All A’s Reward Trip
Students making all A’s during the first nine weeks were rewarded with a trip to Riverbanks Zoo on November 7. The trip was coordinated by Mrs. Lynn Neisler. The trip was a good opportunity for students to learn about animals and their habitats and see the newest additions to the zoo. Mrs. Neisler noted, "It is important for students to experience the benefits of hard work and commitment to excel in school."
Hawks celebrate Red Ribbon Week and Spirit Week: October 20-24
During the week of October 20 - 24, New Heights celebrated Spirit Week in support of the Hawks football team. Students spent the week showing their school spirit by displaying their favorite hats, hair styles, socks, jerseys and participating in the pep rally on Thursday afternoon. The week included the “Say No to Drugs” campaign. Everyone joined together to express the desire to increase awareness of the dangers associated with drug use and involvement in gang-related activities. Jarrett Miller, Student Body President, conducted an interview with Sheriff Sam Parker which aired in all classrooms on Monday afternoon. Sheriff Parker shared tips for avoiding drugs and gang activity. Students learned the signs to look for when they think someone may be using drugs or may be involved in a gang. Sheriff Parker also explained the steps being taken by the Chesterfield County Sheriff’s Department to help keep our communities safe. 6th grader, Mayren Resendiz, won the “Say No to Drugs” Poster Contest.
Cool School Field Trip
190 students from New Heights traveled to the Bobcats Arena in Charlotte, NC, on October 16, where they watched the Bobcats take on the Orlando Magic. The Charlotte Bobcats hosted the Fourth Annual Cool School Field Trip, A Read to Achieve Celebration. This event was presented by Harris Teeter and Co-sponsored by Kraft. This annual event is part of the Bobcats Excellence in Education Initiative that supports the NBA's Read to Achieve program. Grades six through eight are eligible to participate with selection criteria including academic scores and good behavior.
Wal-Mart selects Aldrich as Teacher of the Year
On Friday, October 10, Tiffany Aldrich was recognized as Teacher of the Year by Mr. Steve Austen, Human Resource Director for Wal-Mart Distribution Center. Wal-Mart awarded a $1,000 grant to New Heights Middle. Mrs. Aldrich received a $100 gift card to be used for purchasing supplies for her Science class and a personal gift card. We would like to thank Mrs. Aldrich for her commitment to serving the students in our school. We would also like to thank Wal-Mart Distribution Center for supporting our efforts to educate the future workers and leaders of our communities.
Sandhills Volunteer Fire Department sponsors Activities at New Heights
In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, the Sandhills Volunteer Fire Department spent the day at New Heights conducting fire safety and prevention sessions for students in grades 6-8 on Thursday, October 9. Students had a chance to meet and talk with our local volunteer firefighters, learning safety tips, prevention strategies and how to design a family escape plan. In addition to learning about the skills and responsibilities involved in being a firefighter, students had a chance to learn about jobs that are available through law enforcement with the SC Forestry Commission.
New Heights Middle All Stars Program Graduation - First 9 Weeks
New Heights Middle School hosted a graduation ceremony for 52 sixth grade students that have completed the All Stars program in their health education class. This was the first graduation for the 2008-2009 school year and the 6th year the program has been implemented at the school.
The All Stars program prevents alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use, reduces bullying and fighting, and postpones sexual activity by addressing five content areas: (1) building idealism and a belief in the future, (2) establishing positive norms, (3) establishing personal commitments to avoid risky behaviors, (4) promoting bonding to school, and (5) promoting positive parental attentiveness. The health education teacher, Mr. Walt Bray, is responsible for the successful implementation of the curriculum with the help of the Chesterfield County School District Prevention Specialist, Beverly Kirkley. Both are certified facilitators for the All Stars curriculum and have done an excellent job with the students.
The ceremony was held on October 2, 2008 at 6:00 pm in the cafeteria. Twenty-five parents came and supported the students in their accomplishments. Principal Larry Stinson was the guest speaker for this first graduation and select student speakers had an opportunity to share their experience in All Stars. The graduates were recognized and presented with their commitment certificates. Refreshments were served.
The All Stars program is recognized as a model program by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and as a promising program by the US Department of Education. It is supported and funded by the Chesterfield County Coordinating Council Youth Development Coalition. For more information regarding the Youth Development Coalition, please contact Meagan Ard, CCCC Prevention Specialist, at 843-623-5265 or ccccmard@shtc.net. Shown below, Gavin Bush shares his All Stars experience during the graduation ceremony.
Excellent Attendance at New Heights’ PTO Meeting
New Heights welcomed 133 parents to the PTO Parent Night program, “Tools Parents Can Use”, on September 30. The format for the event consisted of a general session, three break-out sessions and a meal. At the conclusion of the evening, parents were asked to complete an evaluation form giving their comments and suggestions regarding the event. 90% replied they liked the new format and the information will be helpful as they try to help their child become more successful in school. 95% of the parents replied they would be willing to invite other middle school parents to attend the next PTO meeting. The New Heights Cheerleaders assisted with parent registration and worked with grade-level teachers to escort parents to the sessions. Supervision for the younger children (grade 5 and under) was provided by students from the Early Childhood Education Program at Central High School, allowing the students to earn community service credit toward the high school program requirements. The next PTO Parent Night has been scheduled for January 15.
