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Post by In The News on May 8, 2012 18:38:25 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Oneida Elementary School may close
Another elementary school in eastern Kentucky may close its doors. The Clay County school board says it is considering that option for Oneida Elementary due to budget constraints and a decreasing student population. Some parents in Oneida have voiced concerns about long bus rides if the school closes. Clay County Schools Superintendent Reecia Samples told WYMT-TV that officials are considering several factors before making a final decision. She says the decision will be a tough one to make. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Oneida_Elementary_School_possibly_closing_150497585.html
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Post by Local News on May 21, 2012 8:15:13 GMT -5
School volunteers may have to pay $10 for background checks
Kentuckians who volunteer at any of the state’s schools may soon have to pay $10 for a criminal background check — a check the state’s judicial branch previously conducted for free. Beginning July 1, the state will charge schools $10 for every criminal record report requested — the result of state budget cuts by the Kentucky General Assembly, said Laurie Dudgeon, director of the Administrative Office of the Courts. The state processed more than 217,000 criminal records reports for schools statewide last year, Dudgeon said. Schools say they likely have little choice but to pass on the cost to prospective volunteers, and they worry that the fee will drive away the parents and community members they rely on for everything from class aides to helping with school field trips. www.courier-journal.com/article/20120517/NEWS0105/305170067/kentucky-school-volunteers-background-criminal-check
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Post by Local News on May 21, 2012 8:18:58 GMT -5
Clay County Adult Basic Education Part Of Summer Assessment Academy Morehead State University News Release
Morehead State University’s Adron Doran University Center will be the site for “What’s Working? What’s Not?: A Dialogue on Assessing Promising Practices” from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m. Thursday, June 14. The event is being presented by MSU’s Summer Assessment Academy. The day will serve as a “think-tank” with presentations and roundtable discussions for education leadership in postsecondary, adult education, high school and middle school on promising practices driving college and career readiness. Presentations and speakers will include: • Communicating College Readiness Standards: University of Kentucky’s Dr. Jane Jensen; • Transition from P12 and ABE programs to postsecondary and career: Morehead State University’s Dr. Dan Connell; • Continuous assessment and school improvement: "One Story of Results," Campbell County’s Dr. Shelli Willis; • Postsecondary education tools and collegiate learning assessments: "Student Success in Higher Education: Using Professional Learning Communities to impact Student Learning Outcomes, Instruction, and Assessment," Eastern Kentucky University’s Dr. Dorie Combs and Dr. Ginni Fair. Lunch will be provided. The keynote speaker will be Susan Allred, Ed.S., Kentucky Department of Education associate commissioner of District 180. Her topic will be “Thinking Differently With a Common Goal Because it is the Right Thing to Do!” MSU’s Assessment Academy collaborators are Morehead State University’s Kentucky College and Career Readiness Initiative, Eastern Kentucky University, University of Pikeville, Kentucky Christian University, Maysville Community and Technical College, Rowan County Adult Basic Education, Clay County Adult Basic Education, Kentucky Department of Education District 180 and the Council on Postsecondary Education (CPE). For registration or additional information, contact Krys Lynam at 783-9031 or visit: www.goo.gl/KBHYx
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Post by In The News on May 23, 2012 16:17:35 GMT -5
Representatives from Clay County lead a program on LEAP funding
During the Education Leadership Day at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset on May 21 representatives from Clay County Schools, Wayne County and Monticello Independent Schools, and Jenkins Independent School in Letcher County, led a series of breakout sessions on the impact grant funding from Forward in the Fifth’s Local Educational Affiliate Program (LEAP) has had in tackling educational issues in their areas. Forward in the Fifth, a nonprofit organization dedicated to reversing low educational attainment levels in the region, also presented U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) with the 2012 AppLE Visionary Award in recognition of his creation in 1986 of the organization, also an affiliate of The Center for Rural Development. For more information about the AppLE Awards or LEAP grant program, call Tackett at 1-606-677-6000 or visit www.fif.org. www.lanereport.com/6207/2012/05/four-eastern-kentuckians-honored-for-contributions-to-education/
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Post by Press Release on Jun 18, 2012 22:39:30 GMT -5
2012 ELI Business Concept Competition winning team.
Rachyl Harmon of Clay County earns EKU scholarship
A plan for an innovative agritourism business drafted by five graduates of The Center for Rural Development’s Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute (ELI) has earned each of the high school students an offer of a Presidential Scholarship from Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) in Richmond. The winning students in the 2012 ELI Business Concept Competition are “Jam Good” team members Savanna Noe, Lee County; Rachyl Harmon, Clay County; Ethan Call, Pulaski County; Madison Lee, Casey County; and Kimberly Brown of Knox County. The students crafted a business concept for a start-up agritourism business where farm-friendly families could pick their favorite seasonal fruits right from the patch and make or purchase fresh, homemade jams and bakery products at the “Jam Good” country store and bakery. The winning team was announced by Lonnie Lawson, president and CEO of The Center, during ELI’s graduation program June 15 at The Center in Somerset. A total of 34 high school students from Southern and Eastern Kentucky graduated from this year’s ELI class after attending the weeklong session at The Center. Throughout the week, they worked with TOUR Southern and Eastern Kentucky (TOUR SEKY), an affiliate of The Center, to draft a business concept around a tourism-based business. “The program is a lot of work, but completely worth it,” said Madison Lee, a student at Casey County High School and a member of the ELI “Jam Good” winning team. “I’ve learned that to be your own boss in a company is great, but you have to work for it.” Each ELI team drew a business idea at random from a basket and put together a business and marketing plan, including financial planning and customer service, to get that business up and running. Classroom instruction was provided by Jeff Crowe, president and CEO, and Michelle King, chief financial officer for TOUR SEKY. King wrote the curriculum for the class manual. “This is a great opportunity to showcase our youth the important economic impact tourism dollars play in our economy,” Crowe said. “TOUR SEKY was able to work closely with these students to assist in their business ventures and encourage them to remain in our region to start new businesses.” The week culminated with the program’s Business Concept Competition, in which seven ELI student teams pitched their plans to a panel of regional business leaders. The teams delivered eight-minute presentations to the judges, who portrayed business lenders. “The Entrepreneurial Leadership Institute of 2012 gave participants a real-world look into the process of starting a business,” said Delaney Stephens, youth programs coordinator and community liaison for The Center. “It is encouraging to see these young aspiring leaders of our region already driven to achieving success in their lives.” Members of the first-place ELI Business Concept Competition team will be recognized at the 2012 Excellence in Entrepreneurship Awards (EIEA) luncheon on Sept. 10 at The Center, located at 2292 South U.S. 27 (at Traffic Light 15) in Somerset. High school freshmen, sophomores, and juniors within The Center’s 42-county service area are eligible to apply for ELI.
