Seth Adams stands in a hallway at North Murray High School, headbanging to his music, hands on the strings of his electric guitar.
Assistant principal Keith Swilling declines to venture into the area where students are blasting their heavy metal, but he says he appreciates they have the talent to do it — even if it’s not a genre he’s especially fond of.
“School is supposed to be a little bit of fun,” Swilling said, “(This is) something to get them in a club (where) they can have some fun.”
Adams, who is a sophomore and has played guitar for more than five years, said he enjoys his guitar club so much he wishes it met more than just once a month for 45 minutes.
Wednesday was club day at North Murray. Principal Maria Bradley said every student is required to participate in a club. Students chose their clubs at the beginning of the year out of more than 20, ranging from traditional clubs such as Future Farmers of America and school spirit to the less conventional choices of grilling, movie-making and scrapbooking.
While all high schools in Dalton Public Schools, Murray County Schools and Whitfield County Schools have clubs, Bradley said North Murray wanted to emphasize them and set aside a special club time during school each month to create a more enjoyable atmosphere.
Sophomore Bailli Douthitt, who is in the outdoor club, said she lives in a rural area and enjoys outdoor activities, but there are some things she’s never done.
“I’ve slept in several tents, but I’ve never set up a tent until today,” she said. “It wasn’t that hard at all. I mean, they didn’t give us directions, but it wasn’t hard.”
Club advisor Keith Robinette said he plans to take students on a trip this spring, perhaps to explore nearby state parks and hiking trails.
“A lot of these kids, they don’t have the opportunity to experience all the things in our backyard,” he said.
Outside the main building, English/drama teacher Joe Ballew draws looks of hunger as he recounts the foods the grilling club has prepared since school began and the meats they’ll likely prepare before the end of the year. They include hamburgers, sausage and shrimp. Next month will probably feature poultry.
Sophomore Brent Jones said cooking is “way more fun than sitting in class.”
Freshman Brittany Lassetter said she plans a career in business after graduation.
“I want a career in culinary arts, and I thought this might help my career grow,” she said.
Education
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Discussion
A 'club' atmosphere at North Murray
- Education
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Mr. Science visits Eton
Blake Mendez participates in a science activity with “Mr. Science” at Eton Elementary School recently. “Mr. Science” performed magic tricks for students and then explained how science makes them possible.
Blake Mendez participates in a science activity with “Mr. Science” at Eton Elementary School recently. “Mr. Science” performed magic tricks for students and then explained how science makes them possible.
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Class acts: school news
News and notes about students from the Dalton area.
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North Murray freshmen get a dose of 'Reality'
North Murray High School’s ninth-grade students got a little dose of reality on Nov. 14, when they spent their morning shopping at the Reality Store.
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Mountain Creek Academy staff sponsor families for Christmas
Mountain Creek Academy faculty and staff sponsor families in the community for Christmas. Pitching in are, from left, Joan Davis, Robbie Weaver, Jennifer Lents, Wade Jones and Shawn Pritchett
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Bagley Middle teacher of the month for December
Science teacher Matthew Odell is the Teacher of the Month for December at Bagley Middle School. He is a member of the white team and teaches seventh and eighth grade science. School officials say he does a great job of teaching the standards and incorporating numerous hands-on activities with his students. In addition to teaching science, he coaches Bagley’s seventh grade girls basketball team.
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Valley Point hosts Reading with Santa Night
More than 600 students, staff, family and community members attended Reading with Santa Night at Valley Point Elementary.
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Coker recognizes November staff of the month
Each month, Coker Elementary School recognizes employees who demonstrate good attendance, team effort and overall professionalism. The Teacher of the Month for the month of November is media specialist Jill Hensley. Carmon Hipp, physical education paraprofessional, is the staff member of the month. From left are Assistant Principal Kay Holcomb, Hensley, Hipp and Principal Donna Standridge.
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Murray students target drunk driving
Members of Murray County High School’s SADD (Students Against Drunk Driving) Club came together to do their second seatbelt check of the 2011-2012 school year. Caitlyn Sims, left, and Nisei Dill, right, stand with Principal Gina Linder. Students who were buckled up leaving the school parking lot received a candy cane, SADD pencil, a SADD pen or a Teens Drive Smart pen along with a safety message. The safety messages said things like, “Don’t txt and drive!” “Drive the speed limit!” and ”Be safe! Buckle up!”
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Coker rewards Week 13 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS, or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class that models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
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Coker rewards Week 12 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS, or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class that models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
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Coker rewards Week 11 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS, or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class who models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
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Coker rewards Week 10 cubs
As part of Coker Elementary School’s PBIS. or Positive Behavioral and Interventions Support system, students who follow school expectations are recognized each week for their great behavior. One student from each class who models positive behavior is chosen by his or her teacher to be recognized as one of the Coker Cubs of the Week. Students’ pictures and names are posted outside their classroom door throughout the week in recognition.
Continued ... - Jan 5, 2012
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North Murray’s seniors apply to college during Georgia Apply to College event
North Murray High School’s seniors received hands-on assistance applying to college during the school’s Georgia Apply to College event.
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Eton, Woodlawn students sing in statewide chorus
Eton Elementary School and Woodlawn Elementary School chorus students attended the Georgia Music Educators Association State-wide Elementary Honor Chorus in Jonesboro.
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NWHS applies to college
Northwest Whitfield High School was chosen to participate in the Georgia Apply to College event this November.
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