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Brookwood eNewsletter
Wisdom, Honor, Achievement, Citizenship
Brookwood School Mission Statement
The purpose of Brookwood School is to provide an exceptional college-preparatory educational experience to students from four years of age through the twelfth grade. Brookwood is committed to developing the whole child: academically, physically, spiritually, and socially.
September 22, 2006 |
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FROM THE HEADMASTER...
Another great week of education has passed and I am seeing energetic and enthusiastic lessons being displayed in all the classes I am visiting. You would be very proud of all our teachers. I personally wish that I could go back to school here at Brookwood!
I see things at Brookwood that make me so thankful that my family and I are a part of this great school, and today was no exception. This morning during assembly time we recognized our first "Brookwood School Hero." This new award recognizes an individual within our community that goes beyond the call of duty for school, community, church, etc. Periodically throughout the year we will select someone who sets a positive example for others in all aspects of life. A plaque has been purchased and will be displayed in Flowers Hall. Our first Brookwood School Hero selected was Mrs. Debbie Beeson. The Upper and Middle School faculty and students, many wearing pink in honor of Debbie and cancer awareness, were all present to witness this emotional presentation. Mr. Danner delivered a moving testimony of Debbie's many wonderful attributes. Debbie was presented with an engraved silver plate to a standing ovation by the students and faculty. We are thankful and very proud of Debbie, and appreciate the many volunteer hours she gives, the battle she is fighting, and the example she sets for our children. She is so deserving of the first "Brookwood School Hero" Award. Congratulations Debbie!
Seniors have experienced a very busy first month. On August 26th, Mike and Laura Shea hosted the annual Fall Kick-Off Party. Seniors enjoyed swimming, food and great fellowship. Thanks to Mrs. Callaway, Mrs. Larson, and of course the Sheas. The following week on Senior Privilege Day, with the help of their "Buddys," the tradition of painting their personal parking blocks took place. Our artists shared a spot on their blocks with their buddies and enjoyed a popsicle break together. The representative from Josten's met with the class on Wednesday to complete forms for ordering caps and gowns, along with receiving information on other items typically ordered for graduation. Josten's will return to collect orders on Monday September 25th. Yesterday, all seniors, Mrs. Callaway, Mrs. Larson, Mrs. George, Mrs. Stalvey, and Mr. Spigener were Mary Nelson and my guest for a 7:00 am breakfast. I am very proud of this class for sacrificing valuable sleep time to attend. All were on time and seemed to have enjoyed good food and being together in a setting off campus. My compliments to the moms and dads for the lessons you have taught these young adults. I could not have been more impressed with the manners and gratitude each senior showed. This truly is a special group!
This past Monday, the admission representative from the University of Georgia made a presentation to all students interested in possibly attending the University. Students heard the importance of attending a school that provides a vigorous curriculum like Brookwood. During the question and answer period at the conclusion of the meeting I asked: "What is the number one item this particular admission officer was looking for in a perspective student's resume?" His response was quick and without hesitation...Community Service! Please encourage your child to begin or continue to build their resume with volunteering and giving to others. Remember our participation in "Hands on Thomas County Day" is Saturday, September 30th, at Balfour Park, beginning at 9:00 a.m.
Each Friday the "Warrior of the Week" is selected during assembly. Past recipients have been: Keri McMillan, Sara Jo Grooms, Amanda Quinton, Lisa Coward, Cory Reagin, and Cameron Reed. Congratulations to these great Warriors!
Congratulations to our fabulous Lower School students, teachers, and parents for exceeding their goal in the magazine sale. We are very appreciative to all who purchased magazines to help our children. We would like to thank all the moms who helped with our sale, and a very special thank you to "The Magazine Mom," Mrs. Michelle Hancock for the fabulous job she did in heading up this sale.
Our new "Laptop Lab" is up and running and has been a great hit with the students and teachers. Classes have already taken advantage of this great addition. Thanks to Mr. Massey, Mr. Humphries, and Mrs. Crew for the extra time and work they have put in to help facilitate our students and teachers. Stop by the Library to see this lab in use.
As we move into the sixth weekend of the school year we will welcome the first day of Autumn on Saturday. Be sure to take some time and enjoy these beautiful cool mornings with your family and make it a point to tell each one of your children how important they are and how much you love them. Many blessings to you all!
