PRESCHOOL SCREENING & REGISTRATION DATES SET
The Mercer County Schools will be holding a Preschool Screening & Registration event on March 25th and March 26th. Screening is by appointment only. If interested contact Lisa Kruchinski at 733-7000, ext. 1117 to make an appointment.

For more information about screening requirements and registration details view the PRESCHOOL flyer.

KINDERGARTEN REGISTRATION/SCREENING SET FOR MARCH 18th & MARCH 19th
Mercer County Schools will be hosting Kindergarten Registration/Screening on March 18th & March 19th at Harlow Elementary School. Parents need to call Lisa Kruchinski to schedule a time for registration as screening is by appointment only. You may contact Mrs. Kruchinski at 733-7000, ext. 1117 or via email at lisa.kruchinski@mercer.kyschools.us

To view complete details and information needed for your child to participate, click here.

MERCER CO. FOUNDATION FOR EDUCATION SPONSORS NEW SCHOLARSHIP AT MCSH
The Mercer County Foundation for Education is sponsoring a new scholarship for Senior students at Mercer County Senior High School. The scholarship - Titan Achieving Academic Excellence - provides an opportunity for students to get financial assistance to further their education. Applications must be turned in to the Guidance Counselors' Office by April 15th.

Download the Titan Scholarship Application and be sure to follow the Application Guidelines when completing the form.

TITANS GOLF SCRAMBLE SET FOR APRIL 3rd
The MCSH Titans Basketball Team is having a golf scramble on Saturday, April 3rd at Bright Leaf Golf Course. For more information or to register contact Brian Britt at (859) 583-8077 or brian.britt@mercer.kyschools.us.

MCSH STUDENT ALLI GRANT ATTENDS 9th ANNUAL LEADERSHIP DAY
For the ninth year, the Kentucky Association of Career and Technical Education (KACTE) offered an opportunity for career and technical education (CTE) student leaders to participate in the Student Leadership Day program held in Frankfort from February 8-9. KACTE's goal is “To raise the visibility and demonstrate the excellence of Career and Technical Education programs by providing Career and Technical Education students a leadership activity that addresses Kentucky's Learning Goals and Academic Expectations.”

 

 

State officers representing CTE student organizations in Kentucky (l to r): FCCLA (Alli Grant – Mercer),
TSA, FBLA. Skills USA, HOSA, DECA, and FFA.

MCSH STUDENT, LEE McGINNIS QUALIFIES FOR STATE GOVERNOR'S CUP COMPETITION

Congratulations goes out to Lee McGinnis for placing 5th in Social Studies at Regional Governor's Cup this weekend. Lee advances to State and will compete in Louisville on March 14th. This is a great accomplishment, something that has not been done in many years. If you see Lee give him a special congratulations.

PREVIOUS DISTRICT NEWS ITEMS:

DISTRICT ADVISORY/BUDGET COMMITTEE MEETING RESCHEDULED FOR MARCH 15th
The Mercer County District Advisory Committee, which is serving as the district's Budget Committee, will meet on Monday, March 15th at 5:00pm in the conference room at Central Office. This meeting is open to the public. The Budget Committee will be prioritizing needs drawn from school and district Improvement Plans and board directives.

2010-2011 CALENDAR APPROVED AT FEBRUARY 18th BOARD MEETING
The 2010-2011 School Calendar was approved by the board of education at Tuesday night's meeting - February 18th. The calendar has students first day of school on Wednesday, August 4th.

For all calendar information click here: 2010-2011 School Calendar

MERCER BOARD APPROVES 2009-2010 CALENDAR AMENDMENT
At the February 18, 2010, the Mercer County Board of Education approved the proposed amendment to the 2009-2010 Calendar that reflects changes due to the many school days missed for snow. Review amended 2009-2010 calendar here.

Quick View of 2009-2010 Calendar Amendment (make-up days set):
1) The first week of Spring Break (March 29th - April 2nd) will be used as make up days.
2) There will be NO MORE Early Release Wednesdays, beginning Wednesday, March 3rd.
Student will be in school for full days on Wednesdays.

