Piedmont 5th Grade visits Rock Eagle
Written by: Judy Nelson

Piedmont's fifth grade attended Rock Eagle for an overnight camp on May 14 and 15. The students took several classes during their stay including a challenge and team building course, lake ecology, sensory awareness, and pioneer life. The class had a great time learning to work together as a team, digging and searching in the water for different organisms, testing their five senses, and learning to use the different types of tools used by pioneers. Although, the most favorite activity would have to be the campfire the students had right before "lights out." The kids were able to roast marshmallows, tell ghost stories, and dance around the fire.  Adults attending included fifth grade teacher, Helen Harmon, aide, Amy Owens, Chris and Larry Hunt.

Piedmont 5th Grade Science Class
Written by: Judy Nelson

Mrs. Stephanie Kelly’s 5th grade science class at Piedmont Academy held a mock Science Fair to learn more about using the Scientific Method.  The winners of the projects were Hailey Hooper and Haley Cashwell with their project "Soak it Up" using various paper towels to prove which one worked the best.  The scientific projects are on display at the school.

Piedmont Academy Honor's Day 2012
Written by: Judy Nelson

Piedmont Academy held its 2011/2012 Honor’s Day program on Tuesday, May 8, for grades six through twelve.  Several guests were in attendance for recognizing distinguished students.  Headmaster, Tony Tanner welcomed the visitors, congratulated the students, and gave the invocation.

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Students vist High Museum
Written by: Judy Nelson

Several art students had the opportunity to visit the High Museum of Art in Atlanta with parent Becky Strickland.  They were very enthusiastic about the exhibit and art in general. Their favorite artists were Jackson Pollock and Alexander Calder.  Pictured:  Ian Boyd, Will Mack Tillman, Lena Boyd, and Jill Strickland.

ThermoChemistry
Written by: Judy Nelson

In Piedmont Academy’s high school chemistry class, Dan Fun is teaching on the subject of thermochemistry.  Thermochemistry is a study used to investigate how energy is absorbed or released in chemical reactions.  Thermochemistry is an interesting scientific field of study.

The first part of this investigation was to look at how much energy (in calories, a dietary calorie, or kilocalorie) was released in a potato chip.  Students used a calorimeter to measure the energy released in the burning of a potato chip.  Burning of the chip simulates what a human’s body does when food is digested.  However, the results from burning the chip are inaccurate because the chip did not combust entirely like what it would do in your body.

The second part of this investigation was to observe combustion like what would occur in your body (picture).  In order for this to happen, the students heated up potassium chlorate which released oxygen gas.  Then they added sugar (or any organic compound, similar to what is in a potato chip).  The sugar, or other organic compounds, combusts completely with the oxygen gas releasing carbon dioxide, water vapor, and a tremendous amount of light and energy (heat).  The students came to the conclusion each chip has approximately 8 calories.

3rd Grade writes spring poems
Written by: Judy Nelson

Students in Shannon Milner's third grade at Piedmont Academy enjoyed writing poems about spring time and drawing illustrations that related to their poem.  Not all the students were available for the photograph.

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FFA Woodworking Career Development Event
Written by: Judy Nelson

Luke Martin, ninth grade FFA Student at Piedmont Academy, participated in the FFA Woodworking Career Development Event. The high school students were required to make a porch swing for the competition. Each student could choose their own design but they had to turn in hand drawn plans for the competition. Luke also had to turn in receipts for his supplies and pictures of the construction.  Luke placed 3rd in the Area 4 competition. Luke’s swings are part of his Supervised Agriculture Experience and the swings are for sale at Town and Country in Monticello. He has a sample at the store for customers to see and he will make swings to order.  Enjoy your summer swinging on your porch!

