Henderson County Schools
March 2018-Connect Newsletter
Superintendent Message
We have many hopes for our kids. We want them to grow up to live happy, successful lives. We hope they'll pursue their dreams. But at the bottom of all these wishes is the hope that our kids become caring human beings -- people who are kind, respectful, and honest.
How do you bolster these strengths as well as teach key skills such as teamwork, communication, and perseverance? For the most part, kids will learn these things by following example and through experience gained at school and in their communities. Digital Parenting is not something we watched our parents experience. It is new and can be challenging.
Since movies, TV shows, books, video games, and social media are such a huge part of kids' lives, it makes sense that kids can learn important lessons about character through media. Here are some specific things you can do or say to reinforce character:
Watch sports.
Not only can watching sports with kids be a really fun way to bond over a favorite team or player, it can be a perfect opportunity to point out character strengths from teamwork to perseverance.
Watch movies together.
After the movie discuss the lessons learned by the characters and how those lessons can be applied to relationships or situations in their lives or other choices the characters could have made and how things would have turned out differently.
Play video games together.
Gaming as a family offers the chance to practice teamwork, problem-solving, communication, and perseverance, while also having fun. Choose multiplayer games where gamers are required to work together to win. Model positive, respectful communication during the game (try "I need help over here" instead of "you idiot!").
Take a time-out.
Most households are abuzz as various mobile devices alert us to text messages or Instagram posts, but we can help teach our kids self-control by resisting the urge to respond immediately.
Share social media.
From Facebook and Instagram to YouTube and Snapchat, social media is ripe with character lessons. Most teens and kids use social media effectively and well. However, there are times where we all (adults included) use social media to hurt, be aggressive, and place blame.
For additional information visit: www.commonsensemedia.org
CHALLENGE OF THE WEEK: ALL children’s and teens’ phones should be charged at night in their parent/guardian bedroom.
Marganna Stanley
Superintendent of Henderson County Schools
2018-19 Online Student Registration Starts April 16th
Henderson County Schools will begin student online registration for the 2018-19 school year on April 16th.
ALL students (preschool - high school) must complete an online registration for the 2018-19 school year. We encourage all parents/guardians to complete registration before MAY 17, 2018 to assist with classroom and class assignments.
The primary parent/guardian of CURRENTLY enrolled students must log into their Infinite Campus Parent Portal account to complete online registration for all students in the household, including preschool and kindergarten or any student new to the household.
Any primary parent/guardian of a student NEW to Henderson County Schools, meaning the primary parent/guardian does not have an Infinite Campus Parent Portal account set up, must go to the local school to complete registration and provide required new student forms.
Additional information is available in the STUDENT REGISTRATION link found in the Quick Links box on any of the Henderson County Schools websites (www.henderson.kyschools.us). Middle school families with district-provided Chromebooks may use that device for online registration with the student’s log on information.
Henderson Loves It Students Week
March 12th-18th has been declared Henderson Loves Its Students Week. Thank you to the City and County of Henderson and all of the community volunteers for showing their support and love of our students this week. Businesses or organizations can get a free poster to display during this week by coming by Marsha’s Place, the Mayor’s office or the Judge Executive’s office.
HCS Student Spotlight
Congratulations to Henderson County High School student Cole Privette, a National Merit Scholar Finalist.
Cole is a member of the HCHS Academic Team, Future Problem Solving Team, Student Ambassador, Senior Class Vice President, Y-Club, Environmental Club, and is enrolled in AP classes. Cole volunteers at One Life Church and works at Cracker Barrel. He plans to attend UK, UNC, Vanderbilt, or Duke.
HCS Staff Spotlight
Where are you from and where did you go to college? Evansville, Indiana. University of Southern Indiana (Bachelor Degree), University of Indiana Wesleyan (Master Degree), National Board Certification in Literacy
How long have you been in education? This is my 16th year in education. I previously taught at East Heights Elementary School for 12 years.
What is your favorite thing about reading? I enjoy reading daily devotions and books about teaching students how to read. My favorite thing about reading is teaching kids to read. I love watching students progress through the reading continuum as they learn to read.
What are your plans/goals as District Reading Coordinator?
I plan to help our reading teachers in any capacity need. I hope to empower teachers so they can ignite a love of reading in their students.
I am currently working on a campaign called Babies Need Words. The initiative of this campaign is to bridge the thirty million word gap. Research shows students from low income households have a thirty million word gap by age four compared to their peers. With this campaign we hope to communicate to parents the importance of reading with their young children. You may notice our Babies Need Words posters around the community.
I am also working on a program for families in our community called Prime Time Family Reading. This program models and encourages family reading and discussion of humanities topics, and aids parents and children in selecting books and becoming active public library users.
