Spencer City Star
Monthly newsletter
Friends Dont Let Friends Drink and Drive
The holiday season is upon us, and the increase in holiday celebrations also increases alcohol related crashes and fatalities. Dont let the holiday season be destroyed by tragedy.
Quick Facts About Drunk and Drugged Driving
Did you know that an alcohol-related motor vehicle crash kills someone every 31 minutes, and non-fatally injures someone every two minutes? * Are you aware that drugs other than alcohol (marijuana and cocaine) are involved in about 18% of motor vehicle driver deaths. These other drugs are generally used in combination with alcohol? * In addition impaired driving is the leading cause of death for people under the age of 30. *
Also, each year, alcohol-related crashes in the United States cost about $51 billion dollars.
How Much is Too Much
The rate of alcohol absorption will vary from person to person, depending on their height, weight, gender, experience with alcohol, food consumed prior to alcohol consumption and other environmental and physical factors. Because of this, it is hard to determine when you have had to much to drink. It is a good idea to assign a designated driver or use alternative modes of transportation when even a minimal amount of alcohol is going to be consumed.
What is Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)
BAC is the amount of alcohol present in the blood system. It begins when an individual consumes even a small amount of alcohol. The legal limit in Oklahoma is 0.08%
CRIME PREVENTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS
What You Can Do About Impaired Driving
Your best defense against an impaired driver is to wear your seatbelt. * If you host a party, dont let your guests drive after drinking alcohol. * Never ride in a car with someone who has been drinking.* Keep a safe distance from anyone driving erratically.* Report drunk drivers to law enforcement.
The City of Spencer offers the following tips for preventing crime during the holiday season.
At Home * Be cautious about locking doors and windows when leaving your home. * Dont display gifts where they are easily seen from a door or window. Store the gifts if you are going out of town. * If you are going out for the evening, turn lights or a radio on so it appears that someone is home.
Shopping * Shop before dark, if possible. Never park in an unlit parking area, no matter how convenient it is. * Lock your packages and gifts in the trunk and keep your vehicle doors and windows locked. * Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible. * Be extra careful with purses and wallets. Carry purses under your arm and keep wallets in your front trouser pocket. * When returning to your vehicle, have your keys in your hand and look for anyone near you or your vehicle.
STAR SPENCER ALUMNI
CHRISTMAS PARTY
It is time once again for the Annual Star Spencer Alumni 2006 Christmas Party. The event will raise money for at least 4 scholarships which will be presented to graduating seniors at Star Spencer who are planning to attend college.
Buy your tickets now as prices will increase at the door to $30 (singles) and $40 (couples). Tickets will be sold at the homecoming game, or you may call LaWanna Ford at (405) 610-7889, if no answer leave a message. If you are unable to attend, but would like to donate, donations are accepted. There is also a separate scholarship sponsored by alumni called Pennies from the Past. Information on this Scholarship is on the website at www.starspenceralumni.com.
When: Saturday, December 16th 2006 Where: On Broadway Club - 530 SW 5th Oklahoma City Time: 7:00p.m. to 1:30.a.m. Cost: Advance sales $20 (singles) $30 (couples) Come out and enjoy the fun!
ARE YOU PREPARED FOR WINTER WEATHER?
The holiday season comes as no surprise, but winter weather often catches people unprepared. Researchers say that 70 percent of the fatalities related to ice and snow occur in automobiles, and about 25 percent of all winter related fatalities are people that are caught off guard, out in the storm. The remaining 5 percent can be attributed to home fires, carbon monoxide poisoning (in stalled cars), falls on slippery walks, electrocution from downed wires, and building collapses. Here are a few ways you can prepare for the upcoming winter weather season. On the Road Any road-icing condition is extremely hazardous. Even freezing drizzle can cause severe problems on the road. Under certain conditions, roads can become dangerously icy from less than an inch of snow. * Fully winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins * Carry a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle * Keep the gas tank at least half full to prevent ice formation in the fuel tank and lines * If you have to drive, try not to travel alone and let someone know your time table and intended routes. At Home or Work The primary concern at home or work would be the loss of utilities, heat, power, telephone service, and a shortage of supplies. Prepare ahead of time by keeping the following on hand: * Flashlight and extra batteries * Battery powered radio * Bottled water and extra food * Prescription medication and baby supplies * First-aid supplies * Warm clothing. Exposure to Outside Elements Wear loose-fitting, light weight, warm clothing in several layers * Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded * Leave as little skin exposed as possible. Do not over exert yourself.
Prevent Frozen Pipes Make sure adult family members know how to shut off water and call a plumber if needed * Wrap pipes with heat tape * Remember to bring garden hoses in, and turn off and drain water to outdoor spigots at the cutoff valve. Keep sink cabinet doors open to allow more heat to circulate around pipes underneath, particularly if located near exterior walls.
