Seeing Blue

Students at the high school were honored by a visit from University of Kentucky President Dr. Lee Todd last week. I was especially pleased to have the president of my alma mater take time out of his busy schedule to speak at our high school.  He spoke to students about the importance of higher education and the ability of these “Kentucky kids” to compete in a global market. It was important for our students hear Dr. Todd's message. They need to be constantly reminded of their potential and their promise. They are not only able to compete but to achieve greatness.  Hopefully hearing that message reinforced by someone of Dr. Lee’s stature will be another incentive for them to work hard and do their best.

NCLB scores show progress

I’m proud to tell you that test scores are on the rise at CCS. Sixty-five percent of Campbell County Schools' students reached proficiency in reading according to No Child Left Behind. The percentage was only slightly less in math with 62 percent reaching proficiency. Both scores are well beyond the goals set for the district by the state. These increases are dramatic. From 2006 to 2007, 180 more students reached proficiency in reading. More than 250 more students reached proficiency in math. I’m incredibly proud of the large gains we made. This is just more proof that the many changes we made last year are having a positive impact on our students’ learning. CCS did meet 12 of 13 targets set by the state.  The only goal missed was for reading and math for students with disabilities at the high school and middle school level. All other areas saw significant increases including students who qualify for free and reduced lunch.  We will continue to work with all of our students to see that our scores continue to rise.

A letter will be sent home with students on Monday explaining the results and what the district plans to do to improve our results for next year.

You’re invited

I hope all of you will be able to join us for the special dedication of our newest facility. The  open house and grand opening of Crossroads Elementary is set for this  Sunday, Sept. 23. Gov. Ernie Fletcher  has agreed to be the keynote speaker for the event which will also include music performed by 5th grade students at the school, a flag presentation and the closing of the school’s time capsule.  The building will be open for tours 2-4 p.m. The dedication ceremony will begin at 3 p.m. Refreshments will be available after the ceremony. This is a great opportunity for the school and community to come together to celebrate what we’ve accomplished in the building of this school.

Calling all parents

Parents of Campbell County Schools students will soon hear about snow delays and other school announcements from their own phones. In October, CCS will begin using Call Command, a product of Cincinnati Bell that will allow administrators or me to phone all of the parents in a class, school or even the entire district at one time. It will give administrators a fast and effective way of reaching families with important messages including snow delays and closures, schedule changes, upcoming event dates and more.

Out of session

Please remember we do not have classes on Monday, Sept. 24. The schools are closed in order to give our teachers a day of planning. They will work together to improve teaching strategies and programs so CCS can continue to grow and improve.

Calendar

The upcoming weeks are filled with meetings, festivals and special events. Be sure to check the online calendar as well as the sports schedules for events you may want to attend.  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 Oct. 8 at Campbell County Middle School 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.