TROJAN TALK BUSTER BROWN DAY

Transcription

1 TROJAN TALK NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016 VOLUME VI, Issue 4 BUSTER BROWN DAY Students in PreK-5th grade went to the state fair in Baton Rouge for the annual Buster Brown Day. Teachers, Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Wells, Mrs. Griffin, and Mr. Hilliard were the chaperones as well as paraprofessionals Ms. Haynes, Mrs. Burell, Mrs. Womack, Mr. Heard, and Mrs. Evans. The students enjoyed riding the animal-themed rides like the dragon, the elephant, and the bear, all of which left them dizzy but laughing. The most popular ride was the merry-goround featuring cars, buses, and motorcycles. Watch out mom and dad! Seeing pigs race and swim provided a lot of entertainment. The petting zoo was enjoyed by all. After all of the excitement and a lunch of corndogs, the bus ride back to school was rather quiet. Zzzzz... Troy and Trey cycle around Ms. Campos and the fifth graders Petting Ponies Alternate Track and Pre-K having fun Who s driving whom? Amar and Evan racing At the pig races: Wow look at those piglets run!!! Dulce wonders just how tall is the carnival man? Damontae and Miracle ride on the dragon s back

2 VETERANS, WE SALUTE YOU! On Veteran s Day we honor all Who answered to a service call. Soldiers young, and soldiers old, Fought for freedom, brave and bold. Some have lived, while others died, And all of them deserve our pride. We re proud of all the soldiers who Kept thinking of the red, white and blue. They fought for us and all our rights, They fought through many days and nights. And though we may not know each name, We thank ALL veterans just the same. This poem was presented by the high school cheerleaders at the Veteran s Day celebration at LSVI. Dontay Penn, vicepresident of the student government association, opened the ceremonies with the pledge, followed by the national anthem led by the choir and sung by all, and a moment of silence. Chris Holliday, president of the student government association, introduced the honored guests: Staff Sgt. Charles Armstrong and his wife, Sgt. First Class Sonia Armstrong, both with the Army. They shared what serving in the military means to them, how they chose this career path, and their tours of duty. Many questions came from the audience. All veterans at the celebration were honored by applause and homemade cookies. All of the armed service branches were represented by those present or those whose family members served. Among those recognized included LSVI staff members: Janiece Karanja-Marines, Robin Vidrine-Military Police, Army; David Eller-Army; Bryan Gueltig, Army, & Eric Stevens, Air Force. Marcus Baugh, Marines, of the dorm staff who will be returning for duty in January of Staff Sgt. & Sgt. Armstrong share their experiences and answer questions from students. Mr. Gilmore, veteran &relative of student, B. Gilmore Mr. Mike plays Taps Alexia and Alexis Jason with their father, an Iraqi War veteran Within brackets: Guests representing the Navy and Army. Left and right of brackets: Staff representing the USAF, Army, Marines, and Army National Guard. AMP: Academic & Mobility Program During the week of November 14-18, six students from Avoyelles, Terrebonne, Jefferson, and Calcasieu parishes came to the LSVI campus for a week of AMP or Academic and Mobility Program. LSVI hosts AMP twice a year. It gives students with visual impairments an opportunity to interact with their peers with the same exceptionality, while receiving training in braille, living skills, technology, and orientation and mobility, Blanche Faulk, Coordinator of Outreach stated. The second, sixth, and eighth grade guests were assigned to follow their graded peers through a typical day. The guests joined in on all of the academic and after-school activities. They also made cookies, rode the LSU bus system, learned to cross the busy streets of Baton Rouge, went shopping, and learned to make bids at the senior cake auction. Page 2 TROJAN TALK

3 A TIME OF THANKS The old adage says,...out of the mouth of babes so here are a few direct quotes of Thanksgiving for the season. Turkey, orn (corn), pupkin, mom, school, dad, cack(cake), Thanksgiving -Troy When asked what the younger generation of Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Lazarone, and Mrs. Bishop s classes what they were thankful for they responded with the following: I am thankful for my naber who let me play on their traplen. Evan Anthony From my family, my friends, turkey, pumpkin pie, good days...all these things make me happy! Briauna My mom taking us places. Mackenzi Food. Evan & Trey Mrs. Griffin s Work Force group: Terilyn, Damontae, Austin, Gavin, and DeMarcus all agreed on one group: Loving family, uncles, cousins, people in their lives. Just to make sure all were covered, Bailey remarked, Mrs. G and everybody else. That about covers it. LSVI hopes the readers had a pleasant, restful time with their families and friends. Briauna & Friends Troy & his pumpkins A SPECIAL FUNDRAISER During White Cane Safety Day, a very special fundraiser was held LSVI calendars, featuring the artists who received the most votes for their designs during the White Cane Day t-shirt contest, were sold for $10 each. The idea came from Mrs. Renee Griffin, a TVI, who teaches in the alternate track department. When she heard that Lighthouse Louisiana s property flooded in August, she thought it would be a good idea to create the calendar, sell it, and donate the proceeds to the facility. Formerly known as Lighthouse for the Blind-Baton Rouge, the facility offers transitional services and employment opportunities for persons who are visually impaired/blind. Recently, staff members from Lighthouse Louisiana came to LSVI. Members of Mrs. Griffin s class happily presented them with calendars and a check in the amount of $1, 640 from the proceeds raised! Back Row, Left to Right: Director, Bobby Simpson, Anne Springer*, paraprofessional Cheryl Evans, ReneeVidrine*, Gavyn Kittrell, DeMarcus Williams, and Juli Pattison*. Front Row, Left to Right: Bailey McDanell, Terilyn Bridges, Austin Dugas, Damontae Pounds, and TVI, Renee Griffin. * Staff members from Lighthouse Louisiana Page 3