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Post by ClayLive on Oct 7, 2012 8:22:04 GMT -5
Assistant Deputy Secretary Jim Shelton talks with students during a stop at Berea College in Berea, Kentucky as part of the Department's back-to-school bus tour.
Schools That Can Shelton Visits Berea College, Clay County High School ED.gov Blog
For each of the last three years, Secretary Duncan has started the school year with a bus tour visiting schools and communities across the country to find what's working in education and to hear the concerns, insights, and lessons learned from students, teachers, principals, parents, and the communities supporting them. It's always a welcome grounding in "real education" the kind that children and families experience everyday. This year, I participated more fully than I have in years past - visiting schools, grantees, education reformers, and advocates in California, Missouri, and Kentucky. In Kentucky, I visited Sayre School, a high-performing and well-resourced independent school focused on building great character as well as providing rigorous learning opportunities. The students showed extraordinary poise and confidence as we discussed the relative strengths of their program and the infusion of technology as a new, but increasingly ubiquitous, tool. This visit served as an excellent benchmark as I traveled to rural Kentucky to visit the Development and Promise Neighborhoods (PN) Implementation grantee, Berea College, to see their work at Clay County High School (CCHS). Clay County suffers from all of the ills often associated with Appalachia; but CCHS has leveraged the PN and i3 grants to substantially increase the number of AP classes offered and multiply the number of students taking AP classes and, most importantly, passing AP exams with a score of 3 or better. They've used the PN grant to create more comprehensive and coherent student supports that have begun to reverse the dropout trend and increase college going. Teachers and students spoke eloquently about the impact these efforts have had, not only on their practices, but also on their belief systems. One student in particular helped me synthesize everything that I had seen in the past two weeks. As I was ending my visit at CCHS with a student roundtable, I asked the students what impacts the programs had on the school and them. They spoke about the access to more AP courses, the heroic efforts of the new academic specialists to keep kids in school, the impact of grant-funded college visits, and the difference tiny amounts of resources made to teachers who cared but had nothing to work with. Then one standout student I had met earlier in the day, Rex, said: "I know I talked about the AP classes; but that's not the most important thing.? And, I know I talked about the resources, ROTC students finally having real equipment after having used brooms for years, but that's not the most important thing. CCHS used to be an I-can't-school? Now, we are an I-can-school. I can take AP courses. I can go to college. I can do better than my parents." Jim Shelton is assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement at the U.S. Department of Education.
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Post by Press Release on Oct 11, 2012 21:53:22 GMT -5
EKU Math Transition Program helping Clay County High school students prepare for college EKU Press Release
For the past three years, Eastern Kentucky University has assisted Clay County High School and more than 50 other high schools throughout the region in designing and implementing transitional math courses to help students prepare for college courses. The impact has been most obvious in a 36.3-percent drop in developmental math courses at Eastern. In addition, because those courses do not count toward graduation requirements, there has been a cost savings of approximately $3.5 million for students and their families. University officials anticipate a similar positive impact on retention and graduation rates at EKU. “EKU is extremely pleased with the success of our math transition program,” Provost Dr. Janna Vice said. “In addition to helping us increase our students’ retention and graduation rates, this initiative reflects the university’s commitment to our service region, to the Council on Postsecondary Education’s Strategic Agenda and to the college-readiness goals of Senate Bill 1, which mandate reducing the number of college freshmen needing academic remediation.” At the time that Senate Bill 1 was approved in 2009, the dropout rate for EKU students when enrolled in developmental courses was 60 percent. The failure rate for first-time developmental math students was the same. With those figures in mind, faculty on the EKU math education team began working closely with their high school counterparts to develop transition courses that roughly aligned with EKU developmental courses, allowing for adaptation to the specific needs and conditions in each high school. The EKU faculty provided materials such as worksheets, class notes and measurement instruments (quizzes and tests) for the teachers. “Long-term and sustainable change is best attained when the change is embedded, bottom up, has input from the local stakeholders and is based on sound research and principles,” said Dr. Robert Thomas of the EKU Department of Mathematics and Statistics. “These curricula contain all of these components.” Dr. John Wade, dean of EKU’s College of Arts and Sciences, said the mathematics transition program “has been successful from day one and is spreading quickly throughout Kentucky high schools. It is an important part of EKU’s regional stewardship efforts and is saving prospective college students and their families millions of dollars by eliminating unnecessary college coursework in math.” The university also provided entrée into the Kentucky Online Testing (KyOTE) system for pre- and post-testing, diagnostics and scores for developmental and non-developmental placement (initially recognized by EKU and Northern Kentucky University for math placement, now recognized statewide by all post-secondary institutions). EKU also added components for automaticity, numeracy, math fluency, college readiness, and self-directed learning. In the Fall 2010 semester, 1,274 EKU students were enrolled in developmental math courses. By Fall 2012, that number had dropped to 811. School districts that have participated in the program include: Anderson County, Barbourville Independent, Bath County, Bell County, Berea Independent, Boyle County, Bullitt County, Burgin Independent, Carter County, Casey County, Clark County, Clay County, Corbin Independent, Danville Independent, Estill County, Garrard County, Greenup County, Harlan Independent, Jackson County, Knox County, Laurel County, Lee County, Letcher County, Lincoln County, Lynn Camp Independent, Madison County, McCreary County, Mercer County, Middlesboro Independent, Model Laboratory, Monticello Independent, Owen County, Pineville Independent, Pulaski County, Rockcastle County, Russell County, Shelby County, Somerset Independent, Whitley County and Williamsburg Independent.
