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Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and McDonald’s® Restaurants of Kentuckiana announced the continuation of a partnership that will recognize teachers at the district’s eight transformation schools.
The program at transformation schools rewards teachers for being in class and ready to increase student achievement. Each month (August-May), a teacher with perfect attendance from each of the eight schools will be randomly drawn to win a gift package, valued at $20, courtesy of McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana. The eight teachers chosen each month will also be recognized on the district’s social media as the McDonald’s Teacher of the Month.
“These attendance incentives help recognize and reward our staff who are focused on being in the classroom ready to teach some of our most vulnerable students,” JCPS Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio said. “We have the best teachers in the country right here in JCPS. I appreciate the local McDonald’s owner/operators for helping recognize their hard work and dedication to the district and its students.”
“At McDonald’s, we recognize the importance that educators play in strengthening our community,” said George Saliba, local McDonald’s owner/operator and president of the Kentuckiana Co-op. “We appreciate everything they do and are proud to show our appreciation for local teachers who are making a difference through learning.”\
Schools participating in the program include:
- Wheatley Elementary
- McFerran Preparatory Academy
- Camp Taylor Elementary
- Wilkerson Elementary
- Blue Lick Elementary
- Coleridge-Taylor Montessori Elementary
- Trunnell Elementary
- Blake Elementary
Be sure to follow JCPS on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram at @JCPSKY. To learn more about how local McDonald’s owner/operators are making a difference in the Kentuckiana community, follow on Twitter and Instagram @McDKentuckiana or any of the 100 McDonald’s Restaurants of Kentuckiana Facebook pages.
Is your student ready to have a great school year? Here are a few helpful reminders to get your child ready for Wednesday, August 16:
Have you registered your child or verified his or her school assignment? Call 485-6250 if you need to find out which school your child will attend or what documents you will need in order to register.
- Do you know what time school starts for your child? At most JCPS elementary schools, the hours are 9:05 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. At most middle and high schools, hours are 7:40 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.
- Have you confirmed your child’s transportation arrangements? If your child is walking or biking, have you discussed safety precautions regarding traffic and strangers? If your child is riding a bus, have you talked about safety issues and behavior expectations?
- Have you checked with the school about the supplies your child will need?
- Do you know if your child’s school has a dress code? Will your child need different clothes for physical education or art classes?
- Have you filled out health, emergency contact, and other forms that have been sent home?
- Has your child developed any health problems during the summer that will affect his or her school day? If so, have you notified school staff? If your child needs to take medication at school, have you made arrangements?
- Have you established an earlier bedtime to help your child get back on a school schedule?
- Have you talked to your child about starting the new school year with a positive outlook and a commitment to doing his or her best?
For more information visit our back to school page.
Neighborhood Place and numerous community partners will offer seven back to school events in July and early August. These events will provide free school supplies while supplies last as well as a wide range of services and resources to help local youth and families be better prepared for the start of school year.
The bulk of the supplies and funding for these events comes from area businesses, churches, schools and individual donors. To learn more about specific activities, eligibility and other requirements, please refer to list below:
July 27, Back to School Festival at Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Located at 10200 Dixie Highway. For more information call 363-1483. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that participate in three, ten-minute ‘mini-trainings’. Over twenty presenters and more than forty vendors will be at the event plus mascots and lots of hands on fun to help everyone “Unlock Your Superhero Powers”. Sponsored by South Jefferson Neighborhood Place, Cane Run Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services, South Jefferson Community Partnership, Drug-Free Communities Grant, area JCPS schools, Kidz Club, Kosair Charities, Fairdale Christian Church, Fairdale First Baptist Church and Valley View Church.
Aug. 3, Back To School Festival at the Academy at Shawnee, 1 – 4 p.m.
Located at 4018 West Market St. For more information call 485-7230. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last. JCPS Family Youth Resource Center Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. This event is sponsored in collaboration with the ESL Newcomer Academy, The Kidz Club, Service for Peace, Jefferson County Public Schools Family Youth Service Centers, KentuckyOne Health, Northwest Neighborhood Place and Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services.
August 4, Back to School Festival at Cochran Elementary School, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 500 West Gaulbert Ave. For more information call 634-6050. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. School supplies and backpacks will be provided while supplies last to families that visit at least 10 vendor booths. The Smile Academy of Kentucky will provide cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants for children 2-18 years of age. Walgreens will be administering flu shots for children 9 years and older and limited immunizations for children 14 and over. Also Quality Care for Kids will provide on-site vision and hearing exams. Sponsored by Bridges of Hope, Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Department of Resilience and Community Services, JCPS, and Bridges of Hope Community Council.