Piedmot FFA members visit UGA
Written by: Judy Nelson

FFA Members in the Piedmont Academy Agriculture Careers and Leadership Class visited the University of Georgia. While the students were at UGA, they were able to meet several professors in the College of Agriculture including an Ag Communications Professor and a Dairy & Animal Science Professor.  Students also met with Brice Nelson from the admissions office. He informed the students of early and regular registration deadlines, courses needed for agriculture majors, and the diversity of the College of Agriculture. A great benefit of this college is that there are only 1900 students compared to 37,000 in the business college. Students can also obtain undergraduate degrees that will lead into professional graduate work; such as, pre-law, pre-med, pre-vet, and pre-dental.  Chaperones for the trip were Beth Galloway, FFA Advisor, and Ashley Cook, Piedmont Academy Counselor.

PIEDMONT SENIORS ENJOY HERMAN CAIN’S VISIT
Written by: Judy Nelson

One of Piedmont Academy’s grandparents, Luke Weaver, invited Headmaster Tony Tanner and two members of the Class of 2012 to hear former Republican presidential candidate, Herman Cain, speak in Jackson on March 29th at the First United Methodist Church.  Davis Kimball and Samuel McGinnis returned to school very inspired from Mr. Cain’s message.

When asked of Kimball what impressed him the most, Kimball stated, “Mr. Cain told us not to give up on the ‘American Dream’ and to always follow your dreams.  Our country needs a lot of work to turn things around; so don’t just complain about the problems, stand up and do something to fix them.” 

McGinnis was very impressed with the way Cain explained his “9-9-9 Tax Plan” to the audience.  The 9-9-9 plan is the first step in the proposed tax code overhaul. It involves a 9 percent tax on corporate income, a 9 percent tax on individual income, and a 9 percent national sales tax.   Cain noted he has 35 congressmen in favor of the new legislation.  Cain told the crowd there were too many “sneak-a-taxes” and his plan would eliminate this type of problem.

After the luncheon, Mr. Cain left for New York to speak with Shawn Hannity, conservative talk show host.  Both members of Piedmont’s Class of 2012 said it will be one of the most memorable events they shared during high school.

Pictured:  Kimball, Cain, McGinnis

“Egg Dog” Show
Written by: Judy Nelson

Students in Elizabeth Davis’s language arts studies recently read an in-class novel, The Last Dog on Earth by Daniel Ehrenhaft, which dealt with different breeds of dogs. The students chose a breed of dog, researched the animal to find out specific information about the breed, and then created a version of their dog using a blown out egg.  The “egg dogs” were then entered in the language arts studies dog show.  Five winners were awarded certificates.  Bridgette Phillips and her long hair Chihuahua earned “best of show,” Matti Smith and her Boykin spaniel placed second, and Clay Kirkpatrick came in third with his Rottweiler.  Ben Davis’ poodle won “most original” and Alicia Peek’s Doberman received the award for “most realistic.”

FFA Week
Written by: Beth Galloway

FFA Week is celebrated all over the nation during the spring. Piedmont Academy FFA celebrated last week with special activities and promotions each day. The week started with a contest to guess how many peanuts were in a jar in a chance to win a t-shirt designed by FFA students, Payden Cantera and Hunter Pope. In order to make a guess in the contest, students had to donate money towards the American Red Cross tornado relief fund for victims of the recent tornado damage.  Students raised $118.00 for the Red Cross and Knowlen Jones, K-4 student, won the contest. On Tuesday, the floral design students designed flower arrangements for the lunchroom to promote Career Development Events in FFA.  Students were happy to pay a $1.00 to dress in blue and yellow on Wednesday so they could participate in the FFA dress down day.  Thursday was welcomed with Chick-Fil-A biscuits. Students were able to enjoy the biscuits and the FFA students delivered free biscuits to the staff of Piedmont with handmade notes of appreciation. The school week ended with a FFA mystery day that involved a guest speaker from the University of Georgia, Christa Steinkamp, North Region Livestock Specialist spoke to students in the ag classes about her experience in FFA and her career in agriculture. Then students were able to meet Cheyenne and Wyatt Galloway's show calves. Students learned about showing calves, had the chance to pet the calves, and also learned about cuts of meat. Mrs. Steinkamp played a game with the students where they used chalk on the calves to identify where different cuts of meat came from on the calf. Mrs. Galloway invited the fifth grade students outside to participate with the show calves to promote the FFA program and the show team. The week culminated on Saturday with a fish fry. More than 220 fish plates were sold by FFA members. Tom and Nita Tillman cooked the catfish and helped organize the event.