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Post by Press Release on Nov 5, 2012 14:35:31 GMT -5
McDonald'd of Manchester to encourage GED attainment Commonwealth News Center press release
McDonald'd of Manchester and other McDonald’s restaurants in 72 counties are joining forces to encourage GED® attainment with in-store promotions funded by the restaurant owners. Beginning this week, customers at restaurants represented by McDonald’s of Central and Southeastern Kentucky, Paducah Co-op, Tri-State Co-op, Louisville Co-op and Tri-Cities Co-op will see trayliners featuring a message encouraging the attainment of a GED® diploma. The campaign is an extension of ongoing efforts to raise the educational attainment of adults by Kentucky Adult Education, a unit of the Council on Postsecondary Education. McDonald’s restaurant owner/operators have partnered with Kentucky Adult Education for the seventh consecutive year to promote GED® attainment. The campaign was initiated by Joe Graviss, a Central Kentucky owner operator and a member of the Council on Postsecondary Education, which oversees Kentucky Adult Education. The project began in three of his restaurants in Franklin and Woodford County and has grown to 72 counties through his leadership. Reecie D. Stagnolia, vice president for Kentucky Adult Education, said private sector partners are key to emphasizing the value of education. “As adult educators work to help prepare more Kentuckians for college and careers, public awareness is very important. Our partnership with McDonald’s provides us with an opportunity to reach thousands of Kentuckians with a vital message about the importance of education,” he said. “McDonald’s owner operators are to be commended for supporting adult education in their communities.” This ongoing partnership reflects McDonald’s commitment to support the local communities they serve, according to Graviss of the McDonald’s of Central and Southeastern Kentucky cooperative. “We see firsthand the importance of education in our businesses and know that KYAE’s efforts will have a far-reaching impact on communities throughout our Commonwealth,” he said. Adult education centers provide free GED® instruction, college-readiness services, English as a second language classes and literacy services. To find the center in your county, call Kentucky Adult Education at 1-800-928-7323 or visit: www.knowhow2goky.orgMcDonald's USA, LLC, is the leading foodservice provider in the United States serving a variety of wholesome foods made from quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. For more information on McDonald's visit: www.mcdonalds.com
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Post by ClayLive on Nov 7, 2012 17:54:58 GMT -5
Clay County Band 2012 Fruit Fundraiser The Clay County Band Program is beginning its 2012 Fruit Fundraiser. Orders will be taken throughout November with delivery on approximately December 5th. The prices are similar to last year. You can place an order with any Clay County middle or high school band student. Payment can be made anytime but must be made by or before November 30th. We really appreciate the support that the band program has received from the community over the years. Thank you in advance for supporting the Clay County Band. Brian K. Ward Clay County High School 415 Clay County High Road Manchester, KY 40962 606-598-3737
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Post by In The News on Nov 13, 2012 20:32:41 GMT -5
Clay County Middle School students present personal school projects
It was an emotional and memorable night for 8th graders at Clay County Middle School as they presented a project close to their hearts. Each student sewed together a piece of a quilt that symbolized a person who has impacted their lives in a profound way. “Whoever has impacted their life in the most profound way is who they wrote about. They all started writing songs and started bringing in clothing and memorabilia of the person they wrote the song about and then we started piecing it on the quilt and making a quilt,” said Danielle Asher, the school’s music teacher. Students sewed everything from pictures to pieces of clothing on the quilts that symbolized the person who left a big imprint on their life. Many students spoke about loved ones they have lost. Although the project did not involve reading, writing or arithmetic-- students say they still learned a lot about one another. Asher hopes the project was just as therapeutic for the students as it was for her. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-Co-students-present-personal-school-projects--179049641.html
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Post by In The News on Dec 8, 2012 5:35:26 GMT -5
WYMT-TV Clay school board OKs new vocational school Reporter: Matthew Rand
Faced with the limitations of their current vocational school, the Clay County Board of Education gave approval this week for the construction of a new facility. The new vocational school will be built onto the existing high school. Superintendent Reecia Samples says the current vocational school is located about ten miles away from the high school. She says right now, students have to be bussed back and forth. They say the new structure should be built within the next two years. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-school-board-OKs-new-vocational-school-182597181.html
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Post by Press Release on Dec 22, 2012 9:50:37 GMT -5
Several from Clay County named to Alice Lloyd List of Academic Distinction
Alice Lloyd College would like to congratulate the following students for earning a high level of academic distinction during the Fall 2012 semester. The following students have been named to the President’s List for achieving a 4.0 grade point average (based on a 4.0 scale): Robert William Caldwell of Manchester, KY Lydia Combs Harris of Manchester, KY Bridgett Leanne Hibbard of Manchester, KY Paul Brandon McGeorge of Manchester, KY Matthew Tyler Mitchell of Manchester, KY Students named to the Dean’s Distinguished List for achieving a grade point average of 3.75-3.99 were: Whitney Tevae Shell of Manchester, KY Kenneth Tyler Sizemore of Roark, KY Niki Nicole Smith of Manchester, KY Named to the Dean’s List for achieving a grade point average of 3.25-3.74 were: Zachary Tyler McGeorge of Manchester, KY Olivia Hubbard of Manchester, KY Mack Douglas Asher of Oneida, KY Justin Gregory Smith of Manchester, KY Morgan Lashea Asher of Oneida, KY Congratulations to all of these students for their outstanding efforts this semester!
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Post by In The News on Dec 26, 2012 9:49:32 GMT -5
courier-journal.com Clay County part of Nonprofit Dataseam's effort to teach and find a cure for cancer Reporter Matt Frassica
In the past seven years, researchers at Louisville’s James Graham Brown Cancer Center have developed potential cancer treatments by harnessing the collective power of thousands of desktop Apple computers — located in classrooms in rural Kentucky. And thanks to a nonprofit created by Brian Gupton, the son of a Western Kentucky coal miner, these same computers — 14,000 of them in 54 school districts in the state’s coal counties — are helping students do research, develop sophisticated multimedia projects and communicate better with teachers. Gupton’s Louisville nonprofit, Dataseam, receives $2.5 million annually from the state’s Coal Severance Tax for the project, which educators and researchers say has significantly shortened the amount of time it takes to discover new cancer drugs, while improving technology in coal-county schools. When the students aren’t using the computers, or when they use only a fraction of the power, the researchers use them to speed the search for possible matches between target sites on cancer cells and molecules that can be used for treatment — a process that involves using large numbers of ordinary computers, linked, to perform complex computing tasks that would otherwise require a supercomputer. Schools that work with Dataseam say they have reaped many benefits. Many administrators in Dataseam schools described initial resistance from teachers who were reluctant to switch from their familiar Windows machines to iMacs. “We kind of struggled getting started. … People didn’t want to change,” said Parker Smith, a computer technician who works for Clay County schools. Now, five years into their collaboration with Dataseam, Clay County schools have 500 iMacs, representing more than a third of the county’s total computers. Read the entire article and see video at: www.courier-journal.com/article/20121225/NEWS0105/312250088/dataseam-puts-computers-in-coal-county-schools
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Post by In The News on Jan 2, 2013 22:28:44 GMT -5
Clay County Middle School student, Gabrielle Brown sits at a small round table, discussing cell mitosis and diffusion with Tennessee “Teacher of the Year” Tina Woods at Vanderbilt children’s hospital.
