Christmas Ornament Contest

All the ornaments for the annual contest are due in the morning by 8:30!
Here's the rules.

Homecoming 2009

Tonight is the homecoming game for the junior high basketball teams. We are having a pep rally at 2:30. These people are ready!

Abby and Nathan Find Weather Balloon

On Saturday the 21^st Abby Melton and her brother Nathan were riding their bikes near their home when they saw something in the field that looked like a trash bag or a kite. When they went to investigate they found this weather balloon. They brought it to school to share with their classmates. It contained an envelope inside the box and instructions for the finder to return part of the box. So, Abby and her teacher Mrs. Barb Gibson mailed it back in the envelope today.

More Thanksgiving Poems

Here's another poem to share with you. This one is from Sarah Jo in the fifth grade.

Thank You

Thank you for eyes that see. . .
the chickens laying eggs in the hay loft,
the beautiful moonlight,
my wonderful family and friends,
and the beautiful hickory nut tree in my backyard.

Thank you for my ears that hear. . .
coyotes howling in the nightfall,
a basketball bouncing on the floor,
the sound of music,
and bacon sizzling on the griddle.

Thank you for my mouth that tastes. . .
tasty scrambled eggs,
a warm bowl of chili,
wonderful apple pie,
and the taste of sweet cherries

Thank you for my hands that feel. . .
the softness of my big fluffy blanket
the warmness of my house
the smooth keys on the piano
and the fur on my pet's back.

Thank you for a nose that smells. . .
the long-lasting cinnamon
a fresh cake baking in the oven
a big pot full of beans
and a bowl of soup.
Thank you God for everything!

The Magnificent Seven

My sixth grade language class has created a blog called The Magnificent Seven. Have a look at it. Leave them a comment!
The Magnificent Seven

Progress reports

Today students will receive their mid-nine weeks progress report!

H1N1 Flu Clinic Today

The Pickett County Health Department is having an H1N1 Flu clinic today from 2:00 until 6:30 P.M. It is free of charge, no appointment is necessary and shots or mist are available while supplies last.
The clinic is open to anyone age 6 months thru 64 years. If you need more information call 864-3178.
We sent this flyer home yesterday, but some students might not have made it home with a note that involved shots!!!

Author Visit--December 3

On Thursday, December 3rd at 1:00 we will have an author visit at Pickett K-8. We would like to welcome any parents or grandparents to join us for this program. I have scanned the front and back of the flyer that Miss Cross will be sending home so that you can see what will be available for purchase after his program in the gym.
Just click on the image to make it larger.

I am Thankful. . .

Students in the computer lab have been writing a pattern poem about being thankful. Each stanza takes one of the five senses and the students tell what they are thankful for in regard to that sense. I want to share some of these with you. This first one is from Ethan in fourth grade.

I am Thankful for. . .

Thank you for eyes that see. . .
the brown leaves on the ground
my family that I love so much,
the Thanksgiving dinner,
and all my pets that I love.

Thank you for my ears that hear. . .
my mom in the kitchen,
my dad telling me the dinner's done
the preacher on Sunday morning,
and the bus that runs by my house.

Thank you for my mouth that tastes. . .
the breakfast in the morning,
the food that we eat on Thanksgiving Day
the ice cream after dinner,
and cake after a party.

Thank you for my hands that feel. . .
the football in my hands,
the heat from the heater,
the leaves in my hands when I play,
and the fur of my dog Bobo.

Thank you for a nose that smells. . .
the fresh pie on the table,
the cookies in the oven,
the fresh air in the field
And my mom's perfume.
Thank you God for everything!

Five Little Turkeys

Kindergarten Selling Doughnuts

When this much cute shows up at your door asking you to buy doughnuts--well there is just no way to refuse! My name is on the list under the chocolate covered ones! Look out they will find you too!

Guest Readers

In Celebration of Children's Book Month, Miss Cross is having guest readers for all her classes this week. Here's just a few of the people who took some time to come to school and share a story with students.







This one is my favorite, because it's my dad! The students are always surprised to find out that I have a dad--they think I'm too old or something. He shared a story called Letting Swift River Go about a town that was lost when a dam was built to create a water reservoir, but he changed the story to the town of Willow Grove and the river to Obey River because that was his story. When he wasn't much older than these students his family was forced to leave the farm they loved and relocate. So he shared these experiences through this book. These students didn't just get a guest reader, they got a history lesson from someone who was there! And they also learned that once upon a time under the waters of Dale Hollow Lake there was a town called Willow Grove full of people and homes and businesses and schools that only a few people can recall!

Annual Christmas Ornament Contest

Here's a note from Miss Alice about the annual Christmas Ornament Contest

Students, Families and Staff,
It's time for our annual Christmas Ornament Contest! Yeah! Here is what you need to know.
1. One entry per person
2. Ornaments should be a size to hang on a tree. (not big as a table top display)
3. First, second and third prizes will be awarded in each category (pre-k through 8th grade and adults)
4. Ornaments must be handmade, not purchased
5. Ornaments must be turned into homeroom (not the office) teacher by 8:30 A.M. TUESDAY DECEMBER 1ST.
6. We will have judges who have no children or grandchildren in school. They will be here at 9:00 A.M. December 1st to do the judging. Winners will be announced that afternoon and ornaments will stay on the trees for display until December 16th or 17th when you may take them home.
Remember:
Put your name on your ornament, turn in to your homeroom teacher by 8:30 December 1st.
HAPPY ORNAMENT MAKING AND MERRY CHRISTMAS

America's White Table

After reading the book America's White Table by

Margot Theis Raven, Mrs. Smalling and her sixth grade students set up a White Table Display in our hallway. The book tells the story of a family's tradition of honoring their uncle by setting a white table. The following description tells more about the items on the table:

The table honors the men and women who served in America's Armed Forces.

