District Technology Independent Study

When you see Josh Smith, be sure to Congratulate him!!!

He has just been offered a prestigious position to participate in a District Technology Independent Study. He will be working with staff from the FCPS Technology Department and the “Best of the Best” students in Fayette County to learn about Windows OS server, Apache web platform, coding PHP and JAVA.

Confusing??? Nahh..you know iSchool?? He will be learning the programming behind the installation of iSchool, be given a local server to test any new installations of it and learn how to add programs to iSchool that will make it more powerful for teachers to use. All of this will be done at TLC in which he will virtually attend class and use Skype as necessary. In fact, he talked to the leader of the project today on Skype and represented TLC in an exceptional manner with his detailed technological questions.

-Humble

TLC Community Outreach Activity

Clarissa Gibney

On May 10, 2011, a group of TLC students did a community outreach activity by cleaning the surroundings of the Gainesway Pond located along the Tates Creek area. The objective of this activity was to restore the natural status of the pond. We were accompanied by both Ms. Galla and Coach Coles, along with Ms. Pattie Stivender, an Environmental Educator who works for Bluegrass Pride. Bluegrass Pride is an organization that is dedicated to educating Kentuckians about the environment they live in.

At Gainesway Pond, we focused on cleaning up trash and recyclables out of the pond to make it a safer, cleaner, much prettier environment – and to give back to our community. We collected 17.25 pounds of garbage that may have otherwise been left to sit and continue polluting the water. The values that we caught from the activity made a great impact on us, as we became more aware of our environment. Jordan Garner said by cleaning up the pond, he was influenced to want to clean up his room! That goes to show that we wish to be the change we want to see in the world. When we were done, we even got to sit in the shade to have a picnic provided by Mrs. Galla before heading back to TLC.

We are facing a lot of environmental issues that can only be solved one small step at a time. By making an effort to clean up one park, we have made progress towards providing a healthier atmosphere in all of Lexington.

If everyone was inspired to clean up after themselves, and to give back to their neighborhood, the world we live in would be a more beautiful place. We should be the brain, not the cancer of nature. All it takes is a little bit of effort from everyone to protect our environment, which is our only home. Tiffany said this activity did not only teach her to be an environmentalist, but a nature warrior, who is ready to defend Mother Nature at anytime. Justin Talbert ended the day with a smile, saying how great it was to have helped out the community. Students at TLC were proud to have made a difference, and look forward to doing activities like this in the future. We thank the Bluegrass Pride organization, our teachers, and our principal, Mr. Chi, for allowing TLC to be a part of something bigger than ourselves, and for providing us multiple opportunities outside of school to learn about ourselves, proving that the environment is the best extension of the classroom, where we can apply our learned life skills every single day.

The Lexington Humane Society

The Lexington Humane Society

April

            The Lexington Humane Society is an excellent organization that takes care of animals as long as they are financially able. To keep this awesome organization running, they are currently in need of generous donations, such as:

·         Cash donations

·         Timothy hay/Alfalfa, for small animals

·         Flat (not fitted) sheets, towels, and pillow cases

·         Pee pads for the Spay’s The Way surgery program

·         Rubbing alcohol

·         Canned cat food (all brands)

·         Dog/Cat toys

·         HE (High Efficiency) laundry detergent

·         Bleach (liquid or powder)

·         3-4 dorm size refrigerators without freezers

·         MELT AWAY Halite Rock Salt for de-icing  

Here are what some of our students have to say about their experiences at the Humane Society:

 “I enjoyed going to the humane society, it was a very enjoyable experience. We had seen a lot of cute puppies and dogs. It touched me, I literally almost cried. It reminded me of the sad commercials that you see on late night television, those commercials kill me, because animals get mistreated for no reason.” People can be so cruel.

“I really enjoyed going to the humane society and getting to see all of the puppies and playing with them. It’s sad to see them there, in the cages with no home. They just want to be loved but the place is very clean and they have a place to eat and sleep. They play with each other and you can take them out and walk them it was very emotional you get attached to the dogs, I wanted to take them all home with me, they were so nice!”