clairegibson.com Tennessee “Teacher of the Year” working with Clay County Middle School student
Every day, Vanderbilt children’s hospital provides top-notch medical, psychological and emotional care for nearly 70 children. But what many parents may not realize is that their children can continue to receive a quality education during a prolonged stay in the hospital as well, thanks to Vanderbilt’s Hospital School program. Last month, one of Vanderbilt’s two full-time teachers, Tina Woods, received the Tennessee Titans and American Paper & Twine Co. “Teacher of the Year” award, setting her apart as one of the state’s finest teachers, even in some of the most difficult circumstances. Woods, who has been a teacher for 25 years, came to the Vanderbilt Hospital School program in 2009. As “Teacher of the Year,” Woods was awarded tickets to an upcoming Titans game and $800 in school supplies. Now, she works with students one-on-one, either in her small office or bedside, depending on what the child’s condition permits. She spends much of her day coordinating with various school systems across the Southeast, gathering lesson materials and working directly with children. With her experience in special education, she works to meet the varying needs of all her students — even while they battle serious illness. One such student is 13-year-old Gabrielle Brown. She first came to Vanderbilt children’s hospital from Manchester, Ky., in 2010, after she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a cancerous bone tumor in her right leg. After 29 long weeks of treatment, during which she met and learned from Woods, Gabrielle was able to return home. Then in October, she was re-diagnosed with tumors in her lungs. Gabrielle’s mother, Delena Henson, says they came back to Vanderbilt children’s hospital because Gabrielle feels most comfortable there. “When Tina found out that Gabrielle was back in here, she came directly to us,” Henson says. “Back in 2010, Gabrielle didn’t really feel like doing a whole lot. But now, she’s eager to learn and she loves it. She’s a really excellent student, and I think it’s so important for her to be here.” Now, Gabrielle sits at a small round table, discussing cell mitosis and diffusion with her teacher. And while she faces six more chemotherapy treatments and other obstacles ahead, today her mind is focused on school. The motivation, she says, is to stay in her correct grade. Read the entire article at: clairegibson.com/2013/01/02/vanderbilt-childrens-hospital-teacher-tina-woods
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Post by In The News on Jan 7, 2013 22:46:31 GMT -5
herald-leader.com Planned federal spending cuts worry Kentucky school officials By Beth Musgrave
The federal fiscal cliff was averted, but an agreement that delayed decisions about major spending cuts until late February has Kentucky school officials worried about potential layoffs and lost services for needy students. If Congress doesn’t reach a compromise on the scheduled spending cuts, Kentucky’s 174 school districts will lose $61 million a year in federal support during the next decade, according to numbers generated by the Congressional Budget Office and the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. The state now gets $481 million a year from the federal government for education programs. The majority of federal education money the state gets is for targeted populations, such as poor children and those with special needs. Also included is Head Start, a federal pre-school program for the state’s poorest children. One estimate puts the planned cut to Head Start in Kentucky at $10 million next year. Owsley County — one of the state’s poorest — receives about 22 percent of its overall annual budget of $11 million from federal and state grants. About 89 percent of its children qualify for a free or reduced-price lunch. Bobrowski said he has written Kentucky’s congressional delegation to ask that they vote against any spending cuts because it’s likely the school district — Owsley County’s largest employer — will lay off staff if the cuts materialize. Clay County schools may also have to consider staff reductions or eliminating programs, said superintendent Reecia Samples. The county’s 10 schools all receive additional federal money because of high poverty levels, Samples said. Like Owsley County, the student population in Clay County is declining, which means less state funding each year. And although state leaders have not cut the main funding formula for schools in recent years, they have repeatedly slashed spending for text books and support programs such as after-school tutoring. bluegrasspolitics.bloginky.com/2013/01/07/planned-federal-spending-cuts-worry-kentucky-school-officials
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Post by In The News on Jan 17, 2013 21:15:58 GMT -5
WYMT Clay County Schools add new security system
Officials in Clay County are taking extra steps to make sure their schools are safe. Each county school will soon get a new security system. A magnetic lock, keypad, and camera will be added to the front doors. The buzzer system will force visitors to identify themselves and give a reason for being at the school before entering. Secretaries inside will then unlock the door from their desk. “We're hoping it just cuts down on anyone thinking about coming in and doing something. That would deter them, knowing that they have to be checked first before they can get in the building,” said Clay County Middle School Principal Steve Burchfield. Officials say they plan to place the security system in a few schools by next week. www.wkyt.com/wymt/home/headlines/Clay-County-Schools-add-new-security-system-187370631.html
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Post by Press Release on Feb 3, 2013 16:53:21 GMT -5
Manchester Elementary student J.P. Hensley works on a project as teacher Mamie Bowling looks on. (Photo from Berea College)
Kentucky Forward Promise Neighborhood leading ‘new charge’ in Clay, Jackson, Owsley school districts By Beth Dotson Brown, KyForward contributor
When the Kentucky Department of Education released school test scores in November, Clay County found itself in the bottom 10 schools in the state. But educators there were already aware they had a lot of work ahead. One partner in that work is Berea College’s Promise Neighborhood. “I feel like we’re leading a new charge in education in this country,” says Ginny Blackson, director of Berea College’s Promise Neighborhood, which is working in Clay, Jackson and Owsley counties. “It’s the most holistic program I’ve been involved with, and I’ve been in this business for 30 years.” Promise Neighborhood is part of the Obama Administration’s effort to help Americans find the opportunities they need to survive and thrive. The initiative is modeled on the Harlem Children’s Zone, which provides communities with services that continue from cradle to career. These services comprehensively help students and family work through educational challenges that, for years, have blocked the progress of so many. State test scores showed that Clay, Jackson and Owsley counties all have significant progress to make. Of the state’s 174 school districts, Clay ranked 170, Jackson 155 and Owsley 159. Kentucky Kids Count reports that childhood poverty rates in these counties range from 37.6 percent in Jackson to 48.4 percent in Owlsley. Blackson points out that generational poverty is connected to low academic success. She also notes that 80 percent of the land in one of the counties is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest. Less land to develop for homes and businesses lowers the tax base, and thus, school funding. Berea College applied for a 2010 planning grant during the first round of Promise Neighborhood funding The college received the grant along with five other recipients. The next year, five of those recipients, including Berea College, were awarded a five-year implementation grant that provides approximately $6 million a year. Berea is the only one of those five recipients that is addressing education in a rural area. That consistent funding is allowing Promise Neighborhood to build a comprehensive support system in each county that engages the school district, families and community supports around the idea that when everyone in the neighborhood works together for students, the schools will become centers of success. To do this, Promise Neighborhood is working to: improve academic achievement (especially in math and language arts); improving early childhood education; providing formal and informal opportunities to participate in the arts; addressing the health and well-being of children; offering opportunities for students to