Vol 3, No 14 • Friday, May 11, 2007

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Message from Stu

Rounding out the school year

Wow, we can all breathe a sigh of relief now that testing is over! I am very proud of the progress we have made so far this school year. I am so excited because I know how hard our teachers and kids have worked. I am very optimistic about our results because our students came out saying that the test was easy! When schools set goals for higher achievement, the results of the assessments let us know whether or not we achieved those goals and what adjustments must be made for the future. Our kids must learn the core content material so they can compete not just in today’s global society, but in a world that we have not even imagined yet. Thanks to all who have committed themselves to ensuring our kids’ success!

There are only a few weeks left in our school year and there is a tendency to relax after testing is over. We must keep our students engaged in meaningful work. When kids are interested and excited about their classroom activities, we find that learning takes place at the highest levels. It is critical that we keep our students focused through the end of the school year.

This is a very exciting week for our district because we are breaking ground on three new elementary schools. On Tuesday, we had ceremonies for Liberty Elementary (which will replace Julia R. Ewan Elementary) and Sandersville Elementary (which will replace Linlee Elementary). Research has proved the links between the learning environment and student success … our school district is committed to not just world class lessons, but world class facilities as well for our kids and teachers. This Saturday we will break ground on William Wells Brown Elementary School, which will replace both Johnson Elementary and the now-closed Russell Elementary in downtown Lexington. William Wells Brown is a joint venture with the city and will be a true community school, offering educational and recreational activities after school and on weekends.

As you know, we also presented a recommendation to the school board to adjust start times at every school in the district. Most of the changes are very minor and we have heard very few concerns. Our current start time arrangement is no longer workable for our school bus transportation given our school bus driver shortage, demands for more personalized service and increased traffic congestion and neighborhood growth. The plan that was developed will allow us to provide better service for students, with shorter bus routes, fewer early morning pickups and more on-time service. Thanks to all of our teachers and staff for helping us to make this work. We will make some adjustments to the proposal in response to feedback we’ve received, but for the most part, everyone is positive and committed to making the new system work for our kids and families.

This week is also teacher appreciation week. I hope all of our teachers have had a chance to read the proclamation the board approved Monday and all of the comments from our school board members. Those of you in the classroom every day have the most profound influence on our students and we are so blessed to have committed and talented individuals like you working for our kids.

We have a wonderful team of adults working for kids in this school district … with all of us working together there is no limit to how high our students will soar!

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Videoconferencing has come of age!

The following article was submitted by District Technology Resource Teacher Jeff Jones.

Several forces have converged, to provide for big changes in how we connect to each other and others in Fayette County. Expanded network power through the Kentucky Educational Network, new and existing district hardware, and organizational and technical work by our state Department of Education, provide a means by which we can easily and quickly make “real time” connections between students, teachers, content providers, and community members, from any classroom in the district. The technology allows participants to talk and see each other in television-quality picture and high-quality sound, connecting across the district, our state, even across political and continental boundaries! This capability will eventually be statewide, but isn’t yet. However, Fayette County is connected and involved right now. Behind the scenes, the systems which support these experiences are completely automated – connections are as simple as dialing a number, and can involve one-to-one, one-to-many, and many-to-many connections.

Why should anyone care? In these days of budget and safety concerns over student travel, these capabilities can provide students with experiences they might not have otherwise. Here are a few examples:

THE EXCHANGE. This project of the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia connects tenth through twelfth grade students in conversations about what it means to be a citizen in schools. The next event will focus on school violence.

Gender Stereotypes in the Media. This event will use an art-based spin to examine how gender is portrayed in mass media. It’s a project of MYX: Multicultural Youth eXchange for sixth- through eighth-graders.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand. This ongoing event associated with a well-known child cancer victim ties schools of all grade levels together in raising money for pediatric cancer research. Squires Elementary had their final videoconference event for this project on Thursday, April 26.

These are examples of stand-alone events, and the first two are scheduled for the upcoming month. When they happen, the experience is interactive, student-driven learning, where questions can be asked and presenters directed by those questions, live through the videoconference. Such events are often free for anyone who can connect, though registration is required since “seats” are limited.

A wide range of content providers also provide for-fee services such as virtual field trips, master classes or topical presentations. Many museums, orchestras, science centers, government agencies and private providers offer such experiences on a contractual basis. Since Fayette County has the ability to host and connect multiple sites, such events could be experienced by many students across the district at the same time, in the comfort of their own classroom or media center. Examples include musical presentations by the Cleveland Institute of Music, or San Francisco’s Exploratorium interactive science museum.

