Graves County, Kentucky
Education
Graves Schools Reveal Performing Arts Center Season Events Series 2012-13
Saturday November 3 - Grease is the Word!
Saturday, December 15 - Candy Cane Classics
Saturday, January 26 - Graves County's Got Talent
Saturday, February 23 - Starry, Starry Night
Saturday, April 27 - Curtain Call: All the World's a Stage
Season tickets remain the same as last year, priced at $25 for adults & $15 for students. Tickets now are on sale and can be purchased by phoning PAC manager Donna Gream at 270-328-4824 or 270-674-4824 or by emailing her at donna.gream@graves.kyschools.us.
Saturday November 3 - Grease is the Word!
Saturday, December 15 - Candy Cane Classics
Saturday, January 26 - Graves County's Got Talent
Saturday, February 23 - Starry, Starry Night
Saturday, April 27 - Curtain Call: All the World's a Stage
Season tickets remain the same as last year, priced at $25 for adults & $15 for students. Tickets now are on sale and can be purchased by phoning PAC manager Donna Gream at 270-328-4824 or 270-674-4824 or by emailing her at donna.gream@graves.kyschools.us.
Lowes Elementary Named "Distinguished", GC School District, Four of Its Other Schools Score "Proficient", on First Unbridled Learning Test"
GC Schools' Superintendent Pete Galloway addresses students at Lowes Elementary School Friday, November 2, as principal Cheryl Goodman listens. Lowes earned the status of "Distinguished", ranking among the top ten percent of elementary schools in Kentucky, on Kentucky's first Unbridled Learning assessment. The GC School District, as a whole, ranked as "Proficient" under the new accountability system. That means it scored among the top 30 percent of districts statewide, along with four of its ten schools: Symsonia, Central, and Sedalia elementary schools, and Graves County High School. The district ranked among the top 12 of 174 districts statewide from 2004-11, remaining in the top 7.5 percent all eight years. Galloway told Lowes students they are statewide stars for their achievement. He told district faculty and staff that collaboration is one of their strengths and he is confident that factor will lead to higher scores district-wide in the fall of 2013.
Graves High Spanish Club Travels to Tennessee to Celebrate Mexican Holiday
GCHS Spanish Club students and teachers traveled to Cheekwood Park in Nashville, TN to celebrate the annual Dia de los Muertos. The "Day of the Dead" honors deceased relatives. Th GCHS group participated in several craft activities and observed several traditions of the Mexican holiday. They saw performances of Mexican regional and Aztec dances as well. Before returning home, the students dined at La Hacienda Tortilleria and visited the adjacent bakery to enjoy the Mexican dessert called "pan".
Graves High's Kirsten Herndon Becomes School's All-Tim Soccer Goals Leader
GC Lady Eagle Kirsten Herndon accepts a plaque from her school's athletic director, Doug Gloyd, recognizing her as Graves County High School's all-time goals leader with 103. Herndon also recently received honorable mention for the KY High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team. She was named to the first team at both the all-distrct and all-region levels. Herndon has committed verbally to play soccer for David Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN.
Graves Students Use Real Voting Machine, Thanks to County Clerk Kennemore
Lowes Elementary fifth grader Kade Burnett enters his ballot in a real voting machine at his school while Graves County Clerk Barry Kennemore oversees the process. Kennemore said he has made it a practice to offer the activity to all public schools in Mayfield and Graves County, rather than to wait for schools to request it. That was after some high school students told him they'd gotten to vote as elementary students and others did not. He explained that the way students vote typically mirrors their parents' vote. For that reason, he limits the student vote to federal presidential elections, not local races. Pollsters might want to note that in Lowes the votes was 154 for Republican challenger Mitt Romney and 118 for Democrat incumbent Barack Obama. Graves County Superintendent Pete Galloway praised the county clerk, saying "Mr. Kennemore not only is showing each student that their vote matters, he's showing them that they matter. I'm confident most of them will remember this experience and will be more likely to vote as adults."
Graves Eagle Basketball Season Tickets Go on Sale Starting October 29th
GCHS 2011-2012 basketball season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase their seats again this year. Athletic Director Doug Gloyd will begin selling chair seats to the 2011-12 ticketholders in the school's athletic office at 8AM Monday October 29th. He will hold those seats through Monday, November 12th. The lower level chairs are $50. The upper level chairs are $35. The general public and fans who did not hold season tickets last year may purchase the remaining available seats, starting Monday, November 12th. Parking passes for the basketball season will be available for $75. To learn more, phone Gloyd at 270-674-4884 or email him at Doug.gloyd@graves.kyschools.us.
Five Graves High Students Recognized for 2012 KCEC Awards
Three GCHS students have won the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children's 2012 "Yes, I Can Award." The winners are Morgan Elliott, for technology; Logan Lear for athletics, Megan Roach for employment. Elliott also won an award last year. Two other GCHS students received certificates recognizing their nominations. Robert Trent, for community service and Brett Errickson, for academics. Elliott, Lear and Roach will receive their awards at the November state conference in Louisville. The all-expenses-paid trip includes a night at the Galt House, dinner out with all the winners and their families and a tour of the city. Each also advances to national competition. The Council for Exceptional Children is an international community of professionals who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. CEC's mission is to improve, through excellence and advocacy, the education and quality of life for children and youth with exceptionalities and to enhance the engagement of their families. "We are so proud of all of our students' achievements", said teacher Miranda Reed. Fellow teacher Lori Emerson added "Graves County High School definitely is well-represented!"
Sedalia Sixth Graders Seal September School Attendance Contest Victory
Sedalia Elementary sixth graders in teacher Rhonda Roberts' class recorded the highest attendance in the school for September. Class members chose as their reward extra recess and snow cones. "Extra recess and snow cones are a small investment for a big payoff," said Sedalia principal Robert Braden. "We want our students to know how much we appreciate their efforts, starting with attendance. Mrs. Roberts' class set the standard for September! When they see the emphases we adults place on attendance, we hope they see that attendance is important throughout life. That's important for work and for letting others know they can count on you. Congratulations to Mrs. Roberts' class!"
Sedalia Fourth Graders Score Highest Attendance in School for August
Sedalia Elementary Fourth Graders in teacher Leslie Williams' class scored the highest attendance in the school for August. They were rewarded with extra recess and a snow cone party. Principal Robert Braden said, "We're all about kids here at Sedalia. That means we work with them so that they're prepared for the next level of school and eventually for adult life. That all begins with something as simple as just showing up. That's true for kids and it's true for adults. We emphasize attendance because we want our kids to make it a personal value for themselves throughout their lives. Congratulations to Mrs. Williams' class for a great effort during August and always."
Two Graves County Elementary Schools Win 2012 Statewide Attendance Contest
Two Graves County elementary schools won their categories in a statewide competition on "High Attendance Day" Tuesday, September 18. The Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel, the event's sponsoring organizations, announced winners October 16. Fancy Farm had perfect attendance of all 207 students to win the small elementary school category. Lowes' attendance was 99.64 percent of its 278 students that day to win the large elementary school category. Both schools will receive awards and rewards for their efforts in coming weeks. Fancy Farm is a second time winner. Another Graves County School, Cuba Elementary, also won the competition previously. "We are proud of all our schools for their diligence in attendance every day," said Graves County Assistant Superintendent/director of pupil personnel Jennifer Smith. "Of course, we're particularly proud of Fancy Farm and Lowes for their tremendous effort this year! They deserve congratulations! The entire point of High Attendance Day is to bring attention to the importance of attendance. It's the first step in learning."
