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Three more GC educator's classrooms have been named as Kagan Exemplar classrooms! As you know, Kagan strategies are exercised in classrooms across the district to enhance engagement! Students who are authentically engaged in the classroom retain and apply more of the information. Not only do they walk away with the knowledge, but they also have navigated collaborating with their peers.

Fourth grade Sedalia Elementary teacher, Ms. Heather Stone knows that structures used a classroom that initiate discussion and critical thinking is the key to keeping your classroom fresh and exciting.

"All students talk, think, and respond. Because students practice answers with a partner first, they feel safer sharing. Over time, even shy students become more willing to speak up in whole-group settings. Kagan improves their academic understanding. When students explain their thinking to peers, it strengthens comprehension. Teaching someone else is one of the best ways to learn—especially in math and reading. My 4th graders need movement and interaction. Kagan structures get them talking, moving, switching partners. This helps prevent boredom, kids focus better, and there are less behavior problems. Students learn how to take turns, how to listen, encourage others, and disagree respectfully. These are huge life skills that are not just academic. "

In GC, we focus heavily on culture. The culture amongst students...the culture amongst the staff...and the culture between educators and student all play a role in the success of our students. Megan Rutherford, 5th grade teacher at Wingo Elementary would agree.

"Whether Kagan is being used academically or as a way to build my classroom culture, its positive benefits are evident every day. Kagan allows every student a chance to share and be heard while also challenging themselves and ensuring equal accountability for all. Kagan Structures also give students the opportunity to learn how to work as a team and how to turn their own "aha" moments into ways to positively coach other peers. "

As students progress through school, one of the top priorities in GC classrooms is that every student learns that they matter. Their voice matters. Kagan techniques have proven that even the most shy student becomes confident in the classroom when an educator creates a safe environment using structures that are encourage participation. In Ms. Sarah Brinkley's classroom, Kagan serves as a foundation where students can grow.

"Kagan is at the heart of my classroom because it ensures every student is actively engaged and has a voice. It creates a space where students can’t opt out, but instead grow in confidence as they collaborate and support one another. As someone who was once a shy student, I value the built-in support Kagan provides. It gives every student the opportunity to be heard, feel successful, and truly belong."

Congratulations to Ms. Stone, Ms. Rutherford, and Ms. Brinkley on their success as well as their students! Our district is fortunate to have educators that teach with fidelity!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

Opportunities beyond the classroom are opening doors for Graves County students, as several Eagles have been accepted into competitive summer academic programs. These prestigious experiences will allow students to expand their knowledge, explore future career paths, and engage in hands-on learning alongside peers from across the region and beyond. Through their dedication and drive, these students continue to represent what it truly means to SOAR the GC Way, turning ambition into achievement and setting the stage for even greater success ahead.

Governor’s Scholars Program is a five-week summer program that current juniors apply for and attend the summer preceding their senior year of high school.  During the five week study, students reside on a college campus, attend classes, participate in field trips, group activities, and special events designed to cultivate learning and leadership.  We are proud to announce that 8 Graves County High School students received the honor. Congratulations to Kyler Alderdice, Connor Jackson, Libby Kendall, Nathan Madding, Jesse Morse, Bailey Patterson, Maya Queen, and Jackson Riley. 

The Governor's School for Entrepreneurs identifies and enables Kentucky high school students to become our Commonwealth's next generation of entrepreneurs. Through a three-week residential experience, GSE participants are introduced to KY's most successful entrepreneurs and fastest growing businesses. The process equips young ambitious students with the tools and skills to create and build their own businesses.GSE gives teens an authentic glimpse into entrepreneurship and continues to develop them along their entrepreneurial journey. Graves County houses 4 students who were selected to attend.  Congratulations to Asher McClain, Cayce Jones, Dezeray Leonard, and Kyler Alderdice.  

The Commonwealth Honors Academy is a three-week academic enrichment experience held at Murray State University’s main campus. Students live on campus while taking college-level honors classes and participating in fun activities and seminars to help you grow personally and socially.  Perspective attendees are required to have a 3.5GPA and a composite score of 25 on the ACT to apply.  It is with great honor that we congratulate Nathan Madding, Audrey Cherry, Aiden Collins, Luke Jones, Libby Kendall, and Addison Fowler on their acceptance to the program!

