DCHS 9th Grade Academy

English 1 Teachers Combine for Reading Groups

2010-04-23T08:59:00.004-05:00

Students in Ms. Sparks and Ms. Simmons 2nd block classes have recently combined and split into focus groups to read and discuss the book "Speak." Students within the groups all have specific roles for more effective discussion and accountability. Even some of what you might call our more reluctant readers are enjoying this format and making great contributions to their groups. Thanks to these teachers for putting in the extra work necessary to provide this opportunity for our students.

Faculty Spotlight -- Ms. Fortney

2010-04-23T08:55:00.002-05:00

Name- Debbie Wade Fortney

Family- I have been married to my high school sweetheart Mark Fortney (DCHS Girls Cross County Coach) for 30 years!!!

Children- Ryanne Fortney 25

Twins- Jacob Fortney and Jillian Fortney 23

What do you teach? I teach Algebra 1 and Acc Geometry

Teaching experience/education-Graduated from Western Kentucky University with a double major in Math and German. Earned my masters in Mathematics Education, and I am a National Board Certified Teacher.

I started my teaching career at Madisonville North Hopkins, taught there 4 years

Then went to Muhlenberg South High School, taught there 10 years and have been here at DCHS for 2 years.

Favorite part of your subject- I love the way math works in the world!!! It just makes sense. As Galileo said “Mathematics is the pen with which God has written the universe.” GEOMETRY is my favorite mathematics course to teach!

Interests/hobbies- I love sports!! I’m a big UK Wildcat basketball fan!! I also love the sport of cross country and track. I help my husband with the cross country and track teams. My kids played about every sport there was and I followed them to all their events……now that they are no longer competing I follow the DCHS sports teams!! My other hobbies are photography, scrapbooking, and gardening!!

One other interesting fact about you- I have run two Marathons, Chicago and St. George Utah. I’m slow but I finish!! I have a Siberian Husky name Blazer that trained with me. If you see me out on the belt I usually always have Blazer running with me!! She just recently helped me train for the Knoxville half-marathon which I ran in March.

A story about an educator that left an impression on you- I had many wonderful teachers in high school. One of the teachers who really stood out was my high school Geometry teacher. He not only taught me Geometry but he made class interesting and fun. He always had a story with a life lesson to share with us. I remember him telling me that I needed to be a teacher because I was good at helping my classmates with their assignments! It left an impression on me. I like to share with my students and hope that at some time in their life they will remember that Mrs. Fortney taught them something……be it mathematics or a lesson about life!

9th Grade Reward Trip Ready to Go!

2010-04-23T08:44:00.002-05:00

All 9th grade students who meet the reward criteria for the school year will be treated to a great day involving a movie at Malco Cinema, followed by lunch and some time to enjoy the spring weather at Legion Park. The trip is planned for May 17th. Congrats to all eligible students, and thanks to everyone who contributed to their success!!

Faculty Spotlight -- Ms. Mettle

2010-03-22T10:43:00.002-05:00

Name- Lalenia Mettle

Family- Married 15 years to Rob. Two kids- Tristen, she is 14 and Lane he is 10

What do you teach? Integrated Science and Accelerated Integrated Science

Teaching experience/education- Graduated from USI in 2006 with a bachelors of science (Biology). 4th year here.

Favorite part of your subject- chemistry

Interests/hobbies- reading, making jewelry, scrapbooking, church(Praise God!)

One other interesting fact about you- My name is a song written by the 70’s singer Donovan (My dad is a retired teacher/musician). Very beautiful song, but very DEPRESSING!

A story about an educator that left an impression on you- I had some really great middle school teachers. My homeroom teacher was just a fabulous, vibrant, positive man. I do not know how anyone could ever hate that guy!! He was a great example on how to interact with kids.
My english teacher was awesome! Her personality has been, by far, the best I have seen in a teacher. Her enthusiasm for the subject and life in general was contagious! I got to see her at the my old high school that coincidentally I student taught at and 18 years later she is still that way!!!!
I once had a high school teacher who taught me all the ways not to be. That to me was just important as the teachers I did love and respect. Thanks for reading!!

Global Studies students have fun with song parodies!

