Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Announcements 2-27-13

  • Please check previous announcements
  • There will be a prayer service tonight at St. Tim's to pray for Ella Reid Mason and her family.  It begins at 7:00 pm.  All are welcome.
  •  
  • FBLA Students competing in: Business Ethics, Business Presentation, Client Services, Emerging Business, Job Interview, Public Speaking I & II- please meet in room 139 on Mon., Mar. 4th & Thurs., Mar. 5th for practice.  This is Mandatory!
  •  Presale tickets to the Lady Raiders 9th Region Basketball Game on Friday are now available in the office!  These will be sold until Friday and are $6.00.  The Lady Raiders play Dixie at 6:30 at NKU.  Come out & support your team! 
  • Attention Seniors:  There are a few senior shirts left.  See Ms. Bain in Room 216 to buy one.

Monday, February 25, 2013

Announcements 2-25-13

Happy Monday!

  • Please see previous announcements
  •  The Bible Study Club will meet after school today in Room 234.  Anyone is welcome to attend.
  •  
  • The Boys' Basketball Team would like to request that all of our rowdy students show up at the Bank of Kentucky Arena on the campus of NKU tonight for our first-round regional tournament game versus Covington Catholic.  Tip-off is 8:00 pm.  Pre-sale tickets are $6.00 and can be purchased in the front office all day today, all tickets will be $8.00 at the gate tonight. 
  • The Girls' Basketball Team will be playing in regional play versus Dixie Friday night at 6:30 pm at Bank of Ky Arena.  Come support the Lady Raiders!
  • Attention Science Honor Society:   Deadline to buy the chapter t-shirt is this Friday, March 1st.  They are available for $10.00 in Mr. Martin's room (228).  You will receive 1 pt. for ordering.
  • Attention Math Honor Society:  On Friday, March 1st make sure you wear your MHS T-shirt for a full point.
  •  
  • Congratulations!  The Speech & Debate Team took home 7th in the state at the Ky Educational Speech & Drama Association Senior Forum Tournament.  Connor Hutcherson placed 3rd in Oratory and 5th in Impromptu.  Semifinalist were Savannah Merlin, Ethan Losier, Heyra Avila, Richard Lussmyer, John Leavens and Joseph Lawal.
  • Attention 5th period classes & teachers:  Pasta for Pennies collections are today, Wed., and Fri. this week.  As of today, we have raised $985.66 toward our school goal of $3000.00 to help cure cancer, and this week we want to do it again!  Please collect money these days and send the boxes to the main office.  Here are the standings from last week: 1st- Mrs. Dorgan, 2nd- Ms. Delaney, 3rd- Ms. Dews, 4th- Mrs. Raterman, 5th- Mrs. Evans, 6th- Mrs. Rechtin, 7th- Mrs. Bates & Mr. Woolf (tie), 9th- Mrs. Reed & 10th- Ms. Schwartz.  Remember 1st place gets an Olive Garden Lunch & 2nd-4th place get pizza parties!  We still have three more weeks so there's plenty of time for your 5th period class to take the lead!

Friday, February 22, 2013

Announcements 2-22-13

Happy Friday!
  • Please review previous announcements
  • Good luck to the Raider Basketball Team as they take on Cooper tonight in the District Finals.  Come out and support your team - Game time 7 pm @ Boone County High School!
  • Attention AP Students:  Please sign up to pay for your AP Exams.  Money is due by March 8, 2013.  Don't forget!

After Prom by the Ryle PTSA


The Ryle PTSA is sponsoring the After Prom that will be held at Ryle on April 27th from 11:30pm-3:00am.  The PTSA provides most of the funding for After Prom from the Ryle Craft Show proceeds.  However, the event will be even more successful with your help - in volunteering, in donations, and in encouraging your Junior or Senior to attend.  After Prom is free to all Juniors and Seniors (and their dates).  There will be many different activities and food and drinks.  This years activities may include a DJ, laser tag, a Money Machine,  photo booth, inflatables.  Food is scheduled to include pizza, subs, nachos, pretzels, and other items.

In order to make After Prom a fun, safe event for the Juniors and Seniors (and their dates), we need volunteers and donations for door prizes.  Volunteers are needed for set-up late afternoon,   clean up at 3:00am, and chaperones throughout the night.  Please contact jennifer.see@boone.kyschools.us if you are available to volunteer.  In addition, students are given Ryle memorabilia, and, towards the end of the night, there are drawings for several different prizes.  In order to make these prizes possible, the PTSA is asking for donations.  Suggested donated items are mini-refrigerators, small microwaves, cameras, coffee pots, bathroom items, bedding, gift cards, candy.  A tax-deductible check (made payable to Ryle PTSA) would also be greatly appreciated.  The check may be delivered to Sharon Salyers or Brigitte Coleman in the office or mailed to:  Ryle PTSA, PO Box 299, Union, KY  41091.  Also, 2 liter drinks and snacks will be needed.  If you are able to donate any of these items, please contact Theresa Wheatley at 859-308-8801.

Ryle PTSA Officer Elections for 2013-2014


The Ryle PTSA is looking for officers to fill positions on the board for the 2013-2014 school year.  If interested in a position please contact one of the nominating committee members at jmail31@yahoo.com  or  750-1087, jennifer.see@boone.kyschools.us, or brigitte.coleman@boone.kyschools.us  

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Announcements 2-21-13

  • Please review previous announcements
  • Attention Senior NHS Members:  Your deadline for points will be coming up at the end of March.  Sign up in the library NOW for events to earn your points!
  • Good luck to the Junior Varsity Cheerleaders at the Ky. State Cheer Competition in Bowling Green, KY this weekend!
  •  Come out and support your Lady Raiders Basketball Team tonight as they take on Boone County in the District Finals at Boone County.  Game time is 7:00 pm!!!
  • Congratulations to the Boys' Basketball Team on their victory over Boone County last night in District play.  They will play in the District Finals versus Cooper High School tomorrow night at 7:00 pm.  Come out & support your Raiders!

Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Announcements 2-20-13

  • See previous announcements
  • FBLA Officers - please dress appropriately for Officer Pictures after school on Thurs., Feb. 21st in Room 139.
  • Attention FBLA members:  Students competing at Regional Conference must have forms and $30.00 payment by Fri., Feb. 22nd or you will not be competing this year.
  • Attention Seniors:  Check out the Guidance Page on the Ryle Website- Scholarships are updated weekly.  There are many opportunities for all students to be considered for these scholarships. Check it out today!
  • Come out and support the Raiders Basketball Team as they play Boone Co. at Boone County tonight in the District Game.  Game time is 8:00 pm.
  • Congratulations on the Lady Raiders Basketball Team on their victory over Cooper High School last night.  They will play in the District Finals tomorrow night at 7:00 pm.  Come out and support the Lady Raiders!

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Announcements 2-19-13

  • Please review past announcements on the blog
  • Attention Seniors:  The Heritage Bank Scholarship deadline has been extended to Feb. 26th.
  • District Basketball Games this week:  
      • Tonight     Girls vs Cooper @ Boone    8 pm
      • Tomorrow night    Boys vs Boone @ Boone     8 pm
      • Thursday night    Girls Championship    7 pm
      • Friday night    Boys Championship      7 pm 

Sunday, February 17, 2013

Ryle cheerleaders place among best

by Sarah Hardee, Enquirer Contributor   Ryle cheerleaders place among best

UNION — Cheerleading teams from two local schools brought home trophies this week from the Universal Cheerleaders Association’s National High School Cheerleading Championship.

Competing against squads from across the U.S., Ryle High School’s varsity cheerleaders placed fifth in the nation in the annual competition’s Medium Varsity Division I.

Dixie Heights High School’s varsity squad placed eighth in the same division.

“It’s one of the toughest divisions, and we had a lot of great competition,” said Debbie Pyles, Ryle’s head coach. “The girls’ success comes from their dedication to the sport and each other – it’s been hours and hours of practice this season, and they have made a lot of sacrifices.”

Ryle’s junior varsity squad also placed ninth in its Large Junior Varsity Division at the annual championship.

The National High School Cheerleading Championship is held each year at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando. This year, it was Feb. 8-9.

Televised nationally on both ESPN and ESPN2, the event puts the cheerleading world’s “best of the best” in the spotlight, according to Pyles.

“It’s an amazing opportunity for cheerleaders all over the world,” Pyles said of the national championship, which also has “World School” competitions that include international teams.

“They make connections with other teams and make lifelong friends.”

Ryle’s varsity cheerleaders’ road to a coveted top five spot in their division this year actually began last year, when the squad placed ninth.

The team reached its goal of placing in the top 10 last year, so the cheerleaders made an even bigger goal before this year’s championship – making the top five.

They reached that goal this year with a relatively new team, according to Pyles.

Many of the girls on last year’s varsity team were seniors.

“We thought this year would be a rebuilding year, but it’s turned out to be an amazing year,” she said.

Though much of the team is new, the girls have already established a special camaraderie.

“We’re all so close, and it makes us a stronger team,” said Ryle sophomore Megan Herbert, who has been on the varsity team for the past two years. “We are supportive, and we’re always pushing each other to do better.”

ADHD Medications & Amphetamines

From John Merrow's blog Taking Note . . .

On Sunday, February 3, the front page of the The New York Times featured some brilliant reporting by Alan Schwarz about the misuse and abuse of the prescription drug Adderall, commonly prescribed for Attention Deficit Disorder. Schwartz tells the gripping and tragic story of one young man, Richard Fee, who, as the headline puts it, “drowned in a stream of prescriptions.”
If you haven’t read it, I urge you to online and do so as soon as you can. It’s a salutary tale of medical indifference and–to my eyes anyway–malpractice. And it’s a reminder of our culture’s dependence on pills and quick fixes.
It’s not until the last paragraph that the organization known as CHADD is mentioned, but the very mention of that organization brought back a wave of unpleasant memories. You see, we investigated ADD back in 1995, in a documentary for PBS called “ADD: A Dubious Diagnosis?” (You can watch it here.) In that film we followed the money trail and documented very clearly how the makers of Ritalin (that era’s Adderall) bought off CHADD with covert donations, and how CHADD did all it could to endorse and recommend Ritalin. CHADD even infiltrated the US Department of Education and managed to appear in some government Public Service Announcements, with CHADD leaders posing as ordinary parents.
Rest of the blog entry here
NY Times article on ADHD Medications & Amphetamines

Q & A about College and Career Readiness


What is Kentucky’s definition of college readiness?
College readiness is the level of preparation a first-time student needs in order to succeed in a credit-bearing
course at a postsecondary institution.  “Success” is defined as completing entry-level courses at a level of
understanding and proficiency that prepares the student for subsequent courses.  Kentucky’s system-wide
standards of readiness guarantee students access to credit-bearing coursework without the need for
developmental education courses or supplemental coursework.


What is Kentucky’s definition of career readiness?
Career readiness is the level of preparation a high school graduate needs in order to proceed to the next step
in a chosen career path, whether that is postsecondary coursework, industry certification, or entry into the
workforce.  These include core academic, critical thinking, and technical skills required in the workplace.

What are Kentucky’s ACT standards of readiness?
Most definitions of college readiness include some predictive statement about how well students will do in
relevant college courses based on national assessments, such as the ACT or SAT.  Kentucky’s system-wide
ACT benchmarks guarantee placement into college credit-bearing coursework.  The standards are based on
ACT scores of 18 for English and 20 for reading, with a three-tiered approach for mathematics due to
requirements for specific college majors.  The mathematics benchmarks are 19 for introductory-level
mathematics courses, 22 for college algebra, and 27 for calculus.  