explore careers and connect them with schooling; and helping all students become college ready. It’s a long list of goals that has employed more than 40 people in the region to fill a role on the team. Three-quarters of these employees work in their home counties. Blackson is seeing the results. For example, each school has an academic specialist to examine an early warning system that will alert them with a student is exhibiting early signs of becoming a dropout at some point. This happened recently when a student who generally ranked high academically showed up on the system. The specialist looked into the situation and discovered he had missed several days of school. Those days in math class included key math concepts. Without understanding those concepts, his math scores had dropped. That school also has a computer lab where students who need help with math can work independently to catch up. He did just that and is up to grade level once again. “We’re paying a lot of attention to how to support students,” Blackson says. That means they’re also addressing student health. Health problems in the counties are high, and because of the obesity in children, adult health issues such as heart attacks and diabetes are showing up in elementary students, Blackson says. For example, Paces Creek Elementary in Clay County has a 66 percent obesity rate. The Promise Neighborhood health content specialist learned that some busses drop students off 30 to 45 minutes before school begins. Those students have been hanging out in the gym. Now, they have physical activities during that time for students and teachers. Blackson says the only cost is staff time and they are now replicating the approach in Jackson County. There have also been student field trips that join college visits with opportunities to see how people in their chosen field work. Two groups of students who are interested in careers in the arts went to Washington, D.C., where they visited two schools. They also saw a play, did writing about that play and had experiences that helped them broaden their understanding of how their education can tie into their career. After a visit to Clay County High School, Jim Shelton, assistant deputy secretary for innovation and improvement at the U.S. Department of Education, wrote in his blog about meeting a student who talked about how he’s seeing opportunities change. The student explained that he used to feel like he was attending an “I can’t” school. Since Promise Neighborhood has begun, he says CCHS is an “I can” school. Blackson sees even more of that to come. In five years, she says, “I believe that we will have helped a wide variety of stakeholders in this region look at how we can truly help kids have academic success then move onto higher education and a career. We want these counties to have a culture that supports success for children and we hope people will make connections between how their lifestyle affects their health and well-being.” The comprehensive approach to the work makes Blackson believe Promise Neighborhood is on the cutting edge of implementing what students truly need to succeed. www.kyforward.com/our-schools/2013/02/03/promise-neighborhood-leading-new-charge-in-clay-jackson-owsley-school-districts
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Post by Press Release on Feb 16, 2013 10:09:54 GMT -5
Clay County Middle School Academic Team is STATE BOUND Clay County Public School Press Release
On February 7, 2013, CCMS hosted the Region 20 Governor's Cup for Clay County, Perry County, Leslie County, and Hazard Independent schools. Sixteen teams competed in written assessment, quick recall, and future problem solving. Clay soared above the other teams with a winning score of 52! Second place was Hazard Middle at 31.5 points. 1st Overall 1st Quick Recall 2nd Future Problem Solving Math - 2nd R.T. Stivers, 4th Kody Bargo Science - 2nd R.T. Stivers Social Studies - 3rd Jacob Hamption Language Arts - 1st Joseph White, 2nd Skylar Bray, 2nd Kody Bargo Arts/Humanities - 1st Joseph White, 3rd Chad Carmack, 4th Brice Smith English Composition - 2nd Skylar Bray
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Post by Local News on Feb 26, 2013 15:23:04 GMT -5
Open House Clay County High School 3 PM – 6 PM Tuesday March 5, 2013
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Post by Press Release on Apr 5, 2013 18:52:36 GMT -5
Dr. Michael T. Benson Selected As EKU's 12th President EKU Press Release
Dr. Michael T. Benson has been named president of Eastern Kentucky University. The unanimous selection of Benson, currently the president of Southern Utah University, was announced at a special meeting of the EKU Board of Regents on Friday, April 5, and follows a nationwide search that culminated recently in campus visits by Benson and two other finalists. Benson will assume the EKU presidency on Aug. 1. He succeeds Dr. Doug Whitlock, who last year announced his intention to retire, effective July 31. “Dr. Benson is the right fit for Eastern,” said Craig Turner, chair of the EKU Board of Regents and chair of the Presidential Search and Screening Committee. “Following his intensive and successful interviews and forum discussions with Eastern students, faculty, and staff and with Richmond and Madison County leaders, Dr. Benson was the resounding choice as our next great, visionary leader. “Dr. Benson’s distinguished record of success as an innovative executive is impressive and well recognized among peers and colleagues,” Turner continued. “He has devoted himself to students and their academic success, is an accomplished communicator and scholar committed to diversity and expanding global academic opportunities, and is a proven financial manager who will develop and sustain political and external support for EKU.” Benson, 48, has served as the 15th President of Southern Utah University, an institution with approximately 8,300 students, since 2006. A Salt Lake City native who grew up in Texas, he brings nearly 20 years of administrative experience in higher education, also including the presidency of Snow College. Contacted by telephone after the Board announced its selection, Benson told the Regents that he “was honored and humbled” by their choice. “We cannot be more thrilled. Thank you for the opportunity. We’re ready to get started. Go Colonels!” He joked that he and his wife, Debi, already have their three young children in “Colonel boot camp,” learning more about their future home. While at Snow from 2001 to 2006, Benson helped raise more money in his five-year tenure than in the previous 117 years of the institution’s history combined. Currently, he is leading efforts at Southern Utah University to raise $30 million for the Southern Utah Center for the Arts; more than $28 million of that amount has been raised so far. He has also directed the development and implementation of SUU’s largest and most ambitious comprehensive campaign, The Future Is Rising. More than $85 million of the $100 million goal has already been raised or pledged. In December 2012, Benson announced the largest gift in the University’s history – $5 million – for the construction of a new Shakespeare Theatre. That news came on the heels of a $4 million gift to establish a scholarship and research endowment within the College of Science and Engineering. During the 2009 Legislative session, Benson was successful in procuring state support for SUU’s Science Center – an expanded undergraduate classroom and laboratory complex totaling nearly $20 million in new construction. In 2011, Utah Business named Benson one of the “100 Most Influential People in Utah.” Benson, who has worked and studied abroad for seven years in Italy, England and Israel, is also a regular contributor to the Huffington Post as a featured blogger on higher education issues. His book, “Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel,” has been hailed as a landmark work in the area of American foreign policy and the U.S. presidency. He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from Brigham Young University, a master’s degree in non-profit administration from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and a doctoral degree in Middle Eastern history from the University of Oxford (St. Anthony’s College). EKU’s new president and wife Debi are the parents of Truman, 6, Tatum, 4, and Talmage, 2. He also is the father of Emma, 16, and Samuel, 13. The 12-member EKU Presidential Search and Screening Committee, appointed by the Board of Regents, was assisted in its work by Academic Search Inc., specifically senior consultants Dr. Jim Appleberry and Dr. Carrie Hauser. The Committee was composed of faculty, student, staff, alumni, community and Board of Regents representatives.
