News

August 30, 2012

Graves Schools urge extra effort for High Attendance Day Tuesday, Sept. 18

The Graves County Schools urge students and parents to make an extra effort to ensure students will be in school Tuesday, Sept. 18. That's the day the Kentucky Directors of Pupil Personnel have set aside as "High Attendance Day" for schools across the commonwealth.

"Student learning is our focus in Graves County and the first step toward learning is being there," said Assistant Superintendent Jennifer Smith, who serves as the district's director of pupil personnel. "Our schools, principals, and teachers do a great job of emphasizing that and of making learning fun for kids. We also are blessed to have parents and students who understand the value of attendance. In fact, our district consistently places among the top ten of districts with high attendance throughout the year. Two of our schools have won the High Attendance Day competition and we hope that will happen again!"

Cuba Elementary School won the competition among the commonwealth's 747 elementary schools on High Attendance Day 2010 with 100 percent attendance. In fact, Cuba edged out Farmington, which also had perfect attendance that day. In the case of a tie, the award goes to the school with highest attendance the previous day. That's when Cuba recorded only one child leaving early. Fancy Farm won the state elementary competition in 2007.

Winning schools earn cash prizes.

August 22, 2012

Jr. ROTC program at Graves High still offers limited openings for 2012-13 school year to western Ky. upperclassmen interested in joining military

The U.S. Army's Jr. Reserve Officers Training Corps was the topic at a recent meeting of the Mayfield Rotary Club. Jr. ROTC is available to western Kentucky high school upperclassmen at Graves County High School, starting this year. Juniors and seniors at area high schools who are considering pursuing the military as a career may register for the program's few remaining slots, if they do so soon. That includes those interested upperclassmen from other high schools, since they may transfer to Graves County High School. Their Jr. ROTC experience can benefit their rank and pay grade upon graduation. Here, Lt. Col. Jason Caldwell, Ret. (center), the Graves County program's leader, poses with Graves County Schools finance director Dr. R.B. Mays (left) and Superintendent and Rotarian Pete Galloway. To learn more about the Jr. ROTC program at Graves County High School, phone Caldwell at (270) 674-6242 or 328-6242, extension 2839, or email him at Jason.caldwell@graves.kyschools.us.

August 22, 2012

Graves High juniors outscore state ACT average by far; seniors improve, too

Graves County High School juniors scored well within the top quarter of all Kentucky students measured on the latest round of the American College Test, the college entrance exam that measures students' readiness for higher education. In fact, Graves juniors scored more than a half-point above the state average in all four areas measured.

"A half point is a very significant difference in terms of the ACT," said Assistant Superintendent Carla Whitis, "and, 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."

Graves Junior ACT scores

Year----English----Math----Reading----Science----Composite
2011... 18.9........ 19.3..... 19.7.......... 19.7......... 19.5
2012... 19.2........ 19.7..... 19.6.......... 19.8......... 19.7

Graves County juniors scored higher than the state average by six-tenths of a point in reading, by seven-tenths of a point in science and the overall composite score, by eight-tenths of a point in English, and by nine-tenths of a point in math. All scores except reading were higher than last year. Whitis, whose duties include secondary instructional supervisor and district assessment coordinator, said Graves County seniors' scores improved over last year in all areas except reading. The English score was above the state average and the math score tied the state average.

Senior Act Scores

Year----English----Math----Reading----Science----Composite
2011... 19.4........ 19.2..... 20.0.......... 19.3......... 19.6
2012... 19.6........ 19.4..... 19.8.......... 19.5......... 19.7

"The ACT scores for this junior class are very encouraging and the senior class recorded an upward trend, too," said Graves High 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 contributed to this achievement. It shows that significant learning is taking place and that's why we're here!"

August 21, 2012

Graves High students learn specific uses of new BYOD policy

Graves County High School librarian Lynda Hiles smiles as she points to an iPad image in teaching juniors Ashley Phillips (left) and Alexandra Robertson about the school's new policy for BYOD or Bring Your Own Device. GCHS recently trained its teachers to maximize the policy's positive effect on student learning. Now, the school has taken training a step further than most other schools – by preparing the students themselves. "Of course, we realize teenagers have grown up with technology and, therefore, understand it intuitively," said Graves County Schools' technology integration specialist Amanda Henderson. "Still, the ways to connect to our technology system and to use it to maximum effect are worth discussing and showing. The Internet is the single greatest information source in the history of the world. We're excited about the possibilities that can come from this innovative policy. It connects students, teachers, and classrooms to a tremendous amount of information updated to the very second of using it." Kelsey Skinner, another junior, said, "It's definitely different from what we're used to because we're used to not being able to bring devices during class, but I think it's a lot better because you get access to more stuff and you don't have to use paper and all those trees. You get on the Internet instead of printing the test out. It is kind of fun, actually. It's a different way to learn."