What is Senate Bill 1 (2009)?
Senate Bill 1, signed by Governor Steven L. Beshear on March 26, 2009, is a significant piece of education
legislation that revises the assessment and accountability system for P-12 education in Kentucky.  It requires a revision of the core academic standards to be based on national and international benchmarks in order to
increase the rigor and focus the content of P-12 education.

What are the unified strategies? 
As a consequence of Senate Bill 1, the Kentucky Department of Education, in collaboration with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education, developed four key unified strategies to reduce by 50% the number of recent high school graduates entering college not prepared for credit-bearing coursework, and to increase graduation rates of postsecondary students with college readiness needs.  The strategies include:

1. Accelerated learning opportunities (AP/IB/dual credit)
2. Secondary intervention programs (transition coursework)
3. College and career readiness advising (ILP)
4. Postsecondary college persistence and degree completion (bridge programming and student support)

Each of the strategies, developed by cross-agency teams that included the Kentucky Community and
Technical College System, four-year institutions and other external agency partners, has goals and action
plans, useful resources, and expected outcome measures. The teams also developed metrics to measure
progress on each of the SB1 goals.

The activities of the work teams will be ongoing and represent a model of collaboration with a shared vision of having all students prepared for postsecondary education and career success.


What is the purpose of the common core standards? 
The establishment of the Kentucky Core Academic Standards is the beginning of integrating college readiness standards into the state’s curriculum guidelines, teacher preparation programs, and higher education programming and activities.  These standards are focused on 21st-century skills and ensure students are wellprepared for college and career opportunities.  With the adoption of these standards, Kentucky became the first state to formally accept the common core standards and joined a multi-state consortia to develop highquality assessments around the standards.  These assessments will provide incentives for early college opportunities.
In addition, the Kentucky Core Academic Standards enable Kentucky educators to:

• articulate to parents, teachers, and the general public expectations for students;
• align textbooks, digital media and curricula to the internationally benchmarked standards;
• ensure professional development for educators is based on identified need and best practices;
• develop and implement an assessment system to measure student performance against the common
core state standards; and
• evaluate policy changes needed to help students and educators meet the common core state college
and career readiness standards.

How are schools handling students who are not college or career ready? 
All Kentucky students are encouraged to complete rigorous coursework throughout high school and take
advantage of dual credit, dual enrollment, Advanced Placement, and International Baccalaureate opportunities.  

High school seniors not meeting readiness benchmarks are being encouraged to take advantage of senior
year transition courses.  These courses allow students the opportunity to demonstrate readiness for college
credit-bearing coursework through placement testing.  High school transitional courses in reading and
mathematics were developed by P-12 and postsecondary education partners in spring 2010 and will be
available in 2010-11 for high school seniors who do not meet readiness benchmarks.  Bridge and academic
support programs, available at many colleges and universities, offer first-time students the opportunity to build needed skills in a supportive academic environment prior to their first full semester of enrollment.

To read the entire Q&A go to The Commonwealth Commitment


Thursday, February 14, 2013

Announcements 2-14-13

Happy Valentines Day!
  • Please see previous announcements
  • Attention Juniors:  Intern Applications are due to Ms. Bain by Friday @ noon!
  • Attention Boys & Girls Track:  Spirit Wear has been extended to Wed., Feb. 20th.  This is the last possible day to turn in forms.  Teachers, please make sure to buy your Ryle track gear from your favorite runner or thrower!!
  • Library News:  The library will be closed on Fri., Feb. 15th through 4th period, including RAP, for KOSSA testing.  Teachers:  Do not send students to the library on Fri., Feb. 15th, 1st through 4th period, including RAP.
  • Attention FBLA Students:  If you are competing in a performance based event we will have an after school workshop Wed., Feb. 20th.  Times of appointments will be posted in the business department hallway.  All students must come prepared to perform.
  • Attention FBLA Students: If you are competing at Regional Conference please turn in all forms by Friday, Feb. 15th.

Tuesday, February 12, 2013

KY Occupational Skills Standards & Assessment (KOSSA)

This Friday more than 70 Ryle junior and senior students will be taking KOSSA tests. These tests assess technical skills within our Career & Technical Education (CTE) classes. Passing these tests demonstrate that our students have the skills necessary for today's workforce and the students are thereby deemed "career ready." It is our goal that every student graduating from Ryle earn the classification of "college ready" and/or "career ready."

Below are the career major areas in which our students will be testing:

BUSINESS
Administrative Support
Accounting
Finance
Web Development

FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCE
Fashion & Interior Design
Consumer & Family Management
Culinary & Food Science

AGRICULTURE
Horticulture
Production Livestock

Good luck to our students on Friday!

Announcements 2-12-13

  • Please read previous announcements
  • Attention students: T-shirts for James Hamilton are on sale NOW.  Order your t-shirt this week during lunch Wed., Thurs., or Fri. for $15.00!  Wear your t-shirt for a memorial photo in honor of James for the yearbook this year.  All proceeds will go to James' family.
  • Attention seniors:  If you were selected to take the KOSSA Administrative Support Test, the review session will take place on Wednesday during 5th & 6th period in room 119.  This has been changed from Thursday due to the pep rally.
  • Attention drama members:  This Thursday's rehearsal for Oklahoma the Musical will be from 3:30-5:30.  Any cast member who has not had a costume fitting needs to see Mrs. Boeckman in room 217.
  • Attention drama members:  Any student interested in doing technical crew for Oklahoma The Musical needs to see Mr. Caudill in room 109 to pick up an application. Applications are due this Friday to Mr. Caudill.

Monday, February 11, 2013

Swim & Dive Team Regional Results


Great weekend for Ryle swim & dive team!  Both the girls and boys teams finished 5th in the region, and combined Ryle finished 4th in the region.  

