Happy Thankgiving!

Where is this year going? Already the holiday season! Have a great Thanksgiving. Keep those kids safe.

The Pinnacle Schools Review

If your teenager is suffering from a drug and/or alcohol addiction, you should consider placing them in the treatment program offered by The Pinnacle Schools. Treatment for an addiction to a synthetic substance is not an easy task. Addictions have numerous dimensions and have the ability to negatively impact a wide array of aspects of a person’s life. Scientific-based research and clinical studies have demonstrated that, when it comes to treatment programs for teen drug and/or alcohol addictions, behavioral counseling, medication treatments, rewarding academic programs and emotional support are all extremely valuable. Through it's Elk River Treatment Program, The Pinnacle Schools offer all of these methodologies and more. The Pinnacle Schools believes in uncovering the underlying culprit of the addiction that a teenager is suffering from, resolving the cause, and providing the teen with anticipation of a future without the dependency on illicit drugs and/or alcohol. It is more than a treatment program for those that work in a professional position at The Pinnacle Schools. It is a way of life, a purpose, and a passion to assist teenagers in overcoming their addictions. If you want the best treatment possible for your teen, The Pinnacle Schools is the way to go.

The Detrimental Effects of Teen Drug and/or Alcohol Addiction

There are numerous detrimental effects associated with teen drug and/or alcohol addiction. Based on research associated with addictions in the teen age group, it is not at all uncommon for children ages 12-18 to experiment in one way or another with drugs and/or alcohol. Unlike adults, teenagers lack the ability to understand that the actions that they engage in today, could result in severely negative consequences tomorrow. In a way, teens lack the same sense of danger that adults often experience. They sometimes may feel as if they are indestructible, or that they have complete control over the consequences that they experience. There are many that may actually feel that if they try drugs or alcohol today, they will have the ability to say “No” to the same substances tomorrow. Unfortunately, as a result of these ideologies, many teenagers quickly become addicted to that which they experiment with. As a result, their academic performance may dwindle, they may isolate themselves socially, and they may suffer from severe health problems. Staff at the Elk River Treatment Program understand the complexities associated with the teenage mind and the addictions that may plague them. By signing your teen up today, you will see nearly immediate results. Even if it is nothing more than your teen admitting to having an issue with addiction, that is one step closer to the complete recovery that The Pinnacle Schools guarantees.


The Outdoor Resolution

The Pinnacle Schools offers a different means of treatment than traditional teenager drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs. Instead of confining the child in a facility or hospital setting, it offers an outdoor treatment program that not only brings the teen closer to nature, but closer to themselves. It has been established that medical facility treatment brings upon the perception that drug addiction is a physical illness. However, The Pinnacle Schools recognizes drug addiction as a lifestyle choice, a mistake. Once the teenager realizes that they have a high level of control over the choice that they have made to indulge in illicit drugs and/or alcohol consumption, they will then realize that they have the choice to overcome the decision that they have made in order to choose more responsible courses of actions and activities. The program offered at The Pinnacle Schools teaches the teen that they and they alone, are 100% responsible for the choices that they make, while equipping them with the knowledge and expertise to make more sound choices for themselves.


Conclusion

If your child is suffering from the issues associated with addiction, it is time for help. Any type of delay could mean the difference between life and death. I know you want what is best for your child and that your child respects your decisions – even though they may not always reflect that respect. Drug addiction must not be ignored. It has the potential to quickly destroy every aspect of your child’s life, and every aspect of your life. If you are looking for a program that will successfully assist your child in overcoming a detrimental substance addiction, look no further than The Pinnacle Schools. The program is designed to address both your child’s needs and your needs. Why settle for anything less when it comes to your child? Contact The Pinnacle Schools today in order to prevent further complications in the life of your child tomorrow.

Computers in Education

Today computing has taken over literally ever aspect of the world. From banking to education to vacation planning, the use of a computer is commonplace. The need to have at least rudimentary computer skills can't be overstated.

