The Collaborative
The Collaborative
Dr. Ronnie Nolan
Executive Director
Sherri Clusky
Associate Director
Cindy Held
Collaborative Editor
Asst. Director, Communications and Development
Katie Helton
Asst. Director, Conferencing and Events
Kristine Smith
Asst. Director, Financial Affairs
Angela Austin Program Improvement Specialist
Peggy Shearer Program Improvement Specialist KECSAC 260 Democrat Drive Frankfort, KY 40601 502-783-1443
In This Issue
Professional Development
Read about recent training and events KECSAC hosts for educators and administrators.
Poetry Contest Winners
Read the winning entries from the third annual KECSAC Student Poetry Contest. 4 13
Check out what’s happening with KECSAC educational programs around the state.
From the Director
Dear Friends,
A few weeks ago, I was honored to attend the National Dropout Prevention Conference in New Orleans with a host of other participants from across the country. It was my first national conference since the onset of Covid back in 2020, and I am grateful for the opportunity to network with colleagues who are equally dedicated to meeting the diverse learning needs of our students. During the conference one theme seemed to emerge over and over again, it was the idea that education is evolving and that with the addition of Artificial Intelligence programs that the future will look dramatically different from the world we live in today. It was, in some ways, scary and alarming to hear from the national speakers who described a significant shift from current educational practices to a system that they envisioned would largely depend on the commercial industry facilitating learning to meet their individual needs as employers. The lamented the end the higher education as we know it too, with an increased focus on workforce readiness and technical skill acquisition as the new education currency.
Even as we sat together listening to these proposals, I was taken back in my mind to the great work taking place in KECSAC affiliated programs across Kentucky. We have a transformational education model that is meeting students where they are and filling in gaps in their learning as they move towards their future goals. Our partnerships with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, Community Based Services, and Education have resulted in a rapid expansion of project-based learning, vocational training, and dual-enrollment options. All of these connections and learning experiences are preparing our students for real world employability and for lives of purpose. This growing interest in and expansion of employability focused education is in line with the vision being shared at the national conference and reminded us that even in times of significant change, our students are often on the forefront of learning. Our teachers, likewise, are leading the way in creating innovative approaches to learning that equips our students with the skills and resources they need to succeed in a rapidly changing economy and world.
For this reason and many others, I am more optimistic than ever about the future of education in our Commonwealth and our country. I know our children and youth will continue growing and learning as they transition beyond our doors, and they will be prepared to meet the ever-changing demands of a complex global economy. Our partnerships have never been more critical to our students, and I am grateful for the ongoing work to engage state agency children in new and expanding opportunities.
Ronnie Nolan, Ed.D. Executive Director, KECSAC
Leadership Excellence
SACSAA Appoints New Officers
The State Agency Children School Administrators Association (SACSAA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Jeremy Camron as its new president at their Annual Fall Meeting on September 13, 2024 in Elizabethtown, KY. Mr. Camron, who previously served as the President-elect for two years, brings a wealth of experience and dedication to his new role. Camron has served as principal at Owensboro Day Treatment in Owensboro, KY since 2018, and has 23 years of teaching experience. We are also thrilled to share that Principal Sarah Vivian was elected as the next President-elect SACSAA. She serves as the school administrator at The Academy in Franklin County, and has more than 23 years of dedicated experience in the field of education. She was elected by her peers during the Fall SACSAA Meeting as well. Her leadership journey as President-elect will span two years, after which she will transition into the role of President for an additional two years, guiding SACSAA with her vision and expertise. Both Camron and Vivian will also contribute their insights as members of KECSAC’s Interagency Advisory Group, further enhancing their impact on the education of state agency children. We look forward to witnessing the positive changes and innovative ideas they will both bring to SACSAA and KECSAC.