Lastly, HOBY is a leadership program designed to educate, motivate and activate students, giving them the tools they need to turn their ideas into action and reach their goals. Each program focuses on five core HOBY values: Volunteerism, Integrity, Excellence, Diversity, and Community Partnership. Over the course of 4 days, students attend seminars that offer students the opportunity to hone in on their leadership skills, discover environments where they thrive, and identify areas of growth.  Congratulations to Jackson Fowler and Riley Smith who will be attending this June!

As these students prepare to take part in their summer programs, they carry with them not only their talents, but also the pride of representing Graves County Schools. The experiences ahead will challenge them, inspire them, and broaden their perspectives in ways that reach far beyond the classroom. 

We congratulate them on their success!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

As our students are reaching their goals for the school year, so many of our educators are as well. In a unified effort, teachers across our district have committed to teach with fidelity using Kagan strategies. After completing training sessions on the tools Kagan offers, teachers are visually seeing an increase in classroom engagement and participation. The tools are unique in that they build a culture within the classroom that creates an environment where students feel safe and free to engage without the fear of ridicule. Our GC teachers are beautifully implementing these strategies, and the fruits of their labor are surfacing in the daily interactions amongst peers in the classroom.

Graves County Schools are proud to celebrate Fancy Farm educators Ms. Whitney Hayden, 4th grade math and science teacher and Ms. Peggy Marler, 4th grade reading teacher for earning the distinguished title of Kagan Exemplar Teacher. This honor is awarded to teachers who demonstrate the highest level of Kagan implementation...those who make engagement, collaboration, and student ownership part of their classroom DNA. Ms. Hayden and Ms. Marler exemplifies that standard every single day.

Ms. Hayden describes the benefits and transformation that takes place in her classroom when Kagan tools are used. “Throughout the many years of incorporating Kagan Cooperative learning structures into my classroom I have witnessed tremendous positive changes and growth. Cooperative learning helps students maximize essential social skills by giving students frequent, structured opportunities to interact with one another. As they work together, students practice, making eye contact, listening attentively, and responding thoughtfully with their peers. These interactions build communication skills, mutual respect, and confidence, while also creating a more engaging and supportive learning environment where every student has a voice. Students have the chance to talk out ideas and think through their work, especially in math, before sharing their answer aloud to the whole class. One of my favorite parts is that students build a deeper understanding of the content while smiling and talking. It makes their learning fun as they collaborate with others!”

Echoing those sentiments, Ms. Peggy Marler explains how Kagan structures build relationships within the classroom. “Student engagement is a direct result of implementing Kagan structures regularly in my reading classroom. Students enjoy working together, which in turn, offers both support and enrichment to their learning. It is exciting to see my students' high academic achievement, along with strengthened social skills, happening when using Kagan!”

Thank you to Ms. Hayden and Ms. Marler for building classrooms that SOAR!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

A cancelled flight might derail some groups, but not Abby Lyell and her FFA world travelers! Over spring break, 21f GC students embarked on a trip of a lifetime to Belgium, continuing a tradition that adds the third trip the organization has taken abroad.

Upon their arrival, the group was determined to hit the ground running making up for lost time. During their time in Brussels, adventures included De Volle Dairy, an organic dairy goat operation, the Atomium, the Grand Place, and Mannekan-Pis. In Ghent, the crew tried their hand at tempering Belgian Chocolate at a chocolatiering workshop.

Next up in Luxembourg, those who felt adventurous walked the Bock Promontory, the 1st walking suspension bridge in Europe. Other sights included the Grand Ducal Palace, the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Golden Lady and Luxembourg City Central Park. On to the Netherlands…where the “city of peace” or the Hague is found. This establishment housed the Dutch Parliament and is where international justice is tried. Perhaps one of the most visited attractions was The World Horticulture Center. Over 40,000 people from 80 countries visit each year learning that the Netherlands is a Delta region that receives a lot of water from other countries. However, the water is contaminated and must be processed.

Moving on to Amsterdam, and you will understand what I mean when you see the pictures, where the most beautiful tulips are grown. Lisse, known as the “city of tulips”, is home to Munster Flowers. The intricate detailed flowers are exquisite and definitely a sight to see. Twenty thousand bulbs are produced per acre, however tulips can only be grown in the same field once every 6 years. The largest flower auction in the world takes place in the Netherlands. Wrapping up the journey, the crew visited Rembrandt Hoeve, a dairy, cheese and clog factory as well as a garlic farm.

