School Matters District Welcomes New Administrators

Bullitt County Public Schools School Matters District Welcomes New Administrators

The new district College and Career Readi- August 2014 ness Director is Christy Coulter. She de- Look inside parts Bullitt Central High School for this School Matters for the following: brand new initiative. She will coordinate and New Employee insure that the district goal of 100% CCR is met. She will also en- Bios gage the business and higher education community to seek out new Mark Your opportunities for Bullitt County students for dual credit, co op oppor- Calendar tunities, and internships. Mrs. Coulter is a 1983 graduate of Bullitt Where Ideas Take FLIGHT Central and a 2014 inductee of the school’s Hall of Fame. Christmas at the Galt House

CO Profiles Brenda Pirtle is the new Director of Secondary Access the BCPS Education. This is her fifth leadership role in Bullitt Website County Public Schools. She was both assistant Superintendent’s and principal at Brooks Elementary School, a dis- Column

trict monitoring administrator, and principal of the The Teacher: An Instrument of Bullitt Alternative Center, the Riverview Opportuni- Power ty Center and Spring Meadows Children’s Home.

Bullitt County Board of Education The individual who served as assistant principal with Mrs. Pirtle at ROC/BAC/SM is now in Chairperson charge. Angela Bibelhauser has landed her Tim Wiseheart Vice Chairperson very first principal role after working as a teach- Dolores Ashby er and instructional coach. Her long term goal includes being a strong and positive leader at Board Members BAC/ROC/SM along with ensuring that students being served are Lorraine McLaughlin Darrell Coleman progressing as they should be, families are proud to be part of the Roger Hayes programs, and continue to help faculty and staff members grow. School Matters Page 2 District Welcomes New Administrators Robert Fulk has been selected by the site-based decision making council as North Bullitt High School’s principal. He departs Bullitt Lick Middle School after three years at the helm. “When they called I was fired up, and at the same time I already felt the pangs of sadness for moving on from BLMS,” he said. “BLMS is a wonderful school with great kids, staff, and we’ve done some very good work there. I am by nature passionate about my work. The chance to bring it to a high school, serving as many people as we do, makes that fire inside burn hot.”

Troy Wood has been chosen to lead Eastside Middle School. The decision to even apply for EMS’ leadership caused Wood a great deal of thought and introspection. He felt fortunate to be in a position he enjoyed at Bullitt East and facing an amazing position at Eastside. “It was a win/win for me – stay at one of the best schools in the state, or go to one of the best schools in the state. The remarkable administrative leadership and all faculty and staff, present and past, has established a great tradition of success at Eastside.

A new administrator ushered in students Aug. 6th at Overdale Elementary School. Adrienne Usher was been selected as the principal of the northern Bullitt County school. “I feel very honored and excited to be selected as the principal of Overdale Elementary,” she said. “I look forward to leading and working with the staff to ensure continued success with the students academically, as well as support the growth of our students emotionally and socially. Working with the staff, parents, and community, we can help our students achieve great goals.”

School Matters Page 3 Brooks Elementary School Welcomes New Staff Erin Rummage is a third grade teacher at Brooks Elementary School. She recently completed a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Morehead State University. While there she was a member of the Professional Partnership Program and a fellow of the NASA Space Grant. Ms. Rummage served in a variety of leadership and volunteer roles prior to moving to Louisville, including being a volunteer with The Girl Scouts of the USA and a specialist of the Environmental Education Department at Morehead State. For the past two years she has served as a substitute teacher in the Rowan County School system and was a coach of the Dynamite Twisters Power Tumbling Team of Morehead, KY for the past seven years. Ms. Rummage en- courages a discovery approach to learning and aspires to provide a positive and unique learning environment for each student. It is her belief that, through education, students will receive vital skills and tools that are necessary to build a life that is successful and impacting.

Audra Bridges is a first grade teacher at Brooks Elementary. She has been teaching kindergarten in western Kentucky but has come home to Bullitt County. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky and a proud member of the Big Blue Nation. Mrs. Bridges enjoys attending live sporting events and traveling with her husband.

