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Registration is now open for Camp Ready4K, the Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District’s kindergarten readiness camps serving incoming kindergarten students the summer before they start school.
At 10 locations across Louisville beginning July 5, incoming kindergarten students will receive instruction from early childhood instructors and teachers for six hours each weekday for four weeks. During the free camps, students are also provided with breakfast, lunch and bus transportation.
“Camp Ready4K focuses on the fundamental goal of preparing students for kindergarten,” said JCPS Director of Early Childhood Programs Rina Gratz. “We know that early childhood programs and kindergarten readiness camps have a direct, positive impact on our students, and that’s why it’s so important to get as many of our children as we can participating in early learning programs—especially during the summer months.”
According to state data, the percentage of JCPS students who were ready to start kindergarten jumped nearly 4 points last year. Additionally, for students who attended at least one day of kindergarten readiness camp, 73.8 percent were ready to start school.
Camp Ready4K will be held July 5 through July 28, from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., and applications must be completed by May 12 to be considered. Families can complete an application in person at the following locations:
2017 Camp Ready4K Registration Sites
- Dawnson Orman Early Childhood – 900 S. Floyd St.
- Duvalle Education Center – 3610 Bohne Ave.
- Jaeger Education Center – 502 Wood Rd.
- McFerran Early Childhood Center – 1900 S. 7th St.
- Unseld Early Childhood Center – 5216 Ilex Ave.
For more information, families may call the Dawson Orman Education Center at 485-7121.
Rusty Weihe, a second-grade teacher at Farmer Elementary School, has been awarded the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E and KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher during a ceremony at the school last week.
“Students in Mr. Weihe’s class are challenged with rigorous and engaging lessons from the minute they walk through the doors to the time they leave,” Farmer Principal Shannon Conlon said. “No instructional time during the day is lost due to his level of preparedness each and every day.”
Weihe is a strong advocate for his school, serving on numerous teams, including the Instructional Leadership Team, Professional Learning Community, Site-Based Decision Making Council and Response to Intervention team. He is also a member of the Parent-Teacher Association, and serves as the school leader for the Orton-Gillingham reading program as well as a University of Louisville mentor.
“Mr. Weihe makes it his mission to reach all students where they are academically,” said Nicholas Toole, assistant principal at Farmer. “He possesses the grit and perseverance to get the students to complete the year on grade level. He is a true leader among his colleagues and one that they turn to when they have questions about instruction or specific student concerns.”
His colleagues echo that sentiment.
“Rusty holds high expectations for all learners and establishes an environment where all children know they are valuable and capable,” said second-grade teacher Sarah Switzer. “He is committed to teaching each child as an individual.”
As part of LG&E and KU’s commitment to supporting education across the communities it serves, Weihe and other ExCEL Award winning teachers each receive a $1,000 instructional grant from the company.
Neighborhood Place sites bring together multiple partners in May offering opportunities to improve your livelihood and health including a job fair at Portland Community Center, a college match information session, as well as a diabetes awareness and self-management class. A gigantic yard sale and bake sale is also being held at Bethany United Church of Christ on May 12 and 13. To learn more about these services, including reservations requirements and contact info, please refer to the phone numbers listed by each event.
May 1 and 18, Kentucky Nutrition Education Program at First Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd. A representative from the Kentucky Nutrition Education Program will be on hand to provide ways to make healthy food choices, encourage more fruits and vegetables, choosing low fat and high fiber foods, increasing physical activity, avoid running out of food, and how to prepare and store food safely.
- May 1, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
- May 18 First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
May 2, Car Seat Fitting at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 9 – 11 a.m. (by appointment only)
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 629-7358 to schedule an appointment. Kosair Children’s Hospital will provide a car seat check fitting station to teach how to properly install your child’s car seat or booster seat or to find out if it’s time for a change.
May 2, 9, and 16, Louisville Urban League Parent Leadership Academy at South Central Neighborhood Place, 11:15 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. We invite all Jefferson County parents to our free 6 week parent leadership program! Get answers to your questions, learn what to ask during school meetings, gain a supportive community of parents, build your advocacy skills for your child and connect to community resources. Lunch is provided! To reserve your spot, call 313-4089.
May 2, 9, 16, and 23, Living Well Class at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3 p.m.
Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place. Call 772-8588 to register. This class is designed to benefit individuals with diabetes, high blood pressure, pain, asthma, arthritis, depression, or other ongoing health problems. Learn better ways to manage your health and earn an 8-week YMCA membership.