Local Senior in 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program
Matthew Madding, principal of Graves County High School recently announced that John Preston Simmons has been named a Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). "Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the advancement of educational excellence within our nation," commented an NMSC spokesperson. "The young people recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program. We sincerely hope this recognition will prove them with additional educational outlets and motivate them in their pursuit of academic achievement."
Graves School District Ranks 6th in Attendance Statewide Despite Its Large Number of Students
by Paul Schaumburg, Community Relations Director, Graves County Schools
The Graves County School District ranks sixth among some 174 Kentucky public school districts in student attendance for the 2011-12 school year, according to the "Superintendent's Annual Attendance Report" from the Kentucky Department of Education. Seven of the top nine districts are independent districts, meaning they serve only one town or city. Only Hickman County, ranked fourth, and Graves County are not independent districts among the top nine. The only district ranked ahead of Graves County with an enrollment that's even half the size of Graves County's is Fort Thomas Independent, with an average daily membership of approximately 2700. Graves County's average daily membership is approximately 4500. "We are ecstatic that our students, parents and schools have done such a tremendous job of getting kids to school," said Graves County Assistant Superintendent/director of pupil personnel Jennifer Smith. "Graves County is the fifth largest county georgraphically and we have a large enrollment compared to so many other districts. That makes this achievement even more special because our students overcome a lot of barriers in everday life that can get in the way of attendance. I believe our families are committed to attendance because they know how important it is for learning." Graves County has ranked among the top ten districts in attendance for a decade or more and this latest annual report records the district's highest ranking yet. The Jackson Purchase as a whole did very well in attendance, according to the report. Ten of the 12 school districts in Kentucky's eight westernmost counties rank in the top 30. The Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel designated Tuesday, September 18th, as High Attendance Day in the Commonwealth's schools. The organization will provide awards to the schools with highest attendance in elementary, middle, and high school categories. Graves County's Cuba and Fancy Farm Elementary schools have won the award in past years.
Senior, Junior ACT Scores Increase
The Mayfield Messenger
August 29, 2012
Tom Berry
Senior and junior students at both Mayfield Independent and Graves County Schools saw an increase in scores on the national ACT college assessment test. The test, with a maximum score of 32, is considered an indicator of how well graduating high school students will do in college. Kim Hamby, director of public relations for Mayfield Independent School District said Mayfield High Schools Class of 2012 showed improvement. MHS's average composite score increase was reported at 20.5; an increase of 0.9 points over a score of 19.6 recorded for the senior class of 2011. This year's score is a full point above the composite score for all Kentucky students taking the ACT which was reported at 19.5. "The class scored an average of 20.8 in English, 20.2 in math, 20.3 in reading and 20.3 in science," Hamby said in a news release. "The class average topped its own composite score from the previous year when, as juniors, their average was 19.7". However the average composite score for the class of 2013 dropped slightly to 18.1. "Students understand the importance of ACT and what it means for college admissions and scholarship eligibility," said Lynn Henderson, guidance counselor at MHS, "We can see that, with the programs implemented at MHS, scores improved from the junior to the senior year. The faculty and staff are dedicated to seeing these students succeed." Paul Schaumburg, community relations director for Graves County Schools, said GCHS juniors scored well within the top quarter of all Kentucky students that took the ACT. He said juniors scored more than a half-point above the state average in all four subject areas. "A half point is a very significant difference in terms of the ACT", said Assistant Superintendent Carla Whitis. "It's especially significant when you consider that Graves County is a relatively large district in western Kentucky. It means a large number of these students scored well, not just a few." According to Schaumburg, Graves County junior ACT scores rose from 18.9 to 19.2 in English, from 19.3 to 19.7 in math, dropped slightly from 19.7 to 19.6 in English, increased from 19.2 to 19.4 in math, dropped from 20 to 19.8 in reading, rose from 19.3 to 19.5 in science. The average composite score for seniors rose from 19.6 in 2011 to 19.7 in 2012. "The ACT scores for this junior class are very encouraging and the senior class recorded an upward trend, too," said Graves High School Interim Principal Matthew Madding. "Higher test scores provide a great reason to celebrate. They verify that the hard work of teachers, parents and especially students is paying off. We congratulate everyone who contirubted to this achievement. It shows that significant learning is taking place and that's why we're here!" In Kentucky all junior and senior students are required to take the ACT test.
Mid-Continent University Welcomes Back Students
Summer break is officially over for new and returning students of Mid-Continent University. On August 16, MCU welcomed back students on campus with the first day of class being August 20. This year MCU is welcoming over 100 new students to the University and the dorms are buzzing with activity. This is a very exciting time for the faculty and staff of the University. The campus at MCU is always beautiful, but the facilties department puts their best foot forward to give a great impression for the returning students and family members. MCU is a four-year, liberal arts Christian University located in Mayfield, KY. MCU offers 11 majors and 12 minors in the day-time, on-campus program. MCU is a member of the NAIA Division 1 TransSouth Conference NCCAA, with athletics in Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Softball, Spirit Squad and Volleyball. For more information about MCU visit our website at www.midcontinent.edu or call 866-894-8878.
Mayfield Schools Are Reporting 5.9 Percent Population Increase; Higher Graduation Rate
The Mayfield Messenger
August 21, 2012
by Tom Berry
Mayfield Indepent School District (MISD) officials are reporting a 5.9 percent increase in student population since the 2010-2011 school year while also hailing a 2011 freshman graduation rate that has placed the district among the top schools in the region.
Director of Pupil Personnel, Gavin Thompson, told district board of education members during a meeting Monday night that an "average freshman graduation rate" of 87.7 percent placed MISD in 7th place among 31 schools in the western Kentucky region for 2011; 9.3 percentage points above the state average of 78.
In 2010, a rate of 81.8 placed the district at number 12 in the region.
"It's great when you look at all the schools there", Thompsonson said of the list of 31 districts west of Christian and Hopkins counties.
However Thompson also pointed out that the assessment counting procedure will change for 2012-13 school year and he was not sure how it would affect the reported rate in the future.
Also, Thompson told board members that student population is up significantly for the year, rising from a count of 1,481 last year to 1,558 for 2012-13; or 97 students.
Although the increase in population does create some challenges for the district, Thompson said the situation is welcome.
"Obviously, we are very pleased and proud of our students", Thompson said.
A final count of new enrollment numbers is expected after the Labor Day weekend.
Afterward, Superintendent Lonnie Burgett and board members reviewed the district's 2011-12 annual financial report. Total revenue for the year was reported at $19,811,415 with total expenditures reported at $16,977,037, leaving $2,834,377.
Burgett said the report is a napshot of how well the system is doing financially, which according to the numbers, is on sound financial footing.
The report is available to the public by request at the board office on College Street.
Burgett also announced the hiring of three additional school personnel since the previous omonth including a school pyschologist and one addition for the district's kindergarten program with a few losses due to retirement, job changes and other factors.