MERCER COUNTY SCHOOL BOARD HAS NEW MEMBER
The Mercer County School Board vacancy for Division 1, created by the resignation of Mrs. Pam Baughman in October, has been filled. The position is being filled by Mr. Ronald Betsher of Harrodsburg by appointment from State School Commissioner Dr. Terry Holiday. Division 1 and is predominately comprised of the populace in the Courthouse and Opera House voting precincts. Mr. Betsher will be officially sworn into office on February 18, 2010 at the board meeting being held in the Mercer County Senior High School auditorium. The appointment is effective until a successor has been elected and qualified in the November 2010 general election.

KENTUCKY YOUTH RISK BEHAVIOR SURVEY REPORTS

The Kentucky Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) is conducted as part of a national effort by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and prevention (CDC) to monitor students’ health-risk behaviors in six priority areas. These six areas include injury and violence, alcohol and drug use, tobacco use, nutrition, physical activity, and sexual risk behaviors. These risk behaviors contribute to the leading causes of death, disability, and social problems among youth and adults in the U.S.

Kentucky has been administering the YRBS since 1997. The survey is voluntary and is administered to a randomly selected sample of middle and high school students across the state.

There are now 2 reports on the Superintendent's Page:
1) KY YRBS High School Injury & Violence and 2) KY YRBS Middle School Physcial Activity

For more information regarding the YRBS and for national, state, and large city survey results, please visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/yrbs/index.htm

FOLLOW MERCER COUNTY SCHOOLS ON FACEBOOK
Even school systems are embracing what the world has come to know as Social Media. You can now follow Mercer County Schools on Facebook. The district is utilizing this new media for district updates and special news announcements in an effort to use all resources available to keep our public informed. The district has also started using another resource - Twitter. In this day and age of technology changing so quickly and the way the masses receive information, Mercer County Schools is working hard to keep you informed and updated on various district issues, news announcements and events.

We appreciate your patience as we learn how to master our skills at these new Social Media outlets.

On Facebook you can do a simple search for Mercer County Schools. To follow us on Twitter, you can search for MercerCoSchools.

THE DRAWING FOR THE TITANS GOLF CART WILL BE FEBRUARY 19th
Do you have the winning ticket? Find out on Friday, February 19th at the Mercer County Senior High School boy/girl doubleheader basketball game. You may purchase a ticket at Mr. Kwik, The Harrodsburg Herald or by contacting Becky Holt at 613-2626 or becky.holt@mercer.kyschools.us. You can also purchase tickets at the boy/girl doubleheader basketball games on February 9th, February 16th and Febraury 19th.

To view the tricked-out Titans Golf Cart click here.

MERCER CO. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TO HOLD 2nd FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP
Financial Aide Night (FAFSA) at Mercer County Senior High School on Monday, February 8th at 6:30pm
Kim Baldwin from KHEAA will be here to assist parents and students in completing the FAFSA online. Any Senior Parent needing one-on-one attention in filling out the FAFSA is encouraged to attend. The workshop will be held in the media center at the high school. For more information contact the guidance office at 859-733-7160.

KING MIDDLE SCHOOL TO HOLD FAMILY NIGHT ON FEBRUARY 4th
KMS is set to host a Family Night on Thursday, February 4th from 5:00-8:00pm. Parents will be able to pick up student progress reports. Additionally, 8th Grade Explore Score Reports will be available.

A brief workshop will be offered for 8th grade parents every half hour (beginning at 5:30pm) in the media center on how to interpret Explore scores and how they can be used for both high school and career planning. For more information, contact Sheila Burns, KMS Counselor at 733-7067.

A 15 minute workshop on "sexting" will also be offered every half hour (beginning at 5:45pm) in the media center for all parents, grades 6th,7th and 8th. For more information, contact Jan Peyton, Family Resource / Youth Services Center Director, at 733-7060, ext. 3400.

