http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/ en-us Cabell County Schools RSS Feeder // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=288 Students at the Cabell County Alternative School have been busy lately crafting important messages about what it takes to be a person of good character. They’ve now taken those messages and created a special bulletin board in the entrance of the school. The bulletin board design, with the theme “Character”, was developed by senior Anthony Lovejoy and freshman Chad Bledsoe. The project became a school-wide effort when Lovejoy and Bledsoe invited other middle school and high school Alternative School students to participate. They did so by creating their own messages about character to be posted on the board. “We wanted to show that even though you’re at the Alternative School, you still can achieve,” says Anthony Lovejoy. “You’ve just got to set your mind to it.” The project took 12 weeks to complete and has been receiving rave reviews from the Alternative School staff. “I am just so proud of these students,” says Debbie Greenwell, a teacher at the Alternative School. “They’ve done a terrific job by working together and they truly deserve to be recognized.” As far as the project leaders, Anthony Lovejoy hopes to continue his studies and work toward becoming a physical therapist. Bledsoe is still exploring possibilities for his future, but is thinking about a career in business management. For more information, please contact Cabell County Alternative School Principal Brenda Scott by calling (304) 528-5060. Note: You can see a gallery of the students’ work online at the address below: Fri, 20 Nov 09 17:32:29 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=282 For the approximately 450 Freshman Academy students at Huntington High School, no geographical boundaries stand in the way when it comes to helping others. Through the use of the school’s Polycom videoconferencing system and other technologies, the students have been working hand-in-hand with peers at Salem High School in Salem, Virginia to organize “Walk for World Vision” events at both schools Wednesday, November 25, 2009. The walk at Huntington High is planned for 8:00 AM. World Vision is a Christian humanitarian charity organization dedicated to working with children, families, and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. “We’re trying to expand their awareness of problems in the world and show them that they can work together to do their part to help find solutions,” says Josh Ratliff, one of the Freshman Academy teachers working on the project. Ratliff says the project is unique because the Huntington students have been working through every detail with their counterparts in Virginia. They have utilized a social networking site to communicate in real time as the project has evolved, and they have had regular, face-to-face meetings with the students using the Polycom unit. “The kids enjoy the videoconferencing the most, says Travis Austin, another Freshman Academy teacher working on the project. “They’re able to ask the other students questions. They learn from each other. The level of excitement and interest is really picking up. They’ve even made tie-dyed t-shirts to promote the event.” In addition to trying to help the orphans, the students are gaining valuable knowledge about a different culture and their way of life. All core subject teachers have integrated lessons into their instruction. A special assembly was held to discuss the project and the proper way to raise funds from friends or family members. In order to participate in the walk, each student is being asked to raise at least $15. To learn more about the “Walk for World Vision” event, please contact Josh Ratliff by calling (304) 942-1590 or Rob Archer, Assistant Principal, by calling (304) 528-6408. Thu, 19 Nov 09 16:00:36 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=278 Members of the Huntington High School Speech & Debate team have been making a name for themselves at recent tournaments. They have shown the other schools that they are serious, and they are ready to win. At the Western Kentucky University Speech Tournament, Huntington High placed 3rd overall out of 38 teams, approximately 800 competitors. Individual 1st place winners were Elise Steele with Declamation and Jacob Jarvis with Prose. In addition to that there were many 2nd and 3rd place winners, including Sean DeLancey with Impromptu, Sue Chaudhry with Oratory, Tyler Rice and Lauren Simms with Duo Interpretation, and Alex Rahal with Declamation. While at the John Marshall Speech & Debate tournament near Wheeling, WV, they won 3rd place out of many teams. The individual Speech 1st place winners were Tyler Rice with After Dinner, Tyler Rice and Lauren Simms with Duo Interpretation, Josefine Landgrave with Humorous Interpretation, and Alex Rahal with Declamation. The Speech 2nd and 3rd place winners were Chris Bean with Impromptu, Tasha Blankenship with Prose and Poetry, Jessica Smith with Original Oratory, and Brian Zepp with Declamation. For the debate section of the