December 2013 Issue - Whitley County Schools

WHITLEY COUNTY
SCHOOL DISTRICT
NON PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
WILLIAMSBURG, KY
PERMIT NO. 14
DISTRICT ED NEWS
VOL. 21, NUMBER 4
WWW.WHITLEY.KYSCHOOLS.US
DECEMBER 2013
Whitley County High School JROTC unveils 1st SG
(Ret.) Dewayne E. Bunch Courtyard of Patriots
The Whitley County High
School JROTC unveiled the 1SG
(Ret.) Dewayne E. Bunch
Courtyard of Patriots in a
special memorial and dedication
service. Hundreds of veterans,
their families, students and local
and regional officials gathered
in front of the high school to pay
tribute to both current and fallen
veterans.
1SG (Ret.) Dewayne Bunch
was a math and science teacher
for 17 years at Whitley County
High School. He served with the
Kentucky National Guard for 23
years and led the Mountain
Warriors in Iraq, serving as First
Sergeant. Bunch was also
elected
82 nd
District
Representative in addition to
being a full-time teacher. After
his passing, his wife, Regina
Bunch, was appointed to fulfill
his legislative duties.
Master Sgt. Donald Gross
hosted the event and asked
people to remember to thank
veterans. “When you return
home this afternoon, and you
have or know a family member,
friend, and neighbor — thank
them for the sacrifices they
made,” he said.
Gross also had an emotional
expression of gratitude for his
wife, and asked people to thank
the families of veterans because
of the sacrifices they must
make to endure their loved one’s
commitment to duty and country.
Whitley County Schools
Superintendent Scott Paul said
that the Board of Education
passed a resolution during a
special-called meeting prior to
the unveiling, approving the new
courtyard’s official name — the
1SG (Ret.) Dewayne E. Bunch
Courtyard of Patriots.
Regina Bunch addressed the
crowd during the ceremony. She
talked about how she felt as a
military wife when her husband
would discuss deployment,
particularly when he was
deployed to Iraq. “He called me
‘Babydoll,’” and told her to
understand the fact he was being
deployed. “Understand this for
me,” Regina was told by him. “I
don’t want to disappoint you or
leave you; however, this is
something I have to do,”
Dewayne told her. She then said
her husband was responsible for
several young soldiers, some of
whom were only 18 years old,
and he was disciplined,
dedicated, and put his heart and
soul into it. He felt like it was
an honor to serve, and he felt it
was an honor to be a soldier,” she
said.
During the ceremony the
Whitley County JROTC
presented Regina Bunch with a
$1,500 check toward the
Dewayne Bunch Scholarship
Fund.
The courtyard is lined with
bricks dedicated to veterans of
all armed forces.
In closing, Sgt. Donald Gross
stated, “May we remain vigilant
in our efforts to account for the
patriotic men and women until
they are all accounted for or are
brought home.” Many of those
who served were there, but the
service was also for those who
could not be there. An empty
chair was left for those who
haven’t returned as POW or
MIA.
The Courtyard of Patriots was
paid for through donations and
fundraising, primarily from
Whitley County High School
students and the JROTC
Whitley County Schools recognized
by the Alliance for a Healthier
Generation for creating healthier
environments for students and staff
This past month, we honored our lost but not forgotten veterans of Whitley County. The JROTC
Cadets conducted a special Veteran’s Day Ceremony in which they unveiled a monument paying
tribute to Whitley County Veterans and named in honor of 1SG(Ret) Dewayne E. Bunch. The
project was funded by the cadets selling paver bricks engraved with veterans’ names, placed
around the flagpole as part of the monument. Community Trust Bank, VFW Post 3167, and
Walmart made generous donations to help make this project a great success. Anyone interested
in ordering a brick for a family member who is a veteran, please contact MSG Gross at the
high school or any JROTC Cadet.
WHITLEY COUNTY HIGH
SCHOOL STUDENT COMMENDED
IN THE 2014 NATIONAL MERIT
SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Pictured left to right: Whitley County School employees Stephanie Jones, Cymbre Crisologo, Vivian Cotterell,
Shane Gibson, Larry Brown, Ginger Downs, and Board Member Brenda Hill.
(LITTLE ROCK) September
29, 2013 – The Whitley County
School District recently
received national recognition
for providing healthier meals to
their students. Representatives
receiving the awards from the
Whitley County School District
included Vivian Cotterell for
Central Intermediate, Whitley
County Board Member Brenda
Hill for Whitley East, Shane
Gibson for Pleasant View,
Stephanie Jones for Central
Primary, Ginger Downs for
Boston, Larry Brown for
Whitley North, and Cymbre
Crisologo for Oak Grove.
Former President Bill Clinton
honored Whitley County
Schools at the Clinton
Presidential Center in Little
Rock, Arkansas for creating
healthier environments for
children to learn and staff to
work. The awards ceremony was
part of the eighth annual Healthy
Schools Program Forum. The
Healthy Schools Program is a
project of the Alliance for a
Healthier Generation, which was
co-founded by the American
Heart Association and the
Clinton Foundation.
“Giving children the right kind
of food is crucial to their wellbeing and success,” said
President Bill Clinton, cofounder of the Alliance for a
Healthier Generation along with
the American Heart Association.
“The Healthy Schools Program
proves that, with proper planning
and support, there seems to be
no reason why all districts can’t
meet nutritional standards and
serve their students healthy,
enjoyable meals.”
The Alliance works with more
than 18,000 schools across the
nation in every state, reaching
more than 11 million students,
as well as teachers and other
school staff. Its Healthy Schools
Program is funded primarily by
the Robert Wood Johnson
Foundation (RWJF).
Continued
See Alliance
page 2
Principal Alan Sweet of Whitley County High School
has announced that William Kirgan has been named a
Commended Student in the 2014 National Merit
Scholarship Program. Mr. Sweet will present a Letter
of Commendation from the school and National Merit
Scholarship Corporation, which conducts the program,
to this scholastically talented senior.
Approimately 34,000 Commended Students
throughout the nation are being recognized for their
exceptional academic promise. Although Commended
Students do not continue in the competition for
National Merit® Scholarships, some of these students
do become candidates for Special Scholarships
sponsored by corporations and businesses.
Commended Students placed among the top five
percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered
the 2014 competition by taking the 2012 Preliminary
SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test
(PSAT/NMSQT®).
“The young men and women being named
Commended Students have demonstrated outstanding
potential for academic success,” commented a
Whitley County High School Senior, William
spokesperson for National Merit Scholarship
Kirgan, named Commended Student in the 2014
Corporation. “These students represent a valuable
National Merit Scholarship Program.
national resource; recognizing their accomplishments,
as well as the key role their schools play in their academic development, is vital to the advancement
of educational excellence in our nation. We hope that this recognition will help broaden their
educational opportunities and encourage them as they continue their pursuit of academic success.”
MERRY CHRISTMAS and Happy New Year!
2• Whitley Co. District Ed News
Whitley County School Superintendent Scott Paul
Dear Families of the Whitley County School District:
With Christmas just around the
corner, generosity and giving are
apparent in our schools. Thanks to
the community, many of our students
will have a warmer winter this year
and toys under the tree. I am grateful
for the help many families receive
from those with caring hearts. We
are appreciative of the many items
that will be given to those who are
facing financial hardships. This
sends a positive message to our
students that there are people in our
community that care about them.
Our students need that level of
support and encouragement.
During our Christmas break I invite
you to come out and support the
Colonels and the Lady Colonels
basketball teams as they will be
playing several games throughout
the holidays. As winter approaches,
we will monitor the road conditions
closely. If school is cancelled due
The Whitley County Board of Education is
attempting to locate any/all basketball players who
played on the 1st WCHS Team in 1963/64.