Tuesdays, Couponing Support Group at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 11 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 485-6145 to register or for more information. Learn tips and money saving ideas to help build extra financial wealth in using coupons while grocery shopping.
May 2, 8, 10, 16, 17 and 24, WeCare Energy Efficiency Overview
Call 1-800-356-5467 for more information. Representatives from the WeCare Program at LG&E will be on hand to talk with interested persons about energy efficiency, energy usage and tips to reduce utility bills. WeCare staff can also help determine if households are eligible for a variety of free services including air duct sealing and insulation, attic and wall insulation, programmable thermostats and much more.
- May 2, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley, 10200 Dixie Hwy., 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
- May 8 and 17 , Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- May 10 and 24, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- May 16, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd. (T. J. Middle School in the W.D. Bruce Building – door #24), 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
May 3 and May 17, Legal Aid Office Hours at South Central Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. -12 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 485-7130 for more information. A Legal Aid Society staff member will be on hand to answer questions, talk about cases that Legal Aid handles and provide referrals.
May 4, 11, 18 and 25, Becoming Weight Wise at South Central Neighborhood Place, 12 – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. It’s not easy to manage body weight. This 10 week course of self-discovery, skill building and support can help you learn about weight control. This program is based on approaches that are promising ways to achieve better health.
May 4, 11, and 23, Work and Learn Program for K-TAP Recipients Info Session
Call 502-213-2149 for more information. Individuals who are receiving K-TAP who are interested in completing their GED or upgrading their skills in preparation for college enrollment are invited to stop by and talk with case managers from the Work and Learn program. Find out how to earn an hourly wage at an approved job site and upon completion of your GED, receive a cash bonus!
- May 4, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- May 11, Ujima Neighborhood Place, 3610 Bohne Ave., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- May 23, NorthWest Neighborhood Place, 4018 W. Market St., 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
May 8, Sodexo Hiring Opportunities at South Central Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 4255 Hazelwood Ave. Call 574-4516 for more information. Sodexo, a food-service agency, will provide on-the-spot interviews for positions with Jewish Hospital, Our Lady of Peace and University of Louisville Hospital. Bring your resume and be prepared for an interview. This is one of Sodexo’s busiest hiring seasons. Stop by if you are looking for employment that can lead to a full-time or part-time position.
May 9, 16 and 23, Diabetes Self-Management Class Series at the Bridges of Hope Neighborhood Place, 1 – 3:30 p.m.
Located at 1411 Algonquin Parkway. Call 574-6663 to register or for more information. Have you been diagnosed with diabetes, but are not sure how to manage your condition? Whether you are recently diagnosed or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher, this class is for you! Topics covered will include what is diabetes, glucose monitoring, problem solving, healthy eating, medication management, sick day management, healthy exercise, and goal setting. Sponsored by the Department of Public Health and Wellness.
May 9, Foster Parent Recruitment Meeting at First Neighborhood Place, 6 – 8 p.m.
Located at 1503 Rangeland Rd., side of Thomas Jefferson Middle School. Call 595-5437 (KIDS) for more information. Detailed information will be provided on the requirements and process of how to become a foster or adoptive parent. Information such as an explanation of foster care, special needs adoption, and information on foster parent training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the training classes will be provided. Sponsored by Kentucky Foster Care and the Special Needs Adoption Program.
May 9, Free Blood Pressure Checks at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 485-6145 for more information. Louisville Metro Health and Wellness health educators will provide free blood pressure checks.
May 10, Job Fair at Molly Leonard Portland Community Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Goodwill Industries of Kentucky, Power of Work and NorthWest Neighborhood Place are partnering to host a diverse employer selection in efforts to assist families in their journey to self-sufficiency. Companies include Centerstone, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Humana, Jefferson County Public Schools, Salvation Army, Gordon Food Service, FedEx, Teleperformance USA and more. Business attire is required (no jeans, hats, sportswear or costumes) with resume in hand. Please do not bring children.
May 12 and 13, South Jefferson Gigantic Yard Sale and Bake Sale at Bethany United Church of Christ, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 10400 Old Preston Highway. Call 363-1483 for more information or to inquire about dropping of donations. The Annual Yard Sale and Bake Sale proceeds benefit the South Jefferson Neighborhood Place’s Summer Back to School Event to help purchase supplies. Items for sale will include collectibles, household items, small furnishings, baby items, clothing of all sizes, books, etc. Delicious baked goods will also be available! Donations for the yard sale can be dropped off at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place in Fairdale, 1000 Neighborhood Place, between 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
May 15 and 25, Library Connection
A representative from the Louisville Free Public Library will be on hand to sign interested persons up for library cards, answers questions about resources at the library, and provide information on upcoming events at your local library office.
