Message from Stu

Be there – every day and on time

The world is run by people who show up. And this month we’re asking all of our kids to help us prove it. We have kicked off a month-long attendance contest called the “Be There Dare” in our schools, where schools and kids can win prizes in a friendly competition.

The contest is being sponsored by our School Counts campaign, a partnership with the business community established last spring to help raise community awareness of the amazing things happening in the Fayette County Public Schools and the importance of being in school every day. February is a great month for teaching and learning and our kids need to be in school so they can get the most out of the exciting educational opportunities. Students who are sick or absent with an excuse will be counted present for the purposes of the contest. The contest is targeting the casual absences rather than students who are ill. There will be three winners – one elementary school, one middle school and one high school – for best overall attendance and three winners – one elementary school, one middle school and one high school – for most improved attendance compared with last February.

I want to express our deep appreciation to all of our local businesses that have stepped up to help us encourage our students to be in school. And good luck to all of our kids!

Go to school… we DARE you!

Last week, Superintendent Stu Silberman kicked-off the “Be There Dare” by challenging students to attend school every day during the month of February. Kids who meet that goal will be eligible for prizes and special events. Six winning schools, two at each level, with the highest attendance and the most improved attendance, will earn the use of a Volkswagen Beetle, donated by Don Jacobs, “tricked out” in “Be There” fashion. Schools can monitor their progress on the SchoolCounts Web site.

The dare is part of the community-wide SchoolCounts initiative, launched this fall to help reduce truancy. The program was honored with several awards in this year’s Addy competition that showcases the best in Lexington advertising. SchoolCounts earned a Gold award, two Silver awards and a Bronze award in the Public Service category.

Celebrate Black History Month!

In celebration of Black History Month, Bluegrass Community and Technical College is offering the following activities. Most events are free and open to the public.

February 14: “York”, 11:30 a.m., Leestown Campus, Student Center, Building C. This one-man performance is a portrayal of York, the servant of William Clark who accompanied Lewis and Clark on their three-year journey to create a route from the frontier of the United States to the Pacific Ocean in the Northwest.

February 14: “Relationships,” 2 p.m. Cooper Campus Academic Technical Bldg, Room 211. A workshop presented by Charlene Walker, BCTC Interim Vice President of Multicultural Affairs.

February 14 - 28: “Contributions,” a display of African-American achievements and inventions. Cooper Campus Oswald Lobby.

February 15: “Anna Mac Clarke, Military Pioneer,” 2 p.m., Cooper Campus, Academic Technical Bldg lobby. A performance highlighting the life of Clarke a Lawrenceburg, KY native and Kentucky State University graduate. Anna volunteered for the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) following the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Lieutenant Clarke made history when she became the first African-American WAC officer to command a white unit.

February 18: “Gospel Extravaganza,” 5 p.m., Cooper Campus Oswald Bldg room 230. National gospel recording artist “Ivyia” will perform. The Kentucky State University Chorus will perform following Ivyia’s presentation. Tickets are $5 at the door. BCTC and KSU students will be admitted free with student I.D.

February 21: “York” 3:30 p.m., Cooper Campus, Oswald Building, room 230.

February 28: “Remembering My Birth: Recent and Collected Poems”, 10 a.m., Cooper Campus, Oswald Bldg. room 230. 12 p.m., Cooper Campus, Academic Technical Bldg, Room 116. 3 p.m., Cooper Campus, Oswald Bldg. Room 230. Author Alice Lovelace, an influential performance poet and recipient of the Atlanta Mayors Fellowship in the Arts will recite her works.

February 28: Nana and Nananom Cultural Troupe from Ghana, 9 a.m., Academic Technical Bldg. Lobby.

February 28: Chief Nana, a lecture presentation, 2 p.m., Academic Technical Bldg. Lobby.

BCTC’s Learning Resource Center also has a Web page with links to African-American history, authors and bibliographies.

Henry Clay High School recognizes high scoring students

The following article was submitted by Jessica Ashcraft, a senior at Henry Clay High School. The story will also run in the February edition of the school’s newspaper, Devils’ Advocate.

