During the holiday season, our students have been given lessons not typically thought of when thinking of the classroom. Though you cannot teach gratitude, you can teach students the differences in cultures, giving them the knowledge to understand how much we have for which we should be thankful. Even in these harsh economic times, most of us have so much more than others. Still, some in our own community and in our own schools are in need. Food, clothing and holiday gift drives have stressed to students the needs of others and the importance of taking an active role in providing help to those in need. These lessons aren’t going to be on any state test but they are among the most important our students can learn.

H1N1 Clinic scheduled

The H1N1 virus has continued to be an issue during this school year. To minimize the effects of the virus on our students, we have partnered with the Northern Kentucky Health Department to hold a vaccination clinic on Dec. 8. All students were given consent forms to have signed by their parents. These are due to the school on Wednesday, Dec. 2. High school students will receive their vaccine during the school day. Younger students can be taken by their parents to Campbell County Middle School where vaccines will be given 2:30—6 p.m. The clinic is also available to CCS staff. Those who do not turn in their forms by the deadline date can still receive a vaccine if they bring the form to CCMS during the scheduled time. The form and other information about H1N1 is also available on our Web site.

You asked, we answered
In October, our Board of Education approved the calendar for the 2010-11 school year. I believe the changes we’ve made will make many of you happy. Each change was made based on the thoughts and opinions gathered in the calendar survey we conducted. More than 500 people participated in the survey, sharing their opinions on items such as the best start and end dates, the importance of spring and fall breaks and the best way to make up snow days. I am pleased with the outcome of the calendar and that we were able to use the input of our parents while still meeting the needs of students. The calendar is available online.

More FREDS on staff

As I’ve mentioned before, one of the best parts of my job is when I get to visit with students and staff in their own schools. It is especially nice when I bring along awards for our most recent Fred winners. In recent weeks I have presented awards to GLE Secretary Peggy Ahrman, CCHS teacher Pam Hamons, Reiley staff members Lindsey Mattingly, Shawna Ritzmann, Rita Mayes and Mary Beth Swinford (pictured along with a student); Maintenance Foreman Jerry Braun, CCMS Science Teacher Doni Beaupre, Elementary Media Specialist Emily Harmon, Bus Driver Joe Kraus, CCHS Guidance Secretary Denise Thiery, CCMS Teacher Shannon Schumacher, and CCHS Groundskeeper J.R. Rief.

Each of these staff members went beyond their job description to make CCS a better place for staff and students alike. If you know anyone  - either staff member or student—who regularly does Whatever It Takes to make CCS the best is can be, please nominate that person for the Fred Award.

Feedback wanted

Each year our district completes a District Improvement Plan for the state. It details our plans, priorities and goals for the coming year and near future. We are currently working on that plan and would like your feedback. A draft of the plan is available online. Please review the draft and provide us with your suggestions, questions and concerns.

Calendar
The coming weeks are filled with meetings, games, dances and more. You can view all of the dates on our online calendar. Be sure to mark your calendar with all of the dates that are important to you. 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 Monday, Dec 14, at 7 p.m. All meetings this year will be held in our new Boardroom in the Alexandria Educational Center. All meetings are open to the public and I encourage you to attend.