Graves High Retiring Art Teacher Praised for Inspiring Students
GCHS Art Teacher Jack Goodwin will retire in mid-May. Some of his paintings will be on display and for sale in a silent auction throughout April at the GCS PAC Gallery. Reggie Spicer says she was shy about her art and lacked confidence, but Goodwin believed in her. "I had taken art classes since elementary school. I had been drawing all my life, and I pretended a lot as a child. The on e thing I never had to pretend was my art, but no one ever saw that, no one except Jack Goodwin!" she said. "He saw something in me that others didn't see. He gave me the first award I ever had, which was call the Art Award. That's the only thing I've ever won and it's still with me!" GCHS hired Jack Goodwin as its first art teacher when the school opened in 1985. That was 27 years ago. Goodwin will retire after graduation of the Class of 2012, May 15. Throughout April, a number of his paintings will be sold through a silent auction. All proceeds will go into a fund to award a scholarship each year in Goodwin's name. It will go to an art student who has a monetary need to be used in conjunction with whatever grants that student can obtain. Financial need and grades in the visual arts will be the sole requisites.
Mid-Continent University Faculty Members Presenting at Upcoming Conferences
Several members of Mid-Continent University's full-time faculty are scheduled to present significant work at several upcoming key conferences. Dr. Evie Chenhall is presenting at the 2012 AHRD (Academy of Human Resource Development) International Research Confernce in the Americas in Denver on February 29 - March 3. Her presentation topic is "Safety Culture Types, Leadership Styles, and Safety Performance Indicators". This presentation is an extension of Dr. Chenhall's doctoral dissertation at Colorado State University. Dr. Chengall is an Assistant Professor of Human Resources at MCU. She earned her doctorate in Educaion and Human Resource Studies with emphasis in Organizational Performance and Change at Colorado State University. She is affiliated with Research and Evaluation Partners LLP, the Society for Human Resrouce Management, the AHRD, and the Christian Business Faculty Associaton. Her research interests inlcude: action learning, performance management, leadership development, and organizational culture. Dr. Randy Nichols is presenting at the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education (KABHE) 2012 Conference in Bowling Green on April 15 - 17. His presentation topic is "Strategies for Increasing Women and Ethnic Minority Employees in High Education." Dr. Nichols is a Professor of Management with MCU. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the Union Insitute, a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in HR Management, and a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science form Kentucky State University. Dr. Nichols served nearly seven years as an Army Contract Specialist (buyer) and earned Professional Designation in Contract Management. Dr. Michael Sithole will present at the International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines in Dallas on April 19 - 22. His presentation "Marketing to the Rapidly Growing South African Black Middle Class" has been accepted for presentation and publication in the IAB-PAD Conference Proceedings. Dr. Sithole is the Chair of the Business Department at MCU and an Associate Professor of Management and Human Resource Management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and a Master of Science in Management, both from National-Louis University. He also holds a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Management and Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University. Mid-Continent University is a private, non-profit, Southern Baptist affiliated organization. MCU is regionally accredited and headquartered in Mayfield, KY. If you are interested in information about enrolling visit www.midcontinent.edu or call 1-888-MCU-GRAD.
Monsanto Fund Donates $2500 to Graves County High School FFA
The Graves County High School FFA Chapter recently accepted a $2500 check from the Monsanto Fund to support agriculture education. FFA officers were present to receive the check from Graves County farmer Kevin Jones. Jones nominated the chapter for the grant because the students one day will be agriculture leaders. John Lawson, local territory sales manager for Monsanto also was there for the check presentation. There will be winners in 1,245 counties throughout the United States in 39 states.
DARE returns to Graves County Schools
Graves County Schools' resource officer John Cavin recently copleted two weeks of DARE America training through the Kentucky State Police in Campbellsville to qualify as a DARE instructor. "DARE stands for Drug Awareness Resistance Education", he explained. "There were 20 officers and deputies from all over Kentucky and as far away as Kansas who graduated from our training. One person from a provost marshal's office came from 29 Palms, CA. The training consisted of 78 hours, two full weeks of instruction, as well as lots of homework. In my 19 years of working in law enforcement, this training was by far, the most demanding I've had. "Dare is a polic officer-taught lesson plan set in sixth grade fo the Graves County Schools", Cavin continued. "It's designed for students to be able to say no to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and to their friends when they try to get kids to do something they shouldn't. There alaso are sections on bullying, prescription drugs, and other related topics. It's meant to be taught in a ten-week course, leading up to DARE graduation. I was trained in teachin gthis course to elementary students and a follow-up called 'Keep it Real' if our district chooses to use it for middle and high school levels," he said. "The idea is to teach sixth graders, skip a year, and then follow up when those students become eighth graders." Since returning from the training, Cavin has taught the course one day per week since mid-February at Wingo, Fancy Farm, Symsonia, and Sedalia elementary schools. He'll conduct training next fall at Central, Cuba, Farmington, and Lowes elementary schools. Then, he'll return next spring to the four elementary schools where he currently teaches. "A police officer in Los Angeles, CA, inaugurated DARE in 1983 and I understand it has been taught here before," Cavin noted. "I thikn some people across the county have looked at DARE as a save-all on its onw. It is a very effective tool, but it requires support from families, parents, communities, and schools to succeed, especially the way society has changed. Hopefully, we can change somebody's life. When DARE first came along, it was mainly a lecture presentation," he continued. "Now, it's much more about helping a child understand there are other options. You can say no. Just because someone asks a child to do something does't mean that child has to do it. There's a DARE planner workbook, from from the state", Cavin said. "There are things to do as an individual and in a group. There's also a DARE box that a couple of students make so that students can submit questions for the officer to answer without having to ask it directly in class. We also want students to know that police can be positive, even if their parents might sometimes get in trouble with the law. I hope our parents and community get involved and support their kids in this effort." Cavin concluded. "We've got to do something or we'll lose our most valuable assset: our kids".
Cuba Sixth Graders Find Learning Easier With Strings Attached
The POT at Cuba Elementary School recently voted to buy instruments and have students year after year take violin lessons in the sixth grade. Ashley Darnell, who teaches orchestral stringed instruments to Graves County elementary students, said "Music lectures and learning about music is just not as good as actually playing music. Research shows that performing music engages many parts of the brain at the same time in a way that nothing else can." For some, the class is a dream come true. Sixth grader Heaven Youngblood said "I've wanted to play since first grade. I've played guitar, but it's different with a bow." Classmate Brandon Benyei explained, "It's hard at first because you don't know how to start or the parts, but as you go on, you learn." Now, that he's developed some skill, he finds, "It's really a fun thing to do with my friends!"
Graves Central Holds Health & Wellness Fair
Graves County Central Elementary School recently held its annual Health & Wellness Fair. Operating booths were a variety of groups including the Graves County Health Department with infomration on the dangers of tobacco use as well as cervical cancer, Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon's department on drug safety, the American Red Cross chapter on first aid, the Graves County Child Advocacy Agency on health relationships, the Hope Pregnancy Care Center on pregnancy counseling informaiton, Lourdes Health and Wellness on hand washing and MRSA education, the Kentucky Cancer Program with its derma scan and smoke check, the Kentucky Delta Rural Project with its anti-bullying message, the Kentucky Homeplace with information on head lice, Jeannie McCalpin on brain wellness, and information from tghe Graves County Soccer and Tennis Associations.