Howton Named to KASA Board
This past September, The Kentucky Association of School Administrators (KASA) elected KECSAC Principal Nathan Howton from Hopkins County as a new member representing the River Region to its Board of Directors. As a leader he brings a wealth of experience and dedication to KASA’s mission of supporting school leaders and advancing public education throughout the commonwealth. Mr. Howton has been the Principal at Hopkins County Day Treatment since 2021.
He joins six other new members to the KASA Board who are described as having demonstrated a commitment to growing leaders, transforming public education, and shaping students’ futures. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will bring fresh perspectives and strategies to KASA’s work in improving the quality of education in Kentucky.
SACSAA President Jeremy Camron and President-elect Sarah Vivian both took on their new roles during the Fall SACSAA Meeting on September 13.
Peace Academy Educator Receives KY Teacher Achievement
KECSAC Teacher, Angela Hardin, at Peace Academy was Named One of 9 Winners of the 2025 Kentucky Teacher Achievement Awards!
The Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) announced the selection of nine outstanding Kentucky educators as recipients of the Kentucky Teacher Achievement Awards on Aug. 13. Angela Nicole Hardin, who is an elementary school teacher at Peace Academy in Jefferson County was one of three finalists for the elementary division. There were also three winners from the middle and high school divisions.
“The Kentucky Teacher of the Year Awards honor outstanding teachers who go above and beyond to help develop the next generation of leaders in Kentucky,” said Commissioner of Education Robbie Fletcher. “I truly believe that our educators are among the best in the nation, and we at KDE are proud to celebrate their tireless efforts in their classrooms and communities.”
All nine teachers were honored during a ceremony in Frankfort on Sept. 10. KDE received 528 teacher nominations this year and judging was conducted by a blue-ribbon panel of veteran educators from across the state. These teachers also qualified to compete for the 2025 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award.
FFECC Educator Honored with McConnell Foundation’s Extra Mile Award
KECSAC is thrilled to extend our congratulations to Ms. Anita Groenwoldt, who is the Special Education (LBD) Facilitator at Future Forward Education & Career Center with the Franklin County School District. She was honored with The McConnell Foundation’s Extra Mile Award and a $5,000 prize during the program’s graduation ceremony last May. This award recognizes full-time teachers who go above and beyond in their dedication, making a significant impact on students’ lives. The Extra Mile Award celebrates exceptional educators by providing them with both recognition and a tax-free monetary award. The foundation is named for the late John Ed McConnell, a local Franklin County resident and graduate who had a passion for education. Ms. Groenwoldt’s commitment and passion for her work embody the values of the Franklin County Schools community, setting an inspiring example for her colleagues and students alike. Ms. Groenwoldt, fondly known as “Ms. G,” is also a key leader in the facilitation of the program’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) and Restorative Practices Partnership. Her unwavering dedication has been instrumental in fostering a positive school environment, encouraging students to grow academically, emotionally, and socially. Her efforts to promote respect, understanding, and personal accountability have made a lasting impact on both students and staff.
Professional Development
The 23 rd Annual Kentucky Alternative Education Summit
On July 30-31, 2024, educators, administrators, and policy makers gathered at the Embassy Suites Coldstream Campus in Lexington, KY, for the 23rd Annual Kentucky Alternative Education Summit. This year’s summit, themed “Joy and Renewed Invigoration for Teachers,” focused on revitalizing educators’ passion and commitment to alternative education. Attendees explored how to create more joyful, resilient learning environments that support both students and teachers in nontraditional settings.
Inspiring Keynote Speakers
The event was headlined by three dynamic keynote speakers: Garrison Wynn, Joshua Wayne, and Kim Strobel, each of whom brought unique perspectives on leadership, mental health, and personal growth.
• Garrison Wynn, a motivational speaker and author, captivated the audience with his humorous yet powerful insights on leadership and resilience. His message focused on how educators can lead with confidence and create positive change, even in challenging circumstances.