The examples do not stop there … since interactive connections are as simple as dialing a number, student-to-student collaborations across boundaries are also possible and easy. The videoconference environment allows for “people + content” display, so students can discuss in real time any project they wish to work on together. Fayette County is currently developing such a collaborative event based on their Kentucky Regions Project, a student-student core content-embedded project connecting schools across the state. A recent district event connected French students from Tates Creek High to English students in France, during which both practiced their language studies with native speakers!

Communicating across cultural boundaries are experiences many Kentucky kids may never have any other way. Through this technology, students can discuss the space program with each other, or connect directly to NASA’s Digital Learning Network for interactive events with astronauts in space!

Connecting Fayette County students to each other, other students, experts, leaders, for interactive experiences … videoconferencing in Fayette County has come of age!

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Tates Creek High School to begin world class curriculum

A five year quest to bring an internationally-known instructional program to Tates Creek High School succeeded recently, when the school was officially named an International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme site. The program will be fully implemented next fall for the 2007-2008 school year.

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (known as “IB” for short) is considered by many to be among the most rigorous and relevant college preparatory curriculums a student can pursue. Students who complete an IB Diploma not only have a strong academic foundation, but also develop a solid work ethic, advanced problem solving skills, the ability to work in teams and a global perspective.

“This program is exciting for kids because it truly prepares them for life beyond high school,” said IB coordinator Teri Harper. “It gives them the tools to be successful in whatever endeavor they pursue.”

IB was created in 1968 in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a demanding pre-university course of study culminating with international exams. The programme was born of efforts to establish a common curriculum and university entry credential for students moving from one country to another. International educators were motivated by practical considerations but also by an idealistic vision. They believed that students should share an academic experience that would emphasize critical thinking, intercultural understanding, and exposure to a variety of points of view.

Tates Creek has developed a pre-IB programme called “ACE” for freshmen and sophomores that will help prepare students to enter the traditional IB programme in their junior and senior years. Organizers believe that the advent of IB at Tates Creek will help all students, not just those actually enrolled in IB courses.

So far, nearly half of the Tates Creek faculty has received training in IB instructional methods, which place a strong emphasis on higher order thinking skills and the actual application of subjects learned. Teachers in the IB programme will teach IB students as well as non-IB students at Tates Creek.

“This will raise the academic bar, raise the rigor and raise the relevance for all students,” said Harper. “All students will be introduced to the instructional strategies of the IB programme … the critical thinking skills, higher order thinking skills and the ability to work with other individuals will help prepare them for the 21st century global society.”

Students from across Fayette County are eligible to enroll in the IB programme, but space is limited. Applications would be made through the out-of-area office.

Find more information on the program at www.tatescreek.fcps.net/ib/Index.html or by calling Harper at 381-3623.

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Partnership helps prepare future teachers

A three year partnership between Linlee Elementary School and Georgetown College is putting a new spin on the traditional student teaching experience.

“We hope our students feel connected to a school,” said Rebecca Powell, the Dean of Education at Georgetown College. “This will be a more intense and systematic approach.”

The partnership is threefold and includes parental involvement, professional development and hands-on training. Co-eds will assist with everything from instructional sessions for parents to science fairs and after school tutoring. In return, Linlee teachers will, among other things, help the college with the planning and design of instruction and work in classrooms – critical pieces needed to help prepare future educators.

“The benefit runs both ways,” said Elementary Schools Director Lisa Stone. “Not only will Georgetown students be able to gain experience in a school that is progressive and believes all students can reach proficiency and has structures in place to make that happen, but Linlee will benefit from all the resources Georgetown has to offer.”

"We feel like teaching is a calling and the best way to learn if this is the right career for you is to learn from people who are in the profession,” said Linlee principal Sandy Mefford.

Linlee’s students will gain something as well.

“Our students will have more one-on-one opportunities in the classroom,” said Mefford. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”

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Influential teachers honored by students

In a ceremony filled with laughter and tears, graduating FCPS seniors honored the teachers, counselors and mentors who have touched their lives and helped shape their futures.

The program, known as the FAME Awards, celebrates high achieving seniors and the educators who helped them get to where they are today. Students write essays about the influence their teacher has had on them and those with the best essays are invited to a special reception honoring both the students and teachers. The event has been sponsored by National City Bank since its inception. A new partner, eCampus.com, now also offers $100 book scholarships to the top entries from each high school.

Book scholarship winners were: Ashley Lee from Bryan Station High School; Jeremy Brown from Henry Clay High School; Mary Kate Fields from Lafayette High School; Yuan Wen from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School; Sarah Fine from Tates Creek High School.

View a complete listing of the seniors who were honored and the teachers they chose to spotlight.