Picture of the Middle School FFA students with the show calves.

Hunter Pope draws on the calf where the ribeye is located.  Cheyenne Galloway and Christa Steinkamp look on.

The FFA Lawnmower Career Development Event was held at Crawford County High School. Mills Smith and Wyatt Galloway from Piedmont Academy FFA participated in the contest. During the contest, students had to verbally answer questions about the maintenance of the lawnmower, drive the lawnmower through a timed obstacle course, take a written exam and a problem solving exam. Mills competed on the FFA Senior level where he drove an Exmark 52" zero turn mower and placed eighth in the contest. Wyatt participated in the FFA Middle School level and won the Central Region Area 3 contest. Wyatt will advance to the state contest on March 24th.

Piedmont Academy recently competed in Perry, GA at the State Livestock Show
Written by: Beth Galloway

Piedmont Academy recently competed in Perry, GA at the State Livestock Show. FFA students from Piedmont that participated in the Beef Cattle Show were Hunter Pope, Cheyenne and Wyatt Galloway.  4-H member and Piedmont Academy fifth grade students also participated in the Dairy Show. The students spent three days at the show where they competed in Showmanship competitions and Weight Class competitions. The State Livestock Show marks the end of the beef cattle show year so now those students will be looking for new calves to start showing in August. On the other hand, students like Lawton Harris that are showing dairy calves have just begun their show season. Lawton will finish showing her dairy heifer in the fall.

Pictured: Wyatt Galloway showing his steer Black Jack. Wyatt placed 3rd in the 1st class of Commercial Steers.

SPECIAL VISITOR EXPLAINS TOURISM INDUSTRY
Written by: Judy Nelson

Piedmont alumnus, Andy Williams (’02), visited Elizabeth Davis’ eighth grade students at Piedmont Academy and shared his experience in the tourism industry.  Williams gave a power point using one of the school’s “smart boards” on the many facets of tourism.  Formerly with the Morgan County Chamber of Commerce for several years, Williams is now employed as a sales manager for the Convention and Business Bureau of Dunwoody, Georgia.

Dunwoody was recently named “Newest City in Georgia” in 2008.  His job is to promote the city and its special events.  Different types of tourism include eco-tourism, cultural heritage tourism, sport tourism, and adventure tourism.  Williams stated, “Tourism is constantly evolving; one must stay up-to-date on technology and be able to research demographics and people of a community.”

He promotes the entire destination including hotels, restaurants, special events, historic sites, etc.  He utilizes print advertising, online advertising, social media, public relations, direct selling, promotions, and sponsorships.  Williams shared with the group that statistics show travel plans are made 90% of the time by women.  Facebook, Twitter, and linked sites are in use to reach out to the masses.

His main goal is to bring in large companies for meetings in Dunwoody because this places money directly back in the Dunwoody community.  He normally has only five minutes to meet with company representatives and convince them to come to Dunwoody versus other cities in the Atlanta metropolitan area.  Although, working together with other communities often attract businesses when cities co-op meeting facilities and tourism.

Welcome bags are given to visiting groups.  All items in the bag contain the Dunwoody logo to remind visitors to come back and visit.  Williams has had the opportunity to travel all of the United States recruiting for the new city. Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Commercial Recreation.  He is certified travel marketing professional. 

Williams holds a Bachelor of Science in Tourism and Commercial Recreation from Georgia Southern and he is a certified travel marketing professional.  As a stand-out student and athlete while attending Piedmont Academy, the class presented him with a 2011 football state back-to-back championship hoodie.

