Volume 10 Issue 13 March 7 2013 - Owensboro Public Schools

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March 7, 2013 Volume 10 Issue 13
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News from Owensboro Public Schools
2013
OPS ANNUAL
FINE ARTS
FESTIVAL
Monday, March 18 – 7:00 p.m. – Choir
Tuesday, March 19 – 7:00 p.m. – Band
Wednesday, March 20 – 7:00 p.m. – Orchestra
Tuesday, March 26 – 7:00 p.m. – Drama at OHS
Wednesday, March 27 – 7:00 p.m. – Dance
Thursday, March 28 – 9:15 a.m. & 12:00 p.m. - Dance
All performances are free and open to the public.
March 18 th , 19 th , 20 th , 27 th and 28 th performances
are at the RiverPark Center.
Our theme, “OPS Celebrates Life!” is an expression of the many activities our
students enjoy every day in our schools. Our dance event “Dancing with the
Stars” will have videos of dancers created by Channel 73 playing while our
students perform with the videos. Each of the music events will feature
hundreds of performers and exhibit many of our smaller ensembles. Our drama
night will include outstanding performers from our Rose Curtain Players and our
new OMS Drama department.
Come out and enjoy the success that is OPS Fine Arts!
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SUPERINTENDENT SCREENING COMMITTEE
Owensboro Public Schools is making progress toward finding a new superintendent. The
Board of Education has now established the superintendent screening committee. Following
the required procedures established in KRS 160.352, the following people will serve on
Owensboro Public Schools’ superintendent screening committee:
Board Appointee: John Blaney
Principal Representative: Steve Bratcher
Teacher Representative: Gina Davis
Teacher Representative: Ryan Williams
Classified Representative: Jennie Hatcher
Parent Representative: Char Rhoads
Minority Parent Representative: To be elected March 12, 2013
According to Owensboro Public Schools Board Policy 02.1, the superintendent screening
committee has the following responsibilities:
1. Screen all candidates;
2. Employ any reasonable means it chooses to screen candidates;
3. Report its recommendations to the Board on the prescribed date; and
4. Consider additional responsibilities as assigned by the Board.
Also, in accordance with KRS 160.352(f), if no minority is appointed or elected in districts of
eight percent (8%) or more a minority parent member shall be elected by the parents in an
election. Parents in the district shall be given adequate notice of the time, date, place, and the
purpose of the election.
Announcement for Minority Election
There will be a meeting for all parents who have children that attend the Owensboro Public
Schools for the purpose of electing a minority parent to the superintendent screening
committee on Tuesday, March 12, at 7:00 p.m. at the Owensboro Public Schools Central
Office located at 450 Griffith Ave., Owensboro, KY. 42301. Those minority parents
wanting to serve on the superintendent screening committee will need to make a 1-2 minute
presentation sharing their interest and qualifications to serve on the superintendent screening
committee at this meeting. All parents attending the meeting will have an opportunity to vote
for one of the minority parents who made a presentation to serve on the superintendent
screening committee. Questions or clarification contact Mr. Phil Eason at 270.799.1256.
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DECISION OF THE COMMISSIONER
Kentucky Education Commissioner Terry Holliday has notified the superintendent that our
request for one (1) disaster day for Owensboro High School for January 28, 2013, has been
approved. Pursuant to 702 KAR 7:140, Section 5, a disaster day may be authorized if a
school is forced to close due to an emergency. OHS had to close for one day, Jan. 28 th , due
to a break in the main water line that supplies the school. With this approval, that day will
not have to be made up by OHS students but all staff members will need to make up the day.
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OHS UPCOMING EVENTS
Thursday, March 7: March 6-9 – Drama – Southeastern Theatre Conference at KY
Center for Arts; Louisville
Tennis – Boys’/Girls’ vs. Cloverport at Moreland/KWC; 4:15 p.m.
Friday, March 8: March 6-9 – Drama – Southeastern Theatre Conference at KY Center for Arts;
Louisville
Tennis – Boys’/Girls’ vs. Grayson Co. at Grayson Co. Middle School; 4:15 p.m.
Saturday, March 9: March 6-9 – Drama – Southeastern Theatre Conference at KY Center for
Arts; Louisville
Baseball – Varsity vs. Meade Co. (Home); 12:00
Softball – V/JV vs. McLean County (Scrimmage) (Home); 12:00
OHS Intramural Basketball, North Gym; 10:00 a.m.
