HYDE COUNTY MATTAMUSKEET SCHOOLS CAMPUS PARENT

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HYDE COUNTY
MATTAMUSKEET SCHOOLS CAMPUS
PARENT CONNECTION NEWSLETTER
HOLIDAY 2014—2015
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2015
MES PTO CHRISTMAS PROGRAM
On Thursday night, December 18th the MES students and teachers gathered inn
the gym with visitors, family, and friends for a jolly Christmas celebration before
leaving for the holidays.
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MES PTO Christmas Program Highlights
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MES PTO Christmas Program Highlights (cont’d)
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JR. BETA CLUB NEWS
According to Ms. Gina Credle the
MECHS Junior Beta Club collected toys for their annual service
project. In the spirit of giving that
comes with the Christmas Holiday
season the toys were distributed
by Social Services to those families
who were in need of assistance.
The members of the MECHS Junior Beta Club for 2014-2015 are as follows: President Haley
Reynolds, Vice President Samuel Stewart, Secretary, Chase Williford, Treasurer, Sarah Reams (not pictured), Marshall Betts, Brianna Harris, Bernard
Johnson, Ashley Garcia, John Cahoon,
Jose Guzman Sanchez, Emily Harris,
Jackson Harris, Kara Marshall, and
Starlyn Swain.
The Junior Beta Club Advisor, Ms. Gina Credle is extremely proud of the students for their participation in
this compassionate and worthy cause. She would also
like to give a big "Thank You" to the "MECHS FFA Club"
for joining in and adding their support in the project.
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MECHS SENIOR
&
SUPER SENIOR
On Friday morning December 12th the MECHS Seniors (grade 12) and Super Seniors (grade 13) gathered
in the band room to share a delicious breakfast together prepared by the OUTTA-DA BOX restaurant in
Engelhard.
Students enjoyed scrambled eggs, sausage, bacon, grits, and biscuits along with a festive time of fellowship
together before going to their daily classes.
Students expressed their enjoyment of the breakfast despite the fact that there was a slight delay in getting started. “All’s well that ends well!”
AMANDA SCHMITT CHOSEN BCCC BEST
MECHS is so proud of
Amanda Schmitt for being
chosen “BCCC BEST”
from MECHS campus.
Each month "BCCC's Best" highlights a character trait found in students such as motivation,
respect, hard work, commitment and involvement in the college.
MULTICULTURAL CLUB NEWS
On Thursday, January 22, Mr. Julio Morales, Club Advisor,
along with several Honorary adult member chaperones and
over 30 MECHS students went on a trip to Greenville Grande
Theatre in Greenville, NC.
The purpose of this outing was to view an important chapter in the History of
the Civil Rights Movement in the form of an American historical drama film
titled “SELMA”.
The film was written by Paul Webb and directed by Ava DuVernay and is based on the 1965 Selma
to Montgomery voting rights marches. The marches were led by such notable leaders as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., James Bevel, Hosea Williams, and John Lewis.
It was a real eye opening learning experience for all followed by dinner at Golden Corral.
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Mr. Criders’ Science Fair
MONDAY SPOTLIGHT - BULLETS
Tyler Williams, a freshman at MECHS, was pretty set on his Science Fair topic
once the students knew they could test just about anything science related. The
question he asked was, "Does more mass equal more force on impact?"
His purpose was to prove that it isn't always the size of the bullet that increases
penetration - it is a variety of things such as velocity, amount of powder, etc..
***TUESDAYS’ SPOTLIGHT - ELECTROLYTES & FINGERPRINTS
On Tuesday, 12/16 Mr. Crider congratulated and showcased two more of his Science class students for their hard
work and dedication in the classroom, especially their attention to their Science Fair Project.
BryAnn Loftus' Science Fair experiment was the Electrolyte Challenge. BryAnn wants to major in the Sports Medicine field, but this year she particularly wanted to showcase the different amounts of electrolytes in the various drinks that high school students drink on a daily basis. She tested water, a sports drink, orange juice, mountain dew and sweet tea. She concluded that orange juice contained more electrolytes than any other
drinks.
