October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
The Bridge
October 2012
LCHS Welcomes Mr. Kyle Goodlett After an extensive search Mr. Kyle Goodlett was chosen as the new assistant principal at LaRue County High School.
Mr. Goodlett is a native of Anderson County, Kentucky and has spent the last nine years teaching social studies at Elizabethtown High School. He earned a B.A. in History from Western Kentucky University and a M.A.E. in Instructional Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands. Kyle and his wife Tara have a nineteen month old daughter named Cate. Mr. Goodlett worked for thirteen summers as a supervisor for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Camp Earl Wallace on Lake Cumberland. Kyle is also a high school and collegiate basketball official, and serves as the president of the fifth region basketball officials association.
LCHS Posts Highest ACT Scores Since 2008 State Mandate The LaRue County High School ACT scores from the state‐required March 2012 administration for all 11th graders has produced the highest average scores in all content areas since the 2008 state mandate to test all juniors. Prior to 2008, individual students opted to sign up for the ACT. Average scores improved over 2011 scores in all content areas, and all scores are higher than state average.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Comparison to Local Schools, 2012 ACT Average Scores
When compared to average high school scores from surrounding schools, LCHS ranks 2nd in Composite, English, Math, and Reading; 4th in Science. When compared to the 230 high schools statewide, LCHS ranks 45th in Composite (top 20%), 41st in English (top 18%), 49th in Math (top 21%), 46th in Reading (top 20%), and 59th in Science (top 26%). Five‐Year trend data since the 2008 state mandate shows strong growth in every content area of the ACT including composite average.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
New Faces at LCHS Nichole Nimmo moved to LaRue County in early 1991. She is a 2002 graduate of LCHS and a graduate of the University of Louisville (2007) receiving a B.S. in chemistry. As of last year, Nichole has shifted her career in analytical chemistry gradually towards a career in education. From September 2011‐June 2012 she was a volunteer art instructor and math/science tutor for ECTC's Upward Bound program. Nichole is currently an instructional assistant part‐time for the math department. In her spare time Nichole enjoys spending time outdoors at home or at one of our local parks. She has been married to Hart Co. native Jordan Shirley since 2008, the two live in Canmer with their two cats Max and Ruby. Ms. NaKisha Stargel is a student‐ teacher from Campbellsville University. She is working towards a Social Studies education degree in grades 8‐12. Ms. Stargel graduated from Taylor County High School in 2008. She chose Campbellsville University in order to be close to her family, which she credits with always being encouraging and supportive. Ms. Stargel chose Social Studies as her major because she loves to see how the past has influenced the present. After graduation Ms. Stargel plans to hopefully get a job and eventually obtain her Ph. D. in history. However, for now she is just going to enjoy her time as a student‐teacher and count down the days until her graduation!
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
LCHS Band of Hawks
On Saturday, the LaRue County High School Band of Hawks traveled to Campbellsville to compete in the Taylor County Marching Invitational. At the end of preliminary competition, the band won First Place in Class AA, Best Guard in Class AA, and Best Percussion in Class AA. That evening, the group advanced to Finals to compete in an open class scenario where all bands competed against each other, regardless of their classification. The Band of Hawks ended the day outscoring the other groups in music performance, visual performance and general effect to earn the title of Grand Champion and Best Guard Overall. The percussion section just missed the overall award by one point, finishing second overall. Jaime Smith, band director, said “After prelims, I was pleased that our performance was much better than the previous week’s, but still didn’t feel as though we performed at the level we were capable.” Students and staff expressed the same sentiments, while identifying the specific areas that needed improvement for the evening Finals performance. “No question,” said Smith, “The finals performance was much better than the afternoon
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[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
performance. It was a great example of students taking ownership of their performance. It was fun to watch.” After being named the Grand Champion, the Band of Hawks ended the evening with an encore performance of their show, titled “Grayscale.” “One of the great attributes of the day,” Smith concluded, “was the number of family, friends and alumni that turned out to support the students. In addition to everything else, we even won the Spirit Award!” This weekend, the band will host the Lincoln Days Invitational on the campus of LaRue County High School. The contest starts at noon and will include eight of the region’s best high school marching bands in preliminary and finals competition. Join them on September 29, as they welcome thousands of people to LaRue County!