Ag Commissioner Visits Graves
James Comer, Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture, toured Mayfield and Graves County Monday, March 5, looking to promote means of boosting revenue for programs like the National FFA Foundation, 4-H and Kentucky Proud. One such outlet is specialized farm license plates. Accompanied by State Representative Fred Nesler, Graves County Clerk Barry Kennemore and other local officials, Comer met with Graves County High School students enrolled in FFA and 4-H, where he touted the license program now available while drivers renew their licenses. A portion of the cost will benefit all three programs. "When Kentucky farmers renew their farm license plates, they can add a voluntary $10 donation that will be split evenly among these three fine organizations", said Commissioner Comer, a former state FFA president. "FFA and 4-H give Kentucky's young people opportunities to participate iin constructive activities while they learn the value of had work and discipline. Kentucky Proud helps Kentucky producers find new markets for their products. All three programs are vital to the future of Kentcuky agriculture and Kentucky as a whole. Kentucky FFA has about 15,000 members in nearly 140 chapters. FFA is dedicated to making a positive differfence in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. It is open to any student ages 12-21 who is enrolled in an agriculture course in a public school. Some 205,000 youths are involved in Kentucky 4-H programs, and Kentucky ranks in the top 10 in several 4-H enrollment categgories nationwide. 4-H is found in every Kentucky county and is a community of more than 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Kentucky Proud is the official state program food and farm products that are grown, raised, made or processed in Kentucky. Nearly 3,000 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers' markets, school systems, Kentkcy state parts, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets are members of Kentucky Proud. The high school was just one stop for Comer. Before the day was out, he also met with the local rotary club and the Purchase Area Cattlemen Association. In fact, Graves was only one of several counties he intended to visit, hoping to push the license program with as many county clerks as possible. Comer's primary goal wa spromoting agriculture throughout the region. At the rotary club, he sought to raise awareness and appreciation of agriculture, which he says is currently threatened by overregulation at the federal level. At the cattlemen's meeting, he discussed the beef industry. Graves County, he said, was one of the top five agriculture counties in Kentucky.
MHS Students Enjoy Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week
Students in Mayfield High School's reading lab received copies of Kentucky author Silas House's young adult novel Eli the Good as part of Kentukcy Literacy Celebration Week, March 5 - 9.
Cuba Elementary School students "kicked off" Dr. Seuss Week by dressing in mix-matched clothes. Each day of the week featured a different Dr. Seuss theme.
Celebrating Success
Wingo Elementary School 6th grade Academic Team received a plaque from their Academic Coach, Monica Wiggins for their undefeated record during the 2011-2012 academic meets across Graves County. The team celebrated their achievement by having a special luncheon at Mid-Town Restaurant with Principal Sara Sarah, Counselor Maelna Parham, 6th grade Coach Monica Wiggins, 4th-5th grade Coach Ashley Perksins, parents & fellow teammates. They were joined by the 4th - 5th grade academic team who also had a successful season.
Graves FBLA Regional Success
GCHS students placed well in competion at teh FBLA Kentucky Region 1 Conference recently at Murray State University. Students who placed in the top three of business competition categories qualify for the FBLA State Conference in Louisville in April. GCHS representatives who won their categories at regionals include Preston Simmons, Economics; Garrett Bell, Ross Blackwell and Hunter Jones, Entrepreneurship; state FBLA president Mary Hummel, Who's Who; Mary Hummel and Tiffani Ellionton, Local Chapter Annual Business Report; Lucas Campbell, Computer Applicaitons; Corey Elder, Database Design and also Technology Concepts; Caitlin Pack, Health Care Administration; teach Mechelle Gattis, Region 1 Outstanding Advisor. Graves students placing second Josh Drouin, Business Law; Lucas Campbell, Business Procedures, and Ty Wilson, Personal Finance. GCHS third place finishers include Addie Brewer, Accounting I, and Ryan Noffsinger and Megal Schultz, Most Entertaining.
First Graduate
Great Ambitions School of Cosmetology had its first graduate on Friday, March 9, 2012. Laura Kelly graduated from the Nail Tech Program. Kelly had previous hours and finished with the new school, which is located in the Mayfield Shopping Plaza. Kelly will be working at the Wild Rose Salon in Murray after she completes her boards in April. Great Ambitions will be having its ribbon cutting at 9AM Thursday, March 15. There will also be an open house on Saturday, March 17 from 9AM to 2PM. There will be complimentary services and drawings for products & services. Applications are still being taken for enrollment.
Graves County Elementary Schools Hold 4th Grade Science Fair
Graves County's eight elementary schools sent some 26 fourth graders who placed highly in their school science fairs to compete in the district-wide science fair. Garrett Matheny, Fancy Farm won first place, $100; Jacob Mills, Central, won second place, $60; and Cade Butler, Central, won third place, $40.
Graves High Defeats Lone Oak to Win 2012 WKY Academic Bowl
The Graves County High School Academic Team Friday, March 9, won the West Kentucky Academic Bowl, which took place at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. Graves County defeated Fulton in the semi-finals 15 to 12 and went on to defeat Lone Oak 27 to 26 in the final match. the victory markes the first time since 2006 that Graves County has defeated Lone Oak and the first time since 2002 that graves County has won the West Kentucky Academic Bowl. The Bowl awards the championship team $2000 in scholarship money.
Graves District Governor's Cup
Several GCHS students placed well recently in district Governor's Cup competiton with students from Mayfield, Ballard County and St. Mary high schools. These GCHS students qualified for regional Governor's Cup competition at Murray High School, Saturday, February 18th. They include Preston Simmons, third place in social studies; Adrianne Sanderson, second place in arts & humanities & fourth palce in language arts; Sara Barrett, fifth palce in composition; Jonathan Goatley, second place in social studies and fifth place in science; Kadie Kinnis, fifth place in math; Chris Woods, first place in social studies and third place in language arts; and Shelia Marie Stacy, second place in composition.
Graves Cheerleaders Win Sixth State Championship in Eight Years
The GCHS Co-Ed Competition Cheerleaders won their sixth state championship of the Kentucky Association of Pep Organization Sponsors at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Saturday afternoon, February 18, 2012. The squad competes in the Large Co-Ed Division and earned its previous state titles in 2005-2008 and 2010. The team chose not to compete in last year's competition because of its busy schedule. A week earlier, the GC Cheerleaders finished as runners-up at the Universal Cheerleading Associations' national finals in Orlando, FL. Coach Jon Summerville's Eagles have won five of hte past seven annual national championships. The team competes in UCA's Large Co-Ed Division as well.
MHS Touchstone Energy All A Classic Scholarship Winners
Mayfield High School seniors Shain Ross and Bridge Horn recently was awarded $1000 from the Touchstone Energy All "A" Classic Scholarship. Sixty of the scholarships were awarded in Kentucky.
Graves Wins Inaugrual MSU Engineering, Tech Challenge
The Graves County High School Engineering Club February 18 won the grand championship for earning the most first and second-place awards at the first-ever Murray State University Engineering & Technology Challenge. Nineteen GCHS students competed in 12 events, ranging from environmental experiments to interior design to kayak building. Members of the club are Dustin Clancy, Micahel Hopwood, Clifton Hendley, Wes Sheilds, Patrick Carmon, Jarred Foy, Mitchell McClure, Cheyenne McMullen, Channing Davis, Daniel Moreland, Sarah Bryant, Garrett Bell, Jeremy Shields, Tyler Harlow, Hunter Wilkerson, Hunter Goree, Shelby Carter, Nicole Smith and Dani Gardner. Their teacher & advisor is Abbie Morris.
Congratulations to GCMS Talon News!
"Talon News", the video crew in Dan Caitlin's Graves County Middle School class won a contest on WDDJ-FM/Electric 96.9. They were voted #1 for the best video to the new Racer them song "I'm a Racer and I Know It" which highlights the Murray State Racer Basketball Team's undeafeated record so far this season.