Dy'amond Farrow used fingerprints to solve a crime. She fingerprinted
several people and solved the crime using different fingerprinting techniques. While doing this she also studied the different fingerprint designs and what makes a good fingerprint.
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SCIENCE FAIR (cont’nd)
WEDNESDAYS’ SPOTLIGHT - Chewing Gum & Canned Dog Food
The two students that were spotlighted on Wednesday are Mary Glover and Chad Cooper.
Chad Cooper's science fair project was to see if chewing gum helped with concentration. He read several articles
stating the facts that there are some correlations, but he wanted to test the hypothesis for himself. He worked very
hard testing elementary students, high school students and adults. All groups showed that there was some improvement as they chewed gum when it comes to taking tests. Maybe Chad is on to something?
Mary Glover wanted to test whether an animal would prefer canned dog food or homemade dog food. We all know
that dogs love table scraps but Mary wanted to make a healthy alternative to the dog food that you buy in a
can. She tested her dog several times and it seemed that it always wanted the homemade dog food first. “I have a
feeling that Mary also realized that it was probably cheaper to make the dog food than it was to buy it also, said Mr.
Crider.” She had to change her Science Fair Project after the first frost because all the ants went under deep underground.
THURSDAYS’ SPOTLIGHT - Salinity Levels & Chemical/Fertilizers
Thursday’s spotlight was on Jade Bryant and Kevin Williford. Each did an amazing job on their Science Fair project
scoring extremely high by Mr. Crider and the other judges as well.
Jade's Science Fair project was testing the salinity level of water and the effects
on fish (and possibly other aquatic life in the future). He tested the salinity of
tap water and introduced goldfish into the tank. He made his measurements and
then he gradually increased the NaCl in the tank until it could no longer sustain
life. He concluded that life, even for a goldfish, is a delicate balance. Too
much salt is a bad thing. However, too little salt is also a bad thing. This is a
hypothesis and problem that could be used throughout several different experiments later in life.
Kevin's Science Fair project tested the different chemicals on the production of corn. He had several different varieties of corn and different
types of fertilizer. In the end it looked like the corn with no fertilizer
(grown in the fertile dirt of eastern NC) worked really well. Kevin also
found out that too much (chemicals) can be a bad thing. Using too much
nitrogen had an adverse reaction on the growth of the corn.
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MECHS SPORTS
ATHLETIC RECEPTION
Friday night, November 21st, 2014 student athletes, coaches,
teachers, parents and friends gathered in the cafeteria to see
MECHS athletes honored and rewarded for their excellence in
sports.
A s the coach for each team came up to the podium they were
joined by their teams as each name was called to receive their
trophies, letters, and pins.
Everyone also enjoyed a delicious array of refreshments, drinks
and cake.
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MECHS SPORTS
ATHLETIC RECEPTION continued
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MECHS SPORTS
ATHLETIC RECEPTION continued
Proud Volley Ball Coaches, Tekisha Jordan and Kristy Mann take their turn at the
podium while everyone looks on after having had their fill of the buffet table goodies.
MECHS students enjoying the food &
fellowship together
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JUNIOR SENIOR PROM PREPARATIONS
The Junior Class has been doing a good job of selling lollipops,
chocolate candy bars, stickers, tattoos, and cheerphones. These are
the featured items chosen for their 2015 Junior-Senior Prom fundraiser.
The chocolates were chosen from World's Finest
Chocolate. Hailey Williams and Chloe Goins cheerily peddled their yummy candy offerings to all who had a sweet tooth along
with their other sale items at the basketball game to help pay for the
Junior Senior Prom.
Hailey and Chloe
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BULLYING VIDEO CONTEST
BULLYING VIDEO CONTEST
High School students in the East were given the chance
to win $500 by producing a 30 second anti-bullying video
focused on a message that takes a stand against bullying.
