Our School
FCCLA Breakfast
By Miranda Brunn
On November 30th, 2018, Childersburg High’s FCCLA hosted its third annual Support Staff breakfast. That Friday morning, bus drivers, custodians, and cafeteria ladies sat together in a Christmas themed eatery, enjoying their meals and each other’s company. From seven to eight, the Human Resource members were given an opportunity to take a break from their busy schedules and enjoy the spirit of the holidays.
Although this breakfast was designed to “get the day started,” FCCLA members were up and bustling long before. Many members arrived early that morning to ready the buffet, while others stayed late the day before. The club worked for hours, preparing sausage biscuits, fruit dip, cinnamon rolls, meat skewers and holiday punch. Despite the amount of labor, server, Moesha Brown, believes “all the hard work was worth it.” As the staff trickled in, servers awaited the chance to show their appreciation. Warm food was distributed as Christmas music crooned in the background. President Makiah Patterson expressed her fondness of the event by stating, “My favorite part of this breakfast is seeing the smiles on everyone’s faces.”
Three years ago, FCCLA sponsor, Tammy McWilliams, cooked up the idea when she realized the lack of appreciation for school staff. She was a support staff member for eleven years and in doing that, realized how unvalued they were, considering their various responsibilities. Through this breakfast, she wishes to “let the support staff know they are appreciated and make sure they receive the recognition they deserve.” McWilliams also hopes this event will help students realize how many people are necessary to make their school day “comfortable.” Besides benefitting HR members, this gathering gives students an opportunity to explore culinary career options, as well as develop a sense of philanthropy.
President Patterson is confident that this year has been the most successful. She claims, “Everyone showed up, even people I’ve never seen before.” Many attendees were grateful for the infrequent recognition. Receptionist, Brenda Bulger, stated with a smile, “I look forward to this event all year.” Kim Knight, CHS faculty member, laughed while recalling the cinnamon rolls were her favorite part, along with seeing the students’ liberality. She claims, “It warms my heart to see students doing something so generous.” McWilliams is sure the number of guests grows every year and they greatly appreciate what the students do for them.
After breakfast was finished, club members cleaned tables and washed dishes while discussing plans for next year’s event.
New Year, No fear
By Miranda Brunn
Another school year here at Childersburg High brings several welcome changes. Once again, the halls are filled with many faces; some new, others familiar. For most, this year is off to a great start. Incoming freshmen are drenched in a new sense of confidence, while seniors feel as if they “have one foot out the door.” However, a new year brings new goals and expectations, and not just for students. Assistant Principal Brown has high hopes of “achieving the best attendance in the county.” Many students plan to strive for good grades while others just hope to graduate. These goals are encouraged with a newly initiated incentive: the game room. Complete with air hockey and billiard tables, this feature is sure to become the envy of the county. Another new item is a competitive group rewards system. Honoring pupils for their achievements, this system aims to create a positive culture within the student body. These improvements have boosted the entire school’s morale and have created a renewed sense if pride. Regardless of grade or goal, everyone agrees that this year will be better than last.
Sensory Room Relaxation
By Jaylen Frost
Childersburg High School has made a lot of positive changes this year, including its senseful Sensory Room; opened on Thursday, August 16th. A sensory room is a special room designed to develop or attune the senses using lightning, music, and objects. Some basic things that all sensory rooms should be equipped with are anything that gives sensory stimulation, things to play with but learn from at the same time, and some different, fun things to help with behavioral issues. Mrs. Pearson, the special education teacher,sent a letter of recommendation to Alabama Power to get approval for such a project. The room underwent construction for several months over the summer. The room was sponsored by Alabama Power and Kulture city for providing our school with such a place.This room welcomes you with a door draped in warm Christmas lights. As you walk in, you are greeted by plush bean bags, a hideaway tent, and low activity boards to fit the needs of every student. The teachers are very proud of this, saying, “Even we can relax here.” The Sensory Room allows for the students in the special education program to relax and bond with their teachers a little more than normal. Having such a room at CHS brings a new feel to the class and school.
Edited: September 13, 2018. The original article inaccurately reflected the approval process.