BOYD OUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS t FALL 2008 t VOLUME 17, NO. 1

Superintendent’s Words...

Creating Our Future

Congratulations, Congratulations, Congratulations!!!It’s time to celebrate again! After meeting 13 out of 13 No Child Left

Behind (NCLB) goals, Boyd County Public Schools have reason to celebrate again! Our CATS adjusted accountability index is 85.1 and our non-adjusted accountability index is 88.2! Our district accountability index ranked second in the region and FIRST in the County of Boyd! We are headed for No. 1! This is our best ranking ever! Our school system is well on its way to proficiency by the year 2014. Our staff, students, parents and community have reason to be very proud of our schools.

We would like to thank everyone for their support. Our testing achievements are the result of a team effort. Everyone contributes something and we value the worth of our community.

We celebrated these wonderful achievements during the March of the Lions’ Pride held on September 26th during half-time at the Lawrence County football game. There were fireworks and many other exciting activities during

our well-attended march of pride! We thank everyone who came out to support our students.

We continue to dream of a new Boyd County High School. The board and I remain committed to building a modern and efficient high school for our students.

Boyd County is a wonderful community and I am proud to serve as your superintendent. Together we are achieving great things!

Gov. Steve Beshear chose Ponderosa Elementary as one of three locations on September 3rd, 2008 to announce his plan to get as many children as possible enrolled in the Kentucky Children’s Health Insurance Program (KCHIP) by 2010. Representative Rocky Adkins and Kentucky Senator Walter Blevins were also there.

The Beshear Plan has an implementation date of November 1 and intends to dramatically cut the number of children without health coverage by removing barriers to enrollment, retaining more children once they are enrolled and significantly increasing education and outreach regarding the program. The plan hopes to enroll over 35,000 by FY2010. KCHIP provides health

insurance to children whose family income is below 200 percent of the federal poverty level, about $42,400 a year for a family of four. The plan simplifies the enrollment process by eliminating the need for a face-to-face interview, allowing applicants to mail or download an application form. The application form itself has been revamped to be more streamlined and easy-to-use.

Boyd County Public Schools’ Family Resource Centers will work hand-in-hand with governmental agencies to identify and enroll eligible children. It is estimated this plan will cost $6.1 million in state funding and $16.7 million in federal funding in FY09 and $25 million in state funding and $64.6 in federal funding in FY10.

Governor Beshear made note of several critical reasons the state is taking these steps, including; supporting children’s health is vital to supporting Kentucky’s future, children’s health impacts academic achievement, treating Kentucky children will save money on future chronic conditions, and reduced use of emergency rooms by uninsured families.

The Governor and First Lady, Jane Beshear, stopped by several of Ponderosa’s classrooms including Mr. Kevin Pence’s Kindergarten class who greeted him warmly and delighted him with a song. He was very impressed with the students of Ponderosa and paused to read several of the children’s greetings posted along the hallways.

Governor Steve Beshear greets Ponderosa Kindergartner Alyssa

Tackett

g o v e r n o r s t e v e b e s h e a r v i s i t s p o n d e r o s a e l e m e n ta r y

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CATS 2008 Local Indices

Local District Indices 2008 Index Combined 2007-08 IndexRussell Independent 87.5 86.9Boyd County 85.1 83.9Ashland Independent 81.3 82.2Fairview Independent 80.6 79.1Raceland 79.4 79.8Carter County 78.3 78.4Greenup County 77.3 76.4Lawrence County 74.7 73.7Elliott County 72.5 71.8

Local Middle School IndicesBoyd Middle 88.3 85.1Russell 85.0 84.5West Carter 80.5 78.9Verity 78.4 79.6East Carter 78.3 77.4Wurtland 73.9 71.8McKell 73.1 74.9Louisa 68.8 68.3

Local High School IndicesRussell 88.2 87.6Boyd County 79.5 79.3Raceland 78.7 79.2Fairview 78.2 76.3Paul Blazer 76.1 77.8East Carter 70.7 71.7Greenup 70.1 68.8Elliott 70.1 69.6West Carter 68.9 70.5Lawrence 67.3 67.9

Photo Gallery - March of the lions’ Pride, sePteMber 26, 2008

March of the Lions’ Pride, September 26, 2008 - BCHS football field. Honoring all students in grades 3-8 and 10-12 who scored Proficient or Distinguished on their 2007-08 CATS test.

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Adkins, Maegan Marshall University (MU) John Marshall Bennett, Carl Vannatter Memorial; Louise Eastham Memorial Scholarship to ACTC

Bowling, Maranda Morehead State University (MSU) Commonwealth Bowling, Sara Boyd County Board of Education Branham, Brittany Western Kentucky University (WKU) Honors College Burns, Jordan Transylvania Presidential; Centre College Faculty; Centre

Banner Leader; University of Louisville (U of L) Provost Hallmark; University of Kentucky (UK) Presidential – Gov Scholars; Discover Card Tribute Award; Elks Most Valuable Student (Local); Elks Most Valuable Student (State); DAR School, District and State Recipient; Foodland; Boyd County Medical Society; Rose Moffitt Baugh

Caines, Mary Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) Presidential Caudill, Nick MU Board of Governors

Chapman, Jacob MSU Presidential; MU Board of Governors; Sam & Mollie Gatrell Cobern, Matt Steen Funeral Home; Alta Tunstall Clay & Carolyn Hart Clay

Conley, Cortney UK Flagship; MSU Commonwealth Crites, Stephanie MSU Cheerleading Day, Lindsay Sam & Mollie Gatrell

