Friday, April 22, 2016

The Stansell Siren

Good Morning and Happy Friday!

Congratulations to the RSB3 varsity band!  They received straight 1’s from all three judges this week at the UIL Concert and Site Reading Contest.

Graham Steer Doubles Tennis Team of Alex Smith and Dallas Elmore are headed to the State Tennis Tournament!  They defeated Abilene Wylie to finish in 2nd place at the Regional Tournament. 

Multiple Graham Steer and Lady Blues track athletes performed well in the Area meet and qualified for the Regional meet next weekend in Lubbock. The list includes: Cody Hays and Bradley Little in the Pole Vault; Sydney Smith, Juan Arredondo & Hunter Dooley in the Shot Put; Izzy Mayberry in the Triple Jump; Will Walton in the 3200m Run and 1600m Run; Conner Smith & Jack Hays in the Discus; Jake Lanham in the 3200m Run and Nathan Flowers & Travis Smith in the 110 Hurdles. As I know the names of additional Regional Qualifiers, I will update the blog.

Congratulations to Mrs. Elsie Posern on being named as GJHS Teacher of the Year and to Mrs. Jill Schmidt as the Pioneer Elementary Teacher of the Year.

GJHS Teacher of the Year- Elsie Posern

Pioneer Teacher of the Year- Jill Schmidt


Newton Stadium Update- The demolition work should be completed by the end of today.

STAAR Results- Below are the 2016 5th & 8th March STAAR compared to the March 2015 results.  The final accountability rating will include results from the second administration.
5th Reading
5th Math
8th Reading
8th Math
2016 March STAAR
72
72
78
68
2015 March STAAR
69
62
83
73


Run for the Children- May 21, 2016 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm - The Run for the Children event is an annual run/walk that for over 10 years has been benefiting Virginia’s House. Run to educate. Run to provide hope for the hurting and to let them know someone cares.  For more information contact info@runforthechildrentx.org or call 940-550-8963.  Register online at www.runforthechildrentx.org.

Earlier this week Mrs. Toni Stansell shared with me her personal story that led to her being a survivor of child abuse.  In an effort to encourage our team to come together against child abuse and to actively support the Run for the Children event, I asked Toni to share her story with our team. Thank you, Mrs. Stansell!

The Stansell Siren
by
Toni Stansell

Many of you are familiar with the Stansell Siren... but do you know the story behind it? As a child, I didn’t have a voice. It was literally squashed out of me by the fear of my father. My first memory of him is of looking up after being thrown across the room and hitting the arm of the couch. Not only was his behavior physical, it was emotionally, mentally, and sexually abusive. With just a look, he could silence me as if he had taken the breath from my lungs. I wasn’t able to find my voice until I got away from that environment: starting college, meeting new people.

When I became acquainted with Virginia’s House 10 years ago, I found an amazing, gifted, group of people that I wish I had met when I was 11 years old. The mission of Virginia’s House is to support abused, neglected, and traumatized children through the programs of prevention, intervention, education, and advocacy. The founders of Run for the Children supported and celebrated my story and my unique voice, and asked me to be a part of the board. In those 10 years, we were able to raise $100,000 for Virginia’s House, which stayed in the Graham area. The purpose of Run for the Children is to empower children to have hope, healing, and to know that they are cherished.

The Stansell Siren… No matter where you are, or what you’re doing, when you hear the Siren, it’s like I’m standing right there beside you, believing you can do anything. My greatest goal for you is to “Go forth and conquer, and be… whatever you’re supposed to be. The reason I’m loud is… he didn’t win. He cannot shut me up! I want to challenge the GISD faculty and students to raise their voices in support of Virginia’s house, and to empower and stand up for those kids who are feeling squashed and deflated. I want us to unite to stomp out child abuse by joining together to Run (or Walk) for the Children.

Check out this video for more information- https://vimeo.com/137692681 To get a pamphlet send an email to toni.stansell@grahamisd.com or you can also pick up a pamphlet outside the GHS ISS room

Corny Joke of the Day:

Why did the can crusher quit his job? 


Because it was soda pressing.






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