Q & A: Josh Powell, Superintendent of Union County Public Schools, " Great Expectations Get Results

Elementary Students Compete in Governor’s Cup Competition
Union County students participated in the District Elementary Governor’s Cup on Saturday, February 28^th, 2009.  Students from Sturgis, Uniontown, and Morganfield Elementary participated in the event at Sturgis.

Students from the three schools competed in the following academic areas: Math, Science, Social Studies, Language Arts, Composition, Arts and Humanities, and Quick Recall.

This is the third year the three schools have competed in Governor’s Cup and each year a different school has claimed victory. This year’s overall winner was UES, followed by SES in second place and MES in a close third-place finish. Trophies were awarded to Uniontown and Sturgis, while Morganfield received the Hume Sportsmanship Award. Each school was well represented in the highly competitive event. Students from each school will advance to the Regional Governor’s Cup competition, which will be held on March 21^st in Dixon, Kentucky.

The goal for the Kentucky Association for Academic Competition is to enrich the lives of Kentucky students through competition. That goal was realized this past Saturday.

The following individuals will advance to the regional competition:

**Names are listed in order from first through fifth place.

Math: Haley Moore, Alex Steward, Justin Ainslee, Hayden Brooks, and Noah Lamb
Science: Cody Thompson, Trey Howard, Miranda Stone, Justin Girten, Hayden Brooks
Composition: Haley Starkey, Caylin Bealmer, Ellie Moore, Chelsea Timmons, Cody Thompson
Social Studies: Will Holbrook, Samuel Below, Conner McGlothin, Ellie Moore, Noah Lamb
Language Arts: Daniel Hammond, Haley Moore, Morgan Weldon, Joshlyn Black, Will Holbrook
Arts & Humanities: Jennifer Davis, Josie Shockley, Madeline Henderson, Jerrius Hughes, Tiffany Schilt

The following teams will advance to the regional competition:

Quick Recall:
1^st Place – Sturgis Elementary
2^nd Place – Uniontown Elementary

Future Problem Solving:
Automatic Advancement -- Uniontown Elementary

Union County Declines KDE ASSIST team; Aggressive, Young Superintendent Claims District will be Model for State
Union County Public Schools appeared before the Kentucky Board of Education on Tuesday, February 10 in Frankfort.  Union County was asked to report to KBE because the district declined the ASSIST team offered through Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).  The ASSIST team was KDE’s response to the district having reached Tier 3 status as a district and Tier 5 status in one of the schools according to the Federal No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.

The Kentucky Department of Education identified 57 districts in which they would provide ASSIST teams.  Union County is the only district that declined the ASSIST team.  Although Union declined the ASSIST team, they have built a team from within and called on other resources within the state to provide extensive training and assistance.  This team is already making great strides in increasing student achievement.

Union County Superintendent, Josh Powell, presented the Union County School district’s plan for not only improving student achievement, but becoming a high performing school district that will be the model for Kentucky.   Powell stated that although Union County is currently 161 out of 175 school districts in Kentucky, it will be in the top 50 of school districts when scores come out next year. 

Although the youngest superintendent in Kentucky, Powell has already demonstrated the ability to aggressively lead schools to achieve rapid growth in student achievement.  Powell was previously superintendent of Cloverport Independent where under his leadership, the district moved from the bottom 6% in the state to the top 6% in just three years.

Powell initially began the KBE presentation by stating, “I have had a lot of anxiety about this presentation and honestly, a little bit of fear.  Not fear of consequences for standing up for what I believe in, but fear of not making a difference.”

Powell introduced the Union County Department of Student Achievement (DSA), which is comprised of curriculum specialists with unique strengths and skills that are most appropriate for Union County.  DSA has implemented a formative assessment initiative, modeled lessons in classrooms, restructured and rescheduled the middle school, and implemented a system of district walkthroughs to increase accountability. 

When questioned by the Board about declining the KDE ASSIST team, Powell responded, “It’s a great idea to do program evaluation,” said Powell.  “Has the Highly Skilled Educator program or the ASSIST team program ever been successful?  Has anyone researched this?  One year it was said that 80% of schools with Highly Skilled Educators made improvements.  I randomly selected the same number and 84% of schools made improvements without them.”

“Has anyone asked how much this costs us in these important times?” said Powell.  “In our district, we would share a team with Livingston and Webster County and it would cost $600,000.  Instead of cutting our teachers, our budgets, and our programs, maybe we can look at some things.  If not to cut them, to improve them and hold them accountable.”

KBE member Stephen Neal expressed his disappointment that Union County did not accept the ASSIST team.  He stated that “while it costs a lot of money, it’s there and it is going to be expended.  I encourage you to rethink that and relook at that.”

 “I appreciate your candor because it gives us questions that we will come back and talk with the (KDE) staff and look at the data,” said Board member Dorie Combs.

Denny Vincent, past President of the National Association of Secondary School Principals and current Supervisor of Instruction for Union County, challenged the Board to take this year and compare Union County to similar districts that have ASSIST teams.  He was confident that the team assembled in Union County would have greater gains in student achievement.

Union County benchmark assessment results indicate rapid growth and improvement in student achievement.  When Union County’s mid-year benchmark scores are compared to last year’s CATS scores, it is apparent that great gains have been made district-wide.  Most impressive of those gains is a 29 point increase in high school math and 24 and 26 point increases in elementary reading.

Board member Austin Moss stated, “Your numbers are impressive, so far.  I applaud your initiatives that you’ve taken.  I want to give you a fair chance to show what you can do.”

 “You are telling us you can do it yourself,” said Chairman Joe Brothers.  “You’ve given quite a bit of evidence to suggest that possibly you can.  I admire your self sufficiency and what you are trying to do.  We need all school districts to take charge of their problems.  It is folks like you all who will take the bull by the horns and diligently pursue success.  Thank you for your leadership.  We will be watching you, probably more than others.”

Board member Billy Harper said, “In business, you always wonder about a startup and then all of a sudden a guy’s bigger than you are because he did something different and really bold and it worked.  Somebody’s got to try something different and prove that it works.  It’s so neat you are willing to do that.  I also appreciate your candor when you came and called it the way you saw it.  I appreciate the whole group from Union County being willing to take on the system and figure out a better way for the kids.  If you can figure out a better way, you can help the rest of the state.  I’d like for Union County to be the flag bearer.”

 “Document exactly how you all did it because certainly as successful as we want you to be, this gives then another option to the ASSIST program,” said Board member Doug Hubbard. “I have faith in your abilities and your confidence to do it.”

After the KBE meeting Powell commented, “I am impressed and humbled by the way the Board members actually care about what is best for children.  If you inform and empower great state leaders such as our KBE members, Kentucky can become an educational leader in our nation.”

Powell has been sharing Union County’s vision with state leaders over the past months.  In January, Powell spoke to nearly 100 superintendents and school board members at the annual Kentucky School Board Association’s annual conference in Louisville, KY. 

U.C.M.S. Changes
Many changes have occurred over the past several months at Union County Middle School.  We have restructured our school day, revamped our students’ schedules, moved teachers to new classrooms and subject areas, and now we have a vacancy in the principal position.

Rhonda Callaway is now the Principal at the Union County Learning Academy (formerly the RIDE Center).  This is a new program that has great potential to benefit our students.  Mrs. Callaway’s skills will be utilized in establishing the Union County Learning Academy as a top-notch alternative education center.

Although there is currently a vacancy in the principal position, the middle school will not be without leadership.  I will be serving in an Administrative capacity at the middle school.  I am deeply dedicated to ensuring that Union County Middle School becomes high-performing and I have an unwavering focus on student achievement.

This middle school exists to provide the absolute highest quality of education for Union County students.  We can not let adult issues get in the way of our purpose.  Each and every decision we make must be based on “what’s best for kids.”

To maximize student achievement, we are implementing a variety of intensive techniques and strategies.  It is imperative that every child gets the best possible education that can be provided in Union County, in Kentucky, in the nation, and even the world.  Your child deserves it.