tournament, William Brown took 3rd place and Sean DeLancey took 2nd place in Lincoln Douglas. In Student Congress, Emily Damron received 3rd place and Caitlin Irr was awarded 2nd place. In the last few years, the Speech & Debate members have become well known within the School. In addition, the team as a whole has been transformed into a powerhouse that is recognized in the community, state and nation. The team is filled with wonderful thinkers and speakers who are prepared to make a name for themselves through hard work and diligent practice. Thu, 19 Nov 09 11:13:03 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=275 This week is American Education Week and the schools of Cabell County are celebrating with special events. American schools provide a free and comprehensive education for every child. This is something we should all be proud of and celebrate. Village of Barboursville: MONDAY – “Inside Out Day”- American education is free inside and out. (Students encouraged wear their clothes inside out or backwards.) Our P.T.O. Hospitality Committee coordinated by Parent Volunteers is providing Brunch for all staff members and bus drivers. TUESDAY – “Crazy Hat Day” – Our students are a crazy about their education. (Students encouraged to wear the craziest hat they can find.) WEDNESDAY – “Career Day” – American Education prepares students for a career. (Students encouraged to dress up for the career they may choose in the future.) THURSDAY – “Round Up Day” – Students round up a great education in American schools. (Students encouraged to dress up in western/cowboy gear.) WV “Read to Me Day” will be observed by our school with many volunteers coming into our school to read to our students FRIDAY – “School Spirit Day” – Students show their pride for their great school. (Students encouraged to dress up in their school colors.) Tue, 17 Nov 09 09:59:40 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=272 On Monday, November 23, 2009 an informational meeting will be held in the Lecture Room at Huntington High at 3:45 PM for students interested in improving their ACT scores. Central Office staff will be available to sign students up for an ACT Prep Review available through the PLATO Learning Environment. PLATO is an online program students may use at home in the evenings or weekends to brush up on skills necessary for successful performance on the ACT. There will be no cost to students. Parents are also invited to attend. Mon, 16 Nov 09 10:18:11 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=271 Cabell County Schools is proud to announce that the West Virginia Department of Education has awarded Geneva Kent Elementary exemplary accreditation status. The Huntington school was among only sixty-five schools across West Virginia, including elementary schools, middle schools, high schools and career technical centers, to receive the award. “We have high expectations for all schools in West Virginia and these schools have achieved the state board’s highest level of recognition,” said West Virginia Board of Education President Priscilla Haden. “This accomplishment speaks highly of the quality of education throughout West Virginia, with schools from every area of our state identified as exemplary. Educators, parents, students and communities serving our schools understand that quality is important and are working hard to ensure students succeed. We encourage them to keep up the good work.” Exemplary distinction is the gold standard of educational achievement, said Kenna Seal, director of the Office of Education Performance Audits. Schools must meet a set of rigorous standards to achieve such status: 1. All schools will be ranked by the percent proficient in each subject, including reading/language arts, math, science, social studies as well as the Writing Assessment. Schools earning the top combined ranking will be eligible for the next step of ranking on a student achievement index. All students in each school will be ranked by a student achievement index in each subject on the WESTEST and Writing Assessment with progressive weighting for scores at each performance level (.25 for Below Mastery, .5 for Mastery, .75 for Above Mastery, and 1.0 for Distinguished) and aggregated for a total ranking. The top 10 percent weighted ranking for elementary, middle and high schools will be designated as Exemplary if other criteria are met. 2. The student attendance rate is at or above 94 percent in the most recent year for which data are available. 3. The student graduation rate is at or above 85 percent. 4. The percentage of graduates of high schools who declare their intent to enroll in college and other post-secondary education is 55 percent. 