If you were a member or know a member of the
first basketball team at WCHS please contact
Debbie Frazier 606-549-7876
Travis Adkins 606-549-8722
Laurel Comparoni 606-549-7025
Alliance . . . . . . .
from page One
As part of the Healthy, Hunger-Free
Kids Act of 2010, schools around the
country were required to implement
updated nutrition standards at the start
of the 2012-13 school year for meals
served through the federally funded
National School Lunch Program. The
guidelines required an increase of
fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; a
shift to low-fat or nonfat milk; and
limits on calories, sodium, and
unhealthy fats.
Findings from the Alliance’s Healthy
Schools Program, based on selfreported data from participating
schools, reveal the following: (1)100
percent of the 267 schools achieving
recognition in 2013 are meeting or
exceeding updated federal nutrition
standards. (2) Schools in both lowincome and more affluent communities
are meeting or exceeding the new
guidelines. In two-thirds of the
recognized schools, more than 50
percent of students are eligible to
receive free or reduced-price lunch,
while nearly one-third of the schools
serve a more affluent student
population. (3) In addition to the
schools receiving recognition, more
than 95 percent of all schools that
participate in the Alliance’s Healthy
Schools Program and have such data
are meeting or exceeding federal
nutrition standards. Specifically: 98
percent serve healthy breakfasts in
addition to lunch. (4) 86 percent offer
at least four fruit/vegetable option
daily. (5) 85 percent confirm at least
half of all grains served at breakfast/
lunch are whole grain-rich.
Schools participating in the Healthy
Schools Program have access to
national experts, in-person and online
trainings, and resources that include
sample menus and product lists to
help meet federal standards. The 267
recognized schools represent more
than 25 states and the District of
Columbia. Each school distinguished
itself with healthy eating and physical
activity programs and policies that
meet or exceed stringent standards
set by the Healthy Schools Program.
The Puppet Masters of
Pleasant View Elementary
to inclement weather, you will be
notified through our school
messenger system, as well as local
radio and television stations.
On behalf of the Whitley County
Board of Education I wish all the
families of the Whitley County
School District a Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year.
Zach Creekmore selected for Next-Generation
Student Council by KDE
By Jessica Adkins
Zachary Creekmore, a Whitley County High School
junior, was selected for the Next-Generation Student
Council (NGSC) by the Kentucky Department of
Education. The NGSC advises the Commissioner of
Education on issues related to high school students in the
state of Kentucky. The council sought students with
refreshing ideas and thoughtful insight into how we can
further improve our schools and student achievement.
The council consists of eleven members that meet at
least quarterly from various geographical areas throughout
the state from grades 10-12. This council will provide
feedback - from a student perspective - on critical issues
impacting Kentucky students and schools.
Congratulations, Zachary!
Whitley County Public Relations
Department wins big at Annual
Kentucky School Public Relations
Conference in Bowling Green
WCWC Website Earns Distinguished Rating
Each year the Kentucky School Public Relations/Kentucky School Boards Association honor public relations departments across the state at the O.A.S.I.S. (Outstanding Achievement is School Information Services) Awards luncheon. This
year, WCWC submitted our radio station website and a student created anti-bullying video. According to Radio Production
Manager Travis Adkins, both submissions were awarded honors and a plaque to display in the studio.
The website currently provides each school with quick access to any media productions filmed or recorded at the school
or involving students from the school. Each school has a personal media page that functions as a blog that can be subscribed
to. This allows parents of students to only subscribe to the page of school their child attends and they will automatically
receive a notification when a new item is posted. All videos and recordings are edited to ensure no identifiable information for a student is released and each student must have parental permission before any media is used for publication.
A project currently underway is to include an Alumni page to the website that will share information of alumni events and
also provide access to a yearbook archive. WCWC is searching for copies of every yearbook ever created for WCHS and
the district high schools that pre-date the construction of WCHS. It may come as a surprise to the younger generations that
WCHS is only 50 years old and before that there were four high schools serving the Whitley County School District:
Pleasant View High School, Popular Creek High School, Woodbine High School, and Rockholds High School. Due to a
past project, all of the Pleasant View High School yearbooks have already been scanned to digital images and will be added
to the Alumni page. If you have an old yearbook from one of the other early schools or you know of one, please contact
WCWC and allow us the honor of scanning it to create a lasting digital copy.
The second submission to OASIS, the student video, was a large project completed by the students at Pleasant View
Elementary. After being challenged by Principal Bobby Blakely to create a series of videos to combat bullying, the students worked in groups to create a script, design the set, film and edit video footage, and even add special effects with
green screen technology. The entire video was student created by 3rd and 6th graders and can be viewed on the Pleasant View
Elementary page under Student Media on the WCWC website.
With the creation of the Alumni page and the continuation of students filming creative and talented videos, our hopes are
high that WCWC will score Distinguished again next year at O.A.S.I.S. As always, we continue to highlight our student’s
talents and share them with everyone.
District Ed News Earns Proficient Rating
By Kelly Hart
Students at Pleasant View Elementary
recently learned about the performance
elements during the drama section of
their arts and humanities class. These
elements included acting, speaking, and
non-verbal expression. Besides merely
observing these elements through
regular lessons, the students were able
to actively participate in a puppet show
for the class. The students were given
scripts from a reader’s theater and used
different speaking styles and diction to
take on the role of their puppet.
It was such an enjoyable activity that
several 5th graders decided to do a puppet
show performance during their class
talent show.
“I had so much fun being a puppet in
arts and humanities that I thought it
would be fun to do it in the classroom,
too. Doing this gave me a chance to be
creative and artistic.” Kelsey, a fifth
grader in Mrs. Jones class stated.
Larry, another fifth grade student in
Mr. Collier’s fifth grade class said, “I
had fun because I got to sing and dance.
I was a little nervous to sing in front of
the class, but having the puppet helped.”
That is one of the reasons that the arts
and humanities class is such an
important part of the students’
curriculum. It provides an outlet and
the freedom for self-expression. Many
of the students venture out and in turn
gain a level of confidence that they
otherwise did not have.
The Whitley County District Ed Newspaper came home with a Proficient honor during the OASIS awards. The Whitley
County District Ed News goes out to every boxholder in the Whitley County School District.
“This award would not be possible without the public relations contacts we have placed in each of the schools,” said DEN
editor Debbie Frazier. The information used in making the paper a success is sent to the Public Relations Office by each
school PR Contact and then layed out and sent to print.
The DEN has placed in every OASIS contest it has entered.
“The DEN is full of valuable information for the students, parents, staff, and community in Whitley County and we are
proud of the success the Whitley County Schools has made over the years,” said Frazier.
Frazier wins O.V. Jones Memorial Award at Conference
For “Outstanding Service to KYSPRA and the school public relations profession,” the O.V. Jones Memorial award was
named for late Superintendent O.V. Jones of Grant County Schools. Jones was the first superintendent to join KYSPRA.
The award is given annually to a KYSPRA member for outstanding service to KYSPRA and school public relations. The
recipient of this year’s award is Whitley County’s Debbie Frazier.
Debbie Frazier has served KYSPRA in all four executive offices, including chairing the Blue Ribbon Committee for
two years. Debbie has also served as a regional chair for several years. Alongside Debbie’s devotion to and service on the
Board of Directors, she has also made herself available as a mentor to many in the KYSPRA organization. “Her success
as a school Public Information Officer is evident by the work in her district and also by her win-streak in the OASIS
Awards. Debbie has placed in EVERY OASIS contest she has entered,” stated KYSPRA President Erin Stewart.
Whitley Co. District Ed News • 3
WCHS National Honor Society Inducts New Members and Officers
By Audrey Brown, NHS Historian
The National Honor recognizes high school
students who demonstrate excellence in the
areas of scholarship, leadership, service, and
character. Students who maintain a 4.0 GPA
their sophomore year receive an invitation to
apply for membership. After the applications
have been reviewed by the Faculty Council,
the most qualified applicants join the National
Honor Society.