DelVecchio, Jhordan ACTC; Jared Stacey Williams Memorial Ellis, Aaron Presidential, University of the Cumberlands (U of the C);

Soccer U of the C; BCHS Science Club

Ellison, Valerie Diana Hamilton Memorial

Fannin, Wesley ACTC Fennimore, Kaitlyn Shawnee Professors; Thomas & Blanche Hope Ferguson, Sara ACTC Flanery, Hannah Parks Baptist, Georgetown College (GC); Christian

Leadership, GC; Oxford Honors Program, GC; Sam Walton Community Scholarship; Catlettsburg Elks; Transylvania Presidential; Flying J Scholarship

Garlock, Wesley ACTC; Boyd County Career & Tech Center Garvin, Kelli Community Service, U of the C; Christian Leadership, U of

the C; Academic, U of the C; Golf, U of the C; Golf, Union College; Mae Ward

Gilliam, Nicole MU Board of Governors; BCHS Science Club

Gullett, Casey ACTC Gullett, Garrett U of L Trustees; King’s College; MU John Marshall Hall, Brittany Pikeville Honors Harman, Brittany ACTC; Thomas & Blanche Hope Memorial Hawkey, Jessica ACTC; Boyd County Board of Education

Helton, Kayla ACTC

Hemmings, Ashley Berea College Scholarship

Hensley, Kali Theodore & Bennie Shields Scholarship, ACTC

Heupel, Katie MSU Commonwealth; Timothy K. Snoddy Memorial; Boyd County Retired Teachers Hillard, Meagon Ohio University Southern Melissa Kennedy Scholarship

Ison, Cody EKU Regents Scholarship; AK Steel Self-Reliance Award (3rd place)

King, Michael MU Board of Governors

Maloy, Hannah Trustees Scholarship, GC; Christian Leadership, GC; Vocal Music Scholarship, GC; GC Baptist Scholarship; AK Steel Self-Reliance Award (1st place); U of L Provost Hallmark; UK Presidential; Sam & Mollie Gatrell; Flora Shull Barrow

Mavi, Alyssa WKU Presidential Mayhew, Charles Transylvania University 3rd Century Award; Transylvania

Grant; James & Helen Adkins Memorial; Marathon Oil William Edison

Newsome, Kayla Vanhoose-Stewart Foundation Award

Nusantara, Egar Berea College Patrick, Jerica MSU Cheerleading; Mary Phyllis Webb Memorial; EKU

Cheerleading Assn.—Roger Adams Memorial Scholarship

Pauley, Kayla Dr. Laurence & Stella Rose Stewart Picard, Krystal ACTC; Sam Walton Community Scholarship Plummer, Jacob Spaulding Honors Award; MSU Presidential; Asbury College

Presidential; Asbury College Devon & Roberta Corbit; U of the C Presidential; UK Provost; Centre College

Rosen, Jason EKU Presidential Scholarship

Salyers, Cody ACTC Selby, Justin Shawnee State University (SSU) Department of Athletics

Shivel, Kayla ACTC Smith, Audrey MSU Commonwealth; MU Board of Governors; UK Flagship;

NJROTC/American Red Cross Smith, Sara ACTC; Boyd County Career & Tech Center Stergeon, Jessica MSU Presidential; EKU Honors Program; ACTC Stevens, Jordan Kentucky Christian University (KCU) Servant Leadership;

Paul & Garnet Thompson Memorial; Ashland Women’s Club

Stewart, Joshua ACTC Walden, Sara Ernest & Janet Baker Memorial; BCHS Science Club Ward, Katherine MU A. Michael Perry West, Bobbi ACTC; Boyd Education Association

White, Sarah ACTC; Monroe, Sturgell, Towler Memorial; Marguerite Gambill Lyons Hlen Hall Memorial; BCHS Science Club

Woods, Courtney NKU Achiever’s; Vannatter Memorial

Young, Robert NROTC (Marine Option); AROTC (Virginia Military Institute)

2008 boyd county high school seniors offered $2,031,833 in reported awards and scholarships

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Bryan Mattingly, a Science teacher at Ramey Estep High School, teaches ‘outside the box’. His teaching methods may be unconventional, but for those students who are placed in an alternative education facility, learning is hands-on and just plain fun. While teaching at Ramey Estep High School, Mr. Mattingly has implemented learning activities such as teaching the students how to tap trees to make real maple syrup; creating a nature trail to teach vegetation and forestry; taking students to Carter Caves State Park, in collaboration with Joe Skeens, Special Education Teacher, to provide maintenance for cave trails; cleaning up Tygart Gorge in Carter County while teaching students about ecology; and worked in collaboration with Rusty Franklin, Vocational teacher, to build Eastern Bluebird nesting boxes at the Ramey facility. Mattingly, however, is not alone. Other teachers have also contributed to alternative learning at Ramey Estep High School.

o Paul McKenzie, English teacher, produces “The Circle”, which is a book of poetry and short stories written by Ramey Estep students.

o Jim Trimboli, Art teacher, and Beth Labor produce plays each semester. Students build sets and become cast members in plays while learning English literature in the process. The most recent play was a conglomeration of Edgar Allen Poe prose and poetry which was performed June 5, 2008. The fall production was performed for September 25th.

o All the teachers of Ramey Estep High School, students, and staff from Ramey Estep High School participate in the Harvest Festival which this year was held October 22nd – 24th.

o Julie Perkins, Agriculture teacher, cultivated a garden in which students

worked. Teachers and staff were able to purchase produce from the garden.

o Stacy Davis, Physical Education teacher, sponsors the annual student Olympics.

o All the teachers collaborate and present the Brain Olympics which showcases students’ achievement in the areas of Science, English, and Math.

o The new herpetology lab, run by Science teacher Bob Pulliam, houses approximately 20 snakes, turtles, lizards, and amphibians. He uses the reptiles and amphibians to build team work, leadership skills, ecological studies (snake/prey/habitat relationships), graphical analysis, as well as applying different areas of physical science such as thermodynamics, physics (friction to move), and chemistry (venom created protein synthesis). Some possible collaborative research projects are in the future which could involve educational presentations to area Bible and elementary schools.

school news....