On January 31, Henry Clay High School held its annual CATS awards ceremony in the Clyde T. Lassiter Theater. Principal John Nochta and FCPS Superintendent Stu Silberman gave medals and certificates to the juniors and seniors who scored any proficient or distinguished grades on the 2005 CATS test.

This year’s ceremony honored 258 seniors, about 66 percent of the class, and 300 juniors. This is a remarkable turnout in comparison to the past years.

The ceremony was the brainchild of Susan Elkin, an HC foreign language teacher. She began her work at HC three years ago, coming from Madison Central in Richmond. During her first year at HC, she introduced the idea of giving some sort of formal award to students who performed well on CATS tests, similar to a program at her previous school.

“I just took the idea and kind of added to it,” Elkin said.

While the Youth Service Center pays for the refreshments, HC provides all the fiscal resources necessary to furnish supplies such as the invitations, medallions, and certificates.

Elkin’s investment in the program is not only physical, but emotional. When times get tough, she thinks about how much an award like this one could mean to a student.

“When the work seems overwhelming, it just keeps you going,” Elkin said.

When asked if she would make any changes in the future, Elkin commented that HC likes to make ceremonies like this one uncomplicated and yet dignified.

“We like to keep it simple, but distinguished,” Elkin said.

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.

Extra attention is appreciated

Our school would not be the same without Jim Blanton, a custodian at Eastside Technical Center. As you know from being in our school, the school is always in tip-top shape. Our halls, restrooms, office and classrooms are always clean. Glass and mirrors are always shined. The carpets are always vacuumed. But it is the little things that Mr. Blanton does that make him a Fred. Mr. Blanton brings in clothing items, and ever so confidentially, gives them to students that he notices wearing the same clothes over and over. He buys food out of the vending machines for some of our all day students who don’t have the means to leave the building for lunch. Mr. Blanton meets the women in the building outdoors and their cars on days that the parking lot is slick. He walks people from University of Kentucky night classes to their cars dark nights. A week ago, he waited with an adult UK student who had locked his keys in the car an hour after UK classes ended. When MLK students make and prepare lunch, Mr. Blanton greatly over tips the students. If he goes out of the building for lunch, he brings back lunch for those who work through lunch. Mr. Blanton entertains my son when I have to bring him after hours to finish work. He is a devoted husband, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, friend and employee.

Submitted by Rick Grant
Parent

Head of the class

I just wanted to write a note on behalf of James Campbell, a math teacher at Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. My daughter, Jordan, has been a student in his class this past year and all of her fears of learning math have dissipated as a result of Mr. Campbell’s ability to explain mathematical concepts to her. She has always thought that she was not good at math until now.

As she was scheduling for her senior year, she really had no intention of taking further math classes, but with Mr. Campbell’s encouragement, Jordan signed up to take advanced calculus. Mr. Campbell gave her the positive encouragement that she needed and also assured her that if she had difficulties in the class that he would be around to help her.

I am so pleased that my daughter had the opportunity to be in Mr. Campbell’s class this year. She now feels as though she can understand math and actually chose to take the advanced math course beyond what is required. I attribute it all to this great teacher, Mr. James Campbell.

Submitted by Jennifer L. Forgy
Parent

This week's Kudos go to...

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School biology teacher Heidi Anderson for being selected to receive the 2006 Vernier Technology Award by the National Science Teachers Association. Ms. Anderson was chosen for the honor based on her exemplary science teaching skills.

Cardinal Valley Elementary School library media specialist Michelle Newby Armstrong for having her illustration of the letter “C” selected for the Art of the Alphabet project at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. The artwork will be on display at the center’s gallery on February 17.

Maxwell Elementary School for being featured in the February edition of Kentucky Teacher magazine.

Maxwell Elementary School students for collecting $1342.74 in coins as part of a Spare Change Drive to help Medical Mission Ecuador – a group of volunteer doctors whose goal it is to provide care for burn victims, children with birth defects, and accident victims.

Tates Creek High School teacher Lisa Osterman for being named the 2006 National Federation for High Schools Kentucky Speech, Drama and Debate Teacher of the Year.

Video contest winners announced

The winners of the second annual Keep It Real video contest were announced at a special awards program late last month. The contest invited students to produce a 30-second public service announcement about the dangers of underage drinking.