Mrs. Elizabeth Bridwell is an Occupational Therapist at Brooks and Overdale Elementary Schools, Hebron and Zoneton Middle Schools and North Bullitt High School. She completed her certification in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education at University of Kentucky in 2012 and her Bache- lors in Occupational Therapy at Spalding University in 2002. She has worked with children at Easter Seals of Louis- ville, provided First Steps Occupational Therapy services in Bullitt, Jefferson, Shelby, and Spencer County, and taught in the Occupational Therapy Assistant program at Brown Mackie College . School Matters Page 4 Theresa Waddell joins Cedar Grove Elementary Mrs. Theresa Waddell is a teacher at Cedar Grove Elementary School in a one-two split classroom. She graduated from Western Kentucky University in December 2013 where she earned her Bachelor of Sci- ence degree in Elementary Education. Future goals include starting her Master’s program in Teacher Leadership once she has completed her KTIP year.

Freedom Elementary Welcomes Several New Staff Mrs. April Castle is a second grade teacher at Freedom Elementary School. She completed her Bachelors of Science degree in Elemen- tary Education at Indiana University Southeast. She has served in a variety of different ways in a classroom throughout the years. She started out as an active parent volunteer and now guides students to becoming successful in their futures. This past school year, she served BCPS at Freedom as an Instructional Tutor and ESS providing math and reading interventions. Mrs. Castle’s interest is providing the best support and resources that each individual student needs to become self-sufficient and successful learners. She believes that every student can succeed at high levels and a great education can change lives.

Mrs. Allison Lupton is the Library Media Specialist at Freedom Elementary School. She completed her Masters degree in Library Media Science from Western Kentucky University this past spring. She also holds a Bachelors degree in Art Education from Eastern Kentucky University. For the past four years, she taught in Hardin County as a middle school art teacher. While teaching art, she realized the importance of students receiving a well-rounded education. This inspired her to pursue a library media degree and use it to share her enthusi- asm for reading and general knowledge seeking with her students. Being a lifelong Bullitt County resident, Mrs. Lupton is passionate about working with the students from her own community. She knows that once instilled with a desire to question and seek an- swers in the world around them, all students are equipped to become lifelong learners. School Matters Page 5 Freedom Elementary Welcomes Several New Staff

Taylor Ferguson is a second grade teacher at Freedom Ele- mentary. She completed her Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Learning & Behavior Disorders from Bellarmine University in 2012. She is also in the process of completing her Master’s degree in the Literacy Specialist program from the Uni- versity of the Cumberlands. Ms. Ferguson has served BCPS for the past two years both as a 2nd grade teacher at Crossroads Elementary and as an Instructional Tutor at Pleasant Grove Elementary. She is excited to begin her journey at Freedom Elementary and looks forward to watching her students learn and grow this year.

Mrs. Katie Rupp is a fifth grade Reading Teacher at Freedom Elementary. She obtained her Masters of Education in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from Milligan College. Mrs. Rupp is a fellow of the Louisville Writing Project. She has a variety of experience as an Intervention Specialist, classroom teacher and an Intervention Coach. In the past 5 years she has served in a variety of roles at Anchorage School, Simpsonville Elementary, and Liberty Elementary. Mrs. Rupp's desire is to provide all students with an exceptional education, engaging students in learning about the world around them. She believes in giving students the assistance, tools, and resources to help them succeed and develop a love of reading. Jessica Thompson is the Newest Nichols Knight

Mrs. Jessica Thompson is a teacher in Special Education for Nichols Elementary School. She recently completed her Bachelors degree in Special Education from West- ern Governors University. For the past 8 years she has served at Meredith Dunn School where she was an Instructional Assistant supporting students with a variety of learning disabilities to achieve their educational goals. Mrs. Thompson's interest is for each individual student to achieve academic success by supporting the students and providing the resources they need to become successful. School Matters Page 6 Jenna Simms Begins Work at Lebanon Junction Elem. Jenna Simms is a Special Education teacher at Lebanon Junction Elementary School. She recently completed her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Learning and Behavior Disorders at Bellarmine University. During her time at Bellarmine, she was a member of the Education Club and Kappa Delta Pi. She has lived in Bullitt County her entire life and is excited to be a part of BCPS. Ms. Simms strives to provide the support that her students need to become successful individuals. She also believes that her excitement and passion will reflect in her students.