With so much of our society dependent upon the computer and the knowledge of computer methods nearly a requirement in the world, learning something about computers is imperative for every child.

The younger that children are when they begin to use a computer, the more likely they will be to be well able to understand them and become proficient in their use.

Younger children who are started in computers earlier in life have a marked advantage in society today. They are more easily adaptable to new situations at an earlier age and therefore tend to learn the computer more fully and completely according to statistics.1

In fact, according to statistics by Stanford University, children who are home schooled or who use computers to learn in situations where they are not well challenged by school have a better chance of becoming proficient in computers as well as other subjects.

Will Grissom High School name go away with that of Johnson High School?

How about we just keep the schools names the same?

The name Virgil I. Grissom High School could follow J.O. Johnson High's footsteps and be retired as the name of south Huntsville's high school.

See video

A Review of Challenger Middle School

Joyful children are seen throughout CMS (Challenger Middle School) located in Huntsville in Alabama. The staff can do the necessary interaction with the children, because there is a student to teacher ratio of 13 to 1, because there are 41.7 full-time teachers on staff.

It is very obvious that Challenger Middle School encourages strong academic and effective stewardship skills through looking at such special programs as the Math Enrichment Camp or the Christmas Caring Tree. In addition, it is easy to respect the extent the curricula goes such as the being able to learn Italian or participate in other extra activities such as the Theater Drama and Video Film Production.

Two of the students going to CMS even won in certain film categories for a state competition. This school can help mold the minds of young people from sixth grade through the eighth grade in an efficient frame of time. This is a school that works with parents in a caring way to help the students achieve goals as much as possible.

Huntsville Backs Off Changes to Teacher Tenure

The Huntsville school district has backed off of a plan to offer teachers at "failing" schools more money to give up their tenure rights.

The school board was initially slated to hold a public hearing on the issue at a special-called meeting set for Thursday evening. The proposal sought to offer incentive pay of at least $2,500 to teachers willing to work in a school deemed "failing" under the Alabama Accountability Act.

Original Story

Time to Slow Down

Schools is back in session and people need to slow down in school zones.

White students not eligible to transfer out of 'failing' schools in Huntsville

Huntsville City Schools approved 294 student transfers for the coming school year under federal and state law. All 294 are black students. All are leaving a majority black school and going to a majority white school.

Skin color is a factor because almost all were approved under a 43-year-old federal desegregation order. That court order dating back to the Civil Rights era still mandates the system consider race in deciding which students get to go where.
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Whitesburg Middle School

Whitesburg Middle School had an eventful year in 2012. This school is located in Huntsville that is in the northeastern Alabama. The school was the recipient of new computers, new employees, and even a new principal, Barbara Little. Ms. Little feels that, because of their flexible natures, the families of Whitesburg have adapted quite well to all these changes.

Many times, the secret to attaining success is change. We discovered the Whitesburg's clubs offer other secrets to success with the likes of the Future Business Leaders of America, Academic Team, Robotics Club, and Optimist Club. Congratulations to Whitesburg for educating America's future leaders!

Whitesburg Middle Schools offers the standard state-required program of study. On top of this, it also offers gifted and talented classes. Specials education is also available, along with technical and vocational courses.

Johnson and Butler High Schools Downsizing

The Huntsville school board on Thursday night approved construction contracts designed to continue forward with the district's capital plan.

Two of those contracts involved closing off portions of Butler and Johnson high schools, both of which are too large for the number of students they serve. Johnson High is slated to be rebuilt in a new location at 4090 Pulaski Pike, with a tentative opening date of August 2016.

See the whole story here:  http://blog.al.com/breaking/2013/07/huntville_school_board_approve.html

Huntsville High School Review

I have a child that is attending Huntsville High School, and I give this school a five out of five stars rating. It was not long ago that my husband accepted a position at Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama and we moved here with our family from Florida. As one might expect, our daughter was not enthused about the prospect of moving from Orlando, Florida’s William R. Boone High School during her freshman year. She was totally satisfied with her academic performance there, the extracurricular activities, and enjoyed the relationships she had built with friends there. This was the school she attended while my husband was working at The Kennedy Space Center. It is always challenging for teens to move, but this one was especially challenging for her. She would be moving from an area she knew very well because she had grown up there. She had many close relationships with friends and teachers. However, the job offer my husband received was just too good to not to go with. It became my commitment to locate the finest school possible in Huntsville for her. Due to my research, I found that Huntsville High School was that school.

