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Daviess County Public Schools staff newsletter Aug. 31-Sept. 5, 2015 DCPS Educators attend National ECET2 Four Daviess County Public Schools educators represented our district at the 2015 national Elevating and Celebrating Effective Teaching and Teachers convening in Seattle. Sara Appleby, a language arts teacher at Daviess County Middle School; Holly Phillips, a math teacher at Burns Middle School; Michelle Ruckdeschel, director at Heritage Park High School; and Heidi Givens, teacher of the deaf and hard-of- hearing, attended the ECET2 event in July. The concept for ECET2 began in 2012 when nearly 200 educators from across the country made the commitment to bringing together motivated colleagues and providing a forum in which exceptional teachers can learn from one another and celebrate the teaching profession. We invited two of our participants in the July Heidi Givens, Michelle Ruckdeschel, Sara Appleby and Holly Phillips 2015 event to share their thoughts and expe- represented DCPS at the national ECET2 convening in Seattle. riences with their colleagues through the Grapevine. Their narratives are featured on the following pages. In This Issue DCPS in the Spotlight In addition, DCPS partnered with our sister National ECET2 Convening DCPS Lead and Learn Fellows district, , in Healthy Lifestyle Tip Rescreenings and Flu Shots hosting a local ECET2 meeting on July 21 Credit Union Corner AESOP: What You Need to Know at Wesleyan College. Watch future Certified Appeals Committee Do the Math! Sick Days Pay Off! issues of the Grapevine for photos and Community Partners Send news to information about that event! Familiar Faces in New Places Foundation for DCPS News [email protected] Continued on Next Page DCPS Educators attend National ECET2 By Sara Appleby DCMS Language Arts I have always loved my job. I have always loved creating lessons and relationships with my students. Then I attended ECET2 in Seattle this summer. ‘Powerful’ is the word I use to describe this experience. Powerful because I feel like it is my first year teaching again, and I have so much more to learn and Sara Appleby shared her offer to my students. That love I have Melinda Gates, left, was honored to thoughts in a ‘Why I Teach’ for my lessons and students is now interview Holly Phillips at ECET2 in Seattle. photo booth. Her message: magnified after ECET2. By Holly Phillips “The *moment* a kid recognizes the possibilities of This convening of the country’s most BMS Mathematics what he/she can accomplish!” passionate and talented educators What an amazing experience! Instead of reminded me how powerful our actions asking myself, “What summer break?”, I’m as teachers are each and every day. I was reminded of the responsibility feeling renewed and excited to begin the we have to our students to love them, inspire them, and help them to next school year. I have just experienced my become tomorrow’s leaders. first ECET2 convening in Seattle and let me Within the opening minutes, the keynote speakers shared their personal tell you, not only did I drink the kool aid, stories. I felt connected to these individuals through their open hearts I’m ready to serve it up by the gallon. and passionate tales of their students. “Know your story. Share your From the moment you arrive in the city to story” was a common theme throughout this ECET2 experience. the tearful goodbyes, you are made to feel Collaborating with so many teachers from across the country gave me like a rock star. such insight into my own teaching and leadership opportunities. Our experience started with a welcome Participating in Colleague Circles to solve problems of practice was reception at the Seattle Aquarium, but the such a profound experience for me. Sitting with eight other individuals, celebration didn’t stop there. We had two listening with purpose, and watching a solution formulate within days of informational sessions, wonderful minutes was so motivating. speakers, and several uplifting teacher I found such respect for each new person I met on this journey. stories, which had us laughing and reaching I quickly realized the variety of ways I can exercise my teacher for our tissues. I was one of the lucky few leadership and voice. I also saw the responsibility I have to celebrate that had the opportunity to sit down with others in our profession. Every minute of ECET2 was dedicated to Melinda Gates and discuss some of our showing us how we can have an impact on others in our field. ECET2 amazing work in Daviess County. Kentucky allowed me to make connections with valuable resources across the is a trailblazer in education and the people at country. I felt empowered to share my own stories and ideas. the Gates Foundation love Kentucky teachers. As we begin the new school year, those three days in Seattle are already shaping my classroom. Of course I will implement the lessons I learned I feel like the Gates Foundation is on to from my breakout sessions about student engagement, Design Thinking something amazing. We should be elevating protocol, and teaching with social justice. More importantly, I begin the and celebrating great teachers and teaching new year with a renewed drive to make each day special for my at all levels. We work to elevate and students because they deserve every opportunity possible. ECET2 celebrate students on a daily basis, and it is celebrated me as a teacher and our profession. Now it is my turn to wonderful that someone has taken the time celebrate with my students the gifts ECET2 offered me. and energy to make us feel the same way. What you need to know about managing absences and subs Important Notes: Your ID and PIN numbers for accessing Aesop are as follows: n ID Number (your phone number) n PIN Number (the default is your four-digit employee number pre- ceded by the number 3, but you can change your PIN number) When entering an absence, please wait until you receive a confirmation number before you Penny Courtney terminate the phone call or close your internet browser window. Your transaction is not complete until you receive a confirmation number.