While these excursions were born from a brainstorming session that included lofty goals more than 6 years ago, Lyell has now taken GC agriculture students to Ireland, Italy and Belgium. The groups continue to grow, and the experience and opportunities continue to get better and better. These experiences create lasting memories as students explore the global landscape of agriculture. Along the way, passions are ignited and curiosity takes root as the world unfolds before their very eyes.

Take a look at the beautiful photos courtesy of FFA Supervisor, Ms. Abby Lyell.

#GDTBAE #PurusingExcellenceTogether

“Handle Hard Better.”

A simple phrase, yet a powerful life motto…one that resonates far beyond the game. It’s a standard that new Lady Eagles Head Basketball Coach, Valerie Waller, is ready to instill in the young ladies who represent her team, both on and off the court.

A Calloway County High School graduate, Waller continued her education at Murray State University where she completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Middle School Education with an emphasis in Math/Science. After completing her Masters at Western Kentucky University, she began what her heart has always led her to do…teach.  However, the passion for something more has always been in the back of her mind. 

“I am an educator at heart, but basketball is something that has always been an important part of my life.  I want to be able to help not only develop players’ basketball skills, but also help them grow as young ladies and develop characteristics that will help them in life.”

With over 28 years of coaching experience, Waller began her career coaching middle school boys basketball at North Oldham Middle School.  In addition, she has served as Head Coach for the softball team at Spencer County High School, as well as the Head Coach for the Lady Lakers basketball team at Calloway County High School where she was named All-Purchase Coach of the Year and KABC Coach of the Year in 2017. During her tenure with the Lady Lakers, the team won the 2A Regional Title in 2020.  Waller also had the pleasure of being an assistant coach at Marshall Co during the 2024-25 season where she had the opportunity to be a part of a Regional Championship. And, most recently, she served as assistant coach for the Lady Eagle Basketball program.  

With an impressive résumé, Waller brings a wealth of experience and a vision for the program that prioritizes developing student-athletes who will succeed not only on the hardwood, but in life as well.

“My goal as head coach is to lead a Lady Eagle team that will display grit, perseverance, and toughness on the hardwood.  I want the community of Graves County to love watching them play. Through that process, I’m also determined to foster a culture of developing a competitive, positive team-family atmosphere with high expectations, contributing to championship successes that will build player development and character on and off the court.”

The games, the last second shots, rushing the court…they are all moments that a coach remembers for a lifetime.  However, Waller insists that while those memories certainly are often marked as some of the greatest times in a coach's career…they are not the best ones.

“When former players keep in touch as they venture through life and you begin to receive wedding invitations and you see them thriving…those are the real wins.”

Congratulations and welcome Coach Valerie Waller!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

Oftentimes, we hear the saying that children grow up to become their parents as they begin carving out lives of their own. For Mrs. Tiffany Williams, that sentiment rings especially true. Rocked in the hallways of Cuba for many years, where both her mother and grandfather dedicated their lives to education, Williams felt that same calling placed on her heart at a very early age.

Throughout her time at GC, Williams served in several different capacities. Beginning her career in the classroom, she transitioned to Assistant Principal at GCMS, Principal at Central Elementary, and eventually to her final role as Federal Grants Coordinator.

What began as a childhood surrounded by educators quickly grew into a lifelong passion for serving students, building relationships, and shaping futures. Now, 27 years later, she closes a chapter that has been defined by dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education. While she may be stepping away, the impact she has made on students and co-workers will undoubtedly continue.

For Williams, education was never just a career. It was a lifelong passion shaped by those who came before her. It was her purpose.

"Education is hard work because education is heart work."

- - Tiffany Williams, Graves County Schools

Congratulations, Mrs. Tiffany Williams! We wish you the very best in this next chapter of life!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

On Tuesday, March 24th, at Graves County’s opening meet, junior Guervenson Binfield Smith ran his first track race as an Eagle, and made it one to remember. With a 50.16 finish, Binfield broke the GC school record in the 400m.

Let that sink in.  It was the FIRST meet. It was his FIRST track race. It was his FIRST record!

The previous record, set by Martin Carrillo in 2012, had stood for over a decade. Many have tried to crack the top five since then, but Guervenson’s performance moves him straight to the top, knocking Brian Ramsey’s 1997 mark of 53.45 off the all-time list.

While the record-breaking moment was a true display of athleticism, Coach Kayla Wilson reflects on something even greater...the character that defines Guervenson Binifield.

"What makes this accomplishment even more meaningful is the effort behind it. Guervenson is known for his humility and unmatched work ethic. His father, Kevin Binfield-Smith, who helps coach the team, brings invaluable knowledge and guidance that has been a huge part of Guervenson’s development. They are a family who quietly work hard and lead by example, on and off the track."

