Still Waiting on Thrashers Confirmation

As of Friday evening, Ms. Fountain had still not received confirmation on tickets for the Thrasher's Hockey game Monday.  Hopefully we will know something soon.  Keep checking back for updates.

Dylan Recognized for Awtrey Attitudes

Each month Awtrey teachers nominate students for demonstrating the "Awtrey Attitudes" as part of the school's character education emphasis.  This month Dylan was nominated by several teachers.

Dylan with Assistant Principal Ms. Evans.

Break Activities

We ended up being unable to obtain tickets to the KSU vs. Ga Tech game on Dec. 22.  Tech only allotted KSU a small number of tickets.  Because Tech is such a big game, KSU kept the tickets for their people.

KSU did graciously offer us tickets to a home game we will do on Feb 6th in place of the Tech game.  Crossover will be offered special recognition during half-time, get to tour the athletic facilities, and things of that nature.  This will be a fun night.

In place of the Tech game for a December event, we were offered tickets to the Thrashers hockey game on Monday the 21st.  We responded via email saying we are interested, but have yet to receive confirmation.  As soon as confirmation arrives, I will get word to you.  I apologize for the late notice.  Hopefully we will know something within the next day or so.

Christmas Party and End of Term Celebration

On December 17th we took the boys to Chilies to celebrate the ending of the first semester and the Christmas holiday break.  My Christmas present to the boys was a dress down pass they can use when they forget to dress up for Crossover.

Journal Topic:  Is it proper to say Happy Holidays or Merry Christmas?  Please explain your answer.

Mentee of the Month Recipients

The following students were awarded the honor of Mentee of the Month.  In addition to the recognition, they also received certificates and $50.00 gift cards to Best Buy.

Matt Karneol for the month of October.

Jakeem Zagloul for the month of November.

Byron Alexander for the month of December.

Haircut Flyer

Attached you will find the flyer enabling the boys to receive free haircuts. Hopefully we will have arrangements for the girls soon. Students will need to have this card in order to participate. While this arrangement is a perk of being in Crossover, parents will need to transport the students on their own for the haircuts.
To print the card, right click on the photo and select print.

Week of Dec 10

Continuing our theme of law enforcement month, we had three officers from the Cobb Anti Gang Enforcement department. Officers Shawn Vereen, Mrs. Meshburn, and John McLaughlin discussed ways gangs try to recruit younger members, the traps they use, and options for avoiding involvement. Unknown to me is that Georgia law defines gang activity as a group of three or more people, and that some misdemeanors when coupled with a “gang activity” can become a felony offense.

Journal Topic: What steps can you take to avoid being drawn into gang activity?

I am still waiting on confirmation of the GA Tech tickets. I’ve put in another call and am waiting on a response.

Next week we will eat out as part of a Christmas celebration. Permission slips will be emailed home.

Officers Vereen, Meshburn & McLaughlin talk about

gang involvement with the boys.

Paintball is Coming

I was able to get tickets for paintball!  It will be a year end event we do toward the end of the school year.  The boys will have to use extra dead presidents they earn to be able to go on the trip.  The coupons cover equipment rental, field fees, and 500 paintballs each!

Week of Dec 12

Officer Jeff Rose from the Acworth Police Department spoke to the boys about the dynamics of a career in law enforcement, the reality of gang participation, and the dangers of drug addiction. He commended the guys for the wise choice of participating in programs like Crossover where they have positive peer influence and warned them about the temptations they would be facing between now and when they graduate from high school.
Journal Topic: Why is it important to have a police force?

Officer Rose discusses police work with the guys.

Disability Simulations

This week the counseling team and the graduation coach conducted disability awareness simulations as part of the classroom guidance curriculum. Students participated in twelve different simulations that allowed them to experience some aspect of having a disability in an effort to help them better understand what it is like to live with an impairment. The simulations include activities such as navigating an obstacle course in a wheelchair, doing a faith walk to demonstrate blindness, using sign language and muffled directions to show hearing difficulty, reading a passage that mirrors Dyslexia, completing tasks with excessive distractions to model Attention Deficit Disorder, and completing tasks having lost use of their arms or fine motor skills.

Dylan does the Wheelchair obstacle course.

Logan does Mouth Writing.

Aquarium Trip Resheduled

Due to the football banquet and another conflict Saturday morning, I told the boys we would reschedule the aquarium trip for some time in the spring. I am working on tickets for the Ga Tech vs. KSU game on December 22nd. The game is at 2:00, at Tech. If it works out, we will meet at noon for lunch, then go to the game and be back around 5:30 or so. I should hear confirmation by Tuesday of next week.

With that being the week leading into Christmas, please let me know if you know for sure you won’t be able to attend. I can invite crossover members from the other schools to attend once I know how many tickets we will have available.

Week of Nov 18

Our speaker was a no show for this week, and the backup activity I had planned was one the boys had recently done in one of their elective classes.  Unfortunately, this week was not all it should have been.  I promise the speaker difficulties will be resolved by the time we meet after the break.  Already this evening I am making contacts to insure a more successful month in December.

Journal Topic: What are you most thankful for and why?