On September 4, 2013, the following eighteen
new members were inducted into the WCHS
National Honor Society: Audrey Brown, Garrett
Carter, Alex Conlin, Zachary Creekmore,
Jessica Dennis-Bay, Brittany Fuson, Hallie
Jones, Mackenzie Krape, Jacob Lawson,
Abigail Monhollen, Kelsey Osborne, Hailey
Pool, Jonathan Rickett, Cody Sears, Kristian
Sproles, Logan Sutton, Ethan Sweet, and
Breanna Tackett. They attended a ceremony
at Cumberland Inn where each person lit a
candle and took a vow to be an exemplary
student and citizen. Each member is expected
to continue demonstrating their prominent skills
in the four areas that they were chosen by and
be a positive role model to others.
Following the induction ceremony, all of the
members of the National Honor Society were
given the opportunity to apply for five officer
positions: Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer,
Parliamentarian, and Historian. Upon reviewing
the applications, a Faculty Council chose the
following new officers: Jonathan Rickett as Vice
President, Zachary Creekmore as Secratary,
Jacob Lawson as Treasurer, Corey Crisologo
as Parliamentarian, and Audrey Brown as
Fairy Tales and
Folk Tales
Whitley County High School 2013-2014 National Honor Society Inductees.Front: Jessica Dennis-Bay, Cody Sears, Garrett Carter. Second row: Abigail Monhollen,
Mackenzie Krape, Hallie Jones, Logan Sutton. Third row: Zachary Creekmore, Kristian Sproles, Brittany Fuson, Ethan Sweet. Fourth row: Kelsey Osborne,
Breanna Tackett, Jonathan Rickett. Fifth row: Audrey Brown, Hailey Pool. Sixth row: Alex Conlin, Jacob Lawson.
Historian. On September 18, 2013, these new
officers were inducted in a ceremony at the
conclusion of the school’s Parent-Teacher
Conference. These officers will serve as
constructive leaders of the WCHS Chapter of
NHS and in the community. Each new officer
lit a candle as a reminder to always search for
the light of truth and lead others to follow that
same light.
WCIS Fifth Grade Local Government Tour
Students in Mrs. Sweet’s first grade class at
Whitley Central Primary have been studying about
Fairy Tales and Folk Tales. They have studied the
seven continents and found that all but two,
Australia and Antarctica, have tales just like we do
here in North America. The class read The Three
Hares, a tale from Turkey. They got to perform it
as a part of Reader’s Theatre.
Garrett Sharp commented, “I liked reading tales
from different countries. It helped me see how
we are alike and how we are different.” “I loved
reading about Anansi the spider. He lives in Africa
and helps tell stories about how to act and behave,”
said Chelsie Adkins.
Handmade
Habitats at
Oak Grove
The Second Grade students at Oak Grove recently
completed a unit of study on animal habitats.
During their study, students were asked to create
models of animal habitats for a project. “The
students were very excited and proud of their
projects,” said one second grade teacher. “They
loved sharing what they created and learned with
other students.” The projects ranged from
freshwater habitats to tundra and rainforest
environments. The students really showed their
creativity and uniqueness through their projects.
It was a wonderful learning experience for all
involved!
Boston
Elementary
students share
academic
success
Congratulations to Trent Downs and Jordan
Bowlin for their success at the Whitley County
Academic Written Assessment. Trent Downs
placed First in Social Studies and second in
Language Arts. Jordan Bowlin placed third in
Language Arts. Boston Elementary is very proud
of these young men!
Mayor Roddy Harrison is teaching the 5th grade students at Whitley Central Intermediate School about
the duties of the local government. He also told the students how they could bring their ideas to a city
council meeting to be heard.
The fifth grade classes of Whitley Central
Intermediate will be studying about local, state,
and national government soon. To help students
better understand our local government and to
enhance student learning of the social studies core
content, our students took a grand tour of our local
government under the direction and leadership of
David Perry. Mr. Perry organized a tour that
consisted of three locations: The Judicial Center,
the Whitley County Courthouse, and the
Williamsburg City Hall. Each class was able to
take a tour through the three buildings, learn about
the duties performed in the facility, and ask
questions. The help of guest speakers, Mayor
Roddy Harrison, Whitley County Judge Pat White,
Jr., and employees from Circuit Court Clerk Gary
Barton’s office, made this trip a success. During
our visit to the courthouse, students were able to
participate in a mock fiscal court meeting under
the direction of Judge Executive Pat White as well
The 5th grade students at Whitley Central
Intermediate took a grand tour of our local
government to help them better understand our local
government and to enhance student learning of the
social studies core content. During this visit Isaiah
Faulkner (pictured), a student in Mrs. Moses’ class,
is trying out the Judge/Executive’s chair in the Fiscal
Court Room.
as debate the topic of a year round school
schedule.
The students and staff of WCIS were pleased with
the leaders and facilities our community has to
offer. Each presenter did an outstanding job
relaying to the students their roles and
responsibilities of their position. Government is
a vital part of each citizen. We hope to encourage
our students to participate and be part of what
builds their future.
Red Ribbon Week winners from Whitley North Elementary
The children in Mrs. Alice & Ms. Erinn’s Preschool class at Whitley North were chosen as first place winners in the school wide trashcan decorating
contest during Red Ribbon Week. The children also took part in other various activities to promote drug abuse awareness throughout the week. The
children chose a pizza party for their reward!
4• Whitley Co. District Ed News
A “Lyttle” Creative Collaboration at Central Intermediate
Several Whitley Central Intermediate
students signed up for an afterschool
Cardinal Club with Mrs. Lyttle to
participate in creative writing. The idea
started as a service learning project,
with the idea that the club would create
one book and read it to Central Primary
students. The club exceeded
expectations and created five books! All
are unique in their own way.
The process started by dividing the
club into small groups with similarities
in grade and interests. They
brainstormed several ideas. Using
characterization charts and story
planning maps they developed the
stories one week at a time. Students
typed their stories and illustrated them.
Five fantastic books soon took shape
within the nine week club and they are
listed below!
The Four Brothers Cooking
Adventure: written by Haden
Blankenship, Natalie Shelton and
Sydnee Floyd. It is about four wiener
dogs who take off to Chile and compete
in an International Dog Food Star
Competition, but when Chubs leaves
his recipe book on the plane the
brothers have to cook up a new recipe!
The Thanksgiving Mystery: written by
Emily Sharp, Tori Wohlfarth, Alyssa
Gatliff and Olivia Gammon. Oh no! It
is the day of the Thanksgiving play at
school and Mary has lost her
moccasins. She calls on her mystery
twin neighbors, Deedee and Doodle
to help her solve the mystery just in
time for her play!
Farm Frenzy: written by Whitney
Stephens, Taylor Baird and Haleigh
Grubb. There is trouble down on the
family farm and the girls must work
to save it! Can Daisy and her sisters
save the farm with just a lemonade
stand?
Sherlock Bones: written by Madison
Broyles, Emily Maiden, Bethany
Davenport, and Destiny Love. Porky
the Pig is not happy about having to
go to the fair. However, Sherlock
Bones the crime solving dog is hot on
Porky’s trail! Unfortunately, what
Porky does while he is at the fair is
enough to send him to the pig pen for
a long time!
Fang and friends: written by Barrean
Llewellyn, Kim Siler and Catori
Bunch. Imagine you are walking to
school with your friends and you get
lost? Your friends find you but only to
get lost again. This story takes you are
a magical journey where you may
need to the help of a genie to get back
to school!
The students went to read their
finished books to primary aged students
and they even worked hard to create
Accelerated Reader tests to accompany
each book! Overall, this was a great way
to enhance the instruction of writing
with a service learning project.
Mrs. Lyttle and all the students would
like to thank Heather Stewart, Tina
Asher, Lisa Sweet, Veronica McQueary,
Theresa Brock, Dana Davis, Cathy
Chaffman, Irene Maiden, and all the
teachers for their cooperation with this
worthwhile project.