PA Students visit Atlanta History Center
Written by: Judy Nelson

Eighth grade American history teacher, Elizabeth Davis, and her students traveled to Buckhead, Georgia to tour the Atlanta History Center.  The students have spent several weeks in the classroom studying the unit on the Civil War.

At the history center, the students saw exhibits including “War in Our Backyards:  Discovering Atlanta, 1861-1865.”  The exhibit challenged the students to consider their personal connections to a war that was literally fought in all of their backyards.  They observed how much of the city of Atlanta actually went up in flames and precisely plotted locations using dozens of period sources, seven key eyewitness accounts, and the exhibition’s interactive map. The students were able to toggle between the Atlanta of today and the Atlanta of 1864 – both before and after Union Sherman’s visit.

The Textiles and Social History Collection was an intimate record of the daily lives of Atlanta residents, from the city’s founding to the present day. Among its 10,000 objects are clothing, accessories, household textiles, and other personal objects. Objects from the Textiles and Social History Collection were featured in special temporary exhibitions and represented in limited numbers in the Metropolitan Frontiers and Shaping Traditions exhibitions.

The Civil War and Military Collection was comprised of 12,000 historical artifacts, of which over ninety percent date from the American Civil War. Though the artifacts, documenting most American military history with a local connection, the Civil War collection is national in scope, providing objects related to both the Union and the Confederacy. Pieces from the Civil War Collection were featured in the exhibition, Turning Point: The American Civil War.

The Decorative Arts and Material Culture Collection documented changing lifestyles in Atlanta and the Southeast with over 7,000 artifacts on display from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, including furniture, fine art, glasswork, and games.

After leaving the museum, the students enjoyed touring the Smith Family Farm which includes the Tullie Smith House, a plantation-plain house built in the 1840s by the Robert Smith family.  Originally located east of Atlanta, outside the city limits, the house survived the destruction in and around Atlanta during the Civil War.  The house and detached kitchen were moved to the Atlanta History Center in the early 1970s and the property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The house and separate open-hearth kitchen are now surrounded by a dairy, blacksmith shop, smokehouse, double corncrib, slave cabin, and barn, as well as traditional vegetable, herb, field, flower, and slave gardens. Costumed interpreters lead the tour of the house and performed activities typical of nineteenth-century rural Georgia during special programs.  Farm animals living on the farm include chickens, sheep, and goats.

Star Student
Written by: Judy Nelson

John Steinbeck stated in his short story, “Flight”: “A boy becomes a man when a man is needed.” For the past few years, I have watched as Samuel McGinnis matured from a mischievous adolescent into an erudite young man. This young man is now prepared to tackle adulthood with perseverance and intellect enhanced by a facetious sense of humor and vitality for life.

Samuel’s creative and analytical abilities are astounding; his innovative utilization of these skills in capturing an image with his pen and paper has bestowed upon him the honor of being one of the most gifted and talented writers ever to grace my classroom. Whether he will admit it or not, Samuel relishes learning. He gleans from each and every situation a lesson to use in building his vast storehouse of knowledge for the betterment of his life and the lives of those around him.

Samuel is wise beyond his years. Not only in my college English class but in all of his interactions with others, his compassion and kindness are vividly displayed. These attributes give him the ability to analyze a difficult poem or write one as poignant as the one we studied in class. His diligent work in his church mission field has increased his insight into the suffering of others and fueled his desire to help wherever and whenever he is needed.

I am honored that Samuel chose me to be his STAR teacher. The greatest honor is being chosen by such an astute, exemplary student. I have faith in Samuel’s judgment to fulfill his plans for a career in the military. Whether he goes to the Naval Academy, Georgia Tech, or North Georgia, Samuel will truly be an asset in any endeavor that he chooses. His star will be luminous as he begins his quest to make the world a better place for all of us.