• Joshua Wayne, a youth empowerment expert, addressed the importance of building relationships with students, particularly those in alternative education settings. He provided practical strategies for fostering trust, connection, and growth in students who may be struggling with behavioral issues or personal challenges.
• Kim Strobel, a happiness coach and education consultant, delivered an inspiring talk on the power of joy in teaching. Strobel highlighted the importance of teacher well-being and shared actionable strategies for bringing more happiness and fulfillment into educators’ personal and professional lives.
These speakers set the tone for the summit, reminding participants that fostering a joyful and invigorating environment for teachers is crucial for student success.
Engaging Workshops and Sessions
In addition to the keynote addresses, the summit featured a wide range of interactive workshops aimed at giving educators practical tools and strategies to implement in their schools. Popular sessions included topics such
Above: Joshua Wayne shared strategies for fostering student trust in the classroom.
Below: Keynote Speaker Garrison Wynn motivated the audience with his leadership expertise.
as effective classroom management, teaching in the digital age, and even a special presentation from Lexington’s own, Meteorologist Bill Meck. These workshops were designed to empower educators with strategies that enhance both their own well-being and the learning experience for their students. The 2024 SACSAA Award Winners were also presented their honors during the first day of the conference and were recognized for their excellence.
A Path Forward: Renewing the Passion for Teaching
The 23rd Annual Kentucky Alternative Education Summit served as both a learning experience and a much-needed rejuvenation for Kentucky’s educators. With the theme of “Joy and Renewed Invigoration for Teachers” echoing throughout the event, educators left with a renewed sense of purpose and a commitment to bringing joy into their classrooms. This focus on teacher well-being is expected to positively impact not just the educators themselves, but also the students they serve, particularly those who thrive in alternative education environments.
As Kentucky continues to evolve its alternative education programs, the insights and connections gained from this summit will play a crucial role in shaping future initiatives. The joy and invigoration felt by participants will undoubtedly ripple through classrooms across the state, helping create more vibrant, supportive learning environments for all.
Congratulations to our 2024 SACSAA Award Winners!
Congratulations to our 2024 State Agency Children School Administrator’s Association (SACSAA) Award Winners! All our winners truly embody the characteristics of exceptional, innovative, and dedicated educators, staff and volunteers! They are making a difference in the lives of the children we serve and for future generations as well! From Left to Right: 1) The Roy L. Chapman Outstanding Teacher of State Agency Children Award recipient Kristie Minton, who is the Math Teacher at Ohio County Day Treatment in the Ohio County School District; 2) The Russell W. Behanan Outstanding KECSAC Administrator of the Year winner Chris Gilkey who serves as School Administrator at Cumberland Hall School in the Christian County School District; 3) The Outstanding Support Staff of State Agency Children winner Andrea Ratliff, who is the DJJ School Secretary at Owensboro Day Treatment with Daviess County School District; 4) The KECSAC Outstanding Community Member of the Year award winner LaNora Long for her art education services to the students at Future Forward Education & Career Center in the Franklin County School District; 5) The second Russell W. Behanan Outstanding KECSAC Administrator of the Year winner is Lori Barton who serves as School Administrator at Corbin Educational Center and ASPIRE Mental Health Day Treatment in the Corbin Independent School District; and 6) Our second Roy L. Chapman Outstanding Teacher of State Agency Children Award winner is Debbie Harris, who is the Head Teacher at Dessie Scott School in the Wolfe County School District, and is retiring this year. Congratulations to all our amazing winners!
Building Strong Foundations for New Teachers and Administrators KECSAC New Educators Training
On August 30, 2024, the Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children (KECSAC) welcomed teachers and administrators new to its programs for the annual New Educators Training at the Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY. The training offered essential guidance for educators stepping into their roles for the 2024-2025 school year, helping them navigate the specialized landscape of teaching state agency children.