5. The percentage of students who successfully complete Advanced Placement, dual credit and honors classes as defined in Policy 2510 is at or above five percent in high schools. Career technical centers also have strenuous criteria to meet. Such schools must meet a minimum of 70 percent of proficiency standards across all concentrations; have a 90 percent placement rate; and a 65 percent in-field job placement and continuing education rate, among other requirements. For more information, contact the OEPA at (304) 558-3788, or the Office of the Communications at (304) 558-2699. To view photo from the awards ceremony, simply click on the link below. Sat, 14 Nov 09 11:46:43 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=270 During the past couple of months, students and staff at Beverly Hills Middle School have been collecting items for veterans living in the West Virginia Veterans’ Home in Barboursville. The project, spearheaded by the Beverly Hills National Junior Honor Society, has been a huge success, yielding approximately 30 boxes packed full of gifts. “We wanted to let the veterans’ know just how much we appreciate them and their service to our country,” says Flyn Jobst, a Beverly Hills Middle School teacher and the adviser for the National Junior Honor Society. “The response has been overwhelming. We’ve collected items such as crossword puzzles, board games, clothing, and snacks. I am very proud of our students and staff for working so hard to remember our veterans.” Mrs. Jobst says the Junior Honor Society students will deliver the items to the Veterans’ Home this Tuesday, November 10th at 10:00 AM. “This is the fifth year our group has organized the collection, and it has been a terrific experience for the students. Some have even written letters that they will read to the veterans during our visit.” For more information, you may contact Flyn Jobst at Beverly Hills Middle School by calling (304) 528-5102. Mon, 09 Nov 09 15:42:55 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=269 On November 12, Huntington High School will participate in the statewide “Take a Veteran to School Day” – one of 13 schools to honor veterans representing all conflicts in area high schools. The program provides students and educators first-hand accounts of their experiences while students from Concord University will record the veterans’ stories for submission in the Library of Congress' Veterans History Project. The program runs November 9-19, coinciding with the Veteran’s Day holiday. Take a Veteran to School Day is sponsored by the West Virginia Cable Telecommunications Association – led by Suddenlink Communications, Comcast and Time Warner Cable. The program is highly recognized and supported by Senator Jay Rockefeller, a member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, as well as the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, and the West Virginia Legislature (both the House and Senate passed resolutions commending this program). WHAT: Take a Veteran to School Day WHEN: Thursday, November 12, 2009 1:00 P.M. WHERE: Huntington High School 1 Highlander Way Huntington, WV 25701 WHO: - Paul Comes, Director of Government & Community Affairs, Comcast - Nate Daugherty, Government Affairs, Comcast - Greg Webb, Principal - Mark Rapp, Asst. Principal - Donna Myers, Social Studies Dept. Chair - Bob Vass, WWII, Army Air Corps - Dewey J. Turley, Korea, Marine Corps - Ben Geyer, Desert Storm, Somalia and Iraq - Siobhan Manier, Warrant Officer I, Iraq - Scottie King, Vietnam, Marine Corps - Clint Bowen, Marine Corps WHY: The West Virginia Take a Veteran to School Day program is part of a national effort created by the HISTORY channel to teach today’s young adults about the sacrifice and valor of our nation’s veterans. The program presents a rare opportunity for veterans to speak to students and educators about their very personal wartime experiences, and preserve their histories for generations to come. For more information, please contact Mark Rapp by calling (304) 628-6411. Mon, 09 Nov 09 14:39:31 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=264 In October, Ohio Valley Bank launched a new financial literacy program called “Adventures in Credit.” The program’s goal is to teach fourth graders the importance of using credit wisely. When the Bank contacted Ellenda Ward, Executive Director of Communities In Schools of Cabell County about the “Adventures in Credit” program, she immediately started contacting elementary principals in Cabell County schools about the learning opportunity for fourth grade students. “Incorporating multiplication and percentages in the discussion of credit can make the credit adventure very relevant for students in today’s world,” says Ward. Use of credit enables us to purchase many things, but using it irresponsibly can be devastating. I think that is an important message to stress to children, she said. Beginning Thursday, November 5, OVB bankers will be in classrooms at Davis Creek at 9:30 AM, and at Central City at 12:30 PM. On Friday at 10:00 AM, they will be at Culloden Elementary, and on Tuesday, November 10 at 1:30 PM, they will visit Martha Elementary. The program puts an Ohio Valley Bank banker in the classroom for an action-packed adventure as students help the superhero team called The Centsables obtain a mega-bike to help thwart the evil-doers. The kids learn basic interest calculations and get a feel for the cost of financing. “The choices young adults make with their first credit card will impact