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| News from Jefferson County Public Schools | February 2016 |
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 JCPS launches Bullying Tipline
Students, parents, and others can report incidents
The JCPS Bullying Tipline includes both a toll-free phone number ( 888-393-6780) and a webpage.
Reports can be anonymous and will be addressed within a week.Individuals who submit a report will be given a "report key" they can use, along with a personal password, to submit more information at a later date and to answer any follow-up questions. "Children can only focus on learning when they feel safe, cared for, and protected from unacceptable behavior by their classmates," said JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens. "We're adding this tipline to the tools already available for reporting bullying and related concerns as part of our continuing effort to put the earliest possible stop to behavior that can jeopardize student's ability to learn, undermine their self-confidence, and magnify conflicts." While the tipline phone number is answered by a live operator 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the number is not meant for emergencies, such as immediate threats to life or property. Such calls should always go to 911.
JCPS Ombudsman Mindy Eaves (485-6644) also will continue to take calls regarding bullying or other concerns, and counselors at JCPS schools remain available to discuss bullying with both students and parents.
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JCPS to begin accepting Early Childhood Program applications
Programs are open to any child who turns four by Aug. 1
Tomorrow ( Tues., Feb. 2), JCPS will begin accepting applications for the district's Early Childhood Programs. The applications may be submitted online or in person at the Edwards Education Complex (701 S. Hancock St.) from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.
Available seats for some of the programs are limited, so parents and guardians are encouraged to apply early. Items needed to apply include the following:
- Photo ID (if applying in person)
- Proof of residence
- Child's birth certificate
- Current physical examination form
- Current state of Kentucky immunization certificate
- Proof of income
For more information, call 485-7677. 
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Get an updated school calendar
Because JCPS had three snow days last month, students now will go to school on Mon., Feb. 29, Thurs., Mar. 31, and Fri., Apr. 1. These days were previously designated as make-up days.
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Western and Valley High show sustained progress
Two high schools have shown progress over the past two years toward meeting improvement goals, according to reports from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE).
The Progress Monitoring Visit reports indicate that Valley High has met Annual Measurable Objectives (AMO) every year since 2012-13 and has the potential to exit priority status at the end of the current school year. The report also notes that the school has increased its college and career readiness rate by 28.3 points over the past three years. Likewise, Western High met AMO for two of the past three years, including school year 2014-15, and went from eight improvement priorities in 2013-14 to three in 2015-16.
"We are pleased the review teams recognized the dramatic and diligent efforts of educators, staff, and the community to support and improve student learning at these two priority schools," said Superintendent Hargens. "We value the feedback in these reports and will use this information to continue improving student achievement at both Western and Valley High."
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 District aims to improve learning, culture, and infrastructure
New strategic plan has three major focus areas
Deeper learning and an enhanced organizational culture as well as improved physical, human resources, and instructional infrastructures -- these are some of the goals in Vision 2020: Excellence with Equity.
JCPS officially launched this new strategic plan at a news conference in January that outlined the district's priorities for the next few months. Vision 2020 has three focus areas.
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800 new trees will enhance campuses
As part of a plan to increase the number of trees in Louisville, especially in areas identified as "canopy deficient," TreesLouisville will plant about 800 new trees on 11 JCPS campuses over the next several months.
The diverse selection of species will be situated along walking paths, playgrounds, and parking lots as well as in naturalized areas to help curb the urban heat island effect of Louisville's declining tree canopy.
Several Medora Elementary fourth-graders joined Louisville Mayor Greg Fischer, JCPS Superintendent Donna Hargens, and TreesLouisville Executive Director Cindi Sullivan to plant a Swamp White Oak during a news conference last month. Click here for video.
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Four schools receive library grants
Four JCPS libraries will receive money for new books, thanks to a grant program established by bestselling author James Patterson.
Chenoweth Elementary will receive $5,000, and Olmsted Academy South, Newburg Middle, and Shelby Traditional Academy will each receive $4,000. The total $17,000 grant is an award from Patterson, who selected 467 recipients among almost 28,000 applicants.
The schools will use the funds to purchase books and other reading materials that will help engage students with reading and improve comprehension.
Patterson's partnership with Scholastic Reading Club challenged school libraries to answer the question, "What would your library do with $1,000 to $10,000?" Scholastic Reading Club will match each dollar with bonus points that teachers can use to get books and other materials for their classrooms.
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Watch the February episode of Our Kids
It's an award-winning, 30-minute, monthly television program that highlights JCPS students and schools. Click here for the February episode.Pleasure Ridge Park High student Jailen Leavell (shown in the photo at right) is the host this month.
Students at PRP as well as Ballard and Fern Creek High regularly serve as Our Kids correspondents. All three schools offer courses in the Communication, Media, and the Arts Professional Career Theme.
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JCPS Adult Education offers free GED classes
Did you know that high school and GED graduates typically earn nearly $10,000 more each year than nongraduates? The JCPS Adult Education Program offers free morning, afternoon, and evening classes that help adults earn the GED credential or upgrade their skills. Call 485-3400 or visit the GED website to get started.
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www.jcpsky.net
Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Offering Equal Educational Opportunities
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