Additional Information 1. All employees are required to use Aesop for recording absences (even if no sub is needed). 2. If you want a certain sub, you need to call the sub and As we begin a new school year, please review how to use check their availability, then enter the sub’s name in the Aesop — our system of recording and managing absences Administrator Notes so your administrator will know who and finding substitutes. Aesop service are available to you to assign for you. When subs are acquired in this manner, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and can be accessed via mark “sub not required” in Aesop so the absence won’t be Internet and phone. listed as a vacancy needing to be filled. 3. Timesheets and Certified Absence Reports still need to How do I interact with Aesop? 1. You can interact with Aesop on the Internet at be completed as always. A column has been added to http://www.frontlinek12.com/aesop Here, you will be verify an absence has been entered into Aesop. able to enter absences, check your absence schedule, 4. All employees are still required to personally call/notify update personal information, and exercise other features their supervisor regarding absences. such as uploading your lesson plans for substitutes to view We are confident that you will find the Aesop experience online. Additional user information is available online. beneficial and enjoyable. If you have any questions, 2. You can also call Aesop toll free at 1-800-942-3767. concerns, or comments, please contact me by phone or Simply follow the voice menu to enter and manage your email as listed below. Thank you! absences and access other features. We recommend that Penny Courtney you call in to check the computer recording of your name DCPS Sub Support Contact and title. To do this, press Option 4 and follow the [email protected] prompts. (270) 302-2056

“Every truth has four corners. As a teacher, I give you one corner. It is for you to find the other three.” — Confucius Do the Math! Let’s Take a Look ... n Let’s say you are a teacher who starts out with zero years of experience with a Rank III (bachelor’s degree) with no extra duties earns $37,654 a year, which is about $202 a day. n Let’s say you retire in 2041 with 27 years of experience with a Rank I, with no extra duties. At the current salary schedule, you would be making $62,988 a year, approximately $338 a day (based on current pay schedule and in current dollars). n Your payout will be based on your daily rate at retirement in 2041 dollars and on the 2041 pay scale. DCPS Director of Personnel Mark Owens shares this n You could potentially accumulate 324 days over those important information with “new hires” every year, but 27 years. Those days would be valued at $109,512. You the information is relevant to all of us. Take a moment to get 30 percent of that, which is $32,852 ... and that’s if the “do the math” and think about what those unused sick and pay scale is still where it is right now! personal days are really worth! NOTE — When you are sick, take the sick day! n Now let’s say you used 25 percent of your days (three a year) and retire with 243 days remaining. After 27 years At the beginning of every school year, DCPS employees (at our current pay scale), those days will be worth $338 receive 10 sick days and two personal days. Unused each. The district will pay you $101.40 for each one of personal days convert to sick days at the end of the year. those accumulated days. $101.40 x 243 means a $24,640 payout at retirement. Reasons to Save Your Days n You build a “safety net” in case you or a family member So the difference in payout between saving all your days have a serious accident or illness that requires an extended and using three each year is $8,212. This is actually an absence from work. Think about what could happen over underestimate becuase the pay scale will be higher 27 the years. For example, one maternity leave will use three years from now. (It has tripled over the past 27 years.) years of sick days. n The DCPS district will pay you 30 percent of the value Remember — When you are sick, you need to stay home of your accumulated days when you retire. and we want you to stay home! But on those days when n The value of those days will be factored into your final you “just don’t feel like going to work ...” take a moment year’s salary, which will increase your retirement benefits to compare that to how you will feel when you receive a for life. nice, healthy payout upon retirement! Mark your calendars! LIVE UNITED United Way campaign begins soon! In the next couple of weeks, our DCPS team will have the opportunity to donate to United Way. These are challenging times for so many people in our community and we can help change things for the better. United Way of the Ohio Valley is the largest funder of our communities’ vital health and human service network. At a time when the need for help is growing, this is our opportunity to make a difference. Please consider supporting the United Way. Every dollar helps. Credit Union Corner Welcome back to the 2015-2016 school year! Best wishes Become an Owner of the Credit Union for a successful year from your Credit Union! We are a federally-chartered credit union that offers a variety of products and services to our members. Employees and Volunteers of Daviess County Public Schools; Owensboro Community and Technical College; Heritage Christian School; and Owensboro-Daviess County Retired Teachers Association are eligible for membership to Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union. Immediate family and household members may also be eligible to join. For information on membership eligibility, please call our friendly staff at 684-8954, or stop by our branch at 1900 Southeastern Parkway.