Other OHS Upcoming Events:
March 11 – Tennis – Boys’/Girls’ vs. Warren Central at Warren Central H.C.; 4:30 p.m.
March 12 – Jr. College Fair, South Gym; 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
Army Recruiter, Café during Lunch Shifts
Baseball – Varsity vs. Warren Central (Home); 6:00 p.m.
Tennis – Boys’/Girls’ vs. Apollo at Apollo H.S.; 4:00 p.m.
March 13 – Band – KYSTE – Red Steel Performance in Louisville
March 14 – Baseball – Varsity/JV vs. Union Co. (Away); 5:30 p.m.
Softball – V/JV vs. Union County (Scrimmage) (Home); 5:30 p.m.
Tennis – Boys’/Girls’ vs. Owensboro Catholic at Moreland/KWC; 4:00 p.m.
Track – Boys’ Muhlenberg County All-Comers at Muhlenberg Co.
March 15 – Baseball – Freshman vs. Union Co. (Home); 5:00 p.m.
Baseball – Varsity vs. Allen County @ South Warren Leadoff Classic; 7:30 p.m.
Softball – V/JV vs. Whitesville Trinity (Home); 5:30 p.m.
March 16–18 – Academic Team – State Governor’s Cup, Galt House, Louisville
March 16 – Baseball – Varsity vs. Butler Country at South Warren Leadoff Classic; 3:30 p.m.
Baseball – Varsity vs. South Warren at South Warren Leadoff Classic; 6:00 p.m.
OHS SOFTBALL FUNDRASIER
The Lady Red Devils Softball team is selling OHS long and short
sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, training jackets, caps, fitted and
v-neck t-shirts. If you would like to purchase any of these
materials, contact OHS softball coach Steve Strong at
steve.strong@owensboro.kyschools.us
OHS FACULTY MEMBER RECOGNIZED
Christie Haire was asked by ETS (Educational
Testing Service) to be a question leader at the AP
Physics reading this summer. This is a
demonstration of Mrs. Haire’s effectiveness as a
classroom Physics teacher.
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GIRLS SWIM TEAM NEWS
It was another successful State Championships for the
OHS Girls Swim Team at the University of Louisville.
Of the four Relay splits, three were Lifetime Best
Performances at State to end the season. The Girls 200
Yard Freestyle Relay moved up to place 31 st in the
single class event recording their best time of the season.
State Relay Team members included:
8th graders, Emma Hillis and Lily Hall, senior &
captain, Mackenzie Morris, and sophomore, Brooke
Anne Bedingfield.
OHS CHEERLEADER
Congratulations to senior Austin Clark. Austin has been chosen as a
member of the UCA cheerleading staff. . The UCA (Universal Cheerleading
Association) sponsors the national cheerleading competition each year.
Austin will be working at camps held by UCA in various locations.
INFINITE CAMPUS IPHONE APP
Receiving up-to-date information about your child’s grades is easy. Simply
go to the “app store” and search for Infinite Campus. Install (it’s free) and
then enter the district ID JNZWJF. You can set your push notifications to
receive updates if a grade is entered in IC. Pretty cool way to keep up with
grades! This will also work on the Droid.
News from Owensboro Middle School
UPCOMING OMS EVENTS
March 10 th -12 th – KUNA in Louisville
Wed., March 13 th - 8:00-2:00 - Youth Summit at KWC
Friday, March 22 nd - Spring Pictures-North/South
Saturday, March 23 rd –7:00 a.m. -1:00 p.m. - OMS Garage Sale – North Gym
Tuesday, March 26 th - 3:00 – Track Inter-Squad Scrimmage at OMS Track
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5 th GRADE ACADEMIC TEAM
The OMS 5th Grade Academic Team
brought home the District Championship
for the first time since 2009. The
following students placed and advanced to
the Regional Competition on March 23rd:
Mathematics: Radley Worth - 2nd Place,
AJ Iracane - 4th Place, and John Barker
- automatic advancement with a score of
24.
Composition: Keelee Wheatley - 1st Place District Champion
Social Studies: Clayton Rhoads - 1st Place District Champion, Jack Lashbrook - 2nd
Place, and Kaitlyn Beers - 4th Place

Language Arts: Nolia Williams - 2nd Place
Arts & Humanities: Nolia Williams - 1st Place District Champion, and Paige Castlen - 4th
Future Problem Solving: 2nd Place
Quick Recall - District Champions - went undefeated winning all 4 games they played!