- May 15, First Neighborhood Place, 1503 Rangeland Rd., 8:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Call 313-4700 for more information
- May 25, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 1000 Neighborhood Place, Fairdale, KY, 12 – 2 p.m. Call 363-1483 for more information.
May 15, Diabetes Awareness and Basic Nutrition at First Neighborhood Pace, 1 – 3 p.m.
In order to raise awareness of diabetes and those recently diagnosed, those at risk or have been diabetic for years and need a refresher session on how to manage your condition. Sponsored by Louisville Metro Public Health and Wellness.
May 16, Best College Match Free Informational Workshop at Ujima Neighborhood Place, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Located at 3610 Bohne Ave. Call 313-4635 register. Greg and Opal Dawson, authors of Best College Match: 5 Steps that Earned $1,000,000 in Scholarships, will discuss their 5 Steps to finding the ‘Best College Match’ for your child. Raffles for “Best College Match” autographed book or 1- Hour “Best College Match” one on one consultation.
May 16, Norton Mobile Unit at South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. Located at 1000 Neighborhood Place, Fairdale, KY. Call 502-899-6842 for more information or to make an appointment. The Norton Mobile Unit will offer low/no-cost mammograms and pap smears for women age 40 and over. Must be at least one complete year since the last mammogram, be able to stand unassisted for at least 15 minutes, not have any current issues or undergoing cancer treatment. Insurance will be billed and co-pay may apply- contact your insurance carrier for eligibility. Funding is available for those who are uninsured. Sponsored by Norton Health Care and Family Health Clinic. May 22 and 24, Free Dental Screenings by Community Dental Care Call 502-366-4442 for more information. Community Dental Care is a full-service dental organization designed to increase access to health care in communities with the goal of improving the overall health of the population. Representatives will be on site to provide free dental screenings for children and adults and schedule appointments as necessary. Kindergarten and pre-K children who receive screenings will be provided with a certificate that will meet the school district’s requirement for dental screenings.
- May 22, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Fairdale site, 1000 Neighborhood Place, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- May 22, South Jefferson Neighborhood Place – Valley site, 10200 Dixie Highway, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
- May 24, South Central Neighborhood Place, 4255 Hazelwood Ave., 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
May 23, A Healthy Journey for Two, 1 - 3 p.m. Located at 3410 Lees Ln, next to Farnsley Middle School. RSVP is required to Mendy Mason at 502-341-5400 or mmason@sevencounties.org. A Healthy Journey for Two is an educational baby shower open to any expectant mothers. The class will include a range of information and resources as well as free baby items, gift cards, prizes, and snacks.
Kentucky students and teachers were recognized April 27 for their accomplishments at the Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools (KGHS) program and the Kentucky National Energy Education Development (KY NEED) Project’s 10th annual Youth Summit and Awards Luncheon in Frankfort. KGHS is a program of the Kentucky Environmental Education Council (KEEC).
The event recognized students and their outstanding projects in promoting school and community health and environmental sustainability. Examples of student projects included: worm composting at Providence Montessori Middle School; updating an outdoor classroom with benches made of recycled plastic caps at Morton Middle School; and teaching peers about healthy eating choices at Kit Carson Elementary School. In the morning, students showcased their energy, health and sustainability school projects to their peers, teachers and leaders in education, industry and environmental fields. Kentucky Education Commissioner Dr. Stephen Pruitt was the event’s featured speaker.
More than 200 students and teachers participated and were recognized for their efforts. Carla Trisko of Morton Middle School in Fayette County was recognized as the KGHS Teacher of the Year. Additional KY NEED schools were also honored for their projects.
“We are extremely proud of the schools that completed KGHS projects. The students, with the support of their teachers, have made significant improvements to the environment in a variety of ways,” Billy Bennett, executive director of KEEC in the Kentucky Education and Workforce Development Cabinet. “We are also grateful to Commissioner Pruitt for speaking and taking part in today’s celebration of their efforts.”
