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SubscribeCaroline King, an Audubon Traditional Elementary School kindergarten teacher, is the second recipient of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award for 2017. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher last week during a ceremony at the school.
“Ms. King is a wonderful kindergarten teacher who models integrity, respect, creativity and accountability,” Audubon Principal Tiffany Marshall said. “She is a leader in the building who supports the students inside and outside of the classroom. Students know they have to learn and are willing to be challenged to reach their potential.”
Ms. King is active in the Audubon community beyond the classroom. In addition to serving as kindergarten team leader, she supports the school technology team; provides schoolwide professional developments throughout the year; and attends math and reading professional development sessions from the district and other math organizations to continually improve and become an even better teacher.
And she has earned accolades for her work, winning the JCPS School of Innovation Design Competition from the Louisville Reach Academy in 2014, and being voted ‘Best Presentation’ at the Indiana Southeast University Student Conference in 2012.
“Ms. King has a passion for teaching and helping students realize their full potential by creating a safe and engaging learning environment that inspires students to excel,” said Audubon counselor Robin Divine. “Her positive attitude and enthusiasm for learning enhances the Audubon Traditional School environment.”
As an ExCEL Award winner, King will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
The Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District will conduct its annual Comprehensive School Survey (CSS) from Feb. 1 to March 24, 2017. The CSS is provided annually to all staff, parents/guardians and students in grades four through twelve for the purpose of collecting data concerning academic indicators, school community, service, environment, safety and employee job satisfaction.
“The CSS is a valuable resource to gather insight, identify specific needs and craft strategies to help us ensure student success,” said JCPS Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “I encourage all parents and employees to complete the survey so we have their feedback as we continue to improve the learning environment for our students.”
Students in grades four through twelve will complete the CSS at school during the school day. All parents/guardians who have registered for Parent Portal will receive an email with a link directing them to the CSS online. Parents who do not have computer access or an email account will be provided with a paper-and-pencil survey. Schools are being asked to provide parents with access to the school’s computer lab to complete their survey online. Parents are encouraged to complete the CSS to ensure that their feedback is part of the district’s decision-making process.
JCPS employees with district email accounts will receive an email that contains a link to the staff CSS online. Employees who do not have a district email account and/or a computer will be provided access to the staff CSS online. Using the CSS online will allow parents and staff to complete their surveys in a faster, more efficient manner. The surveys are completely anonymous.
The Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) mandated that the CSS be conducted on an annual basis, beginning with the 1997-98 school year. The district uses the annual CSS data for a variety of purposes, including the following:
- JCPS Vision 2020: Excellence With Equity review
- Comprehensive District Improvement Plan (CDIP) development
- Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) development
- Strategic planning, policy making and benchmarking processes
- Formative evaluation of programs, projects, innovations and grants
CSS results from previous years are available on the JCPS website.
Principals at three Jefferson County Public School (JCPS) District schools undergoing leadership assessments do have the capacity to lead their school’s continued improvement efforts, according to the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE). Findings of the leadership assessments conducted at Doss, Iroquois and Seneca High schools were released this morning to JCPS Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens and the principals.
Each school has been designated as a priority school by the KDE, and the leadership assessment is part of the KDE’s ongoing review of these schools. As part of the review, the KDE Leadership Assessment Team determined that Doss Principal Marty Pollio, Iroquois Principal Clay Holbrook and Seneca Principal Kim Morales have the capacity to lead improvement interventions.
“I’m proud but not surprised that these thorough, independent assessments by the Kentucky Department of Education recognize the strong leadership and student-centered focus of Doss, Iroquois and Seneca,” Dr. Hargens said. “We appreciate the diligent work of the assessment teams, and we welcome the fresh perspective on our strengths and challenges as we continue to create an optimal learning environment for all JCPS students.”
Some highlights from the assessments include the following:
Doss High School
- The assessment team noted in its report that “the leadership of Doss High School has made a significant shift in transforming the school.”
- Reviewers noted that in less than two years the school has made “major strides to cultivate a positive school culture, improve student behavior, enhance student engagement and improve instructional practices.”
- The team praised the school’s culture of high expectations that “permeated across the school.”
- The KDE review team also noted areas where the school can improve. Those areas include providing new teachers with additional supports and mentoring, encouraging teachers to provide students with tangible examples of mastering academic standards and continuing its goal to ensure rigorous academic curriculum in all courses and classes.
