Black History Celebration 2019

Our culminating Black History Assembly on the last day of Black History Month, February 28, was a time of reflection as our students showcased their talents and celebrated heritage and diversity with the school body and several members of the community.

The celebration began with Mrs. Amanda Gordon, our Art Teacher and A+ Magnet Coordinator who also served as the Black History Chairperson, welcomed guests and introduced this year's Master of Ceremonies, 5th grader Zaree Fulwood, who has been a leader among the student body with her involvement in Art Honors, Dance Honors, All-County Chorus and Dance, Art Club, the Recycling Team, and more.  After the pledge of allegiance, retired Speech/Language Pathologist Mrs. Susan Ingram, led the audience in the Negro National Anthem, "Lift Every Voice and Sing."  Throughout the celebration, Band and Music teacher, Mr. Rick Sigler, led the audience in three other songs including "Common Ground," "Get on Board," and "I've Got Rhythm."

Our keynote speaker this year was local minister and pastor, Mr. Harvey Smallwood Sr.  He shared many details of his life, including the fact that he was raised by several aunts and grandparents after the passing of his parents.  He shared how he grew up not having very much money and worked hard to finally get a job, meet his wife, have and support a family and owe his own business today.  He encouraged students to work hard, stay in school, ask for help when they need it, and be able to tell a similar success story when they become adults.

The Celebration continued with 3rd grade band students performing with Mr. Sigler in an African Drumming Circle and select members of Art Club, (Zaree, Imari, Alyssa and Laureyan,) leading the audience in an original Spoken Word piece written by Mrs. Gordon, "Standing Together Forever."

The performance by 4th & 5th grade Dance Honors was a deep and symbolic original choreographed piece by Dance Teacher and Arts Team Chairperson, Mrs. Amanda Nelson.  The piece used costumes, chairs, and stylized movement to symbolically tell the story of Rosa Parks' Historical Bus Boycott.  It was a piece that showed separation and racism in the beginning but ended with a celebration of unity and celebration of diversity.  This piece will also be performed by the group for the Student Choreography Showcase in the Spring.

Another special detail of this year's Black History Program was a guest performance by Reynolds High School Jazz Band under the direction of Mr. Jonathan Hamiel.  The band performed "Blue Trane" by John Coltrane and "So What" by Miles Davis.  Our 4th & 5th grade Band Honors students joined them in performing their last song, "Chameleon" by Herbie Hancock.

The celebration ended with M.C. Zaree Fulwood challenging the audience to remember the messages they heard throughout the month that encouraged everyone to come together as one, work together, and end racism and prejudice.  Principal Mr. Ted Burcaw echoed her charge as he closed the program by thanking guests, parents, students, and teachers.

To read the WSFCS Blog Story about our celebration, visit this link: https://bit.ly/2VZtBex
To see photos by the WSFCS Photographer, click here:  https://bit.ly/2HgoAdU
To see our photos from the event, check out this: https://bit.ly/2SWzVBz

National Magnet Schools Month 2019

National Magnet Schools of America declared February as National Magnet Schools Month.  The purpose was to continue to promote the Magnet Schools Program, make sure all students, parents and community members were aware of our Magnet Program, and celebrate the theme with the staff and students.

Each week of the month had a different focus to promote the school's magnet theme.
Week 1 was all about "Awareness," a time for promoting the Magnet Program through communicating to parents, staying active on Social Media, and being visible to the community.  We even held a Twitter party that allowed teachers or anyone else following us on Twitter to respond to questions or prompts and engage in a discussion about our Arts Integration and Performance Magnet School.

Week 2 focused on "Screaming the Theme," and we celebrated with a "Magnet Spirit Week."  For Spirit Week, staff and students were encouraged to dress up according to the following themes:

Day 1: Afrocentric Attire in Honor of Black History Month

Day 2:  Dress Like a Dancer 

 Day 3:  Dress Like An Artist or Musician

Day 4:  Dress in Red to Show Love for Your Magnet School

Day 5: Tiger Pride Day: Wear Orange

 Week 3 of National Magnet School Month was "Visitors' Week," a time for inviting parents and members of the community into the school.  Throughout the month, we invited visitors into the school for a WSFCS District Magnet Coordinators' meeting, Family Math Night, and a student performance.  

Mrs. Gordon, Our Magnet Coordinator, presented to the WSFCS Magnet Coordinators about using Social Media to help market the Magnet Program.

 Students and parents learned together and had fun while learning during Math Night Activities.

The final week of National Magnet Schools Month was focused on showing appreciation for those who make our Magnet Program possible such as the WSFCS Magnet Program Manager, our own Magnet Coordinator, the Arts Team, and Administration.  

Thank you for all you do Dr. Forney!

Our A+ & Magnet Coordinator, Art Teacher, Amanda Gordon

The Arts Team:  

Mrs. Amanda Gordon, Mrs. Amanda Nelson, Mr. Rick Sigler, Mrs. Lisa Morris

Art, Dance, Band, Orchestra

For more information about National Magnet Schools Month, visit the National Magnet Schools of American Website and read the Magnet Schools Month proclamation:  

magnet.edu/files/2018-Magnet-School-Month-Proclamation.pdf

PTA Valentine's Dance

The week of Valentine's Day, our Parent Teacher Association planned and coordinated a dance for students and their families.

The dance event took place on Tuesday of that week.  About 300-350 students and their families dressed in their best semi-formal clothing and joined us for the evening.

Mr. Rick Sigler, our band and music teacher, served as DJ for the evening complete with authentic equipment for manipulating sound and blasting out some dance tunes and songs.

Tables were set and decorated with heart balloons flying throughout the gymnasium.

Families also enjoyed a full lasagna meal.

Families could also purchase a photo as a souvenir of the evening.  One side of the dance floor was decorated with a colorful backdrop along with props and balloons.  

It was a wonderful evening of celebrating Valentine's Day together as a school family.

Valentine's Day Parent Craft Day

On February 14, 2019, our Parent Teacher Association planned a parent event to invite families to the school for a Valentine's Day Craft Day.

PTA provided light refreshments and snacks for the attendees.  The meeting room was brightly decorated with red and pink to provide an inviting crafting environment.  Parents were provided with paper, markers, glue, scissors, glitter and other items to use to create Valentine cards, hearts or other paper crafts and decorations for their child.

When the Valentine Crafts were finished, the PTA president, Mr. Bernal, hung the finished products in a display area of the school lobby.

Thank you PTA for your continued support of our school; thank you parents and families for participating.