All results are posted on line at http://khsaa.org/swimming/2013/13regionfourresults.pdf.  You can also find the qualifiers for the state meet.

Congratulations and good luck to the following state qualifiers:

Girls-- Grace Bank (200 IM, 100 Breast, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay), Katie Clements (200 medley relay, 200 free relay), Taylor Malkemus (200 medley relay, 200 free relay), Savanna Bolin (200 medley relay, 400 free relay), Katy Dunham (200 free relay, 400 free relay), Abby Kalany (400 free relay), Shelby Goff (400 free relay)

Boys-- TJ Albright (200 free, 100 back, 200 medley relay, 200 free relay), Bryce Craven (1m dive), Mikey O'Leary (200 medley relay, 200 free relay), Tristan Stamm (200 medley relay, 200 free relay), and Joe Albers (200 medley relay, 200 free relay).

Good at the state swim meet!

Announcements 2-11-13

  • Science Honor Society members- sign-up outside of Mr. Martin's room (room 228) to bring items for breakfast on Tuesday, Feb. 12th - the breakfast will begin at 7:00 am before school in Room 228.
  • Attention Juniors:  Completed applications for Raider Bank, Bookstore, Help Desk & Office Aides needs to be turned in by Tues., Feb. 12th @ 2:30 pm in the business office.  See Mrs. Klaas if you have questions.
  • Attention National Honor Society members:  Teens For Jeans deadline is Feb. 12th.  Sign up in the library!
  • NHS members:  Meeting today 
  • Attention Hispanic Honor Society members:  There will be a brief meeting Tues., Feb. 12th after school in Mrs. Call's room.  All members should attend.
  • Yearbook reminder:  anyone interested in purchasing a yearbook for the 2012-2013 school year- applications are due to Mrs. Gambrel in Room 123 by Tues., Feb. 12th.
  • Attention:  The library will be closed to computer use during RAP on Tues. and Thurs. this week.
  • Attention JuniorsIntern applications are due to Ms. Bain by Fri., Feb. 15th @ noon!
  • Attention Bible Study Club:  Meeting today after school in room 234.
  • Attention Math Honor Society:  There will be a meeting on Wed., Feb. 13th after school in the auditorium.
  • FCCLA Week is this week!  (check prior announcements for scheduled events)
  • Attention Seniors:  If you are interested in the Work Ethic Diploma make sure you turn in your completed form to your principal by March 15th!  Applications were given out Friday or you can pick one up from Mrs. Setters in room 100.
  • Attention SeniorsSenior Exit Project information is due to your RAP teacher by Fri., March 8th!  (Three copies of your letter of application, three copies of your resume and one copy of your commitment form)

Sunday, February 10, 2013

Using PLAN/ACT Scores for Scheduling Requests


The ACT Corporation has published some very interesting research connecting student's PLAN test scores and their success on Advanced Placement exams later in their high school career.

The PLAN test is taken by all sophomore students and is essentially a shorter version, based on fewer standards, than the ACT test. The ACT test will be taken by all junior students at Ryle on March 5th.

The ACT's research lists PLAN test scores that yield a probability of success on certain AP exams. This information could certainly be used to confirm thinking that a student should take an AP course and exam and could also be used to spur a student to work harder and smarter if their PLAN scores indicate they may not score as high as they wish on the AP exams. This is especially important to consider when completing schedule requests for 2013-14.

Using PLAN to Identify Student Readiness for Rigorous Courses in High School

If you'd like to recieve a daily ACT question for review, check out this link:

ACT Question of the Day

Scheduling Requests for 2013-14


When making your schedule request for 2013-14 and considering your class choices for the next few years, here is some research from the U.S. Department of Education to consider:

The best predictor of college graduation, based on the records of students, is NOT good high school grades NOR good test scores, but the best predictor is . . .

the number of challenging courses taken in high school.

A student who works hard and struggles in an AP or IB course is better prepared for college than a student who takes an easier course and/or test.
Adelman. U.S. Department of Education. (1999)

To learn more about challenging and rigorous courses available to you check the Ryle course description guide and the following link from the College Board about Advanced Placement classes.

Advanced Placement Program - About AP Exams and Courses

Scheduling Conferences for 2013-14


Scheduling Conferences for students in grades 9-11 have been scheduled for Monday, February 18, 2013 from 1-8 pm.

Each student was given a card this Friday, Feb. 8th, with a specific time and room location for their scheduling conference.  If you have a specific date and time request for your meeting please contact your student’s mentoring teacher after Feb. 8th.  Otherwise you should be contacted by email, note, or telephone with a scheduled date and time by the mentoring teacher.

Group sessions for incoming 8th grade students will be held in the Ryle auditorium on February 18, 2013 from 5-8 p.m. Students with last names A – L will meet from 5-6:30 p.m.; students with last names M – Z will meet from 6:30-8 p.m.

If you have questions please call the school office at 384-5300.

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Ryle Athletes on Signing Day 2013

Congratulations to the following four Ryle student-athletes that have excelled in their high school sport and plan to continue their education and play in college.  We are very proud of you!

Elise Duggins - soccer - Thomas More College
Tyrus Sciarra - soccer - University of Cincinnati
Jacob Siemer - soccer - Thomas More College
Brad Weber - football - Butler University


Tyrus Sciarra


Elise Duggins


Friday, February 8, 2013

Announcements 2-8-2013

Happy Friday!
  • Check the previous blogs for past announcements
  • The library will be closed to computer use during RAP on Mon., Feb. 11th, Tues., Feb. 12th, and Thurs., Feb. 14th.  Teachers- do not send students to use computers in the library during RAP any of these days.
  • Good luck to the Swim & Dive Team who will be competing in Regional Preliminaries and Finals today and tomorrow.  Come out to Silverlake Recreation Center and cheer them on!!!
  • There will be a Math Honor Society meeting on Wed., Feb. 13th after school in the auditorium.
  • There are National Honor Society opportunities in the library.  Please stay on top of your points!
  • The Raider Boys Basketball Team would like to invite all students and faculty to the gym tonight as we host Walton Verona.  In between the JV and Varsity games we will be paying tribute to our four seniors so please come out and thank Corey, Drew, Mark, and Travis for their outstanding efforts over the past four years.  The JV game will start at 6 pm while the varsity game will start at 7:30 pm.