Maryville Elementary Introduces Kelli Kaiser Kelli Kaiser is a kindergarten teacher at Maryville Elementary. She graduated from the University of Louisville with a Bachelors degree in Justice Administration and completed the Transition to Teaching Program at Indiana University Southeast. She completed her student teaching at Wilson Elementary located in New Albany, IN. For the past year she has been a substitute teacher for Oldham, Bullitt, and Jefferson County Public Schools. This is her first permanent teaching position. Ms. Kaiser volunteers as a youth cheer- leading coach at Fairdale Youth Cheer. She loves using her knowledge and skills to help facilitate the learning of others. Ms. Kaiser not only wants to teach her students how to read and write but how to draw conclusions, solve problems, participate in group activi- ties and be a part of a positive learning environment. She believes that as a teacher you must create intrinsic motivation within your students to make them believe they can achieve anything. Ms. Kaiser is looking forward to meeting new people and working with her colleagues to ensure that every student has a bright future.

Look Who’s New at Mt. Washington Elementary Mrs. Kali Ervin is joining the Mt. Washington Elementary staff at the newest addition to their kindergarten team. Kali is a graduate of Western Kentucky University where she received her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education. Kali comes to MWES from South Green Elementary in Glasgow, KY. Kali is excited to join BCPS, especially since

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her husband, Trevor, is already here serving as band director at Bul- litt East High School! Kali is eager to meet her kindergarten students and families and is thrilled to begin her BCPS career at MWES.

Bernheim Middle School Introduces Kara Badder Kara Badder is an eighth grade science teacher at Bernheim Middle School. She received a Bachelor's of Arts degree in middle school science teaching and K-12 special education teaching at Bellarmine Univer- sity, then went on to receive her Masters of Education in teacher leadership at the University of Louisville. Mrs. Badder taught for six years in Oldham County at Oldham County Middle School, and participated in many student ac- tivities, sports, and clubs. Mrs. Badder comes from a family of teachers and was raised to believe in the power of knowledge and the rewards of hard work. She knows that every student is capable of learning and overcoming weaknesses, all she ever asks is that they do their personal best in everything they do while in class. Mrs. Badder understands that every student learns differently and will do her best to meet your child where they are at the beginning of the year so they can achieve what they are capable of at the end of the year. Mrs. Badder just gave birth to her first child, a son, on May 30th, 2014. With her new perspective of being a mother, and how much she loves her son, she knows now more than ever how important communication is going to be with the parents of her students. If they ever have any questions or concerns they can reach her over email an- ytime and she will get back to them as soon as possible. She uses programs and apps to track student behavior and academic progress and will send home student codes for parents to have daily access to her notes, PowerPoints, videos, and behavior trackers at the beginning of the new school year. Pleasant Grove Welcomes Noel Parrish Mrs. Noel Parrish is a fourth grade teacher at Pleasant Grove Elementary. She has a Masters in Elementary Education from the University of Louisville and brings nine years

Continued on next page School Matters Page 8 Pleasant Grove Welcomes Noel Parrish Continued from previous page of teaching experience. This past year Noel worked as a part time RTA teacher for PGES. She is excited about this year and looks forward to guiding all of her fourth grade students to meet their upmost potential.

Shepherdsville Stingrays Introduce Ashley Gabhart Ashley Gabhart is joining the fifth grade team at Shepherds- ville Elementary School, teaching math and science. This is her first year teaching and she is looking forward to all of the hands-on lessons to come! Ms. Gabhart recently completed her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and Learning and Behavior Disorders from the University of Louisville. She loves to travel and recently had the opportunity to teach math in San Pablo, Belize for thirteen days. While she loves to travel, her family is very important. Ms. Gabhart is very excited about her marriage next October to her fiancé, Randy Schuette. The staff and students at Shepherdsville have been so welcoming and she is so excited to become a part of this wonderful community! Bobcat Country Beckons for Several Educators

Angela Rees has her Bachelor's degree in history from Iowa State University and earned her mathematics certification from University of Louisville. She has been in the gourmet food industry for the last eight years and is excited to make the transition to education. Originally from Iowa, she now claims Kentucky as home and lives in Louisville with her fiancé. She enthusiastically looks forward to engaging and educating students at Bullitt Lick Middle School.