All of my teachers here at Piedmont have had an enormous impact on my academic career and my life. Ms. Martha Mock is chief among these. Throughout her time teaching at Piedmont, she has been dedicated to the betterment of the school and all of its students. Though she has only taught me for two years, her compassion and motivation have made me into the student I am today. Her classes and lectures have always captured my attention and instilled in me a love of learning.  She has taught me the importance of grammar and the proper structure for an essay as well as the importance of attention to detail and to take pride in my work. Though her workload was not easy, I am confident it will prepare me for college and the remainder of my life. Ms. Mock is truly on of the most gifted teachers I have had the pleasure of learning from. I feel very blessed to have had that opportunity to learn lessons of English and life from her.

Eighth grade language arts studies
Written by: Judy Nelson

Students in Elizabeth Davis’ eighth grade language arts studies class have been reading the science fiction novel, Remnants.  The book tells the story of an asteroid racing straight towards Earth.  The students chose a science experiment to demonstrate to the class.  Presentations  included an erupting volcano, weighted parachute, exploding bubbles, static generator, and a floating paper clip.

Piedmont Academy Honor Roll 1st Semester - January 2012
Written by: Judy Nelson

SPECIAL DISTINCTION (95 and Above in All Classes)
4th:  Mari Jablonski, Loren Pope.  5th:  Gracie Hunt, Haley Cashwell.  6th:  Alini Jablonski, Kevin Davis, Ivy English.  7th:  Tyler Mills, Heidi Cashwell.  10th:  Katie Odegaard.

HEADMASTERS LIST (All A’s)
4th:  Nicole Edwards, Zachary Spivey, Eli Waits, Emily Mills, Mackensie Johnston, Mallory Boyd, Kelsey Leach, Jordan Camp, Payton Wallace.  5th:  Lawton Harris, Rylee Owens, Lucy Tuggle, Madison McCart, Mattie Johnston, Caden Clark.  6th:  Mikayla Rigsby, Jackson Waddleton, Anne Marie Hildebrant, Ian Boyd, Morgan Spivey, O’Neil Sealy, Talon Anglin, Anna Knox, Gracie Brittain, Blakely Arp, Grayson Bradley.  7th:  Grace Roberts, Will Mack Tillman, Ashley Johnston.  8th:  Morgan Leach, Taylor Swart.  9th:  Cheyenne Galloway, Nick Adamszyk, Luke Martin, Marissa Mooneyham, Lean Boyd, Morgan Tillman, Hank Strickland.  10th:  Austin Bass, Ashley Young, Jordon Blackmon, Amberly Moseley.  11th:  Carley Cain, Clare Maloney.  12th:  Briana Bailey, Davis Kimball.

HONOR ROLL (All A’s, No More Than 2 B’s)
4th:  Gracie Black.  5th:  Summer Strother, Hailey Hooper.  6th:  Chase Tweedell, Jill Strickland.  7th:  Michael Edwards, Cheyenne Miller, Wyatt Galloway, Mack Brady, Baylee Keesee.  8th:  Christopher Cain, Chris Coogler, Bridgette Phillips, Alicia Peek, Chandler Burrell.  9th:  Cameron Hallman, Zach Beggs, PJ Leonetti.  10th:  Britton Bailey, Savannah McGinnis, Lynne Marie Edwards, Anna Jones, Jared Smith.  11th:  Lacy Adamson, Lanie King, Jenna Vella, Andrew Wilzman, Brittnee Phillips, Hailey Burnham, Kacy Swart, Lucy Strickland. 12th:  Josh Brennan.