their lives years later when they apply for a car loan or even a mortgage. It is never too early to start teaching responsible spending. Ohio Valley Bank is happy to lend a hand for this important piece of our kids' education and financial well being,” commented Chris Preston, Assistant Vice President, and Regional Branch Administrator. “OVB Adventures in Credit” is offered free to schools within the Ohio Valley Bank service area. Thu, 05 Nov 09 13:31:11 -0500 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=262 Learning about good nutrition and self-care is as important for students’ lives as learning how to read and write. That’s why the Nutrition Education Program at Marshall University has been working with kindergarten through second grade classrooms this school year to help them get a healthy start. “Over the last several years, we’ve seen obesity become an epidemic nationwide,” says Tim Bender, RD, LD and Director of the Marshall University Nutrition Education Program. “We want to give kids a chance to think about the impact obesity can have on their lives and to give them steps they can take to help establish a healthier generation.” During the nine-week program, 8 graduate students, 2 graduate assistants, and 2 nutrition educators visit mainly Title I schools where they conduct 30-minute classroom sessions per week. At these sessions, students take part in a lesson about nutrition where they are shown how to prepare a healthy meal. Every lesson also includes a taste-testing, which Bender says is pretty popular with students. “The students are really receiving our program well and we are getting very positive feedback from teachers and families,” says Bender. “Our approach is to create a fun opportunity for behavior change. We hope to accomplish that by teaching them about the importance of good nutrition to feeling good and also the role engaging in regular physical activity plays in a healthy lifestyle.” This year, the Nutrition Education Program is being offered at Hite Saunders, Highlawn, Guyandotte, and Cox Landing elementary schools and at Enslow Middle School. Bender says he hopes to expand the program to Altizer, Spring Hill, Central City, and Peyton elementary schools and to Huntington Middle School in the near future. In addition to Cabell County schools, the Nutrition Education Program is also being conducted at several schools in Mason, Wayne, and Kanawha counties. Bender says school-wide assemblies are also in the works. The assemblies would incorporate puppets, music, and other fun elements to get the healthy lifestyle message out. The Marshall University Nutrition Education Program is also working with the West Virginia Family Nutrition Programs, including the WVU Extension Service, and the American Dairy Association to develop additional assemblies at several schools. These assemblies, which will also focus on healthy lifestyles, are tentatively scheduled to begin after the first of the year and will utilize foods currently being provided to schools by the West Virginia Department of Education’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. For more information, please contact Tim Bender at Marshall University by calling (304) 638-7984. Fri, 30 Oct 09 16:26:02 -0400 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=261 Who: Huntington High School Theatre Department What: Friday Night Live (FNL) Where: Huntington High School Theatre When: November 12, 2009 — 7:30 PM November 13, 2009 — School Showing How Much: Students $3.00 Adults $5.00 Synopsis: Friday Night Live is a play off of NBC’s famous comedy show Saturday Night Live, except it is on Thursday night and Friday during the day. The show consists of original skits preformed and written by members of the Huntington High School Theatre Department, and are approved by Mrs. Freeman. The students get their creative ideas from the day-to-day going ons at Huntington High School and humorous events that happen around the community and world. The previous shows have created long-lasting memories for the students and attending visitors. Contact: Helen Freeman 8:00 AM - 5:30 PM – 304.528.6435 After 5:30 PM – 304.412.3393 Fri, 30 Oct 09 09:58:58 -0400 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=259 Students from the Cabell County Career Technology Center will be working this school year to help Habitat for Humanity construct a new home for a deserving Huntington family. This is the first time the school system and Habitat for Humanity have worked jointly on such a project, and school leaders say it is a perfect partnership. "Habitat for Humanity is providing the funding and buyer for the house," says Mike Baumann, Assistant Principal at the Cabell County Career Technology Center. "This takes that burden away from us. Our abundance of labor and expertise makes for an ideal situation." Baumann says about 60 high school and adult students will be working on the project, which is located at 1919 Artisan Avenue in Huntington. These students come from all the Career Center programs. "This is a great chance to team teach and to teach across all areas of