Check it out!
GC Schools' Superintendent Pete Galloway addresses students at Lowes Elementary School Friday, November 2, as principal Cheryl Goodman listens. Lowes earned the status of "Distinguished", ranking among the top ten percent of elementary schools in Kentucky, on Kentucky's first Unbridled Learning assessment. The GC School District, as a whole, ranked as "Proficient" under the new accountability system. That means it scored among the top 30 percent of districts statewide, along with four of its ten schools: Symsonia, Central, and Sedalia elementary schools, and Graves County High School. The district ranked among the top 12 of 174 districts statewide from 2004-11, remaining in the top 7.5 percent all eight years. Galloway told Lowes students they are statewide stars for their achievement. He told district faculty and staff that collaboration is one of their strengths and he is confident that factor will lead to higher scores district-wide in the fall of 2013.
Graves High Spanish Club Travels to Tennessee to Celebrate Mexican Holiday
GCHS Spanish Club students and teachers traveled to Cheekwood Park in Nashville, TN to celebrate the annual Dia de los Muertos. The "Day of the Dead" honors deceased relatives. Th GCHS group participated in several craft activities and observed several traditions of the Mexican holiday. They saw performances of Mexican regional and Aztec dances as well. Before returning home, the students dined at La Hacienda Tortilleria and visited the adjacent bakery to enjoy the Mexican dessert called "pan".
Graves High's Kirsten Herndon Becomes School's All-Tim Soccer Goals Leader
GC Lady Eagle Kirsten Herndon accepts a plaque from her school's athletic director, Doug Gloyd, recognizing her as Graves County High School's all-time goals leader with 103. Herndon also recently received honorable mention for the KY High School Soccer Coaches Association All-State Team. She was named to the first team at both the all-distrct and all-region levels. Herndon has committed verbally to play soccer for David Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN.
Graves Students Use Real Voting Machine, Thanks to County Clerk Kennemore
Lowes Elementary fifth grader Kade Burnett enters his ballot in a real voting machine at his school while Graves County Clerk Barry Kennemore oversees the process. Kennemore said he has made it a practice to offer the activity to all public schools in Mayfield and Graves County, rather than to wait for schools to request it. That was after some high school students told him they'd gotten to vote as elementary students and others did not. He explained that the way students vote typically mirrors their parents' vote. For that reason, he limits the student vote to federal presidential elections, not local races. Pollsters might want to note that in Lowes the votes was 154 for Republican challenger Mitt Romney and 118 for Democrat incumbent Barack Obama. Graves County Superintendent Pete Galloway praised the county clerk, saying "Mr. Kennemore not only is showing each student that their vote matters, he's showing them that they matter. I'm confident most of them will remember this experience and will be more likely to vote as adults."
Graves Eagle Basketball Season Tickets Go on Sale Starting October 29th
GCHS 2011-2012 basketball season ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase their seats again this year. Athletic Director Doug Gloyd will begin selling chair seats to the 2011-12 ticketholders in the school's athletic office at 8AM Monday October 29th. He will hold those seats through Monday, November 12th. The lower level chairs are $50. The upper level chairs are $35. The general public and fans who did not hold season tickets last year may purchase the remaining available seats, starting Monday, November 12th. Parking passes for the basketball season will be available for $75. To learn more, phone Gloyd at 270-674-4884 or email him at Doug.gloyd@graves.kyschools.us.
Five Graves High Students Recognized for 2012 KCEC Awards
Three GCHS students have won the Kentucky Council for Exceptional Children's 2012 "Yes, I Can Award." The winners are Morgan Elliott, for technology; Logan Lear for athletics, Megan Roach for employment. Elliott also won an award last year. Two other GCHS students received certificates recognizing their nominations. Robert Trent, for community service and Brett Errickson, for academics. Elliott, Lear and Roach will receive their awards at the November state conference in Louisville. The all-expenses-paid trip includes a night at the Galt House, dinner out with all the winners and their families and a tour of the city. Each also advances to national competition. The Council for Exceptional Children is an international community of professionals who are the voice and vision of special and gifted education. CEC's mission is to improve, through excellence and advocacy, the education and quality of life for children and youth with exceptionalities and to enhance the engagement of their families. "We are so proud of all of our students' achievements", said teacher Miranda Reed. Fellow teacher Lori Emerson added "Graves County High School definitely is well-represented!"
Sedalia Sixth Graders Seal September School Attendance Contest Victory
Sedalia Elementary sixth graders in teacher Rhonda Roberts' class recorded the highest attendance in the school for September. Class members chose as their reward extra recess and snow cones. "Extra recess and snow cones are a small investment for a big payoff," said Sedalia principal Robert Braden. "We want our students to know how much we appreciate their efforts, starting with attendance. Mrs. Roberts' class set the standard for September! When they see the emphases we adults place on attendance, we hope they see that attendance is important throughout life. That's important for work and for letting others know they can count on you. Congratulations to Mrs. Roberts' class!"
Sedalia Fourth Graders Score Highest Attendance in School for August
Sedalia Elementary Fourth Graders in teacher Leslie Williams' class scored the highest attendance in the school for August. They were rewarded with extra recess and a snow cone party. Principal Robert Braden said, "We're all about kids here at Sedalia. That means we work with them so that they're prepared for the next level of school and eventually for adult life. That all begins with something as simple as just showing up. That's true for kids and it's true for adults. We emphasize attendance because we want our kids to make it a personal value for themselves throughout their lives. Congratulations to Mrs. Williams' class for a great effort during August and always."
Two Graves County Elementary Schools Win 2012 Statewide Attendance Contest
Two Graves County elementary schools won their categories in a statewide competition on "High Attendance Day" Tuesday, September 18. The Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel, the event's sponsoring organizations, announced winners October 16. Fancy Farm had perfect attendance of all 207 students to win the small elementary school category. Lowes' attendance was 99.64 percent of its 278 students that day to win the large elementary school category. Both schools will receive awards and rewards for their efforts in coming weeks. Fancy Farm is a second time winner. Another Graves County School, Cuba Elementary, also won the competition previously. "We are proud of all our schools for their diligence in attendance every day," said Graves County Assistant Superintendent/director of pupil personnel Jennifer Smith. "Of course, we're particularly proud of Fancy Farm and Lowes for their tremendous effort this year! They deserve congratulations! The entire point of High Attendance Day is to bring attention to the importance of attendance. It's the first step in learning."
Local Senior in 2012 National Merit Scholarship Program
Matthew Madding, principal of Graves County High School recently announced that John Preston Simmons has been named a Commended Student in the 2013 National Merit Scholarship Program. A Letter of Commendation from the school and National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), which conducts the program will be presented by the principal to this scholastically talented senior. About 34,000 Commended Students throughout the nation are being recognized for their exceptional academic promise. Although they will not continue in the 2013 competition for National Merit Scholarship awards, Commended Students placed among the top five percent of more than 1.5 million students who entered the 2013 competition by taking the 2011 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). "Recognizing academically talented students plays a fundamental role in the advancement of educational excellence within our nation," commented an NMSC spokesperson. "The young people recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in our highly competitive program. We sincerely hope this recognition will prove them with additional educational outlets and motivate them in their pursuit of academic achievement."