Ramey-estep

teaching outside the box the normat ramey-estep

A student handles a milk snake at the Ramey-Estep school’s herpetology lab, July 22, 2008. Picture by: Kevin Goldy / the independent

act prep for high school students

High school students can get ready for the ACT college entrance test in a 16-hour class designed to help overcome test anxiety and improve test-taking skills. The class will be held at Ashland Community and Technical College’s College Drive Campus. Participants will go over ACT-like questions, learn test-taking tips, review English grammar and punctuation and practice working arithmetic and geometry problems. The fee for the class is $95 and students will need

Baron’s Preparation for the ACT, available in the ACTC bookstore and other area or online bookstores. Dates for the class are: Tues./Thurs., Nov. 11 - Dec. 11, 4-6 pm. If interested in

enrolling, please contact ACTC’s Lifelong Learning Department at 606-326-2072.

Get Ready for College

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foreign language department offers trips abroad

Mr. Brent McDonie, one of the foreign language teachers at Boyd County High School, spent last summer accompanying a group of eleven participants to Europe. They visited Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England. Kelsey Ferguson, a BCHS senior, traveled with his group. Mr. McDonie says, “I like to provide the opportunity for students to travel. It allows them to experience cultures and life different from their own. They are able to make global connections and share their experiences when they return”.

Mr. McDonie’s plans for future trips include Spain, France and Italy for 2009 ($3,500 adult/ $3,200 student) and Germany, Prague, Switzerland and France for 2010 ($3,300 adult/ $3,000 student). Interested travelers may register at www.eftours.com. Enrollment is open to the community and surrounding counties. Payment schedules are available. They may also email Mr. McDonie for more information at: brent.mcdonie@boyd.kyschools.us.

The Boyd County Foreign Language Department is also planning to take language students to Chicago, December 10-13, 2008. Students will experience the Art Institute, the Field Museum of Natural History, the Shedd Aquarium, Hispanic culture, the Museum of Science and Industry and the play, Wicked. The cost for the Chicago trip is $667 for students and $742 for adults/parents. Those who are interested may contact McDonie or one of the other foreign language teachers at BCHS at 928-7100.

lemaster in germany study trip

Twelve educators and two alternates have been selected by the Kentucky Department of Education to participate in a study tour of Germany. Upon completion of the trip, attendees will be expected to create a unit/lesson that incorporates the knowledge they have gained from this experience and submit it to the Kentucky Department of Education. Further, attendees are encouraged to share the knowledge they have gained with their schools and/or districts in terms of informal and/or formal professional development sessions. Ms. Shelly Lemaster, instructor at BCHS, has been chosen to participate and will be leaving on October 4, 2008. Participants will take part in an intensive 13-day program that includes meeting with some of the most influential people in Germany, including leaders in education, politics, and business. Kentucky social studies scholars will have unique access to representatives of German institutions such as the Federal Foreign Office, the Federal Chancellery, the Federal Ministry of Economics, and German corporations and universities.

Over 700 American teachers from various states have participated in this program to date. The purpose of this all-expenses-paid tour, a collaborative effort of Atlantik-Brucke and the Kentucky Department of Education, is to deepen the knowledge of high school social studies teachers and professors at teacher institutions about German/American relations, post- WWII Germany, and the Holocaust, and to promote a better understanding between the United States and Germany.

The Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky admits 60 Kentucky students who apply during their sophomore year. Their admission to the Academy is based on standardized test scores, grades, responses to essay questions, recommendations, interest in pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, and personal interviews. Instead of spending

their junior and senior years in traditional high schools, students enroll in the Gatton Academy and live in a dedicated residence hall. Taking course offered by Western Kentucky University, their classmates are fellow Gatton Academy and WKU undergraduate students. At the end of two years, Gatton Academy students will have earned at least 60 college credit hours in addition to completing high school.

Boyd County High School junior Alex Naumann is currently attending this prestigious Academy. Enrolled in 14 college credit hours, he will be earning credit toward both high school and college. He will graduate with the BCHS class of 2010.

The goal of the Gatton Academy is to enable

Kentucky’s exceptional young scientists and mathematicians to learn in an environment which offers advanced educational opportunities, preparing them for leadership roles in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The student’s room, board, and tuition are provided through the Kentucky General Assembly while attending the Academy. Students are responsible for books, fees and incidental expenses.

alex naumann attends wku

gatton academy of mathematics

and science

school news.... Bchs

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school news....

Bchs conTInUeD

bchs studentstravel to see

bodies.... the exhibition

story by bchs

student sarah baker

Can you think of any other way to learn of the human body other than seeing inside an actual cadaver? Mrs. Mary Leigh Lewis, BCHS Anatomy teacher, couldn’t either. As one of her students, I am very appreciative of this learning experience; an experience Mrs. Lewis just couldn’t pass up. Even though the bus trip to Cincinnati wasn’t as pleasant as we would have liked, I was very thankful to have been able to attend this wonderful field trip - probably the most educational field trip I’ve ever attended.

