Preschool Programs

   As early childhood educators, we know that young children learn best when actively involved in a comfortable, healthy, flexible, and fun environment. For children ages three to five years old who meet specific eligibilty requirements, the Clark County Preschool Early Education Programs, or “P.E.E.P.S.”, offers an extended five-hour session for five days a week. P.E.E.P.S. is coordinated by Clark County Schools and the Kentucky River Foothills Head Start Program. The adopted curriculum is designed to provide children with opportunities to make daily discoveries about themselves and their surroundings, as well as to better prepare them for their kindergarten experience. Breakfast and lunch (including free & reduced-cost meals) are available, and transportation to and from school may be provided. The benefits of the Clark County Preschool Early Education Programs include:

   Support services in the areas of special education (including free individualized evaluations, developmental interventions, speech-language therapy, occupational & physical therapy, etc.), parent education opportunities, family support services, behavioral consultation, mental health/counseling services, assistive technology, & more. The Clark County Preschool Program is committed to a high-quality child-centered environment that enhances success for all individuals through the collaboration of educators, students, families, and the community . Our goal is to provide strong foundations with high expectations that support our community of life-long learners. We are committed to fostering positive and caring attitudes with our children and their families.  Click this link to go to the Preschool web stie.

Clark County’s Exceptional Children

   Clark County’s exceptional childrens program ensures the provision of appropriate educational and related services in the least restrictive environment for each student identified as having a disability—as defined by The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). “Special” programs and/or services are available for those students who have been identified as having one or more of the following disabling conditions: Specific Learning Disability, Mild Mental Disability, Functional Mental Disability, Emotional/Behavioral Disability, Multiple Disability, Hearing Impairment,Vision Impairment, Speech Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Communication Disorders, Autism, Developmental Delay and Physical. 
Special instruction is also provided to pre-school children identified with disabilities and/or developmental delays. Any person in Clark County who has knowledge of any child with a disability, or who is suspected of having a disability, and is not currently receiving special services is encouraged to call the Clark County Special Education Director, Donald Stump, at 744-2762. Children between the ages of 3-21 years qualify for special services. Federal Child Find Laws mandate The Clark County Public School System to actively locate local children with, or suspected of having, a disability.

Title I
Title I is the largest federally funded program in Clark County. This program provides salaries for one director, eighteen teachers, one secretary, one part-time bus driver, a dentist one day per week, and three Instructional Assistants.
The Title I Program serves seven elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school—Central, Bush, Hannah McClure, Pilot View, Shearer, Strode Station, Trapp, Clark Middle, Conkwright Middle and George Rogers Clark High School. Six elementary schools and Conkwright have schoolwide projects, which incorporate site-based management and local school program design.  The collaboration model advocated in the Title I Program involves Title I and regular classroom teachers working together.
The purpose of the Title I Program is to enable schools to provide opportunities for children served to acquire the same basic and advanced skills as developed for all children.
Parent Involvement is one of the main components stressed with the Title I Program. At least two (2) meetings are held each year for Title I parents in our schools. Each school is required to have a Parent Involvement Policy/Contract that is developed by parents and school personnel. If  you have any questions about this program, please call Pat Rosenthal, at 744-4545 ext 222.

Title II

   The Title II, Part A, Improving Teacher Quality is a Federal Program that is a part of the “No Child Left Behind Act.”  Title II, Part D is dedicated to training teacher to implement technology in the classroom.  This program places a major emphasis on improving student achievement by promoting additional staff development activities and hiring additional teachers.  For more information contact Pat Rosenthal or Conard Young at 744-4545.

Title III - ESL

Title III became a Public Law 107-110 Act on January 8, 2002 and supports English Language Acquisition, Language Enhancement, and Academic Achievement for Children, Youth, and Families; supplemented by Grants. As a component of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, it's purpose is to ensure that immigrant and migrant children/youth attain English Language Proficiency through challenging academic standards and high levels of academic core content through quality educational language programs. Further, preparing children to become English proficient through accelerated transition, promoting parental & community participation, and demonstrating local and state accountability are also purposes. Thus, The Office of English Second Language has been established to lend support services for Migrant and Immigrant Families. It is a place where multicultural diversity and uniqueness thrives in educational excellence assisting district-wide preschool, elementary, middle, and high school facilities. For more information about this program, please contact Ruth A. Gatewood at 744-4978 Ext. 135.

