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REMINDER: Next Board of Education meeting is Monday, January 7, 2013.
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PARENT TIP
Children learn new information in two stages: acquiring it and then processing it in the brain before it is stored away so that it has meaning.
You can apply some of the study skill techniques that teachers use if you get your child to go a step further than simply memorizing information.
Try these techniques to help your child process information and learn it.
Encourage your child to:
- Recite or explain out loud in his own words what he has learned.
- Compare and contrast one idea to another one.
Click here to read more tips. | |
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PARENT TIP
My child doesn't want to go to school. What should I do?
When your child starts off the morning saying, "I don't want to go to school!"-and you know he really isn't sick-he might have "school-itis." Headaches and stomachaches head the list of children's complaints. But the real problem is more likely "cold feet." He isn't ready to
handle what he must face when he goes out your door.
Experts suggest:
Immediately make it clear that you are happy to deal with the specific
problems he may be having at school-but that you still expect him to
attend school today.
Explore the cause of the symptoms. Ask your child why he is reluctant to go
(but continue to get him ready as you do so). Talk about your child's fears or
the problems he is having with schoolwork, the teacher or friends.
Acknowledge your child's distress. While he might not have a virus, his physical discomfort may be real. Say something like, "I know you're upset, but we all have to do things that make us feel terrible at first. You'll feel better once you get started."
Brainstorm how your child might better deal with the situation.
Talk with your child's teacher if the problem continues.
Click here to read more tips. | |
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Spotlight of Success
The spotlight of success shined brightly at the December 3 Board of Education meeting. The evening started with the joyous sounds of the Scott Jazz Band followed by recognition of the many achievements of our educators.
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The Scott High Jazz Band greeted guests as they arrived for the recognition portion of the board meeting. |
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Thank you Mike Martin
Longtime board member Mike Martin was recognized for his service to the students of the district. During his 15-year tenure, the district has seen tremendous growth including the adoption of the district's three goals that guide our work, the mission to graduate every student college and career ready, the adoption of the Energy Management Plan that resulted in the construction of three energy efficient schools, and the implementation of the Kenton County Academies of Innovation & Technology.
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Award for Teaching Excellence goes to ...
 | | Laura Medley Schneider, Award for Teaching Excellence winner. Laura is flanked on her left by Sharron Oxendine and her right by Tonya Rigsby. |
Laura Medley Schneider, Simon Kenton High School teacher,
is a recipient of the California Casualty Award for Teaching Excellence, one of the nation's most prestigious honors for public school educators.
She is one of 38 awardees who will be honored at the NEA Foundation's Salute to Excellence in Education Gala to be held in Washington, DC on February 8, 2013. Known as the Academy Awards of public education, the gala attracts more than 850 of the nation's leaders from public education, philanthropy, and the private sector.
"We give these awards annually to honor and promote excellence in education and to elevate the profession. Educators like these are critical to their students' academic
success, and they deserve national recognition." said Harriet Sanford, President and CEO of the NEA Foundation. "We are thrilled that California Casualty has joined us again this year to pay tribute to educators who are making such a difference in the lives of students in classrooms across the country."
"Educating our youth is so critically important. California Casualty is proud to partner with the NEA Foundation to pause and celebrate excellence in teaching," said Beau Brown, President and CEO of California Casualty.
Laura was nominated by the Kentucky Education Association, National Education Association's state affiliate in Kentucky.
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Congratulations River Ridge Elementary
 | | Well done River Ridge! |
River Ridge Elementary entered the history books
when the Unbridled Learning accountability scores were released in late November. The school earned the title of "A Top 20 School of Distinction", ranked 18th in the state among 733 public elementary schools, putting it in the 98th percentile.
A parent praised the work of Principal Shawna Harney and her staff in the following What Outstanding Work Award nomination.
I would like to nominate Shawna Harney, Principal at River Ridge Elementary School. I am the parent of two children at River Ridge and I am very active at the school in the PTO, in my children's classrooms and as a member of SBDM. Mrs. Harney has done an outstanding job of helping the staff at River Ridge work together to see that all children are learning on
their respective academic levels.
She has encouraged them to use MAP data to differentiate the instruction for the children down to the most minute detail. Our teachers put in very long hours doing their absolute best to meet the needs of not just some, but every child at our school. Mrs. Harney sets a tremendous example as the leader of a very large school which is able to do incredible things and achieve absolutely amazing results.
She puts in countless hours and spends a remarkable amount of time pouring over data to figure out any new strategy she can incorporate that will help our children learn. There is no question her expectations are high and she asks a lot of our teachers; but I think the results that were just released certainly speak for themselves. I am so proud to say that the school where my children receive their education is "distinguished" and I know that while there are a large number of people contributing to this success, Mrs. Harney is the lady who is overseeing things and making certain that all children, top to bottom, are making strides in their education. Thank you, Mrs. Harney, and congratulations on a job well done!
 | | Chairperson Karen Collins presents Principal Harney with a bouquet of flowers. |
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| Congratulations Regina, Tricia, Karen, and Lisa. |
Simon Kenton parent lauds work of educators
Another What Outstanding Work Award was presented to
Karen Arnold, Tricia Mann, Jill Hall, Regina Feinauer, Suzi Noel, and Lisa Weaver. The parent wrote the following thanking the educators for their outstanding work.
My daughter is a freshman at Simon Kenton High School,
and I want to recognize a few people who have made her
transition to high school very successful. Karen Arnold,
what an outstanding teacher and human being! She goes above and beyond for each of her students, and they all know and feel the love that radiates from Mrs. Arnold. My child looks forward to coming to school each day.
Trisha Mann is one of my daughter's instructional aides,
and she takes extremely good care of her. She calls immediately if there are any issues with my daughter,
and she does a tremendous job.
Jill Hall, who no longer works for the district,
but did a great job working with my daughter at Twenhofel and SK, and was always very loving and caring.
Regina Feinauer, another instructional assistant in her
first year with my daughter. She was so eager to get to
know her and help her in any way.
Suzi Noel, Occupational Therapist, has taught my daughter
for several years. She has made suggestions and followed
through on all therapy needs. I am amazed at her professionalism and persistence in working to get my daughter where she needs to be!
Lisa Weaver, Physical Therapist, is a dear person a
nd has gone above and beyond to help us get a new wheelchair
for my daughter, even coming to our home with the wheelchair
representative to make sure it fit. But the most amazing thing
about Lisa is that she has taught my daughter to walk all by herself! She never gave up, and that is what I call an exceptional PT. Thank you for working with my daughter, and for letting me have the pleasure of sending her to SKHS! |
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