The following eight KGHS schools received awards:
Kit Carson Elementary School in Madison County
Lloyd Memorial High School in Kenton County
Morton Middle School in Fayette County
Providence Montessori Middle School in Fayette County
Redwood Cooperative School in Fayette County
Pikeville High School in Pike County
Virginia Chance School in Jefferson County
West Hardin Middle School in Hardin County
For more information about KGHS, please visit http://greenschools.ky.gov/Pages/default.aspx.
Families are invited to the North Great Lawn inside Kroger’s Festival today, Sunday, April 30, from 1-4 p.m. for the YMCA Healthy Kids Day Presented by Humana. The Derby Festival joined forces with the YMCA of Greater Louisville and Humana to bring free family fun to the Waterfront.
“We are excited to join forces with the award-winning Kentucky Derby Festival team,” said Steve Tarver, President and CEO of the YMCA of Greater Louisville. “It’s community partnerships like this and the support of Humana that make YMCA Healthy Kids Day a truly unique family event that emphasizes the value of health and fitness for everyone during an exciting time of year in our city.”
Geared toward children ages 3 and older, plus adults, the event will feature interactive and family fitness activities, inflatables and giveaways. The fifth annual miniFun Run for Kids will also be a part of the festivities. The best part is, admission is free!
“This partnership allows us to expand on our miniFun Run event for kids, which started in 2013,” said Mike Berry, KDF President and CEO. “There will be activities for children and adults alike, all while promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy families.”
The event is coordinated by YMCA of Greater Louisville with Presenting Sponsor Humana. Joining them are Media Sponsors Today’s Family Magazine and 102.3 The Max.
Food, drink and pets are not permitted. For more information, visit ymcalouisville.org or call 502-587-9622.
Attorney General Andy Beshear issued a Scam Alert to warn Kentuckians of reports of suspicious calls being made to utility customers in southeastern Kentucky.
Kentuckians in Harlan, London and Pineville reported receiving a call from someone claiming to be a utility company employee who asks for a utility bill payment over the phone. If the customer refuses to pay immediately, the scammer threatens to shut off the customer’s electricity.
“One of our top priorities is to help protect Kentuckians, especially senior citizens, from scams by warning them of the latest scams and providing tips on how to identify each scam,” Beshear said. “The best way to avoid this utility scam is to contact the utility company directly and verify any billing questions.”
Beshear said utility companies work to educate and warn customers of these types of scams and offered these tips to help others avoid the scam:
- Do not provide your personal information. Utility companies will never call and ask for credit or debit card numbers or other personal information.
- Contact your utility company. Customers who receive a suspicious solicitor at their home or a phone call, email or letter should contact their utility provider to verify. Do not rely on information or a phone number provided by the suspected scammer.
- Ask about bill payment options. Ask your utility company to explain the variety of official and secure ways to pay your bill.
- Sign up for billing notifications. Check with your utility provider to determine what types of billing notifications are available.
To report possible scam activity contact the Attorney General’s Office at 888-432-9257, or file a consumer complaint online.
Beshear issued a similar Scam Alert last summer when high rates of utility scam calls were being reported. Beshear said utility related scams occur in cycles and are often most common in the hot summer months and cold winter months.
In addition to the new scam reports, over the past eight months the Attorney General’s Office of Senior Protection and Mediation received 10 reports of utility related scams. The scam cost Kentuckians in Calloway, Fayette, Floyd, Grayson, Jefferson, Taylor and Trigg counties more than $2,500.
To help Kentuckians stay up to date on new and trending scams, Beshear launched Scam Alerts – a communication service that alerts Kentuckians when con artists are on the attack. To sign up for Scam Alerts, text the words KYOAG Scam to GOV311 (468311) or enroll online at ag.ky.gov/scams and select text message or email alert.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) was named a national finalist for the 2017 John F. Kennedy Center of the Performing Arts and National School Boards Association Award. The award recognizes school boards for their outstanding support of arts education.
“It’s an honor to have our school board recognized by such a prestigious organization for its commitment to arts in the classroom, and making sure that every student has the opportunity to incorporate arts into their educational journey,” said Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens.
A national panel reviews nominees and selects a top school board from entrants across the country. For JCPS, the review panel noted that it was “impressed by the board’s commitment to the arts, as evidenced by the presence of three arts supervisory staff and an extensive list of available art courses,” and they applauded “the large list of local arts partners and the STEAM pilot project in four schools.”
This year’s top award was presented to Lexington County School District One Board of Trustees, in Lexington, South Carolina.