Transitioning From School to the World of Work The Community Based Work Transition Program is off to an amazing start! The goal of the second year of the program is that seniors participating in the program are permanently employed before graduating. However, this year we have set an all‐time record …all five seniors participating in the program have secured permanent jobs during the first month of school!! Audrey‐Anna Skaggs is not only earning a paycheck at Care 4 Ever, she is helping to improve the lives of senior adults. Care 4 Ever is a state certified adult daycare devoted to improving the lives of senior adults. Audrey‐Anna has a wide range of responsibilities from cleaning the birdcage and restrooms to leading the senior adults in chair exercises and games. Care 4 Ever has hired students in the past but a temporary basis during the school year only; however, the activities director, Val, is so impressed with Audrey‐Anna’s work ethic and passion for caring for the needs of senior adults that she has offered Audrey‐Anna a permanent position once she graduates. Ashley Edlin job shadowed at Dr. Baumgardner’s Dental Office last year during the exploration phase of the program. She made such a positive impression that Sandy, the office manager, called to see if Ashley would be interested in a part‐time position as an office assistant. Ashley had previously expressed an interest in becoming a medical secretary and gladly accepted the position. Ashley has surprised herself at how quickly she has acquired new skills. Dr. Baumgardner and Sandy appreciate Ashley’s positive attitude and her willingness to accept and meet each new challenge.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
When Ashley graduates this year she will not only have a diploma but a career in hand as well. Michelle Hornback and Lindsey Gibson are seniors participating in the CBWTP. They both expressed an interest in becoming childcare assistants. During their first year in the program they each spent time volunteering to gain the necessary skills. Michelle volunteered at both First Friends Child Care and at Kid’s Crew. Lindsey volunteered at The Learning Tree and was hired as a temporary assistant this past summer. Now both are employed at Little People’s Child Development Center in Elizabethtown. According to owners, Janet and Linh Hansen, they are both exceeding their expectations.
Michelle Hornback’s first day working at Little People’s Lindsey Gibson learns there’s more to childcare than Child Development Center…and she has her hands full! caring for the children.
The fifth senior, Josh Lawes, is employed at McDonalds. Josh actually obtained his job in March during his junior year. He worked throughout the summer and continues to excel. Josh is currently on the football team but will be training for new responsibilities at McDonalds once the season is over. Josh has had excellent evaluations from the store manager, JR and from each of the shift managers. Josh also receives compliments from the regular customers for his hard work. Josh is appreciated for being a team worker, and his positive attitude. Josh continues to consider other job opportunities but has a secure position at McDonalds should he decide to make it his career. Josh keeps the lobby clean while he greets customers. There are five juniors participating in the CBWTP this year. These students are busy job at training sites gaining valuable skills and work experience as well as continuing to explore a variety of vocational interests.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Chris Smith is volunteering at 2nd Chance Ranch where he is gaining skills in grooming horses and proving to have excellent work ethic pitching hay. Chris recently job shadowed at Hornback Plumbing, RC Automotive and Ronnie’s Custom Cabinet Shop; however, he was most impressed with Konsei, a local factory that manufactures parts for airbags and brakes. Chris was amazed with the robots and expressed an interest in working at the factory. Hopefully, I’ll be reporting in one of the future articles that Chris is successfully employed at Konsei. hole too many and it deploys too fast.
