I know that we are all concerned and upset about the horrible events that occurred at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut on Friday, December 14^th.  In no way can words adequately describe what that community is feeling at this time, and I know all of our thoughts and prayers are with them as they grieve their losses.  I do want you to know that we are taking precautions, increasing security measures, and reviewing our safety plans to do everything we can to protect your child.

Today, I talked with every class about safety procedures at Rock Mills.  We discussed our safety drills – including our “lock down” procedures, and our faculty is reviewing our school safety plan this afternoon in a faculty meeting.  Also during this week, Mr. Kirby, Randolph County Superintendent, has requested additional sheriff deputies for school patrol.  The presence of these deputies is welcome, and the students know that they are here with us practicing our safety procedures. 

One change that you may notice immediately will be our locked exterior doors.  All doors exiting to the outside will be kept locked.  The front doors will be open only from 7:00 – 7:30 a.m. each morning and from 2:00 – 2:30 p.m. each afternoon.  You are, as always, welcome to visit our school; however, if you come after 7:30 a.m. and before 2:00 p.m. you will need to be let in the front doors.  I appreciate your cooperation in this matter, and while I know that it may be of slight inconvenience to us, nothing compares to the safety of our children.

I am always available to you if you have any questions or concerns.  You may also e-mail me:  jbraden@randolph.k12.al.us, and to further increase communication, I will begin utilizing a school Twitter account, as well as continuing my blog, http://rockmillsjhsnews.blogspot.com.  I will send out further information once the Twitter account is set up and working.

Thank you for your help and cooperation in ensuring the safety of our children.

Rock Mills Ornaments at the Governor's Mansion

 All children in Alabama were invited to make ornaments to decorate Christmas trees at the Candlelight Tour held at the Governor's Mansion, and Hill House (picture at left).  Students from Rock Mills in Kindergarten, 2nd and 3rd grades participated.  Several teachers and I drove to Montgomery to view our ornaments, and I am so proud of our students for their outstanding work and participation!!!

Christmas Tree with Ornaments from Second Grade

Students from Mrs. Banks' class in Second Grade made reindeer ornaments from their handprints, and they are displayed on the tree in the picture above.

Cinnamon-Gingerbread Ornament by Kindergarten

In the picture above, you can see a close-up of a cinnamon-gingerbread ornament made by our Kindergarten class.  Some of our ornaments from our Third Grade class are displayed in the tree below.

Ms. Coker's Third Grade class originally took a field trip to Rock Mills Pottery to make pottery ornaments.  These ornaments were partially broken during the ceramic firing process when a shelf fell in the kiln.  Thanks to the creativity of Mrs. Richardson, our Reading Coach, you can see the beautiful hanging collage that received a place of honor in the entry hall of the Hill House.  We would like to thank Mrs. Gillespie for her beautifully written letter describing the work that was put into the making of these ornaments and the disappointment we felt when they were broken.  As you can see, the hanging collage turned out beautifully, and the final picture shows the collage in the entry hall in the right corner.

Ceramic Hanging Collage by Third Grade

 

 

 

Entry Hall of Hill House Showing the 3rd Grade Collage in the Right Corner

 

CONGRATULATIONS

to all of our Rock Mills students and teachers who participated!!!!

I was so proud to represent you as your principal!!