We are providing concentrated support to the teachers.  Additional Curriculum Specialists have been assigned to the school with the sole purpose of focusing on instructional issues and providing assistance to the teachers.  We will provide every resource necessary to ensure that our students achieve at high levels.

Below are a few of the key methods used to enhance education at UCMS:

• Additional extended school services are available for students.

• CSI Instruction --- (intensive, supplemental, or challenge) for all students in addition to core instruction in reading and math for all grades.

• Students receive additional small group instruction weekly in reading and math.

• Students are engaged in bell-to-bell instruction every day.  Also, by reducing transition time in between classes, students have more daily instruction time. 

• Teams have been created to facilitate grade level planning, teacher collaboration, and more effective communication across grade levels as well as increased communication with parents via weekly newsletters.

• A school-wide leadership team is being established to focus on curriculum, delivery of instruction, and incentives and rewards for students. 

• Technology programs such as Study Island and Carnegie Math have been purchased and are being implemented in the curriculum.

It is a daunting task to bring a Tier 5, chronically low-performing school from the brink of failure to become one the highest performing schools in Kentucky.  However, we are on the right track.  Every change that has been made has been in the best interest of kids.  We know that much work must still be done; however, we also know we have already come a long way.  In our benchmark assessments, we have shown a double digit increase in our middle school reading scores.  We have identified math to be a weak area and have already begun to aggressively implement solutions.

Thank you for being patient with us as we continue to work on improving our schools for your children.  While the process may be difficult for many, I assure you that the end results will be worth it.  Your children will reap the benefits of every difficult decision we make today and from this day forward.

Sincerely, 
Joshua E. Powell
Superintendent and Acting Administrator of Union County Middle School

Union County Public Schools 2008-09 Mid-Year Report

To our Community Members: 

After several months of difficult changes and hard work, we are pleased to share our progress with the public.  Through a district-wide formative assessment initiative we have been able to administer weekly assessments to our students.  The results of these assessments are used to make immediate adjustments in the instructional direction of the school. 

Recently, our Department of Student Achievement conducted district-wide scrimmages in reading and math.  These scrimmages were a snapshot of how our students would perform on the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) test if they were to be tested now.  The results are encouraging.  Reading scores have improved district-wide and at each of the schools.  Although the math scrimmage scores were not as impressive as the reading scores, improvement was made at four of our five schools.  Although we cannot predict how students will perform on the CATS test, these scrimmages are a great indicator that we are making gains in student achievement.  Click here for the Formative Assessment Results.

All of our schools are working diligently to improve our educational system for all students in Union County.  I would like to briefly highlight some of the key changes for improvement at our schools.

UES
Although the most recent CATS scores indicate that Uniontown Elementary is the highest performing school in Union County, the faculty of UES does not use that as an excuse to rest on its laurels.  In fact, the staff is pushing harder than ever to become competitive among the best elementary schools in the state.  Uniontown Elementary has continued to improve delivery of education by focusing on a few key areas.  UES began aggressively at the beginning of the school year with a simple change in morning procedures to increase in the number of hours that students receive instruction in school.  Instead of having students assembled in the gym for up to forty-five minutes of non-structured wait time, now all teachers take turns hosting early morning classes prior to school starting.  The result is that UES students can now gain up to thirteen full days of learning.

UES is also providing extra opportunity for instruction in the afternoons.  Staff members have volunteered their own time to host after-school tutoring sessions to provide enrichment activities to students.

Most recently, UES has launched an aggressive improvement initiative in math based on math instructional practices used in the top performing math countries in the world.  Within a few years, we expect to see tremendous growth in the math skills of UES students.

SES
The faculty and staff at Sturgis Elementary have a shared vision of moving their school from good to great!  The positive culture at SES has been key in implementing positive changes to make all kids successful.  Under the guidance of a new principal, the staff has embraced a new system of teaching and learning that prevents failure.  Recently, the staff worked diligently to implement a new schedule that made instruction more intentional and purposeful.  Students and staff celebrate instructional achievements on a regular basis as goals are met.  SES utilizes data from monthly school scrimmages and weekly district formative assessments to drive all instructional decisions.  This system of utilizing data and building culture has allowed the staff at SES to work in a way that promotes high levels of instruction for all students.

MES
Morganfield Elementary has talented staff and students who are capable of achieving at high levels.  Recognizing that Morganfield Elementary needed additional support to help address some of the issues that were barriers for teachers and student, district leaders made the decision to increase their time and attention by working in the school on a daily basis.  Beginning in December, the district team revamped an ineffective and overly burdensome lesson planning process.  In addition, they assessed student strengths and needs to effectively allocate instructional staff and resources.  As a result of these positive changes, instructional practices in the classroom are improving and MES is developing a culture that emphasizes high academic expectations for all students.

The staff members of MES have responded to these changes with overwhelming enthusiasm.  In just a little over a month, great strides have been made in rigor and instruction.  They have demonstrated a genuine desire to do whatever it takes to make MES a place where all students can achieve at high levels.

UCMS
Because of our designation as a Tier 5 (the highest level of consequences due to not making Adequate Yearly Progress as prescribed by the Federal No Child Left Behind Act) middle school, it was imperative that we make immediate and drastic changes.  When faced with where to begin making improvements, it was evident that we must begin everywhere as quickly as possible. 

A team of individuals from within our school system spent months analyzing issues at our middle school and visiting high-performing middle schools to better understand how to begin making improvements.  It became apparent that only a complete restructuring of the schedules, daily operations, and mind-sets of student academics and management would garner the results necessary to turn the tide at UCMS.  During the Christmas break, our team worked diligently to ensure that every subject would be taught by a highly qualified educator, every student would receive the maximum amount of core instruction possible, and that any opportunity for discipline issues would be removed.

This was done by rescheduling every student, relocating teachers to new classrooms, removing the bell system and replacing it with teachers escorting students to classes, staggering lunch times to decrease the amount of time spent in line, and numerous other tweaks to ensure maximum efficiency of the students' schedules. 

Immediate improvements were visible as a result of the change.  Passing time between classes was cut down from five minutes to one minute, allowing for more instructional time in each school day.  Also, discipline issues have decreased drastically due to the highly structured environment.  In fact, for the first time this year we are having school days with zero discipline issues.  While this was a huge mid-year endeavor, we are already seeing many positive results. 

UCHS
Being the largest school in our district and the final point of education before we release our students into the world, the high school is the focus of much of our community’s attention.  Therefore, we recognize that there is much work that must be done at the high school.   A few key changes were made early in the year when UCHS gained both a new principal and assistant principal.  Also, in order to maximize staff efficiency, the Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) council decided to delegate discipline referrals to another member of the school’s Leadership Team. 

UCHS is the only school in the district that has already taken part of their CATS assessment.  Seniors took the On-Demand Writing portion of the CATS assessment in September.  Although early in the year, this group achieved a double-digit gain compared to previous test scores.  These improvements are credited to some of the district structures that have been put in place to help enhance the writing abilities of our students.  We are encouraged with the improvements; however, we expect to see even greater gains in the future.

Weekly progress indicated by our formative assessment data is charted in the lobby area and can be viewed by anyone who visits the school. 

At this point, some of our high school teachers are on board with a true desire to provide the best education possible for our students and be among Kentucky’s best.  However, even with the reality of being ranked 185 out of 203, we are still experiencing some reluctance to change.

There is great community pressure to make vast and immediate improvements at our high school.  With continued community support, our high school will be the next to undergo massive improvements and a concerted district-wide effort at making our high school an elite educational facility.

Summary
In summary, our schools are making progress.  It is imperative that our community continue to support and even demand continued improvement.  We eagerly anticipate sharing additional positive results after our next three district-wide benchmark assessments.  The upcoming dates on these scrimmages are: 

Science – Jan. 29th (4th, 7th & 11th grades)

Practical Living- Jan. 29th (4th, 7th & 10th)

Social Studies /Arts & Humanities- Feb. 12th (5th, 8th & 11th grades).

Click here for the Formative Assessment Results.