This year’s training agenda was packed with informative sessions aimed at giving educators a strong foundation in working within KECSAC programs. Key topics included:
1. Introduction to KECSAC
This session provided an overview of KECSAC’s mission, which is to ensure that all state agency children in Kentucky have access to high-quality education. Educators learned about the diverse population of students they will be working with and the critical role education plays in helping these students transition successfully back into their communities.
2. KECSAC Program Improvement Process
A major highlight of the training was an in-depth explanation of the KECSAC Program Improvement Process. This session outlined the steps taken to ensure that all KECSAC programs maintain high standards of educational quality. This process, which emphasizes continuous improvement, allows for regular feedback and support to help educators refine their teaching practices.
3. Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
One of the most engaging parts of the day was a session on Universal Design for Learning (UDL), led by Jennifer Pusateri, a UDL expert from the University of Kentucky. UDL is an educational framework that seeks to optimize teaching to accommodate the diverse learning needs of all students, including those with disabilities or learning challenges. Pusateri guided educators through the core principles of UDL, emphasizing how its flexible, student-centered approach is particularly well-suited for state agency children.
The 2024 KECSAC New Educators Training served as a vital starting point for teachers and administrators entering the world of state agency education. These new educators are now prepared to provide meaningful, high-quality instruction to some of Kentucky’s most vulnerable students. As they return to their respective programs, they carry with them the knowledge, strategies, and support needed to make a lasting impact on their students’ lives.
New educators to KECSAC programs listened to Executive Director Ronnie Nolan give an overview of KECSAC and the children we serve.
DJJ Representative Ellen Hoffman spoke to the group about how KECSAC and DJJ work together to educate students.
Participants were trained on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) that seeks accomodations for the diverse learning needs of all students.
Administrators Attend Local Study Tour of KECSAC Programs
On October 29, KECSAC leadership took a small but intentional cohort of KECSAC school administrators on a study tour of Central and Eastern Kentucky programs. The group visited four state agency programs to learn about commonalities and differences among various educational settings. The first program visit was to The Future Forward Education and Career Center. Future Forward is is the education program provided by Franklin County Schools at the Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center. They serve up to 60 students. Staff at Future Forward shared all of the innovative programming and outcome data of that work with the attendees. A tour of the campus enlightened visitors about ways to make a school inside of a correctional facility work and feel like a traditional and supportive school environment. Next, the group traveled to Pine Ridge, KY to meet with students and staff at Dessie Scott School. Dessie Scott School provides educational services to children and youth in the care or custody of the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. They serve up to 48 students in a residential group home setting. One hundred percent of the students have an identified educational disability and most are working towards developing independent living skills. The students at Dessie Scott were really engaged with the group and described how the innovations and caring staff made them glad to attend school. The participants met that afternoon to discuss and document takeaways and observations from the day. They enjoyed dinner together and lodged at Natural Bridge State Park.
Day two of the study tour involved traveling to Morgan County to visit Woodsbend Youth Development Center. Woodsbend YDC serves up to 40 students in a residential DJJ program. Leadership at Woodsbend showcased the impressive vocational programming available to students. Young men at Woodsbend have the opportunity to learn carpentry and electrical wiring and were proud show off the incredible projects they have produced along with the valuable job skills they have gained. Finally, the group was able to tour Morehead Youth Development Center in Rowan County. Morehead Youth Development Center , 495 Forest Hills Drive, Morehead, KY Morehead YDC is a DJJ operated program designed to provide treatment and educational services to girls in the care or custody of the Commonwealth. The program serves up to 40 students and provides both traditional educational services as well as vocational training in culinary arts and graphic design. School administration explained the structure of the school day, and described the administrative logistics involved in combining multiple groups of students who are differently involved with the Juvenile Justice System.
KECSAC would like to thank the leadership of each program for hosting an insightful and educational tour of a sampling of the excellent programs in their area of the Commonwealth. Stay tuned for a future study tour near you in the future!
Administrators were able to test out some of the adaptive PE equipment the students use at Dessie Scott School.
