Message from Stu
High school seniors named candidates for national honor
Students leave the competition “speech” less
Classroom Project Provides Tools for Other Students
FCPS athletes shine at national, state and regional competitions
Science Fair winners announced
Participate in the Relay for Life
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Message from Stu
High Achievements and High Expectations
On Saturday I had the opportunity to once again be blown away by the talent and ability of our students when I had the pleasure of attending the Kentucky American Water Science Fair at Bryan Station High School and the honor of helping present the awards.
I was impressed with the quality of the work our kids did on their projects. Their curiosity, analytical skills and problem solving will serve them in every academic subject they study. An interesting fact from a former U.S. Secretary of Education came across my desk recently – the top 10 jobs that will be in demand in 2010 didn’t exist in 2004. That means the work we are doing in our classrooms today has to prepare our students for careers that don’t exist, using technology that hasn’t been invented yet to solve problems we haven’t even identified.
Know an FCPS employee who has gone above and beyond to provide great customer service? Nominate them for a "Fred".
As I shared with the students on Saturday, it is so important for them to learn the scientific method, because as one parent and I were discussing, they will use it just about every day in their lives. We would also like to thank all the corporate sponsors and volunteer judges who make the science fair possible each year. The generous folks at Kentucky American Water and Lexmark help us provide an opportunity for our students that they otherwise would not have.
Our students and staff are working extremely hard to meet the rising expectation levels being set in our school district. To be successful, all students must learn at very high levels and we are monitoring that very closely. Although this requires a lot of additional hard work for students, teachers, staff and families, most people have embraced this effort and are helping us to move forward. As you visit our schools, please take a look at the work that is posted in our halls. The student work that is on display is a strong indicator of the quality of teaching and learning that is taking place.
We know that we cannot reach these expectations by ourselves and we need help from our community. Several of our businesses and faith based organizations have stepped up to help move our kids to their highest levels. If you know of others who would be interesting in make a difference in the lives of our kids, please let us know.
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High school seniors named candidates for national honor
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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.
ARTS CALENDAR: View our Arts Calendar that lists all current and future art events.
Congratulations to the following students for being chosen as candidates for the United States Presidential Scholars Program, established in 1964 to recognize and honor some of the nation’s most distinguished graduating seniors.
Candidates are initially identified because of their high SAT or ACT scores and then scholars will be chosen on the basis on academic and artistic success, leadership and their involvement in school and the community. Semi-finalists will be selected in April and Finalists will be announced in May. This year’s candidates are:
Henry Clay High School:
David Sarkisian
Rachel Simon
Garrett Spear
Elizabeth Thompson
Lafayette High School:
Kevin McReynolds
James Pendergrast
Paul Laurence Dunbar High School:
John Bridges
Rebecca Pasco
Kathryn Pollock
John Paul Stilz
Magdalena Wilson
Colin Zhou
Tates Creek High School:
Kimberly Ammons
Jonathan Martin
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Students leave the competition “speech” less
Several Fayette County students recently qualified to participate in the state Kentucky High School Speech League competition at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green in March.
Lafayette High School took top honors in the Senior Level and Paul Laurence Dunbar High School finished third. SCAPA Bluegrass won first in the Junior Level and Morton Middle School placed third.
“This championship was won through teamwork,” said Jim Combs, speech manager for Lafayette. “Team members set their goal and achieved it. The coaches are very proud of them.”
View a complete list of students who qualified for the state tournament.
TopAttention retirees!
Certified employees planning to retire at the close of the 2006-2007 school year need to contact the Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System and ask for a retirement application, which are normally not available until March.
For salary estimates and retirement applications contact:
Retirement Counselors
Kentucky Teachers’ Retirement System
479 Versailles Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 618-1687
ktrs.ky.gov
Once you receive your application, complete the employee portions and then contact the Department of Human Resources at 859-381-4118, to schedule an appointment to complete the employer portions of the application. You will need a copy of your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and social security card. Other options may require a copy of your beneficiary’s birth certificate. A letter of retirement to the superintendent is also required.
June 1 Retirees must have their application submitted by May 1, 2007.