“We cover a small table with a white cloth to honor a soldier’s pure heart when he answers his country’s call to duty.”

“We place a lemon slice and grains of salt on a plate to show a captive soldier’s bitter fate and tears of families waiting for loved ones to return.”

“We push an empty chair to the table for the missing soldiers who are not here.”

“We lay a black napkin for the sorrow of captivity, and turn over a glass for the meal that won’t be eaten.”

“We place a white candle for peace and finally, a red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon for the hope that all our missing will return someday.”

"You are not forgotten so long as there is one left in whom your memory remains"

Friday's Faces

Sports and Retake Photos

I gave out proofs today from the sports and retake pictures. They are due back on December 3. The order form for the sports picture is inside the envelope. If you want to see a group photo of any of the sports, I have them on my computer at school and you are welcome to stop by and look.

The 8th graders also received their outdoor candid proofs back today. The order form is inside their envelope also.

There are a few sibling pictures that were missing from our original order and they are on the way here.

If you have any questions send me an e-mail or call the school and I will try to help you.
gibsond2@k12tn.net

Wall of Honor

Mrs. Smalling and her sixth graders have started constructing their Wall of Honor for Veterans Day. Students were ask to bring information about their relatives who have served in the Armed Forces. The sixth graders are putting that information on a star and placing the stars in the hallway between the gym and cafeteria. These pictures show their work in progress.

Christmas in November

Don't forget about Christmas in November at the Pickett County Community Center. Local crafters and bakers will have items for sale on Friday, November 6 from 9-5 and on Saturday, November 7 from 9-1.
They are giving away door prizes every hour!

November Newsletter

Dear Families,
We were amazed at the Halloween Parade attendance. I hope everyone
had a wonderful time.
We have several class fundraisers in November. The 6th grade will be
selling Rada November 2nd through November 13th. The 2nd grade will
have a bake sale at B&K Grocery on Saturday, November 14th from 7:00
a.m. until sold out. Kindergarten will be selling doughnuts
beginning Monday, November 16th until Friday, November 20th with
delivery on Tuesday, November 24th. The 8th grade fundraiser will be
Christmas Portraits again this year. Portraits will be taken on
Thursday, November 19th with proofs back on Tuesday, November 24th.
Orders will be due on Thursday, December 3rd with portraits delivered
on Friday, December 11th.
The Standards will be in concert at the High School on Friday,
November 6th at 7:00 p.m. This is a fundraiser for the band. The
band will also have a chili supper on Friday, November 13th at 6:00
p.m. in the K-8 cafeteria.
Thanksgiving lunch will be served on Thursday, November 19th for
Pre-k through 2nd grade families.
There will be no school on Wednesday, November 11th Veteran’s Day.
Thanksgiving Break will be November 25th-27th. Mid nine-week
progress reports will go home on Tuesday, November 24th.
The Jr. High Homecoming will be on Monday, November 30th. We will
play Allardt.
Important dates for November:
Nov. 2-13—6th grade Rada sales
Nov. 2—7/8 boys/girls/ basketball game
–away-Pine Haven—6:00 p.m.
Nov. 5—7/8 boys/girls basketball game-home-York-6:00 p.m.
Nov. 6—7/8 boys/girls basketball game-away-Clinton Co.
5:00 p.m.
Nov. 6—The Standards concert—High School—7:00 p.m.
Nov. 9—5/6 boys, 7/8 boys/girls basketball game-away-
Allons—5:30 p.m.
Nov. 10—7/8 boys/girls basketball game-home-Clinton Co.
5:00 p.m.
Nov. 11—NO SCHOOL-Veteran’s Day
Nov. 12—7/8 boys/girls basketball game-home-South
Fentress-6:00 p.m.
Nov. 13—chili supper—band—7:00 p.m.-K-8 cafeteria
Nov. 14—2nd grade bake sale-B&K-7:00 a.m. until ?
Nov. 16-20—Kindergarten doughnut sales
Nov. 16—7/8 boys/girls basketball game-away-Allardt-6:00 p.m.
Nov. 19—Thanksgiving Lunch—Pre-k through 2nd grade
Nov. 19—5/6 boys, 7/8 boys/girls basketball game-home-
Hilham-5:30 p.m.
Nov. 19—Christmas Portraits taken—all grades
Nov. 24—Kindergarten doughnut delivery
Nov. 24—Christmas Portrait proofs back
Nov. 25-27—THANKSGIVING BREAK
Nov. 30—Jr. High basketball Homecoming


Kenny Tompkins, Principal

Cleaning up my Address Book

I have changed computers and I need to update my e-mail address book. Many of you have given me your e-mail addresses so that from time to time I can send you pictures that I take here at school. Or sometimes you just need to ask a question. If you would like to be added to my address book send me an e-mail. Just put "add me" in the subject you don't even have to say anything and I can copy your address into my new mac!
gibsond2@k12tn.net

More Halloween

Here's some more Halloween photos from Miss Rebekah's camera. A big thanks to her for helping me out on Halloween, when there are more pictures than one camera can get!