BODIES…The Exhibition showcases actual human specimens. The bodies are Chinese citizens/residents that were received by the Chinese Bureau of Police from Chinese prisons. These bodies allow the viewers to get a chance to see the real thing, not an idealized vision of artist who makes models for classroom learning. Dr. Ray Glaver, chief medical director for the exhibition states, “Seeing promotes understanding, and understanding promotes the most practical kind of body education possible. The body doesn’t lie!”

To achieve maximum viewing of the specimens, they were preserved by a multi- step process. First, the standard preserving procedure using mortuary science was taken. This was followed by dissection and then immersing the body in

acetone to dehydrate the body. Nothing is usual about the bodies in Bodies…the Exhibition, but an anticipating viewer such as me would expect the bodies to be in a container, floating, suspended in some kind of preservation liquid. This is not the case. The human specimens take a bath in silicon (or polymer) and dry off in a vacuum chamber. The acetone evaporates as a gas and the polymer replaces it. Catalysts, something that speeds up a reaction, are applied and results in hardening of the specimen thus creating a specimen that will not decay.

A whole body could take almost a year to prepare. In 1970, the first specimens were made and are still in use today.

Since a mix of chemicals is used in preserving the parts of the body, the specimens feel either flexible or rigid. The human specimens are also dry to the touch. This type of preservation allows for the viewers to get a closer look than ever before.

Which body part is hardest to preserve? The brain is mostly composed of lipids and water thus making its preservation the most difficult. The brain shrinks during the process taken (polymer preservation). To prevent this problem, the brain has to be dehydrated as a cold acetone. In this way, the brain maintains its original size and shape.

As you can see, there isn’t anything that would replicate the experience one would get from seeing BODIES…The Exhibition. Teachers can show us pictures and models, but the 40 students that went on this amazing field trip know that nothing would have ever helped them as much as seeing the real thing.

The blackened lungs of a smoker surround the cadaver’s heart in BODIES... the

Exhibition.

Forty BCHS students

traveled to see and experience BODIES... the

Exhibition. They are pictured

at left outside Union Terminal in Cincinnati, Ohio where the traveling

exhibition was temporarily

housed.

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bChs students have a ‘fair’ timestory by BCHS student Mary Rice

school news....

Bchs conTInUeD

County fairs are always a joyous occasion and, for most students, signify the end of summer entertainment and the beginning of the school year. During those last, few days of school, students sit, stuck in classrooms, daydreaming of tilt-o-whirls and funnel cakes. Normally, students must wait for the final school bell’s ring to enjoy the festive activities. However, this year the Boyd County Fair was in full swing as the academic year came to a close. On Monday August 18th, the students of BCHS traveled to the fairgrounds and enjoyed the various exhibitions.

Though the rides were not open to the public that early in the day, students were free to enjoy the many displays provided by the Boyd County 4-H Club and Future Farmers of America. Barns soon became filled with students enjoying the company of goats, sheep, horses, cattle, pigs, ducks, chickens, and other livestock. The students were led through the shelters by FFA and 4-H members who served as very knowledgeable guides.

Competitions were open to the public and ranged from livestock shows to arts and craft entries. With numerous participants, the rivalries were evident. Many BCHS students took part in activities and represented the school in a wonderful way. Senior Cheyenne Black took home the Grand Champion Ribbon in cattle showing with ease and is only one example of the excellence our students displayed.

Teachers, such as 4-H leader, Ann Fulmer, FFA co-sponsors, Brad Brammell and Joe Childers, and Principal, Rhonda Salisbury, know the value of agricultural education. This field trip highlighted the importance of agricultural sciences in Boyd County and gave all the students a chance to partake in county-sponsored activities. The students were certainly thankful for the trip and appreciative of the administration’s effort to expose them to agricultural sciences in action.

Cheyenne Black poses with her Grand Champion winner and ribbon.

BCHS Swim Coach, Kathy McKnight reports: four girls on the Boyd County High School Varsity Swim Team competed in the Kentucky Bluegrass State Games in Lexington on July 20th.

Kali Mattingly, junior, won a First place Gold Medal in the 50 Breast Stroke and a Bronze Medal in the 100 Freestyle Race.

Haley Cyrus, junior, won a Bronze Medal in the 50 Freestyle and a Bronze in the 50 Butterfly

The Relay Team of Kali Mattingly, Haley Cyrus, Brittani Price (Sophomore) and Mallory Atkins (Freshman) won Silver Medals in both the Medley Relay and the 200 Freestyle Relay Races.

We are very proud of these girls and very excited about the 2008-2009 swim season.

we know what you did last summerswim team does well at bluegrass games

Pictured above, left to right: Kali Mattingly (Junior), Mallory Adkins (Freshman), Brittani Price (Sophomore) and Haley Cyrus (Junior).

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OfficeMax has partnered with Adopt-A-Classroom, an innovative not-for-profit organization supporting teachers in the classroom, www.adoptaclassroom.org, to identify schools across the country and recognize extraordinary teachers for their dedication and innovative approach to education. Teachers selected are honored with a gift donation from OfficeMax for their classrooms valued at more than $1,000. On October 1, 2008, Ms. Kelley Ackerson, BCMS instructor, who was

nominated by the schools’ secretaries, was chosen as a recipient.