July 1 Retirees must have their application submitted by June 1, 2007.
Classified employees planning on retiring at the close of the 2006-2007 school year must file a Retirement Application (Form 6000) with the County Employees’ Retirement System. Upon submission of the completed form, the individual will receive a calculation of salary estimates and other necessary retirement documents. A copy of your birth certificate, last two pay vouchers, and a letter of retirement to the superintendent are required. For a Retirement Application or to discuss benefits, contact the Department of Human Resources at 859-381-4118.
For additional information contact:
Retirement Counselors
County Employees’ Retirement System
Perimeter Park West
1260 Louisville Road
Frankfort, KY 40601
(800) 928-4646
www.kyret.com
Classroom Project Provides Tools for Other Students
Southside Technical Center carpentry students Laurie Stevens and MacKenzie Adams have constructed homes, storage buildings and dog houses as part of their school work. But their latest assignment will help build the skills of students across the Fayette County school district.
Southside Technical Center students MacKenzie Adams and Laurie Stevens cut wood that will be used to make special equipment for students receiving physical and occupational therapy.
Laurie and MacKenzie have spent the last couple months designing and building rocking boards, scooters, and tables to be used in occupational and physical therapy sessions for other students in the district. Southside principal James Hardin asked the girls to tackle the assignment.
“It’s really important for our students to understand the importance of giving back,” Hardin said.
Therapists throughout Fayette County Public Schools will be able to check out the equipment and take it with them as they work with students who have special needs. Each of the pieces of equipment is designed to help develop a student’s motor skills or muscle control and development.
“It’s not going to just sit there and not be used,” Laurie said. “Knowing it’s going to kids who need it is rewarding.”
The project has also been a challenge.
“These are the kinds of things that are hard to predict,” she said. “You have to think about the finish, the material and every thing else.”
Laurie and MacKenzie drew their own blueprints, carefully following guidelines set by the American Disabilities Act.
“We had to make sure they were safe enough for kids to use,” MacKenzie said.
Across town, Dixie Elementary School first-grader Ryan Bockrath is among the first to try out the new scooters. Balancing on his tummy, the seven-year-old lies on the scooter while pulling himself through an obstacle course. He’ll spend 30 minutes two times a week using the equipment to strengthen his upper body muscles.
Dixie Elementary student Ryan Bockrath uses a scooter built by the students at Southside Technical.
INSET: This scooter, made by students at Southside, will be used to help strengthen muscles of students with special needs.
The exercises are designed to help Ryan succeed in class later. The activity provides upper body stability, which helps him sit up straight and makes it easier for him to use a pencil or cut with scissors. The therapy also calms his muscles to allow him to concentrate during class.
“I would love for the Southside students to see their work being used in therapy,” said Mandy Howard, Ryan’s occupational therapist. “They’re doing something so selfless.”
The student-made scooters cost $15 each; a similar product would cost $40 from an outside vendor. But this project is about more than saving money.
“The bigger picture for us is the community service and giving back to people in need,” Hardin said.
TopWhere in the world is... ?
Learn how to create electronic maps by enrolling in an Introduction to Geographic Information Systems course offered through Bluegrass Community and Technical College. The 12-hour short course is open to all Fayette County educators, staff and high school juniors and seniors. Classes will be held during spring break on April 2 and April 4 from noon to 6 p.m. The enrollment fee is $100. For more information, call Ryan Kelly at 859-246-6328. To register, call Donna Heath-Johnson at 859-246-6678.
TopBook Club Worth a Look
Students and teachers are invited to check out the new and improved Fayette County Literary Book Club at https://edtech.fcps.net/umbrella/. The club provides a safe and motivating environment for students to publish reviews of books they’ve read as well as the opportunity to read and comment on reviews written by their peers. The site also offers templates and examples to assist struggling writers.
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
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.
Patsi Trollinger, author of “Perfect Timing: How Isaac Murphy Became One of the World’s Greatest Jockeys”, talked with students at Mary Todd Elementary School. She also spoke with parents during the school’s Family Literacy Night.
A real life saver
Calming nature a reflection of children’s behavior
Clearing the way!
