Elizabethtown Independent
November 17, 2014 6:00 PM
Regular Board of Education Meeting
I. CALL TO ORDER
Rationale

The November 17, 2014 Regular Board Meeting of the Elizabethtown Board of Education is Called to Order

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Rationale

"I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL"

III. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF BOARD MEETING AGENDA
Rationale

Pursuant to EIS Board Policy 01.45 Board Meeting Agenda, as part of the official agenda for each regular board meeting, the Superintendent shall prepare a consent agenda of routine business items.  Prior to the approval of the agenda the members of the board may request to "pull" any item from the consent agenda and place the item on the action agenda for further discussion and review.

IV. RECOGNITION OF GUESTS AND SPECIAL ACCOMPLISHMENTS
IV.A. Students of the Month
Rationale

ELIZABETHTOWN HIGH SCHOOL                        ZEKE PINKHAM

The EHS student of the month for November is Zeke Pinkham.  Zeke is a conscientious, hardworking student-a natural born leader in and out of the classroom.  He has been an instrumental player on the EHS baseball team for the past 7 years, helping the Panthers win both a district and region championship last year.  Because of his high school success on the baseball field, Zeke has made a verbal commitment to play baseball at the University of Louisville starting fall 2015.  Coach Pitts had this to say about Zeke, "Zeke has grown so much through his high school years.  I have coached him since he was a 6th grader.  Everyone knows that he is an excellent baseball player byt he has matured into a leader both on our team and in our school.  He has made great strides academically and he will represent this school district very well in his future endeavors."  Other teacher comments include:

Mrs. Dodson (English teacher):  I enjoy Zeke's willingness to provide his insights during class discussions and his cheerful demeanor.  He disarms all with his ever-present smile and positive attitude.  Doubtlessly, he will be successful in all his endeavors.

Mr. Todd (Personal Finance teacher):  Zeke is a very mature student athlete that is a leader in the classroom and on the baseball diamond.  He is the type of student athlete that you just know will be sccessful in whatever he chooses to do in life.  He has the drive, intelligence and personality to conquer anything he sets his sights on.

Mr. Yates(American Government teacher):  Zeke actively participates in every aspect of the government curriculum and makes everyone around him a better student by always focusing on what's at hand.

Mr. Brown (PE teacher):  Zeke is a model student in my PE 3 class.  Always eager to go above and beyond to help with anything that he can.  He has been a great student and just as importantly, a great person.  This recognitionis well deserved. 

 EHS is proud to recognize Zeke Pinkham as the November Student of the Month.

T.K. STONE MIDDLE SCHOOL                            HENRY WATERS

 Henry Waters is a well-rounded young man who plays football but also sings in the choir. He is also a conscientious student who does very well in the classroom. Because of his positive attitude, he is a delight to have in class. Henry is an excellent choice for the TKS Student of the Month.

HELMWOOD HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY                   MADELINE CURTIS

Madeline is a hard working student in Mrs. Clemons' 3rd grade class.  She excels in math and reading and has many outside interests.  Her greatest love is performing on stage.  Madeline recently performed in the Hardin County Theatre production of "The Wizard of Ox" where she was a Munchkin in the Lullaby League as well as a Poppy.  Other performing art productions that she's been in are "The Hobbit", where she played the Dwarf, Nori, and "Les Miserable" where she sang the part of Young Cossette.

Madeline enjoys singing, dancing, acting and writing.  She takes dance lessons at Centre Stage and piano lessons at the Louisville Academy of Music.  One of her favorite past times is drawing comics.  Her favorite is called "Super What What?".  She is also currently writing a movie in her spare time.

We are so proud of Madeline and happy to have her represent Helmwood Heights as our Student of the Month. 

MORNINGSIDE ELEMENTARY                             JOSIE SMALLWOOD

I'm honored to recognize Josie Smallwood as the student of the month for Morningside.  Josie is one of the most diligent students I have taught.  She comes to school every day prepared and ready to work.  Her smile is contagious and her caring, gentle spirit has become a model for all students.

In the classroom, Josie has great organizational skills; she has the ability to plan and organize not only her class work, but her thoughts as well.  She is hard-working and puts all her efforts into the task at hand.  She gets along with others, follows the rules, and does her best every day.  In October, she was recognized as a Paw Award winner for 3rd grade because she is a student that exemplifies the character education words, Respect and Responsibility. 

PANTHER ACADEMY                                          PHOENIX BELL

Phoenix is a model student in our classroom.  She is hard-working and always strives for excellence.  Phoenix has a huge heart and is constantly thinking about others.  She goes above and beyond her responsibilities as a student.  For example, at the beginning for the year she went through her toys at home and donated them to the classroom treasure box.  Phoenix is dependable, helpfull, respectful, and compassionate.  She is a perfect candidate for Panther Academy's student of the month.  Congratulations Phoenix, you deserve it! 