our curriculum. It gives students an opportunity to gain real life experiences, on the job training, and to give back to the community. It is our hope to increase community awareness of our programs and promote a positive image for our school." High school students will work for one and one half hours per day. The adults may work for three to five hours per day. The students will also receive prep work at the center. Students from the following programs will be working on the house: HVAC Building Construction Electrical Building Maintenance Interior Design Graphic Design Administrative Support Collision Repair Auto Technology Welding ONOW For more information, please contact Michael Baumann at the Cabell County Career Technology Center by calling (304) 528-5106. Wed, 28 Oct 09 15:33:24 -0400 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=239 The following is from a WV Department of Education News Release: W.Va. Chief Health Officer Offers Guidance to Schools Posted: October 08, 2009 CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Schools should try to stay open when swine flu hits while working to limit its spread. That’s the advice West Virginia’s chief health officer, Dr. Cathy Slemp, gave the West Virginia Board of Education Thursday during its regular meeting in Charleston. Slemp, who based her recommendations on guidelines issued by The Centers for Disease Control, recommends county school officials work in collaboration with local health officials to determine if and when schools should close to curtail the spread of the flu virus, including H1N1, commonly called swine flu as well as the seasonal flu. “The decision to close schools is not a black and white issue,” Slemp said. “These are decisions that will vary from community to community. Local health officials in collaboration with local education officials are constantly assessing the risks and benefits.” In making decisions to close, Slemp said local health and school officials consider such things as child safety, child nutrition and the disruption of the learning process. Schools could opt to close if there is excessive absenteeism among students or staff, if a large number of kids are visiting the school health office or being sent home during the day with flu-like symptoms, or for other reasons that affect the school’s ability to function. “Concern about swine flu is understandable,” said state Superintendent of Schools Steve Paine. “Parents and educators alike are worried about the impact of the H1N1 flu on our families and our communities. Our first concern is that we keep our children and our families as safe as possible. But we also need to use common sense to make sure our children’s educations are disrupted as little as possible.” Slemp emphasized closing schools, particularly in larger, more urban areas, often has little effect on curtailing the spread of the flu virus, especially when the disease is already widespread in the community. Even when schools do close, students often still congregate in other public areas, such as shopping malls, theaters and sporting events where the disease also can spread. Instead of across-the-board closure, Slemp recommends schools take precautionary steps, including * Staying home when sick and remaining there until 24 hours after any fever is gone. * Separating ill students and staff. * Washing hands and observing appropriate cough/sneeze etiquette. * Routine cleaning. * Early treatment of at-risk students and staff. “We now have several thousand cases of swine flu in the state and three deaths. That’s tragic, but it is a small percentage of all cases,” Slemp said. “What’s different from the seasonal flu is that the H1N1 virus is impacting the younger population more, particularly those under 25. The vast majority of people do just fine at home with home-based care. However, any time serious symptoms develop or if your child is very sick, you need to see your health care provider.” Paine also emphasized that schools have taken extra precautions to sanitize facilities. He also encouraged county school officials to consider leniency with attendance and exam policies so that students do not come to school when they should be at home. “The health and safety of kids should take precedence over testing as we deal with this outbreak,” Paine said. “We want to err on the side of parents and kids so that we allow them a sense of freedom to get better without undue stress.” For more information, contact the Office of Communications at (304) 558-2699. Fri, 09 Oct 09 07:06:19 -0400 Cabell County Schools // display an item http://boe.cabe.k12.wv.us/viewPost.php?id=216 Home-schooled students in grades 3-11 in Cabell County who wish to participate in the state assessment, WESTEST 2, must register with the Office of Student Support at (304) 528-5206 or (304) 528-5207 by December 23, 2009. The assessment is given in two parts. The online writing is administered in March/April while the written portion is administered May 17-21, 2010. Students who elect to participate must take both parts. Wed, 23 Sep 09 11:28:46 -0400 Cabell County Schools