Sincerely, 

Malinda Beauchamp
Public Relations Director

UCPS Wins Seven OASIS Awards
The Union County Public Schools system has been recognized for its efforts in public relations with awards in seven categories.  On Friday, November 21, awards were announced for the 2008 Outstanding Achievement in School Information Services (OASIS) awards program.  The program is co-sponsored by the Kentucky School Boards Association and the Kentucky School Public Relations Association.

Union County Public Schools received first place awards in two categories:  District Calendars and Academic Achievement Promotions.  The district also received two second place awards in the Full Color External Publications and Internet Website categories. 

Union County Public Schools also received several third place awards for the following categories:  Miscellaneous Printed Materials and Audio/Video Productions for the Union County Schools folder, last year’s Seasons Greetings in which students in all classrooms in the district sang holiday songs that were aired on WMSK during the first two weeks of December, and the weekly radio show Listen to Us Learn.  Both of these are produced by and aired on our local 101.3 WMSK radio station.  The Listen to Us Learn weekly radio show can be heard on WMSK every Monday morning at 6:45 a.m.

The OASIS program awards outstanding achievements every fall in 30 different categories.  This is the eighth year the Union County Public Schools System has received OASIS awards.

Jumpstart Read for the Record
The Morganfield Elementary School SBDM Council will hold a special called meeting  on Nov. 24th  for the purpose of reviewing Council By-laws.  The meeting will be at 3:00 pm in the Reading First Check-out room.
 

UES Students on Fox 7
Beginning Wednesday, October 29, Uniontown Elementary students will be appearing on Fox 7 at 6:50 a.m. each morning.  The 5th grade students are part of the "Are You Smarter than a Fifth Grader?" segment.  The students wrote their own questions and answers and have recorded them for the show.

Below is a schedule of the expected air dates and the students who will be featured:

(In Order)
Jordan Guthrie10/29
Noah Brewer 10/30
Caleb Mosley 10/31
Morgan Welden 11/3
Allee Mills 11/4
Simone McCreary 11/5
Jennifer Davis 11/6
Jordyn Thomas 11/7
Ellie Moore  11/10
Alex Steward  11/11
Haley Moore11/12
Shienkita Foster  11/13
Katelyn Mattingly  11/14
Cody Thompson  11/17
Daniel Hammond  11/18

UCPS Students Help Set Reading Record
On October 2, nearly 800 Union County Public Schools’ students took part in the Jumpstart Read for the Record, a national campaign designed to engage adults and children in setting the world record for the largest shared reading experience ever.  More than 425,000 children across the nation participated in this record-breaking event that was certified and recorded through Guinness World Records.

In addition to participating in the event, the Union County Board of Education purchased copies of the official campaign book, Corduroy, as a gift for every child in Kindergarten through Second Grade.

Jumpstart’s Read for the Record was developed because of a striking disparity in early education resources.  While many children benefit from nearly 2,000 hours of one-to-one reading with an adult by kindergarten, others are exposed to as few as 25 hours in total.  Research shows that such early deficits lead to a performance gap that persists throughout school and into adulthood, contributing to additional social issues, such as dropping out of school, unemployment and crime.  By bringing national attention to this issue, Jumpstart and its partners are taking big strides toward remedying this entirely solvable problem.
 

Attention UCHS Juniors and Seniors 
The weeks of September 29, October 13, October 20 on Tuesdays and Thursdays the UCHS Math and English Departments will offer an ACT Prep course for the Fall ACT date of October 25.  We will offer this again for the Spring test dates. This class is open to any UCHS Junior or Senior.  We will hold the classes 6pm-8pm on Tuesdays in Room 201 for English and on Thursdays in Room 110 for Math. The cost will be $5 per subject (you may attend Math or English or both) to cover the cost of the materials and can be paid at the first meeting.  To be assured we have enough materials you will need to sign up with your homeroom teacher in homeroom today or with Mr. Groner (Room 108), Ms. Yates (Room 110), Ms Morris (Room 201) or Ms. Warner or Mr. Grace (Guidance Office) by Monday September 29^th.  If you do not sign up we cannot guarantee that we will have enough materials.  If there are questions call UCHS 389-1454 and leave a message for Mr. Groner, Ms. Yates, Ms. Morris or ask to speak to Ms. Warner or Mr. Grace and we will try to get back with you prior to the Tuesday class.

Agenda for ACT Prep Courses:

9/30 and 10/2     Take practice ACT test, score it then begin answering questions from the test.

10/14 and 10/16       Finish questions from practice test, begin basic review and tips for taking ACT. On Thursday we will also show you how to put programs on graphing calculators that can be used for the ACT test.

10/21 and 10/23        Review basic English skills and Math (geometry and trigonometry) skills and
            practice using the graphing calculator programs. We will offer a second practice
             test if interested and score it.

NOTE:           The UCHS Math Department has TI 83+ and TI 84+ calculators that may be checked out the weekend of the ACT test.  See Mr. Groner or Ms. Yates.

Department of Student Achievement
The Union County Board of Education held a Special Board meeting on Friday, September 26 to unveil to the public the new Department of Student Achievement (DSA).  The purpose of the DSA is to more effectively focus all of our resources on student achievement.  Physical changes were made in the Central Office to allow office space for DSA, as well as a reclassification of positions within the Central Office.

The Department of Student Achievement consists of several key players including: the Superintendent, Director of Instruction, Supervisor of Instruction, five Curriculum Specialists, and RTI Curriculum Specialists.

Click here to listen to the Message from the Superintendent regarding the unveiling.

Click here to read a briefing packet explaining the details of the formative assessment process.

 

To our Parents, Students, and Community:
I must begin my message by stating the facts of where we are today.  Our Union County Public School district fell this year in statewide rankings.  Our district is now ranked 161 out of 176 school districts in Kentucky.   

Currently we rank:
District     161/175  (The bottom 8% in Kentucky—92% are better than us)
UES         247/713  (35% of elementary schools in Kentucky are better)
SES         373/713   (52% of elementary schools in Kentucky are better)
MES         671/713   (94% of elementary schools in Kentucky are better)
UCMS      166/216   (77% of middle schools in Kentucky are better)
UCHS      185/201   (The bottom 8% of Ky. High Schools—92% are better)

The Board anticipated that our ranking in the state would drop again this year.  Because of this they made tough decisions in order to make a huge investment in the future of Union County. 

On a positive note, Uniontown Elementary School has a good start in our mission to bring Union County to high levels of academic achievement.  Uniontown is not only the highest scoring school in our county, but had the highest gains of any school in the county (79.3 to 92.4).  Also, Sturgis Elementary posted gains, raising their index from 83 to 88.5.  

I assure you that I feel tremendous pressure to lead this district to excellence.  As I have indicated on numerous occasions, this is a challenge I wholeheartedly accept.  I have great hope and expectations for Union County.  The urgency of our situation indicates that the time for uncertainty about our mission, excuses for our failure, and acceptance of mediocrity has passed.  All lights are green and we must aggressively move forward with swift action to not only make Union County Schools better, but to become among the elite of Kentucky.

The school board has made it clear that our district’s leadership is to make student achievement a priority at all costs.  It is very unique that in every conversation I have with Board members, regardless of topic, they want to know what progress is being made in order to improve our schools so that our students may excel academically.

We are making some aggressive changes that I am certain will pay great dividends: 

• We have hired five curriculum specialists and placed them in each building in order to continuously lead and mentor our teachers and keep the focus of all teaching staff on core content and to continually assess our progress.

• We will be conducting formative assessment that allows our district to chart progress weekly.  This will enable us to make immediate decisions to allow us to prepare ongoing professional development for teachers and to enhance individualized instruction for students not meeting proficiency.  When the formative assessment process is fully implemented, we will be able to regularly share our progress.

• I have been diligently working to restructure the Central Office so that a clear emphasis is on student achievement.  There are some final details to be worked out, but I am excitedly anticipating the unveiling of our student-achievement focused Central Office.  We will have our unveiling on Friday, September 26 at the Board office.