Thursday, February 7, 2013

Morning Announcements 2-7-13

  • Please refer to previous announcements from this week
  • The next National Honor Society (NHS) meeting will be on February 11th.
  • FCCLA Week is next week (February 11-15)  Activities include:
    • Monday- wear your favorite college t-shirt
    • Tuesday- wear your favorite ugly sweater
    • Wednesday- there will be a donut breakfast for all members & faculty
    • Thursday- wear a white or red t-shirt
    • Friday-wear your FCCLA t-shirt

Wednesday, February 6, 2013

Commissioner seeks restoration of cuts, greater K-12 investment needed to keep revenues growing



This from KSBA:

Education Commissioner Terry Holliday has called on Gov. Steve Beshear to restore the millions of dollars in elementary and secondary education funding lost over the past five fiscal years when the state begins work on the 2014-15 budget.

In a four-page, Jan. 31 letter to Beshear, Holliday praises the governor for protecting base SEEK funding from cuts. However, the commissioner wrote that flatlining SEEK is having multiple negative consequences.

“While overall SEEK funding has not been cut throughout this recession, funding has remained constant for six straight years. This is unprecedented in Kentucky’s history. Costs for school districts continue to rise. Teachers continue to receive step and rank increases. Health care and pension costs…facility and maintenance operation costs continue to increase. This results in loss of personnel, which results in fewer resources for children,” Holliday said in his letter.

Pointing out $75.8 million in cuts to non-SEEK areas from extended school services, preschool and textbooks to safe schools, professional development and career/technical education, Holliday notes this has come as the 2009 law, Senate Bill 1, required teaching students at higher standards and dramatically increasing the numbers of college and career ready high school graduates.

“Kentucky educators have invested their own dollars and time in overcoming these challenges. It is very clear that this situation cannot continue. Raising standards and expectations while at the same time reducing resources is a recipe for negatively impacting teacher morale and retention rates,” Holliday said.

Much of Holliday’s letter covers observations of “the impact on classrooms and schools due to reductions in non-SEEK programs and the lost possibilities for programs to help more students as a result of flat SEEK funding.”  He cites several examples of the results of the cuts.

“I was visiting a district in eastern Kentucky at the beginning of the school year and overheard the desperate pleas of a mother who was trying to get her child into the district’s preschool program,” he said. “The district preschool coordinator explained to the mother that in previous years, the child would have qualified; however, due to budget cuts, the district would not be able to serve the child.”

Furthermore, the lingering threat of “catastrophic spending (fiscal cliff/sequestration) cuts…could reduce the critical momentum gained over the past few years in Kentucky,” the commissioner said, referring to Education Week’s Quality Counts rankings in which the state moved from 34th in 2011 to 10th this year.

“We all were very proud when Education Week announced that Kentucky had improved to 10th in the nation in education and policy performance,” Holliday said. “A closer look, however, reminds us that our grades on how we fund our schools point to the need for significant improvement. Kentucky received a ‘B+’ for school funding equity, but an ‘F’ for the level of spending in our schools.”

The commission ended his letter by asking the governor to look for any revenues from proposed reforms in the state’s tax system and new revenues when his administration begins drafting the 2014-16 budget “for some relief through restoration of funding for education.

“While our economy appears to be on the road to recovery, this recovery will be short lived if we do not continue to invest in education,” Holliday wrote.


Posted on Kentucky School News and Commentary


Morning Announcements 2-6-13

  • Please read announcements from yesterday
  • Attention FBLA students:  There is a mandatory meeting for students competing at Regionals in the library at school at 2:30.  Students- please see Competitor List located in the Business hallway to make sure you are competing.
  • Attention Boys & Girls Track & Field:  There will be a meeting Thurs., Feb. 7th, in the auditorium at 3:00 pm regarding spirit wear.  Please plan to attend.
  • Attention all Students & Staff:  Thursday night is Chick-fil-A Night for Ryle's Junior Board.  Go to Chick-fil-A this Thursday and tell the cashier you're from Ryle to help raise money for our Prom!
  • Attention Hispanic Honor Society members:  There will be a brief meeting Tues., Feb. 12th after school in Mrs. Call's room.  All members should attend.
  • Attention Students needing Volunteer Hours:  Volunteers Needed: Mann Mingle   Feb. 23rd 2-6 pm  Volunteers will run carnival games/ time slots are 2-4 pm and 4-6 pm.  Sign up sheets are in the library.  Any questions, please contact Mrs. Dusing or Mrs. Salyers in the main office.

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Morning Announcements 2-5-2013