“My experience at the Humane Society was sad but yet enjoyable. It’s sad to see the dogs all cooped up in such a small place, but volunteers and people looking around take the dogs outside, you can even take them into a play room. They have these places for the dogs so that people can connect and get to know the dog before hand, and so the other dogs don't get jealous and start barking. There are so many sweet dogs. A lot of people want puppies. I have a dog from a Humane Society; she is so sweet and kind. She is a decent size dog but wouldn't hurt a fly. I love animals. I think if someone wants a dog, they should adopt at the Humane Society. People there are very helpful and the dogs are well-kept and taken care of. They also have a memorial of the dogs that have died there, which is really sad. I would hate to die in a place like that. It’s like a doggy jail.” 

Destiny, Kacey, Dorothay, Renee

Popular Tattoos at TLC

Mary L., Tiffany S., and Clarissa G.

                Regardless of the many centuries tattoos have been around, up until recently, they were considered very taboo in most countries. In this day in age, however, tattoos seem to more socially accpetable than they may have ever been in the past. Many teenagers at TLC have taken this in stride,  so as a means of recognizing our “tatted” students we are showcasing their very personal artistic expression on our blog.

                Tattoos originated as a means of expressing  tribal artwork, rites of passage, and rituals. But by interviewing some of our students, we have found that tattoos symbolize many different things today, and each person is impacted by them differently. Some people use tattoos as identifiers (whether it’s gangs, fraternities/sororities, military, or to recognize your significant other), as well for cosmetic reasons. We went around our school and took photos of students with tattoos. Whether they’re just to be flashy, have meaning, or are “just a random tat,” we wanted to see exactly what our student body was into.

So why are tattoos so popular in the society today? “I look at my body as a piece of artwork,” stated Josh M. and Casey C., who both have many tattoos and are interested in getting more. Motorcyle clubs have made them very popular due to their initiation rituals, as well as military personel. While it seems tattoos are popular because of rebellion, identity, beauty, and sex appeal, we have found most tattoos belong to people who have a story to tell.

For those of you considering getting your first tattoo (or your last) here are some things to consider:

Pros	Cons
·         Carries meaning, or is symbolic	·         It’s permanent and you may regret it later
·         Self-expression	·         Painful to get and remove
·         Stand out from others	·         Can be addictive
·         Can be shown off or private	·         Potentially harder to get a job
·         A well done tattoo is a thing of beauty	·         Could get infected
·         Sparks conversation	·         They can fade or migrate

Eastern Kentucky University

 TLC goes to EKU

Ms. Mitchell took part in taking some of TLC's finest students to Eastern Kentucky University. The purpose? "We took a group of students (Clarissa, Korey, Justin, Andres, and Luis,) to share their educational experiences from their home school and fromTLC with a group of future teachers and future principals taking graduate classes at EKU. " Students talked in a panel in the front of the classroom; they were the center of attention.  They first introduced themselves and they talked about what we do at TLC versus at a traditional school. Then, students asked questions prepared by the EKU graduates," explained Ms. Mitchell. So, how did the students handle being the focus of a roomful of graduate students? "I was very impressed by the poise of the students and how they answered the questions.  They were honest and articulate."  It sounds like they gave the teachers many suggestions on  different strategies that will help them meet the needs of all learners in their classroom.  Well done, TLC! 

-Mary

9TH GRADE RECOGNITION CEREMONY

Andrew and Kadeijah

The ceremony was for 9^th grade students who have shown the most improvement in a year throughout the district.  It was Immanuel Baptist Church and hosted by Stu Silberman on May 5th.  Ms. Mitchell, a Social Studies teacher at the The Learning Center commented, "I was really proud to see Andrew and Kadeijah get this award from The Learning Center; I felt they deserved the recognition after all their efforts this year."  Ms. Harris, the gym teacher, and Ms. Bastin, the math teacher, were also in attendance.  The event was meaningful to the students as Andrew and Kadeijah indicated.  “I was very surprised to get this privilege and I can’t wait till the ceremony!” said Andrew.  Kadeijah similary remarked, "I thought the ceremony was great.  it was a once in lifetime experience!"

-Interviews taken by Jordan H.