This is just the beginning of his season, and we are excited to see how he continues to grow as an athlete and a leader.

Top 5 All Time 400m at Graves County

Guervenson Binfield Smith 50.16 2026

Martin Carrillo 52.14 Class of 2015

Joey Marshall 52.19 Class of 2012

Austin Patterson 52.81 Class of 1997

Michael Wilford 53.44 Class of 2000

Congratulations, Guervenson!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

Chapter 7. An entire chapter contributed to changing lives in education by sharing experiences, insights, and strategies aimed at strengthening leadership and inspiring others in the profession.

Mentors serve as influencers in our lives. We gravitate towards their energy, their thoughts, and the principals they build their character on. They are like-minded individuals that we somehow identify with. For Central Elementary Principal, Ms. Keri Cornwell, what began as a professional connection rooted in mentorship has now become a shared accomplishment in written form.

Mr. Robert Hinchliffe, administrator and principal at Tyrone Thompson Elementary School in Las Vegas, NV, struck a similarity in the life of Ms. Cornwell. Determined and passionate leaders of their schools, Cornwell joined Hinchliffe and 15 other dynamic principals from across the United States to pen “More Than Just Principals: Real Principals. Real Advice. Real Results.” Each chapter, a contribution by award-winning, nationally recognized administrators from schools of every size and type, educators offer practical advice, encouragement and a gentle reminder that leadership falls well beyond just managing all the moving parts within your building.

Intrigued by the electric and inviting culture and climate within Central Elementary School, Cornwell explains the importance of pouring into “your people.” Your students. Your families. Your community. They all play a role in the success of your story, but most importantly they heavily influence the outcome of a student’s educational journey. At the root of her hospitality and relationship building are the little faces that are following the leadership in the building. A culture of gratitude, initially an initiative of the district, spilled into every facet of her day, as well as those who she leads. Hot chocolate for the parents dropping off precious cargo in bitter temps, a pretzel bar for staff to emphasize that “school would KNOT be the same without you”, and notes of gratitude proudly displayed in each classroom are just a few of the simple, effective ways Cornwell explains within her chapter.

“This is a life changing work. …Leadership is a calling. …Small steps equal big gains. Never stop reflecting and trying to get better. Never ask staff to do anything that you are not willing to do. Listen to your people. Take time to get everyone in the right seat to help them develop their talents. Laugh and smile daily. Have fun with kids every single day.”

At the heart of the book, there seems to be an underlying theme…a commonality and strong desire amongst educators that serve across the country…shaping strong schools and communities. Through the guidance of a mentor and the collaborative work of dedicated principals, that commitment is now visible not only in their work, but also within the pages of a book created to inspire others.

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether

As a Kagan district, our educators, in a united effort have made the commitment to transform our classrooms into environments that encourage student engagement and participation.

After extensive training, GC teachers began implementing structures that create a climate in the classroom that catapults the traditional classroom into a safe space where students engage freely without the fear of ridicule.  However, with any teaching method, the fate of the curriculum lies completely in the hands of the educator.  Are they teaching it with fidelity? 

Across our district, we are seeing that our students are authentically engaged, participating and excited about learning.  Transitioning from one grade to the next, is proving to be a seamless experience as our educators have all implemented Kagan structures in their classrooms, and the expectations are established.

Graves County Schools are proud to celebrate Ms. Jade Miller, 5th and 6th grade Wingo Elementary teacher for earning the distinguished title of Kagan Exemplar Teacher.  This honor is awarded to teachers who demonstrate the highest level of Kagan implementation...those who make engagement, collaboration, and student ownership part of their classroom DNA.  Ms. Miller exemplifies that standard every single day.

Jade shares the impact that Kagan has made in her class, "I believe in Kagan because every child deserves a voice, a partner, and a chance to shine. In my classroom, Kagan isn’t just a strategy, it’s the structure that ensures every student is actively engaged, accountable, and connected. It transforms learning from something students watch into something they do together. Because of Kagan, I see higher engagement, stronger collaboration, deeper understanding, and increased confidence in even my quietest learners. My classroom feels energized, inclusive, and student-centered. "

Thank you Ms. Miller for being a classroom that SOARS and leading by teaching with fidelity.  The impact of Kagan structures in your classroom is evident!

#GDTBAE #PursuingExcellenceTogether