2010-03-22T08:53:00.003-05:00

Following their unit about Latin America, Ms. Gutsche's Global Studies classes created song parodies using terms and concepts from the unit. See the pictures, as students perform such hits as, "Big Green Region", "Fresh Prince of No Air", and "Nature's Got Back."

Congratulations 9th Grade Academy Teachers! PLAN test results show how hard you work for our students!

2010-03-11T09:09:00.002-06:00

The following table illustrates the GREAT success of our current sophomore class on the PLAN test (taken this past September 23rd). Compared to all Kentucky high schools, DCHS scored quite well! Our composite score (see below) put us in the top 6 percent of all Kentucky high schools (228 total). The scores were above the state and national averages. Although the PLAN test is only one measure of academic success available to us, it still shows that we are doing many of the “right” things.

DCHS PLAN SCORES	2009/10 SOPHOMORES	SCORE	STATE AVERAGE
	228 Kentucky High Schools
ENGLISH	T8	17.9	15.8
MATHEMATICS	T18	17.7	16.5
READING	T15	17.5	16.2
SCIENCE	T13	18.6	17.6
COMPOSITE	T 12	18.1	16.7

Faculty Spotlight -- Ms. Clark

2010-01-29T13:35:00.003-06:00

Name- Latricia Clark

Family- husband—Donald Clark (math teacher here at DCHS), daughter—Emily (4^th grade ad CHES)

What do you teach? Acc. and C.P. English 1

Teaching experience/education- 19 years—graduated from DCHS, Brescia, WKU, and Indiana Wesleyan

Favorite part of your subject- Romeo and Juliet

Interests/hobbies- reading, sleeping, and cake decorating—not all at the same time

One other interesting fact about you- I have certification in cake decorating, I

married a high-diver from Holiday World, I love driving my dad’s convertible, and I love to sing.

A story about an educator that left an impression on you- My most influential mentor in education was Fumie Bouvier. She was my senior English teacher here at DCHS. She encouraged me to become a teacher. Besides realizing that I made good grades in English, she recognized my love to help others understand class material. She was also my supervising teacher when I student taught here at DCHS. (I have never left.) She “made” me start teaching the very first day of school. It was a great learning experience from a great teacher.

9th Grade Hoops

2010-01-29T13:26:00.003-06:00

Our 9th Grade boy's Basketball team closed out the home schedule by defeating Owensboro Catholic. 9th Grade Academy students were admitted free, and several came out and supported the boys. Our 9th Grade team currently has a 15-6 record heading towards tournament play. Go Panthers!

Off and running..............

2010-01-21T10:07:00.002-06:00

The second semester has gotten off to a great start. Students are settled in to their new classes, and there is some great teaching and learning going on in the academy. Personally, I have welcomed a new addition to the family that has kept me very busy away from school. Check out the picture of Brennan attending her first party, courtesy of the wonderful DCHS 9th Grade Academy teachers.

9th Grade Academy "Day at the Movies"

2009-12-16T10:20:00.004-06:00

This past Tuesday, all of our 9th Grade students at DCHS who are passing all of their classes for the semester were treated to a movie, popcorn, and drinks during 4th period. I thought it was a deserving reward for those who had earned it this semester. Thanks to Coach Sandifer for use of the popcorn machine, and Coach Hume for helping pass out drinks!

Faculty Spotlight--Ms. Gutsche

2009-12-14T14:47:00.004-06:00

Name- Tracy Gutsche

Family- husband Bill (10 ½ years); daughter Leslie (6); son Lane (3)

What do you teach? Global Studies—first year!

Teaching experience/education- 12th year of teaching—all years at DCHS; B.A. from Murray State University (English major; History Minor); M.A. in Education from Western Kentucky University; Rank I equivalency through Indiana Wesleyan

Favorite part of your subject- I am so thrilled not only to teach about world geography but to be a true student of the world around us. Literature is the core of my teaching soul (especially British literature) but I am really enjoying learning new things and applying current events.

Interests/hobbies- Honestly, just being a television junkie when I have scant moments of time to myself, but I would rather be scrapbooking our children’s albums or laughing with a big group of friends. I’m trying to gather very old family photos (pre 1900s) and scanning them for other relatives.