PERFECT ATTENDANCE
K3:  Barrett Downing, Hunter Thomson.  K4: Greta Wilkes. K5:  Anthony Brown, Bailey Mobley.  1st:  Tanner Beam, Haiden Crews, Buddy Fountain, Ben Jackson, Mason Owens, Cain Thaxton, Dalton Wallace.  2nd: Brody Anderson, Andrianna Chapko, Luke Davis, Maggie Johnston, Katie Mathews, Piper Potts, Hannah Tyler, Madelyn Waddleton, Jayce Wood.  3rd:  Jordan Beam, Beau Bradley, Cally Cook, Booker Holifield, Jacob Mathews, Jessica McEwen, Cameron Mobley.  4th:  Mari Jablonski, Mackensie Johnston, Kelsey Leach, Emily Mills, Ashton Mooney, Loren Pope, Mackenzie Rodgers, Payton Wallace.  5th:  Cassidy Cook, Lauren Davis, Madelyn Johnston, Rylee Owens.  6th:  Ian Boyd, Grayson Bradley, Andrew Chapko, Ivy English, Anne Marie Hildebrant, Alina Jablonski, Katie Quinn, Mikayla Rigsby, Chase Tweedell, Jackson Waddleton, Dalton Whitley.  7th:  Joseph Anderson, Madison Burnham, Caroline Davis, Michael Edwards, Wyatt Galloway, JT Hardin, Amber Helton, Ashley Johnston, Alex Martin, Tyler Mills, Grace Roberts, Will Mack Tillman.  8th:  Jordan Chandler, Chris Coogler, Ethan Davidson, Morgan Leach, Alicia Peek, Taylor Swart, Haley Tyler, Zachary Wilson.  9th:  Nick Adamczyk, Jacob Bowers, Lena Boyd, Payden Cantera, Cameron Hallman, Joseph Hardin, Parker Kelly, Remington Marsh, Luke Martin, Zack Mayfield, Andrew Mitchell, Chase Olson, Chance Perry.  10th:  Britton Bailey, Austin Bass, Katie Brennan, Montana Dozier, Lynne Marie Edwards, Anna Jones, Emmie Kelly, Carla Martin, Katie Odegaard, Morgan Rodgers, Ashley Young.  11th:  Lacy Adamson, Kaitlin Brooks, Lanie King, Peter Lawson, Clare Maloney, Lucy Strickland, Kacy Swart, Emily Tweedell, Andrew Wilzman.  12th:  Zach Benjamin, Austin Corley, Tyler Cullum, Seth Harvey, Leigh Hicks, Kevin McBroom.

Author visits Piedmont Academy elementary
Written by: Judy Nelson

Elementary students at Piedmont Academy had a special visit by children’s author and storyteller Mr. Charles McClain from Madison, Georgia. Mr. McClain is the author of the popular ‘Big Jake” children’s books.  All elementary classes had the opportunity to visit with him after he read some of his stories.

Mr. McClain is a retiree from the telephone company. He started telling his stories to his grandchildren and they repeatedly would ask him to tell the story again, just like the first time.  With this thought, he decided to put his stories onto paper and publish a book.

His daughter-in-law, Tanya, illustrates the books. Two books have been published and the third is expected to be available in bookstores or on-line in April.  For more information, visit his website, bigjakeadventures.com.

Mr. McClain has also started a book on the earthquake that transpired in Haiti in 2010.  He was on a mission trip in Haiti when the earthquake occurred.  More information will be available on his website.  Media Center Specialist, Traci Brady, organized the event.

Piedmont Academy FFA Serves Their Community
Written by: Judy Nelson

The Piedmont Academy FFA students have been working on their community service skills this Christmas season. They have completed several projects that will help many in need. Students have been collecting cans for our local food bank. They have also donated cold weather gear including coats, scarves, hats and mittens for those that are in need of some extra warmth. The students have also been raising money by picking up pecans at the school. This pecan  money, along with some monetary donations, is being used to help a family enjoy Christmas a little more this year. Part of the FFA program is leadership and leadership begins with serving others.

CHAMPS GRADUATION “Choosing Healthy Activities and Methods Promoting Safety”
Written by: Judy Nelson

The fifth grade students of Piedmont Academy graduated from the CHAMPS program on December 9, 2011. Certificates were given to all the participants. Cassidy Cook received recognition for the first place essay; Lucy Tuggle received second place; and Hailey Hooper was awarded third place.

