D-B EXCEL
Excellence in a Creative Environment for Learning
D-B EXCEL Awarded Tennessee STEM School Designation 2018
D-B EXCEL has received the prestigious Tennessee STEM School Designation. This honor was developed with the guidance of the Tennessee Department of Education and the STEM Leadership Council to identify and recognize schools in their commitment to teaching STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and integrating strategies that ultimately prepare for success in the 21st century.
"The designation of D-B EXCEL as a Tennessee STEM School is a tremendous honor that is reflective of the innovative STEM instructional practices taking place in KCS," said Kingsport City Schools Superintendent Dr. Jeff Moorhouse. "To be recognized as a leader in this area is an honor and represents our commitment to providing students pathways to college and career readiness."
The Tennessee STEM School Designation was developed to provide a “roadmap” for schools to successfully implement a STEM education plan at the local level. The Tennessee Department of Education and Tennessee STEM Innovation Network developed tools and resources to define the attributes of a comprehensive STEM learning environment for students. Schools that receives the Tennessee STEM School Designation are recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education for their use of STEM teaching and learning strategies and serve as a model from which other schools may visit and learn. All K–12 schools serving students in Tennessee are eligible.
"I’m so proud of our students and teachers for their commitment to D-B EXCEL and our vision." said D-B EXCEL Principal Shanna Hensley. "Working through the STEM Designation Rubric has helped us work toward meeting our school’s vision: Providing an innovative approach to personalized learning. We are excited to receive this designation and look forward to what the future holds for DB EXCEL."
Each school that was awarded the Tennessee STEM School Designation was evaluated through a rigorous application process. Schools were asked to complete a self-evaluation, participate in interviews, and host site visits with the Tennessee STEM Designation review team. The designation rubric included five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and post-secondary partnerships. As a part of the process, schools were required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM education for the next five years. From this process, a total of 15 schools received the Tennessee STEM School Designation.
STEM is focused on building critical and creative thinking and analysis skills by addressing how students view and experience the world around them. Strong STEM teaching and learning opportunities rest on inquiry-, technology-, and project-based learning activities and lessons that are tied to the real world. STEM education is a diverse, interdisciplinary curriculum in which activities in one class complement those in other classes.
R-Matey's Qualify for the MATE International Competition!
Congratulations to D-B EXCEL’s MATE Team on their advancement to the International Underwater ROV Competition! Student members on the Lead Build/Competition Team will travel to Federal Way, Washington this summer to compete in the Ranger Class, the intermediate/high school level. The event will be held at the Weyerhaeuser King Aquatic Center June 21 - 23. Stay posted for more information regarding the competition and travel itinerary.
Help the R-MATEYS get to Washington!
The R-Mateys will be conducting several fundraisers this summer to help with travel and expenses associated with International Competition. If you would like to help the team get to International by making a donation, please contact Ms. Adinolfi at the following email address: AAdinolfi@k12k.com.
Upcoming Events/Fundraisers:
STREAMWORKS’ Destination STEM Station -
Location: 252 Broad St. (the corner of Broad and Center St.) Kingsport, TN.
DESTINATION STEM STATION is a fun way for kids to spend a part of their summer! Guided by experienced coaches, STEM STATION participants will enjoy learning a variety of STEM activities including building and programming the LEGO® EV3 Robot system, build and program specially-designed machines to explore the world of engineering and robotics, design and build a bridge in a pit of kinetic sand, explore the world of Rube Goldbergs, and much much more! Parents: Need a babysitter? Enjoy the Concert while we will entertain the kids!
Cost: $25/child for 3 hours of fun-filled STEM activities.
Fundraiser Dates:
May 25th (6 - 9 pm)
June 8th (6 - 9 pm)
*40% of each ticket purchased will go to the D-B EXCEL MATE Team to help with travel/expenses to Washington.
Family Night at Putt-Putt Fun Center
Location: 346 W. Stone Drive, Kingsport, TN
May 24th ( 6 - 8 pm)
Ticket Information/Cost: $6/person
“Hole” Sponsorships - $100/hole
Concessions
*All proceeds will go to the D-B EXCEL MATE Team to help with travel/expenses to Washington
Lead DBE: Student Leadership Team
Who Are We?
8 highly motivated students
2 dedicated teachers
100% committed to DB-EXCEL
#WeAreDBE
What Are We Doing?
Our goal is to help DB-EXCEL be the best that it can be: for students, teachers, parents, and the community!
As Apart of Lead DBE, you will:
Conduct surveys to improve DBE
Conduct and Organize tours of DBE
Lead Improvement Projects at DBE
Assist in Operations at DBE
Lead Community Outreach for DBE
And so much more!!!
Discover your Leadership Potential!
Join Lead DBE today!
Go to https://tinyurl.com/LeadDBE to submit your name to receive an application!
The EXCEL Echo: May Edition
Click HERE to read the May Edition!
All editions are archived on the D-B EXCEL website.
Student Laptops
Students who will be in 9th, 11th, and 12th grade next year (current 8th, 10th & 11th graders) will receive new Chromebooks in August. Technology will start collecting the Dell laptops as soon as students are finished with them for this semester.
Once 10th, 11th, & 12th grade students have completed all coursework for this semester, they must turn in their computer to Mrs. Smith in the Tech Office. This does not mean just lay it on the counter. You must hand deliver your device, charger, and case to Mrs. Smith so she can mark your name off the list.
Seniors must turn in their device, charger, and case before graduation practice to receive a transcript/diploma.
