Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Classy Moments

Well, we missed the snow and ice; at least it was not bad enough for us to cancel school. Of course several students were very disappointed, (and I must say that some teachers were also) that we missed the snow. For just a fraction of a second the thought did occur that it could have been disappointment due to no cancellation of school, but that just couldn't be true.

The cold weather was a shocker, but we managed real well. We heard phrases like "It's cold," "I'm freezing to death," and "It's too cold to come to school," among others. However, we had students at the building by 7:15, and they should not be on campus before 7:45. This is important, because no one is on duty until 7:45. Most of those early arrivals are the students who walk to school.

The Nolan Richardson's basketball shootout, sponsored by the Gurdon Middle School Student Council, was conducted with several students enjoying the challenge of shooting the basketball from their choice on the court trying to make as many baskets as possible in a three-minute period. Jake Plyler made 88 baskets, Brain Green 79, Colby Pace 77, and Patrick Haynie and Sonia Beasley tied with 69. Those are the top four achievers, however, believe it or not, Mr. Alexander made 117 baskets in three minutes. Yes, he really did, as there were several witnesses!

A big thank you to Mr. Alexander for allowing us the time for the shootout, and to Mrs. Baumgardner, Mrs. Whitlock, Mrs. Roe and Mrs. McBride for giving up their conference periods to assist and to Joe Plyler and Kenneth O'Connell for their willingness to miss their keyboard class to also assist. All money earned during the event goes to Easter Seals.

The eighth graders are learning a lot about the U.S. Constitution. They will have tested over that study by the time you read this, so if you see one of the students just ask them anything you want to know about the Constitution, as Mrs. Clingan has confidence in them that they will answer correctly.

The seventh graders are studying Arkansas history in their social studies classes. This is a semester study, as they had world geography the first semester. We are learning about the early exploration of the state and finding it very interesting.

`Creative Athletics,' a program sponsored by the Student Council will be performed January 29 in the middle school gym. We are excited about this program, as it is highly recommended. The elementary school students will be entertained at 9:00 a.m., and the middle school students at 10:00 a.m. You are invited to attend. Admission is $1.

The two Odyssey of the Mind teams are busy at work after school, but you will hear more about them later. This is to just let you know that we are constantly involving students in various activities to enjoy watching them use talents, ability and making sacrifices in giving up their own time to do something for our school.

We appreciate your concern for us and the interest shown in us. As always, we will remain busy making those classy moments at GMS.