Message from Stu

Fayette shines at state conference

Wow, what an incredible weekend! Our Board of Education members and I attended the Kentucky School Boards Association meeting in Louisville this weekend and the Fayette County Public Schools were shining! First, I am proud to announce that Kathy Lousignont was selected as the most outstanding Board member in Kentucky (out of 176 school districts and more than 800 school board members). What was extra special about the award presentation was that when Kathy went on stage, amidst a standing ovation, she called the other members of the Board to the stage to be recognized along with her. She was quick to say that this recognition was due to having a team like the one our school board has forged working together for the benefit of kids. In my 11 years of attending these conferences I have never seen this happen and I was personally thrilled. Congratulations Kathy and to all of our Board members for this wonderful and well-deserved honor.

As Kathy was receiving her award, hanging there in the banquet hall was the beautiful banner designed and painted by Julius Marks Elementary School students and art teacher Connie Murphy. (I’m putting a picture of the banner in this edition of Stu’s News, so you can all see it – thanks for representing our district so well Julius Marks!) Additionally, our district was one of approximately 35 districts in the state that met all the standards for moving student achievement to higher levels. It is so good for the work that our hard-working folks in Fayette County are doing to be recognized in this way!

Also, I just have to tell you that last Sunday afternoon, Kathy and I attended a performance of “My Fair Lady” at Lafayette High School. Within minutes we were transported from Beeler Auditorium to Broadway! The performance was exceptional in every way and the talent of our students was unbelievable! Congratulations LHS and Cindy Kewin, Director, for a world-class production.

Dixie Elementary students
get real-life lesson in art

Miah Confer, a teacher at Dixie Elementary School, submitted the following article explaining the impact a meeting between her students and artist Willie Cole had on the class. Students from Booker T. Washington Academy also got to spend time with Mr. Cole.

The Dixie Elementary Art Club members were some of the lucky students who were invited to meet artist Willie Cole while his exhibit was being set up at the University of Kentucky Museum. As we walked around the museum and looked at his art, Mr. Cole shared with us how he came up with the ideas and then how he created the project.

Third-grader Maddie Humphries thought the artwork was “really cool” and loved knowing about all of the different materials used to create his art. She continued, “One piece I thought was one of the best was a giant chess board! That was amazing! I wonder how long that would take to make? There was also a chicken made out of matches, candle wax, and styrofoam. The original idea was to make it out of plates or tiles in the shapes of feathers but then he realized that it would be too dangerous. I really liked the bike parts that he used to make the shape of an antelope! My favorite one was a pink one that he made. I think Willie had amazing and outstanding work! I was so glad I got to go because that was a trip I will NEVER forget.”

The students realized that one of the great advantages of meeting and talking to a live artist is that they can tell you everything about the piece and how it was made.

“Willie Cole had a great chicken. Its body was made out of matches and he had firecrackers for his feet,” explained Gillian Casey. The chicken was a favorite among the students because it was amazing to see something so big made out of something so small. All the students who participated thought Mr. Cole was an amazing artist. They left the exhibit wanting to go again to meet more artists.

I think the students and the parents all enjoyed meeting and learning from a person who has dedicated his life to creating. This was really an extraordinary opportunity for our kids and one they will not soon forget!

Fayette leaders take top honors

Fayette County Board of Education chairwoman Kathy Lousignont and Superintendent Stu Silberman earned prestigious state awards this weekend during the annual Kentucky School Boards Association conference in Louisville.

Lousignont, who has served on the Fayette school board since 1999, was named the State School Board member of the year. Silberman, who is known widely for his “It’s About Kids” focus, was named a Kids First Advocate.

Fayette County was the only district in the state to garner two such high honors.

Silberman was one of four people earning Kids First Advocacy Award, “given annually to a member of the Kentucky Senate, a member of the Kentucky House of Representatives, a superintendent and a school board member for exemplary efforts in advancing the needs of children in the public policy arena.”