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Governor’s School for the Arts winners

The following 38 FCPS high school students have been selected as 2007 Governor’s School for the Arts participants and will spend three weeks this summer honing their artistic skills. Congratulations to the following students,

Henry Clay High School
Vincent Purcell – Visual Art, New Media
Michelle Rodriguez – Musical Theatre
April Dodd –– Creative Writing
Taylor Steele – Architecture

Lafayette High School
Thomas Coovert – Instrumental Music, Viola
Kelly Hieronymus – Drama
Michael Hustedde – Instrumental Music, Violin
Ashleigh Ricci – Drama
Bonnie Stuck – Musical Theatre
James Waterbury-Tieman – Drama
Adam Wolffbrandt – Instrumental Music, Viola
Chungyen Chang – Creative Writing
Christopher Stahl – Drama
Alyssa Sutphen – Vocal Music
Patrick Toll – Vocal Music
Lidia Aguilar – Creative Writing
Abi Grise – Creative Writing
Rachel McCord – Dance, Ballet

SCAPA Lafayette
Katherine Berger – Musical Theatre
Erin Brown – Vocal Music
Emily Lee – Dance, Modern
Helen McDuffie – Dance, Modern

Paul Laurence Dunbar High School
Eric Coriell – Instrumental Music, French Horn
Kendall Goffinet – Instrumental Music, Saxophone
Kyle Johnson – Instrumental Music, Piano
Andrew Luy – Architecture
Michael Shen – Instrumental Music, Piano
Vinay Shroff – Instrumental Music, Percussion
Barry Willmott – Instrumental Music, Guitar
Connie Wu – Instrumental Music, Piano
Alexander Culler – Architecture
Marjorie Stump – Vocal Music
Gauri Iyengar – Creative Writing

Tates Creek High School
Phil Duff – Instrumental Music, Saxophone
Michael Royer – Architecture
Brian Thomas – Drama
Jaria Gordon – Creative Writing
Greg Smith – Creative Writing

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Setting the Record Straight

Eastside Technical Center students Brandon Goins and Daniel Moore were inadvertently left off the list of SkillsUSA State Level winners in the last edition of Stu’s News. The pair won a gold medal in the 3-D Visualization and Animation category at the state competition and will compete at the national level.

An article in the last edition of Stu’s News misidentified Rosa Parks Elementary as the only school in the district to have participated in a program known as Destination Imagination. While Rosa Parks is the only school currently competing in the program, Russell Cave Elementary School was the first FCPS school to take part in the competition. Russell Cave won first place in the Destination Imagination state tournament in 2003. We apologize for the oversight.

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Student will study abroad for a year

Tates Creek High School sophomore Courtney Hatch has been awarded a Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange Scholarship and will spend her junior year in Germany. Courtney is one of only 50 students chosen for the prestigious honor from the southeast United States.

Her adventure begins in July, when she will travel to Washington, D.C. for a two-day program orientation followed by a month-long cultural and language immersion program in Germany. During the program year, Courtney will live with a carefully selected host family, which will allow her to gain a greater understanding of the country.

“When I was in sixth grade we learned a lot about German history and culture and ever since then I’ve wanted to live in Germany,” she said. “It’s always been a dream of mine. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity.”

Started in 1983, the Congress Bundestag Youth Exchange program has enabled more than 17,000 ambitious young people the opportunity to expand their global perspectives and gain real-world views. Sponsored by the United States Department of State and funded by the United States Congress and the German Bundestag, the program has helped build stronger partnerships between future generations of the two countries.

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Attention Parents!

Parents who want to help their child succeed by learning more about Kentucky’s educational system can register for the Commonwealth Institute for Parent Leadership’s fall class. The six-day, all expense paid sessions will prepare participants to partner with their child’s school and work alongside educators to ensure high expectations and strong instructional programs for all students. Class size is limited to the first 30 registration forms received. Attendance at all sessions is required. The deadline to register is June 1. For more information and for a registration form visit www.cipl.org or call Lou Ann Cavenee-Ramos at 859-233-9849 ext. 231.

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Students pick up the tab

Fayette County students are doing their part to support the Ronald McDonald House for families of critically ill children by collecting pop-tabs found on soda and food cans. Money from recycled tabs goes directly to the family emergency fund that is used to purchase necessity items for families who come to the House unexpectedly.

Southern Elementary School has collected more than 150,000 pop-tabs – the most of any school in the district. “It’s a long standing tradition at our school for the kids to collect pop-tabs as a way to give back to the community,” said Christie Fehr, a science teacher at the school.

“The great thing about the pop-tab program is that it not only helps the Ronald McDonald House, but it also teaches kids the importance of recycling and protecting the environment,” said Sarah Warner, Executive Director of the Ronald McDonald House of Lexington.