  • Attention National Honor Society members- Teens For Jeans deadline has been extended until February 12th.  Sign up in the library.
  • Attention English Honor Society members- Please bring your food donations to Ms. Schwartz's room for a service point this week.  Five canned fruits and vegetables are one point and two jars of peanut butter, pasta, cereal or other hearty non-perishables for a point.
  • Attention Science Honor Society members- Sign up outside of Mr. Martin's room (Room 228) to bring items for breakfast on Tuesday, February 12th- the breakfast will begin at 7:00 am before school in Room 228.
  • Attention Girls Tennis:  There will be a meeting after school in Coach Collin's room on Thurs., Feb. 7th and Fri., Feb. 8th.  We will be discussing uniforms and getting sizes.
  • All Peer Tutoring applications and Teacher recommendations need to be turned into Mrs. Babik ASAP.  Decisions on this class will be made by scheduling day, February 18th.
  • Peer Tutoring I & II will meet on Wed., Feb. 6th during RAP in room 213.  If you have a previous commitment, please check in with Mrs. Babik.
  • Anyone interested in the 2013-2014 Yearbook class can pick up an application in Room 123.  Completed forms are due to Mrs. Gambrel in Room 123 by Fri., Feb. 8th.
  • Attention Juniors:  Application for Raider Bank, Bookstore, Help Desk and Office Aides are available in the business department office.  Completed applications should be turned in by Tues., Feb. 12th at 2:30 pm.  If you have questions, see Mrs. Klaas.
  • Attention all you Raiders:  The Leukemia Drive begins today and will continue for several weeks.  Money will be collected during 5th period classes.  Keep in mind that in order to win the Olive Garden lunch, your 5th period class must raise the most money per student.  Pizza parties will also be awarded to 2nd through 4th place classes.  That means that while pennies are welcomed, it will take dollars and silver coins to raise your chances.  Be sure to turn your box into the main office as close to the beginning of 5th period as you can so we have time to count all the money.  Thanks for your support and help us make leukemia go away!
  • The Matchmaker results are in!  Student Council will be selling the Matchmaker sheets Thurs., and Fri. during lunch for only $3.00.  Don't miss out on finding your match along with other interesting facts.  So get yours today!
  • The following is a list of student athletes planning on signing for college scholarships on Wed. during RAP:  Brad Weber-Football; Tyrus Sciarra-Soccer; Meredith Murphy-Soccer; Jake Siemer-Soccer & Elise Duggins-Soccer.  Congratulations to all of them!

Monday, February 4, 2013

Hot New College Programs - KY Living 2013

Hot New College Programs 
by: Debra Gibson

A roundup of new academic offerings from Kentucky colleges and universities—from innovative majors and minors, to new courses, and a new way of learning for today’s students

The college experience is all about NEW—new experiences, new perspectives, new understandings, new friends, new ways of interacting with the world. And the colleges themselves are constantly making themselves new again by offering fresh courses, innovative majors and minors, and even new ways of ensuring students get off on the right foot when they head to college.

This year we asked leaders at Kentucky’s colleges and universities—public and private—to share what they consider are their newest and hottest programs. The following is only a small glimpse into dozens of new and exciting programs.

Are you a new college student, or an adult thinking about returning to college? We urge you to do more research—read for the Kentucky Living 2013 College Guide in this month's issue, where you will find additional “Hot New Programs” listed. Then you can contact colleges directly to learn what academic programs best fit your needs.

Although main campus locations are listed below, many colleges have a variety of campuses throughout the state, as well as online courses.

A broader worldview
The world has never been simultaneously both smaller and larger. That new reality is reflected in the array of courses and majors that help students understand disparate cultures, languages, histories, and economics.

The two statewide public colleges offer good examples. At the University of Louisville (U of L) and University of Kentucky (UK), Lexington, for example, students can now major in Latin American and Latino Studies, and Hispanic Studies, respectively. UK also offers a minor in Appalachian Studies; some of its courses are linked to courses at Delhi University focusing on the Himalayan region of India. The College of Arts and Sciences is offering a special yearlong look at Russia. Titled the “Year of Russia,” there are special classes, symposia, and other opportunities to learn more about this important country. UK is also one of only 20 universities in the U.S. to offer a Ph.D. in Gender and Women’s Studies.

At U of L, students can also major in Asian Studies or earn a certificate in Peace, Justice and Conflict Resolution.

At Transylvania University, Lexington, students can minor in Asian Studies, an extension of the school’s current Chinese Language and culture offerings. The Asian Studies minor integrates classes from history, literature, fine arts, and other related areas. Students can also undertake an interdisciplinary major called PPE that draws from courses in philosophy, political science, and economics, as well as history, business administration, religion, anthropology, sociology, women’s studies, literature, and foreign language.

A few miles away at Centre College, Danville, students have a myriad of choices when it comes to understanding the world, with new minors in African and African-American Studies, Asian Studies, European Studies, Film Studies, Global Commerce, Latin American Studies, and Linguistics.

“More than ever, classroom learning alone is not enough,” says Bob Nesmith, dean of admissions and student financial planning. “To be well-educated, a student must be able to connect what they learn in the classroom or laboratory with the needs of an interconnected world and a competitive employment market.”

Accordingly, the school has expanded what they call “The Centre Commitment”—a promise that Centre “will do its part to provide our students the real-world and wide-world experiences they need to make the most of an extraordinary education.” The school now guarantees students who meet the college’s academic and social expectations an internship or (beginning with the 2017 class) a research opportunity, study abroad, and graduation in four years. If a student is unable to accomplish this within four consecutive years of enrollment, Centre will provide up to an additional year of study tuition-free.

The University of Pikeville in eastern Kentucky recently hired a director of global education, and will begin offering new opportunities for students to study abroad, as well as an English as a Second Language Institute and other programs geared toward global education.

Sure steps to a better job
Ultimately, the goal of every student is to find a good job in a field of their choice. Within the statewide Kentucky Community & Technical College System known as KCTCS, they make that easy by identifying what they call “high wage/high demand” programs.

Each KCTCS college offers its own variety of these programs, which include criminal justice/law enforcement administration; masonry; carpentry; electrician; plumbing technology; occupational therapist assistant; physical therapist assistant; nuclear medical technologist; medical radiologic technology/science-radiation therapist; diagnostic medical sonographer and ultrasound technician; nursing; business administration and management and real estate, and many more.

The high-wage, high-demand programs target high-growth industry sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing, energy, banking and financial
services, and construction.

A better start in college
At Transylvania, new approaches begin even before classes commence. First-year students arriving on Transylvania University’s campus in 2012 participated in the inaugural August term, a three-week academic and orientation program. August term is the first component of the restructured first-year academic experience at Transy. The first-year experience also includes seminars, a series of lectures and cultural events, and a strong first-year advising program.

