Informational meetings about the new Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky are scheduled throughout the state during the next few weeks. The academy is a statewide residential school with a focus on mathematics and science for advanced high school-age students. It is schedule to open in the fall on the campus of Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. All application forms must be postmarked no later than March 15.
Anyone interested in learning about the academy is welcome to attend the following meetings:
Jan. 18: Bowling Green High School, 6:30 p.m.
Jan. 22: Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky Visitor Center
in Georgetown, 6 p.m.
Jan. 23: McCracken County Board of Education office in
Paducah, 7:30 p.m.
Jan. 25: East Kentucky Science Center, Big Sandy Community
and Technical College in Prestonsburg, 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 5: Russell Primary School Library, Russell, 6 p.m.
Feb. 5: Pennyrile Electric Co-op, Hopkinsville, 6 p.m.
College Goal Sunday
College Goal Sunday is scheduled for January 28 at 20 sites around Kentucky.
College Goal Sunday is a statewide charitable program that provides free information and assistance to Kentucky families applying for college financial aid. Financial aid professionals from Kentucky colleges and universities will be on hand to help college-bound students and their families complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Students should attend with a parent or guardian and bring their parents' completed 2006 IRS 1040 tax return or other 2006 income and benefits information. If parents are unable to attend, students may attend alone and bring their parents' completed 2006 IRS 1040 tax returns or other 2006 income and benefits information.
Children’s Advocacy Day at the Capitol occurs on February 8th and provides an opportunity for those interested in children’s issues to gather and show legislators Kentucky cares about its children.
Children’s Advocacy Day’s events include a rally for children’s issues at the Capitol rotunda and an opportunity to gather information on children’s issues likely to come up during the 2007 General Assembly session. Children’s Day at the Capitol also allows time for speaking with your legislators and meeting with other people from across the state who share your commitment to children.
If you would like more information about the event or would simply like to register, please contact Jenessa Bryan at either (502) 895-8167, jbryan@kyyouth.org or www.kyyouth.org.
New KDE Commissioner Update
The Kentucky Board of Education has scheduled a public hearing for January 29 at 9 a.m. in Frankfort to gather public input on characteristics for Kentucky’s new education commissioner. Individuals who are interested in being heard should notify the Kentucky Department of Education in writing five working days prior to the hearing. Written comments also will be accepted through Friday, January 26.
Notice of intent to attend the hearing and written comments may be sent to:
Mary Ann Miller
Policy Advisor, Office of the Commissioner
Kentucky Department of Education
500 Mero Street, 1st floor, CPT
Frankfort, KY 50601
Or by fax: (502) 564-5680.
You can also go online to the KDE Web site to make your feelings known.
For two months last fall, the board solicited suggestions about qualities the public would like to see in the new education commissioner via the KDE Web site. The board received 122 responses. On the professional level:
- 43 respondents noted that the next commissioner should be someone with teaching or administrative experience, preferably in Kentucky, or at least who has a familiarity with Kentucky’s work.
- 21 respondents believed that the next commissioner should be aware of teachers’ needs and ask the directly for input.
- Approximately 30 individuals indicated that the next commissioner should support children with special needs, specifically gifted and talented students.
- 25 respondents noted that knowledge of assessment and accountability is key. Many of those also indicated that the next commissioner should exhibit low tolerance for low-performing schools.
On the personal level, a number of respondents believed that the next commissioner should be:
- empathetic
- caring
- thoughtful
- approachable
- a good communicator
- honest
- committed to children’s well-being
Kids: Are They Hazardous to your Health?
Are your kids hazardous to your health? A recent study has shown adults living with children tend to eat more fat than grown-ups in kid-free homes. But don’t blame the kids! Blame whoever does the shopping!
The study shows cupboards and fridge are more likely to be stocked with high-fat convenience foods like cookies, cheese, peanuts and processed meats when there are kids in the house. According to study author Dr, Helena Laroche, “These dietary choices maybe due to time pressures, advertising aimed at children that also includes adults or adults’ perception that children will only eat hot dogs or macaroni and cheese.” Apparently once the foods are in the house, even if they are bought for the kids, adults appear more likely to eat them.
The study shows that adults living with children ate almost five more grams of fat each day, consuming as much saturated fat each week as found in an individual-size pepperoni pizza.
Two tips to cut down on the amount of junk food you buy:
· Don’t shop when you’re hungry. (Everything sounds good at that point.)
· Don’t take the kids with you to the grocery store. (You’re more apt to succumb to impulse buying and the KID’S wants, rather than healthy choices.)
In order to increase healthy eating for all, nutritionists recommend families adopt one or two small changes at a time—such as cutting back on the number of times each week they eat fast food or adding fresh fruit to their diet.
Web links included in this edition of ParentInfo:
The Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky
College Goal Sunday
Public Hearing on New KDE Commissioner