Volume 4 Issue 2 - Owensboro Public Schools

Volume 4 No. 2
S
August 18, 2005
News from Owensboro Public Schools
OPS enrollment up 139 over last year’s number
Enrollment in the Owensboro Public Schools has increased by 139 students over this
corresponding time last year to bring the total number of K-12 students to 4,016 as of
August 15. This is the second consecutive year that enrollment has increased. Hager
Preschool’s approximately 300 students are not counted in the enrollment number. K-12
enrollment was 3,829 in 2004 and 3,877 in 2005.
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FOUST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL RECEIVES $5,000 GRANT
Lowe’s Donates Money For school’s “Beautify Foust” Project
Owensboro, KY – Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation has awarded a $5,000
Toolbox for Education grant to Foust Elementary School for the “Beautify Foust”
project.
The school’s “Beautify Foust” project will be kicked off Saturday, September 23 rd by a
partnership involving Foust staff, families, alumni, and community volunteers. Outdoor
classrooms to facilitate learning in a natural setting will be added to the school’s
courtyard. In addition, the first phase of the Foust Community Walking Trail serving the

school, Audubon Area Community Services, and surrounding community will also be
landscaped.
“The grant in Owensboro represents Lowe’s commitment to education,” said Larry D.
Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting local
schools like Foust Elementary, we believe we are not only investing in community
projects that are important to our customers and employees, but we’re also helping
schools build a stronger foundation for the children who will be tomorrow’s employees,
homeowners and community leaders.”
Launched in partnership with PTO Today, a leading organization serving parent-teacher
groups, Toolbox for Education grants of up to $5,000 are available for the 2006-2007
school year for a wide range of improvement projects at up to 1,000 schools nationwide.
Parent groups may apply by visiting www.ToolboxforEducation.com. All K-12 schools
in the United States are eligible.
OHS Upcoming Events
Aug. 20-Sept. 1 MAP Testing (during school, all freshmen)
Aug. 21
SBDM Council Meeting, 4:00 p.m., Media Center
Aug. 22
Senior Parent Meeting, 7 PM, auditorium, regarding college
application process, scholarship searches, and financial aid
Aug. 25
A/A, 1:25-1:45 p.m.; Ask Your Student for His or Her Progress
Report Today!
Aug. 28
Jostens will be here to distribute Senior keys, class rings, and
accessories during lunch shifts
Aug. 28
PSTO Board Meeting, 5:00 p.m., Media Center
Aug. 3
Progress Reports Mailed
Sept. 12
Senior College Fair, 12:00-12:50 p.m., Brescia University, lunch
TBA
Sept. 14
Parent Teacher Conferences (5:00- 8:00 pm)
Sept. 15
Parent Teacher Conferences, 10:00am – 1:00pm
Sept. 19
Senior Picture Make-up Day, 8:30 am, auditorium
Sept. 20
PLAN for sophomores at OHS
Sept. 21
Senior Picnic - 11:00- 1:00 - Moreland Park
Sept. 23
JROTC Drill Meet @ Madisonville North
Sept. 23
PSAT Practice Test, 12:00-4:00 p.m., OHS Cafeteria
OHS Creates Global OHS
What is this Global OHS I’m hearing so much about? This is the new name for the
pathway that includes English, foreign language, and social studies. Affiliated extracurricular
clubs are Foreign Language Club, Mock Trial, Co-Ed Y, Young Republicans,
Young Democrats, Academic Team, and Japanese Club. Students who would you like to
be on the Advisory Board must fill out an application through any of the Global OHS
teachers. What a great way to be involved in this outstanding pathway!

