PIRATES’
SPYGLASS
November2014
THIS MONTH’S CONTENTS:Important Dates
Need to Know” Info from Teachers, Administration & Staff, and from PTSA
In the NEWS - Students of the Week
Sports
IMPORTANT DATES
November 4 – Boy Scouts Recruiting Meeting – 6:00 PM, Cafeteria – Come and find out more about
BSA from experienced leaders in our community.
November 10 - Veterans Day Programs 7:45 AM (6th grade) and 9:00 AM (7th/8th grade), Gym – See
announcement below for further information.
November 11 – Veterans Day HOLIDAY
November 18 – Lab Day (P1, 3, 5, 7 for extended block periods)
November 19 – Pirate/Club Day (P2, 4, 6, 8 for extended block periods)
November 22-30 – Thanksgiving HOLIDAYS
“NEED TO KNOW” INFORMATION
From TEACHERS, ADMINISTRATION, & STAFF
PPS Veterans Day Assembly Honors Veterans & Service Personnel
The PPS Veterans Day assembly will be held on Monday, November 10th. The 6th grade assembly will be held from 7:45am-8:30am. The 7th & 8th grade assembly will be held from 9:00am-9:45am. Students are encouraged to invite military veterans and current military service personnel to the assembly. Information about the assembly was given to the students in their social studies classes. If students are planning to bring a guest, they will need to give that information to their social studies teacher NO LATER than Wednesday, Nov. 5th! This is a very meaningful program for our school, recognizing those who have served our country.
A bulletin board in the front hallway will display pictures of veterans. Please send in pictures of family members or friends who are veterans so that the social studies teachers can scan the picture for display on the board. Original pictures should be labeled with the student’s name and the veteran’s name/relationship, and will be returned to you.
SPRING 2014 ASPIRE RESULTS ARE IN and WE ARE PROUD!
Phillips Preparatory School students, teachers, administration, and parents can all take a bow as a result of our Spring 2014 ASPIRE state test results! MCPSS was one of very few counties in Alabama that elected to take the entire battery of tests by computer, and thanks to the hard work of our counselors, Stacey Eiland and Madonna Burden; our principal, Mrs. Hartzog; our ACT teacher, Kim Catlett, and numerous other teachers who helped monitor tests, testing last spring was a smooth process. The charts below illustrate our students’ performance on these tests – a performance level above that of all other Mobile County middle schools and of the nation’s middle schools! The graphs below indicate the percentage of students who scored at or above proficiency level in each subject area. These percentages can be compared with other middle school scores from our county and from across the nation. What is not reflected on these graphs is that the percentage of PPS students who did not score at the proficient level did score at a level that was just below proficiency. With added instructional support, our goal is that our percentage of proficient students will increase in every area on the 2015 ASPIRE test. WAY TO GO, PPS!
PPS Uniform Committee – PARENTS of ALL GRADE LEVELS
Any parent interested in being a part of the New PPS Uniform Committee, please contact Mrs. Prewitt or Mrs. Morris. We are working on updates to our current uniforms and would appreciate parent input. We will be meeting soon to discuss the changes. or
Mobile’s Drug Education Council & MCPSS Middle School
RANDOM DRUG TESTING PROGRAM 2014-15 for 8th GRADE
To promote the safety and health of our students, the Mobile County Public School System conducts random drug tests in all 12 of its high schools as part of its Drug Free Schools Program. As an added incentive for remaining drug-free, the Drug Education Council and MCPSS are offering the drug testing program, SAY YES to the TEST, in middle schools as well as high schools. The drug testing is a small part of the drug education program that MCPSS is employing to assure that students are college and career ready. Thepurpose of the Drug Free Schools Program is not to penalize students who are found to be using drugs, but rather to prevent them from using in the firstplace.
Eighth grade students whose parent or guardian volunteersthem may participate. Tests are performed at least once per month at each participating school from a random selection of students who have elected to participate. If a student should test positive, secondary tests to confirm the result will be completed.If confirmed, several interventions will be suggested to the parent; however, middle school students will not be removed from their support structure, clubs, sports, or activities. If you have questions, or would like to volunteer your child for participation, contact Ms. Raulerson via email at .
MIDDLE YEARS COUNSELING NEWSLETTER – PARENTS of ALL GRADE LEVELS
The November issue of Middle Years, from PPS Counselors, Madonna Burden (6th grade) and Stacey Eiland (7th & 8th grades), is attached to this newsletter email and has been posted on the PPS website. The purpose of each newsletter is to promote ways for home and school to work together for school success
DUKE TIPS –7th GRADE STUDENTS & PARENTS
The following students qualified for the 2014-2015 Duke TIP Program. These students qualified for the program based on their sixth grade ACT Aspire scores. Their scores were equivalent to the 95th percentile. Students were given packets of information on Tuesday, October 28th to take home and share with parents. Since we just received the qualifying information, it is imperative that you read the packet of information as soon as possible to make a decision about participation. The later deadlines are still available. Congratulations to all of the following students for qualifying.