Quotable Quotes:
"A parent who is looking out for a child will provide a good education...Education comes before the vacation or the new car." (Bill O'Rielly, host of the popular Fox News news program)
"One of the reasons people fail to see eye-to-eye is that they don't take the time and trouble to hear ear-to-ear." (Pat Williams, The Paradox of Power: a Transforming View of Leadership, p. 55)
Mike Notaro
Headmaster
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS (David Grooms)
The One Act Play, "The Boyfriend," has been cast and rehearsals have begun under the direction of Mrs. Clineman. This is a true ensemble piece that should be very enjoyable for the actors and audience. The GISA Region 3 AA competition will be held on November 2nd at the Thomasville Music and Drama Troupe Building.
Progress reports were mailed last Friday. Parents should contact individual teachers if they have questions about the overall progress of the student in a class. The first nine weeks ends on October 13th. Please encourage students to remain diligent in their work.
Senior picture re-takes are scheduled for Monday, October 2nd, in the Music Room. They will only be re-taking senior yearbook pictures.
MIDDLE SCHOOL NEWS (Ashley Harper)
Artistic! Energetic! Leading! Intriguing! All of these words actively describe Brookwood's Middle School student body. As a new comer to the Middle School, I am constantly amazed by the creative, never ending talents of our students. This week was an especially great week for our students.
Artistic: Congratulations to all of our fabulous artists from Mrs. Harrer's class.
Energetic: Thank you to our middle school softball players, cheerleaders, and football players for outstanding performances this week.
Leading: Our Middle School Council has been working with its constituents to make important decisions regarding social events and class t-shirts. Tuesday's and Wednesday's Middle School assemblies were used to have class meetings lead by our council members.
Intriguing: Mrs. Carolyn Nicholson's eighth grade English class is working on a class novel using the new laptop computer lab. This traveling technology is allowing for increased collaboration for their "round robin" writing.
Science: Mrs. Grubbs' eighth grade science class stood eggs on their ends to celebrate the autumn equinox when day is the same length as night. This is the moment when the sun appears to cross the celestial equator.
LOWER SCHOOL NEWS (Francine Wright)
BIG COOKOUT FOR LOWER SCHOOL
All Lower School students and faculty enjoyed a super duper cookout prepared by Mr. Bass and his staff today. The students earned this special lunch by meeting their goal of $50,000 for the Magazine Sale. It was exciting that they exceeded their goal by more than $12,000. We are so proud of all of our students, Brookwood families and friends in the community.
FUNNY FEET INVADE LOWER SCHOOL
Mrs. Braswell's and Mrs. Deaver's pre-kindergartners celebrated the letter 'F' by sporting "funny feet". Mrs. F / Funny Feet read her book and sang a song for all the students in Pre-K.
2006 MEMORY WALK ART CONTEST
First and second graders participated in an opportunity to demonstrate their artistic talents by drawing pictures of their favorite memory with grandparents. These drawings will be submitted to the Southwest Georgia Technical College where they will be hung in the Hand Building and Building A. Fifty finalists will be chosen from all the entries.
FIRST GRADE READING GROUPS
Mrs. Sims and Mrs. Collins were 'caught on the carpet' with the first grade students. All were enjoying their early readers through discussion and practicing reading. Our new edition of the Open Court Reading Program is a strong part of our curriculum.
ATHLETICS 
Fall Sports Pictures Available
The Brookwood Warriors Fall Sports pictures of the individual athletes, team pictures, and special ad pictures are available in the front office for you to see. Order forms are available with package pricing listed. Deadline for orders is Friday, October 6th. If you have any questions, please call Take Your Best Shot Photography at 551-1002 or stop by their studio at 182 Big Star Drive (Next to the Humane Society).
The Warrior Cross Country team invites all interested runners in the Brookwood community to join them for the 5K open race at the FSU XC Invitational on Oct. 7th in Tallahassee @ Miccusukkee Greenway Park! This is a awesome opportunity to cheer on the varsity team, watch a collegiate race, and experience the sport of cross country running on the world-class ACC championship course just "down the road" from Thomasville! Contact Debbie Beeson (226-0306) or Karen Stauffer (227-6616) if interested. Deadline is this Monday Sept. 25th.
The Cross Country team has dedicated their season and milage to coach Debbie Beeson, and will present the Susan Komen Foundation with a check in Debbie's honor at the end of the season. If you are interested in contributing to this cause, contact Karen Stauffer (227-6616). All donations are tax deductible.