21 st Century Community Learning Center News
The OHS 21 st Century Community Center is open for a seventh year of providing top
quality enrichment and academic activities before and after the regular school day. We
even have activities available for our students during the Fall and Spring Break -
Summer, too! Once again, we offer most of our activities free of charge and provide free
snacks as well as bus transportation home. The OHS administration has been very
successful in engaging our students’ participation in at least one extra-curricular activity,
and the OHS 21 st Century program is happy to help achieve this goal.
Our 21 st CLC is able to address academic needs by providing math and English tutoring
outside of the regular school hours, Portfolio Help, ACT Preparation Classes, PSAT
preparation workshops, and other academic programs as the need arises. We’re hoping to
offer Science tutoring for the first time this year. In addition, we sponsor a peer-tutoring
program for our English as Second Language students. And finally, the OHS Center will
continue to offer a wide variety of core-content related enrichment activities that are both
interesting and fun, such as Photography Club, Art Team, Strategic Games, Cooking, and
Fitness Clubs. Several new activities are in the works for this year as well. More on that
later! Activities will begin August 21 st .
Teachers and parents, please encourage your student to participate in one of our many
after school activities! If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Joanne
Gary, OHS 21 st CCLC Coordinator, Room 142, 686-1174
06-07 Devilettes Announced
Erin Gish, Captain
Lacie Simon
Cassie Helm
Brittany Alessi
Jessica Tong
Carla Meredith
Hillary Phillips
Adrienne Cooper
Niki Young
Melissa Carden
Michael Simon
The Devilettes are eagerly preparing for the 2006-2007 season. This year, the squad
hopes to acquire new uniforms and will be fundraising all year in order to do so. The
team has tentatively scheduled a Lil’ Devilettes Dance Camp for October 6, 2006. Lil
Devilettes Dance Camp will be on October 6 from 4 p.m. -6 p.m. in the gym for children
grades pk-5 Cost will be $25 which includes a t-shirt and a snack. Call, email, or see
Renee Hargrove, the team’s sponsor, for other questions.
College Entrance Tests
When should a student begin taking the college entrance tests? It is recommended that
students begin taking the ACT and /or SAT during the spring of their junior year. This
allows time for the student to retake the test, if he/she so chooses, two to three times
before college and scholarship applications are due in the fall of the senior year. These
tests are used as part of the criteria for college entrance and for many scholarship
applications. Most in-state schools require the ACT; the SAT is required by some in state
for specific programs and by some out-of-state colleges and universities. Students should

e thinking about where they want to go to school, find out which test is required and if
the ACT Writing is recommended or required. Students may register on line or pick up a
registration packet in the guidance office.
Practice tests are given to prepare students for these exams. The PLAN test which is the
practice test for the ACT will be given to all sophomores on September 20. The PLAN
tests in four areas: math, English, science reasoning and reading. This test gives a good
estimate of how students will do on the ACT if they continue doing academically what
they are doing presently. It also includes a very good interest inventory that may help
students with their career goals.
The PSAT is the practice SAT and will be given to interested juniors and sophomores on
October 18. The SAT is a college entrance exam required by many out of state schools
and some Kentucky schools. The PSAT is used to qualify students for the National Merit
and other Scholarships. (Many companies use this as a qualifier for their employee’s
children’s scholarships, check with your employer to see what scholarships they offer
their families and check on the application criteria.) The PSAT measures verbal
reasoning, critical reading, math problem solving and writing skills. A sample test will be
given to those interested in testing. The $12 fee must be paid by the September 13,
deadline to avoid a late fee charge. Students will be registered upon receipt of the
registration fee. This test will be available to sophomores on an “if room only” basis. Any
sophomore who feels that he /she is strong enough academically to be in contention for a
National Merit Scholarship their junior year is encouraged to take the test this year as a
practice for their real PSAT their junior year. The registration fee should be given to Mrs.
Main, the guidance secretary. (Fee waivers may be available to juniors only who are on
free or reduced lunch.) This year we will once again offer a free PSAT Practice session
for juniors on Saturday, Sept. 23, from noon to 4:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. We will give a
full length PSAT test, take a snack break, and then have an English and math teacher to
answer questions they have concerning test items. Interested juniors need to sign up when
they register for the PSAT.
Free Standardized Test Prep
Partnering with the Princeton review, the Army offers a free website for test preparation
and practice for standardized tests (including college entrance exams). The website
requires registration and programs are designed for 11 th grade and up. The Army
partnered with the Princeton Review in developing these tools. Go to
www.march2success.com to register.
DISCOUNT CARDS FOR SALE
OMS and Sutton Elementary PTOs are together selling fabulous Discount Cards for only
$10 each!!! You'll more than get your money back by using this card as well as
supporting the students at OMS or Sutton! Buy one from an OMS or Sutton student
today or contact either school’s office.