Quick Recall Team Members: Clayton Rhoads – Captain, Radley Worth, Fernando
Franco, AJ Iracane, Nolia Williams, Jack Lashbrook, Caleb Rush, and John Barker.
Team coaches are Sarah Lamb, Jeremiah Hinson, Nathan Hart, Olivia Saunders, Ashley
Harrington, Amanda Ballard, and Josh Sullivan.
OMS STUDENTS EXCEL AT MASON-DIXON GAMES
Owensboro Middle School students turned in outstanding performances in the Mason-Dixon
Games in Louisville on Friday, March 1. The Girls Track Team placed 2 nd and was the State
Runner Up, and the Boys Track Team finished 5 th overall. Maliyah Taylor - Set a meet
record in the 60 Meter Dash, Kamya Barrett - placed 1 st in the Shot Put, and Brooklyn
Hinton - placed 3 rd in the Shot Put. Trey Sturgeon - placed 2 nd in the Long Jump, and 4 th in
the 60 Meter Dash.
OMS RUMMAGE SALE- NORTH CAMPUS MARCH 23
Booth Rental is available for the Rummage Sale/Flea Market at OMS North
Gym on Saturday, March 23 rd . Set up will be on March 22 nd . The cost is
$20.00 for a (10 X 12) space; You may also rent the following items for your
booth: Table Rental $5.00 and Clothing Rack Rental $5.00.
Don’t miss out on your chance to rent a booth. If interested please call 270-686-1130, and
ask for the North Campus ext. 2204 or e-mail gina.berry@owensboro.kyschools.us or
melanie.critchelow@owensboro.kyshools.us
News from Cravens Elementary School
ATTENTION, CRAVENS 4TH GRADE PARENTS:
Cravens and OMS-South Family Resource Centers are hosting a
parent group called Guiding Good Choices, beginning on
Monday, March 11 th , in the Cravens Commons Area at 6:00
p.m. This group is to help your child transition into the middle
school setting. A light meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. Child care will be provided for
school age children through 6 th grade. Reserve your spot today by calling 686-1190.
CRAVENS FAMILY FUN NIGHT
Cravens Title I, FRC and 21 st Century programs are hosting a Birthday Celebration
in honor of Dr. Seuss. TONIGHT, March 7 th , at 6 p.m. There will be Special
Guest Reader! Register for one of many door prizes.
CRAVENS SPRING PICTURES
Spring Pictures will be Friday, March 8. Money is due the day of pictures.
SNOW WHITE and ROSE RED
The Cravens 3 rd graders will be enjoying a special presentation of “Snow White
and Rose Red” at the RiverPark Center on Friday, March 15.
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News from Estes Elementary School
ESTES PTO MEETING
The next Estes PTO meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 7 th , at 3:30 p.m.
CONNECTION AT ESTES
The Connection meetings are scheduled for the week of March 11-15. This is a great
opportunity for parents to learn more about what their children are working on in school. We
hope to see you there! The different grade levels will meet on the following days:
Kindergarten: Monday, March 11 th , at 1:00
1 st grade: Wednesday, March 13 th , at 12:00
2 nd grade: Thursday, March 14 th , at 9:30
3 rd grade: Friday, March 15 th , at 10:30
4 th grade: Friday, March 15 th , at 8:30
ESTES BOOK FAIR
It’s Book Fair time once again! The Scholastic Book Fair will be open in
the library media center from Thursday, March 14 th , until Friday,
March 22 nd . Everyone is invited to come by and look for some great
books. All proceeds from the sale benefit the Estes Elementary library
media center.
ESTES FAMILY MATH AND READING NIGHT
Thursday, March 14 th , at 5:30 p.m., is the Estes Elementary Family
Math and Reading Night. All Estes families are invited to attend this
fun event. There will be math games; students will be able to take AR
tests; refreshments will be served; door prizes will be awarded. You
won’t want to miss this! The Book Fair will also be open this evening,
so plan to stop by the library as well.
SPRING PICTURES AT ESTES
Smile! Spring pictures will be taken at Estes on Friday, March 15 th .