According to a 2005 National Education Association (NEA) survey of more than 3 million members, teachers spend about $1,200 of their own money each year - collectively nearly $4 billion annually - to offset school budget shortfalls and ensure that children have necessary classroom resources.

“Teachers inspire and shape our country’s greatest asset, our children, and it is astounding that they are left to cover the cost of doing a good job,” said Bob Thacker, senior vice president of marketing for OfficeMax. “With our ‘A Day Made Better’ events, OfficeMax wants to inspire a national movement of support for teachers by attracting national attention to them on one special day and showing how easy it is to change this deplorable situation.”

school news.... BcMs

ackerson has “a day made better”

Sammie Smith, 7th grade Explorer student at Boyd County Middle School, broke the camp record for archery shooting at Camp Webb. She received the Golden Arrow Award. Sammie has been on the BCMS archery team for two years. Sammie received a special certificate honoring her achievement.

Cody Smith, 8th grade All Star student, was honored this past spring by State Representative Rocky Adkins for winning first place for 3-D shooting in the 2007 Bluegrass Games in Lexington Ky. Cody also received a third place trophy in the meter round. Cody also placed first in middle school division at the Regional Tournament in 2007.

Adam Cornette, 7th grade Pegasus student, is now able to compete in 3-D competitions with the BCMS archery team thanks to Coach Daryl Short. Daryl, with the help of others, constructed a very comfortable chair connected to a sturdy wagon. The wagon is then pulled by a four-wheeler that enables Adam to go through the rough terrain of an archery course. Adam has a condition that does not allow him to walk for long periods. Now, Adam shoots while sitting in the regular target flights.

NASP OVERALLGIRLS1. KENDRA SMITH2. CRASTIN SHORT3. BAYLEE THOMPSON4. HANNAH IRVINE5. EMMALYNN EDMONDS

BOYS1. CODY SMITH2. REMINGTON JARRELL3. ACE DOOLIN4. RAMBO STEVENS5. CHRIS GREEN

5th/6th Grade Division GIRLS1. KENDRA SMITH2. HANNAH IRVINE3. COURTNEY CASTLE4. CALLI SMITH5. LINDSAY CORDLE

5TH/6TH Grade Division BOYS1. ACE DOOLIN2. RYAN CORNETTE3. MICHAEL HICKS4. LIAM RUFF5. ALEX CALDWELL

7th/8th Grade Division GIRLS1. BAYLEE THOMPSON2. EMMALYNN EDMONDS3. TAYLOR ROCKWELL4. SAMMY SMITH5. MIRANDA DARBY

7th/8th Grade Division BOYS1. CODY SMITH2. REMINGTON JARRELL3. RAMBO STEVENS4. CHRIS GREEN5. ZACH WELLS

HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION TOURNAMENT1. CRASTIN SHORT2. ALEX CANE3. VERONICA BURNS

archery accolades

National Archery in the Schools Program Tournament Results

Pictured left to right: Mr. Howard K. Osborne, three representatives from OfficeMax, Kelly Ackerson, Bill and

Harriett Scott (parents of Ms. Ackerson), and Mickey Rice.

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school news....

BcMs continued

Taylor “Rambo” Stevens poses with former BCMS teacher and NASP Coach Sherri Schatz.

Taylor “Rambo” Stevens is a 12 year old boy who was born 13 weeks early. The nickname comes from his wearing an army hat to practice, but could easily apply to his tenacious attitude.

Taylor weighed a mere 2 lbs., 2oz. at birth and was in NICU for 3 months. A brain bleed caused his cerebral palsy which affects his legs and balance. Doctors predicted his condition would leave him in a wheel chair. He beat the odds. No wheel chair. He used braces until the age of 10 but now those are gone too.

Taylor tried sports such as baseball and Karate, but soon realized he couldn’t keep up with the other children because of his limitations. Frustrated, he lost self-confidence. In particular, gym class became something he wanted to avoid.

Former Boyd County Middle School teacher Sheri Schatz coached the National Archery in the Schools Program (NASP) before moving out of state this past summer. Taylor approached Coach Schatz about joining the team. He soon found that his limitations disappeared. He could compete on the same level as everyone else and his CP had no influence on his performance. Now, Taylor is one of the team’s best shooters.

Rambo’s newfound confidence didn’t stop with the team. His teachers noticed.

 “As the year has progressed, Taylor’s self esteem has improved and he has gained self-confidence” - Mr. Nat Gray, Social Studies Teacher

“I  have  seen  Taylor  transform  from  a  student  who  hesitated  to  answer questions aloud and rarely volunteered to participate  in class activities  to a student who enters the room smiling, and bravely approaches new things.  

He has become an important leader and active part of class discussions as well as a brave learner.  The changes in his academic success and his positive motivation  show  in  the  pride  he  carries  when  he  wears  his  archery  team shirt.” - Ms. Shayla Huffman, Language Arts Teacher

“Archery has helped Taylor make the needed transition to middle school.  He found his niche and has applied the skills he has learned from his involvement with this team to his academic classes.  Taylor is a positive inspiration for his classmates and teachers.” - Ms. Kelly Ackerson, Science Teacher

“Taylor really enjoys gym class.  He couldn’t wait for the archery section.  It was  his  opportunity  to  shine.” - Ms. Teresa Dempsey, Physical Education Teacher

The NASP has had a wonderful influence on Taylor and Taylor continues to have a wonderful influence on everyone he meets.

bcms student thrives because of nasp

Congratulations to Boyd County Middle School students, faculty and staff. BCMS ranked 75th out of 331 middle schools in the Commonwealth of

Kentucky on our CATS scores!!!!! Way to go BCMS!!!!

phelps voted to all-area tennis team; berry is honorable mention

Lauren Phelps was voted onto the All-Area tennis team and Robby Berry was voted honorable mention. This makes two years in a row for Lauren. Lauren is the granddaughter of Marganna Phelps, former Assistant Superintendent and Robby is the son of Kathy Berry, a teacher at BCMS.