Soundtrack of My Life: My Latest Celebrity Obsession

The Royal Wedding:

A commoner from Whales, becomes a princess.

Today, Friday 29^th, 2011; Kate Middleton and Prince William of Whales finally said their "I

do's", or in the U.K it's "I Will". Now, I know you might think I'm crazy, but I got up at

5:30am this morning to watch it. At about 6:00am to 7:00am, NBC showed all of the royal

family and VIP guests arriving.  Kate Middleton, of course, being the last, to walk down the

aisle.


The question around the world - What will Katie be wearing? - was kept secret, but there

was tons of speculation as to who would design the dress. It was designed by Sarah

Burton for internationally celebrated British label Alexander McQueen but no one knew 

until her arrival at Westminster Abbey. I must say, she looked classic, and beautiful.

Around 7:00am, the wedding had officially begun with Kate walking down the aisle; 

Prince William looked at her as if he was relieved that she would finally become his wife.

The ceremony was fantastic and quite romantic. The one thing that got the attendees

laughing was when William, had seemed to have trouble putting Middleton's wedding ring

( I gasped thinking for a split second it wouldn't fit.). Other than that, the ceremony went

off without a hitch. As they made their first walk down the aisle, as husband and wife, they

were lead to a carriage that took them straight to Buckingham Palace. Buckingham Palace is

where they would have one reception for the fellow royal family and Middleton's family.

They were said to have another reception at a more private place to have their younger

guest have a party, equipped with their favorite DJ.

I am honored to have been able to see a royal wedding since I wasn't born when William's

parents, Princess Diana and Prince Charles, had married. Unfortunately, I was about four-

years-old when Diana died, I remember being heartbroken that a true compassionate

woman had died. William's brother, Prince Harry, has yet to wed. I look forward to that

ceremony as well. 

Best wishes for newly married couple; I hope their marriage to be a healthy, happy one.

-Mary 

Soundtrack of My Life: My Favorite TV Series

 The Vampire Diaries!!

Tiffany

    On September 10, 2009, The Vampire Diaries premiered on the CW Television Network. The show is based on “The Vampire Diaries”  Series written by Lisa Jane Smith (aka L.J. Smith). The show shines the spotlight on a high school girl who lives in Mystic Falls, Virginia named Elena Gilbert, portrayed by Nina Dobrev, who is trying to make it through high school, the pain of her parent’s deaths, while juggling two vampire brothers who are in love with her! Stefan Salvatore, portrayed by Paul Wesley, is one of the original members of the founding families of Mystic Falls and 162 year old vampire who falls in love with Elena. Damon Salvatore, depicted by Ian Somerhalder, is Stefan’s brother and a vampire who wishes to destroy the people of Mystic Falls in order to get revenge for his lover Katherine Pierce (aka Katerina Petrova) who was thought to have been trapped under an old church earlier in the first season.
    Other than vampires there are many other mystical beings in the series, such as witches, werewolves, and ghosts. One of Elena’s best friends, Bonnie Bennet (Katerina Graham), who is trying to come to terms with having powers and finding out that she is a decedent of Emily Bennet who was a witch in Mystic Fall 162 years ago. Follow Elena, Stefan, Damon, and their friends as they face many foes and obstacles in their way.
   

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=vampire+diaries&view=detail&id=B3B4B482FF3A75AFEB57404E37F226320499D8A9&first=1&FORM=IDFRIR&qpvt=vampire+diaries

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/L._J._Smith_(author)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vampire_Diaries

http://cwtv.com/shows/the-vampire-diaries/about

Teacher Appreciation Week

http://smilingldsgirl.wordpress.com/category/random/

Our PTSA officers have done an awesome job of blessing us during Teacher Appreciation Week.  So have many business’s around town.  Below is a list of those that I sent letters of appreciation to, but anytime you can visit them – do so and express your appreciation.

Donut Days – Southland Dr.

ElCampestre Mexican Grill

Fitness 19

Friends & Co.

Fulin’s Asian Cuisine

Gigi”s Cupcakes

Jake’s Cigar Bar (?  I don’t remember getting my cigar??)