Mr. Barrett, auto parts division manager, explains how robots put the exact amount of holes in a particular part that regulates how fast an airbag deploys. Only one hole less and the airbag does not deploy in time; one
C.J. Butler expressed an interest in working in childcare. She has explored different vocations as well, but childcare remains her vocation of choice. C. J. is currently volunteering at First Friends Child Care giving her the opportunity to gain first‐ hand experience helping her to determine if childcare is what she expected and if so, to help her gain skills to help her obtain that goal. C.J. takes her volunteering seriously and treats it as if it were a job. Kim Clemons, owner/director of First Friends is pleased with C. J.’s work ethic, positive attitude, and her willingness to do whatever is asked. Kristin Albertson has expressed an interest in working at various vocational interests: childcare assistant, library assistant, restaurant work. In choosing a vocation, Kristin is more concerned with the work environment. She would prefer to work at a faith based business in an environment where she is comfortable with the co‐workers and can work at a steady pace. Kristin is currently volunteering at the LaRue County Public Library. Kristin has already proven to have outstanding work ethic and is gaining new skills. RC Automotive has offered T. J. Druen an opportunity to gain hands on experience in his area of interest. Mr. Fancher, owner, also has given advice on areas to explore. He explained that diesel or Hybrid would be the best areas to pursue employment. T. J. continues to volunteer at RC Automotive while exploring other related areas. Luke Fields, also participating in the first year of the CBWTP, is undecided about his career choice. Luke has explored many areas. Store manager, Cheryl, gave Luke a tour of Pizza Hut, explained the various responsibilities, regulations and even let him make his own pizza. Ms. Gray, owner of Mam Candy, allowed Luke some hands on experience stirring caramel. Ms. Gray gave Luke a tour of her kitchen and shared information about her business but the best part was sampling some of the candies. At Subway, Tina explained the importance of hand washing, customer service, and team work. Luke also explored factory work at Southeast DME. Luke
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
found it very interesting but didn’t like the noisy environment. Luke is learning what he likes and dislikes at the various businesses which will help in making a suitable employment match. Thanks to the support of local and neighboring businesses and LaRue County School Staff, the Community Based Work Transition Program is off to another successful school year.
LCMS RECEIVES TOP HONORS IN WALMART TEACHER REWARDS PROGRAM LaRue County Middle is the area school selected by Walmart to honor teachers for their continued academic achievements and commitment to the success of all students. Walmart will host a back to school celebration with the staff of LaRue Middle School in September. The teachers of LaRue Middle will take part in a school wide staff celebration event sponsored by Wal‐Mart which includes the awarding of $1,000.00 in gift cards.
We welcome Amanda Lyles to LCMS Amanda Lyle was raised in Metcalfe County where she attended elementary, middle and high school. Education has always been very important to her and she always strived for excellence. She was Valedictorian of her senior class and was lucky enough to be named as a Governor’s Scholar. Ms. Lyle followed in her mother’s footsteps to become an educator by attending Campbellsville University and Western Kentucky University, where she graduated with honors and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Grades Math and Language Arts. She is an avid reader of all genres, but especially loves young‐adult fiction. She attends Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church and loves to sing. Ms. Lyle has two cats, Mika and Allister, who keep her company. Her goals are to continue her education and become a college professor one day. “I am so pleased to be working with the students in Larue County. They are a joy to teach.” Ms. Lyle brings a lot of excitement to class. She is the newest member of the 8th grade TAG Team, where she teaches Math.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Inspiration & Motivation at LCMS The seventh graders at LCMS were recently treated to an amazing “pep talk” from former professional football players. Keith Davis & Clarence Lee spoke to seventh graders about the importance of staying in school, always doing their best and making good choices. They focused attention on students’ attitude, words they speak, and decisions they make, and they encouraged the students to develop into the leaders who can make a positive impact in this world. They used feats of strength and their strong presence to capture students’ attention as they incorporated examples of overcoming obstacles and challenges in life. Mr. Davis told the kids, “you don’t have to be great to get started, you just have to get started to be great” and that “readers really do become leaders”. The students were excited to have been a part of the assembly. After they were done talking to the kids, they signed a few autographs before leaving for their workout. They were also guests at the football game that night. They were the special guest speakers at the 5th quarter event held that night at South Fork Baptist. We’d like to extend a special thank you to South Fork Baptist Church for bringing the men to our school.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
LCMS Homecoming The 2012‐2013 LCMS King and Queen were crowned Tuesday, August 28th. At halftime, Alex Best was crowned King and Rachel Armes was crowned Queen. LaRue County dominated against Russell County with a final score of 32‐0.
