The Varsity Boys team came in first place at the September 20th Apalachee cross country meet! Our Varsity Girls team came in 2nd place. Cooler weather and an amazing group of runners made for a great day. We also had several students win individual medals for being in the top ten runners of their category. It was definitely a great day to be a Jag! 

Working with the cross country team is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I can't believe the season is already halfway over! I hope more great things are in store for our team. 

On the last Friday of each month, I like to recognize one student from each of my classes who is doing a great job. They are given my Student of the Month award and receive a certificate, congratulatory postcard home, a small prize, and the honor of having their name on the Wall of Fame! 

Here are the Students of the Month for August: 

1st Period: Kala D.

Kala always has a great attitude in class and comes to school each day with a smile. I love her energy, spirit, and contributions to classroom discussions. She always raises her hand to volunteer, even if she's not confident in her answers. I think that reveals a great deal about her character and I'm so glad to have her in my AP World History class this year!

2nd Period: Melissa I.

Melissa was absent for a few days the first two weeks of school. She returned to school with all of her work completed and was in contact with me via e-mail to receive her assignments. She did not allow these days to interrupt her studies and she has never fallen behind in her studies. She impressed me with her organization, maturity, and commitment to her studies. 

4th period: Najja D.

Najja is a great student who routinely volunteers to help around the classroom. She always asks for clarification and help if needed and contributes to classroom discussions. She has a positive and proactive attitude, one that I appreciate in a class that relies often on student feedback and discussion. I know she will accomplish great things this year! 

5th period: Pedarius R.

Pedarius has been on task in Economics every day. He completes all his work on time and accurately. He impressed me with his ability to stay focused and on-task, even on a day when I was absent! Other students would have used this as an excuse to slack off, but he used this time as an opportunity to complete all of his assignments. 

6th period: Ashley J. 

Ashley is an intelligent young woman who always has something to add to classroom discussion. I appreciate her willingness to share her opinions and information with the rest of the class, and she always does so with kindness and sincerity. She is highly motivated and always puts 100% into her classwork and homework! 

7th period: James B. 

James is a highly motivated and hardworking student, in addition to being an amazing artist. He impressed me the first few weeks of school with his positive, proactive attitude. He comes to school each day ready to engage in the learning process, which is often rare to find in a 12th grade student!


Congratulations to August's Students of the Month! Keep up the good work and remember to always strive for personal excellence!