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Post by In The News on Apr 5, 2013 19:04:05 GMT -5
lanereport.com Deann Allen selected to the Leadership Kentucky Class of 2013
Deann S. Allen, Instructional Supervisor, Clay County Board of Education was one of the 59 participants chosen from communities across the state by the board of directors of one of the oldest and most successful statewide leadership programs in the United States (Leadership Kentucky) announced its 29th Class. This year’s Leadership Kentucky class will travel across Kentucky this year for seven monthly sessions (May through November). From its opening retreat at Jabez, to Frankfort, Louisville, Bowling Green, Hazard, Eddyville, Fort Campbell and Lexington, the class will go on an incredible journey to see and learn about Kentucky. Locations for class sessions vary from year to year. Topics covered during this year’s sessions will be leadership, Kentucky history, education, healthcare, government, energy, military, economic development, media, natural resources and environment, global issues, arts, culture and tourism. Leadership Kentucky, founded in 1984 as a non-profit educational organization, brings together a selected group of people that possess a broad variety of leadership abilities, career accomplishments and volunteer activities to gain insight into complex issues facing the state. The program’s goal is to prepare participants to take an active role in advancing the state for the common good. Leadership Kentucky was the fourth statewide leadership program developed in the United States, and it celebrates its 29th Anniversary this year. www.lanereport.com/20225/2013/04/leadership-kentucky-announces-its-class-of-2013
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Post by In The News on May 22, 2013 11:45:43 GMT -5
kentucky.com Bray named National Merit Scholarship winner
These area students have been named National Merit Scholarship winners and will receive $2,500: Rex I. Bray, Clay County High School; Samuel R. Davidson, Trinity Christian Academy; Macy Early, Henry Clay High School; Matthew W. Fister, Woodford County High School; Jessie Li, Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Vania Ma, Dunbar; Kareem Hatim Omar, West Jessamine High School; Marina E. Robson, Franklin County High School; Natalie C. Warren, Berea High School; and Leia Wedlund, Dunbar. Read more here: www.kentucky.com/2013/05/21/2647955/education-notes-may-22.html
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Post by In The News on Jun 29, 2013 6:58:17 GMT -5
thenewsjournal.net All Kentucky school districts may be forced to raise dropout age to 18 soon by Dean Manning
Corbin and Williamsburg Independent Schools are among the first to amend their policies that will raise the age a student must reach before dropping out of high school from 16 to 18. Tuesday marked the first day local school districts could legally make the change after the legislature passed the bill earlier this year. Nancy Rodriguez, a spokesperson with the Kentucky Department of Education, said under the new law, the change will go into effect at the beginning of the 2015-16 school year. It will be on a district-by-district basis until 55 percent (96 of 174) of the state’s districts adopt the new policy. At that point, it becomes mandatory for districts across the state. thenewsjournal.net/details/7336/Corbin,-Williamsburg-school-boards-vote-to-raise-dropout-age-to-18
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Post by Kentucky News on Jul 10, 2013 20:24:29 GMT -5
Clay County among 96 schools districts that accepted a $10,000 grant to raise the dropout age to 18 Commonwealth News Center press release
Just two weeks after they could vote to raise the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18, 96 school districts including Clay County have adopted the “Graduate Kentucky” standard and more are in the process of approving it. Planning grants of $10,000 are being provided through the Kentucky Department of Education to the first 96 school districts that joined the effort to reach the 55 percent threshold. The funds are designed to be used to plan for full implementation of the policy in the 2015-16 school year. Governor Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday today commended school boards across Kentucky that raced to adopt the new standard, keeping students in school until they earn a high school diploma or turn 18. “After five years of hard work by Commissioner Holliday, the First Lady and others to implement raising the compulsory graduation age to 18, I am overwhelmed by the support our school boards have shown by racing to adopt this policy,” said Gov. Beshear. “We know that keeping our students in school will not only offer them a better future, but will ensure that Kentucky has a better-trained, better-prepared workforce that will benefit the state for decades to come. Implementing this important policy shows that Kentucky puts a high value on education by putting faith in our students.” Senate Bill 97 (SB 97), known as the “Graduate Kentucky” bill, passed earlier this year and phases in an increase in the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18, amending the school attendance law created in 1934. Students who graduate from an accredited or an approved four-year high school before they turn 18 are exempt from the new policy, Gov. Beshear noted. SB 97 made adoption voluntary until 55 percent—or 96—of the state’s school districts adopt the policy. Since that threshold has been reached, the remainder of Kentucky’s 173 districts must now adopt and implement a compulsory attendance age of 18 no later than the 2017-18 school year. Two weeks ago, leaders launched “Blitz to 96” – an effort to get 96 school districts to adopt the higher compulsory attendance age as soon as possible. June 25 was the first day local boards of education could adopt the “Graduate Kentucky” standard; within the first 48 hours, 58 districts had voted to implement the policy and within the first week, 75 districts had done so. “We achieved our goal much faster than we anticipated,” said Mrs. Beshear, who championed the ‘Graduate Kentucky’ legislation. “The effort speaks so highly of the dedicated school boards, administrators, parents, teachers and communities who have made high school graduation a top priority for our students.” ”We are excited that so many of our boards and districts have taken quick action to raise the compulsory school attendance age to 18,” Commissioner Holliday said. “Although we have reached the maximum number of planning grants that we can fund, we would still encourage all districts to pass a policy this school year so that more students will stay in school and on track to college- and career-readiness at an earlier date. It is the right thing to do for our students and the right thing for Kentucky.” Research shows that high school graduates live longer, are less likely to be teen parents, and are more likely to raise healthier, better-educated children. High school graduates are also less likely to commit crimes, rely on government healthcare or use other public services.
