Message from Stu
Listen and Learn
During this past week I have had the wonderful opportunity to meet with several advisory committees, who help guide the direction of the school district. I am a strong believer in listening to the people who are receiving and/or delivering our services. By hearing from them regularly and then acting on the input we receive, our district will continuously improve.
Know an FCPS employee who has gone above and beyond to provide great customer service? Nominate them for a "Fred".
One of my favorite groups to meet with is Stu’s Crew – our student advisory committee. This is a group made up of students from all of our middle and high schools, who are selected by their principals during their eighth-grade year and stay on the crew for five years. The students share the good things that are happening in their schools, along with concerns and issues. We also bring topics of concern to them for input. It is a wonderful way for me to stay connected with our kids. If we are truly committed to doing what’s right for our kids, we have to listen to their ideas and opinions. It’s quite a reality check to hear from them every month.
Listed below is a summary of other advisory groups I meet with on a regular basis.
- Classified Council: This group is made up of elected representatives of classified employees such as secretaries, bus drivers, custodians, bookkeepers, teacher assistants, and others.
- Elementary Teachers: Elected representatives from our elementary schools.
- Middle and High School Teachers: Elected representatives from our middle and high schools.
- 16th District PTA: This group includes the PTA and PTSA Presidents from each of our schools along with other district-wide parent representatives.
- Super Council: There are actually two super councils, one for elementary and one for secondary schools. These groups are comprised of representatives from school based decision making councils from throughout the district.
- Business Leaders: This is a group of business leaders in our community.
- Equity Council: This is a group that reviews and monitors equity issues on a monthly basis.
- IAKSS Support Staff: Comprised of the classified support employees who work in the district’s downtown office.
- Other Input Meetings: Last spring, the school board and I met with approximately 35 groups representing those we serve, in an effort to receive input and feedback.
I am grateful to these and several other groups who provide us with excellent and honest feedback about the direction and progress of our school district. I would like to publicly thank all who serve for helping us move forward!
TopFire prevention lesson pays off
Fifth-grader Maddie Asher has been credited with saving her family’s home this summer with her quick action. And she recently earned a special recognition from the Lexington Fire Department during a surprise ceremony at Dixie Elementary School.
Firefighters unfurl a huge banner celebrating Veterans Park Elementary School’s CATS score. To read more about how the district faired in the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System click here
This summer, while her parents were out running errands and she was playing in the neighbor’s backyard, Maddie heard a strange sound coming from the direction of her home.
“I thought it was a car alarm,” she said. “But it ended up being our house. I went up to the door and smelled smoke and then went to the neighbor and told them to call 911.”
Lieutenant Jay Webb was one of the firefighters who responded to the scene. The fire, which was caused by the dryer in the laundry room, was quickly contained. He credits Maddie’s paying attention in school and remembering lessons on how to report a fire with saving the family home.
“She knew exactly what to do,” he said. “If they hadn’t called for help when they did, the second floor could have had a lot more damage.”
Because she remembered the steps in reporting a fire and provided proper information to firefighters, the Lexington Fire Department surprised Maddie with a special award during a press conference at the school announcing this year’s Junior Fire Chief. Maddie said she’s looking forward to middle school and is glad the home repairs are finished.
“I had to sleep in the basement for two weeks,” she said.
The Lexington Fire Department announced Dixie Elementary fifth-grader Zeke Griffis as this year’s Junior Fire Chief. Zeke will spend the week of October 8 – which is fire prevention week – with the Division of Community Services, touring several facilities including the Sheriff’s Office and the Division of Police. He will also participate in the Fire Prevention Parade.
TopFayette County parents sign-up for intensive training
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Fayette students rate among the best in nation
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES: Check out our complete up-to-the-minute list of FCPS job openings online at www.fcps.net/jobs. There you will also find helpful information on applying for work, along with links to our Human Resources folks and to WinOcular, our online employment application system.
Twenty-eight Fayette County parents are taking part in the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership (a nationally recognized program organized by the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence) to help them become more effective advocates for their children’s education.
