Non-Academic Data Released
The Kentucky Department of Education has released its 2004-2005 nonacademic data. The nonacademic data is comprised of dropout, graduation, retention, attendance, and successful transition to adult life rates. These rates comprise the non-academic component of the Commonwealth Accountability Testing System (CATS) and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) reporting.
State STLP Competition
The 2006 Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) Kentucky Competition was held recently in Lexington, and students from across the state participated and demonstrated technology skills in many categories. See the list of winners from the awards ceremony on May 12.
Maps of School Districts Available Online
The Kentucky Department of Revenue has posted highway maps of school districts listed by county and independent school district.
Summer Learning
Summer is here! For many children, that means two-to-three months away from school. As a parent, you can help continue your children's educational progress over the summer months with these entertaining skill-builders. The Partnership for Learning offers many productive, rewarding and memorable activities for you to do with your children, such as:
-Encourage your child to read. It doesn't have to be a book. Have your child practice reading cereal boxes, canned goods, and the Sunday comics. Don't forget your local library. The summer reading programs that libraries offer present great rewards, regardless of the reading level of your child.
-Children like to receive mail addressed especially to them. An inexpensive subscription to a learning publication will provide many hours of activity.
-Help your child make a scrapbook of a favorite sports team or other item of interest, using the daily newspaper and magazines.
-Encourage your child to build a model, bake cookies, or any other activity that requires them to follow directions.
Protecting Teens Online
A survey by the PEW Internet and American Life Project reports that "more than half of American families with teenagers use filters to limit access to potentially harmful (Internet) content. But both teens and parents believe that teens do things on the Internet that their parents would not approve of." In addition to using filters, parents say that they are trying to monitor their children in other ways. Although most parents say that they have established rules regarding Internet use for their kids, 81 percent of parents say that teens aren't careful enough with personal information online.
Tribute to Dad
June 18 is a day set aside to honor fathers. Not only to honor your father, but all men who act as a father figure. Stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father's Day. It is a day to enjoy time with him and appreciate all he does. Did you know that children with involved fathers do better in school than children who have less connected dads?
Lightning Safety
There is no safe place outdoors during a thunderstorm, so during a storm, it's important to get inside as quickly as possible. If you are caught outside during a storm, here are some safety tips from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for Lightning Awareness Week (June 18-24). During a lightning storm, the safest place to go is inside a building or inside a hard-topped metal vehicle such as a car or school bus. Get out of water immediately. If you are in a boat, bring the boat to shore quickly and seek shelter. Never stand under a lone tree or by a pole because lightning usually strikes the tallest object in an area. For more weather-related safety tips, visit www.education.noaa.gov/students.html