Frankfort High School Newsletter
Sept 11th, 2020
Harley named High School Counselor of the Year
Our very own Frankfort High School counselor Jessica Harley has been named the High School Counselor of the Year by the Kentucky School Counselor Association! She is an all-star on an all-star team in FIS!
As one of two amazing counselors in the FHS Counseling office, Mrs. Harley handles the Seniors and all that they entail, as well as dual credit coordination. These of course are just a few duties that she tackles.
FHS staff and students have always known she is a ROCK STAR, this just verifies what we've always known. Congratulation Mrs. Harley!
FHS Welcomes Mrs. Mallory Pennington to the Panther Family
In 2011 Mrs. Pennington earned her master's degree in Adult and Higher Education. Before becoming a teacher Mrs. Pennington was a banker and a social worker. While working with the youth at her church Mrs. Pennington realized that working with high schoolers was her calling and since she was already a social studies and history nerd teaching history made the most sense. Since then Mrs. Pennington has been working towards her master's degree in education through Georgetown College.
Last year was Mrs. Pennington's first year teaching, she taught at Big Picture Learning Academy in Shelbyville. Mrs. Pennington has two children Madelyn, 8, and Easton, 6, and three dogs, Lola, Roxi, and Delilah. In what little spare time, she has Mrs. Pennington enjoys crafting, making old things new again, watching tv and movies (especially Supernatural and The Walking Dead), reading Harry Potter with her daughter and watching her son ride his bike like Evel Knievel.
Both of Mrs. Pennington's children went to preschool at the Early Learning Academy and absolutely adored the family atmosphere that Frankfort Independent Schools clearly had so when the social studies position came open, she jumped on the chance to apply. Mrs. Pennington says, I am so very excited to be working at Frankfort High School with some of the most amazing teachers ever and I already enjoy my students so much." Mrs. Pennington can't wait until school can go back to normal so that she can be in the classroom with her students.
Parent Summit Orientation
Parents are invited to join FHS staff and administration on one of the virtual Parent University session next week. Sessions will cover an overview of summit, how to track student progress, and how to access student grades in Summit.
Parents choose one virtual “Parent University” session
Sessions will be hosted on:
Tuesday September 15th 5:30-6:30 PM
Wednesday September 16th 6:00-7:00 PM
- Parents will need to be on a google account to access the Google Meeting. If a parent does not have a google account, they may use their student's school account.
Google Meeting can be joined at this link:
Schedule for Remote Learning
FAQ's about doing school remotely
- Flex Period is the scheduled period during a student's day where they have time to go to the "lab" (virtually for remote learning, actually for in-person when we are allowed). In the Lab, students can study focus area content and take assessments that are required for all Summit classes.
What does Wednesday look like for students?
- For lab days students will log into subject area labs at the times below. These times follow the same schedule as every other day.
- 8:05-9:25 - English - Mr. Pearl
- 9:40-11:00 - Math - Mr. Yocum
- 12:00-1:20 - Science - Mrs. T. C2
- 1:40-3:00 - Social Studies - Mr. Spade
- There will be virtual break out sessions with Content teachers to get help in the subjects during those content lab times.
- Students will only need to log into the content specific lab during the coordinating time if they are taking a Summit class in that content area. Otherwise, they may log into any of the other labs, to display attendance, set a goal with the lab instructor and work towards meeting that goal!
When do I test for PFA's?
- Students can take Power Focus Area Assessments when they are logged into a Lab Session. These are monitored by the Lab Staff, students will be required to have their video on during the test session so that the Lab Staff can see them as the test.
When can I virtually meet with my teacher?
- Teachers will be available throughout the day Wednesday for additional help by appointment. Use your school email to reach out to them and set up a time to meet! Some teacher may have set other "office hours", please check with them to find out.
Do I have to get on my google meet every day all day long?
- Attendance is taken during each google meeting for each class. What is required by each student during the class time varies depending upon the teacher, the day, and the assignments. Teachers will share the expectations with students at the beginning of each class on google meetings.
Sporting Events Start this Week
Friday Night, the FHS Football team kicks off its season against Shelby County. Fan restrictions are in place for Shelby County Schools as follows:
- Vouchers MUST be filled out with contact tracing information (Name, Cell #, Email)
- Masks are worn at all times.
- Social Distancing guidelines are followed.
- A voucher is only giving someone access to proceed to the portion where they can drop $5 in the money box. NO TICKET SALES at the GATE and EXACT CHANGE for the money box.
- Temperature and COVID Questions will be asked upon entry.
- Football Stadium and Gym Bleachers will have areas designated for seating.
- NO OUTSIDE FOOD
- NO CONCESSION STAND
- We ask that ALL TEAMS come dressed as there will be NO LOCKER ROOMS. Restrooms are open but we ask that they not be used as a changing area. There are designated areas for football and soccer teams if the weather becomes inclement.
SOCCER Teams start the season with the All A Tournament. Saturday both teams play in the morning. Winners of that bracket play again Saturday night. The finals of both tournaments will be held Sunday.
