Putting Community First

February is the month of communication.  There are many types of communication: verbal, written, visual and non-verbal (body language).  Effective communication is important as we work to understand and connect with the people around us.  It allows us to build respect and trust and resolve our differences. Communication is also a very important trait of leadership.  It is important for leaders to lead with their actions as well as their words in order to have the greatest influence on others.

At Perry Central, I believe we are fortunate to have many great leaders across our faculty, staff and student body.  We are constantly reminded by their actions the importance of putting others first and that kindness should be at the forefront of who we are.  As I reflect on the special environment that Perry Central embodies, I am reminded of the actions of kindness that our students and staff have exhibited over just the past few weeks:

* Mr. Walsh and Victor Vazquez participated in the polar plunge to raise money for special education

* Mrs. Ball's student led Fed-Ex Project that will be collecting items for children in Foster Care
* Zosha Roberson's Christmas Toy Drive for children in the hospitals
* Advocate's Club who are very active in supporting our students with special needs (even voting in three special needs students to homecoming)
* Student Council's projects to gather food and money for families in need
* Faculty and staff that come to school everyday with a belief that all students can learn

These are only a few examples of the wonderful ways we communicate at Perry Central.  I am so thankful to work in such a giving environment that promotes kindness and caring by their actions.  

School Notes: 

- Faculty Meeting after school today will be led by Lauren Blake, Jennifer Mitchell and Shelly Kunkle on Trauma Informed Care.  We are thankful they are willing to share their knowledge with us.

- On Thursday, we will be hosting schools from across the state and sharing our guidance program with them.  We were chosen as a model school for the Lily Counseling Initiative.  Schools across the state have been awarded money from Lily to research promising counseling practices.   Thanks to Tara, Phil, Lou Ann, Mike and Jody for welcoming our guests and sharing our program with them!

- Countdown to ISTEP!!  Three weeks until the ISTEP window opens!  Students in grades 7,8 and 10 will be testing.  A testing schedule will be coming soon!  (Testing window: February 27 - March 10th)

Important Dates: 

Monday, February 6th - After School Faculty meeting from 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. in high school library

Wednesday, February 8th - Study Island Advanced Training - 3:00 p.m. in Mr. Linne's room

Thursday, February 9th - Lily Counseling Site Visit

Friday, February 10th - Assistant Training (Trauma Informed Care) Lunch/WIN  
                                      Boys Varsity Basketball @ home against Northeast Dubois  5:30 p.m.

Saturday, February 11th - Jr. High Valentine's Dance/ Boys Varsity Basketball @ North Posey 3:00 p.m.