SCHOOL PICTURE DAY
School pictures will be taken at OMS on Thursday morning, August 31 st . We need parent
volunteers to help anytime from 9:00 until about 1:00. If you can help please contact
Janet Suwanski at 686-1134. Students will pre-pay for their pictures at the time their
picture is taken (if they don’t like the photo they can have it retaken on retake day on
October 18.) The correct amount of money must be in each order envelope because no
change can be made on picture day.
Watch for the order form that your child will bring home in the next few days.
PRE-ORDER OMS LONG SLEEVE T-SHIRTS & SWEATSHIRTS
All students were recently given a form to take home to their parents to pre-order the
dress code OMS long sleeve t-shirts and sweatshirts. They come in a variety of colors
and sizes. No payment is necessary until the shirts come in. Long sleeve t-shirts cost $8
and sweatshirts cost $10. Get your order in early!
UPCOMING SPORTS EVENTS
Football Games – Aug. 24 at 4:30 - OMS vs. Catholic Middle (home)
Aug. 29 at 5:30 - OMS vs. Henderson North (home)
Soccer –
August 21 at 6:00 – OMS vs. Holy Name (home)
August 26 at 10:30 a.m. – OMS vs. Moss (Warren Central)
August 28 at 6:00 – OMS vs. Madisonville (away)
Girls Cross Country – August 26 at Yellow Creek Park
Sept. 2 at Madisonville
Boys Cross Country – Sept. 2 at Hancock County
INTRODUCTING New Staff
Amanda Ford – Instructional Assistant
In May of 2006 Amanda graduated from Owensboro Community and
Technical College with an Associate in Applied Science degree
specializing in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education. She hopes to
one day go back to college and receive a bachelor’s degree.
At the current time, Amanda is busy planning her wedding to Billy Sosh
on
October 14 th , 2006. Her hobbies include playing softball and volleyball,
scrap booking, working with kids at church, and just hanging out with
family and friends.
Amanda Wheat – 5 th grade teacher
Amanda graduated from Warren Central High School. She attended
Western Kentucky University where she graduated with a bachelor’s
degree in Elementary Education.

In her spare time Amanda loves to swim, spend time with her nephew, and
enjoy family cookouts and scrapbooking. She is engaged to Trey
Davidson whom she will marry on October 7, 2006.
Greg Brown – Fit for Life / Assistant P.E. Teacher
Greg is originally from Barnesville, GA where he graduated from Lamar
County High School. He moved to Owensboro where he received a
Physical Education degree from Kentucky Wesleyan College.
While attending KWC Greg played four years of football and now enjoys
being an assistant coach for the panthers.
Jason Harrison – Physical Education Teacher
Jason was born and raised in Owensboro and attended Owensboro Public
Schools, graduating from OHS in 2001. He graduated from Kentucky
Wesleyan College in December of 2005 and played tight-end for the
football team for four year.
Jason helps coach football at OHS and has a love for the outdoors as well
as participating in many sports and just staying active!
Melissa Patel – 6 th grade teacher
Graduated from Brescia University with a Bachelor’s degree in
Elementary and Special Education. She will be receiving a Master’s
degree in Early Childhood education from Murray State University in May
of 2007. Melissa has been teaching in the Owensboro Public Schools for
three years.
Melissa is the treasurer for the Owensboro Education Association.
Tina Matthis – 5 th grade teacher
Graduated from Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor’s Degree
in Elementary Education. Tina was a former employee of the Owensboro
5-6 Center as an Instructional Assistant. In her spare time, she enjoys
camping, swimming and spending time with family.
Grand Parent Support Group
August 31st
5:30 – 7 PM
Owensboro 5-6 Center Media Center
Topic: ADHD
Light snack and child care available
The Family Resource Center is recycling used ink cartridges. Please send them to
school with your child.
The Owensboro 5-6 Center offers Homework Help (Tuesday through Friday mornings,
beginning at 6:50 AM and on Monday and Thursday afternoons from 2:30 – 3:50 PM)

