PC School Board celebrates teachers and students alike – Commonwealth Journal’s History

If there’s one thing that the School Board loves it’s giving people the recognition they deserve.

Pulaski County Schools Superintendent Pat Richardson put a pin in his report to get immediately to the smattering of awards given to teachers. First up was teacher of the month award presented by Krystal Goode. Goode presented the award to Burnside Elementary second grade teacher Kellie Atwell.

Teaching for 26 years, her favorite thing about teaching is investing in children and watching them grow.

Her favorite quote is by Albert Einstein: “Anybody who’s never made a mistake has never tried anything new.”

Atwell was given a certificate declaring her achievement.

Principal of Southwestern High School Mark Flynn then addressed the attendees to the meeting announcing the Prism Award’s next recipient, Anita Wilson.

“It’s my pleasure to give this year’s Prism Award to a teacher who does not get enough credit, as most teachers do not.” said Principal Flynn. “Ms. Anita Wilson has made a tremendous contribution to the education profession.”

Flynn said that Wilson cultivated excellent relationships with her students and colleagues and she portrays, as Flynn called it, the most important quality of a teacher: she cares.

Principal of Southern Middle Stephen Butcher addressed attendees next by announcing the Prism Award to be given to Mila Molen.

“I can’t imagine a more deserving recipient of this award,” said Butcher. “Just like Adele, Cher, Dolly, and Reba, if you mention the name Mila, everybody knows who you’re talking about.”

Butcher said that Molen always went “above and beyond” and selfless in her pursuit to satisfy students’ needs.

“It is that level of commitment that is both inspiring and refreshing in this present day,” said Butcher. “She can do any position in the building. She knows all the requirements and expectations.”

Superintendent Richardson added after Molen was presented the award, “Mila is an icon.”

Last but not least, Principal of Eubank Elementary Lisa Black presented Tara Baugh with her Prism Award.

“Ms. Baugh goes above and beyond with everything she does,” said Black. “Her positive attitude for what’s best for student is contagious and holds over to staff and students. We are very blessed to have Ms. Baugh as part of our leadership team at Eubank.”

Once the teachers received their awards, Principal Angela Adkins of Pulaski Elementary Report on Student Achievement. Adkins noted the free lunch program which has seen tremendous success.

She also celebrated the 104 students at Pulaski Elementary who were of minority ethnic backgrounds.

“That’s what America is all about, is having a variety of families and backgrounds that make our school wonderful,” said Adkins. “We’re also fortunate in that we don’t have anything disparaging between the races.”

Adkins admired the faculty’s synergy.

Next, Adkins presented the meat of her presentation—test scores. Results of the 2022-23 Kentucky Summative Assessments have been released. Statewide tests were given to public school students in grades 3-8 and 10-11 this past spring.

Schools are assessed through a color-coded system. Highest scores of 83.0 or more are assigned the color blue. Green is 70.0-82.9, and yellow is for scores of 55.0-69.9. Orange is for 38.0-54.9, and red is the lowest ranking, from, 0-37.9. High schools, middle schools, and elementary schools are each evaluated individually using this system.

Pulaski Elementary was in the top 18 percent in the state, achieving blue status for the first time.

Reading and math scores did take a “slight dip.” Adkins chalked this up to some change in faculty.

“You do have those growing pains that every school has,” said Adkins. “I’m just glad we were able to stay close to where we were the prior year.”

Still, there was a “big increase” in science, social studies, and writing scores.

Adkins was ultimately thrilled with the results and said she is “really super proud of our students and our teachers.”

In other events, Allison Commings with Sherman Carter Barnhart Architects presented the progress on the new Burnside Elementary project. Commings showed pictures of the current state of the building. Commings said they are on schedule and see no future road blocks with the only hiccup so far being a change in supplier of the transformer. Commings estimated a completion date of December 2024.

The board appeared pleased with the progress of the building and felt a visit to the construction site was in order.

An assessment presentation was given which also covered test scores district-wide and other status reports.

Changes to the plans for the North Wellness Center were made and all action items were unanimously approved by consent.