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Post by Press Release on Jul 18, 2013 16:42:36 GMT -5
Assessments ahead for school districts, lawmakers told
Every school district in Kentucky will likely pay an assessment to cover the deficit in the Kentucky School Boards Insurance Trust, a state legislative committee was told today. The fund, which was taken over by the Kentucky League of Cities from the Kentucky School Boards Association in 2009, is expected to levy a total assessment of at least $50 million on past and present members of KSBIT, according to earlier reports from state officials. Those members likely include every school district in the state, according to Kentucky Department of Insurance Commissioner Sharon Clark. Clark told the Interim Joint Committee on Labor and Industry today that her department was notified in June 2012 that KSBIT would be discontinuing insurance due to a growing deficit in its workers’ compensation self-insurance and liability pools. The fund experienced an approximate $4 million deficit after several “catastrophic events” in 2011 alone, Clark said. “It was our sincere hope that with (KLC) management there would be improvement,” Clark told the committee. The Department of Insurance is now considering three assessment options, Clark said, with a report on estimates and other data expected to be made to the department by mid August. The department hopes to have a plan in place by the end of this year. The Department of Insurance has final authority to approve an assessment plan, and no assessment will be final until after the plan is approved, according to a June 4 letter from the KLC to all KSBIT members. A letter to all KSBIT members from the KLC dated June 26, 2013 says a public hearing on the upcoming assessment plan will be convened by the Department of Insurance sometime this fall. Meanwhile, school boards across the state are looking at their options to pay whatever their assessment is in the end. One option may be to bond the cost of the assessment, said Clark. Another option may be for school boards to make a one-time payment to cover costs. State law requires school districts to carry insurance on school property, boilers, automobiles, as well as workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance, the Department of Education stated early this year when news of the assessment broke. KSBIT was created in 1978 to help meet the statutory requirement, covering risks ranging from accidents to compensation for sick or injured workers for both school districts and many colleges and universities. The fund has carried a deficit in all but three or four years since its inception, Clark said. The preceding was a press release from LRC eNews. For more information on items before the Kentucky Legislature contact your local senator Robert Stivers (left) and/or representative Tim Couch (right).
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Post by Kentucky News on Aug 8, 2013 20:20:36 GMT -5
Clay County School District Honored at ‘Graduate Kentucky’ Celebration Commonwealth News Center press release
Clay County School District was one of the districts in Kentucky that Governor Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday honored because they raced to adopt the new “Graduate Kentucky” standard, keeping students in school until they earn a high school diploma or turn 18. To date, 120 Kentucky local boards of education have voted to raise the compulsory attendance age from 16 to 18. Gov. Beshear honored representatives from each district with an official Certificate of Recognition for their swift action in adopting the new policy. “We stand here today to thank and honor the many dedicated school boards throughout the Commonwealth who showed their support by adopting this graduation policy so quickly,” said Gov. Beshear. “In Kentucky, we fight every day to find better ways to educate our children, and this graduation bill implementation marks an historic moment in our efforts. I am so proud of the high value our state has put on education by putting faith in our students.” Senate Bill 97 (SB 97), known as the “Graduate Kentucky” bill, passed earlier this year and phases in an increase in the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18. SB 97 stated that implementation would be voluntary until 55 percent—or 96—of the state’s school districts adopted the policy. On June 25, the first day local boards of education could vote to adopt SB97, leaders launched “Blitz to 96” – an effort to get 96 school districts to adopt the “Graduate Kentucky” standard as soon as possible. Within two weeks, the 96 district threshold had been reached and as a result, the remainder of Kentucky’s 174 districts must now adopt and implement the standard no later than the 2017-18 school year. Students who graduate from an accredited or an approved four-year high school before they turn 18 are exempt from the new policy. “Today is the result of more than five years of hard work by education advocates across Kentucky who were willing to stand up for change in our state,” said Mrs. Beshear. “I know that implementing this graduation bill was an uphill battle, and I want to thank the many educators, administrators, community leaders, parents and others who have supported this policy along the way. Raising the compulsory school attendance age from 16 to 18 is an important step in affording our children the opportunity to succeed.” The first 96 districts to adopt the “Graduation Bill” standard earned $10,000 grants from the Kentucky Department of Education to help plan for full implementation in the 2015-16 school year. “Once again, we are grateful to the Governor and First Lady for their leadership, and we salute the districts that have recognized the important impact the Graduation Bill will have on students,” said Commissioner Holliday. “Passing a policy raising the compulsory school age to 18 is a good start. Now, we must work collaboratively – school boards and districts, communities, the Department of Education and the General Assembly – to support and ensure meaningful implementation of these policies so all of our students will reach the goal of becoming college/career-ready by the time they graduate high school.” Research shows that high school graduates live longer, are less likely to be teen parents, and are more likely to raise healthier, better-educated children. High school graduates are also less likely to commit crimes, rely on government healthcare or use other public services. “The legislature worked for several years on this bill with the Governor,” said Sen. David Givens. “I am pleased that we came to a bipartisan solution driven by local districts saying they were ready and providing a transition period for schools to implement supports for at-risk students.” “I think the quick implementation of this law speaks volumes about our school districts’ desire to truly tackle this issue,” said Rep. Jeff Greer. “I want to thank them for taking this major step, which will pay dividends for generations to come. I also deeply appreciate the hard work and leadership Governor and First Lady Beshear provided, and the overwhelming support shown by my House and Senate colleagues. This law will long be remembered as a watershed moment for education. I’m proud I could play a role in it.”
