Studies indicate that students who eat school breakfast increase their math and reading scores and improve their cognitive speed and memory, according to the Food Research and Action Center.  However, fewer than half of the students that eat lunch at school also eat breakfast.  Kellogg’s recognized this problem and partnered with Action for Healthy Kids to make a difference through their third annual Share Breakfast program.  To garner increased participation in the national School Breakfast Program, Booker T. Washington School Nutrition Program Staff recognized National School Breakfast Month by hosting a ‘Breakfast Taste Event’ on March 22, 2013, during their scheduled breakfast time.   Booker T. Washington High School joined 11 other schools nationwide selected and awarded an Action for Healthy Kids’ School Grant funded by Kellogg’s to hold this special event. Kellogg’s provided Share Breakfast kits which included bowls, spoons, napkins, cups, posters, breakfast banners, table cloths, brochures and stickers(some personalized) to assist in making this a special event for our students. The SNP staff served 494 students (89% of students in attendance) as they enjoyed tasting a variety of their most popular nutritious breakfast items.  The students were very pleased to have the attendance of our Board Member, and the entire Faculty and Staff of BTW attend and assist with this special event.   The School Nutrition Program Director, Mrs. Emma Wilson-James and the BTW Cafeteria Staff would like to extend a special “Thank You” to the Principal, Mr. A.J. Nelson, Assistant Principal, Mrs. Tanika Jones and Faculty for their cooperation in making this event a reality during the AHSGE week. 

Ms. Bettis presenting her paper

Ms Bettis defends her paper.

The committee, family and friends congratulating Dr. Bettis. (Dr. Brooks was one of the committee members)

Dr. Bettis rings the traditional Doctoral bell. The sound was so sweet and powerful!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

April 9, 2013

Melanie N. Roussell, Appointee for Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, Department of Housing and Urban Development

Melanie N. Roussell is the National Press Secretary for the Democratic National Committee, a position she has held since August 2011. From February 2009 to July 2011, she was Press Secretary for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Prior to that, Ms. Roussell served as Spokesperson for the Presidential Inaugural Committee and Southern Regional Communications Director for Obama for America. From February 2007 to July 2008, she was Communications Director for the Judiciary Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives under Chairman John Conyers, Jr. She was honored as one of Florida A&M University’s “40 under 40” Young Alumni in 2011. Ms. Roussell received a B.S. in Broadcast Journalism from Florida A&M University and an M.A. in Public Communication from American University.

President Obama said, “I am grateful that these impressive individuals have chosen to dedicate their talents to serving the American people at this important time for our country. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

Melanie Roussell is the daughter of former Macon County School Superintendent Dr. Norward Roussell and is a 1997 Graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, Tuskegee, Alabama.

Earlier this month a thought provoking message was delivered to the Opelika Community. Some of those in attendance were:

Mrs. Lawanda Gray, Dr. Camille Floyd, and Dr. Melvin Lowe, III. The luncheon was held at the Opelika Marroitt Grand National.

UnCommon Leadership was the message delivered by Tony Dungy.

Tony Dungy is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Quiet Strength and the Mentor Leader. He led the Indianapolis Colts to Super Bowl victory in 2007, their first such win for an African American head coach. Dungy established another NFL first by becoming the first head coach to lead his teams to the playoffs for ten consecutive years. He retired from coaching in 2009 and now serves as a studio analyst for NBC's Football Night in America. He and his wife, Lauren are the parents of seven children.

It was an event like none other. The students' presentations to include their Jazz Band and Show Choir were just outstanding. The ambiance was nothing less that professional with ongoing conversations relative to the growth the community has undertaken from having participated in a book reading. Yes, the community was greatly involved with this initiative; the act of being UnCommon.

Leadership as many of us know is many things, but it should never be compromised nor UnCommon. The entitled book: UnCommon steers us in many directions. It discusses Humility and Stewardship, Respect for Authority, Mentoring, Education and Athletics, Careers, Work, and Money, Alcohol and Drug, Being versus Doing, Role Model, Eternal Self-Esteem, Faith, and Significance.

All of these subtopics are appropriately addressed in the book. Each one can help all of us as educators become better stewards of public education. The book is clearly discussing the things that we can do internally and collectively to not be common but uncommon. Our boys and girls in Macon County deserve to have UnCommon experiences K-12. It starts in two places; our hearts and in our leadership practices. Let's meet these challenges together... and with an UnCommon disposition.

James Satchel, senior at Booker T. Washington High, performed a beautiful rendition of "Happy Being Me". He captivated the audience with such a smooth, yet cool calmness as he belted out the lyrics. Not only did James do a fantastic job singing, he caused listeners to reflect and ask themselves if they are really happy being who they are. Certainly not purposeful, James provided listeners with a very strong, yet appropriate message ----

"Stop reaching back from your beginnings
All those broken dreams that went down stream
As we grow, live and know
Some things were never meant to be
Just like people they come and go
Some will live forever and some will never know
That's why God gives us memories
To leave us to our victories
I'm so happy loving me."

It is evident that James is happy being who he is. In addition to singing in the school's choir, directed by Mr. Olander Robinson, James runs track and plays soccer. Upon graduation, he plans to attend college and pursue a career in music.

Please join us at George Washington Carver Elementary School on Friday, March 22 between the hours of 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM, in Room 201, for our Clothes Closet Giveaway.

This event is brought to you by Mrs. Terri Holcey, Parental Involvement Coordinator, Mrs. Tiffany Williams, HIPPY Coordinator, and Dr. Jacqueline Brooks, Superintendent.

Please join us to help serve those in our community!

If your family is experiencing financial hardship due to an unstable housing situation, your children may qualify for certain rights as defined by the McKinney-Vento Act.  For an overview of your rights under the McKinney-Vento Act, please view one (or both) of the attached flyers.

Take our short survey by clicking your mouse here.

It’s great news for Macon County Schools!
Mr. Tracy Stacy receives an Agriscience Extended Contract Grant for the 3rd Year in a Row.
Mr. Tracy Stacy, Macon County Schools’ Career and Technical Education instructor, was recently approved and awarded an $18,000.00 Agriscience Extended Contract Grant. The application is a competitive process where the application is read and scored by a team of field readers. Congratulations, Mr. Stacey, we are proud of you and know how much this award will benefit our students. We encourage all staff and faculty to seek grant resources to benefit their efforts in teaching and learning.
----Dr. Lelia W. Frank, Program Director
----Dr. Melvin A. Lowe, III, Program Coordinator
Keep up the great work!!! And, everyone, spread the good news about Macon County Schools.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Alabama honors 2013 Future

Black Leaders annual scholarship program

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Alabama announces the winners of their 22^nd annual Future Black Leaders scholarship program. Area high school juniors were asked to write an essay with the subject “What three things can I, an African American youth do to help others reach a higher level of achievement and responsibility.” The ten top finalists were invited to a dinner and performance of the hit play “Ethel” at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The top three finalists won $1,200, $800 and $500 in scholarship money for use in their college education. The first place winner is JaNae McNeil. Second place winner is Simaya Moore, and Malaysha Willis placed in the top ten, all juniors at Booker T. Washington High School.

Buddy Rogers, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Alabama chapter stated, “We are very happy to be able to have presented this fine program for over twenty years to offer help to some very deserving youth in our area. Our chapter runs from Alexander City to the north to Dothan in the South and from Selma to Auburn. Also, this was the first time that more than one student from the same school placed in the top ten and Booker T. Washington had three students to place.”

The Future Black Leaders Program is a an effort of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Alabama, along with The Alabama Shakespeare Festival, WSFA-TV, WZHT and WVAS Radio Stations