January 21, 2014

Today is National Hugging day!  In 2013, Scott Van Duzer, owner of Big Apple Pizza & Pasta Italian Restaurant in Fort Pierce, Florida won the most huggable person award.  In September 2012, Scott was visited by President Obama at his restaurant.  To everyone's surprise, Scott actually picked up the President and began Bear Hugging!  No question that daring hug earned last year's top honor! Did you know that hugging can actually be beneficial to your health?  Studies have shown that when you give or get a heart hug, a hug with hearts touching, that the oxytocin levels in your body rise.  Oxytocin is the chemical responsible for helping to lower your blood pressure, helping to lower your heart rate and it also tends to give you a more positive outlook on things.  So, even one simple hug can create a calming, peaceful feeling.   Can you imagine what a prescription for at least 10 hugs a day could do for your overall wellbeing and outlook on everyday life!?  Why not try it out today and celebrate “let’s hug day!”  Get your hug on!!!

And just as a quick reminder, our new out of class policy is in effect school wide.  Remember, you have been granted 5 restroom/get a drink passes for the remainder of the block.  Your passes are not to be used for anything else other than going to the restroom or getting a drink of water.  You will be responsible for keeping your passes, if you do not have your pass list, you will not be permitted to leave the room and you will not be issues another one.  If you have any further questions or concerns regarding this, please see an administrator in between classes, at lunch or after school.  

Also, the AIMS workshops are back underway.  Remember, when you attend 80% or more of the workshops AND pass your AIMS, you will receive that fancy chrome book.  This week there will be a Writing Workshop during 4th hour today, a math workshop on Wednesday during 4th hour, and a Reading workshop on Thursday during 4th hour. Then, if you were unable to attend one of them or you just want to get them ALL done in one day, will be offering each workshop again on Friday, math 1st hour, reading 2nd hour and writing 3rd hour.  So, mark your calendars and plan on being there!

Okay, listen up! As we mentioned last week, starting today, you will have to have your student ID to receive a bus pass. Students that have their student ID will be served first. Anybody without an ID will have to wait. If you don’t have a School ID, let the office know after classes or at lunch and they will get you taken care of.

Also, remember, the student store will be open at lunchtime at 11:45 when that first bell rings and close at the second bell.  You must be in your classroom by the third bell, because your teachers will be locking the doors.  And as we warned you about last week, if you are not in your seat by that third bell, you will not be permitted into class and you will have to leave campus.  So get to steppin and make sure you get to your third hour ON TIME, or even better, a little bit early.  

And, don't forget that if you are a graduating senior and you are thinking about taking the SAT’s you need to see Mrs. Rodriguez.  She will be the one who can help you get more information on testing dates and prep.

So, Hornets, let me remind you about the penny boxes in your classrooms.  These boxes are for a fund raiser the key club is heading up.  It is the Pennies for Patients program that benefits the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  Your job is to simply drop in your spare pennies.  At the end of February, the 2nd hour class with the most money in their box will win a prize.  We will be getting weekly updates from the key club to see how the contest is progressing.  Last year we did great and raised about $150, so this year we’d like raise even more and set a goal of $200.  We can do it hornets!!

And finally, for lunch we are serving beef nachos, refried beans, and diced peaches.  Sounds delicious! Make sure to get some food and fuel that brain for learning!

That is all for today!  Have a GREAT day, or don’t…..but remember, the choice is yours!

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