Your DCTFCU Credit Card is CHANGING! The following are changes and improvements that will affect you as a result of this switch: n On Sept. 30, you will have direct online access through our current online banking and mobile app to view payment history and make future payments. It will be that easy! Also, mailed payments will only be accepted at P.O. Box 1986 Owensboro, KY 42302 following the Have you moved school sites since last year? Sept. 29 cutoff date. If you are at a new school site this year or if you have n Our current rewards program is set up to give Platinum moved to a new home address, please let us know as soon Members 1 percent cash back on all purchases made. as possible so we may send your credit union mail to the Any rewards you have accumulated on your current appropriate address. Log on to www.dctfcu.com and credit card will be credited to your current MasterCard on change your address through our secure “Online Sept. 15. Banking” or stop by today to make any changes to your n Your current balance will transfer to your new VISA on account! If you have any further questions or concerns, Sept. 30 and it will include this cash back credit. please contact a credit union representative at 684-8954. n However, a new rewards program will begin on Don’t Forget the Courier! Sept. 30. This rewards program is a points-based system Now that school has begun, are you that will allow you to save and earn bonus points. You too busy to stop by the Credit Union to will still have a cash back option, but these bonus points make a deposit before closing time? can also be used to choose from a variety of merchandise Send your deposit through DCPS items, gift cards, pre-paid cards, airline tickets, ticket Courier. The Courier drops off/picks credits, cruises, vacation getaways and more! up mail at the credit union on Monday, Wednesday and n You will receive a new card with a new number before Friday. Please feel free to contact DCTFCU or log on the cutoff date and are to activate and begin using them to your online account after 4 p.m. to verify receipt of on Sept. 30. If you have any automatic payments set up deposit/loan payment. Be sure to include your name and with other companies, be sure to adjust those with your account number! new number. Continued on Next Page Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union 1900 Southeastern Parkway 684-8954 www.dctfcu.com Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive-Through Hours Monday-Thursday — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday — 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Credit Union Corner Continued from Previous Page Direct Deposit and Payroll Deduction Don’t let Christmas sneak up on you! save you time and money! It’s not too late to sign up for a DCTFCU Now is the perfect time to save! Sign up Christmas Club. Set aside money from for DCPS Direct Deposit and Payroll each paycheck using convenient payroll Deduction today! Open as many special savings accounts deduction and watch your Christmas as you need and name them yourself! Have your pay savings grow! A DCTFCU Christmas automatically deposited and distributed each pay period. Club is an easy way to save money for all your holiday You’ll save time and money! Call for more details! expenses. Christmas Club withdrawals are available to Don’t miss out on Cash Back! you Oct. 1-Jan. 1 each year. For more information or to Take a break from high interest credit cards sign up for a DCTFCU Christmas Club account, please and transfer your balances to your DCTFCU contact a credit union representative at 684-8954 or stop MasterCard. DCTFCU offers our members by the branch today! a fixed, low-rate Platinum MasterCard that can be used The Credit Union Philosophy: People Helping People for all your back-to-school purchases! Enjoy a fixed rate The mission of Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit as low as 7.9 percent APR (Annual Percentage Rate) and Union is to provide a variety of services, which benefit a 1 percent Cash Back reward on all purchases! There’s our member-owners, with the primary goal of helping no annual fee, plus enjoy these additional benefits: them enhance their personal finances. n Identity Theft Insurance — $1,000 n Holiday Closing Identity Theft Victim Assistance n DCTFCU will be closed Monday, 90-Day Product Protection Stop by the credit union to fill out an application and Sept. 7, in observance of Labor receive your MasterCard just in time for Fall sales! Day. Make the most of the last weekend of summer and stop by Like us on Facebook! “Like” us on Facebook to keep up for some extra spending money or with everything that happens here at the Credit Union! to purchase discounted amusement part tickets for your You can go to www.facebook.com/dctfcu or click the three-day weekend! link from our website. Daviess County Teachers Federal Credit Union 1900 Southeastern Parkway 684-8954 www.dctfcu.com Lobby Hours Monday-Thursday — 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Drive-Through Hours Monday-Thursday — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday — 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. News from the Personnel Department Certified Evaluation Appeals Committee As required by statute and specified in district policy, DCPS must establish a Certified Evaluation Appeals Committee each year to hear appeals in the event that a certified employee wishes to challenge their summative evaluation. As specified in DCPS policy, the committee is comprised of one Board-appointed representative and two representatives elected by the certified employees of the district. Seldom is it necessary to convene the Appeals Committee, but we must have one in place if needed. If you are interested in serving on this committee, or if you would like to nominate a colleague, please contact Mark Owens via email no later than 1 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 10. If you nominate someone other than yourself, please get their consent to serve before nominating. Once the nominations close, an election will be held to select two members and two alternates. All certified staff will receive a ballot with the names of all nominees. Mark Owens We Appreciate Our Familiar Faces in Community Partners! New Places! We are pleased to announce two new hires within our district. Our current elementary education secretary, Susan Wallace, will be our certified employment specialist in the DCPS Personnel Department at Central Office. She replaces Dana Boarman, who was named assistant to the Superintendent, replacing Peggy Inklebarger, who has retired. Susan Wallace Shannon Bowen has been named the accounts payable position at Central Office. Shannon is cur- rently serving as bookkeeper at Burns Elementary School. She will replace Ginger McBride, who has accepted the grants bookkeeper po- sition that is currently held by Vicki Boone, who is retiring as of Oct. 1. Please join us in welcoming these East View Elementary School Family Resource Center ladies to their new roles and re- coordinator Kelly Bland is pictured here with a check sponsibilities! We wish you the for $325 from Old National Bank – a gift to support the very best! Shannon Bowen school’s backpack feeding program, which provides basic food items to ensure children have access to simple but nutritious meals over the weekend. The story began when Cheryl Gabbert at ONB won $100 with a 50/50 raffle at a charitable event. She contacted EVES kindergarten teacher Ashley Carter to ask if there was a need at the school she could support. When Cheryl heard about the backpack program, she was so touched, she reached out to her colleagues, and together they donated $325, which will provide weekend meals for three children for the entire school year. When she received the check and a note thanking the EVES staff for being such great leaders in our community, EVES Principal Sonya Simpson said, “I was in tears as I read this card! Our students are so blessed to be surrounded by community members like Old National Bank.” Daviess County really is a special place, thanks to a community that demonstrates an understanding of the importance of supporting students. The children of Weekly health and fitness tips brought to you by the today are the future of our community! DCPS Food Services Department. We care about you! Foundation for DCPS news and updates