After settling into our new home in Huntsville, I made an appointment to meet with school administrators. Along with the immediate meeting at my request, I was also offered a tour of the school. When I arrived for the meeting, I was introduced to each member of the administrative team and each was professional and considerate. They provided me with detailed information on the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and was taken on a tour of the entire facility. I was even given the opportunity to observe teaching in progress by sitting in on a class of my choosing. I was very favorably impressed! As the meeting ended, my daughter was offered the same tour, and I immediately agreed! The school went out of their way to make sure that we were well informed about who they were, what it was they offered, and they worked diligently to ensure that we made a smooth transition into the community and school. To say the least, they went that extra mile!

After just one month attending Huntsville High School, my daughter decided that she loved it! At the same time she was building new relationships with teachers and friends in Alabama, she was still able to remain in touch with those she left in Florida. She joined a variety of clubs and engaged in different activities she enjoyed. She became active in cheerleading, theater, and photography and enjoyed learning Spanish. Even though her academic achievement was high in Florida, it increased as she attended Huntsville High School. While I must say that I appreciate both high schools she attended, I feel that Huntsville High School has provided her more opportunities for success as they interacted more closely with the entire family.

Anyone searching for a great school in Huntsville, Alabama will find that Huntsville High School fits the bill. It is dedicated to helping each student realize success, and recognizes each one as an individual. This is not a standard academic facility, but is rather one focused on motivating, encouraging and inspiring all students!

Mountain Gap Middle School Review

According to SchoolDigger's 2012 ranking system, Mountain Gap Middle School in Huntsville is rated 17th out of 431 public middle schools in Alabama. The school's mission statement is to provide the students a "…safe, supportive environment and challenging education…".

We don't have the privilege of getting down to the nitty-gritty, but according to 2012 statistics, the pupil teacher ratio is 13.32, with 25 full-time teachers to 356 students. As the state pupil teacher average is 16, it appears reasonable to expect Mountain Gap teachers would have adequate time to devote to individual students.

Dozens of reviews from parents and students were positive and support the school and its teaching staff. For example:

•     "best middle school in Huntsville"
•     "impressive teaching staff"
•     "teachers amazing and care about individual students"
•     "will be prepared for high school because of outstanding things Mountain Gap has done for me"
•     "very good with discipline and have some of highest S.A.T. scores" (in state)

We found a couple of negative reviews from people who don't believe the school lives up to its promise.

In another review, a disgruntled granny didn't mince words to Mountain Gap Middle School teachers who "let my grandson get so far behind…" She was distraught that all school business had to be conducted via e-mail, rather than face-to-face. Mostly though, she appeared angry because the grandson had to move out of state to live with his dad.

Guns at School

Time to revisit this issue:

"Do we really want our educators carrying weapons?" The majority of teachers throughout the country are female. For the year 2011-2012, the Alabama Department of Education reports that 80 percent of the public school teachers (46,074) are women. Nationally, women have a tendency to own fewer guns than their male counterparts. A 2011 Gallup poll revealed that 52 percent of males report having a gun in their household where only 43 percent of women do likewise.

Other questions including how the guns would be provided in who underwrites the training also come into the debate when thinking about arming educators. The situation in Huntsville is typical of what takes place throughout America where local laws, and in many cases, federal laws must be either amended or abolished in order to even consider the idea of teachers carrying weapons.

The Huntsville City School System – A Great Place for Achievement

The Huntsville City School District is a premier district with some of the best magnet programs in Alabama. From preschool to high graduation, our students are encouraged to strive for academic achievement so they can contribute to the community in a meaningful way after graduation. Our school system includes 33 preschool programs, 21 elementary schools, eight middle schools, seven high schools, and five schools serving students from preschool through eighth grade.