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school news.... cannonsBURg

On, Friday September 12, 2008, Cannonsburg Elementary Kindergarten students celebrated Grandparents’ Day. Grandparents were invited to spend the morning with their grandchildren in their classroom. They were treated to a special song, a story called, “My Family Tree”, and they made a fall tree with their grandchild. Grandparents were also invited to eat lunch. It was a fun-filled morning that the grandparents really enjoyed. Many of them loved being at school and seeing how much their grandchild has learned in the first few weeks of school!

school news....

BcMs continued

Under the tutelage of Cannonsburg Gifted and Talented teacher Deidra Patton, current BCMS students Tori Sager and Dylan Grimm were named Kentucky Torchbearers and were first place winners in the Tandem Division for the National Youth Storytelling Competition this summer at the Kentucky State Fair. The honor came after first winning the Eastern Kentucky division last spring while the students were 5th graders at Cannonsburg.

Tori and Dylan must now submit a videotape or DVD to the National Storytelling Committee and, if chosen as a Finalist, they will win a free trip to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. There, they will present their story during the Smoky Mountains Storytelling Festival in June, 2009. From the 20 Finalists, a “GrandTorchbearer” will be selected.

Left to Right: Tori Sager and Dylan Grimm with their first place ribbons. The current BCMS students won in the Tandem Storytelling Division at the Kentucky State Fair and could be chosen to attend the National Storytelling Showcase in

Pigeon Forge, TN. in June.

first place storytellers

grandparents’ day

Above: Abbey Wright poses with her Grandmother during the Grandparents’ Day celebration.

school news.... heaD sTaRT/PReschool

halloween blast!

Early Childhood Learning Center North (ECLC-North), ECLC-South and Catlettsburg Preschool gathered for their annual Halloween event, this year dubbed the “Halloween Blast”. Preschool Director, Ginger Clark, reports the event was well-attended and enjoyable for all. The staff were extremely organized and activities seemed to run ‘smoother than ever’. But most importantly, students and their families had a BLAST!

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school news.... cannonsBURg cont.

Cannonsburg’s 5th grade class participated in a field trip to Wolfpen Woods Pioneer Village on Sept. 5, 2008. Students experienced what life was like in a northeastern Kentucky village during the 1700s. Restored hewn log buildings and historical re-enactors in period attire explained period tools, weapons, surgical instruments, food preparation and preservation, and the construction of a temporary dwelling.

5th graders experience pioneer life in kentucky

Cannonsburg Elementary 5th graders on the steps of a reconstructed log house at Wolfpen Woods.

boyd county conservation essay and Poster contest winners

froM cannonsburG eleMentary

5th Grade 1st place, Tatum Levering 2nd place, Skyler Cox 4th Grade 1st place, Sadonna Ison 2nd place, Shelby Wright

3rd Grade 1st place, Amber Conley 2nd place, Allie Stacey

cannonsburg school winners 1st place, Tatum Levering 2nd place, Amber Conley

County Winner2nd place, Tatum Levering

sparks receives mcdonald’s grant for 2nd year

For the second year in a row, teacher Jennifer Sparks, Cannonsburg, has received a $500 Healthy Lifestyles grant from the McDonald’s Corporation. This year, the grant will be used to purchase a Wii from Nintendo.

The Wii Fit project promotes student achievement, behavior management, attendance, and self-esteem as well as physical fitness. The system will be used for students in grades K-5.

cannonsburg students compete in 4-h

Teacher Cathy Jackson reports the following winners in the 2008 4-H Speech Competition:

Jessica Cox - School Horticultural Speech Champion; County Horticultural Speech Champion at ACTC: District Horticultural Speech Champion at ACTC; 3rd Place at State, July 2008 in Lexington

Joe Besco - School 4-H Winner, Animal Division; Competed at County

Shelby Wright - School 4-H Winner, Cooking Division

Sabrina Baldridge - School 4-H Winner, Cooking Division

Sergio Nickell - School 4-H Winner, Home Environment Division; County Winner at ACTC; District Winner at ACTC; Advanced to State Level

Chris Turner - School 4-H Winner, Recreation Division

Brooke Hatten - School 4-H Winner, Crafts Division; Competed at County

Travis Sizemore - Schools Sciences and Natural Resources Speech Champion

Amie Prater - School Conservation Poster Trophy Award; will attend an award banquet in May 2009

Josh Smith uses a holding device to play the recorder.

STAR RECORDER PLAYER!

Teresa Cassity, Instructor at Cannonsburg Elementary, reports that Josh Smith has been featured in the online publication A Day’s Work Catalogue.

The device, pictured at left, was created for someone with limited arm, hand and finger movement. Josh uses the Recorder Holding Attachment to actually play the recorder. In the picture, you can see how he blows in the blue tube and covers the holes with his toes.

When asked if the catalogue could use his picture, Josh replied, “Cool, so that pretty much means I’m gonna be a star.”