PANTHER PLACE                                                MEHFUZA MUSTARI

This is Mehfuza's first year at Panther Place.  She attends Helmwood Heights Elementary School where she is in Ms. Hepner's fifth grade class.  Mehfuza is an excellent student, being very responsible and conscientious.  Because of this, she was selected to be a tour guide during our recent Lights On open house.  She did an outstanding job.  Mehfuza is also kind towards other students.  Mrs. Pait, her Panther Place teacher told me that she often notices her going out of her way to assist others.  Mehfuza has been a wonderful addition to our program and I am happy to name Mehfuza as our student of the month.

VALLEY VIEW EDUCATION CENTER                      LANDON BANKS

Landon has made a lot of progress this year.  He is a hard worker and enjoys school.  His teachers shared that in class he follows directions and stays on task.  He loves to help the younger students and is a role model.  He gets along well with others and has a good sense of empathy.  A classmate said "Landon is a good friend because he lets me borrow his stuff and if he does something wrong, he always says he is sorry."  We are proud of Landon and his accomplishments.

IV.B. Ms. Kristin Willett - Artsonia's Annual Leadership Award
Rationale

Mrs. Kristin Willett, Art Teacher at Morningside Elementary School has been selected to receive the Artsonia Annual Leadership Award.  This honor is extended to teachers from only ten schools per state across the United States.

The Artsonia Leadership Award honors teachers who go beyond the classroom walls to encourage family and community involvement in Arts Education.  The award also recognized significant achievement in the area of technology integration within the school arts program. 

Ms. Willett's online art gallery ranks #4 in the state.  These results are based on the number of artwork published in the gallery, as well as her ability to cultivate a community of fan club members who actively support it.

IV.C. Ms. Bridgett Stinson - Mathematics Education Service and Achievement Award
Rationale

Ms. Bridgett Stinson, 1st Grade Teacher at Helmwood Heights Elementary School has been selected to receive the 2014 Mathematics Education Service and Achievement Award.

Each year, Kentucky Council of Teachers of Mathematics recognizes outstanding individuals in Mathemetics Education Service and Achievement. 

The MESA Award was created by KCTM and is designed to recognize outstanding mathematics teachers (K-16), education professionals (administrators, state department personnel, supervisors, etc.). and business and community leaders who have supported mathematics education.

KCTM wanted to shine a spotlight on folks around the state that were doing an outstanding job and impacting the quality of mathematics education positively across the state.  Bridgett was nominated not only for her outstanding work in the classroom with her children, but for the quiet, but effective leadership she adds to Helmwood Heights.

IV.D. E.H.S. Lady Panther Soccer Team - Regional Champions
Rationale

We are recognnizing the EHS Lady Panther Soccer Team for advancing to play in the KHSAA Girls State Soccer Tournament

Team Members:

Sydney Pinkham, Bailey Nall, Kiara Smith, Tianna Smith, Samantha Wilson, Ann Morgan Conway, Brittany Swiney, Dani Wilson, Rebecca Black, Riley Jones, Paige Palalay, Courtney Brangers, Emily Harrison, Isabelle Patterson, Carly Patterson, Brooke Hawkins, BethAnn Winebarger, Kyleigh Adams, Katie Thomas, Emma Vaught, Cierra Garcia, Carley Pyles

 

Head Coach:  Pat Black

Assistant coaches: Samantha Haire & Darryl Groth

 

V. APPROVAL OF CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS
V.A. Acknowledge Receipt of the SBDM Written Reports
Rationale

Attached are the October SBDM written reports from Elizabethtown High School, T.K. Stone Middle School, Helmwood Heights Elementary School, Morningside Elementary and Panther Academy for your review.

Attachments
V.B. Approve Board Meeting Minutes
Rationale

Attached are the minutes from the October 20, 2014 Regular Board Meeting and the November 6, 2014 Special Joint Board Meeting for your review/approval.

Attachments
V.C. Approve Fund Raising Request
Rationale

Pursuant to Board Policy 09.33 pertaining to fund raising activities, the District Schools submitted their Fund Raising Activities for approval in August. At this time, Elizabethtown High School is requesting approval for:

The EHS Beta Club would like to raise money, by accepting donations for Camp Tessa - a camp for kids with disabilities and is part of the WHAS Crusade for Children program.

The EHS Bowling Team:

1.) Requesting to accept donations throughout the season to help cover team expenses.

2.) Requesting to have fundraisers at local restaurants to help cover expenses.

3.) Requesting to sell tickets and hold a Bowl-A-Thon to cover expenses.

4.) Requesting to work Churchill Downs in the spring to help cover expenses.

5.) Requesting to sell spirit wear to help cover team expenses.

6.) Requesting sponsoring a Chili Supper with the profit going to cover expenses.

The EHS Bass Fishing Team:

1.) Requesting to solicit donations to help cover team expenses

2.) Requesting approval to sponsor a bass tournament to raise funds for anglers.

The EHS Archery Team:

1.) Sponsor a Shoot-A-Thon to help cover expenses.

2.) T-Shirt Sales to help cover expenses.

