The Excellence Report: e-newsletter

***A.R.T.S (Acknowledging and Recognizing Talented Students), "A Celebration of the Visual and Performing Arts"*** group picture of the talented high school students in the inaugural showcase.

Issue 48 Volume 4

May 2010

In This Issue

The Mileage Report

Quality Instruction Report

Innovation Update

Business Partner Feature

Beyond the Classroom

Events

Scholarships and Financial Tips

Don't miss an upcoming show about teaching and learning in The Kenton County School District. Click here for the "INSIDE KCSD NETWORK 20" schedule.

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Superintendent's Message

In the final edition of The 2009-2010 Excellence Report, I am happy to report that our graduating classes of 2010 have earned a record setting $10.3 million dollars in scholarships. As over 880 students from Dixie Heights, Scott, and Simon Kenton graduate this June, I know that they are academically prepared to follow their career dreams. This huge achievement is due to the type of rigor, relevancy and relationship building we strive for in the district's three goals.

As I look back over this school year, I think about the other numerous achievements of our students and staff members and I am in awe. Our student leadership programs such as the Superintendent's Student Leadership Council, Student Ambassadors, and Hanner's Heroes are enabling students to be leaders in their schools and community. We are continually recognized on a national level as a district committed to data-driven, research-based teaching as evidenced in our selection to pilot a math teacher training program through a grant awarded to the Prichard Committe, and funded by the Bill & Melissa Gates Foundation. We lead Northern Kentucky and rank in the top five districts in Kentucky for the number of Nationally Certified Board Teachers. As a school district, we have secured millions of dollars worth of grants that will bring in resources to our schools. Our Energy Mangement Plan, that includes a Sustainable Energy Plan and Energy Mandate, has resulted in saving over $1 million dollars in avoidable energy costs. This fall the new energy efficient Turkey Foot Middle School will open with the goal of being the first net zero energy middle school in the nation. The opening brings the total of high performance school buildings in the district to three. Our engagement with business and community partners is unparalleled.

You will read more about the Gates Foundation grant and the new Toyota STEM project grant in the Mileage Report. These two significant grants would not have been possible without the commitment to data-driven, research-based instruction displayed in our classrooms.

The Quality Instruction Report highlights the success of our Born Learning Academy, a successful pilot project focused on early childhood development.

The Innovation Update highlights our Energy Management Plan achievements and tremendous student-led E=WISE2 (Education Creates Wisdom in Saving Energy and the Environment) accomplishments.

Our Business Partner Feature tips our hat to each of our schools' BEST partners. BEST, a business partnership program sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, promotes Business Education Success Teams (BEST). You will read about two award winning partnerships with Ticona and Piner Elementary and Twenhofel and the Northern Kentucky Health Department.

Beyond the Classroom features significant awards our students have captured from the Governor's Scholars Program to Piner's Archery Team.

Our Events section highlights our three high school's upcoming graduation dates.

I want to congratulate our graduating seniors, parents, teachers, and staff, on a job well done. I remain confident in our vision to equip students with the necessary tools required to compete in the global work market. I also want to express my continued gratitude for being the Superintendent of the best school district in Kentucky: The Kenton County School District - A System of Excellence!

Have a great summer!

Tim Hanner

Superintendent

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Kenton County School District chosen by the Prichard Committee and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to pilot math teacher training program and Toyota for innovative STEM initiative

The Kenton County School District was one of only six districts in Kentucky chosen to pilot a math teacher training program, through a grant awarded to the Prichard Committee, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This honor was given to the district because of its reputation for customized learning for each student through research-based teaching methods and thorough analysis of student performance data. The associate executive director for the Prichard Committee, Cindy Heine, describes why Kenton County was selected as follows. "We know they're good thinkers on teaching, instruction and learning, and have already done a lot on trying to improve instruction. They're seen as leaders in the state."

This innovative teaching method is designed to approach instruction as an interactive lecture with active student participation.

Read more about this innovative teaching method by clicking here.

The district was also chosen to participate in the STEM Project Enhancement Program (PEP) initiative.
This initiative, funded by the Toyota USA Foundation, was recently awarded to the University of Kentucky for the STEM Project Enhancement Program (PEP) initiative. The grant will promote and improve STEM education.

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Learning begins early in the Kenton County School District

This year the Kenton County School District launched the Born Learning Academy. The Born Learning Academy teaches parents and caregivers of children from prenatal to five years of age how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities. Implemented at Beechgrove Elementary, 30 children and 22 adults participated in six monthly workshops designed to teach parents and caregivers how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

At the United Way of Greater Cincinnati-Northern Kentucky's annual awards meeting on May 21, United Way recognized local volunteers and organizations for their work to improve people's lives throughout 2009. United Way presented its first ever Outstanding Education Partner Award, recognizing Superintendent Tim Hanner and Kenton County Schools.