Aug 5, Back to School Event at Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 828 S. Jackson St. Call 574-6638 for more information. Open to students kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks with essential school supplies for the coming year will be distributed while supplies last. Your child must be present to receive school supplies. Smile Academy will provide free dental screenings. Many other local community venders and agencies will be in the gym to provide information for families. Families may complete a CAP referral during the event as well for clothing and uniform assistance. Sponsored by Charmoli Center Neighborhood Place, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services and area JCPS schools.
August 5, Back to School Distribution at Southwick Community Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Located at 3621 Southern Ave. Call 485-6710 for more information. The annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. JCPS Family Youth Resource Center Coordinators will complete CAP referrals for families needing clothing and uniform assistance. School supplies will be distributed (while supplies last) and other helpful resources will be available. Sponsored in part by Ujima Neighborhood Place and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, JCPS’ Family Youth Service Centers and several community collaborative partners.
Aug. 10, Back to School Festival at Olmsted Academy North, 1 – 7 p.m.
Located at 4530 Bellevue Ave. Call 313-4089 for more information. Open to all students in grades Kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks, school supplies and health and hygiene products will be provided while supplies last. Educational and community resources will be available to help offer a strong start to the new school year. The festival will also include vision and hearing screenings, blood pressure and diabetes checks, clothing assistance referrals and more. Lunch will be provided for children and adults. Sponsored by South Central Neighborhood Place, Diamond Cluster MC, Olmsted Academy North and South YSC, Kenwood Elementary FRC, Hazelwood Elementary FRC, Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services, and Sts. Mary & Elizabeth Hospital.
Aug 12, Back to School Festival at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Located at 1501 Rangeland Rd. Call 313-4498 or 313-4700 for more information. This annual event is open to families with children in kindergarten through high school. Free backpacks and grade-appropriate school supplies (while supplies last) will be provided. Free lunches will be served to kids by JCPS Nutrition Services. Your child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A Community Resource Fair will include diabetes and blood pressure checks, YMCA program, voter registration, library services and lots of fun and music. Event sponsored in part by First Neighborhood Place, area JCPS schools, and Louisville Metro Office of Resilience and Community Services.
Students attending kindergarten this school year will have the opportunity to receive free dental screenings and school supplies beginning Saturday at Kindergarten ReadyFest.
The annual festival, which is hosted by Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) and the district’s southwest cluster of Family Resource and Youth Service Centers, will be held from 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at Farnsley Middle School (3400 Lees Lane).
ReadyFest kicks off a series of back-to-school events sponsored by JCPS and various community partners, including Neighborhood Place and the Louisville Metro Department of Community Services, that provide free school and health supplies to students.
Kindergarten ReadyFest features music, games and other activities for students and their families. JCPS representatives will be on hand to provide students with free workbooks and supplies, help families complete paperwork for free and reduced school meals, let students take a ride on a school bus and schedule appointments for free uniforms through the Clothing Assistance Program. Students will also be able to receive a free dental screening, which is required for incoming kindergarteners.
Additionally, Louisville Free Public Library (LFPL) representatives will be available to sign students up for library cards and share information about LFPL’s summer reading program.
The first day of school for JCPS students is August 16.
2017-18 Back-to-School Events List
The following events are free and open to the public. Students must be accompanied by an adult to receive supplies, and supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
- Saturday, July 15, Kindergarten ReadyFest at Farnsley Middle School, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
- Located at 3400 Lees Lane. The following schools will also be participating in the festival and will provide information about dress codes and school supplies: Auburndale, Brandeis, Cane Run, Carter, Dixie, Eisenhower, Engelhard, Foster, Frayser, Greenwood, Gutermuth, Hazelwood, Jacob, Johnsontown, Kennedy, Kenwood, Kerrick, Layne, Medora, McFerran, Mill Creek, Rutherford, Sanders, Shacklette, Stonestreet, Trunnell, Watson Lane, Wellington and Wilkerson.
- Thursday, July 27, Valley High School, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
- Located at 10200 Dixie Highway.
- Saturday, July 29, Emmanuel Assembly of God Church, 6 – 8 p.m.
- Located at 5701 Johnsontown Road.
- Thursday, August 3, Academy @ Shawnee, 1– 4 p.m.
- Located at 4018 West Market Street.
- Friday, August 4, Cochran Elementary, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 500 West Gaulbert Avenue
- Saturday, August 5, Lighthouse Community Center, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 5312 Shepherdsville Road.
- Saturday, August 5, Meyzeek Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 828 South Jackson Street
- Saturday, August 5, Southwick Community Center, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 3621 Southern Avenue.
- Thursday, August 10, Olmsted Academy North, 1 – 7 p.m.