Attendance at the soccer events are restricted to two spectators per athlete. These spectators must be on the pre-registered list with the teams coaches. Spectators will be required to social distance and wear a mask at all times while at the events. Coaches are sharing more information with athletes and families.
Boys Soccer All A Tournament Brackets
Girls Soccer All A Tournament Brackets
Students can Volunteer to work Trash for Cash!
Any student interested in participating please fill out the google form. House points will be awarded to students who participate in this cleanup!
Suicide Prevention Month
This year's Suicide Prevention Month comes at a time when many individuals and families are struggling to find support.
To decrease feelings of isolation and increase overall wellness, all members of your family should have social supports. This can be accomplished even while practicing COVID-19 precautions.
Read about 7 practical strategies for bolstering your support system and consider using this opportunity to start a conversation about suicide prevention with your family.
http://familyaware.org/reduce-suicide-risk-by-increasing-social-supports-during-covid-and-beyond/
Know the Warning Signs
For most parents it comes as no surprise that the pandemic has taken a serious toll on the emotional wellbeing of teenagers and young adults. Grief and loss, prolonged isolation and inactivity can all trigger depression and other mental health challenges. But a new report sheds light on an especially troubling trend: Over a quarter of young adults surveyed in June said that they’d seriously considered suicide in the past month.
None of us wants to believe that a child of ours is at risk. But right now, staying alert to warning signs and talking openly with kids about how they’re feeling is more important than ever. To mark the start of National Suicide Prevention Month, we’re providing resources to help families keep children safe. We look at risk factors and signs of trouble, as well as ways to support kids and encourage them to get help.
Brothers Run - to support health, suicide prevention and awareness!
Many of you may know that Frankfort High implemented a school-wide suicide prevention program last year called Sources of Strength. While this program is still new, we have worked hard on creating student-led campaigns that promote a positive school culture, aim to reduce the stigma of mental health, and bring awareness to and promote students' areas of strength. Our Sources of Strength program has received a generous donation from Brothers' Run.
A mother in Versailles (who happens to be a very close friend of Kay Thomas) tragically lost two sons to suicide. She and her sister have founded Brothers' Run to help support school-wide suicide prevention programs across the state.
This year the 3k race will be a virtual race. Please consider joining our team. The team name is Frankfort Schools.
Let's plan to run (or walk) for this cause on Saturday, September 12th.
Please let Kelli Hume or Kay Thomas know if you have any questions or want to learn more. Check out their website too!
KPFC offers Community Events
The calendars at the link below show dates and times of webinars and events that parents or caregivers can attend in Sept. Topics range from Resources and Parent tips to Preventing Child Sexual Abuse.
Register at KPRC's Website at kyparnership.org
Helping Students Cope with Anxiety
The start of school is triggering anxiety for a lot of children. Those going to school in person may be anxious about separating from parents after so many months of being together 24/7. That’s on top of apprehension about going to school with masks and distancing and all the hand-washing, fears about getting sick, and the unsettling knowledge that their world might get turned upside down again at any time.
This week on childmind.org we explore ways to help children work through their worries and make the best of an uncertain situation.
For parents of children with learning issues whose school services have been interrupted by virtual or hybrid schedules this fall, we have information and advice about how to advocate effectively for them and get IEP or 504 plans updated to cover their needs.
And finally, for teachers, two of our experts offer tips on how to handle behavior issues in virtual and hybrid learning.
Caroline Miller, Editorial Director | ✉
More info can be found at childmind.org
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) has kicked off the 2021 scholarship year.
Most Valuable Student (MVS) Contest:
The 2021 MVS application is now open. Applications can be found online at enf.elks.org/MVS. The application deadline is November 15th.
The Elks National Foundation (ENF) awards 500 four-year scholarships based on academics, leadership, and financial need. National awards range from $1,000 per year to $12,500 per year. The national awards will be announced in April 2021.
In addition to the national awards, entry into the MVS contest makes students eligible for additional scholarship opportunities on the state and local level:
- The Kentucky Elks Association will be presenting an additional $20,0000 in scholarships to 16 students statewide who enter the contest and are not selected as national finalists.
- The Frankfort Elks Lodge will be presenting four $1,000 scholarships to graduating seniors from Frankfort and Franklin County high schools. We will also be presenting the second annual Ronald Boyd Whitaker Memorial Scholarship (also worth $1,000) to a graduating senior from Anderson County High School.
MVS scholarships are for students pursuing a four-year degree on a full-time basis (minimum of 12 semester hours), at a U.S. college or university next school year. Some important applicant details include:
« Current high school seniors (or equivalent) who are citizens of the United States are eligible to apply.
« Applicants do not have to be related to a member of the Elks.
« Male and female students compete separately.
Applicants select from a list of the Lodges closest to their home address zip code. Please have your students choose Frankfort Lodge #530 as their sponsoring Lodge. Complete details can be found at enf.elks.org/MVS.
Legacy Awards – The Legacy Awards program begins on September 1st. Legacy Awards provide $4,000 scholarships for children and grandchildren of dues-paying Elk members. The ENF offers a total of 350 national awards. The application deadline is February 5, 2021 at 11:59 a.m., Central Time. Please visit enf.elks.org/Leg for more details and the application link.