(Above) Study Tour participants got to see the positive incentive room at Dessie Scott School and (below) stopped for a group photo during lunch on the first day of the study tour.
Program Highlight
Before former Principal of State Agency Children’s Programs in Jefferson County, Heather Moss, took on a new role in the district, we talked to her about the Sanctuary Model and how all the JCPS State Agency Programs are working towards becoming certified Sanctuary Model Schools.
Jefferson County Public Schools is home to eleven State Agency Children’s programs and each of them serve youth who may be experiencing some form of trauma or stress. That’s why it is imperative for not only service providers, but educators of these children to be aware of that trauma and be able to provide care and education that helps them feel safe and supported in their environment. In order to do that, JCPS State Agency Schools have committed to implementing the Sanctuary Model of trauma-informed care into all their programs.
The Sanctuary Model is a framework for creating trauma-informed and trauma-resilient communities, particularly in school settings. It empowers educators and students to recognize and address the impact of trauma on learning and behavior.
“I first heard about this framework because our program ‘Home of the Innocents’ is a Sanctuary Model program and I thought only residential programs could participate,” Heather Moss, former Principal of JCPS State Agency Children’s Programs said. “Then I attended the KECSAC study tour of alternative programs in Colorado when
I saw Sanctuary Model in action in other school settings.”
After researching more about the organization and the framework, she got in touch with the Sanctuary Institute to start training their staff earlier this year. They began with a five-day training with about 25 of their KECSAC educators held by the Sanctuary Institute trainers. Then about 13 educators were involved in a “Train the Trainer” program so those participants could further train others on the model.
The process of becoming a Sanctuary Model takes three years beginning with a first year of intensive training, needs assessment, and consultation, a second year of implementation with supportive consultation, and the third year of independent practice and certification.
The Sanctuary Model is also comprised of three primary components:
1. Theoretical philosophies which form the underpinnings of the model: This is the knowledge and understanding of how trauma, adversity, and chronic stress affect the mind, body, and spirit in both students and in an organization. This also
Sanctuary Model Adopted
by all State Agency Children’s Programs in Jefferson County
includes the Seven Commitments, which are a set of values that Sanctuary outlines as a way to lead individuals and organizations away from traumareactive behaviors.
2. The trauma-informed shared language represented by the acronym (S.E.L.F) Safety, Emotion management, Loss and Future: These four components are the organizing framework for treatment planning, community conversations and collaborative decision-making, and allow providers to focus on the most important aspects of helping people heal from trauma in a simple and accessible way.
3. A set of practical tools, known as the Sanctuary Tool Kit: A set of practical and simple interventions that reinforce the language and philosophical underpinnings of the Sanctuary Model. These tools, community meetings, safety plans, SELF treatment planning conferencing, team meetings, self-care planning, SELF psychoeducation are the daily practices for both staff and clients that support an organization’s creation of a trauma-informed culture.
An important component of the Sanctuary Model is holding community meetings regularly where participants ask questions of each other about their wellbeing, what each of them can do help meet goals, and other supportive conversations.
“The whole point is to build community with cohorts,” Moss said. “Both the educators and students have these meetings because the point is to not only reduce trauma-related behaviors in students, but to increase staff self-care and compassion. The Sanctuary Model gives us a shared language and model for communication during
these meetings and throughout interactions.”
The Sanctuary Model is not just a stand-alone framework. According to Moss, incorporating it into the everyday practices of their programs is beneficial all around. “I view this model kind of how we all have a common curriculum now, and I view this is the behavioral piece,” Moss explained. “PBIS is great but does not incorporate all the aspects of Sanctuary Model which will lead to better student outcomes and more support for students.”
Another beneficial aspect of the model is that each separate state agency program can customize their toolkit to what works best in each different setting. “We add PBIS, and restorative practices, among other things, because those are our own common practices and rituals, understanding, and values,” Moss said. With this flexibility each program is able to create daily practices and interventions that work best for their specific population of students and staff.