Rylee Owens received first place for the poster creations, Lawton Harris received second place, and Haley Cashwell was awarded third place. Sam Wright and Jordan Pace received a special award for being good role models during the CHAMPS program. Gracie Hunt was recognized as the CHAMPS “Student of the Year.”

Deputy Pat Kennedy provided an overview of the ten-week course and Sheriff Charles Roper challenged the students to always be mindful of the importance of abstention of illegal drugs and making good decisions.  The sheriff commended the students for their achievement in successfully meeting the requirements for graduation.

The main goal of the entire CHAMPS program is to significantly reduce or eliminate the use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs as well as the use of violent behavior by young people.

Katie Odegaard nominated to the state level interviews for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program
Written by: Judy Nelson

Piedmont Academy has nominated student, Katie Odegaard, to the state level interviews for the Georgia Governor’s Honors Program in the area of Biology. Katie is a tenth grader and the daughter of David and Carol Odegaard of Monticello.

The Governor’s Honors Program, known as GHP, is a residential summer program for gifted and talented high school juniors and seniors. A function of the Georgia Department of Education, it takes place on the campus of Valdosta State University. The 2012 program will be the 49th summer, making it the longest continually running program of its kind in the nation.

More than 2800 students from across the state will be interviewed and auditioned over three weekends in January and February, and from those nominees 690 finalists will be chosen to participate in the 2012 program. Since the program is fully funded by the Georgia General Assembly, there is no charge for students to attend.

During the four weeks of the program, students spend the morning in their major area of nomination, exploring topics not usually found in the regular high school classroom. During the afternoons, students choose one of the other areas in which to study. The curriculum in all the areas is challenging and engaging. Evenings are filled with seminars, activities, concerts, and performances.

Mr. Dale Lyles, director, said, “GHP is such a competitive program that even being nominated is an accomplishment. I congratulate the student of Piedmont Academy and look forward to meeting them and their parents at the interviews.” He added that many if not most of GHP’s past participants regard it as one of the most life-changing events in their lives.

4th grade class study North America Indians
Written by: Judy Nelson

Indians of North America in fourth grade social studies have been the main topic in class. The students studied about the Southwestern tribes learning the culture and customs of the Hopi and Navajo Indians. In discussion of the two different tribes, one topic was what the type of houses the two Indian tribes built. The students made a diorama of the different houses, known as pueblos and hogans.

5th grade science class
Written by: Judy Nelson

Stephanie Kelly’s 5th grade science class shows off the terrariums they created.  During the science unit on Ecosystems and the Water Cycle, each student made his or own terrarium using a variety of different plants.  Many included worms and small insects to their habitats. 

K4 plants 'winter garden'
Written by: Judy Nelson

Students in Mary Ramsdell and Marlita Davis’ pre-school classes at Piedmont Academy planted a “winter garden” in front of the K4 building and along the side of the school’s main building.  The students loved digging in the dirt more than planning the plants!  Included in their garden are pansies, cabbage, carrots, parsley, and rosemary.

Class of 2012 Superlatives
Written by: Judy Nelson

Mr. Piedmont - Tyler Cullum
Miss Piedmont - Savannah Holifield
Most Talented - Jeremy Wood & Amy Anuszczyk
Most Athletic - Zach Benjamin & Savannah Holifield
Most Attractive - Bobby Mitchell & Jade Wilson
Wittiest - Jeremy Wood & Amy Anuszczyk
Most School Spirited - Davis Kimball & Briana Bailey
Most Talkative - Cole Hamilton & Leigh Hicks
Most Likely to Succeed - Davis Kimball & Briana Bailey

A really good Tuesday
Written by: Judy Nelson

Piedmont pre-school student, Eli Curtis, had a great day at school on Tuesday, 9/13. His name was pulled to win a “Joe Bot robot.” The prize was awarded to a student who had turned in a booklet from “School Mall”.  Eli was so excited he won a prize.  Proceeds from the program will help benefit the school’s aquarium and outdoor fish pond. 