For any questions, please contact me at the email above or by phone at 502-330-3426.
Sincerely,
John Snyder, PER
MVS Scholarship Coordinator
Frankfort Lodge #530
Craft Academy Application Open
The application for the Class of 2023 opened on August 3rd, and will remain open through February 1st, 2021.
Applicants for the Class of 2023 must:
· Be a resident of the state of Kentucky
· Be a current sophomore (by transcript)
· Be on track to complete Algebra I, Algebra II and Geometry by the END of their sophomore year
· Earn a minimum of 18 in English, 21 in Reading and 22 in Math on the ACT or 520 or higher SAT ERW score (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and a 540 or higher SAT Math score.
· Accepting SAT scores is new to the application process for the Class of 2023.
· You are not required to take both the ACT and SAT – eligible scores from either test are accepted.
· Complete an online application, and submit a supplemental items packet no later than February 1st, 2021.
Register for a Virtual Presentation or Join us on Facebook Live for a quick Q & A:
A Virtual Visit Presentation would be perfect for applicants, family members, or school administrators who are looking to learn more about our program, speak to current staff and students, and have the opportunity to ask questions at the end. Our slideshow presentation lasts approximately 30 minutes, followed by the Q&A.
Virtual Visits can also be scheduled during a specific time for a specific set of students.
Pre-Registration for a Virtual Visit is required: https://www.moreheadstate.edu/Academics/Craft-Academy/Prospective-Students/Schedule-a-Virtual-Visit
Virtual Visit Dates:
· September 8th, 2020 – 6 p.m.
· September 19th, 2020 – 11 a.m.
· October 10th, 2020 - 11 a.m.
· October 26th, 2020 – 6 p.m.
Our Facebook Live sessions are a time to get to know our current students, staff roles and ask questions about the application process. All applicants, family members or school administrators are invited to tune in! Pre-Registration for our Facebook Live Event is not required, be sure you follow MSU Craft Academy on Facebook and tune in on the dates/times below:
Facebook Live Dates:
· September 22nd, 2020 – 4 p.m.
– Learn about our program, curriculum, and application requirements.
· October 13th, 2020 – 11 a.m.
– Meet our staff and hear how they can support you at Craft Academy.
· November 2nd, 2020 – 4 p.m.
– Meet our Craft Academy Ambassador Team, and ask questions to our current students.
· November 16th, 2020 – 11 a.m.
– Application submission and timeline, along with a Q&A
.
We at Craft Academy are aware of the changes in the ACT schedule for some testing locations. In order to ensure that our applicants are not hindered by this, we have added SAT scores as a testing option for our application process. You are not required to take both the ACT and the SAT – but you may now submit scores from either test. If you are having trouble getting registered for the ACT or SAT, please check the registration for Morehead State University, along with other testing sites that are giving the National Tests across the state.
Eligible Test Scores:
ACT: 18 in English,
21 in Reading,
22 in Math
SAT: 520 or higher SAT ERW score (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing) and a 540 or higher SAT Math score.
Have questions?
Reach out to our Craft Academy Recruitment Team and we will be glad to answer any questions!
Sunshine Stamper
Assistant Director Admissions,
Public Relations and Recruitment 606.783.5102
Sarah Woodall
Enrollment Services Counselor
606.783.2152
Mrs. Harley and Mrs. Richardson have NEW WEBSITE
All A Classic Scholarship OPEN
Scholarship Application open now
PSAT given at FHS Oct. 14th
The PSAT/NMSQT will be administered at Frankfort High School on Wednesday, October 14th at 9 am. Social distance guidelines will be followed. The PSAT/NMSQT test is considered to be a "preliminary SAT”. This test gives students a sense of the format, question types, content, and time limits that they will encounter on the SAT. Additionally, the PSAT test serves as a qualifying test for the National Merit Scholarship Program.
Please complete the following google form and permission slip if you are interested in taking the PSAT.
Interest form:
https://forms.gle/aPDnsQ44c88GYauV9
Parent permission slip:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1mRRJsIhSqxO6gkDvdK1iLP5PdmtW4u3QwTsSLdvpCDg/edit?usp=sharing
Jenny Richardson
School Counselor
FHS Website with Important Info
Does your student need Wifi at home?
The Frankfort Independent education technology program continues to evolve and provide the framework for new and enhanced opportunities to improve learning inside and outside the classroom while being committed to supporting our students and families with instructional technology needs.
We are now excited to announce that qualifying families can receive mobile Internet access at no cost for the 2020-21 school year.
In order to request access for your student(s) please complete the form below and a District representative will reach out to you.
We are working hard to establish digital equity for all our students and offer ease of access and reliability to digital resources for a connected, always-on, anywhere/anytime learning environment.
To fill out form, CLICK HERE
School Calendar has Changed
Important changes:
No fall break in Oct.
Fall break the week of Thanksgiving
One week Spring Break
Out in May
FIS Has Homeless Assistance Available
Frankfort Independent now has assistance for the homeless. If you would like additional information, please contact:
Kelli Hume
kelli.hume@frankfort.kyschools.us
FIS Homeless Coordinator
875-8658 Ext 2243