The parents will participate in three, two-day training sessions designed to increase their understanding of school performance and how to improve it. Each parent will be responsible for completing a follow-up project to accelerate the academic achievement of students at his or her child’s school and to involve more parents in the effort.
The following parents have committed to the program: Rebecca Adkins, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary; Linda Borkosky, Millcreek Elementary School; Melody Brooks, Dixie Elementary and Crawford Middle; Faith Calhoun, Booker T. Washington Academy; LaTonya Cunningham, Bryan Station High and Linlee Elementary; Tania Dunbar, Julius Marks Elementary; Amanda Ferguson, Cassidy Elementary; Nancy Goulson, Henry Clay High, Edythe J. Hayes Middle, Athens-Chilesburg Elementary; Edna Graves, Lexington Traditional Middle and Booker T. Washington Academy; Joe Halfhill, Deep Springs Elementary; Stephanie Halfhill, Deep Springs Elementary; Devonia Kay Huff, Arlington Elementary; Jacquette Johnson, Linlee Elementary; Cynthia Kay, Booker T. Washington Academy; Rachel Losch, Northern Elementary; Terrice May, Dixie Elementary School and Lexington Traditional Magnet; Karla Mays, Edythe J. Hayes Middle; Lana McLimore, Dixie Elementary and Lexington Traditional Magnet; Robin Miller, Maxwell Elementary and Henry Clay High; Alana Morton, Northern Elementary, Bob Price, Dixie Elementary; Beth Rankin, Dixie Elementary; Tabiath Reece, Johnson Elementary; Sandra Robertson-Long, Arlington Elementary; Debbie Scott, Jessie Clark Middle; Cecilia Teater, Southern Elementary School; Paula Ann Washington, Tates Creek High, Tates Creek Middle and Tates Creek Elementary; Suzetta Yates, Clays Mill Elementary and Beaumont Middle.
For more information or to register for the next parent institute, visit www.cipl.org or call 233-9849 ext. 231.
TopHelp stop bullying
Dr. Allan Beane talks with students at Bryan Station Middle School about the consequences of bullying and ways to help make their school a safer place.
Kentucky Youth Advocates, in alliance with the Anti-Bullying Alliance, are sponsoring a statewide “Bullying Hotline” on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays for three weeks during the month of October.
You can participate online by visiting www.kyyouth.org or by phone at 1-888-825-5592 on the following dates and times:
Tuesdays: Oct. 10, 17, 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Thursdays: Oct. 12, 19, 26 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Saturdays: Oct. 14, 21, 28 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m
TopNever too old
We can all take a lesson from Helen Ray Smith, a minister’s wife and active member of Lexington’s African-American community during the early to mid-1900’s, who decided after the birth of her eleventh child to fulfill her dream of earning her high school diploma. At age 48, she began attending evening classes.
Helen Ray Smith in 1935
Smith married at age 15, volunteered for the African-American War Mothers during World War II, and ran a successful corner grocery store, all while believing in the power of education. She passed her love of learning on to her children and grandchildren.
“My mother was the conscious force that provided me the education mindset in spite of segregation,” said her son Charles Smith. “She knew its value and only put her education ambition on hold, prioritizing her children’s education until her window of opportunity came to achieve her personal satisfaction – a high school education.”
Her daughter also speaks with pride about Smith’s accomplishments. “As a mother, wife of a successful minister, community worker and a possessor of brilliant business acumen, she still had a thirst to be quenched and a dream to fulfill. All of us, propelled by that indomitable spirit, have tried to use education as a vehicle to prepare us for life’s tasks. Thanks to her for the legacy – we have tried to pass it on,” said Kathryn Smith Stephens.
Helen Smith earned her diploma and marched with the Dunbar High School class of 1935. Her children became educators, ministers and continue to run a successful business in Lexington.
Fayette County school employees are continuing our commitment to customer service. We call our employees 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
Last school year, we spotlighted more than 100 “Freds” in Stu’s News. If you spot a Fred, please call, write, send me an email, or fill out one of our on-line submission forms.
