Local Middle School Student Dies on Spring Break

Roswell resident James McHenry attended Haynes Bridge Middle School in Alpharetta.

Over the weekend, the families of North Fulton students learned the sad news that a local middle school student had been killed over spring break. Former Hillside Elementary student James McHenry was vacationing with his family on Hutchinson Island last week when he was hit by a car Wednesday, April 3, according to a notice sent out by Hillside Principal Maisha Otway over the weekend. "Jamie, as he was called by his friends and family, attended Haynes Bridge Middle School," wrote Otway. "He was a former Hillside student and sibling to our dear [fifth] grade student Emily McHenry." A Channel 5 news report from the area suggests McHenry, 13, had been crossing the road with a friend around 7:25 p.m. when he was struck and killed by a 73-year-…

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Library to Prep Middle Schoolers for 2013 CRCT Test

The test prep series will take place the first three Mondays in March

Parents hoping to give their middle school students a leg up in facing the upcoming CRCT tests can take them to the Roswell Library on Mondays during March. A certified educator will provide an assessment of study needs, customized study packet, test strategies and techniques, according to information sent out by the library system. Participants, ages 11-14, are required to sign up for all three sessions, which will take place March 4, 11, 18 at 6 p.m. Reservations are required. For information call 770-640-3075. The Roswell Library is located at 115 Norcross Street.

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Village Montessori Honors Graduating Students

Seven students at Village Montessori recently graduated from elementary school and will now move onto middle school.

Seven students recently completed their course of elementary studies at Village Montessori School (VMS) in Roswell.  The Class of 2012 includes Roswell residents Camryn Bossinas, Jack Friedline and Eshani Patel; Marietta residents Maggie Lock and Percy Tann; Alpharetta resident Kirsten Carberry; and Woodstock resident Kayla Osmon. The students will be matriculating into middle schools such as High Tower Middle School in East Cobb, First Montessori School of Atlanta, Rivers Academy in Alpharetta and The Walker School in Marietta.  “This group of graduates is a very diverse and talented group of kids,” said Jason Kleiber, the students' teacher and mentor of the last three years, “I’m confident they will do well in their new schools. We’re …

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Junior Knights Currently Registering for Girls Softball

Middle School girls zoned for Centennial High School can sign up now to play softball in August.

Rising 6th, 7th and 8th grade girls in the Centennial High School district can sign up to play softball with potential future high school teammates, this summer. Softball season will begin in August and players need to register by July 15. To be placed on the contact list and to find out more information, contact Marty at alymart@att.net or 678-230-5155.

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Board: New Middle School or Additions?

Fulton County School Board seeks community input on whether to build new middle school or add on to existing buildings.

The Fulton County School Board this week conducted the first of two community forums to seek input on how to spend SPLOST IV money. After gathering input at forums and online, the board will determine whether to use that money to build a new middle school on an existing Freemanville Road site in Milton, or to build additions to middle schools throughout North Fulton. The first forum was held at Taylor Road Middle School in Johns Creek on Monday evening. While that school is already slated to receive additions, parents gathered to give their input on how to further relieve overcrowding that exists in the North Fulton region. According to Yngrid Huff, Director of Operational Planning for Fulton County Schools, the school population's …

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Search Is On For Top Georgia Youth Volunteers

Do you know of middle or high school students worthy of recognition for their efforts?

The search is on for Georgia’s top youth volunteers. Prudential Financial has launched its drive to find middle and high school winners of the 17th annual Spirit of Community Award. The students chosen receive cash awards, medallions and a trip to Washgton D.C. to participate in national events. According to Prudential Financial, during the past 16 years Prudential Spirit of Community Awards have been given to 2,420 middle and high school students across Georgia for helping the less fortunate, promoting health and safety, protecting the environment and serving their communities through many other volunteer activities. The 2011 winners were Andrew Mirolli, 18, of Acworth and Tiffani Alexander, 13, of Covington. Andrew, Georgia's top high …

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Literary Escapes

Three Magical Reads for Middle Schoolers

From wild woods to secret societies, there is life after Harry Potter.

Whether you have a middle schooler hungry for interesting books or you, like me, are a fan of magical stories that don't include boring, grown-up themes like love and money, here are three fun reads for your bookshelf. "Wildwood" by Colin Meloy and Carson Ellis This exciting and timeless adventure recalls Narnia - and not just because there's an evil governess and coyotes in uniforms with brass buttons. Wildwood is the brainchild of Colin Meloy of the Decemberists, who was the keynote speaker at the recent Decatur Book Festival. The illustrations by Meloy's wife, Carson Ellis, make it one of the most beautiful books I've seen in years. This one's a keeper to pass down through the years. "The Name of This Book is Secret" by Pseudonymous …

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Fulton School System Names Principals at Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton

Elkins Pointe and Crabapple middle schools get new leaders.

Some area students will come back to new principals next school year. In the wake of recent resignations and reassignments, new principals have been chosen for Elkins Pointe and Crabapple middle schools, as well as two Alpharetta schools. The Fulton County School System announced in a news release on April 22 that new principals were approved to fill vacancies, created directly and indirectly by retirements, during the April 21 school board meeting.  “I am pleased to see three of our outstanding assistant principals rise to the rank of principal. They have proven to be strong leaders and have contributed to many successes within their schools,” said Superintendent Cindy Loe. “We also welcome Dr. Nathan Buhl to Fulton County and know that …

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Queen of Angels Student Wins State Award

Katie Miller wins the Georgia American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) contest, "What Do Civil Engineers Do?"

Unlike many adults, sixth-grade Queen of Angels Elementary School student, Katie Miller, can tell you what it civil engineers do. In fact, she won an award for it. Miller was recently named the first-place winner in the Georgia American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) contest, "What Do Civil Engineers Do?"  Following "Money" magazine calling a career in civil engineering the sixth best in the nation, ASCE launched its statewide contest for middle school students throughout the state. Students who participated in the contest were allowed to use a plethora of multi-media platforms in order to answer the question, including essays, videos, artwork, or other media. The contest offered a $300 check to the winner. "What inspired me to do this …

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Elkins Pointe, Holcomb Bridge Students Excel on Writing Assessment

Roswell middle schools praised for writing achievements.

Holcomb Bridge and Elkins Pointe middle schools showed impressive gains over last year's Grade 8 Writing Assessment scores, according to the Fulton County School System. The Grade 8 Writing Assessment, administered in January, required students to write a composition on an assigned topic. The annual assessment provides eighth graders with a measurement of their writing performance.  Holcomb Bridge was one of three schools, including McNair and Sandy Springs, which saw increases of 10 percent or more of students meeting or exceeding standards. "We are so very proud that our scores reflect the continuous hard work of both the staff and the students," said Holcomb Bridge Middle School Principal, Joy Schroerlucke. In an e-mailed statement, …

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