August 17, 2012

Graves County Eagle Foundation presents $100,000 check as Tebow talk proceeds pay for track; Peyton Manning to speak at Graves High next year

The Graves County Eagle Foundation, a non-profit organization established in 2010, is comprised of parents, community, business and educational leaders. It helps bridge the gap between a decline in state funding and the growing educational and facility needs of students in the Graves County Schools. Last year, the foundation brought New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow to Graves County. Through ticket sales and corporate contributions, the foundation raised more than $150,000. The group presented a $100,000 check to the Graves County school board Thursday night, Aug. 16. The money will go toward rubberizing the track at the high school football field. Foundation and board members pose here as Superintendent Pete Galloway accepts a check from Foundation member Dr. Tim Jones.

August 16, 2012

Sedalia Elementary grateful for U.S. flag from Woodmen of the World

Woodmen of the World was founded in 1890 as a fraternal life insurance organization. Among its traditional values is support of community, stated as "We honor flag and country. We strengthen families and communities. We celebrate our differences." Representatives of Lodge 741 of Mayfield recently presented a U.S. flag to Sedalia Elementary School. Representatives of area manager Ricky Willis' office standing behind the flag are, from left, Fred Derrington, Cody Usher, Vicki Rogers, and Tish Browning. Sedalia students pictured in the foreground include, from left, sixth grader William Tynes, fifth grader Page Pagatpatan, fifth grader Aoibh Bullard, and kindergarten student Will Rogers. "We're grateful to the Woodmen of the World for donating this flag," said principal Robert Braden. "Like the Woodmen, we at Sedalia Elementary are very proud of our country and the opportunity to fly a nice, new, colorful flag in front of our building helps show that pride."

August 15, 2012

Cuba Cubs enjoy visitor who plays possum

Cuba Elementary students are always excited when Micah Seavers of Seavers' Beavers Wildlife Management visits the school. Recently he visited several classrooms to discuss the importance of wildlife management. Pictured here is teacher JoAnna Mounger's third grade class watching as Seavers handles an opossum. The students had an opportunity to learn about the animal's natural habitat and many other facts that correlated with science core content.

August 8, 2012

Graves Truck Pull Aug. 18 to provide Christmas gifts to school children

The Graves County Truck Pullers Association is preparing for its fifth annual truck and tractor pull on the fairgrounds in Mayfield. It will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18. As in previous years, money raised from the event will fund Christmas gifts for children in need through the Mayfield and Graves County public schools. Proceeds from the concession stands will benefit projects of the schools' family resource and youth services centers as well as Cuba and Wingo elementary schools. This photo was taken at last October's meeting of the Graves County Board of Education, when organizers presented checks to Mayfield and Graves County schools' family resource and youth service centers for some $28,500. The association raised more than $88,500 in the event's first four years. Pictured here are, from left, (front row) family resource directors Juliana Reyes, Andrea Elliott, Jennifer Morris, Jean Ann Miller, Stacy Harris, Kaye Horn, and Tana Jones and (back row) Truck Pullers Ricky Wilson, Larry Wooley, Kenny Wiggins, and Kenneth Wiggins.

August 7, 2012

Mayfield-Graves ATC ranks third statewide in 2012 KY TECH pass rate

The Mayfield-Graves County Area Technology Center ranks third statewide in the pass rate on Work Keys test among schools in the KY TECH system.

Mayfield-Graves County ATC seniors last spring each took three tests for a total of some 372 tests. The pass rate of 68.3 percent ranks third in Kentucky, behind the Lincoln County ATC, with 248 tests and a 73.5 percent rate, and the Rockcastle County ATC, with 263 tests and a 71.5 percent rate.

The Kentucky Department of Education web site explains, "WorkKeys is used to measure skills considered necessary in the workplace. The assessment provides individualized information on student achievement in a set of academic skills relevant to the workplace. It also provides students, parents, and schools feedback on academic needs to be addressed prior to high school graduation. The three WorkKeys tests … provided to Kentucky students are Reading for Information, Applied Mathematics, and Locating Information."