Lousignont received the Warren H. Proudfoot Award for Outstanding School Board member, “presented annually to a current or former Kentucky public school board member who has exhibited distinguished leadership and service to his or her community while serving on a local public school board.” The award is judged by the Kentucky Congress of Parents and Teachers.

When Lousignont was called to the stage to receive her plaque, she asked the other members of the school board to stand with her.

“I wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for having a strong school board team,” she said. “One individual school board member can do nothing if there isn’t a solid team. This is a team that has stayed strong during difficult times and this award is indicative of what we’re doing in our school district for kids.”

After the presentation, Lousignont reflected on how she’d grown over her years on the school board.

“I’ve learned to listen more and talk less,” she said. “I’ve also learned to ask myself what’s going to be the best decision for every single student in our district.”

Lousignont was elected to fill an unexpired term to the Fayette County Board of Education in November of 1999. She was elected to a full four year term in 2000 and re-elected for her second term in 2004. Chairwoman of the Board for three years, she has led the board through two superintendent searches and tough budget times while maintaining a focus on student achievement.

An educator by trade, Lousignont taught locally at Lexington Christian Academy. She has been active in parent teacher associations at local Fayette County schools and served on school decision making councils and district-wide committees. She is currently employed as the Board development specialist with the Kentucky School Boards Association and coordinator for Partners for Kentucky’s Future.

School Board Vice Chairman Larry Conner has served longest with Lousignont.

“I’ve been impressed with her commitment to look at all sides of the issue and to look at what’s best for kids,” he said.

Members of the Fayette school board nominated Silberman for his award.

“The more we thought about advocacy for kids, we just knew that is Stu Silberman,” Lousignont said. “All he’s done since he hit Fayette County is refocus the district on kids.”

Silberman, who has 32 years of experience in education, has been a superintendent in Kentucky for nearly 11 years. He was hired in Fayette County in 2004 and has worked to raise student achievement, open lines of communication, rebuild trust with the community and establish fiscal accountability. His 2020 Vision project has been a hallmark of his tenure, drawing widespread community involvement to begin setting the course for transforming education in Fayette County.

“Any time an award like this is given, I consider it an honor for our entire school district,” Silberman said. “I’m flattered personally, but I only accept this on behalf of our teachers, principals and support staff who are out there every day working their fingers to the bone for our kids.”

The fact that Lousignont and Silberman were selected by people from outside the local community for these awards is very significant, said school board member John Price.

“It shows that people outside our school district, and maybe more objective than we are, are noticing our focus on students,” he said.

Kentucky School Boards Association Executive Director Bill Scott agreed.

“What it says is that the governance team at the district level is fully committed to student achievement, not only in the classroom, but at the larger level of the community and state,” he said. “And both of these individuals are leaders at all three levels in advancing student achievement in Kentucky’s public schools. I hope the citizens of Fayette County appreciate the level of executive leadership that they have.”

Fred sightings

Fayette County school employees are placing a renewed emphasis on excellent customer service. We have encouraged everyone in our district to put those little personal touches on their work by going the extra mile and showing the people we serve every day that we care about our kids and constituents.

We call folks who provide excellent customer service “Freds,” inspired by the book, “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn about a very service-minded postman named Fred. Anyone can be a “Fred,” just by going above the call of duty in serving the public. If you spot a Fred, please call, write or send me an email.

Equipment issues don’t slow down Beaumont Middle School Freds!

There are several “Freds” working at Beaumont Cafeteria. They “never missed a beat,” as manager Lo Arnold said, when old kitchen equipment went down and new equipment had to be ordered, delivered, and installed (a month long process!) The staff found ways to make sure that the students and staff at Beaumont continued to have quality breakfasts and lunches in spite of the difficult circumstances. Teamwork and ingenuity are certainly qualities these great folks possess!