The goal locally is to collect one billion tabs. Your school can get involved by participating in the “Help Pick Up the Tab” campaign. If your school is interested in starting a pop-tab program, call Linda Lightfoot at 859-268-0757.

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Techies take top honors

Congratulations to students from Southern Middle School who recently competed at the state Technology Student Association conference.

The Technology Student Association is an organization comprised of middle school and high school students with a passion for learning about technology. Members of the association compete in a wide variety of events ranging from public speaking to Web design. The Southern Middle School team is coached by Staci Davis.

View a list of Southern Middle School state TSA winners.

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Find out more about National Board Certification

Teachers interested in earning National Board Certification are invited to attend an informational meeting on Monday, May 14 from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the media center at Veterans Park Elementary School. The school is located at 4351 Clearwater Way.

Hear how National Board Certification can strengthen your teaching practices, advance your career and improve your students’ learning. Refreshments will be served and one and a half hours of professional development credit is available. If you plan to attend, please contact Mike Kennedy at 859-381-4244 or mike.kennedy@fayette.kyschools.us.

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Time to Celebrate

Thanks to the continued generosity of an anonymous donor, the FCPS Retirement Celebration Dinner will once again be held at the Keeneland Entertainment Center. This year’s dinner will be on Friday, May 25. In order to attend the event, employees must notify Human Resources of their intention to retire this year by Wednesday, May 16. Employees who decide to retire after that date will be invited to next year’s dinner. Call Dianna Marshall Shoop at 381-4118 for more information about retiring.

All retirees will receive dinner for themselves and a guest as a gift from our anonymous sponsor. Additional tickets may be purchased for $34 each. Friends and colleagues who wish to attend to support retirees may call the communications office at 381-4108 to purchase tickets. Also this year, friends, family and colleagues may purchase ads and send well wishes to retirees in the retirement program. Prices are $150 for a full page, $75 for a half page or $40 for a quarter page.

Thanks to all of our retirees for their years of service to the kids of Fayette County.

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Why we do what we do…

The following e-mail was sent to Lila Fleming, a teacher at Lansdowne Elementary School.

Dear Miss Elliott:

I know that most people know you as Mrs. Fleming, but you will always be Ms. Elliott to me. This morning, I was perusing the Lansdowne Elementary Web site and was just curious to see if I could recognize any of the faculty names. Suddenly, I saw the name Lila Fleming listed and the memories starting flooding in. As a professional educator, I truly understand the value of a great teacher and I felt compelled to write you and let you know the positive impact that you have had on my life. I wanted you to know that you were always one of my favorite teachers and I appreciate everything that you gave to me. I can still remember feeling special that I was in "Complex D" with Ms. Elliott for second grade and fourth grade. We were separated from the other classes in our grade so I think we were all a bit closer. I can still remember feeling special when I had the Pillsbury Dough Boy placed on my desk for being the "Student of the Week". I remember you reading stories about nature from our "Fins and Feathers" textbook. I remember making our "Field Day" T-shirts together as a class. I remember you sitting with us at lunch and laughing at our jokes. I remember you giving me a ride home one day in your Corvette Stingray. I thought you were the coolest teacher in the world and really looked up to you.

I just wanted you to know that you were one of the first teachers to nurture my interest in science and that interest continues to this day. I currently live in Orlando, FL and have worked at Sea World of Florida for 18 years. I am primarily responsible for preparing all of our adult education programs and work with about 35 universities a year. I coordinate the teacher workshop series and teach all of our semester-length courses. Specifically, I teach Marine Mammalogy, Polar Biology and Florida Ecology. I have posted a picture of my family below. Justin is 9 and Eli is 6 years old. I met Leany back in 1992 and we have been together ever since.

I have seen your picture as Mrs. Frizzle and see that you are running the school science lab. Please be assured that you are exactly where you are meant to be. Do not underestimate the positive impact that you have had on your students’ lives. I was one of the fortunate few to have the privilege of sitting in your classroom. See, it has been 30 years and your students really do remember you forever. Thank you for playing an instrumental part in making me the man that I am today. Take care.

With Much Respect and Admiration,

David N. Schindler
Complex D Graduate - Class of 1973 and 1975, Lansdowne Elementary

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Students shine on world languages test

Congratulations to the Henry Clay High School world language students who recently took the National French, Latin and German Exams. Stephen Fritz, Gracia Mayuyu, Erin Wrightson and Mike McNary won national honors for their French test scores. Jillian Krouse qualified to compete for a month-long trip to Germany following her high marks on the German test.

View a complete list of students placing on the national exams.

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