Although our scores are disappointing at this date, we must all view this as our driving force and let it motivate us to not just embrace change, but to demand it.  Our community has demonstrated dedication to doing what is best for kids and that student achievement must be our number one priority.  Our weekly formative assessments will allow us to regularly share our progress publicly, at Board meetings, through our media, and with organizations such as Kiwanis, Rotary, Lions, and Union County First.  I encourage everyone to become more active in organizations that promote student achievement, as they are integral components in the process of improving the future of Union County and in building a culture that values education above all. 

There is not one thing more important than enhancing the lives of our young people.  A community that is involved and promotes education above all will undoubtedly succeed.  With this, the entire community, including the areas of economic development, social responsibility, and community pride, will prosper.

Sincerely,  

Joshua E. Powell
Superintendent
 

Special Board of Education Meeting
The Union County Board of Education cordially invites the public to attend a Special Board meeting on Friday, September 26, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Office.  At this meeting, we will be holding a ribbon cutting and unveiling our newly restructured Central Office.  The purpose of the restructuring is to allow for a greater focus on student achievement.  Please join us for this exciting day!

                                 Agenda Items

1. KSBA Policy--Second Reading

2. KSBA Procedure--Second Reading

3. District Formative Assessment Initiative

4. Reclassification of Central Office Positions

5. Adjourn

Bowles Selected as UCHS Principal
Union County Public School District welcomes Greg Bowles as the Principal of Union County High School.  Mr. Bowles was previously the Assistant Principal for UCHS.  According to Superintendent Josh Powell, “Mr. Bowles has already made several positive changes at the high school and is eager to lead the way in creating a culture that values high academic student achievement.  I fully support Mr. Bowles as we push forward with immediate urgency and meet the demands, from our staff, students, and community, for academic excellence.”

Volley for a Cure
The Union County High School Volleyball Team is designating its Monday, September 8th home game to promote breast cancer education and awareness. All UCHS sport fans are encouraged to attend, as the gate proceeds from the Gallatin County High School game will be donated to the American Cancer Society.

The “Volley for the Cure” game is to honor and celebrate the heroic fight against breast cancer and is dedicated to all men and women who have been touched by breast cancerin their lives. Fans should wear pink to show their support. This program has been endorsed by both the Kentucky High School Athletic Association and the Union County Board of Education.

UCPS Begins Principal Search
Union County Schools is searching for progressive candidates to fill a vacant leadership position in the district.  Applications are now being accepted for the Principal position at Union County High School.  Union County is in a period of aggressive change led by new Superintendent Josh Powell.  Mr. Powell began his duties in Union County on July 1.

“I look forward to the next year and anticipate seeing our students’ achievement skyrocket in ways that are both measurable and immeasurable,” said Powell.  “I invite all progressive thinking candidates to apply today to be a Principal in one of our schools during this exciting time.  The successful candidate will not only enjoy one of the highest Principal salaries in the region, but will get invaluable on-the-job career-building experience as part of a team that instills a culture that demands a challenging learning environment for our students.”

Union County High School has a projected enrollment of 704 students for the 2008-09 school year and 82 staff members.

All interested candidates may access an application on the Union County Public Schools website at www.union.k12.ky.us under the Job Availability link.  Interested applicants are welcome to contact Superintendent Powell directly at (270) 389-1694.

New Superintendent Addresses Board, Employees, and Community
The Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Monday, July 21.  This was the first Board meeting held since new Superintendent Josh Powell took over the reins of leadership for Union County Public Schools.  Under the advisement of Powell, the Board approved the addition of five new curriculum specialist positions which, due to reallocation of dollars within the district, will create little extra cost.  Also, the Board approved a title change of Director of District-Wide Services to Supervisor of Instruction, which is the beginning of a restructuring of duties which Powell plans to implement at Central Office.

During the board meeting, Superintendent Powell addressed Board members, employees, and community members with the following statement:

“The board has hired me to make immediate improvements to Union County Schools.  United, the Board has placed the great task of improving student achievement as the top priority in a district currently ranked 143^rd out of the 175 public school districts.  With this, a great sense of urgency is required of the Board, the Superintendent, personnel, and, most importantly, the community.  Community members must recognize their great importance in improving student achievement and be much more actively involved than ever before.  Involvement in Rotary Club, Lions Club, Economic Development groups, civic organizations and the various school related clubs, including Site Based Decision Making Councils is essential.  Moreover, community members must unite in their endeavor to provide a positive future for their children. It is the community’s obligation to become more aggressive in its responsibility to do what is best for Union County’s most precious commodity.  All concerned parties (teachers, staff, leadership, parents, etc.) must be ready and willing to get out of their comfort zones and share the sense of urgency that is needed to improve our school district, not just for today, but every day from this point on.  In a word…accountability.  Together, we must understand that what’s best for children is not always what’s best for all personnel.” 

“We have much to do in Union County in the areas of student achievement.  In concert, we can help our children achieve at optimal levels, which will undoubtedly increase the likelihood of a prosperous future.  Again, the community must be committed and “step up to the plate.”  The Union County Board of Education has pledged their wholehearted support to making decisions for the best interest of our children.  They have collectively placed great emphasis on improving all teacher salaries to demonstrate this county’s commitment to quality.  As superintendent of Union County Schools, I obligate each community group, teacher, and parent to not only support this belief, but to demand it.” 

Sturgis Elementary Principal Selected
Union County Public Schools welcomes Melissa Brantley as the Principal of Sturgis Elementary School. Ms. Brantley comes to us with 13 years of experience in education.  She most recently was the Curriculum Specialist at Jefferson Elementary School in Henderson.  She also has been an adjunct Professor for Murray State University for the past five years.

Ma. Brantley brings many talents to her new role as Principal and we are excited that she is becoming a part of our school community.

Rotary Club Award Winners
The Rotary Club of Union County and the Union County Board of Education have announced the 2008 awards recipients of the prestigious school district awards program.  Dixie Gettings has been selected as the Elementary Educator of the Year, Amy Nelson is the Secondary Educator of the Year, Lamar Keys is the Support Person of the Year and Dodge Hill Mining is the Community Supporter of the Year. The awards were presented at the annual Employee Appreciation Dinner held on Thursday, May 15.
 
Dixie Gettings is a teacher at Uniontown Elementary School.  She has been an educator for 31 years and has spent 21 of those years serving the students of Union County.  According to her nomination, “Mrs. Gettings has intrigued and mesmerized her students for the past 20 years.  A master at building enthusiasm for life and learning, her students develop an insatiable desire to discover everything about the world around them.  She possesses an ability to meet each student’s individual needs and utilize their interests to motivate even the most reluctant learners.”

When asked why she became a teacher, Mrs. Gettings admitted that she was power-hungry.  She said, “I wanted power.  Power to affect change.  Power to make a difference in the lives of children.  Power to give students tools with which they could explore the vistas provided by books, tools to break the chains of poverty and dysfunctional family situations, and tools to explore the many awesome wonders of the world around us.”

Amy Nelson is a History teacher at Union County High School.  In her nomination submitted by a co-worker, this year’s award recipient was praised that she not only tries to make learning fun, but she has the best interest of her students at heart.  She collaborates with other teachers for continued improvement and integration of history into other areas, is meticulous in her record keeping regarding what she teaches, and is well-liked by the students.

Mrs. Nelson describes success in the classroom this way: “a successful teacher infects students with the ability to ask critical questions as they try to solve the problems posed to their generation.  A successful teacher measures performance by growth rather than by numbers and statistics and recognizes that a student’s ability to persevere is sometimes more important than the actual lesson!” 

When asked about the rewards of her profession, Mrs. Nelson responded, “it is rewarding to hear a once-apathetic student raise questions about the way things once were or wonder about how things will be in the future—this is testament to ‘growth in knowledge.  Knowing that I was a part of a student’s growth in knowledge is one of the greatest rewards of being a teacher.” 