Recent successes at the Kenton County School District included increasing campaign dollars by 38% and thinking "outside the box" to engage in early childhood work. United Way recognized Kenton County School District as an outstanding partner, and for their efforts to go above and beyond to build the bridge between birth and the day that a child shows up at the school's front door.

Please take a moment and watch the video about this new Kenton County School District innovative program by clicking on the link below

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rh-5zaitsCI.

Printed below is an article that recently appeared in The Kentucky Enquier about the new academy.

Born Learning Academy in Kenton County School District Preparing Children for Kindergarten

By Deborah Kohl Kremer · Enquirer contributor · February 8, 2010

Preparing a child for school starts a lot earlier than the day before kindergarten. In an effort to promote early learning, the Kenton County School District has launched a program that teaches parents and caregivers how to turn everyday moments into learning opportunities.

The program, called the Born Learning Academy, has 30 children and 22 adults participating in six monthly workshops at Beechgrove Elementary School in Independence.

According to Assistant Principal Kim Mott, topics covered include how children learn, brain development and how to connect by singing and playing games.

"These parents are so surprised by the importance of what they do with their child from the birth to 5 years," said Mott. "And the impact it has on them for the rest of their life."

Born Learning was created by the United Way Worldwide to teach parents and caregivers how young children learn and how to engage them to learn while riding in a car, helping with household tasks or simply observing the world around them.

The program is a collaborative effort between the United Way of Greater Cincinnati, Kenton County School District, The Bank of Kentucky and Citi.

"We provide the structure, trainers and volunteers, and the United Way provides the materials," said Tim Hanner, superintendent of the Kenton County School District, who learned about a similar program in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City. Upon learning of its successes, Hanner was inspired to start it here.

"You see instant results with a program like this," he said. "Both the parents and the kids take what they have learned back to their home and can begin using it immediately."

Julia Goodman, coordinator of Beechgrove's Family Resource Center, did a needs assessment survey with school families to determine who would be invited to the academy. "We have all kinds of families and caregivers who attend," she said. "They come one time and they are hooked. "Goodman believes that the families are appreciative of the opportunity and how easy it is too attend. The Family Resource Center provides free dinner and free baby-sitting at each session.

"We want to take away any barriers that may keep them from coming," said Goodman.

Hanner's goal is to not only spread this program to other schools in the Kenton County School District but across the region as well. "This is an example of identifying a need and connecting it to the many resources we have," said Hanner. "We are very proud of this program."

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Achievements of The Kenton County School District Energy Management Plan

In 2002, the Board of Education traveled a brave new path - the path of High Performance Design. High performance design was a relatively new concept and a completely new concept in Kentucky. Research led the Board members to investigate the impact high performance school buildings had on instruction and energy cost avoidance. The promise of this concept led to the adoption of the Kenton County School District Energy Management Plan, that included a Sustainable Energy Plan and Energy Mandate.

From those early years, the district has become a nationally recognized leader and model in energy efficiency and environmental stewardship. This award winning approach goes beyond just the physical elements of our buildings and recognizes the need to develop a future labor force capable of meeting the anticipated demand for "green collar" jobs over the next 20 years, including the innovative, student-led E=WISE2 (Education Creates Wisdom in Saving Energy and the Environment) program.

Please take a moment to read the impact the Energy Management Plan has resulted in, including the extraordinary E=WISE2 Luncheon Showcase that was held May 26:

Savings of $1,000,000 in avoided energy costs through its commitment to combining sound environmental practices and student learning
The Kenton County School District - 2009 Kentucky NEED and District of the Year
Nationally recognized E=WISE2 Education program provides relevancy to course work and enables students to change behaviors.
Summit View Elementary awarded the State Elementary School of the Year and National Elementary Rookie School of the Year at the 2010 Kentucky NEED and Kentucky Green and Healthy Schools Annual Awards Luncheon at the Frankfort Convention Center on May 13.
ENERGY STAR designation: The designation has been awarded to seven schools
National Energy Education Development (NEED) Project District of the Year
LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Silver Certification for Twenhofel.
Recipient of the Kentucky Environmental Quality Commission Earth Day Award.
District Energy Star Partner designation
Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools (KEEPS) pilot program member that is administered by the Kentucky Pollution Prevention Center (KPPC) at the University of Louisville.
KEEPS mentor for energy awareness and outreach.
First school district in Northern Kentucky to receive incentives under the Duke Energy K - 12 Custom Incentive Program.
Selected to serve as regional mentor to other districts as House Bill 2 becomes effective. House Bill 2 requires all school districts to enroll in KEEPS (Kentucky Energy Efficiency Program for Schools) by January of 2010.
The new Turkey Foot Middle School, now under construction, will be as close to net zero annual energy usage as possible. The energy features will serve as a model in Kentucky and the nation.