Mrs. Staci Huff is a MSD teacher at Bullitt Lick. She completed her Master's degree and Alternative Teacher Certification in Moderate to Severe Disabilities at the University of

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Louisville in 2010. She also has a Bachelor's degree in Psychology with a Human Service Concentration from Albion College in Albion, MI. For the past six years she has served Jefferson County Public Schools as a middle school FMD self contained special education teacher. Mrs. Huff's interest is teaching her students functional skills and core content with accommodations and modifications differenti- ated to their needs that will allow them to be as successful and independent as possible. She believes that students will rise to high expectations and yearn for boundaries. She believes in getting to know the students to help motivate them to try their best and rise to challenges instead of giving up.

Ms. Sarah Flaherty is a sixth grade English teacher at Bullitt Lick. She recently completed her Bachelor’s degree in Middle and Secondary Education from the University of Lou- isville. She student taught at North Bullitt High School and has worked with many teachers and students in nearby counties. She co-taught in Belize, providing leadership for an informative writing workshop. She is a certified master tutor and has experience tutoring beginning and struggling college students. She believes that all students can excel when in a safe environment where they are held accountable for reaching high expectations and given support when needed. She also believes in making sure learning is relevant to students’ daily lives and futures.

Ms. Heather Shick is a teacher in seventh and eighth grade at Bullitt Lick. She has recently completed her Masters degree in Teacher Leadership from the University of Louisville. She is a Georgia native who recently moved to Kentucky. She received her Bachelors degree from the State University of West Georgia in Middle Grades Math and Science. She is also certified to teach Reading and Gifted in Georgia. Ms. Shick taught seventh grade science for two years in Atlanta, GA. Then,

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Continued from previous page she left the teaching profession to raise her two sons. For the past year and a half she has been teaching at Martha Layne Collins High School in Shelby County. While at Col- lins, she taught Math Concepts, eighth grade Math, Reading Intervention, Algebra I, and Creative Writing/Film Theory. She went into teaching because she believes all students need a teacher they can depend on to be supportive and prepare them to be successful, and middle school students seem to need this the most.

Joel Kessinger is a new eighth grade math teacher at Bullitt Lick. He has a Master of Arts degree in Teaching for middle grade mathematics from Bellarmine University and did his student teaching at Zoneton Middle School. Mr. Kessinger lives in Elizabethtown with his wife and three children. He previously worked as a Golf Professional for many years and transitioned into education because he loves helping young people succeed. His philosophy is to educate the whole child so that they may advance in their education as well as become productive citizens and future leaders. Mr. Kessinger looks forward to being part of the community.

Natalie Wilkerson will be teaching seventh and eighth grade So- cial Studies at Bullitt Lick. This is her second year teaching. She completed the Masters degree in the Art of Teaching at the Uni- versity of Louisville. Additionally, she has a Bachelors degree in History and Political Science from the University of Kentucky. Ms. Wilkerson believes teaching should be engaging and interesting, which will help foster a desire to learn new things.

Mark Your Calendar! Monday, Aug. 25, 2014—District Assembly meeting at 4:00 p.m. at the central office. Monday, Aug. 25, 2014—Board of Education meeting at 6:00 p.m. at the central office. School Matters Page 11 Hebron Middle School Welcomes New Staff Michelle Sallee is a teacher in seventh grade science at Hebron Middle School. She recently moved here from Owensboro where she taught sixth grade math at Owensboro Middle School for three years. Mrs. Sallee received her Bachelors degree in Middle Grades Education for Math/Science from Western Kentucky Uni- versity. She is passionate about learning and hopes to relay this to her students. She thinks learning should be fun. She always stresses to her students that we are here to learn, but based on their attentiveness and behavior it can be fun and enjoyable or boring and uneventful...the choice is theirs.

John Calhoun is an eighth grade Social Studies teacher at Heb- ron. He recently completed his Undergraduate degree in Social Studies Education grades 5-12 from Alice Lloyd College in Pippa Passes, KY. Prior to coming to Hebron, Mr. Calhoun was a Sen- ior Pastor in Shepherdsville for his church organization. Current- ly, Mr. Calhoun volunteers on a Youth Advisory Council in addition to serving as a Student Pastor at his local church. Mr. Cal- houn’s passion is to initiate and encourage students in their discovery of value and to provide them with the necessary tools to become successful in all of their pursuits and endeavors. He believes that every child has value and potential. “Education is the key that we as teachers can provide to students, so that they may unlock their true value and potential.” He is thrilled to be joining BCPS’s team of fantastic teachers!