Our school district is also home to the Academy for Academics and Art and the Academy for Science and Foreign Language. These magnet schools provide specialized training for many of our students.
There are currently about 23,000 students striving for excellence in the Huntsville City School District. Our experienced, passionate teachers work with these students on a daily basis to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Our administrators are also available to provide direction and guidance to every school in the district.

There are many talented students in our school district who receive specialized training through the following magnet programs:

• Creative and Performing Arts at the Academy for Academics and Arts (P-8)
• Creative and Performing Arts at Lee High School (9-12)
• Engineering at Lee High School (9-12)
• International Education at Johnson High School (9-12)
• Law Academy at Johnson High School (9-12)
• Foreign Language and Science at the Academy for Science and Foreign Language (P-8)
• International Baccalaureate Programs at Columbia High School and the Academy for Science and Foreign Language

Some of our students also participate in these excellent JROTC training programs;

• Air Force JROTC at Huntsville High School and Butler High School
• Army JROTC at Grissom High School, Columbia High School, and Lee High School
• Marine JROTC at J.O. Johnson High School

The Huntsville City School District also offers nighttime training classes for adults interested in securing skills required for local jobs. High school students looking forward to entering the workforce or going to college can also take advantage of the Huntsville Center for Technology.

Our school district is dedicated to helping every student reach their full potential. If you are intrigued by what we have to offer, please visit our contact page or pay your local schools a visit to learn more about what we are doing for our local students.

Phone numbers and email addresses for every department can be found on our Contact page. All email addresses for teachers and administrators will follow this format: firstname.lastname@hsv-k12.org.

No Bullying Program at Huntsville School District

Huntsville School District has installed a no-bullying policy which prohibits the full gamut of bullying. That includes verbal, physical as well as social bullying practices. When speaking of verbal bullying, one has to understand that this includes name calling and teasing which has long been considered typical childhood behavior. However, there is more to it than that. The use of taunting, threats of bodily harm and sexual comments are also considered to be verbal bullying.

It has always been the tendency of some larger children to pick on smaller ones, or older children to abuse those that are younger than them. A classroom setting is where most children from about 5 years old spend the majority of their time until they are in their late teens. This makes it necessary for school districts to create policies that spell out no tolerance policies for bullying.

Here is a portion of the policy of the Huntsville School District that spells out what they have determined to be bullying. “Bullying is an unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance.” When translated into actions, the imbalance typically involves one child with the physical or mental ability to do so will pick on a child of lesser abilities. Here is another excerpt from the policy. “The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time.”

The statement “kids are just being kids” is no longer acceptable when one child is being abused by another. Even though the practice of bullying is something that has occurred for ages, there is much evidence to indicate that each party, the child being bullied and the one doing the bullying suffers the consequences of this behavior throughout their life.

People really are Innocent until Proven Guilty

For some reason, some unnamed blogger, hiding in the obscure and unbelievable cloak of being anonymous has decided to go after the Huntsville City Schools. In their offensive, they target schools, private citizens, and just plain innocent people trying to do the right thing. At times, they have been helped by a unaware Huntsville Times; although the Times may have its own hidden agenda.

One of the programs that appear to be under this misguided and vindictive blogger is The Pinnacle Schools. All of their Pinnacle Schools reviews are negative. As they mostly revolve around Pinnacle taking over a specific program from Huntsville City Schools, I’m guessing that is the true target. Other programs within the school receive nothing but high praise from most outside sources.

In September of 2012 The Times lead story read, “Huntsville school officials defend alternative school after owners’ sons face drug charges.” This blogger decided to go after that with a vengeance. Funny that all of the allegations were dropped but the blogger continues to malign the program and it’s management.

The CEO of The Pinnacle Schools said at the time, “We are innocent until proven guilty.” This statement proved to be true. But there was not retraction from the blogger. So typical in the blogosphere: Write it, forget it, let other people suffer for it.