ESTES DONUTS FOR DADS
Donuts for Dads will be served on Wednesday, March 20 th , at 7:20 a.m.,
by the Family Resource Center. All dads, stepdads, grandfathers, and
uncles are invited to stop by the cafeteria and enjoy a delicious donut and
then stop by the Book Fair with their child.
ESTES GRADE LEVEL NEWS
Kindergarten: The Estes kindergarteners are learning all about the signs of spring that are on
the way. They are also beginning a unit on transportation. Keep in mind that the field trip
money to go to the zoo is due by April 15 th .
1 st grade: The 1 st graders had a surprise visit from “The Adjective
Man” who helped them learn how to make their writing more exciting
by adding adjectives. They hope to have another grammar superhero
visit them soon. They are also working on informational reading and
writing as they research penguins. Read the Most From Coast to Coast
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was a big success and the 1 st graders enjoyed taking so many AR tests on Friday, March 1 st .
2 nd grade: 2 nd grade is still working on inferencing. Help your children by asking
them questions that require them to read between the lines. Students are
continuing to work on adding and subtracting three digit numbers in math and in
science they are finishing up weather and clouds.
3 rd grade: In reading and writing the 3 rd graders are working on an author
study on Patricia Polacco and learning about theme, character traits,
comparing and contrasting, summarizing, and personal
narratives/memoirs. In math they are currently working on fractions and
will soon go on to geometry. In science, they are studying how electricity
is made and used.
4 th grade: The 4 th grade luau cluster just finished their first scrimmage and we could not be
happier with their effort! This week in math, students are continuing to study fractions. In
writing, students are diving into all types of figurative language, including similes,
metaphors, alliteration, and onomatopoeia. In reading, students are working on poetry. They
have another scrimmage coming up next Wednesday, so please help your child prepare to do
his/her best.
News from Foust Elementary School
READ ACROSS AMERICA AT FOUST
The week of March 4-8 is D.E.A.R. (Drop Everything and Read) Day at Foust. Staff and
students wore their READ T-Shirts to school on Wednesday.
FOUST’S “CAPABLE KIDS”
Capable Kids meet each week after school. They do role-playing,
play lots of fun games, and work on educational skills. “This is one
of the best times of my week,” – Foust student.
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News from Newton Parrish Elementary School
NEWTON PARRISH STUDENTS OF THE MONTH FOR FEBRUARY
The following students were recognized
for demonstrating our Core Concept,
PEACE, throughout the month and year.
1 st Row: Laquacia Hayden, Alexis
Bartimus, Briar Miller, Aubrey Clark,
Summer Applegate, Paige Yuck. 2 nd
Row: Zacharia Cox, Max Bridges,
Naudaya Dean, Emily Elliott, Liv Szabo,
Cher Szabo. 3 rd Row: Kris Luck, Darryn
Gage, Lucy Raines, Grant Kingsley,
Nevada Devon, Paige Bosley, Rosie
Basham.
PARRISH FAMILY MATH NIGHT, THURSDAY, MARCH 14, 6:00-7:30
Plan to attend this fun and engaging night for Newton Parrish students and their parents!
Parents will learn how math is taught in our classrooms, ways to help your children at home,
and ways to take advantage of the “teachable moments” that math presents in daily life. All
families will receive a math gift bag to take home.
NEWTON PARRISH STUDENTS & STAFF EXCEED READING GOAL
Newton Parrish students and staff surpassed their goal of reading
800 Follett Shelf ebooks during February by reading well over
1000 books! Our new challenge is to keep reading and start adding
reviews of Follett Shelf books that we read at home and school. To
see video of our assembly where Mr. Bratcher was “royally slimed”
(like King Derwin of Bartholomew and the Oobleck), go to
http://www.youtube.com/watchv=pcV490FVUJg . Thanks to Mr.
Dave Kirk, OPS Channel 73 Director, for filming and posting the
video.
HOOPS FOR HEART RESULTS
Mrs. Hamilton announced that Newton Parrish students raised nearly $3,000 for the
American Heart Association in their Hoops for Heart fundraiser. The names of four
fundraising students were drawn to spend the day with Mrs. Hamilton, Ms. Tullis, Mr.
Bratcher, or Mr. Lloyd.