The 2012‐2013 LCMS Homecoming Court Left to right, front row: Tharon Blair & James Akin 6th grade representatives, Eli Williams, Thomas Williams, Alex Best, Sterling th th Alcorn, Hunter Tisher, Tai Powell, Cameron Dawson & Tristan Waddle 8 grade nominees, Ty Morris & Griffin Dulak 7 grade th representatives – Back Row: Ameena Wells, Daisy Graham 6 grade representatives, Grace Armes, Rachel Armes, Emma th Bowling, Courtney Sams, Hattie Ward, Rachel Fantasia, Gillian Nunn, Kaitlyn Warnshuis 8 grade nominees, Breea Kirkpatrick & th Jessi O’Bryan 7 grade representatives
Stay After & Read at ALES Students at Abraham Lincoln Elementary take advantage of extended library hours each Tuesday by reading, earning AR points, and completing other important academic tasks. Here Zoe VanRiper gets comfy in the corner while enjoying her library book. Stay After & Read takes places each Tuesday until 4:15—just make sure to turn in your reservation form to the office. Those can be obtained from Mrs. Propes in the library and on the library's website. Be sure to visit the library media center online by clicking on the link on the school's homepage for more information about this program and others.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
ALES Artists Off To A Great Start!! We have gotten the 2012‐13 school year off to a great start! ALES Artists have partnered with the ALES PTO and Original Works by helping with our first fundraiser of the year. Each student is creating an artwork with an awareness of the elements and principles of art. This work of art can be printed on products after an order is taken and is a great memento and can serve as a Christmas or birthday gift. How original! Help us out by ordering from your favorite artist! Pam Glaab ALES Art Teacher
STLP (Student Technology Leadership Program) Hello and welcome to a brand new school year! My name is Bethann Neville and I am a Kindergarten teacher at A.L.E.S. This year I will be serving as our school’s STLP coordinator. Technology is area near and dear to my own heart, as I was a member of STLP (Student Technology Leadership Program) in elementary and middle school, and Secretary of TSA (Technology Student Association) in high school. I look forward to this new beginning and the opportunity to work with students. Some of you may ask, “What is STLP?” STLP is completely student‐driven. Students create various projects, learn new technology skills, and develop team‐building and cooperative skills. It requires both during and after‐school participation, respect of others and school property, and an initiative to take part in creating projects. Overall, the main goal of STLP is to enhance student leadership and technology skills to use in our ever‐changing world.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
ALES ‐ New Hires ALES Principal – Karen Downs
Welcome to the 2012‐13 school year. I am very excited to start the year as the new principal of ALES. I grew up in the LaRue County community graduating from LCHS in 1979. I started my teaching career at Magnolia Elementary, and have been a school librarian, Highly Skilled Educator at KDE and an elementary principal in another district for the past six years. I feel blessed to be able to return to my roots. I look forward to seeing the smiling faces of our students each day and working with the school staff to continue and build upon the excellence of ALES.
Please feel free to contact me at any time. Karen Downs
ALES – School Administrative Manager (SAM) My name is Pam Miller. I am new to Abraham Lincoln Elementary School this year in the position of School Administrative Manager (SAM). I am a LaRue County native having lived here my entire life. My previous work experience includes working at Magnolia Elementary School for 7 years as an instructional assistant, followed by 8 years at South Fork Baptist Church as an Administrative Assistant. I have lived with my husband, WL Miller in Magnolia on the family farm for 30 years. I have two grown children, Lesley Miller Moore who is currently a nurse at Pikeville Medical Center, and a son Jordan Miller who is a WKU graduate and is now attending UK. I enjoy working on the farm overseeing the care of our beef cattle herd and taking care of my small donkey and goat herds. In my spare time I love to read, watch movies and spend time with my family. I am looking forward to a great year working with the teachers and students at ALES this year.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
ALES 2nd Grade Teacher – Danielle Brown Hi, I am Danielle Brown, the new second grade teacher at ALES. I am a LaRue County Hawk born and raised! My parents, David and Michelle Brown raised four girls; Kaelyn, me, Ivy and Presley on a farm in Hodgenville. I started my schooling at Hodgenville Elementary, I then graduated in 2006 from Larue County High School and went on to Saint Catharine College on a basketball scholarship. I played for four years while obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. I have one nephew, Owen who is 3, and a niece who will be born in December! When not at school I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, spending time with my family and reading. I am so very excited to have the opportunity to come back home and teach in my hometown!
