Gearing up for Next Year!

It seems like only a few weeks ago we were recruiting parents for our current year's PTSA! Well, it's that time of year again. We need officers and committee members to serve in our 2011-2012 PTSA. If you are interested, just send me an email at abwilliams@hsv.k12.al.us and I will assist you from there. I look forward to working with you!

Spring Update

On Thursday March 31st we will have our 1st Annual Spring Fine Arts Festival! I am so excited! Come on out Thursday from 3:30 to 6:30. We will have student displays of work to include our ACTE Technology competition submissions and snap shot of what our students have learned this year. We will have fun and games for family members of all ages plus our much anticipated Talent Fest Show featuring some of Williams Middle School's most talented young people! You really do not want to miss this event. Tickets go on sale on Monday March 28th for $5 (children 5 and under get in free). Also, this week we are wrapping up our spring testing season. Please encourage your student to do their very best. Lots of rest and hearty breakfast will help also. We know our students are very capable and this is their time to show what they have learned. As always, thank you so much for your support and please let me know if you are interested in volunteering and especially if you want to be a member or officer in our 2011-2012 PTSA. We need you!

Is Your Child a Bully?

That's a tough question but let's face it for every child that is being bullied, there is at least one child who is the bully. That child could be yours. As a parent, I know this is a tough realization. So what do you do if your child is the bully?

One of the most important things that you can do as a parent is set a positive example. How do you communicate when things do not go your way? Often times, children mirror the behavior that they see in the adults in their lives.

Additionally, get to know your child and his or her friends. It's ok to be a little nosy! You may be surprised to see/hear the information being shared and the language being used on Facebook or while texting. Sometimes the kids call it "playing" or "joking" but you may see that it is clear that what is being said or posted could be hurtful to others. Kids need boundaries and it is up to the adults to set those boundaries and be firm, fair and conisistent about setting rules and even consequences.

Finally, get help. Our school is a valuable resource! You may also have other community support with family, friends or church members. Regardless of the source, get the help needed. When I asked my S.W.A.T. Team members why bullying happens, they say that it is about power and fitting in. Talk about these issues with your child and as always, let me know how we can help!

Spring is in the Air!

After a successful basketball season to include Girls City Championship, we are ready for track! Congratulations Lady Hawks!! Last year our boys and girls track teams brought home the city championship and we look forward to another great season. Check out the school website for meet dates and locations and come cheer our teams to victory!

Also this spring, we begin the process of registering new students for next year. I am super excited about the new course offerings available through our Technology Magnet Program. Williams Middle School is the only school in our district to offer an Advanced Math Program that begins with Pre-Algebra in 6th grade. We now have online registration and you still have time to take advantage of this unique learning opportunity.

As always, I love to hear from you. Drop by anytime and Go Hawks!!

Calendar Updates

As January comes to an end, I wanted to give you a few calendar updates. Due to the recent snow days students will now attend school on February 21st, April 11 & 12th and May 23rd & 24th. Any additional weather days will be added to the end of the school year. Other dates to remember are:

• ThinkLink assessment will take place during the week of February 7th
• Track Tryouts - February 8-10th
• Progress Reports - February 9th
• Cheerleading Tryouts - February 14-18th
• Black History Program February 24th & 25th
• Teacher Duty Free Lunch - February 25th (Volunteers needed)

Of course, you are always invited to visit with us! If you have not volunteered with us this year, it's not too late. Simply call our office and we will take care of you! Also, please spread the word that our 2011-2012 application process for your Technology Magnet Program is online. April 1st is the deadline to apply. Check out our website for details!

Wanted: Parent Volunteers!

Consider this your personal invitation to join the Williams Middle School Family! We are actively seeking volunteers to work with our teachers, staff and students in a variety of capacities. So please call our office if you are interested in the following opportunities:

• Hawk Time Classroom Assistant
• Duty-Free Lunch
• Morning Duty
• Afternoon Duty
• Office Assistant
• Reading Tutor
• Math Tutor

Also, don't be surprised if our office staff propositions you about spending some time with us! By volunteering with us, you will demonstrate to your student that you value their education. When schools and families partner, students achieve at a higher level and schools achieve greatness! Join our team! Just give us a call and we will sign you up...Go Hawks!!!!

'Tis the Season!

As we begin this busy and often stressful holiday season, I want to let each of you know how very thankful I am to have the opportunity to work with your children! This year has brought some new challenges and I am extremely proud of the team work and positive attitudes that have been displayed by our teachers, students, parents and community. I am a true believer that we choose our attitude. One of my favorite Chinese Proverbs states: “To enjoy good health, to bring true happiness to one’s family, to bring peace to all, one must first discipline and control one’s own mind.”

How do you do that? Prayer works for me. I also believe in acknowledging and managing my stress. Many people see the holiday season as one of the most stressful periods of the year. Although, that is not my perception, I can certainly see how others could view it as such. Crowded shopping centers, parties, cold weather, shorter days…the list could go on!

In the words of our own, Kysha Garrett, “I’m about solutions!” I shop online and only party with people I like! I drink coffee or hot chocolate and have a true appreciation for a beautiful 5pm sunset. What about you?

During the holiday season, I hope that everyone has an opportunity to enjoy the company of close friends and family. As you are doing so, please remember those who are less fortunate and our men and women of the Armed Forces who are serving overseas. Happy Thanksgiving to each of you!