The video should then be submitted to WNCT,
Greenville, NC. This contest gives local high school students the chance to help take a stand against bullying via
their very own production of an anti-bullying video.
WNCT has been covering the topic of bullying for many
years, bringing important stories to viewers, from kids deal-
“Lets get the creative
and
ing with the issue to how schools handle the bullying prob-
artistic juices flowing.”
Firm have joined forces to encourage area high school stu-
lem. WNCT 9 On Your Side and The Clemons Law
dents to stand up to bullying.
NCDOT 2015 AVIATION ART CONTEST
Once again the North Carolina Department of Transportation hosted its annual Aviation
Art Contest, which was open to children between the ages of 6 and 17.
This year’s theme was “World Air Games.” Students were asked to create a poster that captured the
excitement of the World Air Games taking place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Over a period of 12
days, spectators will enjoy special locations while watching world class competitions and air shows
fill the sky in a dazzling display of maneuvers that can only take place above the ground.
All children who live in or attend school in North Carolina are invited to submit their interpretations
of this year’s theme. The top three entries in each age group will be forwarded to Washington, DC to
be judged in the national competition. The artwork of the national winners will be sent to Switzerland to compete in the international competition.
Entries had to be postmarked by Friday, January 23, 2014 and should be mailed to:
NCDOT Aviation Art Contest - NCDOT Division of Aviation
Attn: Corbi Bulluck - 1560 Mail Service Center - Raleigh NC 27699-1560
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MES EC CLASS AROUND DOWNTOWN ENGELHARD
On Friday, November 21st the Elementary EC class took a trip
around to the businesses of Engelhard. The staff and teachers
wanted to provide real world experiences and learning in the
places that our students visit in their everyday life. “At each
stop, we were (richly blessed) and amazed by the way the
businesses and workers took care of our students as we
made our way around town” said the teachers. (see businesses visited below/ pictures on following page)
Post office - The students wrote post cards to their parents to tell them how thankful they
were. The school supplied stamps to send the cards in the mail. Post office employees explained the building, accepted the post cards, and handed out little gift bags including a letter
ready to be "mailed" to Santa, encouraging them to come back and visit again.
Engelhard Red & White - The manager and his wife greeted the students at the door. Students searched the store for items they wanted to eat for Thanksgiving. The staff was friendly
and helpful, even taking time to explain the meat and produce, as well as making sure our students had a snack to take with them as we left!
Tideland Electric - An employee carefully explained electricity by comparing it to something
that the children knew—a water hose. Several workers stopped what they were doing to give
our students a demonstration with the bucket truck. The students loved watching the bucket
move around. They were shown the tools used by workers and given the chance to try on the
gloves and hard hats that are a part of the job.
Yadkin Bank - The tellers at the bank spoke to the children as we demonstrated cashing a
check and making change. Of course, each student left with a lollipop!
Martell's Restaurant - Students practiced life skills as they chose a meal, participated in conversation in the group and utilized eating utensils. We were almost moved to tears when a man
who was eating in the restaurant told the waitress that he would like to pay for the meals of
everyone at our table!
Dollar General Store - Students walked through the store and chose a "dessert" ( a candy bar
for after their meal). They interacted with the cashier to make a purchase.
Napa Auto Parts - Here the class visited family and the employees took time to interact with
the students, explaining why people come to the auto store. Even though we surprised them
with a visit, they shared with our students and graciously sent them home with key-chains
from the store.
The class also stopped in for a friendly visit at Far Creek Deli and gas station where everyone
knows the employees and deli well. The students briefly learned about what comes from a Deli
and where we fill up our cars with gas so that we are able to travel.
The teachers also said, “it is so comforting to know that the local community so strongly
supports the growth and development of our class and it’s students in this way”!
