Family Matters—December2017/January2018 by Family Matters

Family Matters JEFFERSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND POVERTY PROGRAMS

December/January 2018

A PUBLICATION OF THE 15TH DISTRICT PTA

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

Making the Superhero Club Apply for Awards and Scholarships More Membership Cards?

15th District PTA Contact List 2017-18

President Autumn Neagle

FROM THE PRESIDENT December is a great time to reflect on what you have done the first half of the year. Did you make your membership goals? What programs were successful, and what programs need work for next year? Are you keeping your procedure binder up to date? How are you doing on your budget? Are there any events or programs that would be great to submit for an award from the 15th District Parent Teacher Association (PTA)? Remember that submissions are due to the 15th District PTA by Thursday, March 1. January is an excellent time to gather your energy and tackle the rest of the year, and the reflection from December can help. Ask yourself these questions: • Membership. How close are you to your goal? A new year equals new opportunities to increase your membership. • Does your budget need to be amended to reflect an increase or decrease in your funding? • If you are a high school Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA), have you alerted your seniors of the scholarship opportunity? Applications are due to the 15th District PTA by Thursday, March 15. • Did you decide on what awards you would apply for from the 15th District PTA and Kentucky PTA? • Is this an election year for your PTA? If so, is your nominating committee on the job? Remember that PTA was founded on advocating for children and that is still our core purpose and value. In the month of January, there are two great ways to advocate. Our Kids Can’t Wait Rally brings attention to the crisis in education funding and will give you ways to help advocate for children. The second opportunity is in Frankfort. I hope that you are able to join us for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Kentucky State Capitol on Thursday, January 18. Join other advocates around the state to raise our voices on behalf of children’s safety, health, education, and economic well-being. To register, please visit kyyouth.org/childrens-advocacy-day-at-the-capitol. Lastly, I want to wish each of you a wonderful holiday and remind you to take the time to enjoy it with your family.

Autumn Neagle

Autumn Neagle, President (502) 718-2590 | 15thdistrictpta.president@gmail.com

(502) 718-2590 15thDistrictPTA.President@gmail.com

President-Elect Adam Kesler

arkesler24@gmail.com (502) 413-1639

First Vice President—Program Sienna G. Newman sgnewman77@gmail.com (502) 410-9117

Second Vice President—Membership R. Shawn Summerville daaville@yahoo.com (502) 386-1455

Third Vice President—Ways and Means Eddie Squires pta.eddie@gmail.com (502) 930-3516

Fourth Vice President—Communication Liz Cannon Anncannon1968@gmail.com (502) 905-1233

Legislative Chair Taylor Everett

teverett@teachfund.com (502) 640-8323

Nutrition Initiatives Coordinator Andrea Wright

andrea.wright@jefferson.kyschools.us (502) 485-3199

FRYSC Director Adrian Oldham

adrian.oldham@jefferson.kyschools.us (502) 485-3703

Male Engagement Cliff Irons

ironsclifford@gmail.com (502) 807-5695

Teacher Representative Jennifer Freeman

jennifer.freeman@jefferson.kyschools.us (502) 485-8323

Student Representative Alexis Reece Treasurer Brittney Bolyard

15thdistrictpta.treasurer@gmail.com

Calendar of Events

Secretary Anna Elder

15thDistrictPTA.Secretary2017@gmail.com (502) 432-3023

December

January

12 �� Jefferson County Board of Education (JCBE) Meeting 14 �� Reflections 15 �� Kentucky and National PTA Dues 19 �� Grading period ends. 19 �� 15th District PTA Board Meeting 20–Jan. 2 �� Winter Break

9 �� JCBE Meeting 10 �� Middle and High School Report Card Distribution 11 �� Elementary School Report Card Distribution 11 �� Title I PAC Meeting 15 �� Martin Luther King Jr. Day (No School for Students) 15 �� Kentucky and National PTA Dues 16 �� 15th District PTA Board Meeting 18 �� Children’s Advocacy Day 23 �� JCBE Meeting

Past President Heather Wampler

hkwampler@gmail.com (502) 671-9451

Parliamentarian Sharon Whitworth swhitwo1@aol.com (502) 592-4185

JCPS Parent Relations Justin Willis

justin.willis@jefferson.kyschools.us (502) 439-8782

Title I Representative Zina Harris zyt.hars27@gmail.com (502) 807-1878

Recycling Chair Sharon Kesler

smarr4@ivytech.edu (502) 413-1634

High School and Scholarship Chair Robin Weiss 2

robin.e.weiss@gmail.com (502) 314-2401

Apply for Awards and Scholarships Did you know that the 15th District PTA and Kentucky PTA give out awards and scholarships every year? If not, then you are missing a great opportunity for us to recognize your PTA. The 15th District PTA gives out the awards at the awards banquet, which is held in May. The Kentucky PTA gives the awards out at the Kentucky PTA conference in July. Here is a list of awards, their application due dates, and a little information about them.