for any student who needs help to complete their homework or just have a quiet place to
study. Classroom teachers monitor this program and provide assistance. Busses will be
available after school (bus stops may be different from the students’ usual stop but will
be within walking distance from home). Homework Help is sponsored by 21 st Century
Community Learning Center Grant.
Child Card continues to be offered each day after school. There will be a few activities
offered just to students registered in this program. We are now a State licensed facility
and are able to accept KY child care assistance. If your child qualified at their
elementary school, this service is most likely available to you at the 5-6 Center. For
questions about this program please contact Nancy Avery – 21 st Century Coordinator at
686-1128 ext. 2314 or 993-4888.
After School programs are underway: Scrabble Club, Drawing Club, STLP, Scrap
booking, Running Club, Introduction to JROTC, Choir, Gardening and landscaping,
Archery and Lego Builders Club. More than 250 students have already chosen to be
involved in after school activities at the 5-6 Center.
Busses will be available to take students home. Bus stops may be different from the
students’ usual stop but will be within walking distance from home.
Perfect Attendance / No Tardies Drawing
The 5-6 Center has a perfect attendance and no tardies weekly drawing. The lucky
student is allowed to put one hand into a large container full of coins (nickels, dimes, and
quarters). Whatever doesn’t fall out of that lucky student’s hand is theirs to keep! The
following students were recent winners: Erika Thompson $8.28 and Madison Wood
$15.43.
Weekly Class Attendance Awards
Each week we recognize the class from each grade that has the highest attendance
percentage. The winning class will receive a traveling trophy, which also includes a
small treat. In addition, the winning class will get a special treat one day at lunch.
Recent winners were:
Week of 8-7-06
5 th Ms. Wheat 100%
6 th Mrs. Howard 99.73%
PARAGON FUNDRAISER
Many thanks to our great parents! Looks like we are having a very successful Paragon
Fundraiser this year thanks to our excellent students and supportive parents!
Fundraiser Prizes
Number of Items to Sell:
Prize Earned:
10 CD Clock
20 $10.00 + CD Clock
35 $20.00 + CD Clock
50 $30.00 + CD Clock

70 $40.00 + CD Clock
90 Entertainment Mat + CD Clock
Money Day Prizes
Turn in your money by “Money Day” (after delivery) and your name will be
entered into a DRAWING FOR AN MP3 PLAYER WITH VOICE RECORDER!
Ms. Beavers’ Lucky Drawings
Students that turn in their 7 item voucher during the sale will be entered into the
CASH DRAWINGS TO BE HELD EVERY OTHER DAY DURING THE SALE!
Money, Candy & Prize Scramble
Sell $150.00 or more. An assortment of prizes will be in the scramble and one
candy bar will be marked with BIG MONEY! This cash amount will match the
number of students qualifying for the scramble. The more student that qualify,
the HIGHER the cash amount will be!!!!
300 qualifying students = $300! 400 qualifying students = $400!
Beach Party:
Sell $200.00 or more and attend a BEACH PARTY with obstacle course and
beach fun bounce! Popcorn, drinks, music, and lots of fun!!!
Money due must be turned in to attend the party!
Pig Race:
Sell $250.00 or more and win a pig that you can enter in the Baby Pig Race! The
owner of the fastest pig will win a Surprise Prize Package ($100 retail value)!
Teacher Incentive
The teachers in the top three classrooms (based on average dollars sold per
student) will receive a Basket Full of Goodies!
Classroom prizes
Classrooms that have 100% of their money collected will receive MONEY
REWARDS! NOTE: Prize program is based on items sold with money turned in, not
on orders taken!
The following events will be taking place at the 5-6 Center:
Aug. 21 st -25 th
Aug. 21 st
Aug. 22 nd
Aug. 23 rd
Aug. 31 st
- Book Fair
- Paragon Fundraiser orders due
- Open House / Book Fair 5:30 – 6:30 PM
- Baggett’s class to Great Harvest Bread Co.
- Mid-Term Reports go home.
- Paragon Fundraiser orders delivered (if your child has a
substantial order, please make arrangements to pick up the order at
school).