Boston Elementary 5th grade wins
Box Tops War
Sydnee Floyd, Haden Blankenship, and Natalie Shelton are pictured reading a book
they wrote in the after school program, Creative Writing. This group’s book title is
The Four Brothers Cooking Adventure. After writing their book they were allowed
to take the book and read it to Mrs. McQueary’s class at Whitley Central Primary.
Oak Grove 6th grade
students surprised during
creative writing event
Battle of the Box Top bulletin board remind students to bring in their Box Tops!
Congratulations to Mr. Chris
Johnson’s 5th grade class for winning
the Box Tops War for the month of
October by collecting more than 900
Box Tops for Boston Elementary.
Box Tops for Education program
has helped schools across America earn
cash for the things they need. Support
your school today and see what a
difference you can make
Boston has already started the Box
Tops war for the months of November
and December. Hundreds of products
participate in the program, and you
probably already have several in your
pantry, freezer and fridge. For every
Box Top you clip, your child’s school
will receive ten cents.
Wanted: Code breakers & Story makers
Sixth grade students at Oak Grove
Elementary came into a very
surprising scene on Halloween
morning. As students entered their
Creative Writing classroom, they
heard spooky sounds, smelled icky
smells, and had a candy crime scene
in the back of their classroom. The
students were asked to investigate the
scene using all of their five senses.
From their findings, their teacher,
Mrs. Lanham, asked them to use
information from prior lessons on
story elements and sensory details to
write a fictional story of what they
believe, had occurred leading up to
the candy crime scene. The following
day the students were asked to share
their stories and identify the story
elements using story maps. It was a
SPOOKTACULAR time!
Oak Grove students in Mrs.
Rose’s class share memories
A memoir captures memories and
comes from remembering. Students in
Shena Rose’s 4th grade classroom have
been working on writing memoirs. A
memoir is written to describe moments
that stand out as very special to students.
Students were asked to think about
moments in their lives that they
remember as being important, or happy,
or sad. Students were asked to think
about selected people in their lives that
are very special to them. The students
wrote about special people that have
made a difference in their lives in some
way. The key to writing successful
memoirs is that students choose their
own landmark moments to write about.
Students expressed themselves by
writing about very special times, and we
look forward to seeing their finished
pieces become published books.
Pleasant View students create ‘Wanted Posters’ for selected storybook characters.
By: Richard Frazier
It has been an exciting October for
students at the Pleasant View Library.
Over the past few weeks students have
been working with various pieces of
literature that are commonly associated
with the mystery and horror genres. The
month began with students identifying
famous works of literature like Bram
Stocker’s Dracula, Mary Shelley’s
Frankenstein, and Victor Hugo’s The
Hunchback of Notre-Dame. Mr. Frazier
and his students worked together to form
short biographical sketches of various
literary characters that included:
identifying traits, story origins, and plot
lines. Students then created digital maps,
using Google Maps, to create a digital
storyline for the setting of the books and
the actual locations of each story. With a
sound understanding of these classic work
students were then presented a challenge.
The challenge: Search the library for
recently published books that feature
characters that might be used in a
mystery or horror story. The students
were to create a Wanted poster for their
chosen character which could be
displayed in the library to help promote
the book and their character. The overall
process was very exciting and the students
did an excellent job researching both the
classic works and the newer publications.
The Wanted posters featured just enough
information to heighten interest without
giving away too much about the story.
Jamie Elswick, a fifth grade student in Mr.
Collier’s room, used Captain Underpants
as her character: “I chose Captain
Underpants because what could be scarier
than a short pink man dressed in a cape
and underwear?”
Students in Mr. Frazier’s library have
also been working very hard to create
their own coded messages based upon the
Navajo Code Talkers who served our
nation so valiantly during WWII. Students
learned about the humble origins of the
coded language and how its creation
proved to be an invaluable asset to the war
effort. Students in grades 3-6 worked to
create codes that were then distributed to
other classes where students attempted
to break the code. The task was a riveting
exercise that challenged students to think
critically while teaching them about a very
important chapter in our nation’s history.
Kayley Carpenter, a fifth grade student in
Mr. Collier’s room said, “Talking in codes
is very fun.”
Two unidentified students in Mrs. Rose’s class work on the memoirs.
Whitley Co. District Ed News • 5
Whitley East students caught up in Charlotte’s Web
Students in Mrs. McKiddy’s
3rd grade class at Whitley East
recently completed their
literature unit, Charlotte’s Web.
While discussing the moral of
the story, creating and
maintaining lasting friendships,
students were asked to put their
creative skills to the test to
create Charlotte, the spider,
using only a paper plate,
construction paper, crayons/
markers, and glue. When all
spiders had been constructed,
students were able to place their
unique spiders into a friendship
web.
“Making the spiders was so
much fun,” stated Tanner
Sullivan.
“This particular activity
allowed the students to interact
with each other,” Mrs. McKiddy
supplied. “It is a start to creating
a positive relationship for all
involved”
The friendship web is displayed
within the classroom as a daily
reminder that everyone is
connected inside this 3rd grade
classroom and the school as a
whole.
“Coming into the classroom
each day and seeing my
masterpiece on the wall makes
me feel special, as in I belong to
something bigger than myself,”
commented Brianna Smith.
Independence House talks to
WCHS students
Mrs. McKiddy’s students’ “spiders” created for the unit covering
Charlotte’s Web.
Oak Grove: We are thankful
for our friends
Kindergarten students at Oak
By Mrs. Hill’s and Ms. Jennifer’s
Grove Elementary discussed the
Kindergarten Class
Pilgrims and Indians during the
Thanksgiving holiday. The
Indians were very good friends
to the Pilgrims. Below are a few
ideas of how kindergarteners
think you can be a good friend.
GOOD FRIENDS:
· Use good manners when you
are with your friends.
Examples: Say please and
thank you.
· Say nice things, not mean
things to your friends.
· Play with all your friends –
don’t leave them out.
Mrs. Hill’s students are thankful for great friends.
· Share with your friends.
· Help friends do things they don’t know how to do.
The students are all very thankful for the new friends they have met this year. We hope you have a
wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends too.
WCHS FRYSC sponsored event for freshman class.
The Women’s Halfway House
of Corbin came to Whitley
County High School and spoke
to the freshman health classes.
The Halfway House is a courtordered Independence House
Program that receives grants,
which serves women that are
pregnant and were on drugs,
according to Margie Centers,
FRYSC Director. The women
that came to talk to the freshmen
gave personal testimonies about
their life and how they ended up
in the Halfway House. The
women in the Halfway House
have certain chores that they
have to do every day, such as
cooking, cleaning, and bathroom
duties. The Halfway House helps
keep women off drugs. They
also help women find jobs and
transportation to and from their
jobs. The freshmen learned a lot
from the women in the Halfway
House.
No More Stop, Drop, and Roll?
Dreams Can Come True
Air Evac made a grand appearance at Whitley Central Intermediate by landing their helicopter.
Over the course of three weeks,
Mrs. McCullah’s and Mr.
Crisologo’s sixth grade classes at
Whitley Central Intermediate have
engaged in a career exploration
project. The purpose of the project
was to help the students have a better
understanding of the various careers
possible later in life. The state of
Kentucky has mandated that all sixth
graders across the bluegrass state
complete an Individual Learning Plan
that will continue to follow them
through high school. The ILP is a
tool that allows the students to begin
thinking about their future. The
ILP’s allows students the
opportunity to research various
careers and professions, as well as
provide educational routes including
college and vocational training.
In order to complete the project,
Mrs. McCullah invited more than
twenty guest speakers from various
careers to talk about their individual
career. The guest speakers were
very well received and provided the
students with a vast amount of
information in regards to pursuing
their career. The students learned
about bank loans, education, politics,
construction, law enforcement,
education, firefighting, stock-market,
conservation wildlife, physical
therapy, nursing, becoming a doctor
and various other aspects of the
healthcare field.