- Located at 4530 Bellevue Avenue.
- Saturday, August 12, Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
- Located at 4401 Rangeland Road.
- Sunday, August 13, Cane Run Elementary, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- Located at 3951 Cane Run Road.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio announced today that Ballard High School Principal Staci Eddleman has been reassigned to a new position in the district as its director of Title I/II Services. The search begins immediately for a new principal at Ballard.
“During her entire career with JCPS, Dr. Staci Eddleman has been a champion for all students,” Dr. Pollio said. “Staci’s experience in both priority and nonpriority schools gives her a unique perspective, as I’ve challenged her to rethink the way our district allocates funds to support students, teachers and schools.”
Title I funding is provided to school districts by the federal government. The funding must be used to support schools with high numbers and/or high percentages of children from low-income families. The funding helps ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.
Title II funds are intended to increase the number of high-quality, effective teachers and principals. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes—from recruiting and retaining teachers to reducing class sizes or providing professional development.
“I am emotional about leaving my post at Ballard, but this opportunity is a perfect next step in my career,” Dr. Eddleman said. “The opportunity to impact tens of thousands of students outside the walls of just one school is appealing, and I appreciate the vision of Dr. Pollio as he looks to reimagine the way we support our staff, students and schools across the district.”
The Ballard School-Based Decision Making (SBDM) Council will immediately begin the process of seeking a replacement for Dr. Eddleman. A new principal is expected to be named before the start of the 2017-18 school year.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Marty Pollio announced that Dr. Carmen Coleman will serve as JCPS acting chief academic officer. She will begin her service with the district on July 11.
Dr. Coleman is an associate clinical professor at the University of Kentucky (UK) in the Department of Educational Leadership Studies. She is the program coordinator for the Principal Preparation Program and the director of the Next Generation Leadership Academy. Dr. Coleman is taking a one-year leave from UK. The memorandum of agreement finalizing the arrangement is on the agenda for a July 10 special-called Jefferson County Board of Education meeting.
“I am honored to have Dr. Coleman join our JCPS team,” Dr. Pollio said. “She is Kentucky’s foremost expert in implementing deeper learning strategies, and her level of professional accomplishment and history of instructional leadership will help move our district forward and increase student achievement.”
Before joining UK, Dr. Coleman served as superintendent of Danville Independent Schools from 2009 to 2014. Previously, she was director of elementary schools in Fayette County, the state’s second largest school district, from 2006 to 2009.
“I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with teachers and leaders both in Kentucky and across the country who are simply the best of the best,” Dr. Coleman said. “I only had to talk with Dr. Pollio for a few minutes to know that he was one who belonged at the very top of that list. His vision for the kinds of opportunities we have to ensure for every child is the right one—and his record of success leaves no doubt that he will make it happen.
I also have tremendous respect for the JCPS Board and Teachers’ Association for making deeper learning their top priority for every child. This, combined with the tremendous talent of the teachers and leaders in Jefferson County and Dr. Pollio’s leadership, positions JCPS perfectly to lead both the state and the nation in showing just what is possible for kids. I am simply honored to be a part and cannot wait to get started.”
Dr. Coleman began her career in Scott County, where she worked as a teacher and principal from 1994 to 2006.
In addition to naming Dr. Coleman as acting chief academic officer, Dr. Pollio said at this time he has no plans to post or fill the chief business officer position and will redirect those funds to schools.
Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) Acting Superintendent Dr. Marty Pollio today announced the launch of his new online video series: the JCPS Weekly Wrap Up. The new series provides Dr. Pollio and the district with an added strategy to communicate better with JCPS families, employees and the entire community.
“The JCPS Weekly Wrap Up is another important tool we now have to provide news and information to our school families and community,” Dr. Pollio said. “It’s been a great first week. The enthusiasm I’ve felt from our community has been extremely welcoming and only inspires me to work even harder to move our district forward.”
Each Friday, Dr. Pollio will provide key updates on district- and school-level initiatives and how he’s working to continue moving JCPS forward. In his video released today, Dr. Pollio shared the following highlights:
- Dr. Pollio spent time Wednesday with JCPS Early Childhood teachers and students during the kickoff of JCPS Camp Ready4K at Unseld Learning Center;
- He announced Friday morning that Dr. Carmen Coleman—an expert in implementing deeper learning strategies—will serve as the new JCPS acting chief academic officer;
- And Dr. Pollio also announced Friday that he will not fill the JCPS chief business officer position and will instead redirect those funds to JCPS schools.
The JCPS Weekly Wrap Up video series will be featured on Dr. Pollio’s Twitter page and the district’s social media outlets. Watch the JCPS Weekly Wrap Up here.