ALES Library Media Specialist – Jennifer Propes Jennifer Perkins Propes joins ALES as the library media specialist after having taught reading and writing for six years at Bardstown Middle School. Prior to that, she worked at Kids Crew and as a substitute within this district while earning her teaching credentials. She graduated from Western Kentucky University with a bachelor's degree in middle grades education and then a master's in library media, while her rank one was later obtained from University of the Cumberlands. She is married to Kyle and together they have one canine son, Seven Lucas Scott. Her interests include reading (of course!), arts and crafts, photography, UK basketball, music, history, as well as learning about and supporting animal rights. Mrs. Propes is excited about her new role in education and is so glad to be teaching back at home. She hopes students find the library to be as magical a place as she does and encourages families at ALES to visit the library media center online by clicking the link on the school's homepage.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
ALES Turns Out for Tour de LaRue ALES was well represented at the 9th Annual Tour de LaRue held in late September at the HES Campus. Participants ranged from kindergarten age to fifth grade and were accompanied by parents and grandparents on one of three rides through LaRue County. The event was sponsored by LaRue County Family Resource and many Hardin and LaRue County businesses and individuals. Pictured here are Hayden and Sydney Lee and Harper Hynes with Biven and Baines Turner.
Students Participate in 4th District Treble Chorus Ten fourth and fifth grade students from Abraham Lincoln Elementary participated in the 24th Annual Fourth District Treble Chorus held this past Saturday in Bardstown, Kentucky. Approximately 200 area students gathered for the event.
Prior to the concert, the students auditioned to represent their school and gathered for several rigorous practices with Mrs. Penny Akers, music instructor at ALES. Pictured are Silas Taylor, Makena Buck, Gabi Faught, Helen Anderson, Dylan Rowe, Megan Jarboe, Mrs. Penny Akers, Alexis Grimes, McKenzie Hornback, Lydia Becker, Samantha Martin and Alexes Remmel. Guest conductor for the event was Jill Campbell, Director of Music for Children at Centenary United Methodist Church and former director of the Lexington Singers Children’s Choir. The program included a wide variety of musical selections including Funga Alafia, Firefly, Every Night When the Sun Goes In, Green Eggs and Ham, Inscription of Hope and Hand Me Down My Silver Trumpet. The LaRue County group was accompanied by Wilma Ewing, Karlotta Cecil and Kathy Ross.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
ALES Blood Drive ALES wants to thank everyone who helped with the Fifth Annual Blood Drive! Approximately 50 people came out to donate thanks to our school’s Pint Size Heroes. Pictured here is David Fox, grandfather of fourth grade hero Lillyan Beverly. David also helped the school promote the event.
HES Kindergarten is off to a Bright Start! The HES Kindergarten students have been practicing using good listening and following directions skills as well as learning to correctly use scissors and glue, while learning shapes and nursery rhymes. For each nursery rhyme, we traced a shape to make a symbol of the nursery rhyme. The students practiced saying, singing and acting out the nursery rhymes. At the end of our unit, the students dressed as their favorite nursery rhyme characters and enjoyed a visit from Mother Goose (Vickie Devers.)
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Using Base Ten Blocks with Mrs. Clifford’s 2nd Graders Mrs. Clifford’s 2nd grade students have been using base ten blocks to build and add numbers. We have been working with addition of three digit numbers, with and without regrouping. Students just finished up mastering place value, ordering three‐ digit numbers, identifying greatest and least, and identifying number patterns. Along with the Math in Focus program, Mrs. Clifford’s class has been using What’s My Place, What’s My Value and Calendar Math to reinforce place value as well as many other math standards. Students will continue to work on addition up to 1,000 and continue on to subtraction up to 1,000.