Generally Teaching at Mt. Washington Middle Charles Hamilton is an eighth grade math teacher at Mount Washington Middle School. He recently completed his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Middle School Educa- tion from Eastern Kentucky University. Mr. Hamilton is also trained with NMSI and has attended the Laying the Founda- tions trainings in Louisville, KK. Mr. Hamilton graduated in December 2013 and was hired in BCPS January of last school year. School Matters Page 12 Generally Teaching at Mt. Washington Middle Joseph Hamilton is a sixth grade science teacher at Mount Washington Middle. He recently completed his Bachelor of Sciences degree in Middle School Education from Eastern Kentucky University. Mr. Hamilton brings new 21st century teaching skills to his classroom. He is also trained with NMSI and has attended the Laying the Foundations trainings in Louisville, Ky. He believes that any student can learn no matter what set- backs they may be facing. This is his first year teaching after graduating college in May of 2014 and he is very excited to impact the lives of all students he encounters at MWMS. New Zoneton Middle School Timberwolves Holly Moberly is the new eighth grade science teacher at Zoneton Middle. She recently completed her Master of Arts in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands. She is certified for middle school science as well as high school biology. Ms. Moberly completed her undergraduate studies at Indiana University Southeast with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. Ms. Moberly lives in Oldham County with her son who is just starting high school, two dogs, a cat and nearly a partridge in a pair tree, but instead she has several hermit crabs! She has worked as a substitute teacher for the past three years in Oldham Coun- ty and Shelby County. In her spare time she enjoys spending time with family, reading, camping, or just relaxing!

Keith Stallings is a teacher in sixth, seventh and eighth grade EBD at Zoneton Middle. He is completing his Masters of Arts in Teaching at the University of the Cumberlands. He also has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Louisville. Prior to joining BCPS, Keith worked at Seven Counties Services in Bullitt County for four years. While at Seven Counties, Keith was a community-based therapist where he worked with clients while in the school, home and office settings. Mr. Stallings was in charge of helping clients in individual and group settings, along with helping parents in collateral

Continued on next page School Matters Page 13 New Zoneton Middle School Timberwolves Continued from previous page sessions. Prior to Seven Counties, Mr. Stallings worked at Home of the Innocents in their Autism De- partment for almost three years, where he provided one-on-one ABA therapy and created behavior plans for his clients. Mr. Stallings believes that with the appropriate supports in place, each student has the abil- ity to achieve a great education.

Many New Faces at Bullitt Central High School Mrs. Brittany Knipp is an Assistant Principal at Bullitt Central High School. She received her Bachelors degree in Elementary Education at Murray State University, Mas- ters degree in Elementary Education at Indiana University Southeast, and Rank I in School Leadership/Principal Cer- tification at Spalding University. Mrs. Knipp served in a variety of teaching and leadership roles at Jefferson County Public Schools for seven years prior to moving to Bullitt Central High. Mrs. Knipp’s interest is providing the support and resources that each individual student needs to become self-sufficient and successful. She believes that every student can succeed at high levels and that each student will become College and Career Ready!

Maranda Feldman is the Moderate to Severe Disabilities Unit teacher at Bullitt Central. She recently completed her Bache- lors degree in Special Education from Western Kentucky Uni- versity with a dual certification in Teacher Learning and Behav- ioral Disabilities and Moderate to Severe Disabilities. While liv- ing in Bowling Green, KY she worked at the Kelly Autism Pro- gram with autistic students. As an educator, Mrs. Feldman

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Many New Faces at Bullitt Central High School Continued from previous page believes it is her responsibility to apply the educational skills and knowledge that she has to her students to academically, socially and individually achieve growth. She truly believes that all students are capable and active learners who are continually learning. Mrs. Feldman is passionate about helping students grow, building their confidence and en- couraging them to never stop learning.

Charlie Spears is a science teacher at Bullitt Central and has recently moved back to Louisville from St. Louis after a 10 year ab- sence. He is a second career teacher who has traded managing chemical plants for teaching science. Mr. Spears has a Masters of Education from Maryville University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from Villanova Universi- ty. For the past three years he has been teaching Earth Science to eighth graders at Southeast Middle School in the Hazelwood School District in suburban St. Louis. Mr. Spears is looking forward to sharing his love of science with his students and having a great year that is full of learning.

