Beautifying JIB: Key Club and volunteers plant flowers

On Monday, May 26, Key Club members and volunteers worked to plant flowers on John I. Burton's front lawn.  A big thanks goes out to all these hard workers for helping make John I. Burton beautiful!

Burton Exam Days

3rd and 4th block exams will be given on Thursday, May 29.
1st and 2nd block exams will be given on Friday, May 30.

World history students forge medieval shields

Last week, Mrs. Bias's world history students spent time constructing their own medieval shield.  Each student chose colors, dividing lines, and symbols from medieval heraldry to represent their personality. Pictured below are students from Mrs. Bias's 3rd block class.

Earth science students dress in protective equipment

On Friday, May 23, Mrs. Carter's Earth Science classes were involved in studies related to hazardous materials and how personal protective equipment (PPE) is used to protect employees from exposures.  Her students 'suited up' to see what it would be like to work in a hazardous area. Pictured below are students from her 2nd and 4th block classes.

Burton's varsity baseball team demolishes Lee High

On Monday, May 19, 2014, the Lee High Generals competed at Burton's home field. The Raiders ended the game with a 12-0 win over the Generals. This is the second time the Raiders have played the Generals, with the score being somewhat similar to the first time, with Burton winning by at least ten runs.

Rumors confirmed: Dr. Perrigan to fill superintendent position

Norton City Schools welcomes Dr. Keith Perrigan as the new superintendent!

Weekly Announcements

General 

• Any library books need to be turned in to the office as soon as possible.

End of Year

• Friday, May 23 is Graduation, at 7:00 PM in the Gymnasium.
• Seniors should report to Graduation at 6:00 PM

Clubs

• Permission slips for the Book Club field trip must be returned to Mrs. Bias by Friday, May 23, 2014.

SOL Testing: to do or not to do?

Now that the Standards of Learning Tests (SOLs for short) are upon us, I feel that it is time to voice my opinion regarding the SOLs. I am not  familiar with all of the SOLs, but I do know that every student has to pass multiple SOLs throughout their time in school. I also know that a student has to take and pass a set number of SOL classes just to pass high school, and the number needed to pass has more to do with the grouping of the SOL tests than just passing the SOL tests in general. To just about every student, an SOL is very nerve-racking test that they just have to pass. Students prepare for the SOL an entire semester, or in some cases an entire year, making it a test that just about every student is anxious for. There are several problems I see that are associated with SOL testing: it does not promote long-term memory, just short term; it limits the teachers of these subjects to stick to just the knowledge that students have to know for the SOL,thus limiting the students' knowledge; it does not inspire students to excel, just to pass; and it is not a true test of the intelligence.

Key Club travelling to Dollywood

Tomorrow, the Key Club is going on a field trip to Dollywood. About twenty students are leaving at 7 a.m. for this field trip. You get to participate in this field trip if you participate in enough Key Club events. Key Club mainly does charity work. At the end of the year, students get rewarded with a trip.  If you did not join this year, make sure you join next year.

I am attending the field trip to Dollywood tomorrow. Personally I am extremely exited. The last time I went, I did not get to enjoy much of the park. Tomorrow, I know that will change.

Eastside destroys Burton

Yesterday, Tuesday, May 13, 2014, Eastside's varsity baseball team traveled to Burton and completely destroyed the Raiders. This the second game that the varsity baseball team has played against Eastside and in a way a repeat of the first, with the Raiders losing. The final score of the game was 14-2, with the Spartans taking home the win.

New superintendent and talented football player coming to Norton?

Rumor has it that Isaac Perrigan, believed by many to be a future NFL star, is transferring to John I. Burton high school next year from Abingdon high school.  Isaac Perrigan is only a sophmore, currently at 5' 11" and 170lbs. If Isaac Perrigan does leave behind the Falcons and become a Raider, many think we have a pretty good shot at going to state in football next year. In my opinion, his talent at playing high school football is much higher than any other players I have seen.

Burton's JV baseball defeated by Union and Crushed Twin Springs

On Monday, May 5, 2014 Union's JV team came to Burton and demolished the Raiders. The Raiders were ten-run-ruled, with a final score of 12-2. On Wednesday, May 7, 2014, the Twin Springs Titans JV baseball team came to Burton and were wrecked, with a final score of 16-1.

The Beekeeper's Son: Part Three

The following is the second excerpt from a short story written by Olivia Lowery inspired by stories told by her Grandmother when she was young. The Beekeeper’s son takes its roots from Appalachian folklore about old magic and the healing powers of things that came from nature. The main character and narrator, Violet, is loosely based off of Olivia’s grandmother who shares the character’s name. The original Violet grew up in the old Needmore area near Thacker’s Branch in Norton, Virginia in the twenties and thirties. The stories she told Olivia as a child have inspired many of Olivia’s unpublished works.

You can read 'The Beekeeper's Son: Part One' here.
You can read 'The Beekeeper's Son: Part Two' here. 

The Beekeeper's Son: Part Three

I stepped up on the porch of the old white house, taking a moment to collect myself before going into the chaos that was bound to be waiting for me inside. I could already smell the dinner my sisters were cooking in the kitchen, but the faded green shutters and the old wooden rocking chair bid me to stay. I stood a moment, leaning against the porch banister, trying to decide what to do about the laundry I had neglected this morning. The house was far too small for Momma and the six of us, only two bedrooms. A makeshift partition crafted from an old sheet separated our part of the room from Toby and Jack’s. I waited another moment before pushing the screen door open and walking into the kitchen. I opened the screen door and found myself in a whirlwind of bustling activities. Cooking, setting the table, light singing, and even some yelping from toes being stepped on. The girls were in a hurry, and I knew I shouldn’t have been so long coming home. 