Lamar Keys is a custodian at the Union County Middle School.  In his nomination submitted by a co-worker, Mr. Keys was praised for what a wonderful mentor he is to kids and adults.  His nomination stated, “his positive attitude and good moral values reflect in his actions. He is loved by all kids as well as adults.  He is supportive in their education.  Many kids will run to him to show their report cards. Those who don't do as well as expected will also look to him for encouragement, which he gives lovingly. He is a hard worker and goes the extra mile to help anyone even after his time clock has expired.”

When asked why he chose a career with Union County Schools, Mr. Keys replied, “I saw my position with the school system as an opportunity to make a difference in our young people’s lives.  In my day to day interaction with our youth, I am able to offer them advice, leadership, and experience in hopes to help them to make better decisions that will improve their chances of survival in the real world.   I constantly encourage our students to give 100% academically, take responsibility for their actions, and to always remember that one bad decision may follow them for the rest of their lives.”

Dodge Hill Mining has been a contributor not only to Union County Schools, but our entire community.  Most recently, Dodge Hill played a large role in making it possible for the preschool children to go on an educational trip to the zoo.  When approached for any contribution or support, Dodge Hill always demonstrates a positive attitude and is eager to support our community.  Dodge Hill also supports the Clothe-a-Kid fund which helps children with winter clothing and coats and the United Way of Union County.

The following is a list of all the nominees who deserve special recognition for being nominated.  Karen Bradford, Kassie Brewer, Rhonda Burnette, Connie Caudill, Kay Cheatham, Melinda Dailey, Cathy Day, Mary Ebelhar, Becky Edmondson, Marianna Evans, Lindsay Garrett, Angela Hagedorn, Nancy Hancock, Stephanie Hargrove, Wendy Hibbs, Glenette Hill, Jay Joiner, Tiffany Jones, Beth Lacefield, Janetta Lane, Beth McCollum, Patsy Morris, Peggy Morris, Lisa Peak, Lori Steward, Karen Thomas, UCHS Cafeteria Staff, Brooke White, Tricia White, Judy Willett, Michelle Williams, Bridget Winders.

Union County School Board Members Advance in Development Academy
By law, Kentucky requires its local school board members to take annual professional development classes.  But two members of the Union County Board of Education have gone beyond minimum mandates in state law, earning advanced certification in support of their work for this community’s children and public schools.  Jennifer Buckman and Eugene Pardue have achieved Level One Certification in the Kentucky School Boards Association (KSBA) Academy of Studies.

Each level  in KSBA’s Academy of Studies builds on the previous round of courses from the basics about board meetings and student learning up to specially designed leadership courses for more experienced members.  Some of the training is earned through KSBA conference workshops, and some may be obtained through self-study courses and national professional development opportunities.

“Education is ever-changing, from new teaching techniques to more efficient ways to use school resources,” said KSBA President Ed Massey, a 12-year member of the Boone County Board of Education.  “Like teachers and administrators, school board members must build their skills and adapt when new challenges or solutions present themselves.  A board member who has advanced in the Academy of Studies has demonstrated a further commitment to the community and its children.”

The KSBA Academy of Studies training covers areas such as using student achievement data to set district goals and plan budgets, compliance with new state and federal education laws, superintendent selection and evaluation, school construction, strategic planning, policy development and effective community involvement.

Established in 1936, KSBA is Kentucky’s largest voluntary association of local elected officials.

Local School Business Leader Receives Recognition
David Ray Waggener, Assistant Superintendent of Finance for Union County Public Schools, recently obtained the designation of Registered School Business Administrator from the Association of School Business Officials International.The Professional Registration Program promotes quality school business management and encourages excellence among its practitioners. ASBO International's Professional Registration designation is one of the highest honors of professional achievement in the field of school business management.

Recipients of the RSBA title must meet or exceed ASBO International's criteria, which includes promoting lifelong learning, maintaining active membership in ASBO International, having significant experience as a school business administrator, and receiving a recommendation from their superintendent attesting to their experience and qualifications.

“Union County Public Schools is fortunate to have someone of Mr. Waggener’s caliber.  With his extensive knowledge of school finance and sharp instincts, he carefully oversees the daily financial operations of our district,” said Union County Public Schools Superintendent, Gerald Novak.

For additional information, visit ASBO's Website, www.asbointl.org, or call Michelle Williams, Professional Development Coordinator at 866/682-2729 x 7067.
 

Updated No Child Left Behind Results
     Three months after the Union County Public Schools were reported to have missed meeting progress goals on a federal assessment in 11 out of 16 target goals (68.75%), the state has recalculated the results and announced last week that the district’s scores are better than first reported. The Kentucky Department of Education's Office of Assessment and Accountability released statistics last week that show the district has met 13 out of 16 (81.25%)of its goals on the annual No Child Left Behind assessment.
     The NCLB scores are based on the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) assessment that students take each spring. Student groups in each school are divided by ethnicity, disabilities, English proficiency, and socio-economic backgrounds. Schools are assigned academic goals based on their diversity and population demographics with the goal that each child will be challenged to achieve.
     The two targets that were changed to meet their goals were Free/Reduced Lunch students in math and students with Disabilities in Reading. The only targets that the district did not meet were African-American students in Reading and Math and Students with Disabilities in Math. Student groups met their goals in all other 13 target areas.  Out of the 80 target goals for which all schools and the district were accountable, 69 (86.25%) of the goals were met.

Head Start Preschool Screening and Registration
Union County Preschool Head Start will conduct preschool screening on Friday, April 11 and Friday, April 18.  All children in the community who are three or four years old are invited to participate in screening.  Screening is an opportunity for parents to find out about how their children are developing and where to go from there. 

Registration for Union County Preschool Head Start will be held at the same time (April 11 and April 18).  Children who will be three or four years old by October 1, 2008 may apply.  Children must meet eligibility guidelines of income or special needs to attend.  Please bring the following to make an application:  The child’s certified birth certificate, the child’s social security card, and proof of family income.  An application cannot be made without these items and must be made in person by the parent or legal guardian.  If the child is eligible for UCPHS, then an eye examination by an eye doctor, school physical, and current Immunization Certificate are required upon attending.  Please call 389-4763 or 389-9813 to make an appointment.

UCPS Kindergarten Registration
Children, who will be 5 years old by October 1, 2008, may enroll for the fall.  The following will be required before your child can start school:  The child’s certified birth certificate (from the state department, not the hospital certificate or billfold size), social security card, school physical, a current Immunization Certificate, and an eye examination by an eye doctor.  Registration packets are available at the local daycares and preschools as well as the elementary schools within the community.

MORGANFIELD ELEMENTARY and STURGIS ELEMENTARY will be taking registration packets through Friday, April 18.  Please obtain a registration packet, complete it, and then return it to the elementary school before Friday, April 18.  Additional activities will occur at a later date. 

UNIONTOWN ELEMENTARY will be conducting registration on Saturday, March 15th from 10:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M.  Parents are asked to bring their children when they come to register.  The children will be participating in screening activities at the same time.  Registration packets may also be dropped off during schools hours, but screening activities will only be conducted on Saturday, March 15.  Children not screened on March 15, will be screened at a later date. 

Union County Students Required to Make Up Only Two of Ten Missed Days
March 18, 2008--Union County Schools have missed ten days of school this year due to bad weather.  At this point, we will only have to make up two of those days.  These days will be made up on Friday, March 21, and Friday May 23, 2008.

Union County Schools have missed ten days of school this year due to bad weather.  At this point, we will only have to make up two of those days.  These days will be made up on Friday, March 21, and Friday May 23, 2008.

“If you are wondering how this math works out, so are we,” said Dr. Novak, Superintendent of Union County Schools.  On March 5, 2008, all school districts in Kentucky received notification from the Kentucky Department of Education on how school districts must implement House Bill 380 as they begin to schedule make-up days.

Last year the Kentucky legislature passed a bill (HB 380) for the 2007-08 school year that requires school districts to “provide the equivalent of 177 six-hour days of instruction plus two additional six-hour days in addition to the number of six-hour days contained in the 2005 – 06 school year”.  To put it more clearly, this instruction time must include two more six-hour days of instruction than were included in the 2005-06 school calendar and add up to a minimum of 1062 hours. 