E=WISE2 Luncheon Showcase held May 26

On may 26, the annual Kenton County School District E=WISE2 (Education Creates Wisdom in Savign Energy and the Environment) Luncheon Showcase was held celebrating the year-long enrgy and environmental awareness program that has resulted in the district's annual energy cost avoidance figure, now totaling over $1 millin dollars. The students displayed their projects through booths, student-led projects and presentations. The luncheon sponsored by State Farm Insurance was attended by over 300 local business partners, educators and students. View photos of the day by clicking here.

The E=WISE2 teams were recognized with the following awards:

Elementary
Summit View - Gold Award
Fort Wright - Silver Award
James A. Caywood - Silver Award
River Ridge - Silver Award
Ryland Heights - Silver Award
Beechgrove - Bronze Award
White's Tower - Bronze Award
Taylor Mill - Bronze Award
Piner - Bronze Award
R.C. Hinsdale - Bronze Award
Kenton - Bronze Award

Middle Schools
Twenhofel - Gold Award
Summit View - Silver Award
Turkey Foot - Bronze Award
Woodland - Bronze Award

High Schools
Simon Kenton - Gold Award
Dixie Heights - Silver Award

Specialty Awards
Summit View Elementary - Green Award for Outstanding Achievement
River Ridge - Best School Awareness Program
Fort Wright - Best Community Awareness Program
Summit View Middle - Most Improved Habits

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B.E.S.T. of the Best

B.E.S.T. (Business Education Success Teams) are partnerships between businesses and schools. Sponsored by the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, the partnerships bring together schools and businessess to share resources, strengthen communication and contribute to student achievement. Each year, the B.E.S.T. Celebration Breakfast is held to thank and acknowledge the partnerships and give special acknowledgement to those that have excelled.

This year the partnerships of

Piner Elementary and business partner Ticona Industries and Twenhofel Middle School and the Northern Kentucky Health Department were named GOLD STANDARD partnerships for focusing on measurable results, high impact initiatives, benefits to the school and business, and impacting the community.

In addition,

Piner and Ticona also received the Outstanding Work Ethic K-8 Award recognizing exemplary student work ethic programs.

Click here to view pictures of the awards.

The celebration also saluted all partnerships. Congratulations to the following Kenton County School District B.E.S.T. partnerships:

Beechgrove Elementary - Aristech Acrylics and Bank of Kentucky, Turkeyfoot Branch

James A. Caywood Elementary - The Bank of Kentucky

Fort Wright Elementary - Fifth Third Bank, Fort Wright Branch

Kenton Elementary - Fifth Third Bank, Independence Branch

R.C. Hinsdale - The Bank of Kentucky, St. Elizabeth Healthcare, and Thomas More College

Piner Elementary - Kenton County Library, William E. Durr Branch, Regency Manor Nursing Home, Snappy Tomato Pizza, Walton, Ticona Industries

River Ridge Elementary - First Security Trust Bank, Crescent Springs

Ryland Heights Elementary - Toyota

Summit View Elementary - Farmers National Bank, Independence

Taylor Mill Elementary - Republic Bank

White's Tower Elementary - The Bank of Kentucky

Summit View Middle - Northern Kentucky University

Turkey Foot Middle - Central Bank

Twenhofel - The Bank of Kentucky and NKY Health Department

Scott High - Remke Markets, Taylor Mill and Fifth Third Bank

Simon Kenton High - US Bank

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Highlights from 2009-2010

What an incredible year of awards, accolades, shining moments, recognition and more! Please share in the excitement by reading about the extraordinary highlights of the 2009-2010 school year!

Kenton County School District teachers sweep Golden Apple Awards

And the winner is...the Kenton County School District. Golden Apple Awards were given to eight teachers at the Excellence in Education Awards Celebration on May 19. Golden Apples represent excellence in teaching. In the Student Academic All-Star category, only one student was awarded the All-Star in the Fine Arts category, and that was Greg Nicaise, Scott High School. To view pictures of the evening, click here.

Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program selects 20 outstanding juniors

The district is proud to announce that 20 juniors have been selected to the prestigious Kentucky Governor's Scholars Program. Selection to this program is highly competitive and includes an academic profile that includes GPA, extracurricular activities, volunteer service, teacher recommendations, and an original essay. To view the names of these future leaders, click here.

