Student Spotlight – November 2024

Ogletree Elementary parents and teachers revealed their school fundraiser’s results earlier today. Students participated in themed days last week in a campaign centered around student involvement in service projects such as creating care packages for chemotherapy patients, creating thank you videos for first responders, rejuvenating the garden on campus, designing placemats for retirement homes, and prepping emergency bags for families via the Lee County Emergency Management Agency. The students reached and exceeded their goals. Therefore, the teachers stayed true to their word on the incentives, which included an All-Star Relay Race and duct-taping Coach Quenton Mosley to a wall! ACS is proud of the service projects students completed and their efforts to enhance their school community through fundraising!

Auburn High School hosted the inaugural Volunteer Expo last night, and 18 organizations were in attendance, presenting students with opportunities to earn service hours and give back to the community. Under the leadership of Michelle Hopf and Audrey Marshall, this event exposed students to the many ways they can get involved. Donating time to a worthy cause through volunteering can boost a student’s college application and resume while providing them with real-world experiences in a professional setting. Developing connections through volunteering provides students with meaningful opportunities to contribute, assist others, and create the potential to pursue valuable internships and career paths. Auburn City Schools thanks all the participating organizations for their time and recruitment efforts to benefit our students!

W. Bruce Cameron is in Auburn visiting elementary schools this week to share where writing has taken him in life. Bruce Cameron is an author, columnist, and humorist most famous for his novel A Dog’s Purpose, which spent 52 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and was adapted into a major motion picture in 2017 under the same title. Equipped with smiles and copies of his books, students asked Mr. Cameron questions about his writing process while also learning more about the inner workings of publishing and how screenwriters operate on a film’s set. ACS thanks W. Bruce Cameron for speaking to and inspiring students to pursue their dreams!

Chosen by their peers to represent their grade level, these students embody immense school spirit for Auburn High School.
SOPHOMORES:
Cate Cleveland
Della Wright
Taniya Bogan
Kaleah Palmer
JUNIORS:
Camilla Bosman
Emery Slocumb
Natalie Schoonover
Reese Kelley
SENIORS:
Anna Skipper
Ellie Kate Warnock
Izzy Antoine
Laila Simmons
Tanyla Cobb

Fourth graders from Pick Elementary took a field trip to the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill to learn more about Native American history! Danielle Fixico, an instructor and artist at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma, has been in residence at Pebble Hill this week. She shared her culture and heritage with students, stating that her ancestors were indigenous to this area. Dr. Mark Wilson and his team at Pebble Hill also demonstrated how art and plants can teach history before conducting a scavenger hunt highlighting interesting facts about the historic site, such as the purpose higher ceilings served in a pre-air-conditioned world. Like many other houses constructed in Alabama before the Civil War, Pebble Hill displays architectural details reflecting the Greek Revival style, popular in the US in the 1830s and 1840s. ACS thanks Auburn University for the opportunity to expose students to the history of their hometown!

While on a field trip to the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center (GPAC), elementary students were amazed by the science behind magic tricks. Illusionist Bill Blagg’s educational experience, The Science of Magic, gave students a “behind-the-scenes” look at a magician’s routine, demonstrating how the basic five-step scientific method is used to create tricks, such as making homework disappear. During the finale, the students erupted in excitement as a teacher was selected from the audience to float on stage! ACS is thankful for community partnerships like the one with GPAC, which presents opportunities throughout the school year for students to attend various productions!

Pre-K and special needs students at Auburn Early Education Center had their senses ignited by having Auburn University’s Sensory Activation Vehicle (SAV) on-site with special guest Aubie! Sensory Outreach Under Nurse Direction (SOUND) is a program within the College of Nursing at Auburn University that provides resources for children with emotional regulation challenges. AU is the first university in America to possess a vehicle specifically designed for those with sensory needs, as it operates outside Neville Arena and Jordan-Hare Stadium during athletic events and extensive community engagement, such as the event at AEEC today. This visit provided AEEC students with a fun Friday morning and allowed AU nursing students to interact and work with children. ACS is grateful for our collaborative partnership with Auburn University to enhance students’ educational experiences!