Winners were selected by a panel of judges, with the exception of the People’s Choice category, which was selected by the public through internet voting. First place winners will have their pieces shown on MTV, Comedy Central and ESPN.

48 students throughout the state entered the competition. Winners from Fayette County were:

Honorable Mention People’s Choice: Teens & Drinking Don't Mix Bryan Station High School Kelly Finn Ashley Griffin Lindsey Meccariello Bobby Parker Jessica Shely Best Director Interview at the Morgue Henry Clay High School Alexander Thompson Honorable Mention Best Art Direction: Beer Drop Henry Clay High School Sam Mohney Ira Thomas-Stephens Abbi Romans Best Foreign Language Alcohol Kills Lafayette High School Jose Manuel Duarte Tim Mitsumori Jesus Perez Veronica Amador

Best Comedy Claymation Car Accident PL Dunbar High School Daniel Hall Daniel Quick Honorable Mention Best Comedy All the Wrong Things PL Dunbar High School Prya Myrad Grayson Wittenbager Kate Kelly Jordan Bolte Parker McGuire Honorable Mention Best Foreign Language No Beba! Tates Creek High School Kelly Ballard Joshua Seth Kline Bryan James Nikki Ivanchak Julianna Childress

All the entries are on the Keep it Real Web site.

KMEA All-State Band winners announced

Congratulations to the following students for being selected to the 2005-2006 Kentucky Music Educators Association’s All-State Band!

Symphonic Band Whitney Barker- Lafayette High Caitlin Bright- Tates Creek High Eric Coriell- Paul Laurence Dunbar Melissa Cowan- Henry Clay High Robbie Elliott- Lafayette High Melanie Erena- Lafayette High Sara Finnie- Lafayette High Taylor Hendrichs- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Thomas Iorio- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Daniel Jackson- Lafayette High Andrew Jarvis- Tates Creek High Lauren Lackey- Lafayette High Donald Lafleur- Lafayette High Robert Lawson- Tates Creek High Regan Love- Lafayette High Andrew Monroe- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Elliott Rosenberg- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Paul Rotramel- Lafayette High Vinay Shroff- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Alex Sluder- Lafayette High Nathaniel Thomas-Stevens- Henry Clay High Sarah Timmons- Tates Creek High Walker Yanarella- Lafayette High	Concert Band Rajee Aweimrin- Henry Clay High Joel Bradley- Henry Clay High Graeme Gardiner- Lafayette High Kendall Goffinet- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Jenna Howard- Lafayette High Anastasia Kruse- Tates Creek High Michael McGonigal- Henry Clay High Alexandra Mobley- Lafayette High Kellye Natella- Lafayette High Andrew Ruble- Tates Creek High Laura Stevens- Henry Clay High Ben Survant- Henry Clay High Kate Warden- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Mia Wirkus- Lafayette High
The following Fayette County students performed at the KMEA District 7 High School Honor Bands concert held at the Singletary Center for the Arts last month.
Symphonic Band Maura Adamson- Lafayette High Alan Alami- Henry Clay High Amber Allen- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Gracie Barker- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Rachel Bentley- Henry Clay High Jennifer Bitzer- Lafayette High Lyle Blunck- Henry Clay High Matthew Bojanowski- Henry Clay High Louie Bosworth- Lafayette High Chris Bowmer- Lafayette High Andrea Brown- Paul Laurence Dunbar High David Brown- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Laura Brown- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Allison Brugge- Lafayette High Jessie Caylor- Henry Clay High Chris Chance- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Jennifer Clifford- Lafayette High Jake Cooper- Henry Clay High Emily Dodson- Lafayette High Lauren Donovan- Tates Creek High Phil Duff- Tates Creek High Jeanette Gibson- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Jillian Gostomski- Henry Clay High Kaitlin Graff- Henry Clay High Josh Hagee- Henry Clay High Maggie Hoctor- Lafayette High Regan Hooper- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Taylor Huffaker- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Brent Hume- Henry Clay High Matthew Iranpour- Lafayette High Daniel Jackson- Lafayette High Mark Jackson- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Keith Kral- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Katie Kellum- Henry Clay High Claire Kinney- Lafayette High Michael Lee- Lafayette High Brian Lim- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Michael McGonigal- Henry Clay High Mike McNary- Henry Clay High Allison Moore- Lafayette High Josh Moscow- Henry Clay High Kumbi Murinda- Henry Clay High Terri Nathan- Henry Clay High Katie Natella- Lafayette High Kellye Natella- Lafayette High Peyton Nau- Lafayette High Paul Page- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Anne Pennington- Paul Laurence Dunbar High John Polk- Henry Clay High Tommy Rayome- Tates Creek High Jenny Ross- Lafayette High James Salisbury- Lafayette High David Sarkisian- Henry Clay High Ben Scott- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Alex Sluder- Lafayette High Cindy Storrs- Tates Creek High Mary Grace Tate- Henry Clay High Nathaniel Thomas-Stevens- Henry Clay High Savannah Varble- Henry Clay High Cody Wells- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Shuang Xu- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Katie Yewell- Henry Clay High	Wind Ensemble Eli Allen- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Rajee Aweimrin- Henry Clay High Whitney Barker- Lafayette High Joel Bradley- Henry Clay High Caitlin Bright- Tates Creek High Travis Brown- Lafayette High Jordan Bryan- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Eric Coriell- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Emily Cooper- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Melissa Cowan- Henry Clay High John Duff- Tates Creek High Ariel Elias- Bryan Station High Robbie Elliott- Lafayette High Melanie Erena- Lafayette High Sara Finnie- Lafayette High Taylor Foley- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Graeme Gardiner- Lafayette High Kendall Goffinet- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Rebecca Hertog- Lafayette High Debi Hickman- Lafayette High Erica Hunt- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Thomas Iorio- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Andrew Jarvis- Tates Creek High Anastasia Kruse- Tates Creek High Hannah Kurtz- Lafayette High Lauren Lackey- Lafayette High Donald Lafleur- Lafayette High Robert Lawson- Tates Creek High Stephen Leedy- Lafayette High Evan Miller- Lafayette High Molly Miller- Lafayette High Kelsey Minarik- Henry Clay High Alexandra Mobley- Lafayette High Sarah Robinson- Henry Clay High James Rocke- Henry Clay High Elliott Rosenberg- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Jillian Scott- Henry Clay High Vinay Shroff- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Ellie Steder- Tates Creek High Laura Stevens- Henry Clay High Amanda Su- Henry Clay High Sarah Timmons- Tates Creek High Blake Van Sanford- Henry Clay High Carson Van Sanford- Henry Clay High Kate Warden- Paul Laurence Dunbar High Qing Xie- Lafayette High