Always available to pitch in
Raising the standard
Extra effort ensures child’s safety
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FCPS athletes shine at national, state and regional competitions
Cheerleading squads from Fayette County Public Schools captured first and second national honors this past weekend at the Universal Cheering Association National High School Cheerleading Championship in Orlando, Florida.
The Lady Bulldogs from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School continued their winning streak – capturing a fourth straight national title in the large varsity competition. It’s the school’s fifth national cheerleading championship.
And catapulting themselves back onto the national scene were the lady Blue Devils from Henry Clay High, who took second place in the large varsity competition.
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The Paul Laurence Dunbar girls’ swim team finished third at the state swimming competition. Lady Bulldog Kristen Wilson repeated her first place state win in the 50 freestyle and took home top honors in the 100 freestyle. Tates Creek High’s Christina Gailey won the 1-meter diving title. Tates Creek’s team finished 7th overall.
Dunbar’s boys’ swim team placed fourth overall.
View a list of students and teams who finished in the top three at the state swimming and diving meet.
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Paul Laurence Dunbar’s wrestling team won the regional title. The Bulldogs qualified 12 wrestlers who will compete at the state tournament next week. Team members Jon Voth, Tyler Voth, Andrew Collins and Sheridan Likoy won first in their divisions.
Lafayette High School placed third in the competition. Generals Shawn Johnson and Matt Green each won their weight class.
Tates Creek High finished sixth, Henry Clay finished eighth, and Bryan Station High placed tenth. Henry Clay’s Matt Zarth won the 119 title and was also named the tournament’s outstanding wrestler.
View a complete list of wrestlers who qualified for the state tournament.
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Here are some fun and educational events coming up in the weeks ahead:
- Learn how to keep your heart healthy on Thursday, February 22 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Carnegie Center for Literacy and Learning. The event is free and includes dinner, activities, educational crafts and more. The center is located at 251 West Second Street. For more information about youth and family programs at the Carnegie Center call 859-254-4175 or contact Charlene Mingus at cmingus@carnegieliteracy.org.
- In recognition of National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day and Black History Month, the Lexington-Fayette Health Department is sponsoring a free health fair and step show exhibition on Saturday, Feb. 24 from 1:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Tates Creek High School. Step teams from nine Fayette County schools will perform seven-minute routines beginning at 3 p.m. Free flu shots will be available. The event is free and open to the public.
- Families are invited to come and hear beloved children’s author and illustrator Kevin Henkes (of Lilly and the Purple Plastic Purse fame) speak on Sunday, March 5 at 5 p.m. in the University of Kentucky’s Memorial Hall. Henkes has won numerous awards, including a Caldecott Medal, which is awarded to the artist of the most distinguished American picture book for children. The lecture is free and open to the public. On Saturday, March 3, at 6 p.m. at the Lexington Public Library downtown branch, Henkes will sign autographs. For more information, call 859-257-5797.
- Parents of children with disabilities and the professionals who work with them can connect with each other at the Marriott Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington March 2 through March 4 at the 2007 Parent/Professional Conference. The conference is hosted by the Fayette and Jessamine County Parent Resource Centers. Pre-registration before February 16 is $35 for guardians and children and $50 for professionals. On-site registration will be $40 for parents and children and $55 for professionals. Scholarships for parents and children are available. To download a conference brochure visit www.fcps.net/sped/prc/. For more information, call the Fayette County Parent Resource Center at 859-381-4229 or email donna.gatewood@fayette.kyschools.us.
- The Showcase of Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be held on Friday, March 8 from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Kentucky Fair and Expo Center in Louisville. This year’s showcase features Kentucky State University. A step show will begin at 2:45 p.m. and end at 5 p.m. The Showcase is an educational program designed to raise awareness of historically black colleges and universities. Attendees will participate in workshops preparing them for college life, including the admissions process, financial aid and more. For more information call 502-552-7647.