Kenton County leads Northern Kentucky in National Board Certified Teachers

The Kenton County School District leads Northern Kentucky with 11 newly certified teachers and is in the top five districts in the state for National Board Certified teachers. National Board Certification is a rigorous process that takes up to three years of work developing a detailed portfolio, self-analysis of teaching, and six exams. Reaching the pinnacle of professional qualification are:

Vickie Brothers - Beechgrove Elementary

Jennifer Egan - River Ridge Elementary

Angela Ellison - Beechgrove Elementary

Neva Francis - River Ridge Elementary

Marti Freihofer - Scott High

Mindy Fry - Summit View Elementary

Katherine Graham - James A. Caywood Elementary

Kathryn Hart - River Ridge Elementary

Christina Pangallo - James A. Caywood Elementary

Stephanie Steinbrunner - R.C. Hinsdale Elementary

Cary Wolking - Taylor Mill Elementary

Competitive Governor's School for the Arts selects two talented students

Over 1,600 students audition for the Governor's School for the Arts program each year and only 223 are chosen. Of the 223, Lauren Garriott, Dixie Heights, and Rachel Roberts, Scott High have been selected! These gifted students will spend three weeks at Transylvania University immersed in their specialized field of interest. Lauren will study Musical Theater and Rachel Visual Arts. Read more by clicking here.

Scott students capture eight nominations in prestigious Cappies Critics and Awards Program

The drama students from Scott High School captured eight nominations in the Cappies Critics and Awards Program. The Cappies trains high school theater and journalism students as critics. The students attend shows at other schools and write reviews that are published in newspapers. Click here to read more.

Students excel in prestigious Scholastic Writing and Art competition

High school and middle school students shined in the distinguished and oldest competition in the nation - Scholastic Writing & Art. The writing and art awards recognize student achievement in the creative writing and visual art fields. Read more about these talented writing students by clicking here. To read more about these talented art students click here.

First place taken in the Kentucky Student Technology Leadership competition

Woodland Middle School students took first place at the Student Technology Leadership (STLP) state competition and the Simon Kenton Team took second place! STLP teaches students advanced technology, communication, and leadership skills. Read more about these technology experts by clicking here.

Piner Elementary Archery Team advanced to national competition

The 24-member Piner Archery Team hit the bullseye winning the regional competition and advancing to nationals. Archery teaches teamwork, agility and mental concentration. Review the names of the team by clicking here.

Five Odyssey of the Mind Teams advance to World Finals

Five Odyssey of the Mind teams will represent the district in the Odyssey of the Mind World Finals May 26- May 29, 2010 at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. Odyssey is an international education program that provides creative problem-solving opportunities for students from kindergarten through college. Team members apply their creativity to solve problems that range from building mechanical devices to presenting their own interpretation of literary classics. Over 700 teams from almost all United States and around the world will be competing at World Finals. Read more about these savvy students by clicking here.

A.R.T.S. (Acknowledging and Recognizing Talented Students), "A Celebration of the Visual and Performing Arts"

A celebration of the high school visual and performing arts was on display May 16 at Simon Kenton High School. From the opening number of the Scott Jazz Band to the stirring dance ensemble representing all three high schools at the conclusion of show, the audience was moved by the passion the students portrayed. Their music, dance, drama performances, and art exhibitions demonstrate the quality instruction and varied opportunities in our high schools. These students demonstrated the true meaning of Goal 3 - they displayed meaningful connections to the curriculum beyond the classroom.

The following individuals worked to make the A.R.T.S so successful. Thank you:

Teachers Amy Ring, Alex Koenig, Terri Schatzman, Jennifer Baldwin, Scott Richards, Mandy Volpenhein, Maggie Wilmhoff, Michelle Carroll, Leann Lewis, Heather Mastin, Laura Medley-Schneider, Tammy Smith, Toni Moore, and Eric Kues
Jane Bush, Chair of the A.R.T.S committee
Principals Kim Banta, Tom Madison and Martha Setters
Todd Moody and the Scott Jazz Band
Board of Education members Karen Collins, Carl Wicklund, Mike Martin, Becky Melching, and Tamara Miano, Esq.,
Our talented students!

Lois White named Children, Inc. Principal of the Year

Lois White, Taylor Mill Elementary Principal, was named the Children, Inc. Principal of the Year on May 11. Mrs. White is a dedicated principal who has embraced the principles of service learning. Read more by clicking here.

Kenton County School District swept the Kentucky 14th District PTA Spring Conference Awards

At the Kentucky 14th District PTA 2010 Spring Conferenence Awards Dinner, the Kenton County School District walked away with numerous awards including all five Self Esteem Student Awards, Outstanding Classified Personnel Award, and Outstanding Educator Award. Read more about this extraordinary evening by clicking here.