Kentucky PTA Awards

Application deadline of March 15 • Outstanding Classified Personnel Award—Is your school’s classified personnel really awesome? Do the custodial staff, food service staff, bus driver, or secretary do an awesome job of supporting your PTA? The following Kentucky PTA Awards have the same criteria as the 15th District PTA Awards: • Outstanding Educator Award

Application deadline: February 15

• Outstanding School Nurse Award

• Self Esteem Award for elementary and middle/high—This award allows students to express what makes them feel special.

• Outstanding Male Involvement/Participation Award

• “Christa McAuliffe” Rising Star Award—This award recognizes students who have successfully worked through obstacles to improve their performance in school, character, and self-esteem.

• Outstanding Volunteer Participation Award

• Outstanding Volunteer Award • Outstanding Membership Campaign Award • Outstanding Local Unit Newsletter Award

15th District PTA Awards Application deadline: March 1

• Special Projects or Programs—Did your PTA do a project or program this year that everyone is still talking about? Tell us, and we might want to talk about it too! • Hall of Fame Educator—This award is for an educator who brings PTA/PTSA members into innovative programs, encourages PTA involvement and support, or uses special techniques to motivate students. Is there anyone in your school who fits the bill?

• Outstanding Local Unit Website Award • Outstanding Programs and Projects Award Awards are not the only things we do. We also have scholarships. Both the Kentucky PTA and the 15th District PTA have scholarships!

Kentucky PTA Scholarships

Application deadline of February 15 • $500 Student Scholarship—Any senior who is planning to enter the education field may apply.

• Outstanding School Nurse—Does your school nurse rock? If so, then nominate him or her for Outstanding School Nurse!

• “Harold L. Steele” $1,000 Student Scholarship—Any senior who is planning to enter the education field can apply.

• Outstanding Membership Campaign—Was your membership campaign awesome this year? Tell us about it!

• $500 Teacher-Member Scholarship—Any Kentucky certified teacher is eligible for the purpose of obtaining credit toward a master’s degree or Rank I.

• Outstanding Local Unit Website—Is your school’s website the foundation where your parents go for information on your PTA? • Outstanding Local Unit Social Media—Does your PTA use social media to get parents involved? • Outstanding Local Unit Newsletter—Is your PTA newsletter hitting a home run with parents? • Outstanding Male Involvement/Participation—Did your PTA find a way to increase male participation? Did your PTA design or have a great male involvement project? • Volunteer Participation Award—Does your PTA do an outstanding job of recruiting and retaining volunteers? If so, then let us know about it. • Outstanding Volunteer Award—We already know volunteers are awesome, but is there one who goes above and beyond? If you apply for one of the above awards from the 15th District PTA, then don’t forget to also apply for one from the Kentucky PTA.

• $500 Parent-Member Scholarship—Any PTA/PTSA parent member is eligible who plans to attend an accredited Kentucky public college or university and pursue an undergraduate degree in education or in a health field.

15th District PTA Scholarships Application deadline of March 15

• Evangeline J. Sansome Scholarship—Any JCPS senior who is a PTSA member is eligible. We love to award our PTAs when they are doing terrific work, and sometimes our PTAs don’t toot their own horn. Please consider applying and letting us sing your praises. Remember that you can’t win if you don’t apply.

Autumn Neagle Autumn Neagle, President

The Rise of

SuperherO Club

All superheroes have an origin story: a bite from an irradiated spider (Spiderman), the accidental inhaling of water vapors in a lab (the Flash), a transplant to Earth from an alien world (Superman). Similarly, the newly forged Superhero Club at Olmsted Academy North traces its origins to the withering heat of a Louisville summer day, when an incoming sixth-grade student toured his new school and met Principal Ryan Rodosky. During that tour, David Simmons, now a sixth-grade student at Olmsted North, learned about the school’s many traditional and eclectic clubs and activities. He pitched his idea of a Superhero Club to Rodosky. One did not exist, but Rodosky was open to the idea and encouraged Simmons to develop his idea. He did.