New Heights Participates in “See You at the Pole”
On Wednesday, September 24, 2008, students and faculty joined together outside the school at 7:30 a.m. in recognition of the “National See You at the Pole Rally”. The national event began several years ago as a student-led activity to embrace the opportunity to acknowledge God in praise, song and prayer and seek God’s guidance and protection over everyone who enters the halls of learning. Each year, students and faculty across the Nation are invited to participate in a rally at their local school. Participation is voluntary. This year, the “See you at the Pole Rally” held at New Heights was led by the principal and supported by students and faculty.
New Heights Middle Recognizes Liberty Day
On September 17, 2008, the Liberty Day recognition began with a recitation by 8th grade student, Johnathan Miller, during morning announcements. Following the explanation of Liberty Day, Johnathan led the school in the Pledge of Allegiance. Activities were led by teachers to incorporate the observance of Liberty Day in their classrooms. This event was organized by the Social Studies Department.
Liberty Day: Recited by Johnathan Miller
The purpose of Liberty Day is to educate Americans about the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution. There are many documents in our government which support our ideals of freedom (liberty). One of the publications is the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag of the United States. When we pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States, we promise to be faithful and true to the flag, the emblem that stands for and represents the United States. We promise our loyalty to the Government, a Republic.
We promise our loyalty to the Government that unites us all. Recognizing that we are ONE nation under God, that we can not or should not be divided or alone, and understanding the right to Liberty and Justice belong to ALL of us. Just as the flag represents 50 individual states that can not be divided or separated, this Nation represents millions of people who can not be separated or divided.
We promise that each person is entitled to be treated justly, fairly, and according to proper laws and principles. We agree that these principles are afforded to EVERY AMERICAN, regardless of race, religion, color, creed, or any other criteria.
New Heights Hawks Kickoff the Football Season with a Win!
NHMS vs. Camden
NEW HEIGHTS CHEERLEADING CAMP
On August 11th-13th the Hawks Cheerleaders held a cheerleading camp. Kenseisha Wadsworth, former cheerleader from Central High, was in charge of the camp.
Leading the Hawks cheerleaders will be: Captain: Kayelia Hough (8th grade) and Co-Captain: Kylie Crawford (7th grade) The coach for the team is Mrs. Marilyn McFarlan, Parent Educator at NHMS.
Captain Kayelia stated that "This year's camp was awesome and I loved being part of this team and all the girls". Co-Captain Kylie wants to thank Mrs. McFarlan and Miss Wadsworth for all their hard work and dedication in making the camp so great.
NEW HEIGHTS 6TH GRADE ORIENTATION HAD RECORD ATTENDANCE - 320+
August 12th from 6:00-9:00 all the 6th graders and their parents were invited to an orientation night. Parents and students arrived, signed in and were given a card to have punched in each class that they attended. The program began in the cafeteria with an introduction and instructions on how the evening would go. Each student had his or her "schedule" and they moved through 5 different sessions of their core classes. Each teacher had prepared materials for the parents and students that included rules, dress codes, ID badges, Media releases, Internet Permissions, bus schedules, school agendas, etc. They let the parents know what would be expected of students for homework and class work and how the schedule would go for each student's day. After each session, cards were punched and at the end of all sessions, parents and students returned to the cafeteria for a hamburger supper and the announcement of the winners of the door prizes. The attendance was very good and parents and students felt that this was a very useful event.
New Heights Staff Retreat
August 6-8, 2008
Under the leadership of Mr. Stinson and Mr. Brantley, the faculty and staff at New Heights attended their first school retreat. Through team building activities and instructional sessions, staff members learned strategies for transforming individual strengths and abilities into effective classroom teaching tools. Learning more about each other helps build a stronger team of educators who are willing to work together to meet the needs of students, parents and the community.
2008 Camp Success: Amazing Automation
Sponsored by Northeastern Technical College and Silver Crescent Foundation
Brittany Hubbell and Troy Hatcher from New Heights attended the 2008 Camp Success: Amazing Automation, sponsored by Northeastern Technical College and the Silver Crescent Foundation, July 27 – August 1. During the week-long camp, the students participated in classroom sessions at NETC, led by college faculty. They designed houses in CAD (Computer Assisted Drafting), dog tags in Machine Tool, widgets in Electronics and learned about computer networking and programming. Using the SIM MAN technology in the health science lab, the students listened to different respiratory sounds and learned how to take a pulse. INA, USA was the site for the industry tour where the students learned more about automation, robotics, the different types of jobs available and the skills needed for on-the-job success. On the NETC campus, Crown, Cork and Seal provided a presentation for students to learn the processes involved in aluminum can production. The campers learned the importance of educational and career planning and learned how to use a CRS (classroom response system). Through team-building activities, the students learned the importance of job skills such as team work, communication, responsibility and dependability. Each team developed a power point presentation, a PSA (public service announcement) and a mini commercial of their PSA. Group projects were presented to parents and guests at the end of the week. Local contributors: Pepsi Cola Bottling Co., Pizza Hut, Subway, Wendy’s of Cheraw, Fatz Café, Brock Enterprises, INA, Crown, Cork & Seal, MyFM 93.9 and The Link. Camp counselors: Gerald Sellers and David Morgan; Camp coordinator: Karen Brock.
CAD Electronics Machine Tool
Tour at INA Trust Fall
NEW HEIGHTS REWARD PARTY
Each nine weeks, NHMS has a "Party with a purpose" for the students who have good behavior each nine weeks . This reward program is for those students who have no discipline referrals or detentions for the nine weeks.