Students participating in the program were Kolin Ragan, Jake Pope, Eli Curtis, Greta Wilkes, Bailey Mobley, Tripp Ragan, McKayla Arnold, Ridge Stroud, Cam Robertson, Boone Pope, Cade Robertson, Miranda Smith, Jake Vaughn, Callie Branan, Hailey McGinnis, Abigail Arnold, Ray LeCroy, TJ White, Tanner Beam, Buddy Fountain, Dylan Pitts, Maddie Waddleton, Fleming Sealy, Katie Mathews, Hannah Tyler, Brianna Mitchell, Maggie Johnston, Mark Hicks, Ethan Brewer, Kaleen Bowman, Harris Brady, David Bishop, Piper Potts, Sarah Born, Jayce Wood, Connor Keesee, Cameron Mobley, Rebekah Hicks, Cally Cook, Savannah Mosley, Sydney Stroud, Ava Anglin, Haley Ann Frank, Ally Arp, Jordan Beam, Kelsey Leach, Mackenzie Rodgers, Owen Brady, Mari Jablonski, Mackensie Johnston, Ashton Mooney, Loren Pope, Cassidy Cook, Haley Cashwell, O’Neil Sealy, Alina Jablonski, Chase Tweedell, Anne Marie Hildebrant, Cheyenne Miller, Heidi Cashwell, Taylor Swart, Chris Coogler, Alicia Peek, Haley Tyler, Matti Smith, Ben Davis, and Parker Kelly.  Pictured with Eli is Headmaster Tony Tanner.

FFA Livestock Show Team
Written by: Judy Nelson

The Piedmont Academy Livestock Show Team went to their first show last weekend. The Young Farmer Show was held in Perry, Georgia at the National Fairgrounds.  Members of the show team that went to the show were Wyatt Galloway, Hunter Pope, and Preston Tyler. Friday night the students participated in showmanship and Saturday the weight class show was held. Hunter Pope placed second in weight class with his registered red Limousine heifer named Red Meat. All the students had a great time and learned a lot that will help them in upcoming shows.

FFA elects class officers
Written by: Judy Nelson

The newly formed chapter of the FFA Organization at Piedmont Academy recently elected officers for the 2011-2012 school year. Piedmont Academy is one of the first private schools in the state to earn a FFA Charter. Beth Galloway became certified in the agriculture education field in order that she may teach the agriculture curriculum at Piedmont Academy and offer the FFA program.

The year has started off well with students showing cattle, preparing a school garden, studying landscape design, learning the FFA Creed and history, and the group has started a FFA Alumni Chapter for Piedmont Academy. Anyone interested in supporting the Piedmont Academy FFA may join the Alumni Chapter. Even if you weren’t in FFA in school you can be an alumni member.

As part of the landscape design class, the school is in need of native perennial plants. If you have plants that you could share, please contact Beth Galloway or Judy Nelson. The Ag Career class will be designing and planting a new area in October. The new FFA Chapter could also use any gardening tools, water hoses, or sprinklers that people may have to share.

Officers: Seth Harvey, President; Jakey Dunagan, Vice President; Morgan Tillman, Secretary; Mills Smith, Reporter; Payden Cantera, Sentinel; Evan Harvey, Parlaimentarian; Cheyenne Galloway, Historian; Audrey Cleary, Chaplain; and middle school representatives Wyatt Galloway, Matti Smith and Haley Tyler.

Covington Child Awarded $5,529 Contribution to His Path2College 529 Plan
Written by: Judy Nelson

ATLANTA, Ga. – Thanks to his participation in the Georgia Public Library Service’s Summer Reading Program, “One World, Many Stories,” Taylor Boyd not only developed essential reading skills this summer, he was also awarded a $5,529 contribution to his college savings.

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