The Food service staff at Beaumont includes: Lo Arnold, manager; Teresa Anderson, Mary Lou Blair, Audrey Collins; Geri Foley, Joyce Hall, Reeda Jenkins and Kathy McDonald.

Submitted by Marty Flynn
Food Services Supervisor

This week's Kudos go to...

Anthony Schmidt, a senior at Henry Clay High School, for presenting at the Commissioner’s Technology Advisory Council meeting in Frankfort. Anthony was part of a panel of four high school students from across the state who was invited by the Commissioner to provide input for the state’s KETS Master Plan.

Tates Creek Elementary students for creating winning tree decorations for the Southern Lights Exhibit at the Kentucky Horse Park. The students made ornaments that reflected Kentucky's rich craft heritage. To reward them for their hard work, the Kentucky Horse Park awarded the school’s art department with a $200 check that will be used to create an art gallery.

Lafayette High School senior Stephen Troye Leedy for being selected by Bands of America to perform in one of the nation’s finest honor ensembles, the 2006 Honor Band of America. The band will perform in concert on March 25 on the campus of Butler University in Indianapolis.

Henry Clay High School sophomore William Stewart. William was selected to represent his school, community and state as a student leader during the People to People Future Leaders Summit on Theater and the Arts in New York in June. He was nominated and accepted for the honor based on outstanding scholastic merit, civic involvement and leadership potential.

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School students Jennie Grzech (first place), Erin Eldred (second place) and Patrick Twist (third place) for winning the League of Women Voters Essay Contest. Students were awarded certificates and cash prizes.

FCPS teachers Elaine Hayhurst (Henry Clay High), Sherry Kenney (Morton Middle), and Rubin Jones (Morton Middle). The trio authored an article entitled “Integrating Literacy, Math and Science to Make Learning Come Alive,” which was published in the January edition of the Middle School Journal.

PTA Reflections winners announced

The PTA Reflections Program offers students the opportunity to create works of art for fun and recognition. Students in preschool through grade 12 are encouraged to submit entries in four areas: literature, musical composition, photography, and the visual arts. In its more than 30 year history, the program has encouraged millions of students across the nation and in American schools overseas to explore their artistic talents. All first place winners go on to compete at the state level.

Congratulations to the following students for being named district Reflections winners:

MUSICAL COMPOSITION

Primary

• 1st – Daniel Phillips, Veterans Park Elementary
• 2nd – Toby Holm-Hudson, Picadome Elementary
• 3rd – Herman Bratcher, Maxwell Elementary

Intermediate

• 1st – Almira Southworth, Squires Elementary
• 2nd – Jessie Li, Meadowthorpe Elementary
• 3rd – Jessica Phillips, Glendover Elementary

Middle School

• 1st –Jennifer Yu, LTMS

High School

• 1st – Mikhail Proctor, Paul Laurence Dunbar High
  2nd – Matthew Steele, Henry Clay High
• DANCE

Intermediate – Individual

• 1st – Victoria Salsman, Meadowthorpe Elementary
• 2nd – Darby Ball, Glendover Elementary

Middle School – Individual

• 1st – Erin Anderson, LTMS

Middle School – Group

• 1st – Tia Washington, LTMS
• 1st – Ellory Schroader, LTMS

High School – Individual

• 1st – Lauren Smith, Paul Laurence Dunbar High

VISUAL ARTS

Primary

• 1st – Ian Wagner, Maxwell Elementary
• 2nd – Hunter Morgan, Julius Marks Elementary
• 3rd – Maheru Jahania, Southern Elementary

Primary – Special Recognition

• 1st – Jovanna Lewis, Mary Todd Elementary

Intermediate

• 1st – Trenton Adkins, Millcreek Elementary
• 2nd – Jane Poultan, Cassidy Elementary
• 3rd – Yuriko Gonzalez, Russell Cave Elementary
• Chairman’s Choice – Trinity Eder, Mary Todd Elementary

