Time flies

Driving in to work Monday morning, it was hard to believe that it would be our last Monday.  Where has the year gone? While I look back fondly on the many activities, programs and events we’ve been a part of this year both academically and athletically, I’m brought back to reality by the thought of all the things we have to do before school starts in August.  It has been a great year and as long as we continue to push and believe in the work we are doing, then we will achieve even greater success in the coming years.

Staff changes will add to success

Changes and additions to our staff have become a great source of pride for me in the last week. It is a good feeling to know we are moving forward and have found capable, resourceful employees to fill the positions that will help lead our district to future academic successes.

Connie Pohlgeers (pictured top right) has been selected as the district’s director of school improvement. Pohlgeers, who has served as the CCS district instructional coach since 2002, will assist school and district staff in elevating student achievement and reducing achievement gaps.

Many will recognize most of the names that fill the staff development positions: Kendrea Tillett, Angie Young, Kathy Gutzwiller, Julie Hubbard, Lucinda Muenchen, Kelly Danhauer, Christi Cox and Amity Yeager. Of the eight, only Lucinda Muenchen comes from outside of the district. She currently works at Taylor Mill Elementary.

Marlene Jones (pictured bottom right) has accepted the role of Director of Special Education. Jones is well-versed in what is expected of the department having served as the assistant director of special education since 2000. She will work directly with the district’s curriculum department to implement the appropriate programs and materials for our special education students.

Albers named Teacher of the Year

So many of our current staff is doing wonderful things in their classrooms. And while it is great for us to recognize their contributions to our students, it is even better when those outside of our schools see what wonderful teachers we have in our schools. The Campbell County Rotary awarded Grant’s Lick teacher Darcy Albers with its Teacher of the Year award at a recent ceremony. She was selected for her contributions to the students both in and out of the classroom. In particular, the club applauded her for incorporating service projects into her classroom studies. Her students were so proud of her accomplishment that they threw her a party where each child told her why she deserved to be Teacher of the Year.

Care-A-Van keeps the learning going

I’m sure all of your calendars are marked with Friday being our last day of classes but that doesn’t mean the learning has to stop there. We have several opportunities for students to continue to achieve over the summer. The Reading-Care-A-Van has scheduled stops at Cline, CCMS, Grant’s Lick, Campbell Ridge, Reiley and even Lowes in Highland Heights. Click here for complete details including dates and times.

Not just academics

Summer learning isn’t all about hitting the books. Sometimes it’s about hitting the ball or hitting the court or even hitting the lights. Students from elementary to high school can engage in some summer learning through camps being offered at our middle and high schools. Students can improve their athletic skills in football, boy’s basketball, girl’s basketball, wrestling and volleyball. Students can also take to the stage and learn the finer points of drama at Spotlight camp. Click on the links to learn the details of each.

Calendar

We’re just about at the end so the calendar is busier than ever. Of course among the biggest celebrations of the year is graduation. This year’s will be held on May 26 at 4:30 p.m. at the Northern Kentucky Convention Center. Other events include 8th grade awards night, spring sports ceremony and 5th grade recognition ceremonies. Be sure you’ve checked the calendar and know all of the programs you want to attend.

Decision Makers

The next meeting of the Board of Education is June 11 at Central Office at 7 p.m. A complete listing of the meetings is available at www.campbellcountyschools.org/main/district/boemtgschedule.php.