Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Boosterthon Update

Parents,
Thank you so much for participating in this year's Boosterthon Fun Run for Paine Intermediate! If your child has turned in all of his pledged donations, thank you. All checks can be made payable to Paine Intermediate. Our goal is to collect all pledges by Friday. We anticipate making approximately $34,000 that will be used to build a new playground for students. Again, thank you for your support.


Monday, April 29, 2013

Important Information Regarding Digital Devices During Testing


                                                                                                April 29, 2013

Dear Parents,

Next week our students will be taking the ARMT+, the Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test.  We will begin testing promptly at 8:30 each morning. Testing dates are as follows:

·       Monday, May 6 – ARMT+ Reading
·       Tuesday, May 7 – ARMT+ Reading
·       Wednesday, May 8  – ARMT+ Math
·       Thursday, May 9 – ARMT+ Math
·       Monday, May 13 – ARMT+ Science (5th grade only)

Please take note of the Digital Device Policy from the State of Alabama that applies to standardized testing.

The possession of a digital device (including but not limited to cell phones, MP3 players, cameras, or other telecommunication devices capable of capturing or relaying information) is strictly prohibited during the administration of a secure test.  If a student is observed in possession of a digital device during the administration of a secure test then the device will be confiscated.

If a student is observed using a digital device during the administration of a secure test, testing for the student will cease, the device will be confiscated and is subject to search, the student will be dismissed from testing, and the student’s test will be invalidated.

We encourage our students not to bring digital devices to school during the week of testing, but we also understand that many of our students rely on these devices to read books and for communicating with parents before or after school hours.  If your child needs to bring a digital device to school, they must turn the device in to their teacher each morning.  The teacher will place the device in a bin and it will be removed from the classroom during testing.  The device will be kept in a secure place and will be returned to the student after testing concludes for the day.  If the device is in the classroom during testing, it will be confiscated.  Please discuss this state policy with your children and have them leave all digital devices at home during testing if possible.

We are looking forward to a great week of testing.  If you have any questions, please let us know.

Sincerely,

Christy Naylor                                                             Lauren Blake
3rd Grade Counselor                                                   4th and 5th Grade Counselor
(205) 228-3221                                                           (205) 228-3387

Internet Safety Meeting Information

Copy the link below and paste it in your browser bar for information that was handed out to parents at our recent Internet safety meetings.


https://www.trussvillecityschools.com/Staff/Beth.Bruno/Lists/TCSAnnouncements/Attachments/154/Tech%20Safety%20Parent%20Meeting%20Handout%20April%202013.pdf

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Course Selection Night at HTMS


Upcoming 6th grade students and parents are invited to Course Selection Night on Tuesday, April 30, at 6:00 in the HTMS auditorium.  This is an opportunity for parents and students to learn more about core content classes and electives offered to 6th grade students.

Week of April 29




Date
Day
Event

Mon, April 29
B Day
Dismissal @ 2:00 

Tues, April 30
C Day
Happy Birthday, Lydia Smith!

Wed, May 1
D Day


Thurs, May 2
E Day
Third Grade to BJCC and RR Park
5th Gr Yellow Hall to American Village

Fri, May 3
F Day

Sat, May 4
Sun, May 5



Upcoming Events
May 6-9, 13     ARMT
May 13 - 17     Teacher Appreciation Week

Boosterthon Update

Students and staff enjoyed a beautiful Fun Run day at Faith Community Fellowship on Friday.  The day began with students walking through the pines from Paine Intermediate to Faith Community Fellowship.  A path had been cleared by parent Leigh Bennett of Southern Outdoors.  Faith Community Fellowship went above and beyond, sharing their beautiful lawn, refreshments, water, and their staff throughout the day.  They even built a bridge for students to cross a small ditch between properties!  We appreciate our community supporting our school and students in so many generous ways.  We want to offer special thanks to our PTO volunteers, Amerex Corporation, Leigh Bennett of Southern Outdoors, and Carlos Flores, David Graveman, Shane McBride and volunteers from Faith Community Fellowship.





Thursday, April 25, 2013

PI Students Donate Over 5,000 Books


Thank you to the students of Paine Intermediate for donating over 5,000 books to boys and girls in Birmingham who do not have books of their own.  Many thanks to our staff for organizing and transporting the books to Brookwood Mall for distribution.  



Registration for 13-14


Returning student registration begins May 15, 2013. This includes new third graders from Paine Primary.  Parents may send registration through their student May 15 - May 24 during school, or it may be turned in to the school office Monday - Thursday, 9:00 -3:00. 


Parents may send the principal helpful information regarding their child's placement for the upcoming school year.  Please do not request a particular teacher.  Parents may have special circumstances that they wish to share with the principal before classes have been established.  


New student registration begins June 10, 2013, Monday-Thursday 9-3.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

GaTE Celebrates a Successful Marketplace

GaTE students have been celebrating their success as Marketplace entrepreneurs with ice cream parties.  The profits from Marketplace are used to purchase materials and supplies needed for Gate.  Additionally, GaTE students also voted to give $300 of their profits to the new playground fund and a donation to DIG, a nonprofit organization that helps start up gardening projects in Africa. GaTE teachers are Sue Koch and Niki Lincoln.


Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Boosterthon Update

Thank you for the many Boosterthon pledges and playground donations.  We appreciate all of the support we have received as we attempt to raise funds to build a new playground.  Fundraising isn't our favorite activity either.  It isn't why any of the staff at Paine Intermediate became teachers, but it has become a necessary part of our jobs.  I apologize if our excitement or ambition to raise funds has offended anyone.  We certainly do not want to make any student feel badly if they are unable to donate.  We do want the Boosterthon Fun Run to be a fun, team-building activity for our students and staff.  If you are able, join us on Friday for the Fun Run.  We guarantee the day to be enjoyable!



Make Reading a Habit at Home



Research shows that children who read books for just 20 minutes a day perform better
in school. Here are some great ways to get your child reading!

1. Set aside a reading time. Pick a reading time that is good for everyone. It might be
before bedtime or even after homework.

2. Pick a reading place. It is important that everyone is comfortable so they can enjoy
the book. Try reading in the living room, or maybe the dinner table works best.

3. Read together. One person can read the book, or people can take turns.

4. Involve and engage listeners. Before you read, point to the book’s title, author, and
illustrator. Ask listeners, “What do they think the story is going to be about?” As you
read, you can ask your family members what they think will happen next. And be sure
to engage listeners with exciting voices!

5. Fill your home with reading materials. Place books, magazines, newspapers, cookbooks,
and more throughout the house so your child is surrounded by things to read.

6. Get caught reading yourself. When your child sees you read, she will be inspired to read.

7. Older siblings read to younger siblings. By reading to a younger sibling, the reader will gain
confidence.

8. Start seasonal traditions. Pick a book to read every year when your child goes back to school.
You can also read the same special book during a holiday.

9. Keep favorite books around. It can be comforting for a new reader to build confidence
and fluency by practicing when re-reading a favorite book.

Monday, April 22, 2013

Science Olympiad Team Celebrates a Successful Year

Science Olympiad Team members celebrated their successful season on Monday at a party given by sponsors, Niki Lincoln and Sue Koch.  The team came in 8th place overall after competing at Jacksonville High School in February.  


Saturday, April 20, 2013

Boosterthon Information

Parents, if you have not yet made a pledge for the Paine Intermediate Boosterthon Fun Run, will you please consider doing so this weekend?  As a school, we will be running to raise $30,000 to build a new playground  this summer.  With almost 1,000 students, we need additional space for our students to play during recess and physical education classes.  This play space will have a solid surface, two slides, a bridge, a climbing space and more.  Help us make this dream come true.  

You are invited to join us on Friday, April 26, to cheer our boys and girls as they run to raise money for our playground.  Remember, our Fun Run will be next door at Faith Community Fellowship.  Times are:

5th Grade     9:00

4th Grade     10:30

3rd Grade      1:00  

Thank you in advance for your support!




You are Invited . . .


Does your child have an iPad?  An iPod?  A cell phone?  A Wii?  If so, you don't want to miss this meeting!  Parents and community members are invited to an Internet safety program on Thursday, April 25, at 6:00 P.M. in the Paine Intermediate amphitheatre.  

Sergeant Carl Carpenter of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with our school Internet Safety Committee, will address parents about measures they can take to protect their children online. Information will be shared about apps like Instagram, and how to monitor a child’s electronic devices. We will share filters and restrictions that can be placed on these devices.

We hope to see you on Thursday, April 25, at 6:00 P.M. in our amphitheatre.




Week of April 22



Date
Day
Event

Mon, April 22
G Day
Dismissal @ 2:00 

Tues, April 23
H Day
Happy Birthday, Kelly Rush!

Wed, April 24
A Day
Secretaries Day

Thurs, April 25

Club Day
Blue Hall to American Village 8:15-2:30
Internet Safety Meeting for Parents 6:00

Fri, April 26

Boosterthon Fun Run (9:00, 10:30, 1:00)
Friday Freeze

Sat, April 27
Happy Birthday, Nancy Camara!

Sun, April 28



Upcoming Events
April 29            Dismissal @ 2:00
May 2              Third Grade to BJCC and RR Park / Yellow Hall to American Village
May 6-9, 13     ARMT

Clean Up Trussville Day

Paine Intermediate students joined the community on Saturday morning to clean up Trussville.




Thursday, April 18, 2013

FOX 6 to Air Paine Intermediate Story Tonight!

Sarah Verser will present her feature story on Paine Intermediate's bullying protest march TONIGHT (Thursday, April 18) at 5:00 on the What's Right with Our Schools segment of the news.   

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

PI on FOX 6 News Tonight at 5:00


Parents - The feature about Paine Intermediate will not air tonight due to the coverage about the Boston Marathon.  The story will run on April 24 on Fox 6 News at 5:00.


Paine Intermediate had an “anti-bully” march on Friday, April 5.  It was filmed by Fox 6, and snippets were shown on the news that night.  The photographer was impressed, so he contacted the reporter, Sarah Verser, who came out on Monday to do a story on the protest march and the 4th grade study of the Civil Rights Movement in Alabama.  The story will air on the 5:00 P.M. Fox 6 News tonight and then again between 6:00 and 7:00 A.M. on Wednesday morning.