The guest speakers who visited the
classroom included: Mike Strunk,
John Williams, and Danny Parks from
the Kentucky Fish and Wildlife
Department who discussed the black
bear population in Kentucky, as well
as the extensive fish collection found
within our area; Pat White, Whitley
County Judge Executive, discussed
the day to day duties of a judge
executive; Roddy Harrison, Mayor
of Williamsburg,discussed the roles
of a mayor; Josh Bunch, Kentucky
State Police-Fire and Arson
Department, discussed how
forensics are used in investigating
fires; Jim Miller, Corbin Police
Department, discussed the various
components of law enforcement;
Brian Lawson and Colan Harrell,
Whitley County Sheriff ’s
Department, discussed day to day
responsibilities of the Sheriff’s
Department; Williamsburg Fire
Department discussed the dangers of
fire, as well as to educate the students
on how to respond in the event of a
fire; Josh Curry, Edward Jones
Stockbroker, discussed how
students can make wise investments
later in life; David Broyles, physical
therapist assistant, discussed the day
to day responsibilities of physical
therapy; Dee Dee Bishop discussed
the career of registered nursing;. Dr.
Shannon Perkins and Dr. Amy
Grace, from Corbin Baptist Medical
Center, discussed the various types
of medical professions and their day
to day responsibilities as doctors;
Ralph West, from West
Construction, discussed the career of
a home builder. John Siler, Principal
at W.C.I.S., discussed the role of a
principal. Mr. Siler encouraged all
of the students to get some type of
education, whether it be through
college or through technical training.
Last but not least, Air Evac made a
grand appearance by landing their
helicopter. Members of the Air Evac
Flight Crew, including Jamie Trett
(Flight Nurse), Redell Roberts
(Pilot) and Tommy Matney (Flight
Paramedic) discussed the careers in
aviation, medical training and nursing.
To conclude the three week career
unit, the students dressed in the
career of their choice and gave a five
minute presentation on their career
on Halloween. Students were
excited to show what they had
learned over the course of the three
week study. Mrs. McCullah and Mr.
Crisologo would like to say, “Thank
You to all of the parents for helping
to ensure that their child participated
in this project.; Thank You to all of
the individuals in the community who
visited the school and helped our
students understand the various
careers and the importance of a great
education.” This project would not
be a success without those who
visited and gave up their time, in
order to touch the life of a child.
These individuals helped the students
understand that their dreams can
come true, it just takes dedication and
hard work!
K-9 Officer Jason Strunk demonstrates Viko’s obedience.
By Jenny Chute
There’s nothing like a few
special guests to link a unit of
study to the real world. October
was Fire Safety Month and
teachers invited a few local
heroes to “bring it home.”
Pleasant View first graders met
a special member of the
Williamsburg
Police
Department, Vicko the Police
Dog. Vicko, along with K-9
Officer Jason Strunk, Officer
Elijah Hunter and Assistant Fire
Chief Larry Todd, discussed
various safety topics.
First, Officer Hunter and
Strunk discussed safety rules.
They asked students to share
things they already knew. To their
surprise, these young students
knew quite a bit about the
subjects they discussed. Students
gave answers like: never talk to
strangers, don’t do drugs, and
don’t drink alcohol! Officer
Hunter reminded them too of a
very important thing about
strangers. “If a stranger tries to
take you, run, scream, yell, and
get away from that stranger!” The
students all agreed with him.
Since Officer Hunter is also a
volunteer Fire Fighter for
Williamsburg Fire Department,
he wanted to discuss fire safety
too. He taught what to do if their
house caught fire. Assistant Fire
Chief Larry Todd reviewed the
importance of calling 911 and to
never play with matches. He also
asked the students what they
should do if they caught on fire.
Most students had some
knowledge of what to do in both
scenarios: “Get out,” Abigail
Lawson said. “Get out and meet
in a safe place!” Mr. Blakley
heard a cute reply, though it’s
unknown who said it, “Stop,
Drop and Dribble!”
This student is well on his way
to learning about fire safety,” he
said. Larry Todd explained that
the old saying of Stop, Drop, and
Roll had been changed. It is now
Stop, Drop, Cover Face and
Roll. This is something the
teachers didn’t even know, but
will be included in further
instruction.
Then, students met Vicko.
Vicko is a Belgian Malinois dog
who only understands commands
given in German. Officer Strunk
works with Vicko and explained
that Vicko is a Drug and Tracking
Dog. His sense of smell is one
thousand times stronger than a
human’s sense of smell, so he
can sniff out the smallest amount
of drugs or can pick up the trail
of a missing person or someone
the police are looking for.
Strunk and Vicko trained
together in Little Rock, Arkansas
for two weeks; Vicko had already
been in training for 30 days. The
students were amazed to find out
that Vicko learned everything he
knows in just 30 days! Talk about
studying!
Officer Strunk also works with
Lee, a Retired Marine Bomb
Dog. He promised to visit
Pleasant View again so students
could meet him. This made the
students really excited about the
thoughts of another visit!
Pleasant View first graders and
teachers enjoyed learning more
about safety from our special
visitors and would like to thank
them for their time and sharing
of their knowledge!
6 • Whitley Co. District Ed News
Whitley North students create their own “Sleepy Hollow”
Whitley North Students read the Legend of the
Sleepy Hollow by Washington Irving in Library
Classes. Students then performed a skit as the
characters from the story. Afterwards, the students
recreated a two-dimensional artwork, consisting
of drawing a scene from the story, using art elements that they learned in arts and humanities
classes such as line, shape, value, texture, space
and color. Sixth grade students Desarae Taylor and
Rowdy Hamblin’s pieces were chosen as the
“Most Distinguished” pieces When asked about
the most important thing they learned about this
project, Desarae Taylor replied, “I learned that when
you blend colors you can create a different mood
for your artwork.”
Rowdy Hamblin
Desarae Taylor
Whitley North students Rowdy Hamblin and Desarae
Taylor with their “Most Distinguished” drawings.
University of the Cumberlands Patriots
visit Whitley County Schools
First Thanksgiving
Boston Elementary
The students at Boston Elementary
recently received a visit from the University of the Cumberlands athletes, students, and mascot where they had an
opportunity to pick out a gift for their
parent, grandparent, or guardian. This
was part of the university’s Mountain
Outreach program under the direction
of Marc Hensley.
Mountain Outreach has been nationally recognized for its work several
times: the Action Institute for the Study
of Religion and Liberty selected it as
one of ten charities to receive the Samaritan Award; USA Today noted the
program in its 1996 “Make a Difference
Day” competition; and President
George H. Bush honored Mountain
Outreach as his 220th Daily Point of
Light.
The students got to interact with the
athletes and really enjoyed the Patriot
Mascot.
The Patriot Mascot takes time to speak
with students during the gift giving at
Boston Elementary
Katherine Stephens, a 3rd grade student in Mr. Wilson’s class, displays her Native
American diorama.
Students in Mr. Wilson’s third grade class at Oak Grove built a diorama scene
that depicts the first Thanksgiving dinner. Students cut and glued the Native
Americans and Pilgrims onto the scene. This three-dimensional model is one
example of how teachers at Oak Grove are incorporating Arts & Humanities in
the regular classroom.
Round Two Completed
Whitley Central Intermediate
On November 1st, 2013, students in Mrs. McCullah’s Reading class had the privilege to meet three baseball players from
the University of the Cumberlands. The purpose of their visit was to discuss the importance of education, as well as to
promote literacy. Clay Shelton, a student in Mrs. McCullah’s class, enlisted the help of his dad, Brad Shelton, to gather
three baseball players from the University of the Cumberlands to visit the school. Clay was eager to have his dad and the
players visit his class and worked hard to ensure that his wish came true.
Upon arriving in the classroom, the players introduced themselves and the position they play on the baseball team. First
was the catcher for the Patriots, Keith Tidwell. Keith is originally from Phenix City, Alabama. Next was the pitcher for the
Patriots, Adam Quiles who is originally from Miami, Florida. Last but not least, second basemen Ryan Johnson. Ryan is
originally from Goodlettsville, Tennessee. Also in attendance was Patriots Baseball Coach Brad Shelton. While visiting
the classroom, the baseball players read two children’s books to the students. The students really enjoyed listening to the
story about the Three Wolves and the Big Bad Pig. After the story was finished, the players talked to the students about
their future plans after graduation.