Jiffy Lube – Lane Allen

Ken Towery’s – Nicholasville Rd

Malone’s

Meineke – Pimlico

Oram’s Flowers

Pet Suites

Pierratts

Schlotzsky’s

Sutton’s

Wild Birds Unlimited

-Judy Baxter

YMCA

Your help is needed! The Y is in need of 8 more families to host of the 15 total youth coming. Please look at the attached information to host a youth or post on a website, ask a friend and spread the word. Contact Kate Patterson at kpatterson@ymcaofcentralky.org or 859-367-7341.

Thanks

 

Wendi Keene

YMCA of Central Kentucky

Executive Director of Community Services

239 East High Street

Lexington, KY 40507

859-367-7326

wkeene@ymcaofcentralky.org

 

Live Green!

As a Live Green Lexington Partner School of the Bluegrass Pride, some of our students  will be engaged in community service on Tuesday, May 10, 2011  from 10:00 am to 12:00 noon. Coach Coles will be with the group. This will be a community outreach activity in which students will participate in the Gainesway Pond Challenge. They will be cleaning up the area surrounding the pond with the goal of returning it to its natural status. 

-Galla

Poem In Your Pocket at TLC

Mrs. Crisp’s 4^th period class participated in Poem In Your Pocket at TLC.  Her class came to the Book Nook where they all shared a poem and did a fabulous job reading with expression.  Guest reader for their class was Mr. Wilson.  A great English day for Mrs. Crisp’s crew that afternoon! They all had fun.  

Great website for more information: http://www.poets.org/page.php/prmID/406

The idea of Poem In Your Pocket is to select a poem you love during National Poetry Month (April), then carry it with you to share with co-workers, family, and friends. J

Amber C. Tongate

Bring out the Cameras!

Miss Eaton’s and my mentees came up with these days along with others, but here are the winners teacher and student participation would be wonderful, tell your mentees!  Time to bring out the cameras! 

 

 

Monday- Look Alike Day  (Dress alike)

 

Tuesday-Decades Day (Dress in the style of a decade; ie 20’s, 30’s, 50’s, 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, 90’s, 00’s.  Maybe Ms. Straney’s class or the social studies can tie this into any of their eras they’ve learned about? 

 

Wednesday- Mismatch Day

 

Thursday-Fictional Character Day (Dress like a fictional character, can be from a book, movie, TV, or cartoon. Think the Jetsons, Cinderella, The Adams Family, That 70’s Show, James Bond, etc.)

Friday-College apparel day, where your alma matter gear and for students they can sport their siblings or parents gear where applicable OR favorite college team gear.  I think we may even encourage them on this day to wear Louisville or Tennessee, but of course we prefer that they wear UK.  This is a day to promote higher learning and all the other available choices out there that maybe aren’t known.  This would be a great week to get pictures of our students, but I’d love the Friday pictures, I’m sure we can get some good competition pictures of students supporting opposing schools.   

 

-Medina

The Soundtrack to my Life: Music, Books, and Movies

Hello ladies and gentlemen. This is a new "label" where I, Mary, will give you, the people, my recommendations on movies, music, and everything with pop culture value.

Music: There is a ton of new music out right now. Everything from rap to rock. Songs I would like to recommend  are "Money Grabber" by Fitz & the Tantrums; their sound is a mix of old-school soul, new wave, with a pop twist. I have to say I like their sound; it's very vintage, but also a breath of fresh air to the music scene. Another song I would like to suggest would be "Make Some Noise" by The Beastie Boys. I know they might look old, but they're better than ever with this first single off their new album. The music videos are great as well with tons of celebrity cameos by actors such as Orlando Bloom, Elijah Wood, Seth Rogen, and Jack Black. The actual Beastie Boys never make an appearance in the video, but they have the dressed as look-alikes of the rap-group. Check it out; its beats will get you in a good mood.

