May in Kentucky is a Special Time

May in Kentucky is a Special Time

May is a special time in Kentucky.  The “greatest 2 minutes” in sports takes place the first Saturday every year.  I am sad to say that I have never been to the Kentucky Derby, but it is something I wish to do one day. 

May is also a super busy (hence the lateness of this blog) and special time for anyone working in schools.  It is hard to believe we are once again preparing for the end of another school year.  The older I get, the faster the years are going.  As I reflect on this school year, one word comes to mind-Fortunate. I consider myself extremely fortunate for the opportunity to serve in the community I love- surrounded by the most amazing staff and students.  What a pleasure it is to be at “work” each day. 

As the owners, jockeys, and horses are preparing for their big event on May 6^th our teachers and students are also preparing for end of year assessments during the week of May 8^th.  This time of year can be stressful, as a year’s worth of work will be judged on a 5-day testing window.  For this reason, I want to take time in this blog to share just some of the accomplishments that took place in our district this year.    

•  The district received re-accreditation by AdvancED.
•  The district was recognized as a Proficient School District
• Williamstown High School is ranked 25th best high school in the state and 2066th in the nation by US News and World Report earning a silver medal. 
• The Band of Spirit has been in the KMEA state finals since 2001 and has won the Governor’s Cup 6 times.  This year they were runner-up with their show titled, Reach.
•  Williamstown Elementary’s Academic Team won the District Governor’s Cup.
• The Boys’ Varsity Basketball Team earned a spot at the regional tournament for the first time in 17 years
• The Girls’ Varsity Softball Team Won the 8th Region “ALL-A” and advanced to the state tournament.
• The Williamstown Elementary Travel Basketball Teams had 2 championship winning teams.
• There were numerous Chorus and Select Band Recognitions with students receiving Distinguished Ratings.
•  We have students attending Gatton Academy and the Governor’s Scholars Program.
• The WHS FCCLA chapter had STAR Events State Winners who will now be competing at the national level.
• The Williamstown FFA club individuals advance to compete at state events.
•  Ms. Vicki Brownfield, retired teacher, won the Excellence in Education Award for our county and Ms. Deana Cummins earned a Golden Apple Award for Northern Kentucky Educators.

May in Kentucky is special.  Our state rolls out the red carpet for the whole world to see and our district gets to end the year celebrating the achievements of our students and staff. 

How fortunate I am to see all of this unfold throughout the year! 

I wish everyone a restful summer!