Filling a critical need in healthcare
Acquiring an education not only enriches the individual’s life, it also benefits society. Perhaps that is most evident in one of the hottest fields today—nursing. From public to private to technical and proprietary, Kentucky’s colleges are providing innovative ways to train nurses and help them continually grow.

One of the newest approaches can be found at Campbellsville University, Taylor County, where they now offer an RN-to-BSN program that is fully online. Students can keep their jobs and families intact while advancing in their career at their own pace and when it is convenient for them. Kentucky Christian University, Grayson, also offers a brand-new RN-to-BSN program that both provides students “a lot more flexibility” and “attracts a wider range of students.”

Union College, in southeastern Kentucky, launched a traditional, four-year B.S. in nursing in the fall of 2012 to address the demand for a traditional nursing program in the area. This new program is in addition to the RN-to-BSN program that Union began in the fall of 2010. At Lindsey Wilson College in Columbia, nursing is hugely popular although it is new. The college will graduate its first class of nursing students this spring.

U of L has a post-master’s certification for acute-care nurse practitioners, while UK offers its popular registered nursing and RN-to-BSN programs. UK’s RN-BSN enrollment has increased approximately 180 percent over the past decade.

In addition to nursing, schools are offering programs in other areas of healthcare. At Strayer University, they now offer an M.S. in health services administration, while at the University of the Cumberlands, Williamsburg, they are training physician assistants—arguably the most sought-after professionals in all of healthcare.

Brave new media world
Traditional definitions of the media now defy reality. That fact is not lost on Kentucky campuses, where they are helping students understand the new world of communicating in an ever-connected, minute-by-minute world.

Northern Kentucky University has a new program that combines public relations, advertising, and applied communication. Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, long a national powerhouse for training journalists and media professionals, has added Popular Culture Studies. At Campbellsville University, their graphic design program is extremely popular, as is the Film and Media Arts program at the University of Pikeville. And at Lindsey Wilson College, Media Studies is “wildly successful.” It includes journalism, public relations, and media arts.

Doctoral programs
In 2012, Kentucky’s six regional public universities were collectively allowed to offer up to a maximum of 18 advanced-practice doctoral programs, with each school assured of a minimum of two, thanks to a new law passed by the Kentucky General Assembly.

Western Kentucky University offers two new programs, a doctor of physical therapy and a doctor of nursing practice. Morehead State University now offers a doctoral program in Educational Administration, which can even be completed online.

Creating a better world
The many ways to improve the world are reflected in the wealth of programs designed to help students do just that when they graduate. At U of L, a new Student Philanthropy program was embedded in an undergraduate Event Management class, which gives students hands-on, practical experience in helping strengthen and support the local community. It is led by Gary Bernstein, who worked for nonprofit organizations for 30 years before becoming an instructor at U of L.

Students learn about social responsibility and community engagement by raising money for a designated charity by organizing and implementing a special event. They call on donors, write sponsorship letters, market the program, and handle all the details involved in making a special event like this a resounding success.

For this particular class, they’ll present more than $10,000 in proceeds from the event to Metro United Way. In addition, the students will gain firsthand knowledge in grant-making. They awarded a $1,000 grant to a west Louisville nonprofit organization, Neighborhood House, on December 6.

At other schools, the goal is the same but the focus is different. Bellarmine University, Louisville, offers degrees in Environmental Studies, and St. Catharine College, near Bardstown, offers Sustainable Agriculture.

Sullivan University, Louisville, has heating and cooling with a green twist. In addition to giving
students the skills to launch a career, Sullivan’s program also emphasizes the skills and knowledge required to understand building automation systems and their efficient use of energy.

In addition, Brescia University’s program, Owensboro, in social work was reaffirmed by the Council on Social Work Education, Commission on Accreditation, which makes it the first accredited online undergraduate social work degree completion program in the country.

Connections
At Murray State University, students in the Music Business program benefit from strong ties between the music industry in Nashville and the college, and many are able to land an internship in Nashville. Pre-veterinary students benefit similarly from strong ties with the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine, resulting in Murray State students having one of the highest admission rates to veterinary school in the country.

Educating educators
Knowledge is expanding at a rate never experienced before, and the transmission of that knowledge has changed just as dramatically. Furthermore, teachers are leaders not just in the acquisition of learning but in helping their students navigate the never-ending waves of social change. Kentucky colleges have developed an array of programs to help teachers accomplish these complex tasks.

At Bellarmine University, they have added a Ph.D. in Education and Social Change. This program, launched in 2011, prepares educators to become change agents and leaders in improving the education of people coming from high poverty circumstances. It’s designed for people working in higher education, educational research, and leadership of not-for-profit agencies.

At Thomas More College, in northern Kentucky, in addition to an M.A. in Education, the college has also added a new Teacher Leader M.A. in Education. This program helps prepare teachers to collaborate and create new visions of 21st-century learning as leaders in the field of education.

At Midway College, in central Kentucky, they use a blended (some classes online/some on campus) approach for students earning an M.A. in Teaching. WKU has added an Ed.D in Educational Leadership (one of its first doctoral programs), and UK has a new course of study called Teacher Education and Professional Development.

This is a great year to see what new programs are being offered, whether you’re a first-year college student or an adult going back to school.

Sunday, February 3, 2013

Ky. Voices: Higher education still a sound investment

By Bob King  
From the Lexington Herald-Leader  Ky. Voices: Higher education still a sound investment

"Is college a lousy investment?" This was the question posed in a Newsweek cover story in the fall, a blunt challenge to America's long-standing, nearly sacrosanct belief in the value of a college education.

Author Megan McArdle argues that an increasing number of college graduates are leaving campus with mountains of student debt, only to wind up behind a counter at Starbucks (an anecdote so prevalent that Jordan Weissmann, writing for The Atlantic, dubs it "the barista principle").