Title IV

   Title IV funds are used to allow staff to co-ordinate activities promoting drug-free and violence free schools. We are anticipating a wonderful 2004-2005 school year. If you have questions about his program, please call Pat Rosenthal at 744-4545 ext. 222. 

Title V

   Title V funds are used to encourage educational improvement.  Currently, this project focuses on improving student academic achievement, self-concept and attendance. If you have any questions about this program, please call Pat Rosenthal at 744-4545, ext. 222.

Primary Program

   The primary program serves children from the time they enter the elementary school until they are ready to enter the fourth grade.  During this period, students learn in environments that are appropriate for the developmental levels and learning styles of young children by establishing classrooms that support individual and group instruction.
   The primary curriculum allows children to learn basic skills and social behaviors in the context of everyday experiences and natural learning processes. In turn, primary teachers develop instruction that integrates content areas and skills. Students must demonstrate competence in these content areas and skills to make a successful transition to the intermediate grades.

Extended School Services

   The Extended School Services (ESS) program is designed to empower the at-risk student to succeed by offering additional instruction before or after the school day.  The focus in elementary is to provide additional small group instruction in area(s) where the student is experiencing difficulty.  The middle and high school offers students the opportunity to receive instruction in a subject in which they are failing. 
    ESS is offered during the regular school year.  Summer school is available at most schools.  The Clark County Board of Education has a policy that mandates attendance for any student who is referred for additional instruction.  Bus transportation is provided for all students.
   For more information about the program in your child’s school, contact your school principal.

GIFTED AND TALENTED

   This program serves students from Grades K-12 who are identified by both formal and informal measures as possessing demonstrated or potential ability to perform at an exceptionally high level.  The elementary level students receive pullout instruction froma gifted certified teacher.  At the middle school level, there are school-within-school programs and at the high school there are Advanced Placement classes and the Commonwealth Diploma program.
            To receive more information about these programs, please contact either your school principal or Pat Rosenthal at 744-4545, ext. 222.

Attendance Policy

   An essential ingredient in the Academic Success of every student in the Clark County School System is that he/she attend classes regularly and be on time. State Law requires that all children in the district who have entered kindergarten or who are between the ages of six (6), as of October 1, and sixteen (16) except those specifically exempted by Statute, shall enroll and be in regular attendance in the schools to which they are assigned.
In the event of an absence, parents shall send with their child on his/her next day of attendance a written excuse explaining the reason for an absence. Each school council will adopt policy on the number of absences allowed before a doctor’s statement is required. This will be written in the Student Handbook sent home with each student.
 Board Policy and State Law states that any student who has been absent from school without valid excuse for three (3) days or more, or tardy without valid excuse on three (3) days or more is a truant. A pupil who has been reported as truant for a total of nine (9) unexcused absences/tardies is considered a habitual truant.  Truants shall be reported to the Principal and to the Director of Pupil Personnel, both of whom shall take appropriate action. This may include the student and parent being referred to the Clark County Courts for legal action.  Questions can be answered by calling Diane Akers, Director of Pupil Personnel at 744-4545, ext. 216.

Home Hospital Instruction

   Educational services will be provided to students who cannot attend school for more than five (5) consecutive school days due to illness, injuries, or chronically recurring physical or mental conditions.
   Students meeting this criteria must fill out a home-bound form, which will be reviewed by a review committee. 
Instruction will be in accordance with Kentucky Administrative Regulations. Questions can be answered by calling Diane Akers, Director of Pupil Personnel at 744-4545, ext. 216.

Home School Requirements
   
   Persons who choose to educate their children at home must notify the local Board of Education each school year, in accordance with KRS 159.030.  Please provide the name, age, grade level and address of each child home schooled.
   If a student returns to the public school system, they will be placed in the grade best suited for them determined by performance or competency test.
    Home school students must have proof of enrollment in order to get a work permit (KRS 159.030, 158.080).  Questions can be answered by calling Diane Akers, Director of Pupil Personnel at 744-4545, ext. 216.