HCS Volunteer Spotlight
The East Heights family is pleased to recognize Mr. Paul Thomas as an HCS Volunteer Spotlight. Twice a week for the past three years Mr. Paul has volunteered at East Heights Elementary School. He walks in the doors with a big smile, eager to serve, and always ready to greet students and staff with a big hug. He shreds paper, sharpens pencils, helps stock the drink machine and is diligent in following his list of volunteer duties. Mr. Paul eats lunch with our students and enjoys building relationships- always with a smile and positive words of encouragement.
In addition to East Heights, Mr. Paul has worked at Hugh Edward Sandefur Center for over forty years and just recently celebrated 24 years of working with Old National Bank.
We are grateful for Mr. Paul and we are PROUD to have him as part of our East Heights Family.
Volunteer with Henderson County Schools
Henderson County Schools volunteers are parents, guardians, grandparents, students, senior citizens and interested members of the community who care about children and want to help the school. They can be found in schools doing a variety of things - tutoring, listening, sharing a hobby; the possibilities are unlimited.
For more information about volunteering with Henderson County Schools, contact Cindy Williams at 270-831-8729 or via email at cindy.williams@henderson.kyschools.us.
*We will be recruiting soon for HCHS Senior Project Volunteers. Contact Cindy if interested in volunteering.
Rotary Club Visits Niagara Elementary
Congratulations South Middle School Dance Team.
HCHS Seniors Receive SRNA Pin
Twenty Three HCHS Seniors were recognized and pinned at a State Registered Nurse Aide (SRNA) ceremony this month at Henderson County High School.
Henderson County Juniors to Take ACT
As part of Kentucky’s testing system, all juniors across the Commonwealth will take the ACT, American College Testing, on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.
The ACT is a college entrance exam based on what students learn in high school and provides personalized information about their strengths for education and career planning. The test has 4 sections of multiple choice questions in Reading, English, Mathematics, and Science. Student scores will be sent to their respective high schools within a few weeks of testing completion.
ACT offers a variety of options for test preparation at www.act.org as well as planning for opportunities after high school for students and parents/guardians.
If students or parents/guardians have any questions about the ACT or testing, please contact your school guidance counselor by phone or email.
Henderson County High School:
Blue Unit: (270-831-8820)
Robyn Galloway robyn.galloway@henderson.kyschools.us
Phyllis Johnson phyllis.johnson@henderson.kyschools.us
Green Unit: (270-831-8830)
Ginger Christie ginger.christie@henderson.kyschools.us
Stephen Welch stephen.welch@henderson.kyschools.us
Red Unit: (270-831-8840)
Nathan Grace nathan.grace@henderson.kyschools.us
Amber Thomas amber.thomas@henderson.kyschools.us
The Central Academy: (270-831-5100)
Mary Beth Bean marybeth.bean@henderson.kyschools.us
Tracy Rutledge tracy.rutledge@henderson.kyschools.us
South Heights Drama Company presents Annie Jr. on March 29 at the Preston Fine Arts Center at 6:30 pm. Admission is free. South Heights Drama Company is celebrating 10 years of performances this year.
HCHS Fine Arts Department Presents the Musical Sweeney Todd
Henderson County High School Fine Arts Department will present the musical Sweeney Todd at the Henderson County High School auditorium.
Sweeney Todd is a 1979 Tony Award-winner for Best Musical and is based on the 1973 play Sweeney Todd, the Demon Barber of Fleet Street by Christopher Bond. Some material may be inappropriate for younger children.
Performances dates and times for the musical are March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th at 7:00 p.m. and March 25th at 2:00 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door and are $10 for adults and $5 for students.
For more information, please contact Charlie McManus, Music Director at Henderson County High School, at 270-831-8800 or charlie.mcmanus@henderson.kyschools.us.
Just a few weeks left of the Winter Reading Challenge. Make sure to upload and share your pictures. #HCSReads
HCS Board of Education Celebrates Public Schools Week
Save the Date
April 2nd-6th- Spring Break
April 20th-Mid-Terms Issued
April 21st-HCHS Prom
May 18th- Last Day of School for HCS
May 18th-HCHS Graduation
About Us
The mission of the Henderson County Schools is to provide extraordinary educational opportunities for every student.
The vision of Henderson County Schools is to excel as a national innovative leader in education.
Core Values
- Excellence in all we do
- Authentic service to all
- Inspire human greatness
- Genuine relationships are the foundation
of everything we do - Cultivate a community where character matters
- Own the outreach
- Be the change agent
Email: megan.mortis@henderson.kyschools.us
Website: www.henderson.kyschools.us
Location: 1805 2nd Street, Henderson, KY, USA
Phone: 270-831-5000
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hendersoncountyschools
Twitter: @HendersonSchool