"This really is a very impressive achievement our students and teachers have earned," said Mayfield-Graves County ATC principal Steve Arant. "This is the same set of tests that adults with far more workplace and life experience take to determine whether they are qualified for jobs in various industries. For more than two-thirds of these students in their late teens to qualify says something significant. Many of the remaining students are not far behind them in their own progress and are likely to achieve success by continuing their education."

Arant concluded, "I congratulate our students for their excellent results and thank our teachers for the great job that they do in teaching and motivating students to give their best effort on this test! This obviously is an important reflection of a student's becoming career-ready!"

August 7, 2012

Graves High recognizes success of 30 AP Scholars from 2011-12 school year

Graves County High School had some 30 students in the spring of 2012 to earn Advanced Placement honors for excelling in rigorous, college-level courses. "National AP Scholar" is a prestigious honor. Megan Durham earned that accolade. To achieve that status, a student must earn a minimum score of 4 on all AP exams taken and scores of 4 on eight or more of the those exams.

"AP Scholar with Distinction" is granted to those individuals who earn an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of those exams. GCHS students so honored include Megan Durham, C.J. Elliott, Clifton Hendley, Hannah Latta, Preston Simmons, and Sam Williams.

"AP Scholar with Honor" is granted to students who earn an average score of at least 3.25 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on four or more of those exams. GCHS students holding that honor from this past spring include Katherine Armstrong, Josh Drouin, Jonathan Goatley, Charles Gregory, Shayna Hall, and Kadie Kinnis.

"AP Scholar" is a recognition for earning a score of 3 or higher on 3 or more AP exams. Some 18 GCHS students achieved that level: Jessica Alford, Sara Barrett, Garrett Bell, Rebecca Cope, Andrew Crider, Emily Duff, Tiffani Ellington, Kim Fulcher, Dani Gardner, Ty Hendley, Mary Hummel, Hunter Jones, Logan Magness, Austin McCallon, Miranda Oldham, Shelia Stacy, Clark Travis, and Emily Waggoner.

Besides the recognition and resume entry, honored students also benefit with cash. The 2011-12 AP students who passed their exams should expect to pick up their bonus student checks by Nov. 30. Check the GCHS web site for more information or contact Abbie Morris by phoning (270) 674-6242 or 328-6242, extension 4885, or by emailing abbie.morris@graves.kyschools.us.

August 7, 2012

Graves County schools start 2012-13 year

Shelby Hayes listens to her principal, Stephanie Sullivan, while Carsyn Capiz seems to be concerned about what lay in store on their first day of kindergarten at Graves County Central Elementary School. Behind them, second grader Kaylee Willis knows where she's going, as a veteran student. Sullivan escorted the kindergarteners to their classes Monday, Aug. 6, the first day of the Graves County Schools' 2012-13 year.

August 7, 2012

Graves Schools faculty, staff gather for 2012-13 school year opening

Graves County Central Elementary School student Jonah Watson, Lowes Elementary student Natalie Baldwin, and Symsonia Elementary student Brodie Veucasovic led some 700 members of the Graves County School District's faculty and staff in the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag. They started a program of introductions of new employees, reiteration of the district's vision statement and beliefs, motivational messages, and performances of various students from throughout the district. It took place in the Graves County High School Eagles' Nest Gymnasium Friday, Aug. 3. Students arrived for the first day of school Monday, Aug. 6.

August 7, 2012

Graves Schools host National School Boards Association president

National School Boards Association president Ed Massey spoke to some 700 members of the faculty and staff of the Graves County School District Friday, Aug. 3, just before students returned for the 2012-13 school year on Monday, Aug. 6. The former president of the Kentucky School Boards Association accepted the national presidency this past April. A 16-year member of the Boone County Board of Education, he is a candidate to retain that office this November. Massey told his audience that their work is vitally important and an investment in the future. He said he frequently has worked with Graves County Schools Superintendent Pete Galloway, board chairman Ronnie Holmes and board members Kevin Curtsinger, Donnie Reed, Kelly Whitaker, and Jim Wurth.

August 6, 2012

Graves High students compete at 2012 FBLA nationals

Five Graves County High School students competed at the Future Business Leaders of America National Leadership Conference earlier this summer in San Antonio, Texas. Addie Brewer competed in Accounting I. Bridget Wilkerson, Trevor Kaler, and Corey Elder competed in Business Financial Plan. Lucas Campbell competed and placed seventh nationally in Computer Applications. Their adviser is Mechelle Gattis.