Sept. 8 th
- Paragon Fundraiser money due.
Welcome Back!
This school year Cravens has many exciting changes in store for our students. We are
happy to introduce two new supplemental programs Number Worlds and Read Well.
Thanks to two grants received the new programs will be in Math and Reading. These
programs are designed to give selected students the extra skills to help ensure they are
successful. Screening for each programs are currently underway and students will be
selected soon. Ask your child’s teacher about these programs and look for information to
come home with your children soon.
21 st Century Programs
The before/after school programming is starting again! Student should be bringing home
registration information for the different programs. Please check your students’
backpacks and folders and return to school as soon as possible; program group sizes are
limited. Programming begins August 14 th .
Cravens’ Upcoming Events
August 14 Computer Club (3 rd gr.)
Literature Circle (4 th gr.)
15 Homework Help (a.m. in science lab)
Cooking Club (3 rd gr.)
Explorer’s Club (4 th gr.)
16 Homework Help (a.m. in science lab)
Open library (after school: must have an adult present)
17 Homework Help (a.m. in science lab)
Drama (am 2 nd gr. meets in music rm.)
Digital Studio (3 rd gr.)
18 SMILE- Fall pictures
Homework Help (a.m. in science lab)
Button Factory (4 th gr.)
September 1 Book Fair Begins
4 Labor Day – NO SCHOOL
Foust Paragon Fundraiser Ends Soon
Only one weekend remains for our Paragon fundraiser. All order forms are due on
Monday, August 21. Each child who sells at least one item will receive a prize.
Foust Open House & Ice Cream Social Scheduled
Meet your child’s teacher! Visit your child’s classroom! Enjoy delicious ice cream,
cookies, and punch! Foust families are invited to attend an open house and ice cream
social on Thursday, August 31. The open house begins promptly at 5:30 p.m. Mark your
calendar and make plans for your family to attend.