“I want all students involved in our school community,” Rodosky says. “They have an adult advocate. If the student wants it, we’ll find a way to do it.” Benji Simmons, David’s dad, accompanied his son on the tour that included the initial superhero club question. The two have always enjoyed a father-son connection through superhero comics, movies, and games. “I think it was something that he needed to get him vested in his middle school career,” Simmons said. “He really just kind of ran with it. I thought it was absolutely great.” Simmons has heard from other employees and parents at the school who appreciate the creation of Superhero Club. Science teacher Aaron Perkins, who also leads the Anime Club, stopped by on a recent visit to participate in a trivia game.

Simmons found a willing sponsor with art teacher Kristen Popham. A group of roughly eight students gathered after school recently in her art room to discuss the group’s direction, take quizzes about super“I want all students involved in our hero trivia, and share news of good community or service deeds, which school community,” Rodosky says. allow them to “level up” in status “They have an adult advocate. If and title. The hotly contested prize the student wants it, we’ll find a in the trivia game was a bag of DORITOS DINAMITA Chile Limón way to do it.” flavored rolled tortilla chips. “He had this vision of what it looked like,” Popham said. “He’s really taken the reins. I wanted it to be kind of different, and it’s evolved into this community-service thing.” Simmons helped recruit fellow students, develops and prints Superhero quizzes at his home, and serves as the chief wordof-mouth promoter. All members of the club possess a deep knowledge of superhero facts. In the coming months, the club will expand out into the community to visit a hospital, an animal shelter, and a nursing home, where their enthusiasm and sense of justice will bring happiness and joy to those they encounter. In addition to a strong sports team presence, this new club joins other unconventional clubs that thrive at Olmsted North. There’s a Wrestlers and Writers Club, a Card Game Club, and an Anime Club that boasts a membership of 50 students. (Anime is a Japanese style of animation.) 4

All adults want their children to have a smooth transition into middle school. While the school did its part to help create a new avenue for student camaraderie and expression, Simmons noticed that Olmsted North did not have an active PTSA. Simmons, who is a vice president on the Olmsted Academy South PTSA where his daughter attends, wanted to step up and encourage other parents to do the same.

Olmsted Academy North now has an active PTSA, and Simmons serves as the president. Simons didn’t have grand plans to serve as the president, but he wanted an active PTSA and knew it would require him to take a leadership role. Benefits of the PTA are being more involved with a child’s school experience and keeping up with the school and operations there, he said. “It was a chance for him, coming in as a sixth grader, to make some new friends pretty quickly,” Simmons says. “And help him feel like he had a place.”

aps a n Popham sn sponsor Kriste b lu C o ac ts of er d rh d Supe progress an Art teacher an llow the club’s Fo . er itt Tw post on group selfie to 7. er at @swmr2 itt Tw service on

Mason Blair, a seventhgrade student at Olmsted Academy No rth, compares trivia answers with science teacher Aaron Perkins, who stopped by a rec ent Superhero Club gathering.

Sixth-grade student David Simmons, left, and seventh-grade student Nicholas Jones compete with their peers in a trivia game using tablets and Kahoot!, a free game-based learning platform.

David Simmons, a sixth-grade student at Olmsted Academy North, wanted to form a Superhero Club for a long time. He got his chance this fall.

The members of Olmsted Academy North’s Superhero Club share news of community service, which allows them to “level up.” They recently proposed a punitive measure that would allow a member to lose status as a result of a poor action. 5

Avoiding Holiday Season Weight Gain Need More Membership Envelopes, Cards? As your PTA or PTSA continues to grow in membership throughout the school year, you will likely find yourself needing additional membership envelopes or membership cards. Acquiring these is simple and quick, if you follow these steps.

Membership Cards • Send an email to Second Vice President (Membership) R. Shawn Summerville at daaville@yahoo.com that includes the specific request for the number of membership cards that are needed. • Ensure that at least one membership payment for the year has been submitted. • Give the date of the expected follow-up payment for the newly requested membership cards. • Supply all contact information for the PTA or PTSA president and treasurer.

Membership Envelopes Send an email to Second Vice President (Membership) R. Shawn Summerville at daaville@yahoo.com that includes the number of envelopes. (There are 500 envelopes in a box.) Supply all contact information for the PTS/PTSA president and treasurer. R. Shawn Summerville, 15th District PTA, 2nd VP, Membership

Sabrina DeWalt

Some of the most favorite holidays are quickly approaching. For some, this time of year is a danger zone. If you have been working all year to create the physique of your dreams or trying to maintain a certain weight for an upcoming wedding or reunion, then here are some do’s and don’ts to help you survive the temptations.

