Good News In Schools

Raise your hands! Touch your head! Touch your ears! Clap your hands! Look at me! WHEW!!! If you were watching and listening, you may have thought that it was going to be too tough for the Hawthorne Hawks to Listen and Follow Directions. If you did, then you don’t know about this distinguished group. Assistant Principal Marcus Jackson called out a series of commands to three different groups at the school’s annual Laying Down the Law Assemblies. Dr. Jackson described this as a way to warm-up and get ready to lay the foundation for what promises to be an exciting and rewarding school year! It’s both in that everyone has opportunities to excel academically and behaviorally while reaping the benefits.

Hawthorne’s Administrative Team presented guidelines to the entire family that we all are to adhere to. Dr. Wynton Walker, Principal, began each assembly with a welcome and introduction of all adult family members. She was followed by Dr. Marcus Jackson and Dr. Angela Wanton, Assistant Principals, with a well thought out and proven effective plan. The plan focuses on school wide discipline, dress code, and academics in a safe and nurturing environment.

All eyes and ears were attentive as Dr. Jackson moved from side to side with the “goods” in his hands. He talked about the symbolism of each of the following: Music Note, Art Brush, PE Ball, Computer, Cafeteria Cards (Red & Green), and the very special Hawk’s Feather! While everyone was quite interested in all of the awards, all age groups sat up straight and tall and followed his every move as he talked about the Hawk’s Feather! Winners are announced each week on the popular hit morning news broadcast of WHEN. Not only are their names called for everyone to hear, each is able to meet Dr. Jackson in person, shake his hand, receive a special prize, and pose with him for a group photo taken by Dr. Brenda Stanford. Entire class winners get a special visit from the Hawk’s Feather Patrol (Dr. Jackson and Dr. Stanford) to receive their prizes. The class receives a CD of the visit and a copy of the group photo that has been autographed by Dr. Jackson. Dr. Walker has also been known to step in for photographs and autographs.

What else makes this award so special? Well, all names are submitted in a special drawing to be the recipient of a brand new bicycle donated by Chick-Fil-A! Cheers of Joy rang out when these words were said! You could also hear excitement as Dr. Jackson explained that the Green Cafeteria Cards meant that classes would have an opportunity to Spend Time with the Bosses… Quality Time, that is! It was also pointed out that anyone who fails to comply will be rewarded. However, there would be obvious differences. The Hawks were just as attentive listening to these words.

Family members left each assembly in single file and could be seen throughout the day trying to be one of the first to receive All of the special awards. Mrs. Sharon Lee, Hawthorne’s Teacher of the Year, is already off to a great start! Her 3rd grade class has 3 of the prestigious Hawk’s Feathers outside their classroom. They were recognized for Excellent Hallway Behavior.

All awards are hung proudly outside each classroom for everyone to see! Who’s going to go for All? Hands were held HIGH, thumbs were UP as all family members indicated that they would Follow the Law…Hawthorne Style