BOOSTERS SPONSOR "HOOPS AND HEARTS FOR HAITI"
"HOOPS and HEARTS for HAITI" will be held Thursday, February 4th at the Mercer/Burgin Boys basketball game. Both teams will honor the event by wearing special designed shirts for the pre-game warm up. Fans, students, faculty, and community supporters may purchase shirts for the event at the door the night of the game or during lunch at school next week. All proceeds will go to the Haiti Relief Fund through the American Red Cross. Donations will be accepted at the door. Students wearing their shirts to the game will receive a special gift for the night. The event is being sponsored by the MCHS Boys Basketball Boosters. If you would like to pre-order a shirt you can contact Joan Cinnamon at 859-613-1281.

DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO DISCUSS 2010-2011 BUDGET
The Mercer County District Advisory Committee is meeting Monday, February 8, at 5:00 PM in Central Office to discuss the 2010-2011 budget development. This is an on-going process and will continue through August, at which time the board will adopt the working budget for 2010-2011. This is an open meeting and as such will provide opportunity for community input. Questions can be submitted through email to chuck.hamilton@mercer.kyschools.us or by phone to 859-733-7000.

KING MIDDLE SCHOOL TO PARTICIPATE IN NATIONAL GREEN WEEK PROGRAM
Blue Grass Pride will be conducting Green Education lessons within each of King Middle School's six science classrooms, February 1st - February 5th. The main objective will be to educate all students and staff on the school's upcoming Recycling Program as a result of their Recycling Grant. Students will be making posters to promote these efforts and writing Public Service Announcements for the KMS morning news cast, local radio stations and the Harrodsburg Herald.

MERCER CO. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL TO HOLD FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP
Financial Aide Night (FAFSA) at Mercer County Senior High School on Monday, February 1st at 6:30pm
A representative from KHEAA will be at MCSH to go over the process and answer any questions parents may have when completing the FAFSA form. Any parent interested in learning more about the process should attend this event! For more information contact the guidance office at 859-733-7160.

LADY TITANS BASKETBALL SET 'PINK NIGHT' JANUARY 22nd - Breast Cancer Awareness
The MC Lady Titans Basketball Team are showing their support at the next home game, (this Friday - January 22nd) of the importance of raising awareness and education about Breast Cancer. The Lady Titans and Mercer County Senior High School are promoting this activity by encouraging students to wear pink to the game. Any student that does wear pink to the game will be admitted FREE of charge.

The Lady Titans will wear pink socks and pink shooting shirts in support of this event.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, aside from skin cancer. According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), an estimated 192,370 new cases of invasive breast cancer are expected to be diagnosed among women in the United States this year. An estimated 40,170 women are expected to die from the disease in 2010 alone. Today, there are about 2.5 million breast cancer survivors living in the United States.

MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY EVENTS FOR JANUARY 18th

These events are scheduled to be held at the 9th/5th Grade Academy location of the Mercer County Schools, 371 East Lexington Street.

8:00 AM	Pancake breakfast and t-shirt distribution (admission is donation for Bags of Love – kits for children removed from their home, distributed by DCBS, P&P)
9:15 AM	> Special Program – Speaker > Musical Performances (Mercer Co. High School Step Team) > Recognitions (Distinguished Service Award to Sarah Griffin of McDonalds and Larry Kelly of DQ Grill & Chill, as well as recognition of State MLK contest winners Shay Bartleson and Dexter Banks)
10:15 AM	March
10:45 AM	Community Service Activities (sort and stuff Bags of Love)

5th GRADE ACADEMY STARTS NEW TITAN S.W.O.R.D. PROGRAM
TITAN S.W.O.R.D. is a positive behavior & achievement plan fifth grade students will participate in this year. Students earn “virtual money” on a balance sheet as a reward for following behavior expectations, academic effort, good attendance with a goal of reaching 80% of their money for a nine weeks grading period. Students will be rewarded at the end of a grading period based on his/her accumulated balance

For complete program details click here, TITAN S.W.O.R.D.