August 6, 2012

Graves elementary, middle schools introduce new 2012 teachers

New Graves County Schools teachers for 2012-13 include, from left, (front row) Sawyer Donohoo, eighth grade social studies, Middle School; Tammy Jones, fifth grade language arts, Central Elementary; Nick Kemp, fifth grade math, Central; (back row) Sheila May, special education, Sedalia; Heather Hopwood, covering maternity leaves throughout the year, Middle School; and Jena Blalock, fifth grade social studies and writing, Farmington.

August 6, 2012

Graves High introduces teacher new for 2012-13

Graves County High School's new teachers for the 2012-13 school year include, from left, (front row) Molly Rogers, senior English, journalism, and creative writing; Laura Cope, art; Jessica Dial, special education; Crystal Riley, special education; Jessica Robinson, freshman and sophomore science; Whitney Clark, family and consumer science; (middle row) Geneva Karanja, special education; Monica Thurmond, junior and senior math; Michelle Overby, freshman integrated science, junior physics, and junior algebra 2; Kayla Cutsinger, special education; Marcie Leonard, junior English and Senior Focus; Maria Paramo Diaz, Spanish; Les May, alternative school; Raeane McKendree, choir director and history of art and visual performing arts; (back row) Jason Caldwell, Jr. ROTC; Carmelo Morabito, Jr. ROTC; Allen Franklin, advanced algebra and algebra 3; Dana Heath, New Pathways for Children; Matt Kimbler, math; Matthew Clark, health; and Zach Sims, physical education.

July 13, 2012

Graves County's back to elementary, middle school dates noted

July 23, Monday, Graves County Elementary Schools, New Student Registration 9 a.m. to noon

July 23, Monday, Middle School, New Student Registration 9 a.m. to noon

July 23, Monday, Central Elementary, Kindergarten screening 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 24, Tuesday, Middle School, Seventh grade reading program 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.

July 25, Wednesday, Middle School, Eighth grade reading program 9 a.m. to noon

July 25, Wednesday, Middle School, Eighth grade schedule pick-up 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

July 26, Thursday, Middle School, Eighth grade football equipment pick-up 5 p.m. at GCHS

July 27, Friday, Middle School, Seventh grade football equipment pick-up 5 p.m. at GCHS

July 29, Sunday, Wingo, Welcome-to-Kindergarten at 2 p.m.

July 30, Monday, Central Elementary, Kindergarten kick-off 5 p.m.

July 30, Monday, Sedalia, Back-to-School Night: Preschool 5 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., Grades 1-3 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Grades 4-6 6:15 p.m. to 7 p.m.

July 30, Monday, Cuba, Kindergarten Kick-off 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

July 30, Monday, Central Elementary, Back-to-School Night 6:30 p.m.

July 31, Tuesday, Sedalia, Camp Kindergarten (Back-to-School Night) 5:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.

July 31, Tuesday, Fancy Farm, Back-to-School Night, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Aug. 1, Wednesday, Cuba, Back-to-School Event, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 2, Thursday, Wingo, Back-to-School Open House, 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Aug. 2, Thursday, Symsonia, Back-to-School Night, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Aug. 2, Thursday, Farmington, Back-to-School Night 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Aug. 2, Thursday, Lowes, Welcome-to-Kindergarten 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m.

Aug. 2, Thursday, Middle School, Seventh Grade Orientation 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Aug. 2, Thursday, Lowes, Back-to-School Night grades 1-6 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Aug. 3, Friday, All Faculty and Staff, Opening Day

Aug. 6, Monday, All Students' First day of classes

Aug. 8, Wednesday, Preschool, First day of classes

July 13, 2012

Hungry local children benefit from donations to snack backpack program

Graves County Central Elementary School Family Resource Center director Juliana Reyes (right) and administrative assistant Tina Gamble are shown as they pack a backpack with snacks. The family resource and youth services centers of the Graves County schools and of Mayfield Middle and High schools again this year are sponsoring the Snack Backpack Program. It's designed to provide food over weekends and school breaks for children who otherwise might not have enough to eat. The FRYSC directors are asking individuals and groups to give a one-time $100 donation to sponsor a child. All money goes directly for food. Contributors also may designate the school where they want their donation to go. Wingo Elementary FRC director Tana Jones offers her office phone number for anyone who has questions, even if they want to give to another school in the city or county. Northern Graves County residents can phone (270) 674-4873. Southern Graves County residents can phone 328-4873. Her email address is tana.jones@graves.kyschools.us. Potential sponsors also may call the schools of their choice. Checks may be written to Feeding America and can be mailed to the PADD, in care of Clay Black, 1002 Medical Drive, Mayfield, KY 42066.

