VESTAVIA HILLS ELEMENTARY CENTRAL

Courier February 2017 � Issue 7

IN THIS ISSUE 2 From the PTO President Counselor’s Corner Character Club 3 Media Center Faculty & Staff Appreciation 4 VHCSF 5 Pitch In for Education Dinner and Diamonds 6 PIE Wednesday Chess Communication Celebration 7 Lunch Menu VHEC Bumper Stickers

FEBRUARY 3 Character Club, 7:20 am 6 PTO Board Meeting, 9:30 am 13-16 Random Acts of Kindness 17-20 NO SCHOOL 22-24 Faculty & Staff Appreciation 25 Dinner & Diamonds, 7-11:00 pm

MARCH 1 Budget & Finance Meeting, 9:30 am 3 Character Club, 7:20 am 3-9 Spring Book Fair 6 PTO Board Meeting, 9:30 am 7 Camp McDowell 4th Grade Parent Meeting, 3:30 pm 10 End of Third 9 Weeks 16 General PTO Meeting, 5:00 pm 27-31 Spring Break, NO SCHOOL

FROM THE PRINCIPALS MarianHumphries,Principal&LorieBelski,AssistantPrincipal

Weareofftoagreatstartin2017!OurCitizenshipAssemblyonJanuary19threcognizedourfirstsemesterCitizenshipAwardees,SpellingBeeWinners,aswellashighlightingourfabulousHonorChoir!Weareproudofallthesestudents.Aswemoveintothisnewyear,wecontinuetofocusontheimportanceofinstructionandstudentlearning.Wearedelightedthatalltheteachersareinvolvedincollegialplanningandthedesignofengaginglessonsacrosscontentareas.Yourchild’sdayispackedwithmanylearningopportunitiesthatareappropriatetomeettheiracademicgoals.ThecontinuoussupportyougivetoourschoolandPTOisverymuchappreciated.WealwayslookforwardtoseeingyouatCentralSchool!MarianHumphriesLorieBelskiPrincipalAssistantPrincipal

“DO THE RIGHT THING, BECAUSE IT’S THE RIGHT THING TO DO!”

VHEC Courier � February 2017 � Issue 7 � Page 1

FROM THE PTO PRESIDENT

SummerZulanas,PTOPresident

WelcometoFebruary!OneofthehighlightsofthismonthisTeacherandStaffAppreciation,whichwillbeheldFebruary22-24.Pleasejoinmeincelebratingthehardworkanddedicationofouramazingfacultyandstaff.Theydevotesomuchtoourstudentsandwewouldliketoexpressourgratitude!AspecialthankyoutoAlissaPadgettforplanningsuchaspecialweekforalloftheteachersandstaff!

OurCitizenshipAssemblywasheldinJanuary.Congratulationstoallofthestudentsthatreceivedawards.ThankyoutoBettsJohnsonforcoordinatingthiseventandreception.

Januarywasalsobusywithour“PitchIn”campaignfortheVestaviaHillsCitySchoolFoundation.ThankyoutoAlissaPadgettforallofherhardworkasourFoundationrepresentativeandfororganizingthecampaignforCentral!

OurnextPTOmeetingwillbeMonday,February6at9:30am.IencourageeveryonetoattendthePTOmeetings.Itisagreatwaytobecomeinvolvedandkeepinformed.

ItistimetoconsidervolunteerpositionsatCentralfornextyear.IencourageyoutomakethemostofyourtimeatVHECbyvolunteeringforthiswonderfulschoolandstaff.OurPresident-elect,MelissaKaiser(boydandmelissa@gmail.com),isintheprocessoffillingpositionsforthe2017-2018schoolyear.Shewouldlovetohearfromyouifyouareinterestedinservinginsomecapacitynextyear.Asalways,feelfreetocontactmewithanyquestionsorconcernsatthezucrew@gmail.com.

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COUNSELOR’S CORNER

Kellie Knight and Alla Lewis

February is a wonderful time of year at VHEC! Random Acts of Kindness week is February 13-17th. We will celebrate this week by spreading kindness all over Central School. Students will discuss different ways to be kind to family members, friends, classmates and others that they come in contact with. It makes me so happy to see the students excited about passing kindness on.

During the month of February, VHEC classes will be participating in our first annual SERVE Month. Four opportunities were given for students to give back to our community by showing kindness. Some classes created “thank you” baskets for the Vestavia Police and Fire Department. Other classes made cards for Chateau Vestavia Nursing home or collected hygiene items for First Light homeless shelter. We are learning about respect for others and kindness during classroom guidance lessons. Students are discussing how they can look for ways to serve others regularly.

Our next Character Club meeting will be February 3rd at 7:20 a.m. in the gym.

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns. I am glad to help in any way that I can!