The Foundation has been busy providing Discretionary Fund Grants to several schools: Pictured from left are Vanessa Rodowicz of SFG; Foundation for DCPS n Chairman Nick Oller; and Ric Herrera of SFG as Specialty Food Group Apollo High School – college presents a check for $10,000 for educational enhancement for our students tuition for seniors during our district’s Opening Day program. n College View Middle School – shipping fees for supplies for Rhonda Welcome back to the school year! $500 in graphing calculators for the Smith’s science classroom Math Department If you were at Opening Day, you n Tamarack Elementary School – n $1,500 to Daviess County High know about the exciting grant Second Grade easels presentations. Specialty Food Group School for CCR Room Updates n Enjoy the first weeks of a new school invested $10,000 through the $1,500 to Highland Elementary year! Foundation for DCPS. The School for Robotics Club Foundation distributed the entire Welcome to our US Bank Scholars Follow us on Twitter (@FDCPS) and $10,000 to four schools: Class of 2019 and Mentor Teachers LIKE and SHARE on Facebook! n $5,000 to Heritage Park High Kelly Spaw and Tracy Gutsche! Vicki Quisenberry School Science Lab Thanks to US Bank for investing Executive Director n $2,000 to Apollo High School: $7,500 each of the next four years in (270) 231.5583 $1,500 for CCR Room Updates and Apollo and DCHS Scholars. [email protected]

BIG Thank YOU to all who supported us in bringing more funds into DCPS classrooms through The Luau Fun’Raiser held on Aug. 1. The weather was perfect, Moonlite catered a scrumptious meal, the SunBurners beach party band provided fun music. The Luau even had Hawaiian Hula dancers! Make plans to join us next year! Special thanks to sponsors: Title Sponsor — SFG $1,000 sponsors — Don Moore Automotive Team, CRS OneSource, Regional Hospital, Independence Bank. Other sponsors are listed on our Foundation web site – www.foundationfordcps.org bâÜ fv{ÉÉÄá ‰ \Ç g{x fÑÉàÄ|z{à