F.B.I. Membership Drive Continues
Become an active partner in your child’s education! Join the F.B.I. (Families Being
Involved) to help support your child’s school as well as to help plan family
fun/educational events at Foust. Individual membership costs $3.00. Family memberships
cost $5.00. Membership drive ends on August 31. The classroom with the largest
percentage of memberships wins a pizza party. Look in your child’s Wednesday folder
for more information.
“Beautify Foust” Possible through Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant
Foust Elementary School is the recipient of a Lowe’s Toolbox for Education grant. The
$5000.00 funding received will be used towards making the “Beautify Foust” project
possible. The project includes the creation of outdoor classrooms in the Foust courtyard,
landscaping the courtyard, and landscaping the first phase of the newly established Foust
Community Walking Trail. Watch for more information regarding a “Beautify Foust”
Day scheduled for September 23. Thank you Lowe’s!
Hats off to a New Year with Fathers Matter!
The first event of our new year is NEXT TUESDAY, August 22 from 5:30- 7:30 p.m. at
Foust Elementary (gym). “Hats Off to a New Year” will be a fun-filled night kids, dads
and male-mentors will not want to miss. Plan to wear a hat, or two, three, four or
more…yes – all at the same time! There will be crafts, dancing, dinner, a hat contest and
family photos! Call 686-1059 or 686-1058 to register your attendance. See you there!
It’s Coming…November 4…Foust 5K!
Foust receives Reading Grant
Gene Wilhoit, Commissioner of Education, informed Foust that their “Read to Achieve”
proposal was selected for funding in the amount of $70,000.00. The “Read to Achieve
Act of 2005” provides a comprehensive school wide reading program in each elementary
school. The renewable two-year grant creates a reading diagnostic and intervention fund
to assist schools in helping struggling readers. Many hours were dedicated to make this
proposal a success. A heartfelt thank you goes to Angela Hagan, Foust Elementary
School, and to Karen Collier, Owensboro Public Schools, for your time, energy, and
dedication.
Foust Mentoring Program
Foust Mentoring Program continues for 2005-2006 with an all time record of over 100
children having mentors. Not only are members of the staff mentoring but each 5th grade
student mentors a Kindergarten student. The mentoring program is one of the many ways
that relationships are fostered at Foust. Heather Thomas, Foust Elementary School
Counselor, coordinates this program. Thanks for all you do Mrs. Thomas!

Foust Families have the Right to Be Involved
Foust Elementary is having its annual F.B.I. (Families Being Involved) Membership
Drive. The cost of membership is $3.00/individual or $5.00/couple. During the month of
August, new members will receive $5.00 worth of tickets for use at the Fall Festival and
the Spring Festival. The class with the largest percentage of members will receive a pizza
party. For more information contact the Foust Family Resource Center at 686-1059.
Don’t hesitate, join today! Become a member and be involved with Foust Elementary
School!
Picture Day
Newton Parrish will conduct their fall school pictures on Wednesday, August 23 rd . Make
sure you have pretty smile with you that day.
NO-SCHOOL LABOR DAY
There will be no school on Monday, September 4 th due to the national holiday of Labor
Day.
Primary 3 Field Trip
The Newton Parrish Primary 3 students will be taking their annual trip to the RiverPark
Center to participate in the program Arts in the AM. This is an opportunity for the
students to have a hands-on experience to the Fine Arts productions at the RiverPark
Center.
September Series
Thursday, September 7 th starts the OPS September Series at Seven Hills. All district
schools will ask students to participate in the program. Registration begins at 4:00 and the
first race will start at 4:30. We hope to have our school well-represented at the meets.
Kindergarten Health Assessments
The Owensboro Medical Health System will conduct their annual kindergarten
assessments. The students will participate in a variety of physical skills and answer a
health survey. Please make sure your child has on tennis shoes and comfortable clothes.
Please click on the below websites provided for more information.
Shortcut to: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/childrens-conditions/CC00059
Step In e-newsletter
Step In is an electronic newsletter for OPS parents and family members, employees, and
anyone who is interested in learning more about our schools. As a subscriber, you will be
receiving this e-newsletter, “news flash” bulletins, and an OPS Cable Channel 53

Viewing Schedule. To subscribe, log on to the OPS home page at
www.owensboro.k12.ky.us and select “Subscribe to Parent Newsletter” and complete the
subscription form.
**For detailed information regarding these events visit www.owensboro.k12.ky.us/ or
contact the school.
Click here if you would like to be removed from these mailings.
Notice
Non-discrimination Statement
The Owensboro Board of Education does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex,
disability, age, religion, or marital status in providing educational opportunities, activities, or employment
practices in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of
1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
(revised 1992), and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and provide, upon request by qualified
disabled individuals, reasonable accommodations including auxiliary aids and service necessary to afford
individuals with a disability an equal opportunity to participate. For more information, contact Dr. Larry
Vick, Superintendent, at the Owensboro Board of Education, 1335 West Eleventh Street, Owensboro,
Kentucky 42301 or phone (270) 686-1000.