4 In October, ninth grader, Kloe Andrews, and eighth grader, Trey Cunrod, competed in the district level competition for the Knights of Columbus soccer kick-off, placing first for their age divisions. Both moved on to the State competition on November 20th, where Kloe placed 1st in the fourteen-year-old division and Trey placed 2nd in the year-old division. LSVI is proud of both! The LSDVI Eagles have been named the Undefeated 8-man Deaf Football National Champions with a record of 8-0. Two LSVI students, #75 Dontay Penn and #82 Chris Holliday are on the team. Congratulations to Head Coach Susan Gremillion, coaches, managers, and team members! SENIOR CAKE AUCTION I bid HOW much??!!!! Long-time employee, Booker, honored for 21 years of service

5 STUDENTS OF THE MONTH-November The following students enjoyed lunch from McDonald s with the school s director, Mr. Bobby Simpson. This is an event that takes place every month and one that the students enjoy. Not only do they get to have a meal of choice from a favorite eatery, but getting to question Mr. Simpson about all types of topics such as latest fashions, music, favorite foods, and the jobs he has held. The students also share jokes with him. Workforce Class: Elementary: Middle School: High School: Damontae Pounds Baron Gilmore Tianna Blandin Dontay Penn WAYNES: Wonderful Attitude You Need Everyday Gabbie Wayne Pierce, Fifth Grade Vicki Wayne McCarroll, Braillist ELF SIGHTING Elfie, the cousin of his famous counterpart, has returned to LSVI. He appeared in Mrs. Lazarone s class. It must be the wide-open spaces where he can slide across the floor to make a quick get-away from the children! Elfie like to leave braille notes with candy canes. He also follows the children to various lessons throughout the day. The elf also has a pet named Holly, a black poodle. Elfie is every child s friend as he can help with the answers on classwork the children may have trouble with. Chloe Wayne Ashford, Eleventh Grade Jeanette Wayne Campos, Fifth Grade Teacher

6 TIS THE SEASON TO BE BUSY. Just like all of the other schools for the blind across the nation, many activities occur in December prior to the Christmas vacations. At LSVI, the month was full. The annual trip to the Christmas tree farm to select trees for the school lobby, elementary and alternate track hallways, homecoming week, mid-term exams, annual treats from the women of LA Correctional Institute for Women, wrapping presents for kids from many generous Santas, Secret Santa among teachers, mid-term exams, Mr. and Mrs. Claus visit, and the annual Christmas program. Did I mention mid-term exams? LSVI sends out a special greeting to our readers for a... VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS & A HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! Maids: Akira Lasyone, Brandi Magee, Terilyn Bridges, Dainethia Brock Senior Court: Megan Peoples, Morgan Peoples, Mary Hilton Court escorts: Amar O Brien, Trey Cunrod, Damontae Pounds, Chris Holliday, Nicholas Richard, Kelsin Franklin, & Dontay Penn Homecoming Pep Rally Games Queen Mary Hilton is crowned by director, Bobby Simpson ABOVE: Island Getaway Homecoming Party RIGHT: Teachers can wrap presents! BELOW: Homecoming wrestling match Twin day >> Pajama Day The Claus SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SANTAS: Delta Gamma Sorority of LSU, the Downtown Baton Rouge Lions Club, the Greater Baton Rouge Chapter of National Federation of the Blind, LA Council of the Blind, LA Correctional Institute for Women, and The Baton Rouge Bar Association for the generous gifts and surprises of holiday cheer to the students of LSVI. <<< Tree farm UPCOMING EVENTS: January: Braille Month; Jan. 9th: School opens; Jan : LA AER Technology Workshop; Feb. 2: LA AER hosts Bowl for Braille Books; Feb. 8: LSVI hosts Braille Challenge