Ms. Beryl and Mr. Jackson watch student during tutoring.

The boys work hard to complete their assignments.

Birthday Bash

Cornelius' mom came and treated the group to some

birthday cookie.

Meeting change for next week

I have been asked to chaperone a sixth grade dance on Thursday Nov. 19th during our normal meeting time.  Therefore, we will meet Wednesday Nov. 18th.  Times and everything else remains the same.  I apologize for the inconvenience.

Week of 11-12

Our speaker was scheduled for this week and last. Unfortunately, he was still getting over the flu so he was unable to be with us again this week.

This week we discussed the proper response to situations, even when you feel they are being wronged. To help the boys gain perspective, we used a game called Good, Bad, and Ugly. They boys were given case scenarios and were asked to write a good, bad, and ugly response. For example, how should you handle it if someone is talking bad about you behind your back? They give you three responses such as talking with the person involved about what happened, not confronting but disassociating with the person, or starting an argument. I used five scenarios and had discussion about the various responses as we went. I made up the scenarios based upon things I thought the students were confronted with regularly.

Journal Topic: Describe a good and bad way of handling yourself when a teacher corrects you even when you feel like you are in the right (provide a half page on each).

Hawks Outing

Conrad, Nick, and Devin waiting for the game to start.

The boys were on their best behavior & made Crossover

look good to those around them.

It was a great night for Hawks fans since they won

by over 20 points.

Being typical boys, halftime was their favorite part of the night.

Jakeem and Brian hang out on the ride home.

Week of 11-5

This week we had a change of plans because our speaker cancelled due to the flu.  In place of the speaker, we played a game called "Don't Get Mad."  A large pile of candy was placed in the middle of each table.  If students rolled doubles, they were allowed to take a piece of candy from the pile.  Play was passed to the next person.  After a fair amount of candy was selected, I removed the pile and changed the rules.  Now if they rolled doubles, they were allowed to take candy from any player they chose.  Seeing others will large piles of candy, or taking theirs, made excellent discussion conversation.

Journal Topic:  When you feel yourself losing your temper, what steps can you take to get back under control.

Matt receives his Mentee of the Month award from Mr. Jackson

Cornelius and Michael received gift cards from Mr. Jackson for

representing Crossover at the Success for All Students event.

The guys playing Don't Get Mad.

Hawks Trip Details

Permission slips were passed out tonight on the Hawk trip Saturday.  Mr. Jackson will be leading this trip.  If you have specific questions, please contact him at 404 725-5940.  The van will pick the boys up at 5:15 at Awtrey.  This allows time for supper and time to get downtown befor the game at 7:30.  Depending on variables, the boys should be back by 10:15-10:30.  Please bring the permission slips with you to the game.

If you are planning on going, please contact Mr. Jackson as soon as possible.  Any tickets we do not use will be gvien to the group at Palmer Middle School, so we will need to know how many slots we have available to offer.

Hawks Tickets for Saturday

I just got a message saying we were given Hawks tickets for this Saturday. The game starts at 7:30. We are still working out logistics on when we would leave and all that. If you are interested in going, please let me know as soon as possible. The tickets we don't use will be offered to the other Crossover schools.

I hope to know the particulars by tomorrow's meeting.

CrossOver night at the Kennesaw Chilies

Crossover has entered into an agreement with the Kennesaw Chilies to have a monthly Crossover night. On the first Monday night of each month, if you present the attached coupon, Chilies will donate 10% of your total bill to Crossover mentoring group.  Just right click on the image and select "print picture."

Jordan earns an Awtrey Attitude award

Each month teachers nominate students they observe living out one of the five Awtrey Attitudes.  Students are given a t-shirt and some type of desert to celebrate the achievement.  This month our own Jordan was recognized for having outstanding character.

Jordan poses with 6th grade counselor Mrs. Zell

during the Awtrey Attitude celebration.

Meeting 10-29-09

This week Mr. Chris Shaw spoke to our boys about job skills.  As a Coke representative, he travels to sporting events, races, and various trade shows with the Coke racecar and simulators for fans.  He challenged the boys regarding working as a team, communication, and nurturing relationships.  In one story, Mr. Shaw related how networking contacts made in one job led to his being able to obtain a new position when he was ready to make a move.

Journal Topic: explain the importance of relationships, communication, and working as a team for success in life.

Mr. Shaw shows slides of the simulators he uses when

he goes to events as a Coke representative.

In addition to talking about his career experiences,

Mr. Shaw talked about being a linebacker for UGA

while he was in college.

Success for All Students Celebration

The Success for All Students Celebration was a great event.  Thank you to Michael, Cornelius, and families for helping represent Crossover.  In addition to interacting with our supporters, we also lined up some guest speakers and outing opportunities.

Cornelius poses with CrossOver founder Dee Fountain

and GA State School Superintendant Kathy Cox

13 StoriesTrip

13 Stories Haunted House is located behind the mall at Towne Center.

The guys got to hang out with some of the actors.

Brian had his picture taken with Billiard Pro Johnny Archer

who was there with his son.

Success for All Students Celebration

Success For All Students is the grant that funds Crossover.