Kellie Knight: knightkn@vestavia.k12.al.us, 402.5306 Alla Lewis: lewisar@vestavia.k12.al.us, 402-5306

CHARACTER CLUB Character Club meets before school to encourage and explain to the students about the importance of good character qualities. JOIN US Friday, February 3rd at 7:20am in the gym to hear from Millie Callen, the SGA President from VHHS. Millie will be sharing with the kids about respect. We hope your child will join us and become a part of this wonderful VHEC tradition!

Amy Pattillo, amy.pattillo@gmail.com and Jamey Vincent, jameycv@aol.com

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VHEC Media Center Students explored Philadelphia after studying Ben Franklin’s inventions and his role as one of America’s Founding Fathers while in the library. Thanks to our PTO and fundraising efforts we have a set of Google Expedition Glasses to share throughout the school.

The library was awarded a grant by the PTO for a Makerspace activity. This activity focused on Ben Franklin as a starting point as well. We explored all of his inventions and then students invented their own object using LED lights and cell batteries. As seen here, they did a great job! Thank you to the PTO for extra funding to extend our Makerspace activities.

Faculty & Staff Appreciation

This Year’s Faculty Appreciation sponsored by the PTO is all about The Central Family!

• Wednesday, February 22nd - Faculty will enjoy a night off with a gift certificate to Iron Stone Pizza Works and a little token of appreciation.

• Thursday, the 23rd - Faculty and staff will be served a “Breakfast To-Go,” including Starbucks served room to room.

• Friday, the 24th - All faculty is invited to a family-style luncheon served in the library. Door prizes for every faculty member are wrapped and ready for the fun!

Thank you for all you do for our children!

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VESTAVIA HILLS CITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION

"Dr. Bhuta and I are excited to partner with the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation for the ‘Let's Hear it for Education’ campaign,” stated Dr. Brian McCool. “We value excellence in education, and in providing the very best healthcare for hearing loss. We hope the Vestavia Hills community will reach out to family and friends and encourage them to visit Sonology. After all, the greater the participation, the greater the reward for the schools." “We are so pleased to be working with Dr. Bhuta and Dr. McCool on this program,” stated VHCSF Board President, Janet Ball. “Partnerships such as this are critical to our ability to grow the endowment and increase support for our schools.” About Dr. Brian J. McCool Dr. McCool was born and raised in Huntsville, Alabama. He is a 1992 graduate of Vanderbilt University, and received his medical degree from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1998. Dr. McCool completed his general surgery internship and the first year of his Otolaryngology (ENT) residency at the University of Texas-Houston. He completed his training in Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at West Virginia University in 2003.

Dr. McCool is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, and is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery.

He has practiced medical and surgical ENT in Birmingham since 2003. His practice interests include pediatric ENT, snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, facial reconstructive surgery, and sinus surgery.

About Dr. Tarika Bhuta Dr. Bhuta graduated with Phi Beta Kappa Honors from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill in 1994 and received her medical degree with Alpha Omega Alpha (AOA) Honors from the University of Alabama School of Medicine in 1998. She then went on to complete her general surgery internship and first year of Otolaryngology (ENT) training at the University of Cincinnati. She completed her training in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery at West Virginia University in 2003.

Dr. Bhuta is certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. She is a fellow and member of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

Dr. Bhuta has practiced medical and surgical ENT as well as allergy in Birmingham since 2003. She is one of two practicing female Otolaryngologists in the Birmingham area. She focuses her practice on snoring, obstructive sleep apnea, facial reconstruction/rejuvenation, pediatric ENT, and thyroid surgery.

“Let’sHearitforEducation”ProgramtobenefitVHCSF Vestavia Hills, Alabama: December 1, 2016 - Sonology Hearing Aid Clinic, a division of McCool and Bhuta, ENT, is pleased to announce the launch of the “Let’s Hear it for Education” Program benefitting the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation (VHCSF). Through this program VHCSF will receive a donation of $50 for every hearing aid purchased when the patient says “Let’s Hear it for Education in Vestavia Hills”.

AboutVestaviaHillsCitySchoolsFoundation(VHCSF) The Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation is a non-profit corporation created to provide ongoing and dependable funding for critical academic "extras" such as professional development, technology, and classroom enhancements. These extras benefit every grade level, every academic subject area and every student in our school system. Making an investment in the Foundation will help to fill in the funding gaps that can make the difference between a good school system and a great one. Your tax-deductible contribution is an investment, which will allow Vestavia Hills to continue to be a leader in public education. For more information on how you or your business can support the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation visit our website at www.vestaviafoundation.org or email director@vestaviafoundation.org.