Intermediate – Special Needs

• 1st – Lindsay Richmond, Mary Todd Elementary

Middle School

• 1st – Tomomi Nakao, LTMS
• 2nd – Kirsten Bhattacharyya, Southern Middle
• 3rd – Leela Foley, Morton Middle

High School

• 1st – Lena Ruan, Henry Clay High
• 2nd – Whitney Barker, Lafayette High

PHOTOGRAPHY

Primary

• 1st – Aly Banys, Rosa Parks Elementary
• 2nd – Herman Bratcher, Maxwell Elementary
• 3rd – Keriann Ferguson, Clays Mill Elementary

Intermediate

• 1st – Callie Gray, Millcreek Elementary
• 2nd – Jane VanWinkle, Dixie Elementary
• 3rd – Olivia Cottrell, Meadowthorpe Elementary

Middle School

• 1st – Cassie Campbell, Southern Middle
• 2nd – Kaitlyn Lehr, LTMS
• 3rd – Katie Porter, Morton Middle

High School

• 1st – Alexandra Birmingham, Henry Clay High
• 2nd – Mary Black, Paul Laurence Dunbar High

LITERATURE

Primary

• 1st – Audree Caswell, Stonewall Elementary
• 2nd – Herman Bratcher, Maxwell Elementary
• 3rd – Megan Pauley, Picadome Elementary

Intermediate

• 1st – Shannon Mumper, Millcreek Elementary
• 2nd – Vania Ma, Meadowthorpe Elementary
• 3rd – Callie Fields, Picadome Elementary

Middle School

• 1st – Cecilia Elder, Morton Middle
• 2nd – Zachary Hollstrom, LTMS
• 3rd – Paul Harris, Jessie Clark Middle

High School

• 1st – Cynthia Storrs, Tates Creek High
• 2nd – James Waterbury-Tieman, Lafayette High
• 3rd – Connie Wu, Paul Laurence Dunbar High

Beaumont Middle School starts a “Biggest Loser” club

The following was submitted by Germaine Johnson, a school office assistant at Beaumont Middle School.

When we arrived back after Winter Break, we decided it was time to get healthy. Our wonderful Physical Education teachers, Laura Browning and Bobby Jones formed the biggest loser club. Fifty individuals joined for $20.00 each. The winner takes ALL! We have a weekly weigh-in and after 2 weeks, the school’s total weight loss is 125 pounds. Since we have “lost” a whole person, wonder if we can count this in our staff reduction?

Each individual is managing his or her own weight loss program. The Beaumont Health/PE department has offered the department’s health and fitness equipment for exercise. We also have a half mile track for walking. Ms. Browning has arranged for a Yoga instructor to come and instruct those in our group who are interested.

We are all very excited about our new club. We’re building new friendships as we exercise and calorie count together. We will keep everyone posted on our progress. Wish us luck! GO COLTS!

Apply now! It’s the “Write Thing”

The Bluegrass Writing Project is now accepting applications from teachers interested in participating in the 19th annual Summer Institute of the Bluegrass Writing Project. The Summer Institute will be held Monday, June 12th through Friday, July 7th at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning, 251 West Second Street, Lexington, KY 40507. During the Summer Institute, participants meet Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Teachers may attend by application and invitation only.

The Summer Institute is an intensive four-week program in which teachers learn to initiate, respond to, manage, and evaluate a wide variety of classroom writing activities, and work on their own writing.

In addition to the four-week Summer Institute, participants are required to attend several Saturday renewal meetings during the 2006-2007 school year. Applicants should be experienced educators from the primary through university level with an interest in improving writing instruction and integrating writing across the curriculum. Participants are expected to assume leadership roles in local education and professional development programs following their involvement with the Summer Institute. The Institute is geared toward the needs of experienced teachers but accepts early career teachers when space is available.

Co-sponsored by the University of Kentucky and the Kentucky Department of Education, the Bluegrass Writing Project provides an $800 stipend to each participant and six hours of UK graduate credit, tuition-free (in-state tuition only) in either education or English. Twenty outstanding teachers representing elementary school, middle school, high school and college will be selected as 2005 Fellows.