Mrs. Melanie Sparks is the choir teacher at Bullitt Central High School. She recently completed her Masters in Music Education from Morehead State University. Mrs. Sparks has taught music at the preschool, elementary, middle, and high school level. Mrs. Sparks believes in providing opportunities for all students to be successful and achieve high standards. It is Mrs. Sparks’ hope, that through an excellent education and positive role modeling of teachers, all Bullitt County students will grow to be productive, positive community members.

Mrs. Amanda Wimsatt is a PE/Health Teacher at Bullitt Central. She recently completed her Rank 1 in Special Education (LBD), from the University of the Cumberlands.

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Many New Faces at Bullitt Central High School Continued from previous page

Mrs. Wimsatt also has her Masters degree in Health and PE and Bachelors degree in Health and Human Performance from the University of Louisville. She is certified to teach Health and Physical Education K-12 and Special Education (LBD) K-12. She has been an Elementary and High School Health and PE teacher for four years in Hardin and Oldham Counties. Mrs. Wimsatt strives for all students to learn about their body and mind and how to take care of it properly. She believes that all students can lead a happy and healthy lifestyle

Mrs. Kristan Lively is a new Algebra I and Algebra II teacher at Bullitt Central. She completed her Undergradu- ate work at Spalding University in Business Administration where she worked as an Assistant Director of Financial Aid. She completed the alternative certification program for her Master's in Education through Spalding University while working at Eminence High School, where she stayed for seven years. Mrs. Lively completed her Rank I at the University of the Cumberlands in Leadership/ Administration. She has been successful with Standards Based Grading and focuses on student growth. She is extremely excited to be at Bullitt Central and hopes to be a world changer.

Jamie Issis is the new Youth Services Center Coordinator at Bullitt Central. She was working on her Master’s degree in science in social work at the University of Louisville and completing a practicum at a Family Resource Center in Jefferson County when she spent time at a Family Resource Center and realized that is what she wanted to do. Ms. Issis had already earned a Bachelor of Science degree in sociology from U of L. School Matters Page 16

Bullitt East High School Welcomes Lauren Battcher Mrs. Lauren Battcher is a freshman integrated science teacher at Bullitt East. She has a Bachelor's degree in Biological Sciences from Purdue University and a Master's degree in Teaching from the University of Louisville. Mrs. Battcher taught for four years at Jeffer- son County Public Schools after moving to Kentucky in 2008. She has worked for the past two years as an in- structor and case-manager for a healthy marriage and relationships program in Shepherdsville. Mrs. Battcher is a proud graduate of the Leadership Bullitt County program and enjoys serving her new community, Mt. Washington, in various capacities. Mrs. Battcher believes strongly in the importance of college and career readiness. She aims to equip all students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to achieve success in life beyond high school.

Call for Presenters and Attendees at the BCPS/OVEC FLIGHT Institute on September 20th, 2014 is NOW OPEN!

We want YOU, the teachers, technology specialists and administrators, to present and share during this institute. Please think about sharing your technology and curriculum expertise (big or small).

The “Where Ideas Take FLIGHT” Institute, sponsored by Bullitt County Public Schools and the Ohio Valley Educational Cooperative, would like to invite technology specialists (TIS/TRT), administrators, and teachers of all grades, subjects, and skill levels to present at this year’s conference. Held at North Bullitt High School in Bullitt County, our goal is to encourage everyone to take FLIGHT (Future Lesson Ideas Gathered Here Today) in learning. The BCPS/OVEC Institute is a FREE event that will be held Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014 from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (with lunch on own and door prizes at the end of the

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Continued from previous page day.) It will showcase Technology, Curriculum, and Instruction. This event will feature teachers from around the state presenting not only technology tools, but curriculum inte- gration techniques and instructional strategies to help expand student learning. There will be six 45-50 minute sessions held throughout the day, a vendor hall area, and im- promptu gathering areas for collaboration. But, we NEED PRESENTERS like YOU! Even if you are hesitant about presenting, please share this with your friends and encourage them to Take FLIGHT in Learning!

For those interested in attending the Take FLIGHT Institute, please register at http://bcpsovectakeflight.eventbrite.com.

For those interested in presenting, please register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/bcpsovecpresenter by no later than August 22nd, 2014.

Up to 6 hours of Professional Development credit/EILA credit for an attendee and 1 additional hour for each presentation presented. (Presenters willing to present more than once will receive one hour for each additional presentation as well.)