Agrawal, TrishaAldridge, Savannah Danielle
Allen, Cailin Bree
Allred, Addison
Allsup, Matthew Chad
Arthur, Halee Alexandra
Attar, Mary
Baugh, Destiny M
Bearden, Mollee Sarah
Berte, Julianne Roth
Boutwell, Destinee
Bradford, Annabella Daytona
Brock, Emily McLain
Brown, Terri Santania
Buckridge, Bannon James
Butler, Mary Cheyenne
Bylinowski, Calvin
Cao, TuAnh Tran
Carstarphen, Carrington S
Caster, Letchas Terrell
Chambers, Molly Shae
Chatel, Nicholas Emanuel
Cochran, Kaylin
Colley, Dasani Mkayla
Colvin, Patrick Garrett
Conner, Tre'Von Anthony
Constantine, Katelyn Brooke
Costa, Edward A
Davis, Nylah LaBrenda
DeLorge, Suttree A
Denson, Shakeera Paris
DiQuattro, Gabriel Johathan
Doan, Sarah
Duren, Chloe Noel
Edwards, Jaliyah Monae
Elbakary, Moumen Mohamed
Ephriam, Alisa Rozell
Espanola, Guillermo G
Ethridge, Mary Graf
Fairchild, Logan Ray
Ferguson, Isabelle Grace
Fosnight, Samantha Marie
Foster, Abigail Grace
Gamble, Jalen Ronnyae
Glass, Lauren Brennan
Glover, Emily Helena
Harper, Ruth Kelly
Herndon, Caroline Grace
Hicks, Celeste
Hires, Kaleb Damil
Holland, Sarah Elizabeth
Huddleston, Seth Bradley
Imel, Anna Claire
Inman, Joshua Parker
Jalkh, Kelly Joseph
Kuot, WieuDiany
Ladnier, John Michael
LaFrenier, Jack David
Lambert, AvarieGabarel
Lawley, Brianna Maghupoy
Lee, Margaret
Long, Emilee Ann
Lunsford, Anna Riley
Lutin, Aspen Lakendrick
Lynd, Haylee Aleece
Machuca, Nalani Marie
Majors, MirakleAjeanae
March, Edward R
Martino, Victoria Elizabeth
Mason, Cecily Celine
McGoogan, Faith Victoria
Mitchell, Kayla Monique
Mixon, DaryanAlyce
Moseley, Matthew Blake
Moxey, Maria Joy
Nelson, Pedro Bernard
Ngabonziza, Daria
Noble, Griffin S
Parvino, Rachel A
Phelps, David Logan
Pounds, Kayley Alexis
Rawlins, Landon Kyle
Ray, Jadon Lee DeLucia
Reid, Caroline Kirkland
Richardson, Carte Shamar
Ridenoure, Macy Kay
Robinson, Christian Tichelle
Rose, Carson Ranger
Roshko, Venezia Carolina
Seibt, John Marshall
Smith, Chandler Patrick
Smith Gorcey, Alana
Sopariwala, RuchiMukesh
Stallworth, Moya Elizabeth
Steffenhagen, Emily J
Swafford, Savannah Grace
Taylor, Gabrieale S
Thomas, Ryleigh Jayne
Thornton, VasharaDamone
Tomes, Zachary Tyler
Vickers, Alexandria Leigh
Wells, Kayleigh Noelle
West, Keltsie Haiden
Wilbanks, Destiny Snow
Woodworth, Rachel Rhodes
Xi, Ning
Yohannes, WengelAragaw
Zimlich, Andrew Joseph
ALL CLASS SUBJECTS
- Planners and class syllabi are the best resources for keeping up with requirements and deadlines. Don’t forget to sign up for teachers’ REMIND.
- COMPUTER LAB & LIBRARY are open daily, before and after school, for all students.
FLEECE ORDERS – LAST CALL!
Turn in fleece orders to homeroom teachers or Mrs. Snellor Mrs. Burden ASAP. Order forms are posted on the PPS website ( and are being taken now before the cold months. The cost is $40 and includes monogramming.
8thGRADEPARENT NIGHT! Mark your calendar!
We are getting our 8th graders ready for high school! It is too early to pre-
register for high school, but it is not too early for our students and parents
to learn about specific programs available at the various high schools.We
would love to have you come and hear from some of the high
school representatives. The program is scheduled to be held inthe Phillips Preparatory gym, Tuesday, January 13, 2015,
from 6:00 PM to approximately 7:30 PM.
We hope to see you there!
From PTSA
IT’S NOT TOO LATE TO JOIN PTSA!
If you have not yet sent in your membership for Phillips Prep’s PTSA, a form can be downloaded from the PPS website or via the link below and submitted in the front office. The PTSA Board would like to thank all parents, teachers and students who have already joined for 2014-2015. A great year at PPS has already begun!
DUTY FREE LUNCH for TEACHERS
Our next duty-free lunch for teachers, administrators, and staff will be December 9 and your help will be appreciated – more info to come later! Contact PTSA VP Hospitality - Angela Stauter if you would like to help with these luncheons: 251-605-5272.