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MES EC CLASS
AROUND TOWN
IN PICTURES
HYDE COUNTY MAINLAND PARENTS MEET WILLIAM LASSITER
On Thursday evening, January 8th, many Hyde County mainland
parents gathered on a very cold night in the Mattamuskeet Campus
cafeteria to meet and welcome Mr. William (Billy) Lassiter, NC Department of Safety Deputy Commissioner of Juvenile Justice, and
author of Preventing Violence and Crime in America’s Schools.
Mr. Lassiter promotes the Safety Department’s overall message,
vision, mission, objectives, and values. He has been called upon to lead the Center and help it
realizes its vision of “every student attending a school that is safe and secure, one that is free
of fear and conducive to learn."
Dr. Randolph Latimore, Hyde County School Superintendent opened the meeting by welcoming the guests and everyone else in attendance from the mainland and letting them know how
proud he was of their show of support for the meeting by their presence despite the weather.
He then asked Pastor Craddock of Soule United Methodist Church to say the blessing over the
food and everyone enjoyed delicious refreshments before the presentation.
Mr. Lassiter shared his knowledge and expertise with Hyde County parents in reference to
bullying and preventing school violence. He delivered a very impassioned and informative
message on the subject drawing from some of his own personal experiences with being bullied.
The parents, principals, teachers, and students thoroughly enjoyed the presentation and came
away with some very valuable information that will enable them be on the alert and better able
to identify children in need of help if they find themselves in situations of bullying and violence on the school campus as well as at home and in the community.
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21st Century After School News
Mrs. Lisa Chestnutt and Mrs. Valarie Spencer are doing mini
units on snow with their students in 21st Century After School.
The students are learning about snow and snowflakes. All of
the students have tried their hands at making 6 point snowflakes.
Mrs. Chestnutt will also be working with MES 1st graders
learning to make snowmen.
FLOY’S RECIPE CORNER
Ranch
Roasted Potatoes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
2 lbs small red potatoes, quartered
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1 (1 ounce) packet hidden valley ranch dressing mix ( seasoning and
salad mix)
Directions
Preheat oven to 450°F.
Place potatoes in a resealable plastic bag and add oil, seal bag.
Toss to coat, add salad dressing mix and toss again until coated.
Bake in an ungreased baking pan for 35 minutes or until potatoes are brown and crisp.
HEALTH CORNER
Healthy Kids Learn Better
Physical Activity Improves
Concentration in the Classroom
According to the “Alliance for a Healthier Generation”, kids who eat healthier and move more per-
form better in school. It's not just because teachers
and administrators tell us so. Research shows that
healthy kids get better grades, attend school more
often, and behave better in class.
Experts recommend that kids get 60 minutes of
physical activity every day. These minutes can come
before, during, or after school as long as kids are
staying active and having fun!
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Superintendent’s Christmas Card Contest - 2014-2015
Time for the Annual Superintendent’s Christmas Card Contest. The Superintendent, Dr.
Randolph Latimore selected artwork from student entries that was reproduced and used as the
official 2014-2015 Christmas Cards from the Hyde County School System. The winning entries
were electronically reproduced and the winners were invited to the January Board of EducaHilda Spencer
PARENT COORDINATOR &
PUBLISHER
tion Meeting for recognition.
Mr. Coleman, MECHS Principal sai,d— “I realize that we no longer have an Art program,
but the Superintendent’s Christmas Card Contest is a tradition that we need to keep going.”
Teachers were asked to please encourage their students to participate and give them as much
support as they can being mindful that the deadline for submitting entries was December 17th.
(The winners and their teachers are listed below)
MES
Alex Jimenez - 4th grade - Bethany Taylor
Cheyenne Gibbs - 2nd grade - Sherri Cox
MECHS
Cassie Bartell - 8th grade - Sandra Carawan
Quajuan Hall - 12th grade - Richard Perry
OCRACOKE
Lillian Perez - 4th grade - Kitty Mitchell
Tatiana Martinez - 1st grade - Alice Burrus