I slid past my three busy sisters and retrieved a spoon from a drawer, knowing there would be time for hellos later. My first priority was getting Momma up from bed. I crept to her door and quietly pushed it open. The room was dark and cool, like a cave. I tip-toed over to her side and sat down easy on the mattress.

“I got you some honey Momma,” I whispered, “It’s fresh.”

Junior varsity baseball: Burton vs. Union

On Tuesday, May 6, 2014, the eighth grade Raider baseball team traveled to Union for a baseball game. The outcome of the game was a blowout; the Raiders beat the Bears 16-5. On Thursday, May 8, 2014 the Bears traveled to Burton. The outcome of the game was 11-4, with the Bears taking home the win.

The Beekeeper's Son: Part Two

The following is the second excerpt from a short story written by Olivia Lowery inspired by stories told by her Grandmother when she was young. The Beekeeper’s Son takes its roots from Appalachian folklore about old magic and the healing powers of things that came from nature. The main character and narrator, Violet, is loosely based off of Olivia’s grandmother who shares the character’s name. The original Violet grew up in the old Needmore area near Thacker’s Branch in Norton, Virginia in the twenties and thirties. The stories she told Olivia as a child have inspired many of Olivia’s unpublished works. 

You can read 'The Beekeeper's Son: Part One' here.

The Beekeeper's Son: Part Two

The forest was darker here, not even a bird sang under the tall pines. I felt suddenly anxious and misplaced as we approached a clearing in the underbrush. A half rotten tree lay across the moss covered ground; a low hum like static could be heard under our breathing. Eli sat the potato sack at his feet and emptied its contents quietly. I recognized none of his beekeeping tools in the dirt in front of me. His brow furrowed in immense concentration as he fumbled for something in his pockets.

“Stand back,” he whispered, picking up a mason jar full of an unidentified liquid.

I took a few steps back and watched him walk to the fallen tree, his steps light even on the leaves surrounding the clearing. His concentration never broke as he gathered a pile of leaves beside the tree, poured the liquid from the mason jar over them and set fire to them with the matches he fished from his pocket. The pile of leaves caught flame with enthusiasm but within seconds, it stifled out leaving clouds of deep grey smoke surrounding Eli and the fallen tree. Eli, walked back to the potato sack and crouched in front of his tools. I crouched beside him, hoping for an explanation or to be put to work. After deliberation, he picked up a small dinner bucket and stood again. By now, the low hum had gotten louder, a frenzied static that made my ears itch.

“Eli, you’re not wearin’ enough clothes to get into that bee hive,” I whispered, my eyes surveying his faded button up shirt and worn out trousers.

“These are my bees, Violet,” he replied his eyes filling with a sense of pride, “They know better.”

Weekly Announcements

Clubs

• Attention Book Club members, Book Club will meet Thursday, May 8, immediately after school in Mrs. Bias's Room.

General 

• Attention all students - hundreds of prom pictures are available to view, download, print, and share on Burton's Blog. Visit : www.nortoncityschools.blogspot.com And click on Burton's Photo Stream in the top left hand corner to access all photos.

Burton baseball victorious over Thomas Walker

Yesterday, Thursday, May 1, 2014, the Thomas Walker baseball team came to Burton for their second game against the Raiders.  If you recall,  the Raiders absolutely crushed them with a final score of 17-2 in their first game. In last night's game, Burton did not let up and still ended the game victorious over Thomas Walker with a score of 8-5.

Prom Pictures!

To access hundreds of prom pictures that are free to view, download, share, and print, click on Burton's Photo Stream on the left.  

Prom 2014

I’m sure that prom night was a night everyone will remember. Months of planning took place on all parts and at 8:00 PM on Saturday, April 26 the festivities began. This prom’s theme was "A Fairytale Evening" and guests were given the royal treatment in the ways of food and décor. The downstairs area was decorated with tables draped in pink each featuring its own centerpiece that drew inspiration from a different fairy tale. My favorite was certainly the Cinderella inspired table. 

Crowns made from metallic paper were placed throughout the space, and they were a big hit for guests.

The food was a delight, with vegetable trays and other finger foods; my favorite was the spinach and artichoke dip. Guests could also choose between a vast selection of sodas and dessert was a choice of cupcakes decorated with different colored frosting.

The food was served by a superb group of underclassmen who were extremely courteous and lovely. Some even offered to get refills for their upper-class peers and they all helped clean up the food mess after prom. They did all this while looking absolutely adorable.

The upstairs area that doubled as a dance floor was transformed into an enchanted forest with ivy vines and lanterns.

The grand march was my absolute favorite part of prom. I really loved seeing my classmates all dressed up and walking under the gazebo and into prom was thrilling. Everyone looked awesome. 

This year, it seemed as though A-line dresses were most popular.  The A-line dresses were followed by fitted dresses in short or high-low length.  Cut out shoulders, cut out backs, and low necklines dominated.  Rhinestones and sparkles were an absolute must. The colors I saw most were sliver, grey, and different whites. Red and black were popular colors as well.

The prom prince and princess were Jasmine B. and Cobye R.; they both sported white ensembles with hints of red.

At 11:30 Aleigha M. and Ken K. were crowned the prom king and queen. They shared a brief royal dance before prom dispersed and everyone headed for the after party.