STAR SPENCER OFF AT RISK LIST
Written By Anthony Bloomer & Courtenay White
SSHS Students
The marquee on the corner of the entryway to the parking lot of Star Spencer High School proudly proclaims A School of Choice. Many people do not know or may not understand what this means and how we became a school of choice. We became a school of choice by staying off the at risk list for two years in a row and we have raised our Academic Progress Index (API) scores for the second consecutive year. This means that any student in the Oklahoma City Public Schools who attends a school who is on the needs improvement list can transfer from their school to Star Spencer; with the approval of the school board. The school board will also provide transportation. Adequate Yearly Progress is part of the No Child Left Behind Act which was enacted in 2002 but was revised in 2004 by the Bush administration. We interviewed Dr. Sally R. Cole, Principal of Star Spencer, Vice Principals Ms. Glenn Witt and Mr. Chris Gardner, Academic Instructional Facilitator Mrs. Angela Lewis, and the 10th Grade Counselor, Tina Williams about this wonderful news. When asked how they felt about being a school of choice. Their replies were, We are ecstatic. This is the most excited weve been in a long time, it makes us very proud, and it makes us feel proud. We also asked how they believed the students might feel the reply was It should make the students feel better about their school, it gives the sense that we are a pretty smart and puts us in an elite group. When asked how large of an accomplishment this was Dr. Coles reply was, This is a great accomplishment it puts us above other schools in our district and shows that were doing our jobs correctly. When asked how this might affect our community; Mr. Gardner replied Hopefully it will bring about a cultural change, instead of considering the school as a bad place, now as a place where kids are actually learning. The administration stated that they had been working towards this goal for several years. It has been our entire goal, stated Dr. Cole. We were a school that could challenge schools athletically now we can challenge them academically as well. We asked, what were Star Spencers strongest and weakest areas? Mrs. Lewis answered,
for the past two years our strongest area has been Math. Now we are making gains in both English and Math. It was further stated that being a school of choice betters the opportunities for our students; and better scores opens more doors. Our scores have caused Star Spencer to shine in a better light. The last question we asked was do you think our test scores will continue to rise? The administration said, Yes, because we expect our students to continue this trend of achievement. When we ask the students to do something they Rise to the occasion. We definitely will continue to make the grade.
SWAT
Students Working Against Tobacco
Students Working Against Tobacco (SWAT) is a statewide anti-tobacco youth movement in Oklahoma. SWAT crew members undergo intense training to work amongst their peers to prevent youth smoking, as well as assist with identifying convenience store clerks who DO NOT CARD prior to selling to tobacco products. If you know a young person, or an adult, who is interested in participation in this valuable program, please contact PEAK Coordinator, Shenice Huff at 424-0085 or slhuff@urbanleagueok.org
JaLynns Dry Cleaning
Business Spotlight
December marks the 1st year anniversary of JaLynns Dry Cleaning, located next to Rollins Reality in Cobblestone Shops. JaLynns is managed by Ms. Brenda Johnson, who has 22 years of cleaning experience and is dedicated to providing the highest quality of service to clients. Their attention to detail, and specialized services are sure to accommodate all of your dry cleaning needs and concerns.
JaLynns is located at 3550 Spencer Road. Hours of operation are 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Winter Hours) and 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Summer Hours).
Bulky waste & holiday schedule
The Bulky Waste schedule is as follows for the holiday season:
Monday, January 29, 2007 Friday, February 2nd, 2007
Please place your bulky items at the curb by 6:00 am on the Monday of each of these pick up dates to minimize confusion and the associated time and fuel wasted chasing missed items.
On the Road to Health
Oklahoma City-County Health Department
The following health information was provided by the Oklahoma CityCounty Health Department:
* All Tobacco brands have been increasing the nicotine dosage in each cigarette during the past 6 years.
* Patients who listen to tunes after surgery have less pain (and need fewer painkillers) than those who do not, notes a Tuffs University report. Musics effect was equal to a 325-mg dose of the painkiller acetaminophen.
* Cutting cholesterol is associated with a 50 percent hike in prostate-cancer risk. In men, 65 and older, these numbers jump to 80 percent. Cholesterol may spur the production of male hormones that promote prostate-cancer growth.
City Community
Calendar
December 4th Parks Advisory Board 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
December 7th Planning Commission 7:00 p.m. At City Hall.
December 16th Star Spencer Christmas Party 7:00 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. On Broadway Club
December 21st
Utility Authority and Regular City Council Meeting 7:00 p.m. at City Hall.
December 25th Christmas Day City Offices will be closed. Have a great holiday.