News from Sutton Elementary School
SPRING PICTURES AT SUTTON
Life Touch Photography will be at Sutton on Friday, March 8 th , for spring
portraits. This year for the first time spring pictures are prepaid, therefore
only students who have returned the payment envelope will have the
opportunity to be photographed. Even if you choose to pay online the
envelope must be returned. Sutton receives a percentage of each paid package
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which helps support many of the activities we provide for our students. Tell your children to
wear their best smile!
“READING GIVES YOU SUPER POWER!” – SUTTON BOOK FAIR
Help create high voltage readers in our Story Laboratory at the annual Spring
Book Fair the week of March 11 th -15 th . Preview day for the students will be
Monday, March 11 th and the Story Laboratory (Media Center) will be open
Tuesday March 12 th through Friday, March 15 th , 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. for
shoppers. This will be an excellent opportunity to pick up some new reading
selections for your children for Spring Break and there will also be some
interesting offers for adults too.
SUTTON’S GRANDPARENTS’ LUNCH
Grandparents of Sutton students are cordially invited to come and dine
with their grandchildren on Wednesday, March 13 th , for children in
grades K and 1 st or on Thursday, March 14 th , for children in grades
2 nd , 3 rd and 4 th . Reservation slips have gone home and should be
returned to the school office as soon as possible. It is important to
complete the form to assist the lunchroom in making preparations.
Students will be dining on an altered lunch schedule these days so please be aware of these
time changes.
BRAVO! BRAVO!
The following Sutton students were recently selected to participate in
Owensboro Dance Theatre’s Production of “In Concert Featuring Snow
White and the Red Rose” to be held March 15 th and 16 th at RiverPark
Center: Kaeli Colbert, Abigail Dockery, Maegan Hale, Cece
Hemingway, Maya Joska, Jenna Kuegel, Emma North, AnaKaye
Roberts, Aubrey Self, Grace Taylor and Ellie Watson.
News from Hager Preschool
GREEN EGGS AND HAM
March 2 nd was Dr. Seuss’s birthday. On Friday, March 1 st , Hager students enjoyed Green
Eggs and Ham for breakfast in his honor.
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SPRING PICTURE DAY IS MARCH 12 TH AT HAGER
Photographers will be at Hager Preschool on Tuesday, March 12 th , to take spring
pictures and graduation pictures for those children going to kindergarten next year.
See your family advocate for order forms if you have not received one.
MATH NIGHT AT HAGER
Thursday, March 14, Mrs. Lenora and Mrs. Lana’s classes at Hager will be
presenting a math night for parents and children. Please join us as
Math Specialist Vicki Shelton will present math games to
strengthen math skills and prepare our students for kindergarten.
Pizza will be served for all those in attendance. See you then.
News from District Health Nurse
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STEP-IN REPORTERS:
Cravens Elementary – Shannon Rafferty; Estes Elementary – Kristy Lovett;
Foust Elementary – Steve Bridgmon, Newton Parrish Elementary – Patti Moore;
Sutton Elementary – Mary Meyer; Owensboro Middle School – Karen Crisp; Owensboro
High School – Jeff Hauke; Hager Preschool – Jeffrey Johnson; Health News – Gay Lynn
Lile; District News - Julie Ellis & Janet Suwanski, Editor – Janet Suwanski
Step-In (Schools That Embrace Parent INvolvement) is an e-newsletter sent out approximately
every two weeks for OPS parents, family members, employees, and anyone who is interested in
learning more about our schools. Read about the exciting events, accomplishments and activities
of our students and staff. Keep up-to-date on news throughout our school district. Give us
feedback, ideas and suggestions. We're here to serve the students of Owensboro Public Schools -
Every Student, Every Day! To provide feedback or get additional information, email
Janet.Suwanski@owensboro.kyschools.us or call 270-686-1000.
Have you joined our mailing list It’s free! To ensure that you continue to receive STEP-In, please subscribe
by logging on to the OPS home page at www.owensboro.kyschools.us and select “Subscribe to STEP-IN” under
Quick Links and complete the subscription form. As a subscriber, you will receive this e-newsletter, “news
flash” special bulletins about school closings, etc. To be removed from our mailing list or unsubscribe, please
follow the same procedure above and click on “unsubscribe.”
**For detailed information regarding school events visit
http://www.owensboro.kyschools.us/calendarix/calendar.php or contact the school.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY
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, 450 Griffith Avenue, Owensboro, Kentucky 42301 or phone (270) 686-1000.
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