Graves School District Ranks 6th in Attendance Statewide Despite Its Large Number of Students
by Paul Schaumburg, Community Relations Director, Graves County Schools
The Graves County School District ranks sixth among some 174 Kentucky public school districts in student attendance for the 2011-12 school year, according to the "Superintendent's Annual Attendance Report" from the Kentucky Department of Education. Seven of the top nine districts are independent districts, meaning they serve only one town or city. Only Hickman County, ranked fourth, and Graves County are not independent districts among the top nine. The only district ranked ahead of Graves County with an enrollment that's even half the size of Graves County's is Fort Thomas Independent, with an average daily membership of approximately 2700. Graves County's average daily membership is approximately 4500. "We are ecstatic that our students, parents and schools have done such a tremendous job of getting kids to school," said Graves County Assistant Superintendent/director of pupil personnel Jennifer Smith. "Graves County is the fifth largest county georgraphically and we have a large enrollment compared to so many other districts. That makes this achievement even more special because our students overcome a lot of barriers in everday life that can get in the way of attendance. I believe our families are committed to attendance because they know how important it is for learning." Graves County has ranked among the top ten districts in attendance for a decade or more and this latest annual report records the district's highest ranking yet. The Jackson Purchase as a whole did very well in attendance, according to the report. Ten of the 12 school districts in Kentucky's eight westernmost counties rank in the top 30. The Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel designated Tuesday, September 18th, as High Attendance Day in the Commonwealth's schools. The organization will provide awards to the schools with highest attendance in elementary, middle, and high school categories. Graves County's Cuba and Fancy Farm Elementary schools have won the award in past years.
Senior, Junior ACT Scores Increase
The Mayfield Messenger
August 29, 2012
Tom Berry
Senior and junior students at both Mayfield Independent and Graves County Schools saw an increase in scores on the national ACT college assessment test. The test, with a maximum score of 32, is considered an indicator of how well graduating high school students will do in college. Kim Hamby, director of public relations for Mayfield Independent School District said Mayfield High Schools Class of 2012 showed improvement. MHS's average composite score increase was reported at 20.5; an increase of 0.9 points over a score of 19.6 recorded for the senior class of 2011. This year's score is a full point above the composite score for all Kentucky students taking the ACT which was reported at 19.5. "The class scored an average of 20.8 in English, 20.2 in math, 20.3 in reading and 20.3 in science," Hamby said in a news release. "The class average topped its own composite score from the previous year when, as juniors, their average was 19.7". However the average composite score for the class of 2013 dropped slightly to 18.1. "Students understand the importance of ACT and what it means for college admissions and scholarship eligibility," said Lynn Henderson, guidance counselor at MHS, "We can see that, with the programs implemented at MHS, scores improved from the junior to the senior year. The faculty and staff are dedicated to seeing these students succeed." Paul Schaumburg, community relations director for Graves County Schools, said GCHS juniors scored well within the top quarter of all Kentucky students that took the ACT. He said juniors scored more than a half-point above the state average in all four subject areas. "A half point is a very significant difference in terms of the ACT", said Assistant Superintendent Carla Whitis. "It's especially significant when you consider that Graves County is a relatively large district in western Kentucky. It means a large number of these students scored well, not just a few." According to Schaumburg, Graves County junior ACT scores rose from 18.9 to 19.2 in English, from 19.3 to 19.7 in math, dropped slightly from 19.7 to 19.6 in English, increased from 19.2 to 19.4 in math, dropped from 20 to 19.8 in reading, rose from 19.3 to 19.5 in science. The average composite score for seniors rose from 19.6 in 2011 to 19.7 in 2012. "The ACT scores for this junior class are very encouraging and the senior class recorded an upward trend, too," said Graves High School Interim Principal Matthew Madding. "Higher test scores provide a great reason to celebrate. They verify that the hard work of teachers, parents and especially students is paying off. We congratulate everyone who contirubted to this achievement. It shows that significant learning is taking place and that's why we're here!" In Kentucky all junior and senior students are required to take the ACT test.
Mid-Continent University Welcomes Back Students
Summer break is officially over for new and returning students of Mid-Continent University. On August 16, MCU welcomed back students on campus with the first day of class being August 20. This year MCU is welcoming over 100 new students to the University and the dorms are buzzing with activity. This is a very exciting time for the faculty and staff of the University. The campus at MCU is always beautiful, but the facilties department puts their best foot forward to give a great impression for the returning students and family members. MCU is a four-year, liberal arts Christian University located in Mayfield, KY. MCU offers 11 majors and 12 minors in the day-time, on-campus program. MCU is a member of the NAIA Division 1 TransSouth Conference NCCAA, with athletics in Baseball, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's Soccer, Softball, Spirit Squad and Volleyball. For more information about MCU visit our website at www.midcontinent.edu or call 866-894-8878.
Mayfield Schools Are Reporting 5.9 Percent Population Increase; Higher Graduation Rate
The Mayfield Messenger
August 21, 2012
by Tom Berry
Mayfield Indepent School District (MISD) officials are reporting a 5.9 percent increase in student population since the 2010-2011 school year while also hailing a 2011 freshman graduation rate that has placed the district among the top schools in the region.
Director of Pupil Personnel, Gavin Thompson, told district board of education members during a meeting Monday night that an "average freshman graduation rate" of 87.7 percent placed MISD in 7th place among 31 schools in the western Kentucky region for 2011; 9.3 percentage points above the state average of 78.
In 2010, a rate of 81.8 placed the district at number 12 in the region.
"It's great when you look at all the schools there", Thompsonson said of the list of 31 districts west of Christian and Hopkins counties.
However Thompson also pointed out that the assessment counting procedure will change for 2012-13 school year and he was not sure how it would affect the reported rate in the future.
Also, Thompson told board members that student population is up significantly for the year, rising from a count of 1,481 last year to 1,558 for 2012-13; or 97 students.
Although the increase in population does create some challenges for the district, Thompson said the situation is welcome.
"Obviously, we are very pleased and proud of our students", Thompson said.
A final count of new enrollment numbers is expected after the Labor Day weekend.
Afterward, Superintendent Lonnie Burgett and board members reviewed the district's 2011-12 annual financial report. Total revenue for the year was reported at $19,811,415 with total expenditures reported at $16,977,037, leaving $2,834,377.
Burgett said the report is a napshot of how well the system is doing financially, which according to the numbers, is on sound financial footing.
The report is available to the public by request at the board office on College Street.
Burgett also announced the hiring of three additional school personnel since the previous omonth including a school pyschologist and one addition for the district's kindergarten program with a few losses due to retirement, job changes and other factors.
Graves High Retiring Art Teacher Praised for Inspiring Students
GCHS Art Teacher Jack Goodwin will retire in mid-May. Some of his paintings will be on display and for sale in a silent auction throughout April at the GCS PAC Gallery. Reggie Spicer says she was shy about her art and lacked confidence, but Goodwin believed in her. "I had taken art classes since elementary school. I had been drawing all my life, and I pretended a lot as a child. The on e thing I never had to pretend was my art, but no one ever saw that, no one except Jack Goodwin!" she said. "He saw something in me that others didn't see. He gave me the first award I ever had, which was call the Art Award. That's the only thing I've ever won and it's still with me!" GCHS hired Jack Goodwin as its first art teacher when the school opened in 1985. That was 27 years ago. Goodwin will retire after graduation of the Class of 2012, May 15. Throughout April, a number of his paintings will be sold through a silent auction. All proceeds will go into a fund to award a scholarship each year in Goodwin's name. It will go to an art student who has a monetary need to be used in conjunction with whatever grants that student can obtain. Financial need and grades in the visual arts will be the sole requisites.