DCHS Artists Paint Mural at Neblett Center Click HERE for article by Suzi Bartholomy, illustrated with photograph by Jenny Sevcik, published in the Aug. 26, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about DCHS students and graduates who painted a mural for a local community center. BMS Back-to-School Carnival Click HERE for article by Bobbie Hayse, published in the Click links in summaries below to read full Aug. 25, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about a articles spotlighting the DCPS district and other Back-to-School Carnival hosted by Burns Middle School. items relating to local education. DCMS Student Killed in Accident IMPORTANT NOTE: All articles are posted with Click HERE for article by Bobbie Hayse, published in the permission from news organizations with credit given to Aug. 24, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about an media outlets, reporters and photographers. If articles are accident that claimed the lives of three local children, shared or forwarded to others, credit lines MUST be including DCMS student Sierra Morris. included. Articles may NOT be posted online, including DCPS Board Rejects Tax Increase Facebook and other social media sites. Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in Apollo Celebrates ACT Scores the Aug. 21, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Click HERE for article by T.J. Parker, posted Aug. 28, a unanimous vote of the DCPS Board of Education to 2015, on the WFIE-14 News website, about record-high reject a proposed 2 percent tax increase. scores on the ACT at Apollo High School. DCPS Retirees Travel; DCHS 100 Celebration EVES Outdoor Classroom Click HERE for article by Suzi Bartholomy, published in Click HERE for article by Angela Oliver, illustrated with the Aug. 29, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about photographs by Jenny Sevcik, published in the Aug. 31, DCPS retirees visiting San Francisco; and a reminder 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the outdoor about the DCHS 100 anniversary celebration. classroom at East View Elementary School. Tax Rate Hearing Thurman Earns National Honor Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in the Aug. 19, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the Aug. 28, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about a public hearing for a proposed property tax increase. Sharon Thurman qualifying for the Certified Literacy Teacher Shortage Does Not Affect DCPS Design Collaborative Juror Badge. Click HERE for article by The Associated Press, with The Leader In All of Us local contributions from Keith Lawrence, published in the Click HERE for article by Gary Hall, published in the Aug. 15, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about a Aug. 27, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the national shortage of teachers. value of The Leader In Me program in DCPS schools. First Day of School at Heritage Park High School Kentucky ACT Lags Behind National Average Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, illustrated Click HERE for article by The Associated Press, with photographs by Jenny Sevcik, published in the Aug. published in the Aug. 27, 2015, issue of the Messenger- 13, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the first Inquirer, comparing ACT results in Kentucky to the day of school at Heritage Park High School. national average. DCPS Opening Day: Harvesting the Best! DCPS Celebrates ACT Scores Click HERE for article by Don Wilkins, illustrated with Click HERE for article by Steve Vied, published in the photographs by Jenny Sevcik, published in the Aug. 12, Aug. 27, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the 2015 outstanding ACT results at Apollo and DCHS. DCPS Opening Day ceremony. More on Next Page bâÜ fv{ÉÉÄá ‰ \Ç g{x fÑÉàÄ|z{à

School Leaders Oppose Later Start about Kentucky’s improvement on the annual Kids Count Click HERE for article by Don Wilkins, published in the assessment. Aug. 12, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Active Shooter Response Training opposition from DCPS and OPS superintendents to a Click HERE for article by T.J. Parker, posted July 20, proposal to delay the first day of school until late August. 2105, on the WFIE-14 News website, about an active Bus Drivers are Ready to Roll shooter response training program sponsored by DCPS Click HERE for article by Don Wilkins, illustrated with and the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. photographs by Jenny Sevcik, published in the Aug. 11, Active Shooter Response Training 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about how the Click HERE for article by Jim Mayse, illustrated with DCPS Transportation Department prepares for the start of photographs by Jenny Sevcik, published in the July 21, a new school year. 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about an active TES Rocks the Block shooter response training program sponsored by DCPS Click HERE for photograph by Greg Eans, published in and the Daviess County Sheriff’s Office. the Aug. 8, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Foundation for DCPS to host Fun’Raiser Luau Tamarack Elementary School’s “Rock the Block” blitz. Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in DCPS Introduces Heritage Park High School the July 20, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about a Click HERE for article by Steve Vied published in the Fun’Raiser Luau hosted by the Foundation for DCPS. Aug. 7, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, Dataseam Hosts Training for DCPS Teachers announcing the name of Heritage Park High School. Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in DCPS Finances Strong the July 18, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in technology trainings hosted by the Dataseam Initiative. the Aug. 3, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about DCHS to Celebrate Centennial the solid position of DCPS finances. Click HERE for article by Suzi Bartholomy, illustrated DCHS to Celebrate 100th Anniversary with photo by Greg Eans, published in the July 17, 2015, Click HERE for article by Suzi Bartholomy, published in issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the Centennial the July 29, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Celebration hosted by Daviess County High School. the 100th anniversary celebration of DCHS. DCPS Back-to-School Events DCPS Educators Honored by Campbellsville Univ. Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in Click HERE for article posted July 27, 2015, on the the July 15, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about SurfKY News website, about DCPS educators honored DCPS Back-to-School events. with Excellence in Teaching Awards. DCPS Educators Chosen for National Conference DCHS Student Explores Entrepreneurship Click HERE for article by Don Wilkins, published in the Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in July 12, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the July 25, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about three DCPS educators presenting at the Southern Regional the success of a DCHS team at the Governor’s School for Education Board’s Networking Conference. Entrepreneurs. Empowerment Academy to Aid Youths CVMS Teacher Trains at Space Camp Click HERE for article by Stephanie Salmons, published Click HERE for article by Suzi Bartholomy, illustrated in the June 13, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, with photograph by Jenny Sevcik, published in the July about plans for the proposed Empowerment Academy. 27, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about CVMS Empowerment Academy to Support Homeless Kids teacher Rhonda Smith’s experience at Space Camp. Click HERE for article by Stephanie Salmons, published Kentucky Improving in Kids Count in the May 25, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, Click HERE for article by Stephanie Salmons, published announcing plans for the Empowerment Academy to in the July 24, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, serve students in our community. More on Next Page bâÜ fv{ÉÉÄá ‰ \Ç g{x fÑÉàÄ|z{à