Due to space requirements, we will post Fred Sightings as they are received. We will hold those that don’t appear this time and publish them in future editions of Stu’s News.
Help during a rough time
Special attention for child with special needs
Jessie Clark Middle School eighth-grader Michelle Aldridge takes a ride on the “Bruno” simulator, which shows kids what it’s like to drive under the influence of alcohol by getting behind the wheel of an electric cart while wearing vision-impairing goggles. Students tried out the simulator and were encouraged to use their seat belts during Safe Kids Week at the school.
A commitment to kids
Quick turn around
Mentoring makes a difference
Filling in nicely
Everyone’s favorite Fred
“Rocco” the vote!
Heddi Spaghetti, Pete Pizza, Sally Salad, Rocco Taco and Ricky Chicken have been showing up on school lunch menus throughout the district trying to win student support as the top food in the National School Lunch Program. Early polls indicate a tight race.
Students can vote for their favorite school lunch from now until Oct. 6 by visiting www.VoteForSchoolLunch.org. The winner will be announced during National School Lunch Week, which runs from Oct. 9 through Oct. 13.
Top
Here are some fun and educational events coming up in the weeks ahead:
- Parents of Preschoolers will meet on Thursday, Oct. 5 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the Glendover Family Resource Center located at 710 Glendover Road. The meeting is free and will include lunch and a speaker. Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and will receive free books for their children. For reservations and more information call 381-4030.
- Find out how you can help create a healthier, sustainable, and prosperous community by learning more about “going green.” The Third Annual Blue Grass Energy and Green Living Expo will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14 and Sunday, Oct. 15 at the Lexington Convention Center. The event will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The event is free and open to the public. For more information visit http://www.bluegrassenergyexpo.org/
- Get your hands dirty and learn about an ancient Japanese art form at the Living Arts & Science Center’s October Discovery Night program called the “Art & Science of Anagama Clay” on Oct. 5 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Anagama kiln is an ancient Japanese kiln usually built into a slope or hill with large chambers where hundreds of ceramic pots are fired with wood fires for three to five days. Our October art gallery exhibit will be celebrating 10 years of Anagama firing from Eastern Kentucky University. During this Discovery Night you will get a chance to see a variety of styles of Anagama fired ceramic pieces, hear our guest artist, William Witt, explain this dynamic process, and dig your hands into some clay on a real potter’s wheel! Demonstrations and instructions will be provided. For information, contact Katherine Bullock, Educational Outreach Coordinator, at 252-5222 or 255-2284 or kbullock@lasclex.org. The Living Arts & Science Center is a not-for-profit organization and requests a Science Night donation of $1.00 for children ages 5 through 11 and $2.00 for 12 years and up.
- The Lexington Children’s Theatre will present “Charlotte’s Web,” based on the book by E.B. White, on the theatre’s main stage located at 418 W. Short Street. School performances will be held Oct. 24 to 27, Oct. 31, and Nov. 1 to 3 at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Tickets are $5.25 per person for school performances. Every tenth ticket purchased is free. Call 254-4546 ext. 245 for ticket information. Public performances will be held on Oct. 22, 28 and 29 at 2 p.m. and Oct. 28 at 7 p.m. The price of admission is $12 for adults and $10 for children. Tickets for public performances can be purchased by calling 254-4546 ext. 247 or by visiting www.lctonstage.org
Morton Middle School eighth-grader Dequan Cloud went one-on-one with members of the Cardinal Hill wheelchair basketball team. The team’s surprise visit was arranged by Dequan’s teacher, Cindy Short.
Teachers honored for 2007 Teacher Achievement Awards
Three Fayette County educators have been selected for the 2007 Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards and are in the running to be the state teacher of the year. Beaumont Middle’s Teresa Elliott, Lafayette High’s Tracy Lambert, and Tates Creek High’s Vicki Reynolds will be recognized, along with 21 other educators from around the state, in ceremonies in Frankfort on Oct. 13.
Elliott has been an educator for 28 years and has been with the district for twelve. She has served as the director of bands at Henry Clay High School and SCAPA Bluegrass, and is the current director of bands at Beaumont Middle School and Garden Springs Elementary. “I feel being selected for this honor is a tribute to my students at the schools where I teach or have taught,” she said. “My students make it easy to be successful.”