Resources and information about the institute can be found at http://bcpsovecflight.weebly.com or http://ww2.bullittschools.org/technology/?page_id=1625.

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Educators Arrive at North Bullitt High School Mr. Shane Leonard is a teacher within the special education department at North Bullitt. He recently completed his Masters in Spe- cial Education LBD K-12 from the University of the Cumberlands. He also has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Studies from Bellar- mine University. This is Mr. Leonard’s first year teaching at North Bullitt. Previously, he was at North Hardin High School. Mr. Leonard has worked at North Bullitt before as the College and Career Readi- ness Coach, Instructional Assistant, and Assistant Basketball Coach. His goal as a teacher is to provide a safe positive learning environment in which each person is re- spected as an individual and challenged to do his or her best. He believes by working together, all of us will be successful.

Sara Conner is a Biology and Integrated Science teacher at North Bullitt. She recently earned her Masters of Arts in Teaching from the University of the Cumberlands. She also holds Bachelor’s degrees in Microbiology and Spanish from the University of Georgia. Ms. Conner has been a substitute teacher in Bullitt County for the past three years and just completed her student teaching at duPont Manual High School. This is her first year of teaching and she is very excited to jump in and inspire students to learn.

Christmas at the Galt House (will be here before you know it!) The Christmas at the Galt House Hotel Gingerbread Contest is back with more chances to win big money by showing off your creativity. Amateurs and professionals alike should put their baking hats on—there’s $1,500 in cash prizes on the line. The deadline to enter is October 27, 2014 at 5 p.m. Gingerbread houses must be delivered to the Galt House Hotel on either November 12 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. or November 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The gingerbread houses will be on display from November 15, 2014 to Jan- uary 1, 2015 for all guests of KaLightoscope: A Christmas Carol to see.

For specific rules and regulations, and for an entry form, please visit www.ChristmasAtTheGaltHouse.com/about. School Matters Page 19 Central Office Profile: Health Services School health programs offer the opportunity to provide the services and knowledge to enable children to be productive learners and to develop the skills to make health decisions for the rest of their lives. The District Health Coordinator is Lesa Bodine, R.N., BSN. Telephone (502) 869-8090 or email [email protected]. The District School Nurses are Kim Buchanan, LPN, telephone (502) 869-8091 or email at [email protected] and Mike Seago, R.N., BSN, Telephone (502) 869- 8000 or [email protected]. The Medication Ad- ministration by school employee or by student requires a completed MEDICATION AUTHORIZATION FORM to be on file for each school year. Prescription medication requires a parent AND physician signature. All medication MUST be brought to office by the parent to be signed in. All medication will be destroyed once ex- pired or after the end of the school year if not picked up to ensure the safety of all students.

Check out the BCPS Website for News and Photos One of the easiest and fastest ways to catch up on the news and photos from Bullitt County Public Schools is the district website at www.bullittschools.org. Important News has links to the latest press releases and helpful resources for staff and parents. At the bottom of the page are clickable icons leading computer users to employment opportunities, Compass Learning, eNews sign up, a suggestion box and the Kentucky Department of Education’s website. At the top of the page are drop down boxes for central office de- partments and links to all schools. Separate pages exist with valuable resource links For Parents, For Staff and For Students. Take a few moments right now to search the site and see why BCPS is the Leader in Educational Excellence! School Matters Page 20 Student Centered Success By Keith Davis, Superintendent

The beginning of the school year is upon us, and it is a good time to take stock of where we stand. Before burying you under a bunch of statistics, I want to clearly state that our students are not made up of their test scores. Not a week goes by that doesn't bring individual and team success stories. Some students are accepted into prestigious universi- ties and programs, others become leaders in school clubs, on the athletic fields, on the chess board, in their churches, 4-H, and scout troops, and still others overcome tremendous personal obstacles to get to school and do what is needed to make their lives - and the lives of their own future children - better than what experience has taught them to expect. That said, it is not an either/or proposition. If our students are receiving excellent instruction and guidance, the assessment results will, and have, come.

Our teachers and staff members believe in kids. They go far beyond their job descrip- tions in every respect to teach their students the value of hard work, kindness to others, steadfastness in the face of adversity, and how they can make the world a better place. So many of them have children of their own in our schools and our watchword is if it is not good enough for our own personal children, it is not good enough for our students.