Iroquois High School
- The assessment team noted that the principal has formed a committee to assist in the redevelopment of a mission and vision for the school, because he “wanted it to be more than words, but lived everyday throughout the school.”
- The team recognized the principal’s focus to provide support services to students and their families through the implementation of a Parent Center – a center created to ensure parents had ongoing access to their child’s academic performance even when there was not a computer in the home.
- The team recognized the school’s focus on building relationships with students and the community, and noted its focus on academic achievement – particularly in the area of college and career readiness.
- The KDE team also noted areas where the school should focus its improvement efforts. Those areas include monitoring and supporting teacher instruction to increase learning and student achievement.
Seneca High School
- KDE noted the efforts of the principal to create a new vision for the school and a renewed focus on collaboration, collegiality and a positive school culture.
- Reviewers recognized the school’s efforts to build caring relationships with scholars and staff. In fact, the team noted that when it asked scholars what they liked most about the school, the responses overwhelmingly noted Seneca’s “diversity and acceptance of all students.”
- The KDE team also noted areas where the school should focus its improvement efforts. Those areas include continuing to align curriculum and resources to improve student achievement and supporting instructional practices of teachers to increase student learning and achievement.
Copies of the leadership reviews are available here.
Knight Middle School continues to show progress in key areas, with strong leadership and a school culture dedicated to student learning, according to a state audit report made available last week.
The Kentucky Department of Education Two-Day Progress Monitoring Review looked at multiple reports and data, in-school observations and interviews to give the priority school feedback on improving student performance over the preceding two years. The report also outlined strategies to raise student achievement and improve conditions that support student learning.
“This independent assessment indicates that Knight is moving in the right direction,” Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens said. “It highlights the strong, supportive relationship between students and adults, and recognizes the school’s principal as a true instructional leader.”
“I am delighted with the affirmation on how our school climate allows for a focus on academics,” said Knight principal Cathy Gibbs. “Our climate for learning is clearly evident by our school’s reduction in suspensions – more than an 80 percent reduction in the last two years – while increasing proficiency in both math and reading.”
“Knight Middle is moving and improving every day,” she added. “We’re so proud of our students and staff, and look forward to continuing on this journey of improvement.”
The review team rated the school a 3 on a scale of 4 in four areas related to school leadership; mentoring and coaching programs; engaging families; and providing learning supports to meet the unique learning needs of its students.
“This report affirms the exceptional school culture at Knight Middle School that allows the focus to remain on teaching and learning,” said Assistant Superintendent Paige Hartstern, whose achievement area includes Knight. “This is a direct result of strong, committed leadership and a staff dedicated to meeting the needs of students.”
The report cited just two areas as improvement priorities – monitoring and adjusting curriculum, instruction and assessment in response to data; and implementing a formal process to promote collaborative, data-informed discussions about student learning.
The report also indicated the school had satisfactorily or partially addressed the four improvement priorities identified in the 2014-15 Internal School Review for Knight Middle. Those areas related to determining root causes for low parent involvement; refining strategies to consistently implement the schools’ instructional framework; developing a process to adjust curriculum, instruction and analysis of data from a variety of sources; and developing a process for monitoring instructional effectiveness.
“I’m extremely proud of Knight’s progress,” said Dr. Marco Munoz, director of Priority Schools. “It has great leadership, a school culture of learning and a positive behavior management system in place – all things to help lead it out of priority status.”
Schools in priority status are reviewed every two years by KDE. Knight received the shorter, two-day review which focused on the AdvancED Standard 3, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, because of its positive gains in recent years.
Southern High School has an uplifting, role-modeling culture where students see teachers and staff as mentors, leading to positive growth in terms of annual measurable objective (AMO) each of the past four years, according to a state audit report made available earlier this week.
The Kentucky Department of Education Two-Day Progress Monitoring Review looked at multiple reports and data, in-school observations and interviews to give the priority school feedback on improving student performance over the preceding two years. The report also outlined strategies to raise student achievement and improve conditions that support student learning.
“Southern has an amazing culture, one in which the students feel truly cared for by the teaching and administrative staff,” Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “That environment will help Southern build on its progress as it strives to continue moving forward.”