PARENT FORUM ON LOCAL EDUCATIONAL ISSUES
January 14th @ 6:30 p.m. at Mercer County Senior High
Several Important Topics Will Be Presented and Deputy Commissioner Of Education, Ruth Webb, Will Address Our Community

TAGO (Titans Achieving Goals Organization) will be hosting a community/parent forum on January 14th at 6:30 p.m. to discuss several important educational topics specific to our high school community and students. These topics will include possible modification of school start time for the high school, the scheduling process for next year, RTI (Response To Intervention) Programs, Literacy Programs and state testing. Our special guest will be Ruth Webb, the Deputy Commission of Education from the Kentucky Department of Education. Ms. Webb and a panel of local educators will answer questions from the audience on a variety of educational topics. Please make plans to join us in the Auditorium at MCSH at 6:30 on January 14th for this important opportunity to discuss these important topics.

MERCER SENIOR HIGH BLOOD DRIVE
MCSH will be holding a blood drive on Monday, January 11th from 9:00am-4:00pm. The high school welcomes all participants. Please join our staff and students in continuing our quest to maintain our ranking as the #1 high school for blood donations. Each pint donated has the opportunity to save up to 3 adult lives or 5 baby lives. Together we can make a huge difference!

e-FUNDS FOR SCHOOLS CREATE NEW OPTION FOR PARENTS
The Mercer County School District is pleased to introduce a new program call e-Funds for Schools. This program will be rolled out during January 2010 and offers various options for parents/guardians who choose to make payments on-line and is extremely user friendly. The e-Funds payment program will begin with lunch payments and in the future will have the capability to accept various school fees. You will have the ability to make payments electronically from your checking account or charged to your credit card, you also have the flexibility to make a payment at any time through the school's website.

For more detailed information about e-Funds for Schools click here.
You may also review the FAQ (frequently asked questions) about this new program and how e-Funds for Schools works.

MERCER BOARD SIGNS 'GREEN' DECLARATION OF INTENT
The Mercer County Board of Education members have made a commitment to become a model 'green' community. See the Declaration of Intent here.

DISTRICT ESTABLISHES NEW 'NVEST PROGRAM
The Mercer County Board of Education signed off on the establishment of a new program at the November board meeting called 'NVEST ('Ncorporating Valuable Employee & Student Savings Tips). This program has been developed to provide an avenue for all stakeholders of the district - students, parents, staff and community alike - to submit innovative cost savings ideas for the district. The program offers a monetary reward to the indiviudal who submits an innovative and substantial cost avings idea. The key to this program is to think outside of the box. While it is a good habit to turn off the lights when you leave a room and this does save money, it is not an innovative idea. The 'NVEST program is built on innovative ideas and rewarding individuals for their succesfully implemented ideas.

To review the program in detail click here.

Superintendent Hamilton is in the process of developing a form for individuals to complete when he/she has an idea to submit. In the meantime, individuals are encouraged to email the superintendent directly at chuck.hamilton@mercer.kyschools.us.

MCSH & KMS CHOIRS TO PRESENT A CHRISTMAS CONCERT
Mercer Co. Senior High School & King Middle School Choirs Present
A Christmas Concert
December 10th at 7:00pm in the auditorium at MCSH
Adults $2.00—students free

5th and 9th GRADE ACADEMIES BOOK FAIR
The Mercer County Schools' 5th and 9th Grade Academies are holding their annual Book Fair the week of November 30th-December 4th. Family Night at the Book Fair is Tuesday, December 1st from 5:00-7:00pm.

MERCER CO. SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL: SENIOR STUDENT/PARENT NIGHT
The Mercer County Senior High School will be hosting a Senior Student/Parent Night on November 24th at 6:30pm in the school's auditorium. There will be information regarding scholarships, FAFSA, college applications, and graduation. Please come and join us for an informative meeting.

5th GRADE ACADEMY TO HOLD 2nd ANNUAL ENTREPRENEUR FAIR
The 5th Grade Academy social studies teachers and their students would like to invite you to attend their annual Entrepreneur Fair Tuesday, November 17th from 5:30-7:00pm. The students have all been diligently learning about economic concepts and are now being given the opportunity to apply them. If you find yourself able to visit during the day, students will be selling from 11:45-2:30 for the 4th and 9th grade students in addition to the evening hours.