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Post by Kentucky News on Aug 22, 2013 13:18:53 GMT -5
Clay County school district will screen incoming kindergarteners for key learning skills Commonwealth News Center press release
Within the first few weeks of school, every Clay County kindergartener is being screened for school readiness – the results of which will provide a vast amount of valuable information to assist teachers, schools, families, child care providers and preschools in preparing Kentucky’s youngest students for success. This is a part of a state wide program. Governor Steve Beshear, First Lady Jane Beshear and Education Commissioner Terry Holliday announced today that every school district will utilize the Brigance Kindergarten Screener, a tool used by many states to gauge a child’s preparedness for school. During last year’s pilot program, 109 school districts voluntarily used the screener, which helps teachers and schools target the best ways to meet the needs of each child in the classroom. “Kentucky is proud to be implementing a common kindergarten screener that considers the whole child,” said Gov. Beshear. “With the implementation of the screener, we will now have data to inform and build upon the work in early childhood that has taken place in Kentucky for more than 20 years.” “As a former teacher, I understand how getting to know a student’s needs and abilities early in the school year can make a big difference in helping that child to succeed,” said Mrs. Beshear. “This screener can quickly show teachers each student’s ‘starting point’, and lesson plans and teaching styles can be molded to maximize their effectiveness. This will be a wonderful tool not only for the schools, but for families as well.” The Governor, First Lady and Commissioner made today’s announcement at Frankfort’s Early Learning Village, which has a full-day kindergarten program. The school is using the screener for the first time this year. Most kindergarteners were screened at a registration day before school began. How the screener works
The screener is not a test or entrance exam for kindergarten, nor does it determine a child’s placement in a classroom. Age is the only requirement to attend kindergarten in Kentucky. The screener lasts about 20 minutes and provides a snapshot of the child’s current development and abilities. The student doesn’t have to leave the classroom, and the screeners are administered by an adult the child knows, such as a teacher or certified elementary school personnel. Students will be asked to perform tasks such as drawing a person or identifying body parts like ankles or shoulders. They will be asked if they know their first and last names, their age, and the alphabet. Some may be asked to count as high as they can, or to stand on one foot. Each of these screening questions helps indicate the child’s awareness, motor skills, engagement, and other skills. A student cannot “fail” the screener. Parents will also be asked to fill out a form explaining their child’s habits and interests, which can provide a more complete view of the student for the school. Data collected in the pilot districts last year indicates that a majority of children are socially and emotionally ready to succeed as they enter school. However, many students did not achieve at high levels in the cognitive, language and motor domains. “Based on last year’s data, only about 28 percent of students start kindergarten ready to succeed without additional supports,” said Education Commissioner Terry Holliday. “We need to work with parents and early learning providers to better ready students for school and in turn our schools also must be ready to address student learning needs from day one to ensure students are successful and on track throughout school so they graduate college/career-ready.” How screener information will be used
Research shows that exposure to high-quality learning environments and developmentally appropriate experiences from birth to five years old are critical for children to achieve success in kindergarten. Communities and school districts will utilize the screener data to enhance needed supports and resources for families and early childhood programs in the areas of cognitive, language and motor development for young children. Later this year, the screener data will be aggregated and reported publicly by district and county. This information will be used to inform decision-making about early childhood systems and to identify state and local challenges in school readiness. Over time, this will allow districts to mobilize communities in targeting goals for families and students, and will also provide opportunities to measure improvements with meaningful data. Preparing your child for kindergarten
Families can help ensure their child will be ready by doing simple everyday activities such as reading with their children every day, encouraging curiosity, answering questions and having conversations with their child about the world around them, even if the children aren’t yet talking. It is never too early to start doing these activities. “Children who start school ready are more likely to graduate from high school ready for college or a career,” said Terry Tolan, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Early Childhood. “We are committed to helping every child be ready to succeed when they arrive at kindergarten.” To learn more about the common kindergarten screener or to view an early childhood data profile on your area, visit the KYGOEC’s website at: kidsnow.ky.gov
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Post by In The News on Sept 27, 2013 13:34:09 GMT -5
Herald-Leader Clay County schools show big gains in statewide test scores By Linda B. Blackford and Linda J. Johnson
Kentucky's students are making incremental progress in basic subjects such as reading and math, with more students scoring in the highest categories of the state's testing program, according to results released Friday. In the second year of a labyrinthine testing system called Kentucky Performance Rating for Educational Progress — K-PREP for short — schools are judged on more than just how well students score in academics. They're also evaluated on how well their students progress compared with their peers, how well socioeconomic and ethnic groups score, and at the upper levels, how many students graduate and how many are ready for college and careers. Scores for Kentucky's high schools showed the biggest gains, with the overall average score up 5.4 points to 60.3 out of a possible 100. High schools were helped by a jump in the number of students who met benchmarks for college and career readiness. More high school students also scored in the top two categories — proficient and distinguished — in math, social studies, writing and language. "We're really glad to see that movement in the high schools because it's always been a tough area," said Stu Silberman, executive director of the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence. On average, elementary schools moved from 57.5 to 58.5 out of a possible 100. Middle schools also moved up a point, from 54.1 to 55.6. The number of Kentucky schools labeled distinguished — the highest category — increased from 137 in 2012 to 179 in 2013. Kentucky is one of the first states in the country to adopt what are known as Common Core standards in reading and math, which educators say are far more rigorous than previous standards. Children were first tested on those standards last year. In terms of progress, three Clay County elementary schools showed unusual improvement. Big Creek, Pace's Creek and Goose Rock elementary schools each increased their scores between 18 and 24 points. Superintendent Amon Crouch said that after receiving disappointing scores last year, the district's administrators and teachers "went back and laid everything on the table" in terms of teaching and learning. "We have been making sure that we have personalized instruction that helps every child," he said. "Our goal is for every child to graduate; this growth is a byproduct of that." Nancy Rodriguez, spokeswoman for the Kentucky Department of Education, said the department conducts an annual review of schools that post extremely high growth, although she did not say Clay County would be included in that review. Silberman said there's an uneasy balance between holding educators accountable for student learning and not putting too much emphasis on statewide tests. "We want to encourage folks to do well, but sometimes that translates to too much pressure about the tests," he said. "You want all kids to be achieving at high levels, but you don't want everything to revolve around that test." www.ksba.org/protected/ArticleView.aspx?iid=6G2PBYY&dasi=3UBI
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Post by Jim Wilson on Feb 18, 2014 13:23:59 GMT -5
2014 13th Region Governor’s Cup Championship Results
Results for Clay County High School were: (these players advance to State Academics competition at the Galt House in Louisville, Kentucky on March 15-17, 2014) Arts/ Humanities--1st-Mason Rice, 3rd-Joe White. Language Arts--2nd-Mason Rice, 3rd-Joe White. Math--5th-Cody Hacker. Science--1st-Ted Woods 3rd-Cody Hacker. Clay County Tigers Quick Recall Team--2nd. Clay County Tigers Academics –Regional Champions!!
Clay County Tigers Academic Team Members—Kody Bargo, Skylar Bray, Will Davis, Megan Davisson, Cody Hacker, Jake Hampton, Brent House, Mason Rice, Meghan Rice, Taylor Shepherd, Aaron Smith, Brice Smith, Brian Spencer, Joe White and Teddy Woods. Rex and Sondra Bray-Coaches. Schools Represented: Barbourville High School, Bell County High School, Clay County High School, Corbin High School, Knox Central High School, Harlan County High School, Harlan Independent High School, Leslie County High School, Lynn Camp High School, Middlesboro High School, Oneida Baptist Institute, Pineville High School, Whitley County High School and Williamsburg.
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Post by ClayLive on Apr 16, 2014 8:23:55 GMT -5
Pull Pork Lunch CCMS Academic Team May 2 - $6.00 Hardees's Parking Lot 11 AM - 1 PM
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