The Buzz

INDEPENDENCE BANK AWARDS CHECK TO HCC-FAME STUDENT

On Monday, May 17, Independence Bank held a presentation, in which Brandon Moss was recognized and awarded a check as part of the HCC-FAME (Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education) program. This program is a work and learn program that gives participating students the opportunity to earn an industry recognized degree while gaining valuable work experience at a manufacturing company.

The Independence Bank Henderson board of directors donate a community board scholarship yearly for high school seniors as part of the Independence Bank scholarship program. This year the Henderson board thought it was important to also give a scholarship ($1,776) to a student seeking a non-traditional college career path. Many of the directors own businesses that need those skilled trade workers and felt very passionately about being able to help one of those students at HCC. Brandon was the HCCFAME student selected.

HENDERSON COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTS CARDBOARD DRIVE-IN MOVIE

On Monday, June 7, the Henderson County Public Library’s Children’s Department hosted a cardboard drive-in movie for children ages 2-7 and their families. It was held in the Pittsburg Tank & Tower Event Rooms. All crafts were provided for the children to make their very own cardboard boxes. There were 19 attendees who came for the event, which began at 5:30 in the evening. Snacks were provided for children and their families as they enjoyed watching the movie, “Scooby Doo Road Trip USA.” Keep watch on Henderson County Public Library’s social media pages for more fun upcoming events.

HENDERSON’S SUMMER SCHOOL PROGRAM WELCOMES MANY VISITORS

Henderson County Schools had several community partners who visited their schools this summer including the Henderson County Public Library, Audubon Park, and the University of Kentucky Extension Office. The summer school program provided the perfect opportunity for their schools to collaborate with community partners all for the success of their students.

AUDUBON KIDS ZONE VISITS LIL’ REXINGS PONY EXPRESS

On Wednesday, July 7 Audubon Kids Zone (AKZ) took a field trip to Lil’ Rexings Pony Express located at 6811 W Franklin Rd in Evansville, Indiana. As part of the AKZ Summer Program, they incorporate field trips to semi local, kid-friendly sites that their participants may not otherwise have an opportunity to visit. This field trip consisted of 17 elementary aged students, 6 teens, 4 staff members and 4 parent volunteers. The mission at Audubon Kids Zone is to connect the family, school, and community to empower kids to achieve life-long success. For more information on how they work together with Henderson families or to get involved in their mission, find them at AudubonKidsZone.com or check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

PARENT PROFILE Beth Gish

AB CHANDLER ELEMENTARY 5TH GRADE TEACHER

Photo by Darrin Phegley

TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF (FAMILY, KIDS, PETS, ETC.)

I’ve been married to Michael for 10 years. We have a daughter, Caroline, 4, and a dog, Charlie.

WHAT DO YOU DO FOR A LIVING, AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN IN THIS POSITION?

I’m a 5th grade teacher at AB Chandler Elementary. I taught 1st grade for 10 years at Jefferson Elementary and have been at Chandler for 3 years now, teaching 3rd grade for 2 years before moving to 5th this past year. I will be teaching 5th grade next year as well!

WHAT DO YOU FIND MOST REWARDING AS A TEACHER? WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?

I think the most rewarding part of being a teacher is that “aha” moment when you see a student understand something you have been teaching them. In 1st grade, it was definitely when a student began reading and their eyes would light up as they realized they were actually reading the book by themselves. In the older grades, it is more of a math concept they finally understand or doing well on a test and seeing the growth they made.

The challenges were definitely more pandemic related this year with technology and virtual teaching, but in a normal year, one challenge would be time constraints. Finding the time to fit in all the curriculum, while still having engaging lessons and small group times as well.

WHAT HOBBIES DO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ENJOY?

We are big UK basketball and football fans, so we enjoy watching or going to games. My husband does the music for the Henderson Flash baseball team, so we are usually out at the baseball field during the summer. We enjoy going to the lake when we can and traveling to Florida to see family I have that live there.

WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES FOR THE 2021-2022 SCHOOL YEAR COMPARED TO THAT OF LAST SCHOOL YEAR DURING THE PANDEMIC?

My hopes for this school year would be that we are able to be in person all year long without having to do the virtual learning. I think Henderson County as a whole was very successful in making the virtual and hybrid learning work for us, but there is nothing like having students in person right in front of you. Being able to build those relationships with the students in person and having those connections makes it so much better.

HOW HAVE YOU GROWN AS A TEACHER AFTER GOING THROUGH A NONTRADITIONAL SCHOOL YEAR?

I would say definitely being more flexible and being able to work through whatever happens to reach my students. Also, finding new ways to teach using all the different technology pieces out there and using technology with my students in so many new ways.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WANTING TO BECOME A TEACHER? AS SCHOOLS BEGIN TO REOPEN TO A MORE NORMAL SCHEDULE, WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE A RECENT COLLEGE GRADUATE BEGINNING THEIR TEACHING CAREER THIS SCHOOL YEAR?

I would tell them teaching isn’t just a job, it’s a calling. It’s something you need to be passionate about and have a desire to continue bettering yourself for your students. As a teacher, you are also a life long learner, always needing to find new ways to reach kids and find new strategies to teach students. This year especially taught us that. Also, learn from other educators and staff around you. Take it all in and soak up what they have to teach you. There will be struggles, but it’s all worth it for the kids, which is why you are there!