Do: • Celebrate your hard work and self-discipline. You deserve it. Unapologetically recognize and appreciate yourself. • Remember your diet and water. Eat more veggies than meat. Veggies should occupy about 1/3 of the plate, and the meat you choose should be the size of your palm. Taste what you want. Eat what you need. • Continue to exercise. There’s nothing wrong with a little sweat during the holiday vacation. Working out tends to be therapeutic when you’re under pressure and is proven to serve as a stress reliever.

Don’t: • Go overboard. Moderation is everything. You might find yourself overwhelmed with all the delicious options. Food that you never get a chance to enjoy until this season is now available in abundance. Understand you are on a mission. Treat yourself, but don’t cheat yourself. • Pick up bad habits. This is a time for celebration, family, and fun times. Avoid situations that can turn into a spiraling habit. Make smart decisions, and know your limit when it comes to alcohol. Those empty calories can add weight faster than anything else. • Beat yourself up. You do enough of that in the gym. Guilt and stress will do nothing but serve as another obstacle in the way of your goals. Relax and strategically talk yourself through this. Your body will thank you for it. Sabrina DeWalt is an American Aerobic Association International (AAAI) master personal trainer and bodybuilder. She’s a graduate of Ballard High and Berea College.

The following article originally appeared in the Winter 2017 issue of SBDM Connections.

The Importance of

Parent Voice

My name is Marian R. Vasser, and I currently serve as the director of Diversity Education and Inclusive Excellence at the University of Louisville (UofL), where I have been employed for more than 24 years. My personal and professional passions include working to build climates that are more inclusive and equitable for all. In addition to being engaged in this critical work at UofL and throughout the community, I also get to blend it with another passion of mine, which is being a mom. I am the proud mother of three talented, intelligent, and handsome young men. My oldest son, Trey, who was also a Jefferson County Public Schools (JCPS) student, is now 23 and working at General Electric. My 14-year-old twins, Tavon and Tobias, are eighth graders at Noe Middle. I am very active in my children’s education and try to serve in ways that not only increase their chances of success but other children’s as well. When my oldest son was in school, I had several unpleasant experiences as a result of inequitable practices. I recall being very frustrated far too often and deciding something had to change. Many of the teachers I encountered were simply following policies and procedures, while totally unaware of how certain students, including my son, were being ushered directly into the schoolto-prison pipeline. The more engaged I became, the more I learned about policies and procedures that needed to change. At that time, my schedule was less flexible and I was only able to show up at the school periodically. Although my son graduated on time, I was extremely frustrated by this experience and now concerned that I had twins entering the same system. My oldest son had a really rough time navigating his educational experience. Fortunately, my twins had a better experience for several reasons. In addition to them being more focused, I was able to commit more time to getting involved. It made a world of a difference; let me tell you. In addition to being active in the PTA, even serving as president for several years, I also became a member of the SBDM Council. The SBDM Council is responsible for setting school policy (consistent with Jefferson County Board of Education [JCBE] policy) that will provide an environment to enhance student achievement and to help students meet established academic goals. The SBDM Council has authority in the following areas: • Determination of curriculum, including needs assessment, curriculum development, and responsibilities under KRS 158.6453(19)

• Assignment of all instructional and noninstructional staff time • Assignment of students to classes and programs within the school • Determination of the schedule of the school day and week, subject to the beginning and ending times of the school day and school calendar year as established by the local board • Determination of use of school space during the school day related to improving classroom teaching and learning • Planning and resolution of issues regarding instructional practices • Selection and implementation of discipline and classroom management techniques as a part of a comprehensive school safety plan, including responsibilities of the student, parent, teacher, counselor, and principal • Selection of extracurricular programs and determination of policies relating to student participation based on academic qualifications and attendance requirements, program evaluations, and supervision • Adoption of an emergency plan as required in KRS 158.162 • Procedures, consistent with local school board policy, for determining alignment with state standards, technology utilization, and program appraisal • Procedures to assist the council with consultation in the selection of personnel by the principal, including but not limited to meetings, timelines, interviews, review of written application, and review of references The law requires membership of the SBDM Council to include parents, teachers, and the principal of the school. Getting involved as a parent means you are empowered to contribute to the decision-making process that directly affects the learning environment. I remember the first year I served on the council. It was a bit intimidating as I did not know much about school budgets, policies, or procedures. The first year, I sat back and tried to learn as much as I could. I remember feeling like it was a waste of my time originally because it felt as though I was as an outsider looking in. Once I began to build relationships with other parents on the council, I realized it was our duty to speak up. It was not long before I was consistent in asking questions and even challenging policies and practices that seemed inequitable. One of the things I constantly reminded myself of was the fact that my position on the council came with privilege. Many SBDM parents likely have more flexible schedules than some of the parents that need policies changed the most. With that in mind, I made it a point to become more involved and ask questions until I under-