Loyalty vs. Unfaithfulness - Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to those I serve.
“True patriotism is not manifested in short, frenzied bursts of emotion. It is the tranquil, steady dedication of a lifetime.”
Adlai Stevenson, former Illinois Governor and two-time presidential hopeful.
For the past six years, Lambert has taught French, AP literature, and AP language at Lafayette High School. “I think that all teachers share three things in common – we strive to do what’s best for our students, we want to be recognized for our efforts and we want respect from our colleagues and administrators,” she said. “The Kentucky Teacher of the Year program offers teachers an opportunity to become advocates for quality teaching and influence others in their profession through the publicity it generates as well as professional development opportunities like participation in the Kentucky Teachers’ Forum. I was flattered just to be nominated for Kentucky Teacher of the Year and I am truly humbled by making it to the semi-finals.”
Reynolds has been with Fayette County for 17 years. She has taught at Paul Laurence Dunbar High and currently teaches Latin and senior seminar at Tates Creek High. She also serves as the school’s world languages department chair. “It is truly humbling to be selected for a 2007 Teacher Achievement Award,” she said. “First, it is very special because I know that someone took the time and effort to nominate me for this award. Secondly, it is an honor to be recognized for my work in a profession that has truly become my calling and passion in life. I love connecting with students and I love teaching and nurturing them in the learning process as I watch them strive to maximize their potential.”
The three were selected for the award in part for their teaching philosophies, experiences, and involvement in the community.
Top
To Tates Creek High School library media specialist Amber Tongate for being chosen to represent the American Association of School Libraries, Kentucky School Media Association and the district at the first-ever Joint Librarians of Color Conference in Dallas later this month. Tongate will present “My Posse Don’t Do Harry Potter,” and speak about popular African-American fiction and multicultural titles.
To Crawford Middle School students Paul Smith, Brittany Besten, Erin Jackson, Caroline White, and Claire McVey for helping translate for Spanish-speaking parents during the school’s Open House.
To Julius Marks Elementary, Morton Middle and Paul Laurence Dunbar High for having the highest attendance in the district on Sept. 12 the state’s High Attendance Day. The three schools will compete against others across the state for cash prizes and T-shirts.
To the Tates Creek High School band for placing fifth in the Pageant of Bands competition held at Bryan Station High School last month.
To Bryan Station High School orchestra director Nancy Stoner for being selected as the Central Kentucky Music Educators Association High School Teacher of the Year.
To Henry Clay High School students Pilar Morgan and Chandler Gilbert for winning the City Golf Championship. Henry Clay’s girl’s and boy’s teams placed first overall. The boy’s team also won the regional title, which will allow them to compete at the state level.
School Board Election Rules
With two Fayette County Board of Education seats up for election this fall, you may be interested in reviewing the guidelines and policies regarding employee involvement in these elections. To learn more, click here.
The 16th District PTA and League of Women Voter’s jointly sponsored forums with the candidates in Districts 2 and 4. These forums are being televised on Channel 13. Check the replay schedule here.
Top
Providing Input
Dad was talking about meeting with all these different people on a regular basis to receive input about how to continuously improve.
I thought that was a good idea so I decided to give dad feedback on a regular basis too. When I get hungry, for example, I will bark at Mom or Dad, run to my bowl and come back and bark again. After I did that a few times Mom and Dad began to understand this need. I love rawhide bones flavored with chicken and they are stored in a cabinet in our kitchen. I will bark at Mom or Dad run to the cabinet, look up at the cabinet door and then look back at Mom and Dad. This worked too! When I want to go upstairs I get my toy, squeak it a lot and bring it to the bottom of the steps. This one really works with Dad when he is trying to take a nap. When I have to go outside I will bark twice and run to the door. Wow, that worked too. This input and continuous improvement stuff really works!!! Now I just have to figure out how to provide input on steaks for dinner!
Bow wow…
Stu's News is an electronic publication of the
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