Before leaving the classroom, the players answered questions posed by the students. One student even got one of the
player’s autographs. He said, “Just in case you go to the big leagues, I will have your first autograph”. Before leaving, the
players also posed for a picture with the students.
Boston Elementary just recently completed round two of MAP assessment.
Just what is MAP assessment? Created by educators for educators, MAP
assessments provide detailed, actionable data about where each child is on his/
her unique learning path. Because student engagement is essential to any testing
experience, NWEA works with educators to create test items that interest
children and help to capture detail about what they know and what they’re ready
to learn. It’s information teachers can use in the classroom to help every child,
every day.
MAP dynamically adapts to students’ responses – as they take the test. Answer
a question correctly and the test presents a more challenging item; miss a
question, and MAP offers a simpler item. In this way, the test narrows in on
students’ learning level, engaging them with content that allows them to succeed.
Ms. Ginger Downs and Mrs. Donna Freeman, along with the classroom
teachers, worked very hard several days with the assessment.
Let’s Talk Turkey!
Students from Mrs. Geina Rose’s Kindergarten class at Boston Elementary showing
off their 3D turkey hats they created.
Some of the Patriot baseball players visited Mrs. McCullah’s 6th grade class at Whitley Central Intermediate School. The
players included catcher Keith Tidwell, pitcher Adam Quiles, and second basemen Ryan Johnson. Also in attendance was
Patriots Baseball Coach Brad Shelton. While visiting the classroom, the baseball players read two children’s books to the
students.
The students in Mrs. Genia Rose’s
Kindergarten class celebrated
Thanksgiving by creating colorful 3D
turkey hats. The students had been
learning their primary color words, so
they had to choose feathers that went
along with the color words they knew.
Also they used the shape word cone,
which they had been studying, and created
the hat in the shape of a cone. “This
was a fun way to reinforce the color
words and shapes for the students,
they loved wearing their hats for
everyone to see,” said Mrs. Rose.
The students got to wear their hats
while having Thanksgiving lunch at
school with their families.
Whitley Co. District Ed News • 7
First Grade Fall Heritage at Pleasant View Elementary
For first graders at Pleasant
View Elementary another
exciting year of learning has
begun! Students have developed
a new knowledge of their
Appalachian heritage. This
journey began with the appleplanting pioneer himself, John
Chapman, better known as
Johnny Appleseed. Students
learned that no more important
fruit tree graces the homesteads,
farms, and backyards of
Appalachia than the apple. When
early settlers headed west, they
took apple seeds because they
didn’t weigh too much or take up
too much space. John Chapman
Student Nevaeh Wright and “Dude” the Mountain Man, proudly displays the classroom Jack-o-Latern.
Rhymes and Times
became an American legend
while still alive, due to his kind,
generous ways, his leadership,
and the symbolic importance he
attached to apples. While
learning about Johnny
Appleseed, students created
posters displaying his likeness
and made his trademark “pot” hat
to wear. They also loved
reenacting Johnny’s life in a play
while wearing their costumes.
Like Chapman, we also have
other local men who want to
carry on the strong traditions of
the mountain people of Eastern
Kentucky such as our very own
Dude “Mountain Man” Davis.
Mr. Davis is a local resident who
is a true mountain man as he
traps and hunts animals and truly
loves the wilderness. A parent
himself, he loves to share his
knowledge with local school
children especially at Halloween
time when he comes into the
classroom to share his
storytelling and pumpkin carving
abilities. While Mr. Davis was
carving out an expressive face
for the classroom pumpkin,
students were able to estimate
how many seeds would be found
inside. Then they touched the
“guts” or seeds and pulp for
themselves. They enjoyed this
hands-on activity and found out
even more about pumpkins when
they went on a trip to the Sally
Gap Pumpkin Patch. It was here
that they learned about the life
cycle of a pumpkin while picking
out their very own pumpkin to
take home! It was even more
special for one particular
student, Riley Partin, “Just think
my dad drove us there!” he said.
Bus driver Randal Partin enjoyed
watching his son interact with his
friends as well.
For students, teachers, and
parents alike this fall has been a
chance to rediscover, or
experience for the first time
many of the traditions that
across time have made this area
unique.
Here’s a fun fact for our
readers: The tradition of carving
pumpkins into jack-o’-lanterns
originated with Irish children
who first carved out the centers
of rutabagas, turnips and
potatoes and placed candles
inside. Halloween was named
after the phenomenon of strange
light flickering over peat bogs,
called will-o’-the-wisp or jacko’-lantern.
Source: http://
www.funtrivia.com
by Marilyn Shelby & Christy
Frazier
Native American Projects at
Whitley East
Mrs. Saylor’s 5th grade students at
Whitley East learned first-hand about
the history of the United States.
Students were assigned to groups in
order to research Native American
cultures. The students were given a
list of tribes that lived in particular
regions. Members of each group were
instructed to research tribes and to
produce a written report along with a
project. Finally, students presented
final products to the class.
These projects are aligned with the
Kentucky Standards in Social Studies.
In addition to meeting the Kentucky
Standards, students had fun learning
and creating projects.
Mrs. Saylor was pleased with the
final presentations.
Mrs. Lawson’s 3rd grade students practice licking their lollipop 36 times!
When you think back to the
days where you were forced to
learn your multiplication tables,
does it fill your mind with
dread?
When asked this
question, most adults have only
horror stories to pass on as
memories. Boring flash cards or
writing the facts over and over
were given as the only options
to a student who was in need of
learning these basic facts. Basic
facts that all adults use, usually
on a daily basis. Well. Now,
times have changed. Third grade
students at Oak Grove
Elementary are beginning to
learn their multiplication facts
using the program Rhymes ‘n’
Times. It is a 3- week program
that introduces the students to
multiplication facts. One of the
rhymes is 6x6, 36 lollipop licks.
In the picture the kids are licking
lollipops 36 times. The students
can then act out the rhyme that
is given and color the
corresponding page. Now, isn’t
that a lot more fun than writing
those facts again and again?
Top right photo: Group presentation of the Native American Plains from left to right: Zackary Saylor,
Tanisha Bennett, Matthew Paul, Skylur Ballew, and Richard Meadors. Bottom photo:This group researched
the Eastern Woodlands. Presentation of projects and artifacts from left to right: Kara Helton, Deidra
Chandler, Gabrielle Cox, Abigail Cain, and Trevor Mason.
Principal’s Messages . . . . . . . . . .
Whitley Central Primary
We had almost 400 parents & grandparents eat Thanksgiving dinner with us. Our ladies in the café worked extra hard to ensure everyone had a wonderful feast.
Also, several of our teachers hosted Thanksgiving plays for the parents. The students’ performances were outstanding. We may have some future actors in our
building.
The Primary is reving up student achievement to ward off the cold winter blues. Our Winter MAP Assessment will allow the teachers to gage the growth of
their students in reading and math since the start of the year. Our teachers will track the students’ growth in our data room.
Our AR Club membership continues to grow every week. The students love earning a T-shirt for their AR points. We already have five Eager Readers in
Kindergarten and 60 Independent Readers in second grade.
The Primary continues to offer extra time and help for all students to improve and maintain mastery of all educational concepts through our after school 21st
Century Cardinal Clubs and Save the Children’s Reading Rangers. We are currently servicing close to 100 students Monday-Thursday in our after school
programs.
This third six weeks has been a tremendous success. After Christmas break, we’ll continue to prepare our students for their IOWA testing, as well as getting
our 2nd graders ready for a smooth transition to WCIS.
