Stu's News: November 2, 2009

When the leaves change colors and the air turns cooler, it automatically puts me in a Thanksgiving state of mind. We have a lot to be thankful for in our school district. Our community has stepped forward to support us in unprecedented ways, through partnerships and investments in the future. Even during these tough economic times, our employees have not had to face layoffs like so many school districts across the country. We are truly blessed!

Every day in our schools, we see students who come to us with different needs. They face barriers in their homes that many of us cannot imagine. Having community partners like the United Way of the Bluegrass to help us meet those needs is critical to ensuring that every student can be successful not only in the classroom, but in life. Under the leadership of their new president Bill Farmer, the United Way has committed to channeling even more resources into education and our kids.

However, the success of the United Way depends on the generosity of the community. I hope this fall that you will join me in giving back to the community that has given the Fayette County Public Schools so much.

Every day in our classrooms across the district, our employees are accomplishing miracles. The students in our district are achieving things some would consider impossible. I know our people believe that we can transform our community and open doors for our kids. That’s why it is important to support the efforts of the United Way.

For our staff there are two ways to contribute. You can elect participation online through a link included in the bi-weekly payroll voucher notice, or found at the pay voucher Web link http://voucher.fcps.net. Or, if you’d like to support a specific agency or organization, or give a one-time donation, you may use a paper pledge form, which is available through your principal or supervisor.

Let’s all get behind the United Way of the Bluegrass!

Nine schools participating in KMEA choir

Students from nine of Fayette County’s elementary schools are singing in the Kentucky Music Educators Association’s district honors choir. Read more

Cassidy/Morton FRYSC earns statewide accolades

The Family Resource and Youth Services Center for Cassidy Elementary and Morton Middle schools has received a Harry J. Cowherd Award for Center Excellence. Read more

Keep It Real video
contest kicks off

The Keep It Real campaign to reduce underage drinking has launched its sixth annual video contest in which teens can win cash prizes and receive media exposure. Read more

Volunteers from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School helped harvest peppers, onions, greens and tomatoes at Berries on Bryan Station – gathering nearly 200 pounds of produce for a local soup kitchen. Pictured are Natalia Truszczynski (a 2008 graduate), senior James Richardson, sophomore Jessica Zanellato, Jerome Higginbotham (Dunbar Memorial Garden volunteer/coordinator), senior Chris Barnett and Miranda Hileman (a Dunbar garden volunteer). “They left the farm knowing that what they did was important and good. They did what they did because they love hard and unconditionally,” said Rebecca Woloch, whose late son Jesse Higginbotham was involved in the initial planning and concept of the Dunbar Memorial Garden

Rosa Parks Elementary students showed off their “say no to drugs” pride last week as part of national Red Ribbon Week. Read More

A University of Kentucky cheerleader gave high fives to kids at Meadowthorpe Elementary during a pep rally celebrating Red Ribbon Week. Read More

In honor of Veterans Day

A special edition of Stu’s News on Veterans Day will recognize Fayette County Public Schools employees and their loved ones who have served in the armed services. Read More

FCPS
Volleyball players and coaches
Bryan Station High
PTSA
Paul Laurence Dunbar
Marching band
SCAPA Bluegrass
Singers
Tates Creek High
Charlotte Eckmann

Initiative vs. idleness: - Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it.

This month, I will:

Think ahead.
Look for ways to help others.
Volunteer.
Make the whole team successful.
Lead by example.

(Source: “Achieving True Success: How to Build Character as a Family”)

Submit them
for a Fred

Mona Bond - Paul Laurence Dunbar

Sara Szwilski - Liberty

Anyone who spends time with students knows they’re bound to crack you up with something unexpected. Do you have a funny anecdote about one of our school kids? Submit your story for consideration in Stu's News.

Tates Creek Elementary Professional Staff Assistant Carrie Paul was leading a goal-setting activity, and all of the kids kept setting their goal as “proficient.” Nobody would say “distinguished.” Then a boy named Sean looked at her with arms crossed and said, “Well, Mrs. Paul, I’ll tell you what I’m doing. I’m barking up the ‘D’ tree. So put me down for ‘distinguished!’” It was awesome!

We’re always on the lookout for unusual school programs and interesting people to spotlight. Send your suggestions to Tammy Lane. Please include your full name, school and a daytime phone number.

Recent feature articles:

Nick Profitt has never formally studied physics, but he likes to play around with it. That’s how he came up with “Physify,” an iPhone application he created and pitched to Apple Inc. Read More

According to children at Millcreek Elementary, participating in the YMCA’s after-school program is the bright thing to do. “All these people are here to help us have fun and be safe at the same time,” said third-grader Sara Campbell. Read More

Trumpeter Jordan Leedy stands firm beside fellow band members at Bryan Station High School despite the ankle injury that has sidelined her in her senior year. Read More