MCSH 2nd BLOOD DRIVE SET FOR NOVEMBER 16th
Help MCSH contribute to the annual blood drive competition between the University of Tennessee and University of Kentucky "Big Blue Crush." Each donor will receive a commemorative t-shirt, be entered into a drawing for a Wii Entertainment System, and receive a coupon for a free menu item at McDonalds.

• November 16, 2009 at Mercer County High School from 11:00 AM-06:00 PM
• Seniors, one extra hour of community service given for each outside donor.
• Parents are encouraged to participate and make a life saving contribution!!!

5th & 9th GRADE ACADEMIES JOIN EFFORTS FOR VETERANS DAY ASSEMBLY

To: All students and parents of the Mercer County 5th & 9th Grade Academies
What: Veteran’s Day tribute assembly
When: Wednesday, November 11th, 8:00 AM
Where: Mercer Co. 9th Grade Academy gymnasium

For complete details, click here.

KING MIDDLE SCHOOL PREPARES FOR VETERANS DAY PROGRAM
Veterans Day Celebration Program, “Honoring America’s Veterans”
Special Guest Speaker: Adjutant General, Kentucky National Guard: Major Gen. Edward W. Tonini

Where: Kenneth King Middle School
Date: November 11th 2009
Program Start Time: 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Public Seating Time: 8:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m

Read the KMS Press Release here.

5th GRADE STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN MADAME COBB'S WAX MUSEUM
Students in the 5th Grade Academy of the Mercer County Schools recently participated in an extraordinary event, Madame Cobb’s Wax Museum. Students chose a person from American history and researched that person using books, the Internet, encyclopedias, and various other documents. Using this information, students wrote a biography that focused on important events in the person’s life and historical significance.

The exhibit was open to parents and staff for the students to display what they had learned as the Madame Cobb’s Wax Museum was a true showcase. The students throughout the school were dressed to portray their historical person. Additionally, they developed a three-minute monologue as if they were that person telling a “visitor” about their life. Students were in costume and had props as well as displays about their character to help bring their person to life.

Students got creative with this project as notable people such as Rosa Parks, Walt Disney, and Dr. Seuss, to name a few, were on display. This exhibit provided a unique learning opportunity for the students and one that many commented they would never forget.

In conjunction with the night’s event, students’ families were asked to bring non-perishable food items to help the local food pantry. The schools’ Family Resource Center coordinated the donation of items and will help distribute the items to those in need. A special thank you to all of those who made a donation as 316 food items were collected.

KING MIDDLE SCHOOL FOOTBALL TITANS CLAIM TITLE
The Titans of KMS defeated Danville Bate Middle School in the Salt River Conference Championship game on October 27th in an impressive win. The field proved to be sloppy and weather conditions were far from perfect, but that didn't stop the Titans from executing their game plan. The team came ready to play and proved they would not be denied as they pounded every play with heart and confidence. Way to go KMS Titans!!

 

 

HARLOW ELEMENTARY & 5th GRADE ACADEMY FALL FESTIVAL
Harlow Elementary School and the 5th Grade Academy will host a combined Fall Festival on Saturday, October 24th from 4:00-7:00pm at the 5th Grade Academy located on the East Lexington Street Campus. Click here to read details.

KMS BOOK FAIR
King Middle School is holding it's annual Book Fair this week, October 19th - October 23rd. Family Night at the Book Fair is Thursday, October 22nd from 5:00-7:00pm.

MCES & 5th GRADE ACADEMY RED RIBBON WEEK ACTIVITIES SET
Mercer Elementary School is holding Red Ribbon Week October 26th - October 30th. There will be different activities every day and the school will be decorated in celebration of the event. A door decorating contest will be held in addition to red ribbons tied on the antennas of staff members cars. The weekly events will conclude with a costume assembly on Friday, October 30th.

At the 5th Grade Academy, the counseling department and Family Resource Center have planned several Red Ribbon activities throughout the week of October 26-30. Students will wear costumes, crazy outfits, watch informational DVD’s on the effects of drug abuse, and receive positive gifts and messages throughout the week.