July 13, 2012

Teachers participate in Purchase Area Writing Project at MSU

Some 19 western Kentucky teachers participated in the Purchase Area Writing Project at Murray State University during the summer of 2012. The four-week long workshop is dedicated to helping primary, middle, and secondary teachers in all content areas to build student success in writing by building their own writing skills. Teachers participating in PAWP this summer and their school districts are Keila Morris (McCracken County), Dr. Debbie Bell/Co-Director (MSU), Daniel Catlin (Graves County), Mary Schalk (Webster County), Kelly Locker (Graves County), Meagan Ralph (Graves County), Gena Holmes (McCracken County), Patricia Murphy (Marshall County), Rebekah Duncan (Paducah City), Amber Gibbs (Graves County), Courtney Story (Graves County), Julie Talbott (Christian County), Jessi Johnson (Calloway County), Maela Washer (Christian County), Kellye Smiley (Christian County), Debbie Smith/Assistant Director, Dr. Paul Walker/Co-Director (MSU), Melissa Lutz (Hopkins County), Matt Houser-Assistant Director (McCracken County), Beth Coughlon (McCracken County), Jane Gilbert (Union County), Robin Ramsey (Caldwell County) and Sheri Troupe (Christian County). The teachers will spend the next year on follow-up activities and will join approximately 500 other teachers trained in PAWP's 26-year history at Murray State University as teacher-consultants for the writing project.

July 13, 2012

Graves High selects Morris as MSE Academy principal

Graves County High School has selected Abbie Morris as a new assistant principal and the Math/Science/Engineering Academy principal. She has served as the academy's lead teacher the past three years. She also has taught pre-engineering and Project Lead the Way courses for the past seven years and was head coach of the girls' soccer team for a total of eight years. Morris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in engineering graphics and design and a Master of Science degree in technology education, both at Murray State University. She later earned a Master of Arts degree in school leadership through Bellarmine University. "I see this as an opportunity to impact a larger part of the GCHS student body," Morris said of her new role as an administrator, "to increase STEM (science/ technology/ engineering/ math) awareness, and to work alongside those who have a shared vision for our school and students."

July 13, 2012

Graves High registration for students new to district announced

Graves County High School initiates student registration Monday, July 16, for returning seniors. Any upperclassman new to the school will register Monday, July 23. However, any freshman new to the Graves County School District should register before July 23, since that's the date for Freshman Orientation. Doing so also will allow those freshmen new to the district to pick up their schedules July 23 along with their classmates.

Here is the remainder of the schedule for GCHS back-to-school events:

July 16, Monday, GCHS, Seniors' registration, fee payment, and schedule pick-up in the commons between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

July 17, Tuesday, GCHS, Juniors' registration, fee payment, and schedule pick-up in the commons between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

July 19, Thursday, GCHS, Sophomores' registration, fee payment, and schedule pick-up in the commons between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

July 23, Monday, GCHS, Freshman registration, fee payment, and schedule pick-up in the commons between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m.

July 23, Monday, Camp GCHS for incoming freshman, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

July 23, Monday, GCHS, Freshmen Parent Orientation Night begins at 6 p.m. in the Eagles' Nest Gymnasium. Break-out groups will be announced at that point.

July 13, 2012

Graves School District announces key administrative changes for 2012-13

The Graves County School District Tuesday, July 3, announced several key administrative changes for the school year that begins next month. R.B. Mays, Graves County High School principal for the past three years, will replace Rodney Pearce as the district's finance director. Pearce will retire at the end of August, following ten years on the job. Matt Madding, a former GCHS teacher and Farmington Elementary School principal for the past year, will serve as interim principal of GCHS. Amy Archer, a teacher and more recently guidance counselor at Symsonia Elementary School, will take Madding's place by serving as interim principal of Farmington Elementary School. Alison Gregory returns to the district as assistant principal of Graves County Middle School after serving in a similar position the past two years at Murray Middle School. Shelina McClain is the district's new director of food services. She has taught culinary arts at GCHS in recent years. FULL STORY >>

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