Across Kentucky many counties are discovering that the language in HB 380 that refers to the 2005-06 school year has provided surprise ramifications for their school calendars.  In Union County, our 2005-06 calendar included 166 full days and 5 half days. In 2005 -06 these 5 half days counted as days of instruction, but for HB 380, only the full days count.  Therefore in order to comply with HB 380, Union County must have a minimum of 166 + 2 or 168 six hour days and at least 1,062 instructional hours in 2007-08.

“Because Union County’s original 2007-08 school calendar included 176 days and we are now told the minimum requirement, according to HB 380, is 168, our schools could miss up to 8 days before we were required to begin making up snow days,” said Novak.  “We knew that because of our 6.5 hour school day we had already banked 5 days that would not have to be made up.  However, the additional 3 days came as a surprise.  The 6.5 hour school day also means we will still meet the minimum requirement of 1,062 instructional hours. I don’t think that this was the original spirit of HB 380, but it is the way the law was ultimately written.”

“We find ourselves in this unique situation because of the language used in HB 380 that relates back to the 2005-06 school year,” said Novak.  “Union County fared better under the requirements of this bill than some other districts because of the half days that were included in the 2005-06 calendar and the fact that we operate on a 6.5 hour school day.  Other school districts that did not include half days in 05-06, and operate on a minimum six hour day are finding that they must make up all of their missed snow days and then add two more days to comply with HB 380.”

It is important to note that HB 380 only applies to the 2007-08 school year.   

Rotary Club Award Nominations
Don't forget that April 9th is the deadline for nominations for Educator of the Year, Support Person of the Year, and Community Supporter of the Year for Union County Public Schools. 
 
Nomination forms may be picked up at the Union County Board of Education or click on the links below for forms.  These annual awards are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Union County. For more information, contact Malinda Beauchamp at 389-1694 or by e-mail at malinda.beauchamp@union.kyschools.us.
 

Union County Spelling Bee Winner
Congratulations to Wyatt Homan for winning the Union County Spelling Bee. Wyatt will advance to the tri-state spelling be on March 8, 2008.  We are proud of you!!!!
 

Union County Teachers Attend Gifted Conference
Several Union County Public Schools teachers recently attended the 2008 Annual Conference of the Kentucky Association for Gifted Education (KAGE).  The theme of the conference was From Artist to Zoologists—Developing Kentucky’s Gifted Potential.

Over 300 educators, administrators, and parents attended the conference, held in Lexington on February 21-22, 2008.  Participants had the opportunity to hear several nationally known experts in the field of gifted education.  Union County was represented by the following teachers: Nikki Conway, Nicole Cardwell, Cara Beth Baird, Gayle Hancock, Mechelle Buckman, Micah Heath and the Union County District Gifted Coordinator, Patricia Sheffer.

UCHS Reduces Suspensions
Union County High School has shown a 46.3% improvement in reducing the number of student suspensions over the past two years. This figure was obtained through data compiled by the Kentucky Department of Education and reported by the Kentucky Center for School Safety at Eastern Kentucky University in the annual Kentucky Safe School Data Report.

This reduction in suspensions is due, in part, to intentional focus on Positive Behavior Support.  Union County High School participated in professional development to learn a process known as Positive Behavior Support (PBS).  The training was provided to the schools by the Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline (KYCID) as part of a State Professional Development Grant from the US Department of Education awarded to the Division of Exceptional Children’s Services of the Kentucky Department of Education.

KYCID promotes using a positive, proactive and instructional approach to student behavior and discipline through training provided at no cost to schools and districts that make a commitment to improve the culture and climate of their school.  Although the process takes 3 to 5 years to implement, schools go at their own pace using data based decision making to guide the way.

For more information visit www.kycid.org or contact Mike Waford, Director, KYCID at 502-564-9671 or mike.waford@eku.edu

National Board Certified Teachers
The Union County Public Schools system now has five teachers who have joined the ranks of the nations’ elite teachers by earning the prestigious National Board Certified Teacher endorsement.  The NCBT is the highest awarded certification available to teachers.  National Board Certified Teachers are recognized as such a valuable asset to kids by the state that a goal has been set to have one such teacher in every school by 2020.

In order to earn this certification, teachers must complete rigorous training in which they reflect upon and analyze teaching and learning in great depth and then must pass assessments in ten areas.  To gain an appreciation of how great an accomplishment these teachers have achieved, it’s important to note that less than 50% of first-time takers who sit for the National Board Certification actually achieve it.  Each of Union County’s three elementary schools and the high school now have at least one NBCT on staff.  Sherri Collins, Tamala Spencer, Stephanie Hargrove, Becky Bailey, and Antonette Healy are all National Board Certified Teachers.

Sherri Collins is a Kindergarten teacher at Uniontown Elementary School.  According to the school’s Principal, Daniel Whitesides, “What makes Mrs. Collins’ classroom special is that kids learn to love learning.  Her kids leave her room with a desire and a passion to learn that will last a lifetime.”  He also added, “Mrs. Colllins simply viewed the program as an opportunity to improve her own skills so she could better serve her students.  As a professional, she has inspired us to become better teachers and encouraged many more teachers in our county to take up the challenge.”  Mrs. Collins also holds the distinction of being selected as the 2007 Elementary Educator of the Year in Union County.

Stephanie Hargrove is in her 11th year of teaching at Sturgis Elementary School.  The school’s Principal, Diane Still, said, “Because of her accomplishment in receiving this certification, I feel very confident referring other teachers to her when they need advice.”  Mrs. Still also commented that “Mrs. Hargrove’s background and knowledge of analyzing lessons and student performance through the National Board program has proved to be a valuable asset to our beginning teachers as well as our KTIP resource teachers.”

Tamala Spencer is a 14 year veteran teacher who teaches 1^st grade at Morganfield Elementary School.  According to Principal Heady Larson, “Mrs. Spencer is tireless, enthusiastic, and visionary.”  Becky Bailey also teaches at Morganfield Elementary.  Mrs. Larson commented that Mrs. Bailey is “devoted to early childhood developmental intervention and effectively utilizes research literature to inform instructional practices.”  Mrs. Larson said of both Spencer and Bailey, “I am honored to work beside teachers who are obviously devoted to professional growth and improvement.  Their commitment is a challenge to all staff and me to maximize our own human potential as well as the children we serve.”

Antonette Healy has taught at Union County High School for 10 years.  According to UCHS Principal Matt Ciecorka, education has always been about the three Rs—and in today's jargon that is Rigor, Relevance and Relationships.  Mr. Ciecorka said, “Mrs. Healy exemplifies the 3 Rs in her classroom day to day. The Rigor is the high expectation she placed on herself to achieve this level of certification and the high expectations she has of her students. Her lessons are real life and Relevant. Her most admirable characteristic is the lasting Relationships she has built and kept with her students.” 

Union County is proud of the National Board Certified Teachers in our schools who have worked diligently to complete the rigorous certification process and passed the assessments to earn the NBCT certification.  There are several more teachers throughout the district who are currently in the process and working toward this prestigious goal.  The skills learned during the process and the deeper understanding of how to be most effective in the classroom are invaluable to these teachers, to our district, and ultimately—to our students.

Union County Schools Celebrates Gifted Education Week
This week has been proclaimed Gifted Education Week all around Kentucky.  On January 23, 2008 Judge Executive Jody Jenkins signed a Proclamation stating this week as Gifted Education Week in Union County.  Present for the signing were students in 5th, 8th, and 12th grades who have been identified in Leadership.  

Also present for the signing were Dr. Gerald Novak, Superintendent, Steve Carter, Deputy Superintendent, Patricia Sheffer, Instructional Supervisor, Cara Beth Baird, UES GT teacher, Nicole Cardwell, MES GT teacher, Meg Gatten, SES GT teacher, Deann Curtis, UCMS guidance counselor, and Nikki Conway, UCHS GT teacher.

On January 29, 2008, Secretary of Education Helen Mountjoy proclaimed February 3-9, 2008, as Gifted Education Week in Kentucky.  The signing took place in the Capitol Rotunda.  She was joined by gifted students from across the state and leaders from the Kentucky General Assembly.  Several Union County teachers and students were also present for the signing in the Capitol Rotunda.

