Frankfort Weather Forecast

The Frankfort Kiwanis Club kicked-off its Read Around the World project by presenting a book to the Bridgeport Elementary School Library. The aim of the project is to provide parents and teachers with the tools to support children’s emerging language, literacy and knowledge of diversity. Bridgeport received a copy of “The Good Luck Cat,’ a story based on an ancient Chinese fable. Bridgeport Media Specialist Kim McCoy accepted the book at a recent Kiwanis Club meeting as club president Chuck Fletcher looked on. She was joined by parent volunteer Teresa Norton and fifth grade students Katie Norton and Taylon Crume.

Franklin County Public School KPR Report

Special to Capital Living

Franklin County Public Schools continue to make progress in the quest for all students to reach proficiency by 2014.

According to the recently released Kentucky Performance Reports issued by the Kentucky Department of Education, three elementary schools in the district have exceeded the 2008 biennial goal; seven schools are in the Progressing category; and only one school failed to make the required progress and is in the Assistance category.

Bridgeport, Collins Lane and Westridge elementary schools all met their goals, meaning that the school met or exceeded its index goal and also exceeded the novice reduction rate goal.

Both Peaks Mill Elementary and Bondurant Middle moved from the Assistance Category to Progressing. Superintendent Harrie Lynne Buecker said the staffs at these schools should be commended for their effort.

“Both schools made great strides last year in improving student performance. The staff members at both schools have worked very hard and made many changes in their instructional programs which positively impacted their students’ academic levels,” she said. “There is still much work to do, but I believe they are on target to meet their goals by the next biennium.”

As a result of falling into the Assistance category, Elkhorn Middle School will examine the scholastic review and self-study which was conducted two years ago. Buecker said that Elkhorn Middle School’s results were anticipated and that the staff has already made many changes in the instructional program based on the recommendations of the Scholastic Audit.

Some of the steps taken at Elkhorn Middle include realigning the curriculum, moving teachers into positions where they can be more effective, implementing the middle school philosophy (teaming), and reviewing the behavioral expectations for students. “Student engagement plays a major role in effective instruction,” Buecker said. “There must be a safe and orderly environment for learning as a prerequisite for quality instruction.”

Assistant Superintendent Chrissy Jones said while the district continues to make progress, the road ahead will not be easy. “We have a long way to go. Even the schools that have met their goals have to work hard to stay there,” Jones said.

Buecker and the district instructional support staff will meet with principals and school staff members to develop a plan for continuous improvement. “We are at the point where we have to look very closely at the results student by student to in order to identify instructional areas to address the needs of each student,” she said.

Jones added the recent work to revise the curriculum across the district will also help student achievement. “Every classroom should be covering the same topics at the same time, making it easier for principals and district personnel to evaluate how we are progressing,” she said.

Buecker stated that while it won’t be easy, she is confident goals can be met. “We have so many hard-working, dedicated staff members who continue to do what is best for our students. I have a high level of confidence that we will continue to demonstrate growth in student achievement. There is definitely a total team atmosphere in the district. Bus drivers, teachers, cafeteria workers, central office personnel, custodians, and administrators are all working together to make sure each and every student in the Franklin County Public Schools is successful.”