FIRST AID – THANK YOU! MORE VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Thank you to the wonderful volunteers who have signed up to work in the first aid room. More help is always needed in this busy room, and we are looking for adults interested in working 8-11am and/or 11-2pm. No experience necessary! If interested, please contact our PTSAVP Volunteers - Samantha Johnston () for moreinformation and training.
In THE NEWS
PPS STUDENTS OF THE WEEK
Each week, teachers at PPS try to recognize students who go “above and beyond” in their demonstration of the qualities of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and/or citizenship. Their names are announced on Pirates Unplugged and their pictures are posted in the front lobby hall in honor of this recognition.
The Students of the Week for October2014
Cordelia Martin(L) and Hannah Blackmon (R), 8th graders, were nominated for STUDENT OF THE WEEK by Mrs. Vickers. Cordelia and Hannah go above and beyond in the Video Production class. They are always pleasant and focused on the job at hand. Not only do they get the job done, but both girls frequently volunteer to take photos and videos of PPS students and after-school events. Mrs. Vickers wants to thank Cordeliaand Hannah for their help and dedication to this school, but especially to her Video Production Class.
Ross Porter, 6th grader, was nominated for STUDENT OF THE WEEK by Ms. Taylor. Ross showed outstanding character when he willingly helped Ms. Taylor clean up a very large spill without being asked. Ms. Taylor wants to thank Ross for his help and dedication to this school, but especially for being a very polite student with outstanding character.
Trayvaughn Lewis, 6th grader, was nominated for STUDENT OF THE WEEK by Ms. Thompson. Trayvaughn showed that “politeness DOES count in all situations” when he held the door open for Coach Driggers and Ms. Thompson on the way to lunch one day. Ms. Thompson wants to thank Trayvaughn for his help and dedication to this school, but especially for being a very polite student.
Zack Faircloth, 8th grader, was also nominated for STUDENT OF THE WEEK by Ms. Thompson. Zack showed honesty when he turned in money he found. Ms. Thompson wants to thank Zack for his help and dedication to this school, but especially for being extremely honest.
Caidlea Inman (aka KK), 6th grader, was nominated for STUDENT OF THE WEEK by Ms. Prewitt. She has all the amazing qualities to represent her fellow students here at Phillips Preparatory School. KK is always willing to help any time she is asked, and is ALWAYS well-behaved. Ms. Prewitt thanks KK for her help and dedication to this school, but especially for always being a joy to teach.
MOBILE-CRICHTON OPTIMIST CLUB’s Pirate of the Month
The Mobile-Crichton Optimist Club is one of our PPS Partners in Education. They honor a PPS student each month, nominated and selected by the teachers, who demonstrates thepositive characteristics of the Optimist Creed.
Jason Stallings,8th grader, is our
October 2014 PPS Student of the Month.
Jason was nominated by his teachers because hedemonstrates the characteristics of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Jason was recognized with a plaque at the Mobile-Crichton Optimist Club luncheon on Wednesday, October 29, at Heron Lakes Country Club.
PPS SPORTS
VOLLEYBALL
The Phillips Preparatory Middle School Lady Pirates Volleyball Team finished the 2014 season in FIRST PLACEin the 3A Division. Our ladies ended their season with a 9-0 record. We then took on Semmes Middle for the championship. The scores were 25-12, 25-22, and 25-11. We are so proud of our ladies. These matches had some of the longest rallies we’ve ever seen. Both teams should be proud because it was a battle hard fought.
BASKETBALL
2014-2015 Basketball Schedule
DateOpponentSite
11/3Causey@Causey
11/6ClarkPPS
11/10AlbaPPS
11/13OffOff
11/17Semmes@Semmes
11/20BurnsPPS
12/2(Tues)Hankins@Hankins
12/4CauseyPPS
12/8Clark@Clark
12/11N. Mobile@N. Mobile
12/15OffOff
1/8SemmesPPS
1/12Burns @Burns
1/15HankinsPPS
The first game begins at 3:30 p.m. The second game will follow. Admission to all games is $2.00 for students and $3.00 for adults.
Girls play first in all games between November 3 December 2 and the boys will play first in all games between December 4 January 15.
2014-2015 Girls Basketball Team
Addie Allred
Chelsie Burnett
Lauren Chestang
Avery Howell
Kenya McQuirter
Alandria Williams
Cordelia Martin
SanazTafazoli
Jenna Powe
Dejah Sumrall
Patricia Barber
Abigail Foster
Brianna Harden
Coach: Jonah Shenesey-Girls
2014-2015 Boys Basketball Team
8th grade 7th grade
Jalen ScottKris Abrams
Stephon WelchPedro Nelson
Cory AlexanderZavier Love
Mitchell DorseyGarrett Colvin
Marquez TatumTreyvion Pines
Harriston Turk
Jordan Powe
Stephen Wood
Coach: Calvin Turnipseed-Boys