Kentucky Law (KRS 157.200 1n) includes five categories of gifted students: General Intellectual, Specific Academic (Math, Science, Language Arts, Social Studies), Leadership, Creativity and Visual and/or Performing Arts.  The purpose of our Gifted Programs are to ensure that we are challenging and meeting the educational needs of our gifted and talented students.

School Board Recognition Month
    In 1908, the Kentucky General Assembly determined that the direction and management of public schools throughout the state should be placed in the hands of the men and women on the locally elected boards of education.  This month, the Union County Public Schools will mark the 100^th anniversary of local school board governance as part of Kentucky’s observation of School Board Member Recognition Month.
   “This community is indeed fortunate to have chosen a group of student-focused leaders to serve on our school board,” said Dr. Gerald Novak, superintendent of the Union County school system.  “The contributions that Jennifer Buckman, Tommy Long, Eugene Pardue, Jeanie Schaffter, and Connie Thomas are making to quality learning in our schools are too often overlooked.
   “Our school board is responsible for balancing our budget, setting the directional policy for the school system, deciding on the school year calendar, dealing with the final step in student disciplinary issues and acting on concerns raised by people about their school system,” Novak said.
   “Sometimes people forget that school board decisions can be just as vital to student achievement as are quality classroom teaching, nutritional meals in the cafeteria, dependable transportation on our buses, and a safe learning climate inside our buildings,” he said.  “For all of these reasons, we’re proud of our board members and invite the community to join our district family in honoring them this month.”

Christmas Songs from UCPS Elementary Schools
The songs will be aired Monday through Friday. The songs be will played in the last half of the hour at 6:30 am, 8:30 am, 9:30 am, 10:30 am, 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, 1:30 pm, 2:30 pm, 3:30 pm, 4:30 pm, 5:30 pm and 6:30 pm. (i.e. the 6:30 am song will be played sometime from 6:30-7:00 am, the 8:30 am song sometime from 8:30-9:00 am, etc.) Each song will be played two times. Please listen for your child’s class song at these times on the day it is scheduled to air.

OASIS Awards
The Union County Public Schools system has been recognized for its efforts in public relations with awards in eleven categories.  On Thursday, November 8, awards were announced for the 2007 Outstanding Achievement in School Information Services (OASIS) awards program.  The program is co-sponsored by the Kentucky School Boards Association and the Kentucky School Public Relations Association.

UCPS Making Contact Through One Call Now
Union County Schools will soon be communicating with parents in an additional way.  The new One Call Now automated message delivery telephone system will make its debut later this month.  The One Call Now system is a great tool for our schools to be able to notify parents about school events such as report cards, parent teacher conferences, absences, and school closings.  A letter will go home with all students explaining the One Call Now system and test calls will be made beginning August 21.  For more information about the One Call Now system, contact Deputy Superintendent Steven Carter at 389-1694.

Uniontown Elementary Gets Safe Routes to School Grant  
Governor Ernie Fletcher visited Union County on Wednesday, June 25 to present Uniontown Elementary School with $120,000 for Safe Routes to School (SRTS) - a program designed to make bicycling and walking to school a safer, more appealing and healthier alternative for students grades K-8.  The funds for Union County will create a network of walkways that will allow students safely walk or ride bicycles to Uniontown Elementary School.

"Children are our greatest asset and brightest hope for the future," said Governor Fletcher. "One of our most important duties is to provide for their health and safety. Funding for this project will provide a much safer and more direct route for the students and will encourage walking to and from school. Projects like this promote healthy lifestyles, reduce unneeded traffic congestion and help motivate students to learn."

Uniontown Elementary Principal, Dan Whitesides, spent hours planning and writing the grant application to obtain this funding.  Because of his efforts, sidewalks will be constructed and rebuilt on multiple streets within the community, creating walkways from Uniontown Elementary School.

Secretary of Transportation Bill Nighbert said the SRTS program provides extended benefits for students and the community.  "Today, less than 15 percent of children nationwide walk or bicycle to school," said Nighbert. "The sharp decline in walking and bicycling has had a negative impact ontraffic congestion, air quality and student safety around schools. SRTS addresses these concerns and provides resources to establish a Safe Routes program in communities where there is an interest."

The project will provide Union County students with safe paths to school, the community library, a city park, outdoor science lab and physical education events. The completed project will provide a safer walking option for Union County Middle School students who are transported to and from the elementary school. Almost half of the students who attend Uniontown Elementary live within two miles of the school. Forty-six students walk to the elementary school where they catch a bus to the middle school. Likewise, 65 students walk to the elementary school and then ride a bus to the high school.

"We are excited about the opportunity to have the Safe Routes to School program in our school district," said Union County Superintendent Gerald Novak. "This will give students and parents more confidence in choosing walking or biking as an option for getting to school and will provide instructional programs on pedestrian and bicycle safety. We hope that through this program, our neighborhoods will become safer and more pedestrian-friendly for our entire school community."

The program was established in August 2005 as part of the federal transportation reauthorization legislation. As a result, state transportation agencies have begun creating and administering safe routes programs which allow communities to apply for funding for local safe routes projects. The Transportation Cabinet awarded $1,776,505 in Safe Route funding in 2006, impacting 32 schools across the Commonwealth.

The program has five elements. The selection process was driven by the following:

§   Engineering - creating operational and physical improvements to the infrastructure surrounding schools that reduce speeds and potential conflicts with motor vehicle traffic, and establishing safer and fully accessible crossings, walkways, trails and bikeways.

§   Education - teaching children about the broad range of transportation choices, instructing them in important lifelong bicycling and walking safety skills and launching driver safety campaigns in the vicinity of schools.

§   Enforcement - partnering with local law enforcement agencies to ensure traffic laws are obeyed in the vicinity of schools (including enforcement of speeds, yielding to pedestrians in crossings, and proper walking and bicycling behaviors), and to initiate community enforcement such as crossing guard programs.

§   Encouragement - events and activities to promote walking and bicycling (bike rodeos).

§   Evaluation - monitoring and documenting outcomes and trends through the collection of data both before and after the intervention.
 

National Safe Routes to School Month is held in October, and all schools, not just those with SRTS funding, are encouraged to participate and promote walking and bicycling as an alternative means of getting to school.

More information about the Safe Routes program in Kentucky is available online at
http://www.saferoutes.ky.gov.

Morganfield Elementary Principal Named
Union County Public Schools announces that Heady C. Larson has been hired, effective July 1, 2007, as Principal of Morganfield Elementary School. Mrs. Larson has served in the capacity as Assistant Principal for four years, the last two at South Todd Elementary School in Todd County, Kentucky. Prior to going into administration, she served in various capacities in education including second grade teacher, fourth grade teacher, Gifted/Talented teacher and Instructional Technology Leader. She has 14 years of experience in education and brings with her a wealth of knowledge in curriculum development, instruction and assessment. She received her BS from Western Kentucky University in Elementary Education, her MA from Murray State University in Elementary Education with a Gifted/Talented Education endorsement. She attended Murray State University for her Rank 1 in Instructional Leadership.

The Morganfield Elementary School Site Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council interviewed candidates and chose Mrs. Larson as their principal.

Dr. Gerald Novak, Superintendent of Schools stated, “We are excited to have a person of Mrs. Larson’s caliber joining our administrative team. She is an outstanding educator and we are expecting great things from her”.

Back-to-School Events
SES--
Open House/Readifest on Monday, Aug. 6, 4:00-6:00.  Book bags and school supplies (provided by area churches) will be given to students at this time.

UCMS--
Jump Start for Sixth Graders is Thursday, Aug. 2, 9:00-2:00.
August 13 - Back-to-School Bash  After school until 6:00p.m.

District Wide--
Union County Schools Opening Day Luncheon will be held Tuesday, Aug. 7 at the Union County Middle School for all employees.  Businesses/organizations wishing to sponsor a table at this event can contact Malinda Beauchamp at 389-1694.

