View All News

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

As students approached  the front doors on campus, they encountered a setup that grabbed their attention. The Arrive Alive Tour rolled into town with sights set on educating teens of the dangers of driving impaired.

The Arrive Alive Tour is the #1 Health and Wellness Organization in the nation. Visiting campuses all over the country at every educational level, the mission is clear...creating a heightened awareness of the dangers of impaired driving as well as texting and driving.

Striving to be that "ounce of prevention" from the age old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure," Arrive Alive offers a realistic experience to teens by simulating an impaired driver. Students attempt to operate an actual vehicle with a simulator apparatus over their eyes. Outside the vehicle, spectators can view the journey on monitors, and see just how difficult it is for the driver to properly meet driving laws.

Principal Janet Throgmorton expressed her motivation for inviting the organization, "For 7 hours a day, students are here with me. I know that we do every possible thing to ensure their safety while they are in our buildings. However, what about it when they aren't? My job, our job as educators, doesn't stop at the sound of the last bell. As long as their name is enrolled in the GC school system, I consider them my responsibility whether that be during school hours or not. We want to make sure they are safe all the time...especially when in or operating vehicles. Their safety, it's the one thing that we rate higher on our priority list than academics. I need my kids to come back to me each morning."

 

 

Nick Goddard, you made it to Space Camp!  Not a sentence you hear every day, right?  After a year-long rigorous STEM Squad program, 8th grade GCMS student Nick Goddard, has been chosen to attend a 2-day, 3-night Space Camp.

STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.  As technology changes but increasingly becomes the source for operating our daily lives, STEM offers an opportunity for students to be challenged and perfect those problem-solving and critical thinking skills.

Beginning last May, STEM sparked an interest in Goddard.  He learned of a program offered at The Challenger Learning Center in Paducah sponsored by NASA. With an interest in space that began as a six or seven year old child, he was immediately intrigued.  So, he began the process of applying.  Students were required to write a 5 paragraph essay stating their case as to why they felt the program was a good fit for them.  Turns out…those who held the fate of applicants in their hands agreed. Goddard was chosen.

Over the course of a year, Goddard attended meetings twice a month. During this time, several unique opportunities presented themselves such as meeting astronauts originally from Kentucky. Goddard also was required to present a summer research and engineering project that ultimately sealed the deal for the chance to participate in the Space Camp.

Goddard reflects on his experience, “STEM squad has opened so many doors for me.  From visiting the space center in Huntsville, AL to meeting new people who were also a part of the program…the skills and relationships have increased not only my value to the industry but it also has helped establish a confidence in me and my ability to be anything I want to be.”

While Goddard is unsure of what the future holds for him, he is certain that the path he takes will undoubtedly be successful because of what he has learned through his experience with STEM.

“I want to take on more leadership roles, and STEM has taught me how to prepare for that and that I am capable of doing it.  I’m not sure what future career I want to pursue just yet, but I know that STEM will help me get there,” expressed Goddard.

Congratulations, Nick Goddard! This is one time where we can truly say, “The sky is the limit.”

 

GC Trust is a student-operated bank located in the PE Commons at GCHS. Originally named Graves County Bank, Sonny McManus was the first staff supervisor, followed by Michelle McKee beginning in 1994. Sponsored by First Kentucky Bank of Mayfield since 2004, it provides students with an opportunity to gain knowledge and experience in managing their finances. With the environment and operations mimicking the day to day procedures of an actual bank, students may open savings accounts, earn interest, borrow money, and learn how to communicate in financial institutions when conducting transactions.

GCHS Business & Marketing Teacher, Emily Redden, explained "It's our job as teachers to prepare students for every facet of life. Being responsible with your money and learning how to manage it well is something we consider to be vital in terms of a successful future. We want them to leave here with the knowledge to maintain prosperous careers, but if they have no experience on how to manage the fruits of their labor, then we have missed a very important piece of the puzzle."

Graves County Schools have always been blessed with a community that places an emphasis on supporting the education of our students. From the origin of GC Trust, First Kentucky employees have met with Graves County High School students from the GC Trust Class at the beginning of each school year to train them and help them prepare for their Grand Opening. In addition to sponsoring the student-run bank, the bank employees continue to meet with the students and GC Trust Advisor throughout the school year to help monitor and assist with the day-to-day operations. “First Kentucky Bank is passionate about financial education in the schools and community, which is why they invest in programs, like GC Trust, EVERFI, and Prosper. They are committed to helping youth and adults become financially literate because knowing how to properly manage money is essential to being a successful and responsible adult. They are proud to be a longtime sponsor of GC Trust, which offers a unique learning opportunity for the students in the GC Trust class and those utilizing the services of the student-run bank at Graves County High School,” explained Marketing Officer, Amanda Rorer.