Yes, Josh... you ARE a star!

To see Josh’s picture online, go to www.adaysworkmusiceducation.com.

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school news.... caTleTTsBURg

PLAYGROUND WILL BE BUILT!

Catlettsburg Elementary PTA and staff have saved money from fund raising efforts to build a new playground. The school had raised $21,000 toward that effort and needed $26,000. On October 3, Representative Rocky Adkins presented a check for $5,000 to Catlettsburg Elementary PTA president, Jennifer Chaney, to ensure that the children there will soon be playing on a new playground.

State Representative Adkins told students and faculty of Catlettsburg that he had heard of their successful efforts to raise the biggest portion of

the funds needed for the new playground through reading an article in the local newspaper. The story of Catlettsburg’s PTA, faculty, and especially of their students touched him. He earmarked $5,000 for building and grounds funding for Boyd County Schools and contacted Mr. Howard K. Osborne, Superintendent, about applying those funds to Catlettsburg Elementary’s need for a playground. Mr. Osborne and Ms. Marci Prater, Catlettsburg’s principal was elated.

In front of all the children and staff of Catlettsburg Elementary, Rep. Rocky Adkins presented a huge check to finalize the funding efforts for the new playground. In addition, he stated that he would love to come back when the playground was begun He said to the children, “This is about you!”

The playground chosen (inset left) will be a “green” effort and made up of 25,000 recycled plastic milk jugs.

Thank you, Representative Rocky Adkins, for your thoughtfulness in considering Catlettsburg Elementary children for this gift.

Marci Prater, Catlettsburg Principal, Jennifer Chaney, PTA President, Rocky Adkins, State Representative, Theresa

Jackson, Board Chairperson, Phillip Pruitt, Board Member, Bob Green, Board Member and Howard K. Osborne, Superintendent, pose with the check on October 3, 2008

at Catlettsburg Elemenatry.

JuMP RoPe FoR HeART eveNT

On October 3, 2008, Catlettsburg students picked up their jump ropes and did their part for raising money for the American Heart Association. Lydia Pruitt, American Heart Association representative, was on hand to jump start the event.

In addition to the money raised for the AHA, students also raise money for physical education materials and health equipment.

All Boyd County Public Schools participate in Jump Rope for Heart events. However, Catlettsburg Elementary is unique in that they also have the jump rope teams which perform routines during special events such as the Spotlighting Our Families Night.

Photos here show enthusiastic students jumping their way to healthier hearts.

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school news.... PonDeRosa

school news.... sUMMIT

ponderosa’s accelerated reader reward day

At the end of the 2008 school year, Ponderosa Elementary Principal, Kathy Rice, volunteered to allow the top point-getters the rare treat of putting a cream pie in the principal’s face. It was a fun time for all.

WHAT IS THIS?

Is it an Ewok?A panda?

A strange cross between the Abominable

Snowman and Big Foot? Nah... it’s just Ponderosa Principal Kathy Rice enjoying a little pie in

the face during last spring’s Accelerated

Reader Reward Day!

emily meade a state basketball great

Emily Meade, Ponderosa Elementary, won first place in the Kentucky/West Virginia Optimist Tri-Star shoot, pass, and dribble basketball competition in Frankfort, Kentucky in the girls’ 10 year old division. She had previously won in two other divisions to advance to the state. Congratulations, Emily!

caterpillar condo to monarch manor

Caterpillar  Condo  to  Monarch  Manor became a reality thanks to a Boyd County Foundation For Children grant Ms. Sheila Turner received for this school year. Students in the 4th grade class worked in groups of three to create milkweed habitats for over 37 caterpillars. After hatching, the students and Ms. Turner had to create another habitat for the Monarch butterflies. Each student also kept a detailed observation log that included measuring his or her caterpillar’s growth and the changes during each stage of metamorphosis. Once the chrysalises were opened, they released the Monarchs in a fun-filled release parade!

Jenna Fannin, 4th grader, sports a living decoration

- a Monarch butterfly - on her

antennae headband during the Monarch

release parade.

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lunch gets a lift - innovative ideas to be implemented at bchs

The results of a survey taken by District Administrators, Norma Meek and Rhonda Osburn, sparked some innovative plans for the BCHS cafeteria. Plans for the cafeteria include:

• Outdoor Café - offers a unique opportunity to dine in an enclosed, outdoor area. Names will be drawn for seating each period and a lucky student will get to invite two of their closest friends to share lunch out under the sky. The Café will double as an outdoor classroom. Mr. Mike Perkins will serve as Maitre D’.

• 50” Flat Screen TV - students will be able to watch their favorite news, sports, etc. during the lunch period. Mr. Rick Griffith will command the remote control. Accessories will include a DVD player so that the TV may also be used as an indoor classroom and/or training center.

• Rising Star Café - each week, students will perform and entertain as different headlining acts take the stage. A committee chosen by BCHS Principal, Rhonda Salisbury, will audition and approve all performances. Mr. John Stevens will be the director.

• Reserved Tables - students who are performing in the Rising Star Café may ask 20 of their closest friends to sit at reserved tables located near the stage... to better hear the thunderous applause!

• A la Carte Station - in the near future, located at the back of the cafeteria, an al a carte line will open offering made-on-the-grill burgers and other tasty treats.

professional learning communities workshop

On July 22nd and 23rd, a large cadre of teachers and principals gathered for a professional development session presented by Chris Jakicic, Ed.D, of Solution Tree. During the workshop, participants developed a common understanding of the Professional Learning Communities school improvement model, studied research-based practices for school improvement, and examined the concept of shared leadership in our schools.