“Southern has a theme of ‘Our House,’ and I’m proud that emphasis is evident to visitors to our school, including the audit team, which gave us high marks for school culture, great relationships, teachers that care and respectful students,” said Southern Principal Bryce Hibbard. “We are proud of the work being done at Southern and remain focused on continuous improvement so that students have opportunities to be successful.”
The review team gave the school high ratings for teachers participating in collaborative learning communities and for the school adopting a formal structure ensuring that each student is well known by at least one adult advocate.
“It is exciting that the team recognized Southern’s willingness to embrace change and cultivate a climate that promotes school pride,” said Assistant Superintendent Paige Hartstern, whose achievement area includes Southern. “This is a direct result of engaged, visible leadership and a staff that believes in advocating for students.”
The report notes that even though Southern has been focused on instructional strategies and planning, there is still work to be done in that area.
The report cited two areas as improvement priorities – monitoring and adjusting curriculum to ensure all students have opportunities to learn in a culture of high expectations, and implementing a school-wide process to ensure all teachers use high-yield instructional strategies.
The report also indicated the school had partially addressed the only improvement priority identified in its 2014-15 Internal School Review, related to the implementation of strategies to ensure a high culture of expectations for students.
“Southern continues to show progress,” said Dr. Marco Munoz, director of Priority Schools. “There is always room for growth in the instructional progress, and I think this report clearly shows that Southern has the leadership and dedication of staff to make that happen.”
Schools in priority status are reviewed every two years by KDE. Southern received the shorter, two-day review which focused on the AdvancED Standard 3, Teaching and Assessing for Learning, because of its positive gains in recent years..
Tim Holman, a duPont Manual High School government and politics teacher, is the first recipient of the Excellence in Classroom and Educational Leadership (ExCEL) Award for 2017. Representatives from Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and from the award sponsors — LG&E KU and WHAS11 — honored the teacher last week during a ceremony at the school.
“Mr. Holman is an outstanding teacher who demonstrates many unique talents and innovative teaching techniques in the classroom,” Manual Principal Jerry Mayes said. “He is a valuable asset and resource to our school and community. The wonderful thing about having Tim as a colleague is that I am able to teach with an outstanding educator who is passionate about fostering democratic beliefs, values and skills in students.”
During his time at Manual, Holman has organized forums with political candidates, brought in speakers and provided his students with the opportunity to visit the State Capitol. In fact, Holman has been recognized by the Kentucky Senate for going “beyond the call of duty to provide vital educational opportunities and experiences.” Students in his classes have also had the opportunity to see political leaders such as Chief Justice John Roberts, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, Vice President Joe Biden and Senator John McCain.
Holman also has served in several leadership roles at Manual, including magnet liaison, School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council member, and sponsor of the Young Democrats and Teenage Republicans. Additionally, he has been the Manual cross-country and track coach for years, leading his players to the state championship in 2016. He also served as the girls’ basketball coach during Manual’s three consecutive trips to the Kentucky Sweet 16 Tournament, which included a state championship.
“He showed several students the path of being more than they thought they could be,” said Portia Wright, a Ballard High School teacher and former colleague. “I watched him effectively take students in his class and encourage them to run for him, which enabled him to earn a different type of respect and admiration. This made them want to work harder for him in the classroom.”
Before teaching at Manual, Holman was a social studies teacher at Meyzeek Middle School. He was later selected by the Center for Civic Education and Engagement at the University of Louisville to work for one year developing curriculum and working on professional development,
As an ExCEL Award winner, Holman will receive a $1,000 instructional grant from LG&E KU.
Families in need of winter clothing for their children will be able to receive coats, hats and gloves beginning at 9 a.m. Monday, Jan. 16 at the Northwest Neighborhood Place, 4018 West Market St. The items were collected through the Coats with Candyce drive.
The winter wear will be distributed until noon or until all items are given out, whichever comes first. Families will receive coats, hats, gloves, and books for each child. Children must be present with their parent or guardian.
“I’m so proud of our community for supporting this program and donating items to help our children and youth feel warm and cared for this winter,” said Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Superintendent Dr. Donna Hargens. “This is a perfect opportunity to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and make a real difference in our students’ lives.”
The Coats with Candyce drive was sponsored by JCPS, 15th District Parent Teacher Association Clothing Assistance Program, AmeriCorps VISTA, REACH Corps and Neighborhood Place.