The Bluegrass Writing Project is an affiliate of the National Writing Project, a national model for professional development with more than 160 sites across the United States and the world. For information, contact Dr. Burns, Director, Bluegrass Writing Project, L.Burns@uky.edu or 257-2939.

Applications can be found at http://www.bgwp.org/application.htm

The application deadline is February 17, 2005.

“Thank a Teacher”

The UK College of Education and UK Men’s Basketball Coach Tubby Smith have teamed up to sponsor the Teachers Who Made a Difference program for 2006 and are currently accepting nominations.

The honorary program gives Kentuckians an opportunity to thank the teachers, principals, college professors, or other educators for the way they have inspired and motivated students to succeed.

“Too many times we don’t realize the difference teachers make in our lives until long after we’re grown,” said Smith. “The Teachers Who Made a Difference program gives everyone the opportunity to thank a teacher who made a difference in their life. I’m proud to offer my support to this outstanding recognition program.”

The Teachers Who Made a Difference recognition program will be held Saturday morning, March 25, 2006 at the UK Student Center.

The deadline for submitting a teacher’s name for recognition is February 24. The event will honor the first 100 teachers officially submitted for recognition. Organizers ask that nominators limit recognitions to one teacher per year.

To name a teacher for recognition, visit the UK College of Education’s Web site and fill out the online form or contact Lindsey Clem at j.lindsey.clem@uky.edu or by phone at (859) 257-2666 and request a form to mail in.

Attention 2005-2006 retirees!

Certified employees planning to retire at the close of the 2005-2006 school year need to contact the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System for a retirement application. They are normally not available until March. Once you receive your application, complete the employee portions, then contact the Department of Human Resources at 381-4118 and schedule an appointment to complete the remaining portions of the application. You will need a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate and social security card. Other options may require a copy of your beneficiary’s birth certificate. A letter of retirement to the superintendent is also required. The deadline for submitting applications to KTRS is May 31, 2006.

For salary estimates and retirement applications contact:
Retirement Counselors
Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System
479 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 618-1687
ktrs.ky.gov

Classified employees planning on retiring at the close of the 2005-2006 school year must file a Retirement Application (Form 6000) with the County Employees’ Retirement System. Upon submission of the completed form, the individual will receive a calculation of salary estimates and other necessary retirement documents. A copy of your birth certificate, last two pay vouchers and a letter of retirement to the superintendent are required. For a Retirement Application and to discuss benefits contact the Department of Human Resources at 381-4118.

For additional information address inquiries to:
Retirement Counselors
County Employees’ Retirement System
Perimeter Park West
1260 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
1-800-928-4646
www.kyret.com

Leadership lessons from Sam

 

Dad was gone this weekend and I sure did miss him. But, when he got home he had this big statue of a little boy reading a book. I was really excited about it and ran round and round to get a better look at it. Finally, I asked Dad what it was. Dad said that he had received the Kentucky Kids First Advocacy Award over the weekend. I had no idea what that was so I asked him to tell me more. Well, you know Dad, he started to talk to me about awards. Dad said the award was for putting kids first and that even though he was the one who received the award, it really belonged to the people in our school district and community. He said that anytime one person is recognized, there are always lots of people who made it possible and that he just happened to be the one who represented them to receive it. I asked Dad if I could put in on a shelf at home next to my bed so that I would have a friend to keep me company when he goes to work, but he said no. He said that he was putting in the lobby at the school district office because it belonged to the people. I really wanted that statute near my bed but I now understand why I can’t have it. I asked Dad if he could run up to Wal-Mart and get me a new toy to put near my bed in honor of the award and he said YES! Wow, these recognitions and awards are GREAT. I then asked if he could pick up some extra treats for me while I was there and he said no, that I was on a diet. Oh well, at least I got my toy … Bow Wow!