I hope everyone is safe, warm, and enjoying the beauty of the recent snowfall. While you enjoy this wonderous event, I would like update you on some of the exciting, productive occurences taking place at Knox.

Our teachers completed training for Study Island this past week. Since the training, we have been putting the "finishing touches" on our implementaion schedule. One benefit of this program is that students will be able to access the program from any computer that is web supported. We will send a letter home next week to our parents with information about the ways Study Island can enhance your child's learning experience. 

Congratulations to our 8th grade Girls' Basketball team for winning the Conference Basketball Tournament! During the second half, our girls took control of a tight game and finished strong in their victory. Also, our 8th Grade Boys' team played well in the tournament, making it to the semi-finals.  

Although we did not have our expected turn-out at the general PTA meeting this past week, it was very worthwhile for those who attended. The PTA Board scheduled presenters from Food Lion, the Hurley YMCA, and Rowan Regional. Each of these guests presented useful information about effective diet and exercise practices that are necessary for a healthy lifestyle. I strongly encourage you to support our PTA. We have many needs at Knox, and we need the support from our PTA, as well as our Band and Athletic Boosters, to meet these needs.

Our PTA is sponsering a dance next Friday, February 5, in the gym, beginning at 7:00 PM and ending at 10:00 PM. As a lead-up to the dance, the PTA is having a "Singles for Sundaes" event. Students may vote for staff members on each grade level by placing dollar bills in buckets that represent these staff members. The staff member at each grade level who has the most votes (money) at the end of the week will be made into a human ice cream sundae at the dance. Most of our staff have volunteered to participate, and we think it will be a lot of fun. All proceeds from the "Singles for Sundaes" and the dance will go toward the Knox PTA to use to support our school. 

Your child's second quarter report card will be sent home with him/her on February 2. Also, those students who are in danger of failing because of inadequate academic performance will have a letter sent home with his/her report card notifying their parents of this possibility. If you have any questions or concerns about your child's report card, please arrange a conference with his/her teachers. 

One of the agenda items from our recent School Improvement Team meeting was to begin the process of revising our dress code policy for students, and we welcome your input. While we gather data for our dress code, we are using the current policy, which you can find at http://www.rss.k12.nc.us/KMS/UniformPol.pdf. Please note that we have adjusted the present policy slightly to accomodate the extreme cold temperatures: The wearing of long sleeve undershirts that are white or match grade level uniform color is permitted. Jackets/coats may be worn inside, if necessary. However, while a student may need to wear a jacket/coat in addition to a sweatshirt because of the cold weather, a student probably should not have to exchange a sweatshirt for a jacket/coat.  If you have questions about the dress code, please contact a Knox Middle administrator. 

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 704-633-2922. If you prefer, you may email me by using the link provided on this page.

Respectfully,

Rodney Burton