The lingering economic recession, a weak job market, and rising tuition costs have given rise to a proliferation of national media stories questioning the value of higher education. This disillusionment is resonating. A 2011 Pew Research study found that 57 percent of Americans now believe U.S. colleges and universities fail to provide students with good value for the money.

Our faith in the American dream — and higher education's ability to provide access to it — has been shaken.

Of course, college's return on investment in strict financial terms depends on how much you paid for your degree and the marketability of your chosen field. But to promote the belief that college is no longer a wise investment is a grave disservice to parents and students everywhere.

While a college credential does not guarantee economic security, the lack of a credential most certainly places individuals at greater risk of poverty and limits earning potential for years to come. And, as a nation, falling rates of educational attainment undermine our future economic growth and competitiveness.

A report released last summer by Georgetown University's Center on Education and the Workforce, "The College Advantage: Weathering the Economic Storm," looks at employment trends by education level dating back to the late 1980's. The verdict? The benefits of a college credential far outweigh the costs, even and especially during the recent recession. Consider:

• Nearly 80 percent of the 7.2 million jobs lost were held by people with a high school diploma or less, while jobs for individuals with at least a bachelor's degree actually increased by 187,000.

• Since early 2010, when the national recovery began, employment for bachelor's and graduate degree holders increased by 2 million, and employment for individuals with an associate degree or some college increased by 1.6 million. In contrast, people with a high school diploma or less continued to fall behind, losing 230,000 jobs.

• Among recent college graduates, the unemployment rate is 6.8 percent, higher than the 4.5 percent for college graduates overall. But both rates are substantially lower than the unemployment rate among recent high school graduates, which is 24 percent.

Furthermore, the report reaffirms the once-popular Kentucky marketing slogan, "Education Pays." College graduates continue to enjoy substantially higher wages than high school graduates, and this advantage accrues over time. In 2010, a U.S. bachelor's degree holder made, on average, nearly twice as much as a high school graduate. An associate-degree holder made around 20 percent more. Over a lifetime, a bachelor's degree holder can earn 84 percent more than a high school graduate. The Kentucky results, outlined in a new Council on Postsecondary Education policy brief, "College Still Pays." include:

• Workers with a high school diploma or GED are twice as likely to be unemployed than those with a bachelor's degree. The unemployment rate for the former is 10 percent, compared to 5 percent for the latter. For workers without a high school diploma or GED, the unemployment rate is 16 percent.

• Those associate degrees or some college can expect to earn $289,000 more than high school graduates over a 40-year career, using an annual wage increase of 1 percent. College graduates can anticipate an additional $879,000 in earnings, while those with graduate degrees stand to earn an additional $1.34 million.

Yes, college affordability is a real problem and, yes, job creation has been sluggish. But students can obtain a postsecondary degree in Kentucky without racking up unsustainable debt. Kentucky's average student loan debt was $22,287, substantially lower than the national average of $26,600.

Four-year colleges and universities offer grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities to make college more affordable. Community and technical colleges offer associate degrees and certificates in high-paying, high-demand technical fields that can be completed in two years or less. High school students can reduce college costs by taking advantage of advanced placement, dual credit and college-level exam options.

Experts predict that by the year 2020, 56 percent of Kentucky's jobs will require some postsecondary education. Individually and collectively, college continues to offer a high rate of return and the best chance of achieving long-term security and prosperity. There is really no safer investment we can make.

Bob King is president of the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education.

Read more here: http://www.kentucky.com/2013/02/03/2501307/ky-voices-higher-education-still.html#storylink=misearch#storylink=cpy

Saturday, February 2, 2013

NKY Select Band

Congratulations to the following Ryle students for being named to the NKY Select Band:

Kyle Kidwell, Austin Atkinson, Moeka Nakamura, Morgan Trischler, Kelly Tursic, Hannah Martin, Sabrina Rosales, Kristen Goodridge, Jon Lotspiech, Rachael Lietzow, Megan Pennell, Erin Mcnall, Eric Anderson, Wynne Caid, Sam Kirby, Kana Fukuchi, Amanda Stegman, John Groathouse, Anna Braun, Avery Williams, Steven Teleky, Ryan Frohlich, Daniel Hill

Activities Canceled - Feb. 2nd

All activities, games, and practices in the Boone County Schools have been CANCELED today - Saturday, Feb. 2nd.

Friday, February 1, 2013

Scholastic Writing Awards


Recently the Scholastic Writing Awards were announced for our region and we are very proud to announce that Ryle's students performed extremely well. These awards speak directly to the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, and parents.

The following students won Gold Medal honors and will have their work juried in New York City at the National Competition. Should their work be scored at the Gold or Silver Medal nationally, they will be invited to the awards ceremony in New York in June.

Megan Pennell -  Flash Fiction (4 entries awarded!)
Brittany Liver -  Poetry


The writing entries of the following students were scored at the Silver Medal level:

Sean Delaney - Short Story
Meghan Eleniak - Flash Fiction
Alana Gale - (7 entries awarded!)
Alexander Hoffman - Dramatic Script
Rachel Lietzo - Personal Essay
Leslie Rowan - Personal Essay / Humor


The following students earned Honorable Mention awards for their work:

Brady Ast - Journalism
Lex Crupper - Journalism
Sean Delaney - Short Story
Fernando Rushika - Journalism
Matthew Hasse - Journalism
Ashley Howe - Short Story
Meghan Knisely - Journalism
Justine Krieg - Science Fiction / Flash Fiction (4 entries awarded!)
Brittany Liver - Flash Fiction
Alex Meyer - Journalism
McKinley Moen - Journalism
Tucker Teepen - Journalism
Jaclyn Zembrodt - Personal Essay


For more informations go to: http://www.artandwriting.org/