Though Ms. Moss has taken a new role in the district since the beginning of their training, the current Principal of State Agency Children’s Programs in Jefferson County, Denille Johnson, is also a proponent of Sanctuary Model. Having received the training she is aware of the benefits and restorative practices the model provides.
“We want to create a culture that is not just trauma informed but is also trauma-responsive, trauma-resilient, and supportive of everyone,” Johnson said. “Through this model we are achieving those goals and are excited to continue our journey to become certified programs.”
Third Annual Student Poetry Contest Winners 2024!
“The Ocean” School: St. Joseph Children’s Home
a blue blanket stretching wide, whispers of waves curl gently, lifting shells like stories,
Children’s laughter dances, footprints washed away, each splash a moment, a heartbeat of joy.
Sunset spills gold, sky meets water, horizons blend, where dreams float, and the sun sinks deep.
In the quiet, crickets and waves sing the night, a lullaby of secrets, forever calling, inviting us home.
“In the Silence I Still Trust”
Glen Dale Center
In the quiet of my heart, where shadows grow long, I search for a place I truly belong. No family, no home, just the echoes of pain yet I reach for your hand again and again.
Through the storm of tears, I whisper your name, though I feel forgotten, I know you remain. When the world turns its back and I stand alone, I trust that your love will guide me home.
In fostered walls, I’ve wandered unseen, a child without roots, in a world so mean. But even in the place of sorrow and strife, I believe you’re weaving the threads of my life.
Though loneliness wraps me in its cold embrace, I feel your warmth a soft, steady grace. Through every tear, every broken plea. I know you are here watching over me.
I may have no family, no familiar face. But I trust your timing- your infinite grace. For in the emptiness, in the darkest of night, you are my comfort, my guiding light.
So I place my faith though I cannot see. And I trust that your plan is perfect for me. Though the road is long, and the journey hard, I know you will never let down your guard.
For in You, I find a home, a place to be whole, you are the father, the keeper of my soul. Through struggles and pain, I’ll lean on your love for my heart belongs to you in heaven above.
“Watercolors”
School: St. Joseph Children’s Home
Watercolors paint for me everything I want and need in the paint, my pains set free
First, I’ll paint two new lungs so I can finally breathe, Free from interruptions From my anxiety
Next, i’ll paint a brand new heart Replacing mine that’s torn apart, Just like shattered glass These broken pieces will not go back
Then i’ll paint a different brain To rid the thoughts That caused me pain
After, i’ll make a pair of brand new eyes so i can see The truth from lies
I’ll also paint some new nerves That don’t feel pain And can’t be hurt
Then i’ll paint some different arms To replace mine, With faded scars
I’ll paint a tree with big strong arms Protecting me, Safe from harm
I’d paint a family With so many colors Id make a father a mother a sister and brother With them I’d be safe
I’ll paint some wings so I would be free Up safe in the sky, A place I could be me
When I paint this whole new scene
I’ll see the things that will never be
KECSAC held its Third Annual Student Poetry Competition this fall, accepting entries from September 13-30. We received so many talented and moving works and were impressed by the skill and creativity of KECSAC students across the state! The winners of each grade category and their poems are featured here and on the next two pages. They received both certificates and gift cards for their amazing efforts!
“Cry
Cry Cry” Heartland
That’s all I ever do
There’s nothing left of me
Cry
All I do is bleed
Cry
I want to go and hide
Cry
She’s always on her high
Cry
I wish that I could fly
Cry
But all I can do is try
Cry
He said that it was fine
Cry
I feel so ashamed
Cry
I told you I was fine
Cry
I say my goodbyes
Cry
I don’t want to feel this way
Cry
I said that I’m okay
Cry
All I do is cry, So now I say my goodbye
“OW”
School: Purchase Youth
How lovely it feels
Like the cut of a knife
No one can know this big secret of mine It’s not a big deal I will say that I am fine
Am I really? No way not today oh no what have I done?