Enthusiastic conversation about accelerating and facilitating change to improve student achievement was generated and our schools are excited about the implementation of Professional Learning Communities at each site.

Ann Fulmer and Patricia Brickey participate in the Professional Learning Communities

workshop.

C.J. Perkins, Cari Rucker, Lisa Wiler, Kelly Deborde, MaryBeth Patton, Megan Thomas, Jenny Salyer,

Rhonda Osburn, and Marilyn Mayo

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Ryan Kazee, Class of 1997, graduated from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in May, 2008. Dr. Kazee is a Family Medicine Resident at the Marshall University School of Medicine. Ryan married Allison Billups of Kenova, WV, on May 31. Ryan is the son of Jack (class of 1969) and Theresa (class of 1971) Kazee, counselor at Cannonsburg Elementary.

Ryan and Allison Billups Kazee, May 31, 2008.

Pictured on right in dark green flight suit with President George W. Bush is Boyd County alum Jimmy Caniff, son of

Vickie (FRYSC Coordinator at BCHS) and Steve Caniff. Jimmy is currently in Louisiana flying a Blackhawk helicopter for

the KY National Guard in support of the clean-up efforts of hurricane Gustav. We are all very proud of Jimmy and his

service to our Commonwealth and Country.

The  following  article  appeared  in Buckmasters  Online  in  September,  2008. Chris  Fritz  is  a  2001  Graduate  of  BCHS. His best friend, Travis Hall, was also a 2001 BCHS Graduate.Making It Count - Between FriendsBy Chris Fritz-- It was a cool, brisk late fall morning in eastern Kentucky and the start of the 2006 muzzleloader season. My best friend, Travis, and I had been hunting buddies for a very long time, and we were going to the same area that Saturday but just on different sides of the hill.

The morning fog was so thick that our visibility was at a minimum as we set up for the hunt. Once daylight broke, there was a crackling noise echoing through the woods about 60 yards southeast of my location. My nerves had started to get to me as the source of the noise got closer.

It was about 8:15 a.m. when a nice 8-point buck and two does walked out of the woods just south of me at 45 yards away. I pulled up the muzzleloader, put the sights on the buck’s

vital zone and tried to focus through the fog. Eventually, the buck walked west and presented a clean shot. BANG!!!!!! I pulled the trigger.

No more than 10 seconds passed when I heard another shot ring out. There was no way I missed that deer. As I walked over to where Travis was hunting, he stood looking for a trail. I asked if he hit the buck. “I missed, but you sure put a good shot on that buck,” he said. We found the buck as we looked around the area from where my friend took a shot. My buddy gathered his stuff, and we walked up the hill to get a look at my trophy.

This is a hunt that I will never forget. On July 7, 2007, Travis and I were in a terrible automobile accident. I lost my best friend and my hunting buddy.

There will never be a time when I am hunting that he will not be missed. This story was one of the most memorable experiences I had with Travis, and it is a pleasure to share it with all the readers who enjoy hunting as much as we do. In loving memory of Travis Alan Hall, 1983-2007.

Chris Fritz, son of Bill and Mary Fritz (Director of Food Services at Boyd County Public Schools),

poses with his 8-point buck.

Alumni News

16

Boyd County Public Schools1104 Bob McCullough DriveAshland, KY 41102606-928-4141 - District Office

In the Boyd County Public Schools Facilities & Operations Department, we continue to strive for improvements in how we do our job of operating, maintaining and repairing the district facilities. I believe no matter how well a person performs at their job there is always room for improvement.

I would like to offer a simple concept that I feel will help our entire community improve. Basically, we have the ability to make a huge difference in our community without spending a lot of money or even a great deal of effort if we all work together.

I would like to point out some of the simple things I hope our students, employees and community visitors will notice around the district. Our grounds workers and custodians have been putting forth great efforts to pick up trash, clean, and organize the facilities. It really makes me proud to drive up to our schools and see parking lots free of trash, well-groomed grass and landscaping, and clean windows and floors throughout our buildings. I know this makes a good impression on our community and visitors as well as our students. It is my belief that this encourages everyone to have pride in our facilities.

Our maintenance staff has been working hard to address some of the smaller things that they feel will make a big difference as well. They have been cleaning up and painting some of the more visible areas of our schools. A fresh coat of paint goes a long way toward improving the appearance of our buildings and grounds. We are also in process of implementing a preventative maintenance program that will help us reduce repair costs by making minor adjustments or repairs. As budget and priorities allow, we plan to continue to address the small and simple things around the district that will make a big difference over time.

We will always have room and continue to strive for improvement. Please accept this challenge to help us in our efforts to provide our students and the community with facilities we can all be proud of, regardless of the age.

As a reminder and as a little bit of a teaser, keep looking up the hill and across the “Bridge to the Future”. We are going to see the new Boyd County High School come to fruition. This has been talked about for many years and it’s time for it to happen.

from the desk of tim black, director of facilities and operations

Aerial photo: Pictured in the foreground is the building site, graded, and awaiting our new Boyd County High School! Current buildings and athletic

complexes can be seen in the top left corner of the photo.

Mark Your Calendars...

Dustin Jude Memorial Walk to Prevent Diabetes November 25th

Thanksgiving Break will be November 26th - 28th.

Christmas Break will be December 22nd - January 2nd.

Martin Luther King Day will be observed on January 19th.