Mid-Continent University Faculty Members Presenting at Upcoming Conferences
Several members of Mid-Continent University's full-time faculty are scheduled to present significant work at several upcoming key conferences. Dr. Evie Chenhall is presenting at the 2012 AHRD (Academy of Human Resource Development) International Research Confernce in the Americas in Denver on February 29 - March 3. Her presentation topic is "Safety Culture Types, Leadership Styles, and Safety Performance Indicators". This presentation is an extension of Dr. Chenhall's doctoral dissertation at Colorado State University. Dr. Chengall is an Assistant Professor of Human Resources at MCU. She earned her doctorate in Educaion and Human Resource Studies with emphasis in Organizational Performance and Change at Colorado State University. She is affiliated with Research and Evaluation Partners LLP, the Society for Human Resrouce Management, the AHRD, and the Christian Business Faculty Associaton. Her research interests inlcude: action learning, performance management, leadership development, and organizational culture. Dr. Randy Nichols is presenting at the Kentucky Association of Blacks in Higher Education (KABHE) 2012 Conference in Bowling Green on April 15 - 17. His presentation topic is "Strategies for Increasing Women and Ethnic Minority Employees in High Education." Dr. Nichols is a Professor of Management with MCU. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Management with a concentration in Entrepreneurship from the Union Insitute, a Master of Public Affairs with a concentration in HR Management, and a Bachelor of Science in History and Political Science form Kentucky State University. Dr. Nichols served nearly seven years as an Army Contract Specialist (buyer) and earned Professional Designation in Contract Management. Dr. Michael Sithole will present at the International Academy of Business and Public Administration Disciplines in Dallas on April 19 - 22. His presentation "Marketing to the Rapidly Growing South African Black Middle Class" has been accepted for presentation and publication in the IAB-PAD Conference Proceedings. Dr. Sithole is the Chair of the Business Department at MCU and an Associate Professor of Management and Human Resource Management. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Management and a Master of Science in Management, both from National-Louis University. He also holds a Doctor of Business Administration with a specialization in Management and Human Resource Management from Nova Southeastern University. Mid-Continent University is a private, non-profit, Southern Baptist affiliated organization. MCU is regionally accredited and headquartered in Mayfield, KY. If you are interested in information about enrolling visit www.midcontinent.edu or call 1-888-MCU-GRAD.
Monsanto Fund Donates $2500 to Graves County High School FFA
The Graves County High School FFA Chapter recently accepted a $2500 check from the Monsanto Fund to support agriculture education. FFA officers were present to receive the check from Graves County farmer Kevin Jones. Jones nominated the chapter for the grant because the students one day will be agriculture leaders. John Lawson, local territory sales manager for Monsanto also was there for the check presentation. There will be winners in 1,245 counties throughout the United States in 39 states.
DARE returns to Graves County Schools
Graves County Schools' resource officer John Cavin recently copleted two weeks of DARE America training through the Kentucky State Police in Campbellsville to qualify as a DARE instructor. "DARE stands for Drug Awareness Resistance Education", he explained. "There were 20 officers and deputies from all over Kentucky and as far away as Kansas who graduated from our training. One person from a provost marshal's office came from 29 Palms, CA. The training consisted of 78 hours, two full weeks of instruction, as well as lots of homework. In my 19 years of working in law enforcement, this training was by far, the most demanding I've had. "Dare is a polic officer-taught lesson plan set in sixth grade fo the Graves County Schools", Cavin continued. "It's designed for students to be able to say no to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and to their friends when they try to get kids to do something they shouldn't. There alaso are sections on bullying, prescription drugs, and other related topics. It's meant to be taught in a ten-week course, leading up to DARE graduation. I was trained in teachin gthis course to elementary students and a follow-up called 'Keep it Real' if our district chooses to use it for middle and high school levels," he said. "The idea is to teach sixth graders, skip a year, and then follow up when those students become eighth graders." Since returning from the training, Cavin has taught the course one day per week since mid-February at Wingo, Fancy Farm, Symsonia, and Sedalia elementary schools. He'll conduct training next fall at Central, Cuba, Farmington, and Lowes elementary schools. Then, he'll return next spring to the four elementary schools where he currently teaches. "A police officer in Los Angeles, CA, inaugurated DARE in 1983 and I understand it has been taught here before," Cavin noted. "I thikn some people across the county have looked at DARE as a save-all on its onw. It is a very effective tool, but it requires support from families, parents, communities, and schools to succeed, especially the way society has changed. Hopefully, we can change somebody's life. When DARE first came along, it was mainly a lecture presentation," he continued. "Now, it's much more about helping a child understand there are other options. You can say no. Just because someone asks a child to do something does't mean that child has to do it. There's a DARE planner workbook, from from the state", Cavin said. "There are things to do as an individual and in a group. There's also a DARE box that a couple of students make so that students can submit questions for the officer to answer without having to ask it directly in class. We also want students to know that police can be positive, even if their parents might sometimes get in trouble with the law. I hope our parents and community get involved and support their kids in this effort." Cavin concluded. "We've got to do something or we'll lose our most valuable assset: our kids".
Cuba Sixth Graders Find Learning Easier With Strings Attached
The POT at Cuba Elementary School recently voted to buy instruments and have students year after year take violin lessons in the sixth grade. Ashley Darnell, who teaches orchestral stringed instruments to Graves County elementary students, said "Music lectures and learning about music is just not as good as actually playing music. Research shows that performing music engages many parts of the brain at the same time in a way that nothing else can." For some, the class is a dream come true. Sixth grader Heaven Youngblood said "I've wanted to play since first grade. I've played guitar, but it's different with a bow." Classmate Brandon Benyei explained, "It's hard at first because you don't know how to start or the parts, but as you go on, you learn." Now, that he's developed some skill, he finds, "It's really a fun thing to do with my friends!"
Graves Central Holds Health & Wellness Fair
Graves County Central Elementary School recently held its annual Health & Wellness Fair. Operating booths were a variety of groups including the Graves County Health Department with infomration on the dangers of tobacco use as well as cervical cancer, Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon's department on drug safety, the American Red Cross chapter on first aid, the Graves County Child Advocacy Agency on health relationships, the Hope Pregnancy Care Center on pregnancy counseling informaiton, Lourdes Health and Wellness on hand washing and MRSA education, the Kentucky Cancer Program with its derma scan and smoke check, the Kentucky Delta Rural Project with its anti-bullying message, the Kentucky Homeplace with information on head lice, Jeannie McCalpin on brain wellness, and information from tghe Graves County Soccer and Tennis Associations.