Oftentimes, students are more confident in concepts they learn when they can participate in hands-on projects.  Corie Young, First Kentucky Branch Administration Officer, explained, “There is no better training for the financial world than running a real-life bank. The GC Trust students learn first-hand how to operate a bank and responsibly handle money, and the students who utilize the bank’s Loan and Savings services also learn the importance of personal money management.”

 This year's staff includes juniors, Ellie Swift, Joselyn Leonard, and Lainey Smith. GC Trust has announced opening day for the 2023-2024 school year will be Tuesday, September 26th. Normal banking hours are every Tuesday-Thursday from 12:15-1:25.


 

Eagles win 48-0 for the first time over the Caldwell County Tigers…and just like that with 71 wins…Coach Lance Gregory now holds the title for the most wins in the program’s history.

As a college athlete, Gregory knew his love for the game was bound to extend beyond his days of suiting up in the pads and jersey. With a building interest in his education classes, and the enjoyment of his student teaching experience, he settled on a career in education that would also allow the opportunity to coach high school football.

Beginning his coaching career at John Hardin High School in Elizabethtown, Gregory attributes his start to his mentor, Mark Brown. “He was a legendary high school coach. I learned a great deal from him with the most important being the emphasis he placed on building relationships with your players and coaches,” explained Gregory.

In 2009, Gregory caught wind that the head coach position at Graves County was opening up. He decided to try his luck, and to his surprise, the offer was extended. “I knew the outgoing head coach, and he spoke very highly of the program, the community and the school. So, with a 4 and 5 year old, and a supportive wife…we have made Graves County our home,” Gregory stated.

With 11 years of being the GC head coach and 23 years of coaching experience, Gregory reflects on what the accomplishment means to him. “During my time here, I have been surrounded by great players and great coaches. We’ve had a ton of great young men come through our football program, several of which are still involved as coaches in our program. Our coaching staff has been second to none during my tenure…great men that love the kids and love Graves County football.”

Football, by some, is deemed to be nothing more than just a game. Gregory would tend to disagree. “Football teaches so many life lessons that will serve these young men throughout their lives. Our vision for this program has always been to help build young men of character. I am looking for the guy who will leave it all on the line each week for his team…but one day his team won’t be these guys. His team will be his family…his wife…his kids…his community. Football is a great game. I love everything about it, but the end result…the touchdown so to speak is that we develop men who are great husbands, great fathers and great citizens that contribute to their community.”

Friday night, the Eagles take on Owensboro for the Homecoming game. Maybe it becomes number 72 for Gregory…maybe it doesn’t. In the end, the relationships built through coaching…well, we’ll just call it a “W.”

Congratulations, Coach Gregory!!

 

Two trumpet players from the GCHS Marching Band attended the memorial service for fallen trooper, Cameron Ponder, yesterday.

Trooper Joseph Cameron Ponder, from Hardin County, died in the line of duty on September 13, 2015. KSP held a memorial service for Ponder yesterday at KSP Post One in Graves County to honor his service to the Commonwealth.

Director of the GCHS Marching Band, Richard Burchett, received the request for two students to attend and play as part of the ceremony from Captain D.N. Archer. At 9:54a.m., significant due to Ponder's badge number being #954, the service began. Senior Ty Flowers and junior Dalton Darnall filled the air with sounds from the traditional, "Taps."

"Taps" is a bugle call sounded to signal "lights out" during patriotic memorial ceremonies and military funerals conducted by the United States Armed Forces. Its somber tune is one enthused with honor, appreciation, and a job well done.

While the honor will no doubt be one that never escapes their memory, junior Dalton Darnall will also carry with him the appreciation expressed by Ponder's family. "It felt nice that the family of Trooper Ponder showed such appreciation and thanks for our attendance and tribute," expressed Darnall. A lesson in itself...that even in their sorrow...the opportunity to express gratitude was not lost on them.

Music has the ability to heal, honor, and ultimately express emotions that sometimes are not easy to verbalize. Musicians do not take for granted the opportunities and experiences that allow them to provide that outlet for individuals as they travel through the highs and lows of life. This particular event, one that holds to be the utmost honor to a trumpet player, will prove to be an occasion that is engraved on their hearts forever.

"It is one of the most important jobs of a trumpet player, and to be given the honor to carry that torch for such a hero and for an amazing family...it will definitely be an amazing high school, if not life memory," expressed senior, Ty Flowers.

 

According to Jane Korsten from the AAC website, by 18 months, babies have heard 4,380 hours of spoken language and by that time they are not expected to be fluent in speaking.  On the other hand, if a child who is an AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) communicator is only exposed to symbols twice a week for 20-30 minutes, it would take 84 years for them to have the same exposure to aided language as an 18 month old has to spoken language.