COLLEGE COUNSELING OFFICE (Vic Spigener)
1) The PSAT will be given to all seventh through eleventh grade students on Wednesday, October 18. All English and Math teachers have PSAT preparation booklets so students can familiarize themselves with this test. Parents can call Mr. Spigener for additional information.
(2) Brookwood students have to fulfill a community service requirement each year. Our first group project will be Hands on Thomas County's Balfour Park project to be held on Saturday, September 30. This is a wonderful opportunity for our students to build unity while helping the community. Coach Shondra Johnson and College Counselor Vic Spigener have sign-up sheets.
(3) The next SAT will be held on Saturday, October 14 here at Brookwood. Seniors who did not list any colleges/universities to receive official test reports can still do so by going to the College Board's website to update their registration information.
As mentioned previously, students and parents need to be cautious when approached regarding scholarships for colleges. Do not fall for the following telltale lines:
a) The scholarship is guaranteed or your money back.
b) You can't get this information anywhere else.
c) I just need your credit card or bank account number to hold this scholarship.
d) We'll do all the work.
e) The scholarship will cost some money.
f) You've been selected by a "national foundation" to receive a scholarship or "You're a finalist" in a contest you never entered...
If anyone sees or hears any of these lines, please contact Mr. Spigener as soon as possible; The Federal Trade Commission may need to take action.
DRIVER'S EDUCATION OFFERED THIS WINTER BREAK
Tony Rogers is offering a Driver Education course in December with driving to be completed during the month of January. As you know, the Governor has signed the law, effective January 1, 2007, requiring all 16 year olds to have successfully completed a driver's education course prior to acquiring a license at age 16.
1. The cost for taking Driver's Education is $225.00.
2. Registration forms can be picked up at the front office or downloaded from www.brookwoodschool.org .
3. The only pre-requisite for taking the course is a current driver's license or learner's permit.
4. The classroom times are
Friday 12/15 1:00-3:00
Saturday 12/16 8:00-6:00
Sunday 12/17 1:00-6:00
Monday 12/18 8:00-6:00
Tuesday 12/19 8:00-Noon
5. The classroom dates are non-flexible (meaning they must attend these dates). This constitutes the mandatory classroom requirement of 30 hours per student.
6. The driving time of 6 hours per student will be assigned following the 1st of the year. The driving times scheduled in the afternoons and on weekends will end by January 31.
7. There will be limited seating in this course so get your registration to the front office before we solicit other area schools.
If you are interested in Drivers Education but have a conflict with these dates, Brookwood intends to offer Driver's Education classes this summer. Please email Tony Rogers at trogers@brookwoodschool.org if you have any questions.
NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY (Ann Larson)
The National Honor Society Tapping Ceremony will take place October 4, 2006. This change will allow students to have their membership on their records as they apply for college. The student's GPA at the end of the previous school year, in this case 2005-2006, will determine scholastic eligibility. Requirements, which have not changed, are in the Blue Book. Details of time and place will follow.
***HOMECOMING T-SHIRTS (Parent Council)
Designs have been chosen for this year's Homecoming T-shirt. Congratulations to Brookwood artists, Jordan Bell and Katherine Herndon, who created the winning designs. Students who purchase a t-shirt will be allowed to wear them to school during Homecoming Week. The cost is $10.00 per t-shirt. Due to printing deadlines, t-shirt orders must be turned in by Monday morning, September 25th. Make checks payable to Brookwood Parent Council. We would love to have 100% participation! Don't miss out on this opportunity to show school spirit and enthusiasm. An order form is below and should be returned to your child's homeroom teacher. Questions: Contact Toni May at mmay@surfsouth.com.
Child's Name __________________
Teacher _______________________
Sizes: T-shirts are 100% cotton
_____Youth Small (6-8) _____Adult Small
_____Youth Medium (10-12) _____Adult Medium
_____Youth Large (14-16) _____Adult Large
_____Adult X-Large
_____Adult XX_Large (+$2.00)
NEWS FROM THE ART DEPARTMENT 
Brookwood eighth grade students recently participated in the TCC Great Georgian Art competition. Brookwood's Ty Autry placed 1st! Will McGregor placed honorable mention. TCC chose 25 posters out what was submitted from all of the schools. Sixteen of these posters were created by Brookwood students. Congratulations to our talented students and their teacher, Ms. Harrer.
Students are reminded that if they would like work submitted to the Deep South Art Fair they need to get their work to Ms.Harrer before October 1st. Art work submitted can be from last spring or summer.