Parents and students are welcome to attend the event.

Fred Sanderson, Cobb County School District Superintendent
Tommy Allegood, Mayor of Acworth
Mark Mathews, Mayor of Kennesaw
Pat Vaughn, Mayor of Powder Springs

Invite you to attend:

The Sucees for All Students Kickoff Celebration

Join Local, State and Federal Legislators, Business and
Community Leaders for Coffee, Tea and Dessert

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:

Kathy Cox, State Superintendent of Schools

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Cobb County Safety Village
1220 Al Bishop Drive (near Jim Miller Park)
Marietta, GA 30008

Week of 10-22

This week the students completed a version of the Myers-Briggs Type Inventory (see http://www.humanmetrics.com/). After completing the inventory, students were given a four letter combination that represents a personality type. I then defined each letter to help them better understand the scoring.

Next, students participated in an exercise on study habits. Students read passages from a paper, once while listening to music and once without. After each time they were asked to answer questions based on the passage. Obviously they were able to remember more without the music, despite their efforts to skew the results in favor of listening to music while studying.

Journal topic: Describe your personality to someone who does not know you.

We confirmed obtaining tickets to 13 Houses Haunted House. Permission slips were emailed home.

Byron is completing the study habits exercise.

Michael shows off his MBTI results.

Students discuss Logan's MBTI results.

Ms. Paiment stopped by to talk with some of the boys.

Outing planned for 10-26

We were able to get tickets to 13 Houses Haunted House off Barrett Pkwy for this coming Monday. The permission slip was emailed home. If you did not get one, please let me know and I can resend. Also, please confirm one way or the other if your son can attend so I can plan transportation arrangements. The boys can bring the signed slip with them to the event, or to school Monday.

We will leave Awtrey promptly at 5:30 and go somewhere for supper, then head to the haunted house. I padded the pick up time for variables, but we should be done sooner than 8:00. The only money they will need is for extras they might want to buy. The food and event are covered. Let me know if you have questions.

Week of October 14

This week I used my experience as a former small business owner to show how the subjects students study in school are used in the workplace. We discussed each subject, even the obscure electives, to show how the content knowledge in each class is relevant. More importantly, classes like history teach us how to learn from others so we do not repeat this same mistakes as those who have gone before us.

The journal topic is detailing what strategies they will use to improve their grades in the next term. With a new term starting last Monday, they all have a fresh start and an A in each class. Now all they have to do is maintain that grade.

Upcoming news:

• We are still working on outing ideas. At this point it looks like we will tour some haunted houses and go out to eat. We also are expecting some pro sports tickets soon. We will get word to you as soon as we can.
  
• Guest speakers will start in two weeks.
  
• The theme for November will be the Armed Forces since a number of the boys expressed the desire for a career in some aspect of the military.


• A number of them also expressed a desire to play professional sports, so I am talking with some colleges to see if I can get some of their athletes to come speak with us at some point.

Ms. Marsh helped answer questions about assignments.

Students worked hard during the tutoring portion of the meeting.

Meeting Change for the upcoming week

Awtrey is hosting a dance Thursday during our normal meeting time. We took a vote and the guys decided to meet another day. That being the case, we will meet Wednesday instead of Thursday. Rooms and times will remain the same.

October Outing

We are working on an outing Halloween weekend. Our first choice is a six flags trip, but the logistics are not working out. The leaders are going to discuss alternatives when we meet this week. As soon as I know more, I'll get word to you.

Week of 10-8

The guys did an icebreaker exercise where they discussed their plans after high school, occupational dreams, where they would like to live, and who they would like to talk to if they could talk to anyone they wanted past or present. The answers were enlightening and connections were made between students who shared similar answers.

A parent letter was emailed on 10-10 to make sure the email addresses were accurate. If you have not received the email, please contact me and I can resend it.

Additional emails were sent to students who are missing some of their forms. Because the program is grant based, we have to provide monthly data to continue receiving support. It is a lot to keep up with, but the program could not exist without the generosity of the supporters.

The journal topic for this week is "Describe your dream if you could be anything you want."

Awtrey 10-1

Awtrey had its first Crossover meeting for the 2009-2010 school year on October 1. We had an excellent first meeting and the boys seemed ready for the program to begin.

Since Crossover is funded by a grant, lots of data must be collected to demonstrate the effectiveness of the program in order to continue receiving funds. To help establish baseline data, student were given a form titled Parent Feedback - Initial review. If you have not completed the form already, please have your student request an additional copy.

Student Awards

Dr. Deane is reviewing the rules and expectations for being a part of Crossover Mentoring Group.

Three students received Best Buy gift cards for being the first ones to return their parent information packets.

1st Meeting

Awtrey's Crossover Group will have its first meeting Thursday October 1st. The meeting will be from 4:20-6:00 starting in Mrs. Emmett's room then moving to the Dell lab for tutoring.

Welcome to Crossover at Awtrey

Crossover Mentoring Group will host a parent's meeting Thursday at 6:00 PM in the cafeteria at Awtrey Middle School. Fifty students have been nominated for the program. Only 15 will be accepted into the program. It will be an exciting year working with an outstanding group of boys.