Brandon Anderson
Whitley East Elementary
Whitley County East is settling into its winter rhythm as we enjoy Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. The amount of daylight may be getting shorter, but the
light from our learning burns as brightly as ever, and even more intensely as we look ahead to spring and the testing that it brings. I always enjoy watching students
learn and gain confidence as they acquire the skills that will make them lifelong learners, whether it involves listening to a newly minted independent reader read
a book for the first time, or watching a third grader demonstrate proficiency in multiplication and division facts. It is truly a good time to be at Whitley East.
Christmas trees are going up in classrooms and hallways, and everyone is very excited about this time of year. One special tree in the main hall is called an
“Angel Tree,” and on its branches will hang anonymous students who may have a special request from Santa and his helpers. I always appreciate how the Christmas
season brings out the best in folks.
We are also planning to devote some time in December to Appalachian studies. The Whitley County historical and genealogical society has been invited to
come and give demonstrations and speak to classes, and each class will do a specially themed “Appalachian” project: family trees, interviewing an older relative,
and making our own butter are all on the agenda. Best of all, I would like to invite everyone out to watch our Christmas play, which the children themselves
researched and wrote, on Tuesday, December 17th at 10 o’clock in the Whitley East gym.
Finally, as I close I want to let our coaches and sponsors know how much the community appreciates them—Basketball, Cheerleading, Football, Soccer,
Academic Team, PRIDE, Governor’s Cup, and Future Problem Solving—-our children are very fortunate to have so many options for extracurricular activities.
I also want to mention how pleased we were with Isaac Cain and Gabrielle Cox, who placed in the District’s written assessment, and also our 5/6 football team,
who were the regular season runner-up and the district bowl champions. Great job!
Mike Partin
8 • Whitley Co. District Ed News
WCCP Preschool Learns All About Life on the Farm
Whitley Central Primary Preschool
just wrapped up their unit about Farms.
One of the activities the students
enjoyed was an actual visit from two
sheep from the farm of a little boy in
Ms. Monica Canada’s classroom. Both
of the sheep are expecting, so the
students are looking forward to another
visit in the spring to see the baby lambs.
During the Farm unit, Preschool
teachers discuss a farmer ’s
responsibilities from planting to
harvesting as well as taking care of the
farm animals. Students also learn about
the different farm animals and the names
of their babies. The teachers also
introduce students to the fruits,
vegetables and other crops on a farm.
Students are taught the process of how
food and other products get from the
farm to the store.
1st Grade Career Day at OG
Students in Ms. Monica Canada’s class petting a sheep brought in for their Farm
Unit.
Boston: Round Two Complete
All of Mrs. McKiddy’s first graders show off their uniforms for Career Day.
Doctors, preachers, nurses, vets, farmers, comedians are just a few of the careers represented by Mrs. McKiddy’s first
grade students on Career Day! Students completed a writing assignment and presented their findings about their career to
the class. Students will later use their writings to create a class book that will be published by Student Treasures.
Whitley East students learn about
Fossils, Fossils, Fossils
Pictured are Mrs. April Bowman’s sixth grade students preparing to take the MAP
assessment.
Boston Elementary just recently
completed round two of MAP
assessment. Just what is MAP
assessment? Created by educators for
educators, MAP assessments provide
detailed, actionable data about where
each child is on his/her unique learning
path. Because student engagement is
essential to any testing experience,
NWEA works with educators to create
test items that interest children and help
to capture detail about what they know
and what they’re ready to learn. It’s
information teachers can use in the
classroom to help every child, every
day.
MAP dynamically adapts to students’
responses – as they take the test.
Answer a question correctly and the test
presents a more challenging item; miss
a question, and MAP offers a simpler
item. In this way, the test narrows in
on students’ learning level, engaging
them with content that allows them to
succeed.
Ms. Ginger Downs and Mrs. Donna
Freeman, along with the classroom
teachers, worked very hard several days
with the assessment.
JUST GET MOVING!
Students in Mrs. Lyttle’s 5th grade class
were inspired to “Just Get Moving.” Students
completed a reading passage and question
set about students in Wisconsin schools that
were earning points for physical activity.
Those points could then turn into cash rewards. This got the class thinking about a
healthier lifestyle. So, they invited Eastern
Kentucky University 3rd year nursing student,
Molly Lewis, to speak to the class to help
increase their knowledge of leading a
healthier lifestyle.
Mrs. Lewis discussed several ways students can eat healthy including reviewing the
national my plate.gov recommendations. Students also learned from Molly Lewis that it
is recommended people get physical activity
for a minimum of thirty minutes daily for at
least three times a week. The students realized that pretty soon the weather would turn
colder and their fifteen minutes of recess
could be in jeopardy. A challenge was issued
to the students to create an indoor recess
plan. The plan required at least three
stretches, three heart rate increasing exercises, a song choice and a poster. Mrs. Lewis
also showed students how to calculate their
own heart rate in order to know if the plan is
active enough.
Students worked in their small groups to create a plan the entire class could participate
in. They were asked to also come up with a
fun activity the class could do after the
stretches and exercises. All the posters were
very creative, many included exercises such
as jumping jacks, mountain climbers, pushups
and running in place. Some activities included
Simon Says and Over/Under.
Overall, this was a fun project that let the
students share their physical education knowledge in a constructive way. The students and
Mrs. Lyttle would like to thank Molly Lewis
for sharing her day off from class with us!
Also, now they look forward to all those rainy
days when the plans can be used!!
Pictured left to right are Skyla Perkins, Emma Zehr, Tori Wohlforth, and Danny
Moses with their winning indoor recess poster.
Mrs. Cain’s and Mrs. Sizemore’s fourth
grade classes were studying how fossils
were formed, where they may be found,
and how they can be used to make
inferences. In this investigation, the
students became paleontologists and
took their model sedimentary rock and
began to dig. The only tools that Mr.
Maiden would allow the students to use
were a toothpick and a soft bristle brush.
Some facts that the students wrote in
their science journals were:
*Paleontology is the branch of biology
that studies the form of life that existed
in former geologic periods.
*The only direct way we have of
learning about dinosaurs is by studying
fossils.
*Fossils are the remains of ancient
animals and plants, the traces of
impressions of living things from past
geologic ages, or the traces of their
activities.
*Fossils have been found on every
continent on Earth
*The word fossil comes from the
Latin word “fossillis,” which means “dug
up.”
Caleb Monhollen patiently digging through his rock to discover what fossil waits
for him to uncover!
*Most fossils are excavated from
sedimentary rock layers.
“Class, it is time to clean up,” Mr. Maiden instructed. “We have been working for the last forty minutes.”
The whole class looked up from their work and said, “But, Mr. Maiden, we just got started.” Needless to say, the students
enjoyed digging out fossils.
First Grade Fun!!
Whitley East’s first grade has been very
busy this year. We are working on learning
sight words, becoming independent readers,
counting, adding and subtracting, working on
learning about seasons, and legends!
We consider ourselves extremely lucky to
have wonderful parent volunteers who aid in
active learning! They have made it possible
for us to enrich learning through seasonal
crafts. For example, we designed leaves in
different colors and used those crafts as we
discussed the changing of leaves. We have
made scarecrows, ghosts, and pumpkins!
We used song, dress, and apples to explore
Johnny Appleseed. We love using creative
learning activities!
In the near future, we plan to further
explore seasons and the basic needs of
organisms by participating in collaborative
conversations with diverse partners about the
mentioned topics during a trip to the Sally
Gap Pumpkin Patch. We are loving first
grade.
Christian Meadors shares the ghost he
created with his classmates.
PAVE volunteer Deloris Wilson helps the first graders put together their ghosts
that they created.
Whitley Co. District Ed News • 9
WCIS Visits the Lost Sea Adventure!
Oak Grove Elementary’s First Priority!
First Priority students at Oak Grove joined together to pray for their
school at the See You at the Pole event. Weather did not cooperate, but
that didn’t stop them from meeting together. The leaders led prayer for
our students, faculty, and a successful year overall in the fifth and sixth
grade hallway.
