Grant helps readers; students visit court

Each one teaches one, thanks to grant

Sharon Hollen, third grade teacher at McCormick Elementary School, recently received a $200 reading grant from Marion School District 2. With the money, 115 copies of the book The Big Snowball and copies of five other books about snow were purchased. Each of the 22 children in Hollen’s class received a copy of The Big Snowball, which they practiced reading until they were fluent, read with great expression and each had given a picture talk about the book.

After two weeks of practicing at school and at home, the students were ready to read to others. Many staff members at McCormick helped by stopping in to listen to the students read. Full of confidence, and with a few butterflies, the class traveled to Mullins Early Childhood Center on Feb. 24, where they visited all five classes.

Each student read to a small group of children and then presented each of the 4-year-olds with their own copy of the book to keep. The third grade students also presented each teacher with a copy of five books to be used in their classroom libraries. The third graders left MECC wearing huge smiles and the flush of success, and the 4-year-olds happily hugged their books.

A.L.L. kids visit court

On Feb. 16, the A.L.L. students of Marion County Private School went to court. A.L.L. – the Art of Living Life, is a life skills class being taught to teenagers through out the school year.
Students learn how to open a checking account, balance a checkbook, do taxes, plan to rent or buy a home and learn about becoming pregnant and taking care of a baby.

The childcare segment requires the student to carry a doll with then for one week. The student is to visit with parents and family members about pregnancy, giving birth and caring for a newborn. Parents are requested to make note of any “child abuse or neglect.” After the week of much learning about parenting, the students are taken to the courtroom at the police station, where they “stand trial” for child abuse and neglect.

Students are charged and Marion’s Judge Seals visits with them about the seriousness of a good education and making every effort not to have children until they are ready to assume the responsibility of becoming parents. This year the students were also addressed by Chief Willie Smith, who welcomed them to court and explained carefully the need for doing well in school, reminding them to pursue their educational careers first.

Next the A.L.L. students will learn how to apply for a job and prepare a resume. For information on the school’s programs or enrollment call (843) 423-8166.

Students enjoy celebrating Black history
North Mullins Primary students and staff enjoyed a celebration of African Americans during February. The Morning TV Show hosted performances by students in all grades. The school’s media specialist, read books by African American authors and illustrators during the weekly class visits and on the Morning Show.

On Feb. 12, students and staff enjoyed a school wide event, featuring a Reading Rainbow video “Uncle Ned’s Barbershop” with class activities following. On Feb. 25 the school had a culminating activity that featured Coach Mark Gerald, the assistant principal at Mullins High School. He brought three basketball players with him, Saquan McFarland, Eric Smith and Gregory Nelson. Coach Martha Jones, physical education teacher at North Mullins Primary, gave a speech to the children and Shakira McGill, North Mullins Primary’s teacher’s assistant, spoke about her family tree and sang a song for the kids.

The NMP Multicultural Committee organized the events and performances.

The NED Show Came to North Mullins Primary
In mid February, The NED Show came to NMP. The program combined a great message with yo-yos, humor and audience participation to teach the students how to become champions in school and life.
Lessons learned included Never giving up (focusing, persistence); Encouraging others (kindness, shared learning) ; and Doing your best (diligence, excellence). Each student received a free yo-yo trick sheet and the school received two free yo-yo DVDs.

Students could purchase NED items. To see a short clip of the show, visit www.thenedshow.com. Shown is Darius Robinson, a second grader, chosen to participate in the show.