- Lexington Children’s Theatre will present “Bridge to Terabithia,” based on the novel by Katherine Paterson. School performances will be March 5 through 8 and March 13 through 16 at 10 a.m. and 11:45 a.m. Public performances will be March 4 and 11 at 2 p.m. and March 10 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets will be $5.25 each for school groups, with every 10th one free; public tickets will be $12 for adults and $10 for children. Purchase tickets by calling 859-254-4546, ext. 247 or 1-800-928-4545 or buy them online at www.lctonstage.org.
- Families, care-givers, educators, students, therapists, and health care professionals are invited to attend the second annual Bluegrass Autism Symposium on Saturday, February 24 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Cardinal Hill Rehabilitation Hospital, located at 2050 Versailles Road. Registration is $60 by Feb. 23 and $70 at the door. To register, or for more information, visit the conference website at www.bgas.org. A limited number of teachers may be eligible for reimbursement of $50; for information, contact Special Education Director Kathy Dykes at kathy.dykes@fayette.kyschools.us.
Squires Elementary School fourth-grader Griffin Brixey explains his theory of a frozen football in flight during the judging portion of the Kentucky American Water Science Fair held recently at Bryan Station High.
Science Fair winners announced
Nearly 600 students participated in this year’s Science Fair, sponsored by Kentucky American Water and coordinated by the Fayette County Public Schools. One hundred students were recognized for outstanding achievement and five students received special recognition for projects relating to water. Lexmark International also recognized six students for demonstrating achievement in engineering by awarding them with a Lexmark printer and a $250 donation to their school to enhance the school’s engineering programs. In addition, Lexmark gave each first place winner in every category a Lexmark printer.
Projects were judged in several categories, including behavioral science, earth and space science, botany, zoology, medicine/health, engineering, environmental, microbiology, chemistry and physics. View a complete list of winners.
Winners advance to the Central Kentucky Regional Science and Engineering Fair on March 3 at the University of Kentucky.
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To Paul Laurence Dunbar High School Athletic Director Michael Barren for being recognized by the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association as a Certified Master Athletic Administrator. To earn this distinction, Barren had to demonstrate exemplary knowledge, contributions, and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration.
To “It’s About Kids” Support Services World Language Content Specialist Alicia Vinson. She worked with Kentucky Educational Television, the Kentucky Department of Education, and other partners to develop a series of fifteen minute interactive video lessons designed to help primary students learn Spanish through dance, drama, music, and the visual arts. The series, titled Arte y mas!, has been selected by Santillana USA to be included in their catalog among other innovative educational products offered to schools and educators nationwide.
To Paul Laurence Dunbar High Math, Science and Technology Center graduate Megan Culler and Henry Clay High graduate Kathryn Schweri for being named 2006 Beckman Scholars at the University of Kentucky. Both students were given $19,300 over three years to support their own scientific research projects under faculty mentorship. Culler is a junior majoring in agricultural biotechnology and minoring in French. Schweri is a senior majoring in agricultural biotechnology.
To Morton Middle School assistant principal Ronda Runyon, Tates Creek Middle School assistant principal Jennifer Kendall, and Henry Clay High School assistant principal Mike Jones for participating in a four-day workshop at the NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. The trio met with NASA educators, toured NASA facilities and learned techniques to bring the work being conducted at NASA into their classrooms.
To Morton Middle School paraeducator LaVon Van Williams, Jr. for being named a Kentucky Arts Council 2006 Governor’s Awards in Arts recipient. Williams, a sculptor, was honored with the Artist Award, which recognizes lifetime achievement in the arts. His artwork is on display at First Presbyterian Church, 171 Market Street from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on weekdays and 8 a.m. to noon on Sundays through Feb. 25.
To Cassidy Elementary School teacher Terri Potter for winning the Entomological Society of America’s President’s Prize in Outstanding Achievement in Primary Education. The award recognizes educators who have gone beyond the traditional teaching methods by using insects as educational tools to teach science.
Participate in the Relay for Life
This year, more than 23,000 Kentuckians will be diagnosed with cancer. You can help in the fight to find a cure by forming a team to participate in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life fund raising event.
Relay for Life is a non-competitive, overnight event that pays tribute to those who have lost the fight against cancer and honors those who have survived. Teams of 10 to 15 people take turns walking or running around a track. Team members can also camp out at the relay site. This year’s event will take place on May 18 and 19.