I wish it were dead I need a new song
Why do I have to live in this space? Does the world want me gone? my oh my I absolutely hate myself ow but even at the end of my rope I’m still here I haven’t given up hope I don’t want this any longer so today I want to be stronger I will listen I will learn I will love I will live now
Wow
KECSAC’s Third Annual Student Poetry Contest Winners 2024!
“It’s Just Me”
School: Heartland
I’m such a monstrosity
All because of my curiosity
I’m so broken
Feels like I’ve sunken
I know I’m not the best writer
But I try to be a fighter
To be alive
I try to thrive
I’m not the best
I’m kinda a pest
But that’s just me
While my parents have trouble paying the fee
I haven’t seen my mother in six years
That definitely gives me tears
All she does is fight
Even at first sight
It always made me fear
Now she isn’t near
Now she’s taken away
Now I’m out of her way
But now I’m just another
Child other than my brother
Who I had to leave behind
Who I will someday find
But first I have to better myself
“Jets and Planes”
School: Purchase Youth
In the market something bright. In my spot I spy a diamond.
On a chain I will fly you like a jet plane. sky high fly high have fun going in the bright sky. stay cool have fun going by
Mercer County Day Treatment Students Learn Virtual Welding Program News
Students interacted with virtual welding equipment to learn the ins and outs of the trade and how to work with various equipment.
Recently at Mercer County Day Treatment, students were diving into the exciting world of welding through an innovative Virtual Welding program. Guided by instructor Gordon Judd of the Department of Juvenile Justice, the mobile program visits different DJJ facilities teaching students this technical trade. This hands-on experience not only equips them with valuable vocational skills but also ignites their curiosity and creativity as they navigate the intricacies of this essential trade. Students are not just learning to weld; they are building confidence, fostering teamwork, and discovering the satisfaction of creating their virtual handiwork.
Adaptive Seating Keeps Students Focused
At the beginning of the year KECSAC accepted proposals from our programs to apply for available funds to be used for targeted projects and supplies that would enhance the education of state agency children. Boyle County Day Treatment used their funds to purchase new adaptive furniture for their students to provide a positive learning environment that is safe, comfortable, and productive. The students gave their input before the grant application was written and most of them wanted crisscross chairs, which allows them to put their legs in the chair and turn side to side when they get fidgety. Some adjustable height desks and drafting chairs were also purchased. The program reports that students are enjoying the new chairs and desks and behavior is also improving. Students say they are more comfortable because of the flexibility they now have since they aren’t confined to something that doesn’t allow for movement.
Boyle County Day Treatent invested in adaptive seating and desks for students and behavior is improving as a result.
Student’s Experience “Real Life” at FFECC’s Reality Fair!
On October 7-8, The Future Forward Education & Career Center located at the Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center held an amazing life skills event with 45 students and 8 dedicated volunteers participating in a Reality Fair! The event was modeled after the “Money Smart - Guide to Organizing Reality Fairs” program created by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. KECSAC even got in on the fun by volunteering as one of the vendors.
Students had a blast engaging in a realistic simulation of monthly financial decisions that adults face every day. Each student was randomly given a career after spinning a career wheel, and they had to think critically about their income, expenses, and how to balance it all. This gave them a true taste of real-life budgeting and financial decision-making. From choosing the right cell phone plan to deciding what kind of car they could afford, or even balancing housing and entertainment costs, they got hands-on experience managing a budget. A crowd favorite was “The Unexpected Event,” where students drew cards to see if they got a bonus, an inheritance, or had to deal with an unexpected expense like a repair. It was a fun and eye-opening way to for students to see how their education applies in a real world setting!