Pleasant View: Where Learning
Happens
Twas the first semester of school, and all through the halls
Students were filling the classrooms and halls
Lessons plans were placed on CIITS with care
Making sure that Differentiated Learning was shown everywhere
Pictured is the Whitley Central Intermediate School’s Project Horizon Club along with family and friends who attended the Lost
Sea Adventure.
On Saturday, October 26th, 2013,
Mrs. McCullah took the students in the
Project Horizon Club to the Lost Sea
Adventure. This adventure allowed the
students to visit and explore a privately
owned cave system in Sweetwater, TN.
The students were amazed by the astonishing freshwater lake that exist within
the cave.
The Lost Sea Adventure began with a
guided tour of the caverns. This involved
a ¾ mile round-trip walk on wide slop-
ing pathways. While touring the caverns
and underground lake the tour guide told
the students about the cavern’s exciting
and colorful history. They also explained the fascinating geological development of the immense cavern
rooms and rare formations. At the bottom of the cave, the students were able
to board a glass-bottom boat for an exciting trip on the Lost Sea. The most
intriguing fact that the students learned
was that the cave is listed by the
Guinness Book of World Records as
America’s largest underground lake.
(www.lostsea.com)
Once the students had completed the
tour of the cave system, they ventured
on to the Dinner Bell restaurant where
they enjoyed a home cooked buffet
style meal. The students learned a vast
amount of information regarding the
cave and also enjoyed spending time
together with parents and friends along
for the trip!
Elementary Football Royalty
Differentiated learning you may ask?
What’s that and what’s it all about?
It’s the new way of thinking about how students learn and making sure
Opportunities are provided at every turn
Oak Grove Elementary
Princess Madisyn Hopkins and escort
Jon Jones
Queen Madison Patterson and
escort Dakota Nicely
Whitley Central Elementary
Boston
Pleasant View Teachers are on the right track
To ensure every student succeeds
And that none are left behind or held back
Opportunities are offered that reach far indeed
Princess Breanna Meadors and escort
Mason Croley
Princess-Gracie Rickman
and escort Nate Griffin
Everything from poems to art work and everything in between
Everywhere in the school, by all to be seen
Showing that students understand all that is taught
And used differentiated learning to complete all the thoughts
Queen Mariah Tye and escort
Chase Pennington
Queen-Lyndi Kate Bowman
and escort John Riley Rowe
10 • Whitley Co. District Ed News
Coach Halcomb and Volleyball Team overwhelmed by support
Students, staff, and parents line the campus as the Lady Colonel Volleyball Team left
for state competition.
On behalf of our entire Lady Colonel
Volleyball program, I would like to
thank our Whitley County School
District for the overwhelming support
shown to our team as we recently
participated in the KHSAA State
Volleyball Tournament in Louisville.
The sendoff that was organized on our
main campus was simply amazing and
will be remembered for a lifetime. I
would like to thank the principals and
teachers from all of our schools in the
district for either allowing their
students out of class to participate in
this sendoff or for helping to donate
water, Gatorade, and snacks for us to
take with us to Louisville. A special
“thanks” goes out to Ms. Laurel Bowlin
for overseeing the decoration of our
front office area at WCHS and for
working out in the cold rain to decorate
our bus. Also, we are grateful to the
parents and other family members who
helped prepare daily lunches for our
team during our run through the 13th
Region Tournament and for taking the
time to decorate our players’ lockers.
All of this was simply awesome and I
13th Region Volleyball Champions - Whitley County Lady Colonels
feel blessed to have been a part of it.
We are appreciative of
Superintendent Scott Paul and Deputy
Superintendent Paula Trickett for their
decision to cancel school on the day we
participated in the State Tourney. This
enabled our fans to be able to come
watch us participate in such a prestigious
event. It was a wonderful feeling looking
Whitley North Academic
Team goes undefeated
Mrs. Claxton and Mrs. Bryant would
like to say congratulations to the
Whitley North Academic Team for an
amazing season. The team was
undefeated during the season and placed
1st place in the district tournament!
A special congratulations goes to
Alexis Petrey for winning 1st place on
the arts and humanities assessment,
Colton Hamblin for winning 2nd place
up in the stands and seeing so many
Lady Colonel fans and friends in
attendance. I realize there were other
things you could have done on your day
off, but our team is grateful that you
chose to come show your support for
what our volleyball team accomplished
this season.
Thanks for all your support and we will
be working hard to make it all happen
again next season as we strive to take
our game to the next level and advance
into the second round of next year’s
KHSAA Volleyball State Tournament.
David Halcomb
Head Coach
Farewell to the Voice of
the Lady Colonels!
in science, and Andrew Richardson for
winning 2nd place in social studies. All
team members did a great job this year
and they worked hard for their 1st place
victory!
In 1992, Jimmy McKiddy
became statistician for the
Central Elementary Girls
Basketball Team when his
youngest daughter Jamie
earned a spot on the team. He
followed her to the middle
school and again to the high
school. He continued to
assist the Lady Colonels long
after his daughter was no
longer in school, volunteering
many hours and traveling
wherever the Lady Colonels
took him. In 1998, Jimmy
became the PA announcer for
the Lady Colonels and
continued volunteering in that
capacity through last season.
Due to continuing health
issues, Jimmy has decided to
retire and pass the reins to
Jim McKiddy
someone else.The Whitley
County Board of Education
would like to express our
appreciation to Jimmy for his 21 years of dedicated service to the Whitley
County Lady Colonels basketball program.
Whitley County Schools hold pumpkin contests
Whitley County Middle School
As part of Red Ribbon week, the
Whitley County Middle School
principals and Youth Service Center held
a pumpkin decorating contest. Each
homeroom was provided with a pumpkin
and a challenge to “show good character
by being drug free.” The pumpkins were
decorated, without carving, as a book
character. The pumpkins were then
displayed in the library for judging.
The 1st place winner in 7th grade was
Ms. Stefanie Keene’s homeroom. The
students decorated their pumpkin as
Stefanie Keene’s homeroom
students won first place in 7th
grade for their pumpkin
decorated as Rainbow Fish.
Darlene Prewitt’s homeroom
students won first place in 8th
grade for their pumpkin
decorated as Wilbur from
Charlotte’s Webb.
Rainbow Fish from the award winning
children’s book The Rainbow Fish,
written and illustrated by Marcus Pfister
and translated into English by J. Alison
James.
Ms. Darlene Prewitt’s homeroom was
the 1st place winner in 8th grade. The
students decorated their pumpkin as
Wilbur from Charlotte’s Web, a novel
by E. B. White. Their pumpkin was
enclosed by a complete barnyard scene
and featured Charlotte as well.
Honorable mention went to Mr. David
Atwood’s homeroom,
who decorated their
pumpkin as the headless
horseman from “The
Legend of Sleepy
Hollow.” Ms. Kelsey
Gibb’s homeroom also
received honorable
mention for its
pumpkin decorated as
Dr. Suess’ The Lorax.
Thanks to all
homeroom teachers
and students for their
hard work and
creativity!
Oak Grove Elementary
The Oak Grove library hosted a
pumpkin contest for all of the students.
The pumpkins had to be based on a book
or book character. There were many
wonderful pumpkins turned in. There
were four winners from P-2 and 3-6.
All participants received a prize. Thank
you to all the students who participated
this year!
Displayed are some of the wonderful
pumpkin creations.
Whitley Central Primary
The Whitley Central Primary library hosted a pumpkin decorating contest September 30, 2013. Students decorated their
pumpkins to look like their favorite
book characters. Almost 40 pumpkins
were entered. Students used a variety
of materials to create their pumpkin
characters— paint, markers, paper, pipe
cleaners, clothing, etc.
The
kindergarten winner was Kambree
Bunch, with her Miss Spider pumpkin;
the first grade winner was Hayden
Gambrel, with his Minions pumpkins;
and the second grade winner was Sophia
McCullah, with her Curious George
pumpkin. Winners were chosen by our
employees.
First grade student, Hayden Gambrel,
with his Minion pumpkins.