UCMS School Summer Reading Program
   The UCMS library is featuring a summer reading program for middle school students. The library will be open 6 days this summer for book check out and AR testing.  This would help the new 6^th graders in their transition from elementary to middle school plus give them the opportunity to improve their reading skills.  Also, 7th and 8th graders would also have this opportunity.  In addition, students and parents have the opportunity to explore using the OPAC (online card catalog) and the Kentucky Virtual Library.

   Parents/guardians are encouraged to bring their students to the UCMS library on the following dates (parents must stay with their students while they are in the building):

        June 5^th    - - 11: 00 – 2:00
        June 12th - - 11: 00 – 2:00
        June 19^th  - - 11: 00 – 2:00
        July 17^th  - - 11: 00 – 2:00
        July 24^th  - - 11: 00 – 2:00
        July 31^st   - - 11: 00 – 2:00

     Students will be encouraged to set a summer reading goal.  Any students who meet or exceeds their goals will qualify for numerous rewards. For more information contact the UCMS library at debbie.mcclanahan@union.kyschools.us or call 389- 0224 and ask for extension 4023 to leave a message or phone number.

Extreme Makeover--Union Co. Edition
Union County Middle School students in Mrs. Turner's and Mr. Uzzle's classes participated in a Service Learning project during May to assist a fellow classmate.  The classmate's bedroom floor had fallen in and the wall was in need of repair.  The young boy's teacher and classmates built a whole new floor in the bedroom and also in the foyer of the home.  Upon completion of the project, the room was completely constructed and supplied with new bedding and curtains.  The project was funded through a Learn and Serve America Service Learning grant and many local donors

School District Awards Program
The Rotary Club of Union County and the Union County Board of Education have announced the 2007 awards recipients of the prestigious school district awards program.  Sherri Collins has been selected as the Elementary Educator of the Year, Donna Wolfe is the Secondary Educator of the Year, Malinda Beauchamp is the Support Person of the Year and Jim David Meats is the Community Supporter of the Year. The awards were presented at the annual Employee Appreciation Dinner held on Thursday, May 10.

Sherri Collins is a teacher at Uniontown Elementary School.  This school year she obtained the highest awarded certification available to teachers.  After nearly two years of rigorous, voluntary training, she earned the prestigious National Board Certified Teacher (NCBT) endorsement.  Mrs. Collins is one of only three National Board Certified Teachers in our county.  The following is an excerpt from her nomination:

 "As a teacher, she is dedicated, loyal, loving, and compassionate.  Every child in her class will confidently tell you that they must be her very favorite student because she treats them so special.  Every child learns in her class.  But learning occurs in every classroom in our district.  What make her room special is that kids learn to love learning.  Her kids love to learn math.  Her kids love to read.  Her kids leave her room with a desire and a passion to learn that will last a lifetime.”

When asked about the rewards she finds in the field of education, Mrs. Collins replied, “there is nothing more satisfying than a child who accomplishes some challenge--no matter how big or small.  The confidence and success that radiates from such a child is all the proof I need to know that I would not want any other career.”

Donna Wolfe is the Health Occupations teacher at Union County High School.  She also teaches CPR and First Aid to many other teachers, coaches, additional staff, and community members and works weekends and summers as an R.N. at St. Mary’s Hospital.  The following are some excerpts from her nomination:

 “Mrs. Wolfe is so much more than just a teacher at Union County High School.  She always makes time to accommodate the needs of her students even if it means giving up time on a weekend.    I had the privilege of being selected to be in her Advanced Health Care Class and those days of clinicals will be cherished always as being the open door to my future.”

A parent of a student had the following to say, “Mrs. Wolfe taught, encouraged and molded my daughter to believe she can make a difference in the world by helping others.”

Mrs. Wolfe claims she has a great job that is the “Best of Both Worlds” because she loves children and healthcare and as a teacher, gets to do both.  She says that the best reward she gets in the field of education is “Watching her students become successful in life!”

Malinda Beauchamp is the Community Education Director for the school district.  She has been instrumental in spearheading the Imagination Library program in our county whereby 550 children in our county receive a free age-appropriate book each month in the mail.  According to her nomination, “Mrs. Beauchamp is an extremely dedicated, energetic person who is the epitome of a professional excelling at her job.  She is a hands-on leader who is not afraid to roll up her sleeves and pitch in wherever needed. 

She has the ability to see latent possibilities that others do not see and is able to bring together people and resources to complete her vision.”  When asked about the rewards she receives from working in the field of education, Mrs. Beauchamp responded, “sometimes I wonder how I got so lucky to have one of the best jobs in the school system.  I get to do things that make our employees, students, parents, and community smile—how can it get any better than that?”

Jim David Meats was recognized as the Community Supporter of the Year for providing outstanding support to Union County Schools.  Jim David’s donates 28 hams to Union County schools each month to be distributed to students’ families who are in need.   They also contributed food to provide Thanksgiving baskets for the families of every student enrolled in the RIDE Center.

They’ve hosted tours for students of Union County Schools and the owners took their time to talk to the students and discuss the importance of education.  Jim David Meats makes a difference in the schools, in the students’ families, and provides great job opportunities for the people in Union County.

The following is a list of all the nominees who deserve special recognition for being nominated.  Rhonda Burnette, Kay Cheatham, Jan Corson, Dixie Gettings, Deborah Harman, Jana Heierman, Kelly Hendrickson, Alice Henshaw, Jay Joiner, Beth Lacefield, Nina Moore, Brooke Morgan, Patsy Morris, Melissa Oxford, Lisa Peak, Karen Thomas, Sammy Vinroe, Dan Whitesides, and Trish Young.

Pre-School Screenings
Union County Preschool Head Start will be conducting preschool screening on Friday, March 30 and Friday, April 20.  All three and four year old children in the county are invited to attend.  Screening will be at the preschool center located at Union County Middle School.  Children need to be three years old by the time of screening and should not be entering kindergarten in the fall.  Parents may call 389-4763 or 389-9813 to schedule an appointment. 

REGISTRATION For UNION COUNTY PRESCHOOL HEAD START
Registration for Union County Preschool Head Start will be held at the same time (March 30 and April 20).  Children who will be three or four years old by October 1, 2007 may apply.  Children must meet eligibility guidelines of income or special needs to attend.  Please bring the following to make an application:  The child’s certified birth certificate, the child’s social security card, and proof of family income.  An application cannot be made without these items and must be made in person by the parent or legal guardian.  If the child is eligible for UCPHS, then an eye examination by an eye doctor, school physical, and current Immunization Certificate are required upon attending.  Please call 389-4763 or 389-9813 to make an appointment.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION For UNION COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
Children, who will be 5 years old by October 1, 2007, may enroll as a Primary First Year Student (kindergartener) for the fall.  The following will be required before your child can attend school:  The child’s certified birth certificate (from the state department, not the hospital certificate or billfold size), social security card, school physical, a current Immunization Certificate, and an eye examination by an eye doctor.  Registration packets will be available at the local daycares and preschools as well as the elementary schools starting the week of March 5.  To register your child for kindergarten, please obtain a registration packet, complete it, and then return it to the elementary school that your child will attend in the fall by Friday, April 20.  Each school will be conducting kindergarten registration activities at a later date. 

REAL KIDS REAL LIFE makes Real Impact
For 22 years Paul Dunbar has relentlessly pursued teenagers with his empowering Real Kids Real Life program. We are excited to announce that Paul’s program will be coming to Union County Middle School and High School in Morganfield on Tuesday, March 27, 2007, at 8:15 a.m. (high school) and 1:00 p.m. (middle school).  He will also be giving an evening presentation at 7:00 p.m. open to everyone in the community. 

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Union County Schools, 510 South Mart Street, Morganfield, KY  42437
Board of Education (270) 389-1694
Union County High School (270) 389-1454
Union County Middle School (270) 389-0224
Morganfield Elementary (270) 389-2611
Sturgis Elementary (270) 333-4088
Uniontown Elementary (270) 822-4426
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