Picnicking with Kindergarten
The first two weeks of September Mrs. Lawler and Mrs. Rust’s Kindergarten class learned about families in their family unit for reading. Each child brought in a special family collage project which they shared with the class. After reading a book about a family going on a picnic, we decided to take the class on a picnic lunch as a way to celebrate our family unit. The children took a sack lunch outside in a grassy area and ate on a quilt. After eating lunch, we played games. Everyone had a great time.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Colonial Days at HES Third, fourth, and fifth grade students are studying the Colonial time period in their itinerant classes this month, so Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Holt collaborated and brought the time period to HES. Mrs. Butler and Mrs. Holt dressed in Colonial style, wearing dresses, aprons, and bonnets, while sewing and knitting throughout the presentation. They prepared dialogue, props, and a setting to teach drama as well, as art, culture, and history. Historical figures, everyday life, jobs, family, and chores were discussed and students were also given a small cup of applesauce and a home‐made piece of soap, as part of the experience.
International Dot Day Celebrated at HES Kindergarten, 1st and 2nd grades celebrated International Dot Day this month along with thousands of others throughout six continents. Dot Day is based on the book, The Dot, by Peter Reynolds, which is about a young girl who is scared to try in art class, but who realizes with the encouragement of her art teacher that she can succeed if she tries. Students enjoyed the book then created many different artworks based on the story. The entire school was encouraged to wear dots and had a variety of fun shirts, dresses, socks, shoes, and accessories with big, little and colorful dots visible. Faculty and staff were also asked to join in the fun and create their own dots to show off their creative spirit.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Science with Mrs. Weaver In Mrs. Weaver’s 5th grade Science class students have been able to make scientific inquiry through hands‐on experimentation. We had a building towers activity where we learned to design a tower we could talk with our neighbors for a few minutes, but when it came time to build we couldn’t say a word. We learned how valuable
communication is when we work with groups. We also learned the parts of the scientific method by completing a series of paper towel experiments. Students learned how to develop a good question and hypothesis, list materials, complete procedures, record data, and come up with a conclusion. We had a lot of fun learning about the scientific method.
HES Physical Education Hodgenville Elementary students in 3rd – 5th grades worked on tinikling during their first rotation in P.E. Tinikling is a type of dance that originated in the Philippines and involves two people tapping and sliding poles on the ground and against each other while one or more dancers step over and between the poles. These movements represent “tikling” birds dodging traps set out by rice farmers.
October 2012
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Through this unit, students gained a better understanding of how locomotor and nonlocomotor skills are incorporated with the elements of dance. This activity requires group cooperation and applies steady beat, balance, and coordination. As students progress they are allowed to create their own patterns and movements within the dance. As a culminating performance the 5th grade classes created a sequence using various patterns and movements. Mrs. Newton’s class was chosen to showcase their performance at the monthly school assembly. Kindergarten, first, and second grade students have been working on patterns of jumping and various locomotor skills as well. In addition to locomotor skills, all grade levels worked on learning to juggle scarves. Dylan Brewer and Olivia Hazelwood demonstrated their juggling skills at assembly.
October 2012
[THE LARUE COUNTY BRIDGE]
Award Winner
LaRue County Board of Education Superintendent ‐ Sam Sanders Board Members Price Smith ‐ Board Chairman Ronnie Chelf ‐ Vice Chairman Norbert Skees ‐ Member Joanna Hinton‐ Member Michael Hornback – Member Tell your friends about The Bridge. To view the Bridge Newsletter archives visit http://www.larue.kyschools.us Subscribing to The Bridge is simple. Go to the LaRue County Schools website and click on “The Bridge” located just below the banner. The link to sign up is just below the image of The Bridge. If you have questions, comments or suggestions about The Bridge, please direct them to the LaRue County Chief Information Officer at freddie.newby@larue.kyschools.us