KMS ATHLETICS WINNING BIG!
The King Middle School football and soccer teams are winning big this season. The boys soccer team won the Salt River Conference Title while completing the year undefeated in conference play.

The King Middle School football team won the Football Salt River Regular Season Conference and begins tournament play this week against Boyle County at 6:00pm on October 20th. Be sure to come out and cheer on the Titans at the Alvis Johnson Field located on the East Lexington Street Campus.

MCSH MARCHING BAND... The Winning Tradition Continues!
To date, the Mercer County Senior High School Marching band is undefeated in Class AAAA. Regionals are October 31st and semi-finals and finals are scheduled for Saturday, November 7th. Way to go Marching Band!!

 

 

 

MERCER BOARD APPROVES SCHOOL ORGANIZATIONAL PLAN - OPTION B

At the September 17, 2009, the Mercer County Board of Education approved Option B of the proposed recommendation by the Local Planning Committee for school facilities. The plan will utilize all 6 buildings while implementing the following alignment of grades and school location.

GRADES	SCHOOL BUILDING LOCATION
Preschool - Kindergarten	Harlow Elementary School (Perryville Road - same location)
1st - 3rd Grades	Mercer Elementary School (Moberly Road - same location)
4th & 5th Grades	Currently the 5th & 9th Grade Academy location on East Lexington Street
6th - 8th Grades	King Middle School (Moberly Road - same location)
9th Grade & Harrodsburg Day Treatment	Old Mercer High School Building on Moberly Road
10th - 12th Grades	New Mercer County Senior High School

Timelines for when the reconfigurations will begin have not yet been established, however, Superintendent Hamilton has stated he would like to have this new configuration of student alignment and building configurations implemented as soon as possible. He also has noted that there is much needed renovation at the current King Middle School to accommodate the growth in student population and the old high school will need to be prepared with a total cleanup of the facility, both inside and out, as well as an assessment of fixtures, plumbing and other infrastructure items to ensure the proper functionality of the building.

MERCER BOARD APPROVES 2009-2010 WORKING BUDGET

At the regular monthly board meeting held on September 17, 2009, the Mercer County Board of Education approved the 2009-2010 working budget as presented. Working budgets, annual reports and other financial documents will be posted on the district's website as a new information item. These documents will be available for review on the district's Finance Page.

> 2009-2010 Working Budget

SWINE FLU VACCINE INFORMATION

One of the best ways to protect against the flu is to get a flu vaccine each year. CLICK HERE to view the lists of who should get the seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine. There are two types of vaccine — the flu shot and flu nose spray.

MERCER ELEMENTARY STUDENTS TO PERFORM NATIVE AMERICAN PRESENTATIONS

Mercer Elementary School has an Artist in Residence, Susan Mullin, Native American folk artist originating from the Kahnawake Reserve in Canada. Mrs. Mullins will be in the music classroom of Mrs. Debi Shirley from 8:30-2:45 the next two weeks. She is going to introduce students in the 3rd and 4th grades to the Native American culture and history. It is our goal that through music, dance, and story-telling that students experience the beliefs, feelings, and ideas of the Native American culture and compare the differences and similarities to their own culture. Mrs. Murphy, M.C.E.S. Art Teacher is also corresponding with Mrs. Mullins and is integrating Native American masks that will be displayed for the performances. Students were encouraged to come up with real purposes for their masks that they can relate to. This special project is funded by a 2009 teacher initiated grant from the Kentucky Arts Council with the support of the Mercer Board of Education.

Each unit of 3rd and 4th graders will be performing 4 songs and 2 dances with storytelling for teachers, students, parents, and community guests on Friday of each week in the M.C.E.S. gymnasium.