Sunday, April 14, 2013

Internet Safety Meeting April 25


On March 26, Paine Intermediate staff members, along with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, presented an Internet safety program for parents and community members.  Because of the positive response, we are offering that same meeting on April 25 at 6:00 P.M. in the Paine Intermediate amphitheatre.  

Our young students are posting pictures of themselves on Instagram accounts that are open for anyone to view. We have had pictures taken of whole classrooms of students and posted on Instagram without permission from the subjects of those pictures. Sometimes the students in the pictures/videos are working in their classrooms and do not realize that a picture or video of them is being taken. Then, that picture is posted on Instagram with a mean or snide comment.

Sergeant Carl Carpenter of the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department, in conjunction with our school Internet Safety Committee, will address parents about measures they can take to protect their children online. Information will be shared about apps like Instagram, and how to monitor a child’s electronic devices. We are going to share filters and restrictions that can be placed on these devices as well.

Sergeant Carpenter expressed his appreciation at the opportunity to address parents.  He stated that he presently had six cases on his desk that were similar to the issues that we have noticed.  It is a growing problem.

We hope to see you on Thursday, April 25, at 6:00 P.M. in our amphitheatre.  

Friday, April 12, 2013

Thursday, April 11, 2013

Week of April 15




Date
Day
Event
Mon, April 15
B Day
Dismissal @ 2:00 
Happy Birthday, Jane Sulser!

Tues, April 16
C Day
Boosterthon Student Pep Rally @ 2:00 Outdoor Courtyard

Wed, April 17
D Day
4th Grade Vision Screening

Thurs, April 18
E Day

Fri, April 19
F Day
Happy Birthday, Tamra Higginbotham!

Sat, April 20
Trussville Clean Up Day

Sun, April 21

Happy Birthday, Lauren Long!

Upcoming Events
April 24           Secretaries Day
April 25           Club Day
April 26           Boosterthon Fun Run





March Students of the Month

Third Grade

Fourth Grade

Fifth Grade

Safety Patrol Information

Fifth grade students wishing to sign up for safety patrol for the remainder of the school year may do so by visiting Mrs. Blake’s website, clicking on the school bus in the upper right corner of the page, and completing the form.  Students wishing to be considered for safety patrol must complete the online form by Tuesday, April 16th.  If you would like more information about safety patrol, visit the Safety Patrol webpage on Mrs. Blake’s site.  The link for the page is on the left toolbar at the bottom.  If you have any questions regarding Safety Patrol, please contact Mrs. Blake, 4th and 5th grade counselor, at lauren.blake@trussvillecityschools.com or (205) 228-3387.

Early Dismissal Today at 1:00

Due to the possibility of threatening weather conditions, students and staff will be dismissed today at 1:00.  When the school is notified of the early dismissal, students are allowed to call parents, and each teacher emails her parent list.  The system sends out a mass email and a phone message.  We realize this causes challenges, especially for working parents, but we appreciate our parents responding quickly to ensure the safety of all.  


Trussville After School Care, YMCA, and the Methodist Church will not remain open after school and will not pick up students today.  



Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Morning Bell Schedule

Starting tomorrow, we will pilot a new bell system.  The first bell will ring each morning at 7:45.  This is our signal that students are being dismissed to class.  The second bell will ring at 7:55 to alert students and staff that it is nearing 8:00.  The bell that rings at 8:00 is the official tardy bell.  Classes begin promptly at 8:00, so please make sure your student arrives on campus in time to get to class by 8:00. Students may be dropped off in the car line as early as 7:20 A.M.

Boosterthon Update


Boosterthon Fun Run - Friday, April 26

We will walk through the pine trees over to Faith Community Fellowship for the Fun Run.  Starting times for each run are:
9:00          Fifth Grade
10:30       Fourth Grade
1:00         Third Grade

Please plan on coming to the Fun Run to cheer your child!  We will have plenty of parking at Faith Community Fellowship.  Students will enjoy popsicles under the pine trees as students travel back to our school.  

Thank you for your willingness to make this year’s program a huge success! With your support, we are going to build a fantastic new playground that will last our students for years to come!  

Monday, April 8, 2013

Week of April 8




Date
Day
Event
Sun, April 7

Happy Birthday, Monica Bramlett!

Mon, April 8
F Day
PTO Meeting at PI @ 10:00
Dismissal @ 2:00 
Happy Birthday, Danna Woodard!

Tues, April 9
G Day
Happy Birthday, Sara Wessel!

Wed, April 10
H Day
GaTE Field Trip to McWane

Thurs, April 11
A Day
Happy Birthday, Shirley Parsons!

Fri, April 12
B Day
Sat, April 13
Happy Birthday, Tracy Bingham!

Sun, April 14



Upcoming Events
April 8-19  Global Scholar Math Testing
April 9-19  PI Book Drive
April 16  Boosterthon Student Pep Rally @ 2:00 and Teacher Pep Rally @ 3:00