Money raised helps support patient service programs and American Cancer Society research, education and advocacy. To register a team or to find out more information contact Rick Fuller at 859-260-8286 or at Rick.Fuller@cancer.org.
TopProtect Your Home
Smoke detectors save lives! Did you know that representatives with the Lexington Fire Department can come to your home, tell you about any fire hazards they see and install smoke detectors if needed? They can also help you develop an exit plan to use if there is a fire.
If you do not have a smoke detector, or if you are not sure that your smoke detector works, please call the Lexington Fire Department Community Education Program (859) 231-5663. You can also request help at your family resource center, child care center or the Health Department. Both renters and home owners are eligible for assistance.
The Lexington Fire Department/Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Lexington Home Fire Inspection and Smoke Detector Installation Program is sponsored by the Lexington Fire Department, Injury Free Coalition for Kids of Lexington at Kentucky Children’s Hospital, and SAFE KIDS Kentucky, with funding from SAFE KIDS International/US Fire Administration.
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Call for entries
Lexington Family Magazine is holding its third Annual Writing Contest. This year’s theme is “Imagine If I Were an Animal.” Students in grades K-5 are encouraged to submit an essay of 100 words or less about what animal they wish they could be and what they would do if they got their wish.
Entries will be judged in two age groups: kindergarten through third grade, and fourth and fifth grade. One girl and one boy from each age group will be chosen as the grand prize winners. Teachers who enter their whole class in the contest will also receive a special gift.
Submit essays by mail to Lexington Family Magazine, 138 E. Reynolds Rd, Suite 201, Lexington, KY 405017 or by email to LexFamEvents@alltel.net by Friday, March 30. Please make sure each child includes his or her name, teacher’s name, school and grade on the entry. Winners will be announced at the Summer Camps & Activities Fair on at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 21, at Kentucky Indoor Soccer and Sports (off Reynolds Road behind Meijer). Winners will also be listed in the June issue of Lexington Family Magazine.
Questions? Call Laurie Evans at Lexington Family Magazine at 223-1765 or 489-5273.
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Students are also invited to enter the Kentucky Association of School Administrators’ “Extreme Inspiration, Passion & Commitment” essay contest by writing about an inspirational teacher, administrator or other adult role model in their school.
Contest winners will be invited to read their essay at the association’s conference in July. Winners will also receive a $100 gift certificate, trophy, and overnight accommodations at the Galt House Hotel and Suites. The subject of the essay will also receive overnight lodging and a gift certificate.
Entries must be submitted to your school principal or teacher and must be hand-written or typed. Only one entry per school will be accepted. Entries are due to KASA by April 16. For a complete explanation of rules and guidelines, visit www.kasa.org/StudentWritingContest.htm.
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Teamwork and Cold Days
Brrrr, it has been a very cold week! I learned about snow a few years ago and I have to tell you that I just don’t like it. My legs are short and my body gets all wet when I go out there to walk in it. 
One of the things I have been amazed about is that the snow just disappears on the main roads while it is still on my street and in my yard. So, I had to ask Dad about it. Well, you know Dad, he started talking to me about this thing called teamwork. Dad said that a team of men and women go out in their trucks to put salt down and scrape the snow off the main roads. Dad said that it takes really good teamwork to get that done and that our local crews do a great job so they must have outstanding teamwork!!! Teamwork is means working together toward a common goal. Hmmmm, I wish I could have some of the salt they use on the roads on a big juicy hamburger! Mmmmmmmmm
Bow wow…
I just remembered that today is Valentine’s Day … I hope Dad remembers how much I like hamburger.
Stu's News is an electronic publication of the
Fayette County Public Schools
701 East Main Street •
Lexington, KY 40502
Phone (859) 381-4000 •
Fax (859) 381-4106
Web site: http://www.fcps.net/
Stu's News is sent out approximately once every two weeks, along with occasional special issues. For feedback, comments, or to submit an item for possible inclusion, please visit our Talk to Stu page. For technical issues related to the newsletter or the email announcement list, please contact the Web Team.