Present meets past

A helmet used during the Vietnam War, a newspaper announcing the sinking of the Titanic, and a Civil War diary have all been collected so far by the Henry Clay High School history club for their history lab. Once complete, the lab will allow teachers to bring the subjects they teach alive. But it doesn’t end there.

The students are also compiling a cultural history resource database which will include music, art and writings from different historical eras, a video game lesson plan, a military history database, and an oral history museum. Chris Snow, a history teacher at Henry Clay High believes the lab can be as important to history classes as a science lab is an integral part of biology.

“It allows the students to see, feel and experience actual history while allowing teachers to improve on lessons, projects and class work in general,” he said.

The lab still needs donations. If you would like to contribute items to the history lab contact Chris Snow at aaa@ipro.net.

Leadership lessons from Sam

Olympic Gold

Dad has been watching this thing on TV called the Olympics. He is really getting into it and I was curious about what all the fuss was about, so I asked Dad. Well you know him, he had to give me this big lecture about being the best you can be.

Dad said that the Olympics is a time when the best of the best in the world demonstrate their skills and compete against each other. Dad said that each person is trying to obtain a gold medal, which means they are the very best in the world. In the world? I said I wanted to be the best in my backyard. Well, Dad said to be the best I had to set goals, develop a plan to reach those goals, be completely dedicated and focused, and practice very hard. Dad said when my friends were lounging around I had to be practicing. OK, I am going to set a goal that I can eat my bowl of food in 10 seconds or less, figure out a plan how to do that, and practice it lots of times every day. If I do that I will be the fastest eating dog in the world. Maybe I can even start this event in the Olympics and get a gold medal! Bow Wow!