VHEC Courier � February 2017 � Issue 7 � Page 5

“PITCH IN” AT PIZITZ!!February 6-10

Students and Parents: Start saving your loose change today and get ready to fill up your grade’s “Pitch In” cans! Every morning, the students will have an opportunity to PITCH IN loose change, bills, pledge payments, and/or new pledges into their grade’s “Pitch In” can. Let’s all PITCH IN and see what grade comes out the winner!

The Vestavia Hills City School Foundation “Pitch In for Education” campaign gives students an opportunity to personally make a difference in their schools. By “Pitching In” loose change or bills, students help grow the Foundation’s Education Endowment, which provides a perpetual source of funding for the Vestavia Hills City Schools System. Visit the VHCSF website (vestaviafoundation.org/by-the-numbers) to see how the annual Pitch In campaign benefits our schools!

If you have any questions, please contact Deborah Newsom at deborah3528@att.net. Thank you for Pitching In!!

SAVE THE DATE for DINNER & DIAMONDS!

Pirates’ Pipeline is published by the Pizitz PTO to provide information on school activities and events. Please email any questions or comments to PizitzPTO@gmail.com. All issues will be on the Pizitz website under the PTO tab.

Vestavia Hills City Schools (VHCS) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Debbie Hargrave, Section 504/Title IX coordinator, at 1204 Montgomery Highway, 205.402.5100. For further information on notice of non-discrimination, visit http://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfm for the address and phone number of the office that serves your area, or call 800.421.3481.

FEBRUARY 25, 2017 7:00-11:00 p.m. at Regions Field

This outstanding event will benefit the Vestavia Hills City Schools Foundation and celebrate the Foundation’s 21 years of financial support to the Vestavia Hills City School District. Last year’s event drew more than 600 people and we are expecting this year to be even bigger.

The excellence of Vestavia Hills schools continues to define our community and your support is critical to our future success. Dinner & Diamonds is the Foundation’s flagship fundraiser. The proceeds from this event fund the VHCSF operating budget, which ensures the Foundation has the resources it needs to continue supporting our schools and teachers.

Individual tickets are $80 and include: dinner; music by Vestavia’s own BHP’s; silent auction; live auction; and complimentary valet service. For more information, visit vestaviafoundation.org or call 205.978.8808.

PITCH IN for Education

Thank you to the parents, faculty and students for making Pitch In for Education Week a huge success. We will have the final numbers mid February and send that through email. In addition, the VHCSF would like to thank the VHHS Rebel’s Baseball Team & Coach Harris, The VHEC SAC Team, The Little Rebel Cheerleaders, The Pizitz Cheerleaders, The Pizitz Drum Line and Pizitz Pirate Treasures for making each and every early morning carpool fun for everyone. Last but not least, a huge thank you to our Pitch In sponsors; Dr. Mark Yanosky, Brewster’s Real Ice Cream and Iron Stone Pizzaworks! Thank you for Pitching In to keep our school great!

COMMUNICATION CELEBRATION

Jody Seal

Get ready for a school-wide enrichment day at Central! Communication Celebration is Friday, April 28th. Presenters will teach and entertain students in the areas of reading, writing and other ways to communicate ideas. Parents, if you would like to share with our students about your job or hobby, please contact Jody Seal at jmgseal@gmail.com. There are morning, afternoon and full-day speaking times available. Because Communication Celebration is a special day at Central, we ask that the students wear dressy clothes (Girls: dress pants or dress; Boys: collared shirt or shirt and tie with dress pants).

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Vestav ia H i l l s E lementary Centra l Par tners in Educat ion

WeloveourcommunitypartnersatVHEC.

Ifyouwouldliketobeapartner,throughdonationsorinkindservices,pleasecontactCindyCherry@

gcgg51599@bellsouth.nettofindoutthedonationneedsforthisschoolyear.Wewelcomedonationssuchasprizesforourfundraisers,snacksanddrinksforschoolevents,anddoorprizesforourteacherluncheons.

Followingarethewonderfulbusinesseswhohavedonatedforthisyear.

PlatinumLevel: BigColor; Bruster’sIceCream; Chick-Fil-A; Dr.DominiqueV.Backus,Orthodontist; TheDermatology&SkinCareCenterofBirmingham; McDonalds; Moe’sBBQ; PetroFacialPlasticSurgery&Medspa; YanoskyOrthodontics

GoldLevel:

KidzClosetandMore; Lowe-GoSportswear

SilverLevel: Friedman,Dazzio,Zulanas&Bowling,P.C.; SOCA

Clothing; VestaviaHillsSoccerClub

BronzeLevel: TheBookerFamily; D1Sports;ellensheumakerdesign; EvanWrightPhotography+Design; GiftsFromAto

Zebra; IronTribeFitness; StephanieSteinmetzPediatricDentistry; TigerRockMartialArts; U.S.TaeKwonDo

Academy

WednesdayMorningChess

Wednesday Morning Chess is a popular, school-wide enrichment activity at Central. Everyone is welcome! If you are new to the game of chess, we will match you with a student that can help you learn the basics along with some cool moves to get you started.

