grade girls and boys on Monday February 6^th from 3:15 – 5:15. Please make sure you are signed up with Coach Bowden and also have an updated (within one calendar year) physical and consent. Tryouts should last for 3 to 4 days. Please let Coach Bowden know if you have any questions.

Notice of Nondiscrimination for all Mass-Distributed Publications

Effective June 2011

EQUAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

(Board policy, 6.6) No student will be unlawfully excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or subjected to discrimination in any program or activity offered or sponsored by the Board on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, disability, creed, national origin, sex, immigrant or migrant status, non-English speaking ability, or homeless status. All career and technical education opportunities are offered to all students regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, or disability.

Dr. Barbara Mayer, IDEA Coordinator Hoover City Schools

Dr. Tara Ferguson, Section 504 Coordinator 2810 Metropolitan Way

Dr. Deborah Camp, Title II Coordinator Hoover, AL 35243

Dr. Barbara Mayer, Title III Coordinator (205) 439-1000

Carol Barber, Title IX Coordinator

International baccalaureate

Hoover City Schools

January 2012

Dear HHS Class of 2016,

My name is Brad Coltrane, and I am the Coordinator for the International Baccalaureate Program at Hoover High School.

The IB Diploma is a distinct and challenging curriculum that is offered in only ten other schools in Alabama. Students in Hoover have the opportunity to earn the most widely known and respected diploma in the world through the IB Program.

Some quick facts about Hoover’s IB Program:

Over the past ten years, Hoover IB students have achieved a Diploma pass rate and average IB scores above the worldwide average

Hoover IB students participate in extracurricular activities, athletics, community service and creative projects outside of the classroom

In 2011, IB seniors earned a combined $11.9 million in scholarship offers with an average total scholarship offer of over $500,000

Taking pre-IB courses next year does not obligate you to enter the IB Diploma Program, but these classes will help ensure that you are prepared for the IB Program while you decide if it is right for you. These courses emphasize critical reading and writing skills, and are excellent preparation for many courses you might choose in high school and beyond.

I’m enclosing a brochure about the IB Program along with answers to frequently asked questions on the back of this letter. I will be hosting an IB Open House on Tuesday, Feb. 28 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Hoover High School. I hope you and your parents will be able to attend and meet some of our current teachers, parents and students who can answer some of your questions about the program. Please feel free to contact me if you would like more information or just want to let me know you are interested in IB. I am looking forward to seeing you next year in high school.

SAVE THE DATE!

IB OPEN HOUSE

Tuesday, Feb 28th

6:30 PM HHS cafeteria

Sincerely,

Brad Coltrane

IB Coordinator

Hoover City Schools

bcoltrane@hoover.k12.al.us

Posted at 9:23 AM by Caver, Susan | Permalink | Email this Post | Comments (0)

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