Ag Commissioner Visits Graves
James Comer, Kentucky's Commissioner of Agriculture, toured Mayfield and Graves County Monday, March 5, looking to promote means of boosting revenue for programs like the National FFA Foundation, 4-H and Kentucky Proud. One such outlet is specialized farm license plates. Accompanied by State Representative Fred Nesler, Graves County Clerk Barry Kennemore and other local officials, Comer met with Graves County High School students enrolled in FFA and 4-H, where he touted the license program now available while drivers renew their licenses. A portion of the cost will benefit all three programs. "When Kentucky farmers renew their farm license plates, they can add a voluntary $10 donation that will be split evenly among these three fine organizations", said Commissioner Comer, a former state FFA president. "FFA and 4-H give Kentucky's young people opportunities to participate iin constructive activities while they learn the value of had work and discipline. Kentucky Proud helps Kentucky producers find new markets for their products. All three programs are vital to the future of Kentcuky agriculture and Kentucky as a whole. Kentucky FFA has about 15,000 members in nearly 140 chapters. FFA is dedicated to making a positive differfence in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education. It is open to any student ages 12-21 who is enrolled in an agriculture course in a public school. Some 205,000 youths are involved in Kentucky 4-H programs, and Kentucky ranks in the top 10 in several 4-H enrollment categgories nationwide. 4-H is found in every Kentucky county and is a community of more than 6 million young people across America learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. Kentucky Proud is the official state program food and farm products that are grown, raised, made or processed in Kentucky. Nearly 3,000 farmers, processors, retailers, restaurants, farmers' markets, school systems, Kentkcy state parts, and Kentucky Farm Bureau roadside markets are members of Kentucky Proud. The high school was just one stop for Comer. Before the day was out, he also met with the local rotary club and the Purchase Area Cattlemen Association. In fact, Graves was only one of several counties he intended to visit, hoping to push the license program with as many county clerks as possible. Comer's primary goal wa spromoting agriculture throughout the region. At the rotary club, he sought to raise awareness and appreciation of agriculture, which he says is currently threatened by overregulation at the federal level. At the cattlemen's meeting, he discussed the beef industry. Graves County, he said, was one of the top five agriculture counties in Kentucky.
MHS Students Enjoy Kentucky Literacy Celebration Week
Students in Mayfield High School's reading lab received copies of Kentucky author Silas House's young adult novel Eli the Good as part of Kentukcy Literacy Celebration Week, March 5 - 9.
Cuba Elementary School students "kicked off" Dr. Seuss Week by dressing in mix-matched clothes. Each day of the week featured a different Dr. Seuss theme.
Celebrating Success
Wingo Elementary School 6th grade Academic Team received a plaque from their Academic Coach, Monica Wiggins for their undefeated record during the 2011-2012 academic meets across Graves County. The team celebrated their achievement by having a special luncheon at Mid-Town Restaurant with Principal Sara Sarah, Counselor Maelna Parham, 6th grade Coach Monica Wiggins, 4th-5th grade Coach Ashley Perksins, parents & fellow teammates. They were joined by the 4th - 5th grade academic team who also had a successful season.
Graves FBLA Regional Success
GCHS students placed well in competion at teh FBLA Kentucky Region 1 Conference recently at Murray State University. Students who placed in the top three of business competition categories qualify for the FBLA State Conference in Louisville in April. GCHS representatives who won their categories at regionals include Preston Simmons, Economics; Garrett Bell, Ross Blackwell and Hunter Jones, Entrepreneurship; state FBLA president Mary Hummel, Who's Who; Mary Hummel and Tiffani Ellionton, Local Chapter Annual Business Report; Lucas Campbell, Computer Applicaitons; Corey Elder, Database Design and also Technology Concepts; Caitlin Pack, Health Care Administration; teach Mechelle Gattis, Region 1 Outstanding Advisor. Graves students placing second Josh Drouin, Business Law; Lucas Campbell, Business Procedures, and Ty Wilson, Personal Finance. GCHS third place finishers include Addie Brewer, Accounting I, and Ryan Noffsinger and Megal Schultz, Most Entertaining.
First Graduate
Great Ambitions School of Cosmetology had its first graduate on Friday, March 9, 2012. Laura Kelly graduated from the Nail Tech Program. Kelly had previous hours and finished with the new school, which is located in the Mayfield Shopping Plaza. Kelly will be working at the Wild Rose Salon in Murray after she completes her boards in April. Great Ambitions will be having its ribbon cutting at 9AM Thursday, March 15. There will also be an open house on Saturday, March 17 from 9AM to 2PM. There will be complimentary services and drawings for products & services. Applications are still being taken for enrollment.
Graves County Elementary Schools Hold 4th Grade Science Fair
Graves County's eight elementary schools sent some 26 fourth graders who placed highly in their school science fairs to compete in the district-wide science fair. Garrett Matheny, Fancy Farm won first place, $100; Jacob Mills, Central, won second place, $60; and Cade Butler, Central, won third place, $40.
Graves High Defeats Lone Oak to Win 2012 WKY Academic Bowl
The Graves County High School Academic Team Friday, March 9, won the West Kentucky Academic Bowl, which took place at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. Graves County defeated Fulton in the semi-finals 15 to 12 and went on to defeat Lone Oak 27 to 26 in the final match. the victory markes the first time since 2006 that Graves County has defeated Lone Oak and the first time since 2002 that graves County has won the West Kentucky Academic Bowl. The Bowl awards the championship team $2000 in scholarship money.
Graves District Governor's Cup
Several GCHS students placed well recently in district Governor's Cup competiton with students from Mayfield, Ballard County and St. Mary high schools. These GCHS students qualified for regional Governor's Cup competition at Murray High School, Saturday, February 18th. They include Preston Simmons, third place in social studies; Adrianne Sanderson, second place in arts & humanities & fourth palce in language arts; Sara Barrett, fifth palce in composition; Jonathan Goatley, second place in social studies and fifth place in science; Kadie Kinnis, fifth place in math; Chris Woods, first place in social studies and third place in language arts; and Shelia Marie Stacy, second place in composition.
Graves Cheerleaders Win Sixth State Championship in Eight Years
The GCHS Co-Ed Competition Cheerleaders won their sixth state championship of the Kentucky Association of Pep Organization Sponsors at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green Saturday afternoon, February 18, 2012. The squad competes in the Large Co-Ed Division and earned its previous state titles in 2005-2008 and 2010. The team chose not to compete in last year's competition because of its busy schedule. A week earlier, the GC Cheerleaders finished as runners-up at the Universal Cheerleading Associations' national finals in Orlando, FL. Coach Jon Summerville's Eagles have won five of hte past seven annual national championships. The team competes in UCA's Large Co-Ed Division as well.
MHS Touchstone Energy All A Classic Scholarship Winners
Mayfield High School seniors Shain Ross and Bridge Horn recently was awarded $1000 from the Touchstone Energy All "A" Classic Scholarship. Sixty of the scholarships were awarded in Kentucky.
Graves Wins Inaugrual MSU Engineering, Tech Challenge
The Graves County High School Engineering Club February 18 won the grand championship for earning the most first and second-place awards at the first-ever Murray State University Engineering & Technology Challenge. Nineteen GCHS students competed in 12 events, ranging from environmental experiments to interior design to kayak building. Members of the club are Dustin Clancy, Micahel Hopwood, Clifton Hendley, Wes Sheilds, Patrick Carmon, Jarred Foy, Mitchell McClure, Cheyenne McMullen, Channing Davis, Daniel Moreland, Sarah Bryant, Garrett Bell, Jeremy Shields, Tyler Harlow, Hunter Wilkerson, Hunter Goree, Shelby Carter, Nicole Smith and Dani Gardner. Their teacher & advisor is Abbie Morris.
Congratulations to GCMS Talon News!
"Talon News", the video crew in Dan Caitlin's Graves County Middle School class won a contest on WDDJ-FM/Electric 96.9. They were voted #1 for the best video to the new Racer them song "I'm a Racer and I Know It" which highlights the Murray State Racer Basketball Team's undeafeated record so far this season.
Check it out!