Auburn High School’s Instructional Technology Specialist Jacque Middleton recently completed the Alabama Technology Integration Coach Certification Program. This year-long experience focused on advancing digital citizenship, enhancing instructional coaching through technology, and fostering collaboration with educators statewide. The program follows ISTE Standards for Technology Coaches, and the participants work on a yearly showcase project. Ms. Middleton presented her final project at the Alabama Leaders in Education Technology Fall conference in Orange Beach, highlighting her mentoring skills, technology integration, and instructional coaching for new teachers.

St. Michael Catholic Church honored the lives lost on 9/11/2001. We remember those who served as first responders and those who survived. We are thankful to our first responders for their unwavering sacrifice and commitment. We honored first responders today at our annual Blue Mass, followed by a reception. We ask that you take a moment today to pray for those impacted by 9/11 and our local first responders.

Kindergarten paired up with 5th grade to practice literacy skills! This was a highlight of their week getting to look up to these 5th grade role models!

At St. Michael Catholic School, we are grateful for partnerships that foster a culture of giving. Our AU Catholic students embodied this spirit Friday afternoon by selflessly spreading mulch on our playgrounds under the scorching sun with very little supplies. Their unwavering commitment to serving others is a testament to their compassion and willingness to make a difference. Thank you AU Catholic!

2nd grade has been learning all about the Earth’s landscapes. They had a hands-on learning experience thanks to a generous donation of science kits that help bring science to life. Students created model mountains, canyons, hills, and valleys using clay and water.

Engineering students from Auburn High School sparked the curiosity of young minds at Creekside Elementary during the first STEM night of the 2024-2025 school year. Students and their families enjoyed hands-on activities like 3D puzzles, pixel art, robot battles, coding workshops, and so much more. It was a night full of discovery and fun! This event highlights the strong partnership between our schools, working together to bring enriching educational experiences to the entire Auburn community. ACS is proud of our students and the positive impact they are making!

Fourth graders at Yarbrough Elementary had the chance to explore a world of possibilities during Career Day, an event that will have a lasting impact on their aspirations! Over 20 amazing volunteers shared their professions, from airline pilots to forest rangers, giving students a firsthand look at different occupations. Career exploration at this age helps ignite curiosity, develop interests, and create conversations about future goals. It’s never too early to start dreaming big! ACS thanks everyone who helped make this an exceptional learning experience!

Auburn City Schools is the No. 3 Best School District in Alabama, according to a recent study by Niche.com!

Auburn’s BEST afterschool program student, Grayson Caroline received a third place coin from Augusta National Golf Club last month for a sub regional driving competition. She was two wins away from being on national television and playing there during Masters Week.

The 6th grade enjoyed their study of the Early Explorers and finished it by making 16th Century sailing ships! The class also learned nautical terms like starboard, port, bow, stern, masts and rigging, in addition to learning about joys and dangers of sailing during this time period

Our 11th Grade chemistry students demonstrated the law of conservation of mass by showing that the mass was the same before and after a chemical reaction involving acids and bases. They made an indicator by boiling cabbage leaves that changed colors as the chemical reaction occurred.

As part of their leadership roles, our 5th graders will be stationed at the front entrance during arrival time to welcome their peers and demonstrate their leadership skills. SMCS is committed to fostering a culture of service and giving back to the community, and we are proud of our 5th grade students for embodying these values!

3rd-5th graders visited the Jay and Susie Gouge Performing Arts Center today to see “Bill Blagg: “The Science of Magic”! Students were eager to learn their own tricks as they returned back to school. It was a magical time!

Each year, the Opelika Chamber selects students for the Lee County Young Leaders program. This is a county-wide program that aims to nurture and develop positive leadership qualities in high school students by giving them the knowledge, tools, and contacts to become successful leaders in the community! We’re proud to share in the success of TCS’s Anderson England for being selected as 2024-25 Lee County Young Leaders! These students and the rest of their class will have the opportunity to meet area leaders in business, media, government, education, and service organizations!