The Workforce Solutions’ Summer CCMA (Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) Program
June 4th through August 6th
Meeting twice a week – Mondays & Thursdays
6:00-9:00 pm.
Please note – no classes the week of 4th of July.
Classes meet at the Regional Center for Health Professions in downtown Kingsport.
Cost $995, which includes the NHA national certification exam.
Registration meetings by appointment only – May 21st at RCHP in Kingsport.
Full class details and requirements for registration are available by request.
If you are interested please give your name to Mrs. Kerkhoff by May 16th.
ETSU CODING AND TECHNOLOGY SUMMER CAMPS
East Tennessee State University's Department of Computing, the Niswonger Foundation, and AccelNow provide Code and Technology Summer Camps in the East Tennessee region for students in the 5-12th grade. These camps provide instruction and direction to allow students explore coding and technology.
There is no charge to participate in these camps and they are offered at various locations.
Camps include: First Year Code & Tech Camps, AP Computer Science Prep Week, Advanced Code & Tech Camps, CAD Camps
First Year Code & Tech: June 18th—June 22nd (ETSU) June 11th—15th (Kingsport Higher Ed Center) July 9th-—July 13th (Hancock County High School)* July 16th—July 20th (ETSU @ Sevierville)* AP Computer Science July 23rd— July 27th (ETSU) Advanced Code & Tech Camps July 23rd— July 27th (ETSU) Java Game Development June 25th —June 29th (ETSU) Raspberry Pi Tablet Maker’s Camp CAD Camps June 18th — June 22nd TBD July 16th — July 20th (TBD)
Warriors Path State Park Job Openings
Pool lifeguards for the summer
Must be at least 16 years old
Must have lifeguard and CPR certifications
$10/hour
For more information, call (423) 239-6795
Internship for Graduating Seniors
Assist in performing all types of work involved in the construction, maintenance, rebuild, removal, operation, testing, and inspection of energized or de-energized generation, transmission and distribution facilities.
Zoning & Tuition Students
Gatton Pharmacy Footprints Summer Program
Rising high school juniors, seniors and college freshman who are interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy are encouraged to apply.
The total cost of the three-day program is $50.00, which includes supplies, lunch, transportation to and from practice sites, and a T-shirt. Please do not submit registration payment with this application.
A non-refundable payment will be due after you have received notification of acceptance. For more information please email pharmacy@etsu.edu.
Application deadline is Monday, April 30, 2018.
Camp will be June 4th - 6th, 9am - 4pm
*ATTENTION SENIORS*
More important information about graduation can be found under the “Students” section of the DBE website. CLICK HERE to go directly to the Senior Graduation Information Page.
Graduation Practice
9:30am - 11:15am
Friday, May 25th
Graduation
Saturday, May 26th
Arrive at 8am and Ceremony starts at 9am
You may pick up your Graduation supplies in the Counseling Office before school, after school, or during Tribe Time.
Attendance Reminder
Any student who has more than 9 unexcused absences in a class (does not have to be all day) from the fall or spring semester will not be allowed to participate in prom or graduation.
Daily attendance will be taken through May 24; not exceptions will be made.
Outside Food Policy
Per KCS policy, you are NOT allowed to bring in outside food. From this day forward, if you bring in outside food (i.e. donuts, Pals, McDonalds, etc.) you will be asked to stay in the office until your food has been eaten. If you have any questions about this, please see Mrs. Hensley.
From the KCS Student Handbook:
OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGES: Please do not bring food or beverages to your child from any outside eating establishment. Parents/guardians are invited during the school year to have lunch in the cafeteria with their children. All lunch visits must be pre-approved by the student’s teacher or administration to ensure there is an accurate lunch count. Only parents/guardians are allowed for lunch visits; current identification must be shown upon arrival. Again, please do not bring outside food or beverages to your child.
KCS Board Policy:
Policy 3.500: Food or drink packaged at commercial food establishments shall not be brought in to the cafeteria to be consumed by students during their regular mealtimes.
KCS Quick Tip
Communication Avenues for Safety Concerns:
Talk with your parent
Report to a Teacher
Report to an Administrator
Quick Tip - available on all KCS website
Canvas Parent Accounts
To review how to set up a parent account, please click HERE to view a previous newsletter with instructions or download the PDF version below. You can also view the video tutorial below.
Calculators
All students who are enrolled in Algebra 1, Algebra 2, or Geometry are required to have a calculator. The following calculators are acceptable:
TI-83 Plus
TI-84
TI-84 Plus
*Students are required to bring their calculator everyday.
Math Tutoring & Enrichment Opportunities
Mondays
- 2:45pm - 3:45pm
with Mr. Mowell in the STEM Lab
Tuesdays and Thursdays
- 2:45pm - 3:45pm
with Mrs. Gradner in the STEM Lab
Advisory Class
Per the KCS Student Handbook: Students who have more than nine (9) unexcused absences to any one class will not be permitted to participate in Prom or Graduation. They may also be eliminated from participating in certain field trips or extracurricular events.
Virtual Day Expectations
Virtual days are NOT a day off.
Virtual days are designated for students to work virtually.
Students are expected to complete any and all work their teachers assign to them on the virtual days.
- Coursework assigned on virtual days could include but is not limited to; written/paper assignments and assignments in Canvas to be completed online.
Contact Us!
Email: shensley@k12k.com
Website: http://dbexcel.k12k.com/
Location: 400 Clinchfield Street, Kingsport, TN 37660, United States
Phone: 423.378.2185
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dbexcelkcs/
Twitter: @KCS_DBEXCEL