3rd Grade Presentations: September 18th
1:00 – Mrs. Hammons, Mrs. Horn’s, and Mrs. Bryant’s classrooms
2:00 – Mrs. Irvin’s, Mrs. Smith’s, Mrs. Bugg’s and Mrs. Sander’s classrooms
4th Grade Presentations: September 25th
1:00 – Mrs. Souder’s, Mrs. Edward’s, and Mrs. Baker’s classrooms
2:00 – Mr. Anderson’s, Mrs. Piazza’s, and Mrs. Ransdell’s classrooms

MCSH TEACHER STEVE GOGGIN RECEIVES TEACHER ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

The Kentucky Department of Education and Ashland Inc. have selected 24 outstanding Kentucky educators as recipients of the 2010 Ashland Inc. Teacher Achievement Awards (TAA). These teachers will compete for the 2010 Kentucky Teacher of the Year Award, which will be announced next month. Mercer County Senior High School teacher, Steve Goggin, is 1 of only 24 Kentucky teachers to receive this award.

Read the full press release here.

 

 

Steve Goggin

DAIRY & SCHOOL WELLNESS FROM THE NATIONAL DAIRY COUNCIL

Low-fat and Fat-free Milk, Yogurt and Cheese are Among the Most Nutritious Choices at School

Seventy-seven percent of children ages 9-19 do not meet their recommended dairy intake1, despite research showing that kids who get the recommended amounts of dairy foods have better nutrient intakes overall.2 Together, milk, cheese and yogurt pack a powerful nutrient punch, providing nine essential nutrients including calcium, potassium, phosphorus, protein, vitamin A, D and B12, riboflavin and niacin, making dairy foods an integral part of school food choices.

Read Full Report here.

MERCER SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 2008-2009

To view the Mercer County Schools' Annual Financial Report for the year ending June 30, 2009 click here. You may also view the 2008-2009 Vendor Register list.

 

GRADUATE KY SUMMIT SET FOR SEPTEMBER 11-12

First Lady Jane Beshear and Education & Workforce Development Secretary Helen Mountjoy, are hosting Graduate Kentucky: A Community Approach in Frankfort September 11th and 12th in an effort to reduce the dropout rate in Kentucky. This inaugural dropout prevention summit will kick-off a statewide initiative to tackle the dropout problem in Kentucky.

Graduate Kentucky Letter to Superintendents and Principals

For more information, contact Kate Wood or Colmon Elridge, Office of the Governor, at (502) 564-2611.

MERCER SCHOOLS LAUNCHES 'HEALTH PROGRAM' WEBSITE

Mercer County School Health Services strives to remove barriers to student learning by promoting healthy lifestyles, as well as protect and promote the health of students. In an effort to provide important health information as well as easy access to the district's nursing staff, school documents and forms, the Mercer County Schools Health Program website has been developed.

EXTENDED SCHOOL SERVICES (ESS) INFORMATION

Extended School Services (ESS) will be offered during the school year to students who qualify as a means of enabling students to meet grade level expectations on their educational path to obtaining a high school diploma.

TRAFFIC FLOW CHART FOR MOBERLY ROAD - 'RIGHT IS RIGHT'

When students arrive for the first day of school on August 3rd in the Mercer County School District, notable changes to the flow of traffic on the Moberly Road campus will be seen. The district has developed a ‘Right Is Right’ procedure regarding the flow of traffic for parents and student drivers. Any vehicle exiting Mercer Elementary, King Middle or Mercer Senior High School must turn right – Right Is Right!

District officials have been working with local law enforcement personnel to develop a steady flow of traffic, but more importantly, a safe one. “The safety of the students is our top priority”, stated Mercer Schools Superintendent, Chuck Hamilton. “We’re working with both the city and county officials to ensure students are transported safely to and from school each and every day”, he said.

Specific times for the enforcement of ‘Right is Right’ for the Moberly Road campus is in the mornings from 7:30am-8:30am and in the afternoon from 2:30pm-3:30pm.

CLICK HERE to view the map for Moberly Road traffic flow chart.

Mason Named As New Titans Football Coach

Bill Mason has officially been named as the Mercer County Titans Football coach. At a special conference session with Mason on Friday afternoon, June 26th, high school principal Terry Yates announced the Titans Defensive Coordinator the successor to former head coach Marty Jaggers.