Camp Curiosity DCPS Safety Poster Contest a Success Click HERE for article by Angela Oliver, illustrated with Click HERE for article posted May 19, 2015, on the Ken- photograph by Jenny Sevcik, published in the July 25, tucky Employers’ Mutual Insurance website, about the 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the success success of the DCPS Safety Poster Contest. of Camp Curiosity. DCPS Educator Featured in New York Times DCMS Educator Earns National Honor Click HERE for article posted June 19, 2015, on The Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in New York Times website, about the impact of Common the June 28, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Core on English, featuring Dr. Angela Gunter of DCHS. DCMS teacher Derrick Lindow receiving the American DCHS JV Academic Team Wins National Title History Teacher Award. Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in DCHS Graduate Publishes Fourth Novel the June 22, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Click HERE for article by Suzi Bartholomy, illustrated the national championship won by the DCHS Junior with photo by Jenny Sevcik, published in the June 29, Varsity Academic Team in Chicago. 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about DCHS grad DCHS Suns Out Books Out Project Jennifer Bradbury’s fourth novel. Click HERE for article posted June 2, 2015, on the EVES Field Day SurfKY News website, about the DCHS Suns Out, Click HERE for photograph by Greg Eans, published in Books Out summer reading project. the June 4, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Clerk Responds to Superintendent Proposal Field Day activities at East View Elementary School. Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in DCHS 2015 Graduation the May 31, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about Click HERE for article by Steve Vied, illustrated with the response of the Daviess County Clerk’s office to Supt. photograph by Greg Eans, published in the June 6, 2015, Owens Saylor’s proposal to allow school to be in session issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the Daviess County on primary election days. High School graduation ceremony. FAME Chapter Established in Daviess County AHS 2015 Graduation Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, published in Click HERE for article by Don Wilkins, illustrated with the May 27, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about photograph by Mike Clark, published in the June 5, 2015, the establishment of a Kentucky Federation for Advanced issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the Apollo High Manufacturing Education chapter in Owensboro. School graduation ceremony. BCHS 2015 Graduation Click HERE for article by Steve Vied, illustrated with Put your school photograph by Greg Eans, published in the June 7, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the Beacon Central in the spotlight! High School graduation ceremony. If your school or classroom OCTC Strategic Plan Click HERE for article by Keith Lawrence, illustrated is hosting a special event, with photo by Greg Eans, published in the June 7, 2015, let your News of the Week issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about the Owensboro Community and Technical College strategic plan. representative know FFA Students Win National Scholarship so we can share information Click HERE for article by Angela Oliver, illustrated with with our media partners. photo by Jenny Sevcik, published in the June 8, 2015, issue of the Messenger-Inquirer, about DCHS seniors earning National FFA Scholarships. DCPS educators named Lead and Learn Fellows The Literacy Design Collaborative (LDC) chose a group of educators from across the nation to be Lead and Learn Fellows at the Southern Regional Education Board’s (SREB) Networking Conference in Atlanta. LDC Fellows presented sessions sharing their practices with a goal of enhancing learning for others. “It is a tremendous honor for Kentucky and for these educators to have been selected for this team,” said Kelly Philbeck, LDC instructional specialist for the Kentucky Jana Bryant Department of Education. Kari Kinder Sharon Thurman Sharon Thurman, DCPS district literacy staff developer; Most significantly, Kari said, “Students will benefit from and Kari Kinder, instructional coach at East View my participation in this conference because not only did I Elementary School, joined six other Fellows on the share the work that we have been doing in the Literacy national team and posted blogs about their work during Design Collaborative, I also learned from other educators the Atlanta conference on July 13-15. in many different subject areas. This knowledge will Sharon and Kari shared their presentation twice at the provide instructional strategies that will increase conference and hosted a table at the literacy sharing engagement and levels of learning for many students.” session where conference attendees could ask questions As the literacy staff developer for DCPS, Sharon said about LDC work in Daviess County. she is “constantly seeking to refine my knowledge and Their presentation, “The Challenge: NGSS Modules skills so I can be an instructional leader who partners with Worth Sharing,” detailed the process and the two modules administrators to implement the intent of the CCSS developed for fourth-grade science Next Generation literacy standards, which is to use literacy to teach content Science Standards by DCPS educators Shelly Hammons, grades K-12. I provide literacy training, assist with Angie Howard, Christina Taylor, Melanie Duckwall, finding and developing instructional materials, and coach Sandra Tichenor, Kari Kinder and Sharon Thurman. teachers.” “We not only shared how Daviess County has used LDC “The LDC website, tools, models, and