Lisa McDonald, Curriculum Director
Brighten Bulletin lmcdonald@brightenacademy.com
(770) 615-3680
November 19, 2010
Dear Parents,
REFRIGERATOR REMINDERS
It is hard to believe that we have already finished our fourth month of 11-22-10 Holiday - Thanksgiving
school! Thank you so much for your feedback on our parent survey. I will be through
sharing your feedback with the staff and Governing Board over the next few 11-26-10
weeks, so that we can continue to improve our instructional services and 11-29-10 Governing Board Work Session
programs. We have already responded to your comments related to our website.
We have changed services so that we can better organize the website. Each 12-10-10 Brighten Blizzard
teacher has a tab on our website where they will post homework and newsletters.
We also have a better calendar section which includes club meeting dates, school 12-11-10 Volunteer Work Day
events, and other important information. You also have the opportunity to
subscribe to the website, and it will notify you when new information is posted. 12-13-10 Picture Retakes
Changing the website is certainly a major undertaking, but we are hopeful that our PTO Board Meeting 5:00
Student Performance 6:30 (7th Drama,
efforts will help us more effectively communicate. 1st Spanish and Music)
We were recently informed that we will be recommended to receive Governing Board Meeting 7:00
another facility grant from the Georgia Department of Education for $90,000.00!
We plan to use the money to paint the buildings, modify the classroom doors by 12-14-10 Stevi B’s Spirit Night
adding a glass pane, and complete some outstanding maintenance projects. We
also received about $72,000.00 from some stimulus funding. We utilized this 12-16-10 Curtain Up Drama Club Performance
money to eliminate some furlough days for the staff, increase some clerical help in Shepherd of the Hills
the school, and offset the cost for employee benefits for the year. Finally, we were 12-17-10 End of Grading Period/First Semester
just notified that we will receive $500.00 from the Care 2 Contest for the
America’s School Spirit Challenge. 12/20/10- Holiday - Winter Break
As you can see, we have many wonderful things to look forward to over 01/04/11
the next few months. I hope each of you have a wonderful Thanksgiving. In this
time of giving thanks, we want like to make sure we extend our sincere gratitude Care2 School Contest
for your service and commitment to Brighten. While we did not place in the top
three overall, ` did win last week’s
we
drawing and will receive $500 for
Mrs. McDonald our school! Thanks for your votes!
7 C’s Reminders Picture Retakes
Picture retakes will be on Monday,
We want to remind you that seven of the fourteen total activities to fulfill the 7 C’s December 13th. There will be a
requirement will be due by December 13th. These seven can be in any of the 7 $5.00 charge for retakes.
C’s areas, with no more than two activities counted per area. If your student has
lost or misplaced his or her 7 C’s Deck, please let your teacher know as soon as Educational Websites
possible so every student has an opportunity to participate. We’re planning some Check out these learning
fun activities for the students who complete their 7 C’s requirements, including a opportunities!
“Green Party” to be held in January.
www.learningplanet.com
www.multiplication.com
If you need an idea for a 7 C’s project, Olive Garden has announced its 15 annual
th
www.iknowthat.com
Pasta Tales essay writing contest open to students in 1st-12th grade. Through
Friday, January 21, 2011, Olive Garden is asking students to address the following
essay topic: Donation Opportunity
The 8th Grade is asking for
“Describe how furthering your education beyond high school will help donations and/or scholarships to help
make your dreams come true.” sponsor the students on their
overnight field trip. The total cost is
Many prizes are offered, including a grand prize trip to New York, several savings $395 per student. Please contact
bonds, and Olive Garden dinners. This essay can also be used to satisfy a 7 C’s Kelly Olvey at
requirement. For more information, please contact your child’s teacher. Thank kolvey@brightenacademy.com for
you so much for supporting our 7 C’s program. We appreciate you! more information.
Director’s Honors Club
Congratulations to the following students for earning the Director’s Honors Club Award for 1st Quarter. Each of
these students earned at least one “3D” on their 1st Quarter report card. Way to go!
Anderson, Cassidy Davis, Madeline Hoylman, Tyler Powers, Scott
Andrews, Abbi Dean, Eric Huque, Salma Prysock, Andrew
Andrews, Jake Dooley, Lauren Janney, Adam Rankin, Marissa
Andrey, Malik Dooley, Zachary Jenkins, Paige Renner, Jackson
Andrey, Nicolette Elliott, Jasmine Jenkins, William Rice, Cameron
Armstrong, James Carter Fabian, Abigail Johnson, Chloe Ritter, Zane
Aybar, Alexander Fegans, Erin Kelly, Andrew Rogers, Ethan
Ayuk, Ernare Ferguson, Katie Kiger, Atticus Russo, Anthony
Ayuk, Nma-Nancy Freeman, Joshua Kiger, Barbara Samaroo, Brittany
Baker, Jordan Fundora, Madison Kite, Laina Sasser, Samuel
Belisle, Ben Gilbert, Casi Knotts, Parker Shoemaker, Bennett
Bengry, McKenzie Givvs, Gareth Lawson, Jullian Shoemaker, Blake
Bennett, Andrew Glaser, Amelia Leger, Arthur Signoret, Madison
Bliss, Maia Godfrey, Alexis Lewis, Jackson Smith, Makayla
Boatright, Devon Gore, Chasidy Lin, Carol Smith, Trevor
Bonton, Antonio Griffin, Trent Lock, Ben Sorg, Matthew
Bradford, Payton Griffin, Wyatt Mazumdar, Shaun Sorg, Nicole
Breed, Kelli Griffith, Evan McDonald, Halee Stephens, Rylee
Breed, Stephanie Grogan, Heaven McGeathy, Haley Stephens, Shelby
Brennan, Bridget Haire, Katherine Mercer, Laura Stone, Paul David
Brennan, Jimmy Handley, Connor Moss, Abbey Sweat, Ross
Brennan, Mike Hardeman, Olivia Murray, Mya Tappin, MaKayla
Brooks, Regan Haskins, Alena Myers, Weston Taylor, Theo
Cadman, Chandler Helms, Duncan Myles, Kaitlyn Thaler, Brendon
Caisey, Itena Henderson, Samantha Nelson, Sloan Triplett, Carrington
Callicott, Jacob Higgins, Allie Newsome, Miranda Tuohy, Cody
Caputo, Marisa Hillard, Genesis Norton, Anne Donlon Verity, Jake
Caro, Rachael Holcomb, Joseph Oyedepo, Olanike Verity, Kate
Cigallio, Sarah Hood, Andrew Patel, Parth Wall, Julia
Compitello, Roman Hood, James Paz, Carolina Wallace, Mina
Cortez, Alicia House, Garrison Perry, Alyssa Weeks, Bryson
Davis, Madeline Hoylman, Lauren Pouch, Shayla Winstead, Madi
Alumni News
Several former Brighten Blazers were winners in the recent round of Governor’s Honors Program interviews at the County
level. They are among the students who will represent Douglas County at the state level competition early next year.
Congratulations, we’re so proud of you!
Mahdi Al-Husseini (DCHS): History
Joy Peltier (DCHS): Communicative Arts
Destini Shelton (CCHS): Music
Glaser, Amelia
Godfrey, Alexis
Gore, Chasidy