During the week of September 19, Athens hosted two Japanese students as part of the Sister-City Program in Springfield. Springfield's sister-city is Ashikaga City in Japan. Ashikaga is located in the Tochigi Prefecture. The two students stayed with two separate families and attended school on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Tuesday and Thursday was spent at local historic sites and elsewhere. The two students attended volleyball and football games, as well as, the homecoming dance. In addition to the students, we were privileged enough to have the opportunity to visit with a middle school principal, English teacher, and school board member; all from Japan. We did introductions, exchanged gifts (as is customary) and then discussed education and toured the building. Can you just imagine what they thought of our homecoming-themed class colors day? :) The Sister-City Program held a Japan Night on Wednesday and the host families and principals of the local schools involved were invited to attend. It was a fun evenig of food, games, and presentations. I think that our visitors and our host families all enjoyed the experience - communication and cultural differences aside.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Thursday's Volleyball Game
A RED OUT for the American Heart Association will be held on Thursday, September 29 th at the Athens/Riverton volleyball game. Any person wearing the official Red Out shirt gets into the game free and is entered in a raffle for cash prize. Official Red Out shirts are available for purchase in the office or from Mrs. Swaney for $10.
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bonfire Tonight
The annual homecoming bonfire will be held tonight behind the library. The festivities begin around 745pm.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Fun with food
Lauretta catching some popcorn with a peanut butter covered face. Seniors win with 112 kernals
Monday, September 19, 2011
Sunday, September 18, 2011
Homecoming Week
This a crazy week for high school students, teachers and parents. Homecoming week is a fun filled week of games, dress up days and oh....a big football game and a silly dance. The football team will be anxious to prove they are more like the 4th quarter team from last Friday, than the first three quarters. Monday night we have Open House from 530-700pm. We also have our volleyball team playing at home. We have a busy day Tuesday with a DUI simulator and the National Honor Society Blood Drive. Thursday we will have our bonfire and the coronation for homecoming court. The game is on Friday against Sangamon Valley and the dance is on Saturday. I am sure the kids will have a great week.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Catching Practice
Took a minute to watch the boys work in the great weather. The corn makes a nice back drop.
Sitting In A Math Class Trying to Remember...........
Sitting in a math class as Ms. Cummings discusses f(x) . On the wall is a humorous poster that strikes a chord with me personally....Math illiteracy affects 8 out of every 5 people :)
Have a great day
Saturday, September 10, 2011
9-11 Ten Years Later.
As we appraoch the 10th anniversary of the tragedies on and associated with September 11th, I would like to thank all those who serve and haved served this nation in its defense of our freedoms. Like many of you, I have a history of military service.in my family. My grandfathers both served in WWII and Korea. My father served in Vietnam. My little brother just joined the ROTC at the Univeristy of Illinois with an eye on the Air Force and military intelligence. I had actually planned on being a police officer, like my father. I also wanted a back-up plan in case I decided it wasn't for me. I studied education and completely enjoyed everything about teaching and coaching. It is with a solid understanding of the desire to serve and a real-life appreciation for those that do, that I say "thank you" to all military, law enforcement, fire and rescue, and first responders that give of themselves for others every day they go to work. Have a great weekend - but please pause for a few minutes to remember those affected by the events of 9/11 and those still fighting the fight and protecting us every day.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Jealous
Those people who actually know me outside of "Principal Curry" know that besides work and family, I have three other passions: baseball, bicycles, and Starbucks. Today, two crossed paths. After a meeting in Springfield, I stopped by Starbucks for an iced latte to go and spotted this loaded touring bike outside. The bike was definitely loaded for the long haul. I went in and ordered and then got nosey. I looked around and noticed an Asian fellow in cycling gear. I asked if he was the owner of the bike outside. He said yes. We started talking and he told me his story. He is from Tokyo. He is a graduate student at Sophia University. His major is in Environmental Studies. He flew with his bike to Santa Monica, CA. He is riding across our great country by himself. He has to be in New York by mid-October so he can be back in Tokyo for class. I told him that I plan to do the same thing when I retire. We exchanged business cards and I headed back to school and I assume he soon set out on the road. He said he rides 80-100 miles a day. He has a twitter site @Akira_usps. He also has a Facebook /akira620. Most of his posts are in Japanese. I just thought it was pretty cool to meet someone doing what you want to do (but from Tokyo) cycling across our country, by chance on a short stop at Starbucks. I told him I was jealous and that I will be doing the same thing someday.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Crisp Morning
Needed a jacket for the ride in this morning. Not complaining - I will take this weather any day. Quite a break from the extremes of late August.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
What An Atmosphere!
I hope you were able to come out the AHS Sports Complex last night to watch the Warriors put it on the New Berlin Pretzels. Athens plays an outstanding ball game from the start to the finish. It was a very inspired start to Sangamo Conference play. Coach Knox and his staff had the boys ready for that one. Next week we travel to Plains to play a Cardinal team that surprised many with a close loss to perennial power Auburn. I hope to see all of you in Plains next Friday Night.
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Baley Takes Out The Trash
Baley and 30 other students attended the TMD Kick off party on Thursday night. The evening included games, songs, team building, and fun.