Owsley County School District 2012-2013 School Year Updates

I.Early College Option for OCHS (10-12 grade students)

OCHS students who academically qualify will be eligible for dual credit classes (receive high school and college credit upon passing classes) through Morehead State University (MSU), Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), and/ or Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTCS) for both semesters during the 2012-2103 school year.  Student’s can begin taking college classes through these colleges or universities during the school day at little or no costs beginning their sophomore year.  This is a tremendous opportunity for students and parents who are faced with ever increasing college tuition costs associated with obtaining post high school degree/certification work to complete these during the school day.  Research indicates that increasing rigor and relevance and opportunities to learn are critical components of effective schools.

II. Distance Learning / Online Opportunities (9-12 grade students)

Students wishing to take a more diverse approach to meeting their educational leaning needs will have opportunities available through distance learning and collaborations with other schools is the area…Jackson County, Clay County, Lee County, and Madison County.  These schools will work with our district to provide various learning opportunities for our students via the use of technology. Live streaming classes will allow high school students in Owsley County to take  classes in other counties at the same time they are in their seats in Owsley County during the school day.  Blackboard leaning accounts will allow students (K-4) in Owsley County to become familiar with the college-going atmosphere and various learning opportunities to prepare them for their future.  The use of blackboard learning will allow for teachers and students to use this technology for “snowbound” initiatives when students are not in regular school due to inclimate weather to continue learning opportunities once approved by the Kentucky Department of Education.

III. Interventionist for K-10 grade students

The Promise Neighborhood Grant with Berea College will be funding and hiring two part-time interventionist to work with our regular education students and their teachers throughout the school year to allow for continued support and provide additional learning opportunities in the areas of math and reading for students.   The instructional focus will be math and reading at Owsley County Elementary School and math at Owsley County High School.  A goal for all students (K-3)is for them to be reading at grade level prior to leaving the third grade and is now an expectation.  A Parent Engagement Specialist and a Community Coordinator of services have been employed to blend services between schools and community members while trying to improve parental involvement.

IV. New Drug Testing and School Volunteer Policy and Procedure (3.13251)

The Owsley County Board of Education  has adopted on July 1, 2012 a new drug testing policy and procedure for employees and volunteers. The policy will take into effect that allows for volunteers to be randomly tested for drugs and alcohol if suspicion arise and/or be on a random drug screening list of employees.  The board has allocated up to 20 individuals approved by the Superintendent to be considered as volunteers.  The board will cover the cost of a criminal back ground check (state and federal) and an initial drug test ($20.00) as they value individuals who are willing to give of themselves to benefit our students and schools while ensuring the safety of our students.  Volunteers in this respect are those individual who have direct contact with students in a working or partial supervisory capacity for a period of time.  Additional information is found in the Owsley County board policy/procedure manual and in PD provided to staff members (3.13251).

Professional Development for Classified Staff:

·         Ethics For Classified Employees

·         Bloodborne Pathogens

·         Student Confidentiality

·         Slips, Trips, and Falls

·         Reporting Neglect and Abuse

·         MSDS and Chemicals

IV. Teamwork—Enough Said

“Teamwork is the ability to work

together toward a common vision;

the ability to direct individual

accomplishments toward

organizational objectives; it is the

fuel that allows common people

to attain uncommon results.”

—Andrew Carnegie

Thank you for being an integral part of our team in the Owsley County School System as we work together to continually improve the educational quality of all students by utilizing all of our resources and maximizing the opportunities afforded to us!  If I can be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to let me know.

 Mr. Tim Bobrowski,  Superintendent of Schools
RR3 Box 340, Booneville KY 41314
Phone: 606-593-6363
tim.bobrowski@owsley.kyschools.us