Tis the Season
Bad weather comes with the territory this time of year. We’ve already endured our first snow day and our first hour delay. Unfortunately, that probably won’t be the only time we miss due to inclement weather. While I know that the days off or even delays can be problematic for your schedules, I cannot stress enough how important it is for us to do what is safest for our students. While the main roads may often be clear, the back roads can still covered with snow or ice and too dangerous to drive. We are doing what we can to help you prepare. Our automated call system is in place and most of the kinks have been worked out of it. Those on the call list should receive an automated call whenever we have a delay or full-day off detailing our plan due to the weather.

Ready Freddy?
We’ve starting delivering Fred awards to our many deserving staff members who have gone out of their way to make life a little better for those around them. Our recipients so far are: Tony Mazzei, CRES; Tracy O’Keefe, Central Office; Diane Wiehoff, Transportation; Fred Strange, GLE; Dan Schoef, Cline; Laurie Gray, CCHS; and Lisa Kinney, CRES. Each was nominated for giving more of themselves than the job description requires. While the awards are for the recipients, I feel honored to be presenting these and hearing all of the wonderful things they have done. Still, I know there are many others on staff who go above and beyond who we haven’t heard about yet. Do you know someone you think is deserving? Let us know who they are.
The FRED award was inspired by the book, “The Fred Factor” by Mark Sanborn who recently sent a note of praise for the recognition we are doing in Campbell County Schools.

Moving in Fast ForWord
Some of our staff was fortunate enough to hear noted Speech and Language Pathologist Dr. Martha Burns speak last week about neuroscience approaches to the study of literacy including the Fast ForWord reading intervention program. We have used this program for 4 years and were the 1st in the state to have a K-12 use. While we already knew its great potential, it was a fantastic opportunity to learn more about the program from someone with Dr. Burns’ experience. We were able to share the speaking engagement with local districts as well.

Superior singers
Eight students in Amy Huff's CCMS choir were selected as members of the All-State Choirs for their grade level.
Sixth-grade students Sarah Kintner, Morgan Becker, Brittany Nagel, Cameron Hinte made the KMEA All State Children's Chorus. Only 217 students were selected in the state. Seventh-grader Christina Tully and eighth graders -Mary Martin, Ashley Loudermilk and Jason Crigler made the KMEA All State Junior High Chorus. Only 205 students were selected from the more than 700 who auditioned. This is just another area where CCS students is excelling. All of the students will travel to Louisville on Feb. 6 and 7 for the concert at the Kentucky Center for the Arts.
Congratulations to them all.

Calendar
Our winter break begins on Friday. Students are not back in class until January 2. Students will be off again on Jan. 21 for Martin Luther King Day. Classes will be held on Feb. 18 to make up the first snow day. If you know of other events that should be added to the calendar, please contact us.

Decision Makers
The next meeting of the Board of Education is January 14 at Reiley Elementary at 7 p.m. All Board of Education meetings are open to the public. A complete listing of the meetings is available at www.campbellcountyschools.org/main/district/boemtgschedule.php.