Student-made papier-mâché birds adorn the fine arts hallway at ESS in preparation for welcoming parents to the exhibit. This project began with students learning about contemporary artist Nicolas Holiber, who created giant bird sculptures from reclaimed wood in New York City. (FUN FACT: With the support of the Audubon Society, Holiber has shed light on 10 NYC birds in danger of extinction because of environmental issues). Honoring the life of John James Audubon, ESS students then researched birds and assembled the works of art with an armature wrapped in newspaper and tape. Papier-mâché was then used to create a surface to add feathers. In the spirit of building students’ confidence in their artistic endeavors, photojournalist Kate Medley also visited and shared her passion for photography, highlighting her experiences from her recently-release book “Thank You Please, Come Again.” Students will apply what they learned from Medley to incorporate photography into their artistic skills. Through a collaborative partnership with ACS, The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art helped make this unique artist visit possible. ACS is thankful for the amazing resources in our community while encouraging and celebrating student artists!

Mrs. Keyes’ third graders at Creekside recently scrubbed in to perform “surgery” using identifying descriptors. Inside the “Keyes’ Crew Crisis Clinic and Surgery Center,” the student surgeons spent the day in operating rooms “prepping” patient files using X-rays to determine problems, form solutions, and establish each case’s character and physical traits. Once “medical teams” discussed strategies and “plotted” plans for surgery, they repaired “broken bones” (main ideas), mended “ribs and vertebrates” (key details), completed distributive property surgery, and bandaged simple, compound, and complex sentences. Post-op included charting the sequence of their surgical steps from the beginning, middle, to end, and summarizing the outcome of their patient’s recovery. Students then had the opportunity to ask questions and learn more about the medical profession from special guests Dr. William Blythe and NP Meredith Blythe. They visited the classroom to talk about a typical day for them in a hospital, how they persevered through school, and what they enjoyed most about their jobs!

Students and teachers at the elementary level are observing International Dot Day. Celebrating creativity, courage, and collaboration, students are taking a page from Peter H. Reynolds’ book “The Dot” and making their mark. “The Dot” is the story of a caring teacher who dares a doubting student to trust in her abilities by being brave enough to “make her mark.” What begins with a simple dot on a piece of paper becomes a breakthrough in confidence and courage, igniting a journey of self-discovery and sharing, inspiring countless children and adults around the globe. ACS proudly encourages students to utilize their creative potential in all they do!

Classical Christian education is dedicated to training well-rounded people, and the fine arts play an important role. TCS understands the importance of truth, goodness, and beauty. There is no better way to cultivate a love and appreciation for the arts than by learning key fundamentals at a young age. When students learn to make music or paint a picture, they also learn to recognize and enjoy the details of God’s creation.

K4-6th Grade students have the opportunity to participate in their first community service project of the year. The Lee-Scott Academy Lower School is supporting the local CARE Humane Society. We are hoping families will send in supplies to support this wonderful cause. Although they accept countless items, here are some suggestions: Purina dog & cat food, Martingale Collars, old towels, cat litter, gallon trash bags. Thank you for supporting KICKS and the Lee-Scott Academy Lower School in serving our community!

Congratulations to Upper School Spanish teacher Mrs. Susan Zellner on being named Distinguished Teacher for the 2023-24 school year by the American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese (AATSP)! This recognition comes after AATSP awarded the LSA students’ service trip to Panama in 2023 as its Most Outstanding Service Project of the year. We’re so proud of Mrs. Zellner and the rest of our Spanish department!

Last month, the Lower School began their school wide reading of “The Wild Robot” by Peter Brown. Every 1st-6th Grade class reads two chapters a day after the morning news and discusses the provided comprehension questions and vocabulary words together. On Fridays, there’s even a campus search for the “wild robot” after clues are given on WLSA. Stay tuned in the coming weeks to see how our enrichment classes are making this a school wide reading initiative.

What a great pep rally in Courthouse Square! Thanks to everyone for coming out to support Opelika Bulldog Football and to Opelika Main Street for sponsoring the event! See you Friday night in Bulldog Stadium for the homecoming game. Go Dawgs!