Marian R. Vasser, left, stands with two of her three sons, Tavon and Tobias, and has enjoyed the ability to serve on the Noe Middle SchoolBased Decision Making (SBDM) Council.

stood fully, even if it meant using the full time allotted to the meeting. During this process, I also learned more about the role of the teachers and administrators. Although some of the revelations were heartbreaking, in terms of how much agency teachers lacked, I felt empowered that my contribution could effect change positively for children and teachers. As a parent, we do have a say and we should most definitely exercise that right. I have served as an SBDM Council member for approximately six years now, and I am proud to say I have contributed to many positive changes at the school where I served. In addition to revising dress codes to be more inclusive, I have even witnessed positive changes in leadership as a result of the SBDM. My favorite poet, Maya Angelou, says, “Nothing will work, unless you do.” I encourage those of you who have schedules permitting to please get involved. The more involved we are, the better JCPS can be. There are many ways to be involved, so if your schedule doesn’t permit you to serve on the SBDM Council, stay in touch with your SBDM reps so your voice can be heard. Hold us accountable! I realize as an SBDM parent-representative, I am not only there for my children but also there representing those voices that often go unheard or unconsidered. The SBDM is a perfect avenue for challenging policies that perpetuate inequitable disciplinary actions, lack gender equity, widen educational achievement gaps, etc. While I realize the lack of diversity on most SBDM Councils is the result of inflexible schedules, I strongly encourage parents who are minorities to consider serving. My twins are blessed to be at a wonderful school that values parent involvement, although I know this can be a challenge in other environments. Whenever I have felt a level of discomfort, I have always received valuable feedback and advice from Shawna Stenton, who is responsible for SBDM Councils throughout JCPS. She is extremely knowledgeable and approachable and has played a major role in the success of my tenure as an SBDM parent-representative. The experience, for me, has been extremely rewarding, and I am willing to personally mentor any parent wanting to be involved in this capacity. 7

15th District PTA 319 South 15th Street Louisville, KY 40203 www.15thDistrictPTA.org

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Save the Date The 15th District PTA Spelling Bee will be held on 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, February 7, at Sallie Phillips Durrett Auditorium, 4409 Preston Highway. Join us as JCPS elementary and middle school students compete to become the district’s best, second-best, and third-best speller. The participants are the winners of individual school spelling bees. The top winner of the 15th District PTA Spelling Bee will advance to the Ford Motor Company Kentucky Derby Festival Spelling Bee on Saturday, March 17. That event includes Kentucky and Southern Indiana’s top spellers. For more information, call 485-7450.

15th District PTA

Children’s Advocacy Day Join the 15th District PTA for Children’s Advocacy Day at the Kentucky State Capitol on Thursday, January 18. We need your help to pack the Rotunda and ask elected officials to prioritize students in the 2018 session. To register, visit kyyouth.org/Childrens-Advocacy-Day-At-The-Capitol.

Take What You Can Tote! Nearly 450 people attended the fifth annual Take What You Can Tote! Clothing Giveaway on Saturday, December 9. The event attracted almost 75 volunteers who helped families leave with as many as three bags of clothing and accessories as well as shoes, toys, and books. This annual partnership between the JCPS Diversity, Equity, and Poverty Programs and 15th District PTA helps brighten the holiday season for families throughout the community, especially within the Louisville Metro Government Zones of Hope Neighborhoods.

School Board Recognition Month January is School Board Recognition Month. This is a good time to thank your school board members for their dedication and service to your district. The seven elected members of JCBE shoulder a great responsibility while serving the district’s schools, 14,000 employees, and 100,000 students. The hours—especially on board meeting nights—may be long and the work, research, meetings, and appointments may often be thankless and grueling; however, the work they do shapes the future of the community. The 15th District PTA offers a special thanks to the JCBE chairman Chris Brady and to JCBE members Diane Porter, Dr. Chris Kolb, Stephanie Horne, Benjamin Gies, Linda Duncan, and Dr. Lisa Willner. We are grateful for your service. To find your board member or to send them a note, visit www.jefferson.kyschools.us/about /leadership/board/members. 8

www.15thdistrictpta.org 485-3535

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