It is easy to forget the recent past and assume that the performance of our school system is a given and will continue to improve regardless of what happens. It is not a given and it takes strong leadership in every school and classroom, as well as at the district level, if we wish it to continue. We have moved, in these past seven years, from the low- est 20% of Kentucky school districts to attain the rank of Proficiency on our state assess- ments. Our attendance rankings have moved from 104th in 06-07 to 55th this past year (out of 173 districts). Our most recent graduating senior class earned $12.2 million this past year, up almost $2.5 million over the last three years. The number of Advanced Placement exams passed by our students has risen from 90 to 265 over the last four years. The partnerships we fostered have allowed our students to earn hundreds of college credits (I don't have the final number yet) compared to only a handful five years ago. Our schools are organized into Professional Learning Communities where teachers hone their craft and make sure they are providing the support that every single student

Continued on next page School Matters Page 21 Student Centered Success By Keith Davis, Superintendent

Continued from previous page needs to be successful. We have instituted a number of special programs to further indi- vidualize education so our kids understand the opportunities available to them after they leave our school system. To name just a few, in the past seven years, we have imple- mented Bullitt Advanced Math and Science Program, the Career Readiness Center, a redesign of Bullitt Alternative School, a revamped Gifted and Talented program, High School Academies in the areas of Information Technology, Bio-medical, and Engineer- ing/Technology, and the middle school Discovery School math and science program. We just witnessed the successful debut of our student artistic production of Sleeping Beauty with more to come. BCPS occupies a sweet spot in that we are large enough to offer a diverse array of options to meet our students' needs and small enough that our students are known as individuals and not as simply another number.

Together with a supportive Board of Education, our staff of administrators, teachers, and support staff has built and continues to build a school system that is a real asset to our growing community. We view our students as capable individuals that - given appropriate instruction and guidance centered on their needs rather than the needs of the adults that work in the system - will become true leaders in our community, state, and nation. Our oft-repeated vision is to become The Leader in Ed- ucational Excellence. The toughest obstacles - like in most of our lives - are mental and with the support of our truly wonderful parents and community, we will fulfill that vision. Welcome to a new and ex- citing school year. Great things are getting ready to happen. School Matters Page 22 The Teacher—An Instrument of Power By Haim Ginott I have come to a frightening conclusion. I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate. It is my daily mood that makes the weather. As a teacher, I possess tremendous power to make a child’s life miserable or joyous. I can be a tool of torture or an instrument of inspiration. I can humiliate or humor, hurt or heal. In all situations, it is my response that decides whether a crisis will be escalated or de-escalated, and a child humanized or de-humanized.

School Matters Page 23 KASA School Safety Council’s 5 Focus

1 Policy Changes 4 Interior June is the time for school boards to review Self-Inspection legislative policy changes. Once the school As summer repairs, renovation and board completes its review, be sure to re-  view your emergency management plan and cleanup take place, be sure important make adjustments based on the changes to “safety signage” that is misplaced or dam- legislation and other identified needs. aged, is replaced.  Ensure EXIT and other SAFETY signs are 2 Building Inspection with in place and working properly once mainte- the nance is completed. Fire Marshall  Check all DOOR and WINDOW locks; request replacement if necessary.  Fire Marshall will inspect the fire extin- guishers in the building as well as on all bus- 5 Exterior es Self-Inspection  Inspect the boiler room and kitchen Check the exterior of the school building for  Request an exit interview to discuss the the following: Fire Marshall’s findings in the building and  Graffiti what you can do to improve the fire safety aspect of the school  Damaged safety signs  Overgrown bushes/shrubs to ensure 3 Safety Team proper line of sight  Build or expand your team to include dis-  Dismissal procedure and traffic flow trict and school level administrators, food service, buildings/grounds, secretaries, and  All outdoor locks work properly others on the team.  Safety/security lights broken or damaged  Team should visit each school quarterly to review all aspects of safety in the school.  Use a checklist to guide and ensure a thorough and uniform inspection of each school.  From the checklist, prepare a report after the visit that shares the team’s findings as to how safety can be improved.

TAKE ACTION… REPLACE. REPAIR. REVISIT AND COR- RECT.

Additional Resources: http://www.kycss.org/facilities.php