Books: Currently, I'm obsessed with Oscar Wilde. A genius writer of the 1890's has poems, plays, and novellas that are timeless, and still have great meaning to this day. Currently, I am reading Wilde's only complete Novel "The Picture of Dorian Gray." It's beauty comes from topics of a "starving artist", and his inspiration, (none other than, Dorian Gray), for "the greatest art he has ever done". It tells a story of love, loss, and what youth means in Society. I definitely recommend this to people who enjoy the classics, and who have a deep appreciation for art and all it's beauty.

My Blast of the Past song for the time being would be a flashback to the 90's, with "Spiderwebs" by No Doubt. This would be fans for ska mixed with power-pop. The song talks about a man who won't stop calling the lead singer (Gwen Stefani), as she refers to it as a "Telephonic Invasion". It will make you want to discover more artist like No Doubt. Toward the ska sound of the song you might want to look up Operation Ivy. It's perfect for teenage angst and adults could be reminded of their teenage years just by the  lyrics and slick guitar riffs.

Thank-you for reading; I hope you can find new things to discover and enjoy from this blog!

Written by Mary

Neighborhood & Community Sustainability Grant

Congrats Jordan and Alex on the
2011

Neighborhood and Community Sustainability Grant!

The Outdoor Learning Center Draft Proposal:

The Learning Center (TLC) at Linlee is a school that designs integrative programs which include students, teachers, parents, professionals, and community representatives in providing meaningful opportunities for real world experiences in an empowering environment.  Impact on the community is a vital part of the TLC philosophy.  Students interact with community representatives through hands on projects.  The projects provide exploratory and real world opportunities to expand and enhance the whole student within a secure and nurturing environment.

Middle and high school students currently attending TLC have the opportunity to grow and prepare fresh vegetables while exploring growing processes, scientific impact, diet, nutrition and entrepreneur opportunities.  The school empowers students to design activities that have them problem solve ways to increase disease-free organic food production from ground to table and sustain a healthier lifestyle for those living in the community.  Students will use the fresh vegetables within the school cafeteria/bistro projects. 

The students have surveyed the school's land and conducted soil sample analysis in planning locations for rain gardens, flower beds, tree farm (arboretum) and an area for planting/harvesting crops.  They will take part in scientific experimentation that focuses on variables (climate changes, insect/pest management, and community attitudes) that will affect the longevity of the targeted programs.  They will be the ambassadors for district students at all levels to help young minds change the practices of adults and teach them ways to better utilize land and improve land development.

The school has support from community schools, businesses and organizations.  These contributors have supplied TLC with seed, soil, materials and some monetary support.  TLC’s commitment to sustainability and empowerment is interwoven into its educational mission.  Some students are currently involved in an Environmental Club and focus groups that collect and evaluate data in order to expand and improve the sustainability of TLC’s Outdoor Learning Center.  Students attending TLC will use the food garden to grow vegetables as part of elective class currently offered at TLC.  Also members of the student developed Environmental Club will partner with local garden club to assist with the production and dispersal of food.

Some key points:

·         Students will utilize the fresh vegetables within the school cafeteria and Bistro project.  Food will also be distributed to other agencies (for example: local churches, Women/Children’s Shelter, MASH, or local soup kitchen).

·         Students will work with volunteers from local garden club and utilize donated materials from local suppliers which will strengthen the value of volunteerism by example and through participation.

·         A vital part of all student activity is empowerment to improve their community through service.  Students work to "pay it forward" to those less fortunate.  This philosophy empowers not only the students but the community.

·         Design and implement new projects

·         Revise, improve and extend existing projects through sustainability commitment

·         Organize community involvement projects

·         Collect feedback from participants, stakeholders of project

·         Initiate adoption of a healthier lifestyle

·         Collect data on student driven projects / evaluate

·         Promote healthy lifestyle through personal experiences

·         Increase awareness of procedures involved in food production and preparation

·         Increase civic responsibility through community involvement

Through the development of the TLC gardens, students will impact the community by donating surplus crops to local charitable organizations.  Students are stakeholders and participants in developing, documenting, and evaluating hands-on, real-life experiences while connecting through established curriculum guidelines.  They will use successful experiences to assist/train others with the implementation of similar projects.  The students’ vision is to have a global, sustainable impact…

Click on the link below to see the actual grant!

2011 Neighborhood and Community Sustainability Grant