Laurel County Day Treatment Gets New Facility
This September Laurel County Day Treatment celebrated the completion and opening of the second phase of construction at their new facility. This phase included new administrative offices, several counseling offices, a cafeteria and kitchen that can accommodate all students at once, and a large state of the art media center, among other features. These new areas join the first phase of construction which included four large classrooms, a resource room, new student restrooms, and a shower room for students who may need it. The staff at the program are excited for the innovative opportunities this new space provides and the enhanced learning environment it creates. The future plans for continued improvement at the facility include updating the gymnasium among other updates.
Students got a chance to experience financial situations in a “real world” setting at their reality fair.
Program News
Warren County Day Treatment Offers Exciting Curriculum
(Above and Right): Students were hands on with science learning about pH and how candy corn dissolved in various solutions of difference pH values.
This fall semester, Warren County Day Treatment (WCDT) has provided an engaging and dynamic curriculum because they thrive on providing new opportunities for their students. They continued offering their Strings music program that started during the summer of 2023 under the collaborative instruction of Ms. Taylor Hall who is a Warren County Public Schools employee that also teaches these instruments at six local Warren County schools. This semester the students participate in the strings program each Friday afternoon for one hour and have the opportunity to learn to play the violin, viola, cello, or bass. These lessons allow students to develop their musical skills and confidence while captivating their interests and fostering creativity. So far this semester 19 students have participated in the program and 32 students participated during the 23-24 school year. And since WCDT offered this opportunity, one student has gone on to enrol in the strings program at their home high school, one student enrolled at their local middle school, and one student started private lessons.
Additionally, science classes recently offered hands-on learning experiences, with students exploring the concept of a pH scale by testing and identifying potential hydrogen (pH) values. Mrs. Shannon Hall, who teaches science and math classes at WCDT planned science experiments for the 9th through 11th grade students in Earth Science, Chemistry, and Biology classes. Called “Candy Corn Chemistry Data” the experiment had students formulate a hypothesis then observe and document the dissolution rate of candy corn in several solutions according to the different pH levels. They were also able to understand the endothermic reaction of baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) with an acid base of vinegar. These interactive lessons combined practical application with academic learning, providing students with memorable experiences that enriched their education.
Strings musical teacher Ms. Hall taught students each Friday for one hour this semester to give students the chance to learn various string instruments and enrich their learning experience.
Fall Field Trip Provides Student Enrichment
This fall, students at Sunrise Academy had the exciting opportunity to visit Daynabrook Farms Pumpkin Patch in Harrodsburg, KY on a field trip designed to enrich their learning experience. The trip offered students a chance to explore the vibrant, seasonal landscape while engaging in fun activities like pumpkin picking, various rides, a corn maze, and a petting zoo. The visit not only fostered a deeper connection to the outdoors but also strengthened teamwork and curiosity, leaving students with cherished memories and valuable knowledge.
DJJ Craft Fair Supports Student Activity Funds
The annual Department of Juvenile Justice (DJJ) Craft Fair was held on November 21, 2024 at the Capitol City Christian Church in Frankfort. All together there were 9 different DJJ facilities participating and offering student-made crafts to sell. The programs present were Christian Co. Day Treatment, Breathitt Co. Day Treatment, Morehead Youth Development Center, Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center, Woodsbend Youth Development Center, Northern KY Youth Development Center, Fayette Regional Juvenile Detention Center, Adair Youth Development Center, and Frankfort Group Home. The craft fair is an opportunity for DJJ facilities to highlight their vocational programs and to showcase their students’ creativity. Everything from woodworking decor, crafts, handmade Christmas decorations, and baked goods were available to purchase and showcased the talent and wide array skills of the students. The sale was open to the public and the proceeds go towards each facility’s activity fund which is used for special events and occasions for the youth.
Student craft talent was on display at the Annual DJJ Craft Fair held in the gymnasium of Capitol Christian Church in Frankfort.
Kentucky Educational Collaborative for State Agency Children
260 Democrat Drive Frankfort, KY 40601 (502) 783-1443
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