Haley Hillmann, Speech Language Pathologist at Wingo Elementary, presented to staff the importance of frequent daily use of AAC devices.  An AAC device is a tablet or laptop that helps someone with a speech or language impairment to communicate.  Users communicate through a combination of words, sentences, and images that the device then says audibly.  Additionally, users can also use features such as typing, drawing, sharing pictures and videos, and even repeating words they hear. 

“One of the things we pride ourselves on in the GC school district is the ability our teachers and support staff have to ensure that every single student is learning to their fullest potential.  We are fortunate enough to have these devices that serve as aides to our students, and so I felt it was important for them to realize just how much of an impact these devices have on AAC learners' communication skills.  The students we work with everyday deserve for their voices to be heard, and it is our job to teach them that different NEVER means incapable,” expressed Mrs. Hillmann.

The vision of Graves County Schools is that every child leaves us with the skills necessary to attack their future and be successful. Each person working in our schools has embedded that vision in their hearts and truly has the determination to make it 100% obtainable for every student.  

Guidance Counselor Blake Jessup stated, “We have such an incredible opportunity here at Wingo to lay the foundation for an amazing future for our kiddos.  It starts with educators like Mrs. Hillmann who advocate and inform stakeholders so we can make sure that foundation is rich and strong.  Wingo is blessed to have her.”

“In 3,2,1…,” echoed across the media room as students cued their onscreen classmates.  

GCTV, under the direction of Mr. Nick Miller, focuses on producing a daily student-produced newscast.  However, with social media taking the world by storm, students are also familiarizing themselves with Instagram, Facebook, and Tik-Tok…a more short form of content so to speak.  

Beginning his fourth year at GC with high expectations, Miller oversees his students as they navigate through producing GCTV and expand into outlets such as  sports high-light videos, commercials, live stream events…even freelance work such as weddings. Intro to Media Arts,  Video Studio Fundamentals, Advanced Studio Production, Studio Directing & Performance and Broadcast are classes currently offered at GC for students interested in the production world.  At the conclusion of these classes, students are well-versed and highly skilled.  

“I want students to have relevant production experience when they graduate. I’ve had graduates go on to pursue video production and related fields as a career, and many have told me they are far ahead of the curb compared to their peers. That’s the goal,” expressed Mr. Miller.

As you enter the studio, you realize quickly that producing any kind of visual or audio content is all about storytelling.  The key to mass viewers is understanding what makes the story interesting, honing in on that, and then showcasing it in a compelling way.  In a world where technology is advanced and offers a variety of features, you want to create the need for viewers to hit ‘pause’ if they have to leave the room.  Students are approached with many different types of media to perfect skills.  They are introduced to aerial photography(drones), commercial production, podcasting, live broadcasts, pre-recorded shows, short-form content, conducting on camera interviews, working with clients to meet their needs, and video editing.  Projects are initiated, produced and edited by students. The finished product, their labor of love, proves excellence is attainable and hard work elicits success. 

Students also have the opportunity to put their projects to the test in competitions.  Projects are entered into the Technology Student Association(TSA) and STLP competitions.  “The 2023-2024 media arts classes are the largest they have been in quite a while.  I would love to win best newscast at the regional and state level.  We are working towards a polished project that can bring home first place,” Miller stated.

As for the future, Mr. Miller plans on increasing the number of students each year, and expanding their projects to include working with local government, churches, and the community.  His passion and drive is not only evident to his students  but proves to more importantly be contagious.    

 

The Kentucky Department of Education, through the Reading Diagnostic and Intervention Fund Mini Grant, has awarded $240,000 collectively for the district to use toward high-quality instructional resources for structured literacy reading in primary grades. The grant funds will be divided between all 6 elementary schools in the Graves County School District.

At GC, we strive to provide an innovative and intentional curriculum for all students. After extensive research, funds were used to purchase the Sonday System intervention program for grades K-2nd, as well as training sessions for educators on effective implementation with a Sonday System trainer.  

Sonday System is similar to an Orton-Gillingham approach.  Geared towards the student who may struggle in reading class, or the student diagnosed with dyslexia, the Sonday System focuses on the individual needs of each student. 

Primary teachers, Reading Intervention Specialists, and support staff attended a training session to dive in and begin implementing these models in classrooms.  A Sonday System Trainer echoed the room with their philosophy, “You need to see it, you need to hear it, you need to feel it, and you need to say it. You do it to glue it.”  Collectively, educators throughout the room joined her with simple motions to support the theory that the approach of using our senses helps commit the concept to memory.  

Sonday focuses on the 5 essential components of reading instruction: Phonemic awareness, phonics (letter sounds), fluency, vocabulary and comprehension (picture, listening, text).  A simple game, Jenga, is used to illustrate the idea that you may move on to steps 4 and 5 when your top 3 components are secure.  The program’s methods are research-based. These components, or the foundation you might say, have proven to be effective with the target audience.