With tonight’s 2-0 win over Pike, the Warriors’ middle school volleyball team finishes their season UNDEFEATED. Congratulations girls! The future of Warrior volleyball is bright!

Congratulations to 2024 Opelika High School Homecoming Queen-Kamyra Jackson!

Thanks to the Lee-Scott Academy PTO for putting on another amazing Fall Festival! We love having our Lee-Scott Academy families and the Auburn-Opelika community on campus for fun and fellowship. Special thanks go to Aubie, LSA cheer and band for selling concessions and baked goods, Kona Ice, Let’s Shake On It milkshakes truck and more for helping create such a fun event!

Opelika High School culinary instructor, Judy Eldred, was recognized by Mayor Gary Fuller and members of the city council at the Opelika City Council meeting for receiving the 2024 Green Runner-up Award. The national award recognizes commitment to teaching sustainability and its importance in culinary education. The award is sponsored by the United Soybean Board and the Center for the Advancement of Foodservice Education. Eldred addressed sustainability and food waste management in a hands-on way through a mutually beneficial partnership with the OHS agriculture program. The agriculture program provided the culinary program with farm-to-table ingredients, including an aquaponics set-up that grew herbs, lettuce and market-size tilapia. They also provided seasonal produce and eggs. In return, the culinary students gave the ag program items for composting. The goal was to foster a culture of environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility among students while increasing awareness about the origin of food. Congratulations to Chef Eldred! We are proud of you!

Lee-Scott Academy was delighted to have author W. Bruce Cameron on a visit to campus! Mr. Cameron is a New York Times bestselling author for his book series, “A Dog’s Purpose.” He later co-wrote alongside his wife the screenplay for its movie adaptation. It was very special for us to have him to speak to our 3rd – 6th Grade students, who were welcomed by some of LSA faculty’s own dogs! Ahead of his visit, the Lower School has been interviewing veterinarians on WLSA and coordinating with the CARE Humane Society for a school-wide food drive. One of the academic focuses in the Lower School this year has been the entirety of the writing process. Mr. Cameron spoke to students about his own writing process and just how long it can take to turn an idea into a published novel! His message to our students to be perseverant in their writing and own passions was truly encouraging.

Congratulations to the members of the 2024 OHS Homecoming Court! Pictured (l-r): Londyn Gardner-Freshman, Allanah Jackson-Sophomore, Mackenzie Young-Junior, April Vega Sanchez-Senior, Stella George-Senior, Kamyra Jackson-Senior, Kennedi Davis-Junior, Serenity-Dawn Pruitt-Sophomore, and Abbey Tillery-Freshman. The 2024 Homecoming Queen will be crowned during halftime at tonight’s game against Smiths Station. Go Dawgs!

Three Free Little Art Galleries, sponsored by the Opelika Art Haus, opened in Opelika. These miniature versions of the Opelika Art Haus were built by two Opelika High School engineering students, Carson Bass and Jayme Manning, through a grant from the Henry J. Stern Family Foundation. The two students along with their teacher, Adrianna Padgett, joined Mayor Gary Fuller, J. Stern, Ginger Stern, OHS Principal Kelli Fischer, OCS Superintendent Farrell Seymore, Mr. Jeff Conway-OHS art teacher, Rosanna McGinnis-Director of the Opelika Library, and Nate Dunlap with the PRF Institute to celebrate the official opening of the Free Little Art Galleries.

6th Grade students went back in time and visited Ellis Island today! Students were met by the registry as they entered the island, inspected and questioned on why they were coming to America…some even had to undergo a medical exam! Once they were admitted, they wrote to their families to tell them they’d made it. These students (and parents!) got to see and experience what it was really like on Ellis Island nearly 80 years ago!

Mrs. Starr’s senior physics class built their own catapults to test launching a ball of their choice at varying distances! Their grades were dependent upon accurately meeting certain distances with their own contraption and choice of a projectile. Of course at the end, there’s a competition of who can go the furthest!