Harvey Tackett
The Bath County school district is dedicated to providing an excellent educational experience for all students while preparing them to be college- and career-ready. The district has made a commitment to be academically competitive and is striving to become one of the top performing school districts in the state of Kentucky. The theme, “Lights, Camera…ACTION!” signifies the preparation, dedication and commitment to serving each student.
Over the course of two years, stakeholders were invited to participate in “Community Cafe” sessions where the district’s new mission and vision were developed. Through partnerships with parents, families, students, businesses, civic organizations and higher education, the intent of Bath County was to develop a mission and vision that incorporated the foundation students need to be globally competitive and prepared in the 21st century and beyond. Ideas were sought from all participants, beginning with core values and belief systems regarding topics such as leadership, teachers, support staff, students, parents, community partners, technology, and curriculum and instruction.
To support schools in continuous improvement, the district instructional team is developing an instrument, based on the Principal Performance Standards as part of the Professional Growth and Effectiveness System, to participate in site visits each semester. The site visits will be conducted by district program directors and will focus on areas making the biggest impact to school improvement and student learning. Schools will receive feedback and follow-up support in each area.
The Community Eligibility Option allows all students to eat breakfast and lunch for free. This is the second year of the program and students, parents and the community are very appreciative of this initiative. The food service department has had increased participation numbers since starting the program.
Beyond the school year, the food service department participates in the Summer Feeding program that serves hundreds of families within Bath County. For the past two years, the program has operated in conjunction with the Cool School Machine, a mobile instructional unit that makes its way to multiple stops in the county during the months of June and July. Two teachers and an assistant take learning “on the road” with daily activities planned for all grade levels focusing on science, mathematics, technology and nutrition.
“Lights, Camera… ACTION!” truly describes the attitude of the teachers, staff and administration. Commitment and dedication to student growth and learning is an embedded part of the incredible culture in Bath County as everyone has made it a personal goal to make a difference.
Congrats on a job well done and so happy for you but you need to be here with is miss you both love you all Keith and Bonnie