3.) Bow Raffle to help cover expenses

EHS Athletic Booster Club to hold a raffle to raise money for uniforms and equipment for EHS athletic teams.  They plan to raffle a TV and I-Pad mini.

Ms. Michelle Hart, Principal at Helmwood Heights Elementary is requesting approval for a School Spirit Vending Machine be placed in the school so the students can purchase school spirit stickers to raise money for classroom supplies.

 

Attachments
V.D. Approve Field Trip Request
Rationale

Attached are field trip requests from Mr. Steve Smallwood, Principal at Elizabethtown High School is seeking approval for:

EHS Beta Club to travel to Louisville, KY January 25-27, 2015 to attend the KY Beta Club Convention

EHS Tennis Team to travel to Lexington, KY May 13-15, 2015 to participate in the State Tennis Tournament(Contingent upon winning district and region)

EHS Cheerleaders to travel to Orlando, FL February 5, 2015-February 9, 2015 to compete at Nationals(contingent upon qualifying to compete)

Attachments
V.E. Approve the Schools Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC) Official FY 2015 KETS Offer of Assistance
Rationale

Attached is information from the School Facilities Construction Commission (SFCC) regarding their official FY-2015 KETS offer of assistance.  Acceptance of this offer of assistance commits the Board of Education to follow the statutes and regulations of the SFCC and the Kentucky Department of Education governing the Education Technology Funding Program.

This is the first offer of assistance in FY-2015.  Said offer is in the amount of $20,150 and is based on the final FY-2014 statewide ADA figures.  Accepted state technology fund offers of assistance must be matched equally by the Board of Education or can be escorwed for up to three (3) years.

 

Attachments
V.F. Approve the Treasurer's Monthly Financial Report and Payment of Bills and Claims (Those Paid Since Last Meeting for October 2014 and from Special Construction Accounts)
Rationale

Attached are the Treasurer's Monthly Financial Report (overview), Balance Sheet, Monthly Report, Year to Date Report, Cash Flow, Reconciliation Register, Vendor List and Special Construction Accounts.

Attachments
V.G. Report by Superintendent of Personnel Actions
Rationale

Attached are personnel actions that have taken place since the last meeting of the Board of Education.

Attachments
V.H. Approve Hardship Application for Early Graduation
Rationale

Attached is a harship application and letter of support from Mr. Craig Curtiss, M.P.S., M.A. requesting approval for early graduation assistance due to a hardship. 

"Students who experience extreme health or economic hardship may apply for assistance with graduation requirements for hardship reasons.  In the case of extreme hardship, the District may provide alternative methods for the student to complete District graduation requirements which may allow for early graduation.  Methods may include, but are not limited to, regular classroom instruction, alternative classroom instruction, online courses, performance-based opportunities, college programs, consideration of waiver of District requirements that exceed state minimums(the district cannot waive state minimums), or credit recovery."

 

VI. INSTRUCTIONAL FOCUS
VI.A. Codeing Club Presentation by Susan Ryan and Jason Hayes
Rationale

Mrs. Susan Ryan and Jason Hayes will make a presentation regarding Code Etown.

Code Etown provides students the opportunity to learn a 21st century skill as part of an after school club.  Code is the language that is entered into a computer which tells the computer what the person would like it to do.  Since nearly every aspect of our lives are touched by technology, being able to understand and write code gives students a competitive edge, whether that be in a tech career, as a career coder, or as someone who would like to develop his or her own website.  As the need for computer and technology savvy employees rise, states across the nation have sought to include computer programming into the high school curriculum.

Code Etown students will watch instructional videos online through Treehouse, an online training platform which teaches students the basics of web development, and meet once a week after school to work with mentors frou our community.  The three-four month committment will give most students ample time to complete the Front End Web Development track and earn a certificate of completion from Elizabethtown High School.

 

**Attached is a letter that will be sent home with the students if approved

Attachments
VII. ACTION ITEMS
VII.A. Consideration of Approval of Declaration of American Education Week
Rationale

American Education Week presents all Americans with a wonderful opportunity to celebrate public education and honor individuals who are making a difference in ensuring that every child received a quality education.

American Education Week will be observed the week of November 17-21, 2014.  Attached is a copy of the resolution declaring our observance of this event.  One resolution will be issued to each school to display in prominate space.

Attachments
VII.B. Consideration of Approval Establishing a Codeing Club for EIS and Associated Budget
Rationale

 We are requesting approval for the following:

  • Approval to establish the Code Etown Club as an extra-curricular club for EIS.
  • Approve the position of Sponsor for the Code Etown Club and Associated $500.00 Stipend.
  • Approve the budget for Code Etown Club of $1854.00 to cover the cost of criminal background checks on volunteers and the Treehouse Participation Fee.

VIII. CONSTRUCTION UPDATES
IX. NEW BUSINESS
X. EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING MATTERS AS OUTLINED IN KRS 61.810 (if needed)
XI. ADJOURNMENT