When: Wednesday mornings at 7:25 am Where: Media Center What to bring: Chess set and board Why: Because Chess Rules at Central!

We hope to see you there!!! Sponsors:

Mrs.Whiddon(whiddonam@vestavia.k12.al.us)Mrs.Coxwell(coxwellmh@vestavia.k12.al.us)

VHEC Courier � February 2017 � Issue 7 � Page 7

CentralCourierispublishedmonthlyforstudents,parentsandfacultyofVestaviaHillsElementaryCentral.Editor:TaraThomas,vhecnewsletter@gmail.com

VestaviaHillsCitySchools(VHCS)doesnotdiscriminateonthebasisofrace,color,nationalorigin,sex,disability,orageinitsprogramsandactivitiesandprovidesequalaccesstotheBoyScoutsandotherdesignatedyouthgroups.Thefollowingpersonhasbeendesignatedtohandleinquiriesregardingthenon-discriminationpolicies:DebbieHargrave,Section504/TitleIXcoordinator,at1204MontgomeryHighway,205-402-5100.Forfurtherinformationonnoticeofnon-discrimination,visithttp://wdcrobcolp01.ed.gov/CFAPPS/OCR/contactus.cfmfortheaddressandphonenumberoftheofficethatservesyourarea,orcall800-421-3481.

February 2017 Menu February

Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday

6 Scrambled Eggs, Sausage & Grits

Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patties

Hashbrown Brown Sugar Peaches

Grape Tomato Cup Biscuits

7 Homemade Muffins

Fettuccine Alfredo w/ Twist

Cheeseburger Baby Bakers

Broccoli Parmesan Spinach Salad

8 Smoked Sausage Biscuit

Chicken Fingers Squash Casserole

Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Green Peas

Rolls

9 Ham Egg & Cheese Bagel

Pep & Cheese Pizza

Green Beans Seasoned New Potatoes

Tossed Salad Cream Cheese Brownie

10 Pancake Covered Sausage Bites

Crispitos Chicken Fajitas

Cilantro Lime Rice Refried Beans Steamed Corn Pico De Gallo

13 Donuts

Breaded Chicken Sandwich

Tomato Basil Soup Grilled Cheese

Baked Fries Italian Veggies

Veggies w/ Hummus

14 Breakfast Pizza

Spaghetti

Italian Dunkers Seasoned New Potatoes

Steamed Broccoli Caesar Salad

Sugar Cookies w/ Sprinkles

15 Cinnamon Roll w Parfait

Beef Tips Hotdogs

Brown Rice Spinach Supreme

Glazed Carrots

16 Bacon Egg & Cheese Croissant

Chicken Poppers

Baked Beans Onion Rings Sweet Potato Tossed Salad

Rolls

17 No students

20 No school

21 Fruit Frudel

Pepperoni Pizza Cheese Pizza Baby Bakers

California Veggies Veggies w/ Hummus

22 Sausage Biscuit

Baked Chicken Cheeseburger

Green Peas Carrot Soufflé Tossed Salad

Rolls Fruit Crisp

23 Homemade Banana Bread

Chili w/ Grilled Cheese Corndog

Baked Potato Half Steamed Broccoli

24 Breakfast Casserole

Tacos Chicken Fajitas

Spanish Rice Black Beans w/ Fire Roasted Corn

Pico De Gallo

27 French Toast Sticks

Scrambled Eggs Sausage Patties

Hashbrown Casserole Cinnamon Apples

Grape Tomato Cup Biscuits

28 Pancake Covered Sausage Bites

Jambalaya Breaded Chicken Sandwich

Black-eyed Peas Corn on the Cob

King Cake

1 Scrambled Eggs, Ham & Grits

Chicken Fingers

Mashed Potatoes w/ Gravy Green Peas

Glazed Carrots Rolls

2 Sausage Biscuits

Fettuccini Alfredo w/ Twist Cheeseburger Baby Bakers

Broccoli Parmesan Spinach Salad

3 Cinnamon Roll w/ Parfait

Fish Nuggets w/ Hush Puppies

Chicken Sandwich Baked Fries

Baked Beans Coleslaw

VHEC is happy to offer breakfast. It will be served between 7:15 and 7:45 in our dining hall.

Also, we invite you to join your child for lunch. You will find VHEC provides tasty and healthy meals. Fast food is not allowed in our dining hall. If you are having lunch with your child and bring fast food, please eat outside at our picnic area.

VHECBumperStickers

AvailableintheOfficeCostis$3