Every student’s journey to success is different.  By implementing this curriculum in our classrooms, we remove barriers that prevent learning, and instead, increase opportunities for achievement.  

 

GCHS Spanish Teacher Collaborates with GCTV Students for ‘Friday Night Hike’

With the slightest hint of fall in the air, Mr. Alex Richards,  junior Blake Woodward and cameraman Dalton Bell stepped onto the heavily dew saturated football field with a story to tell. 

Spanish teacher by day…and “Friday Night Hike” host…well, also by day.  Mr. Alex Richards was casually watching ESPN one evening when he caught a quick segment called “94 Feet with Jay Bilas,” which focused on an athlete for the week.  A lightbulb went off, “I thought. I could do something like that with our tv production class at school, and I thought it was a great way to spotlight our student athletes and share a deeper look at who they are beyond their sport with our community and fans so that they can get to know them beyond just the great athlete they are coming to watch.”

Originally named for the basketball season, Richards decided to carry out the idea for the other sports programs offered at GCHS.  “Friday Night Hike” is a weekly segment that spotlights a student athlete each week from the GCHS Football Team.  Athletes participate in a brief interview process with Mr. Richards that sheds some light on subjects such as any pre-game rituals they may have, their favorite NFL teams or players they may idolize, or a favorite memory from their own athletic career.  “I just had an idea, and Mr. Miller and his talented GCTV students kind of ran with it and far exceeded my expectations. His students are heavy-lifters here. They record, edit, and produce all of the work. It went well beyond the 84 feet videos; the students enjoyed doing it, and the fans liked the content.”

This week’s candidate, number 11, Blake Woodward and GCTV student gave insight to who he is on and off the field.  “From an early age, I learned very quickly to always be available to do what’s needed.  As an upperclassman, leadership is important and great leaders realize that it really is not about them, but everyone around them.” With a 4.0 GPA and a healthy 30 on his ACT, Woodward clearly excels in the classroom as well.  

While in this particular case, Woodward was on screen…students learn the ins and outs of various roles in the world of television.  Concluding the actual filming process, cameraman Dalton Bell, will have no small feat editing the footage before it becomes publicized.  Behind the scenes the process can be somewhat tedious and time consuming, but the end result paints a picture of true talent amongst our students at GCHS.  

Mr. Richards concludes, “I have the privilege of getting to know our students as people, beyond who they are as an athlete and beyond who they are academically.  I get to tell their story, and it is very cool to learn who they are on a deeper level in terms of what they are passionate about.  It really allows me a front row seat to witnessing them growing into leaders outside of the classroom.”

“Friday Night Hike” releases each week on Fridays. Go EAGLES!!

 

Check out this week's edition here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74pG4tc3E_0

 

School Nutrition Strives for Well-Balanced Options for Students

On any given day, students at schools across our district approach the lunch hour with options. No longer are the days where children pass through the line, served by a cafeteria employee, the one selection for the day. Just want a light salad...no problem. Maybe you would like to add a chicken strip to include protein in your diet...we have that too. Feeling like Italian might hit the spot...snag a piece of cheesy bread. No? Well, how about a Bento Box...something that includes a little bit of everything. The possibilities seem endless. Many days, students are offered anywhere from 8 to 9 choices at a single meal setting.

School Nutrition clearly is a very important part of a student's day. Having a balanced breakfast and lunch has proven to add to the productivity of a student's day. When a child wrestles with feeling hungry throughout the day, it often distracts them, and they are unable to focus on the curriculum being taught in the classroom.

Jackie Snelling, Food Service Manager at Graves County Middle School, explained exactly how our School Nutrition employees prepare each day for our students. "During the summer, managers from across the district met with Mrs. McClain, our Director of School Nutrition, and compiled ideas to form our district-wide cookbook. We then refer to a state website with those recipes to ensure that we are meeting the school nutrition guidelines. From there we really strive to cook our items for our students...not just open a can and put it on the serving line.Some of our main goals this year is to provide an extensive salad bar, well-balanced entrees and plenty of fresh fruit. So far, we have served peaches, plums, nectarines, cantaloupe, honey dew, and grapes.  Anything we can get fresh for the students is what we strive for."

The Graves County School District provides breakfast and lunch to every single child for free by participating in the national Community Eligibility Provision program. Authorized by Congress as a part of the Healthy, Hunger- Free Kids Act of 2010, all students have access to nutritious meals.

Click here to access lunch and breakfast menus for September:

Elementary Breakfast

https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=1117&year=2023&month=09

Elementary Lunch

https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=1117&year=2023&month=09

GCMS Breakfast

https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=1121&year=2023&month=09

GCMS Lunch

https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=1121&year=2023&month=09

GCHS Breakfast

https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=1120&year=2023&month=09

GCHS Lunch

https://calendar.hpsmenu.com/?school=1120&year=2023&month=09