webinars are modules to implement Common Core State Standards powerful resources,” Sharon said. “I have been trained as (CCSS) for content standards, but we were also able to a national juror and use those skills to help our teachers network with teachers and professional learning refine their LDC modules. We have had two modules organizations from across the country to learn what other developed by our teachers recognized as exemplary, the schools are doing to refine CCSS work in literacy and highest rating given by the national jurying team. Being math,” Sharon said. “We can share this information with selected as a 2015 Lead and Learn Fellow will further my teachers in our district to strengthen instruction for all ability to work with DCPS administrators, instructional DCPS students.” coaches and teachers so our students continue to receive “Being named an LDC Lead and Learn Fellow is a great quality instruction.” honor,” Kari said. “I am excited to be part of a group of In addition, Sharon Thurman and Jana Bryant, who serves educators sharing methods of incorporating Literacy as DCPS district math staff developer and is a Hope Street Design Collaborative modules and learning from other Group Kentucky Teaching Fellow, had a proposal selected educators.” for presentation at the conference. “LDC and MDC: Kari said her participation as a Fellow will strengthen Part of What We Do” shared how the DCPS district has her contributions as instructional coach at EVES. “The scaled and sustained the Literacy Design Collaborative knowledge gained in the different subject area and and Mathematics Design Collaborative programs by experience from attending this conference will help grow developing teacher leaders in all schools through training, me as a teacher and instructional coach,” she said. “I will modeling and ongoing support, Sharon said. “Since MDC be able to share with other teachers and instructional implementation began in 2011-2012, training has coaches the strategies and knowledge that I gain at this National Conference.” Continued on Next Page DCPS educators named Lead and Learn Fellows Continued from Previous Page Jana traveled to Raleigh, N.C., to present at the emphasized best math instruction practices, increased National Education Association’s Regional Summer rigor, building student conceptual understanding, Resource Institute. and utilization of formative assessment to improve “We were invited to share Daviess County’s MDC instruction. LDC work started with a 2010 pilot of two and LDC work at this institute, which is a regional template tasks. Since that pilot, all K-12 teachers have opportunity for states to join together for professional been trained in module development and implementation. learning and growth around College and Career Our teachers have written and taught hundreds of Ready/Common Core State Standards,” Sharon said. modules and continue to refine, revise and replace based “This is another opportunity Jana Bryant has been on state curriculum and local requirements. LDC/MDC is afforded in her work as a national common core advocate now, in the words of one of our teachers, ‘a part of what with Student Achievement Partners.” we do.’ ” Sharon was also invited to represent the LDC at an Following the Atlanta SREB conference, Sharon, Kari and information booth in North Carolina. Humana Vitality re-screenings and flu shots The Green River District Health Department is offering flu shots and Humana Vitality re-screenings to all staff again this year. See list at right for schedule of visits at each building. Sign-up sheets will offer appointments starting at DCPS 7 a.m. each day. There are spaces for two people to participate in the screenings at every time slot. Health Please allow 20 minutes for this screening, which includes full lipid panel (TC, HDL, ratio, LDL, triglycerides, glu- News cose); blood pressure; pulse; height, weight and waist circumference (BMI). Plan to fast 9-12 hours before screening (you may Audubon Elementary School — Oct. 1 take medications with sips of water). Burns Elementary School — Nov. 10 Take your HumanaVitality membership card with you to the Country Heights Elementary School — Oct. 7 re-screening. Deer Park Elementary School — Nov. 5 East View Elementary School — Oct. 8 Important Note: This screening is NOT required for your Highland Elementary School — Sept. 22 Living Well Promise! This is a RE-SCREEN for people who Meadow Lands Elementary School — Nov. 12 had goals or an area they wanted to work on. This is an Sorgho Elementary School — Nov. 4 opportunity to earn points you may not have received at the Southern Oaks Elementary School — Oct. 2 initial screening if you have now reached target goals and Tamarack Elementary School — Oct. 9 normal ranges. For example, if your blood pressure was not West Louisville Elementary School — Nov. 5 in normal range at the screening at the beginning of the year, Whitesville Elementary School — Oct. 22 but it is within range at this re-screening, you will receive Burns Middle School — Nov. 6 the 400 points you did not get with the first screen. If you College View Middle School — Nov. 13 were in normal ranges on everything, you don’t need to be Daviess County Middle School — Nov. 4 re-screened at this time. Apollo High School — Oct. 22 Remember – Employees may get a screening every three Daviess County High School — Oct. 21 months if you have something to work on. Heritage Park High School — tba At the beginning of 2016, we will begin scheduling the Owensboro Day Treatment/Treatment Center - Oct. 30 yearly screening for the LivingWell Promise! Valley School — Nov. 13 Transportation and Maintenance — Sept. 23 Answers to most frequently asked questions are included on Learning Center — tba the next page of this newsletter. Central Office — Sept. 24

Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions Q: Does it cost anything to participate in HumanaVitality? A: All members of the Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan are automatically enrolled with no out- of-pocket cost.

Q: How do I earn points? A: Vitality Points are earned by completing goals and/or more than 30 verifiable activities. These activities are grouped into four categories — Education, Prevention, Fitness, and Healthy Living. Examples of HumanaVitality goals and activities include Health Assessment completion, reaching or maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly, annual preventive care screenings, educating yourself about certain medical conditions or risks, and making smart lifestyle choices such as staying or becoming tobacco-free.

Q: What kind of stuff can I win? A: You can win from over 600,000 name-brand items in the HumanaVitality Mall, including SONY, Apple, Cusinart, Garmin, Cannon, Hyatt, and the Ritz-Carlton to name a few. Items such as movie tickets, music downloads, name brand merchandise, hotel discounts and much more.

Q: How do I get started? A:

1. Register online. Visit http://livingwell.ky.gov, click on “Log-in” under HumanaVitality℠. 2. Complete your Health Assessment and earn up to 1,000 Vitality Points™ just by taking a quick, confidential health assessment. 3. Get your Vitality Check®. The Vitality Check is a blood screening and biometric assessment that measures body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, waist circumference and total cholesterol. Visit the Vitality Check locator to find a location near you! 4. Get started on your Personal Pathway™ a customized plan that will recommend goals and related activities.

Q: I’ve waived the state-sponsored insurance, can I still participate? A: No, only Kentucky Employees’ Health Plan members are eligible to participate.

Q: What does a Vitality Check measure and where do I get one? A: A Vitality Check is a blood screening and biometric assessment that measures body mass index (BMI), blood pressure, blood glucose, and total cholesterol. It provides an assessment of an individual's basic health and offers valuable insight into health risks. You can set up your appointment through one of our Vitality Check partners including Concentra® Medical Centers, Walgreen’s Take Care Clinics, Kroger Little Clinics, any of the four Frankfort First Onsite Clinics your local health department, or doctors’ offices (a co-pay may be required at doctors’ offices).

Q: Is the Vitality Check free? A: There is no cost to members at Vitality Check partner locations, health departments or First Onsite Clinics in Frankfort. Doctor office visits may require a co-pay. Your cost will vary depending on the KEHP medical coverage you elected.

Q: Can my family participate? A: Yes, if your family members, including dependents aged 18 and over, are on the medical plan, they are eligible to earn Vitality Points, which will contribute to your aggregate family status, but only you will be able to redeem the Vitality Bucks.

Q: What if I don’t remember my password? Contact HumanaVitality Customer Service at 1-877-KYSPIRIT (1-877-597-7474).

Q: It would not let me in when I originally registered in January. Can I get in the system now? A: There have been upgrades made to the system since January. Visit http://livingwell.ky.gov, click on “Log-in” under HumanaVitality℠. Members who have already registered on MyHumana will not need to register again. Your login ID and password will be the same. Contact HumanaVitality Customer Service at 1-877-KYSPIRIT (1-877-597-7474) if you have any problems logging in.