Mason was paid a special visit by principal Yates on Thursday evening, June 25th where the two had a face-to-face discussion about the position and the program. Mason said it meant a lot to him that Mr. Yates made the trip to Danville (Mason's home) to talk to him. Coach Mason talked the situation over with his wife and children before accepting the job noting that family comes first and he wanted their support before making a final decision.

Mason is excited about the opportunity and says the last three weeks may not have gone the route he wanted, but the end result is what is important. "The ship may take different routes to get to the port, but the main thing is getting the ship to the port", said Mason.

When asked about the focus of the program and what his thoughts were, Mason said he wanted to build upon character development and program development. "X's and O's will take care of themselves if you build character in your team and a solid program foundation," he said.

Bill Mason spent 9 years at Nelson County - 4 years as a head coach while 5 of those years were as an assistant coach. He played his college career at Campbellsville University and is a 1992 graduate of Louisville Iroquois High School. He has been the Defensive Coordinator for the Titans for the past 4 years.

Mercer Board Hires New Leader - Mr. Charles Hamilton, Jr.

At a special called board meeting tonight, May 14th, the Mercer County Board of Education announced Mr. Charles Larry (Chuck) Hamilton, Jr. as the next Superintendent for the district. Mr. Hamilton is currently the Finance and Personnel Director in the Marion County School District. He has served various roles while in the Marion County School District which include high school principal, middle school principal, assistant high school principal, and math teacher at both the middle and high school.

Mr. Hamilton earned his Bachelors degree, Masters and Rank I all from Eastern Kentucky University. He is currently enrolled in the Doctoral program at the University of Kentucky. He and his wife Fran have three children, Abby, Trey and Gabrielle.

He said, “My first priority will be to talk with all of the stakeholders – staff, community, parents, students – and see what their goals for the district are and where we need to be to implement those goals. I want to visit each of the schools to talk with the staff and students so they can share their ideas with me . Once we establish our goals, then we need to take action. I want to look at what needs to be done, take action and then measure the results.”

Be sure to come and meet our new superintendent as there will be a special reception on May 21st, from 3:30pm-5:30pm for Mr. Hamilton in the auditorium located at 371 East Lexington Street. This is a new day in the Mercer County School District and we look forward to the energy and passion Mr. Hamilton brings for the success of our students.

Board chair Margaret Britton presented a statement that read "Considering the challenges and opportunities facing our district, the Board felt it necessary to hire an individual with a diverse skill set. We feel strongly that the process including - Application materials, Appropriate screening, Reference checking and Personal interviewing - was invaluable, insightful and enjoyable. We are excited about the future of the Mercer County School District."

Mr. Hamilton’s contract with the Mercer County Board of Education includes a beginning salary of $105,000 beginning July 1, 2009. He has a 4 year contract that runs through June 30, 2013.

DISTRICT ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT
To view the Mercer County Schools' Annual Financial Report click here. You may also view the 2007-2008 Vendor Register list.

Let this statement serve as notice that the financial report for FY 07-08 will be available for viewing in the Mercer County Public Library, August 30, 2008 through September 30, 2008 and on the Mercer County School website, http://www.mercer.kyschools.us.
Questions may be directed to Joy Campbell, Finance Officer.

Glynda Short, Chairperson
Bruce Johnson, Superintendent

KENTUCKY DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION -
FINANCIAL REVIEW REPORT OF THE MERCER COUNTY SCHOOLS
Dr. Larry Stinson, Kentucky Department of Education, reported to the Mercer County Board of Education the findings and recommendations of the financial review they began conducting back in June 2008 at the request of Superintendent Bruce. O. Johnson and board of education members. Click Here to view the report.

NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND AYP GOAL - 100% MET
Congratulations to students and staff for meeting their school's NCLB Goals! Each school where students were tested: Harlow Elementary, Mercer Elementary, King Middle, 5th Grade Academy and Mercer County Senior High School met all of their targeted goals, making 100%.

Mercer County School District met 13 of 13 target goals for 100 percent.