One other interesting fact about you- I know my family history quite well (stories as old as 1830s, locations of old “homeplaces”, cemetery plots, etc.) and feel privileged to be in a family that takes pride in where they have come from.

A story about an educator that left an impression on you- My junior year English teacher, Anne Pruitt, was the most fascinating, eccentric woman I had ever seen—from the flourish of her bi-focal glasses on and off her face down to her acrylic, stiletto heels. Her style was very scattered, but I loved her—we all did—for the relationships she built with her students. If you answered a question correctly, she praised you for it—usually flamboyantly. She was always available for extra help and tried to help me tap my own potential, something I appreciated more when I was assigned to her senior English class. She taught me how to love literature and desire to teach it. Another teacher—also based on relationships—was a college history professor. I cannot recall his last name because we all called him “T. Wayne” as he was listed in directories. He was my British History and European History professor, and he brought history to life in the most enlightening and comical ways. His office was always open for extra help and ALWAYS full of the brightest history students on campus. I recall going to his office a couple of times to make sure I understood assignments and being welcomed as if I were an academic equal to other students—the classmates whose knowledge left me in awe! Alas, both these mentors have died within the last two years, but I have never forgotten from their example that students begin as names on rosters but soon become PEOPLE. I try to remember to teach the student but to take care of the person.

Probablility of Learning is High!

2009-12-03T09:33:00.002-06:00

Our academy math and science teachers recently had their students participate in a collection of probability activities in conjunction with planned class units. Check out our students actively engaged in learning...............

Faculty Spotlight--Coach Driskill

2009-11-12T12:10:00.003-06:00

Name- James Parker Driskill

Family- Wife Susan of 21 years, son Derek- sophomore, daughter Stephanie-9th, son Nick-4^th grade

What do you teach? Integrated Science, Physics

Teaching experience/education- this is my 17^th year

Favorite part of your subject- hands-on labs

Interests/hobbies- disc golf, archery, chess

One other interesting fact about you- distantly related to Chuck Norris

A story about an educator that left an impression on you- my 7^th grade football coach was named Lucky Gamble. His brother’s name was Chance. Lucky coached 3 teams in three different classes to state football championships.

Commitment to Graduation 2013

2009-10-26T13:08:00.004-05:00

Recently our 9th Graders were fortunate enough to see a multimedia presentation by Mr. Brian Nicely and Josten's. The presentation focused on being involved in your school community, and committing to graduate from high school. The following day, our class of 2013 signed a banner that will be displayed outside the 9th Grade Academy making that commitment to graduation. Check out a picture of that banner.

Frosh Fest!!!

2009-10-26T12:59:00.003-05:00

Frosh Fest was a hit again this year. Weather forced us inside, but the music, games, food, prizes couldn't be stopped! Thanks to all who helped make this event a success.

Faculty Spotlight--Ms. Smith

2009-10-07T08:48:00.002-05:00

Name: Nancy Smith

Family: Husband – Joseph (1987 OCHS graduate); Daughter – Karrie (2007 Oscar Smith High School, VA graduate); Sons – Zeke (3rd grade @ OCS K-3), Jeffrey (1st grade @ OCS K-3), and Nate (2 years)

What do you teach? Pre-Algebra, Core Algebra I, Comp Algebra I, Accelerated Geometry
Teaching experience/education: I earned my BS Mathematics @ Christopher Newport University in Newport News VA. After teaching summer school geometry, I began my tenure at Oscar Smith High School, Chesapeake VA teaching personal finance, Algebra I, and Geometry. After my husband retired from military service and moved us back to his hometown, I started my career at Daviess County High School in the Freshmen Academy.

Favorite part of your subject: The best part of Algebra I is when I can see that a student “gets it” and the light bulb turns on. Another great part is sharing and doing all the really cool things with Geometry.
Interests/hobbies: Being outdoors is the best! I like to watch NFL (Dallas Cowboys), NCAA basketball (UK), and most of all I love to watch and go to the NASCAR races to watch Jimmie Johnson. I stay busy going to my sons football and baseball games. My hobbies are scrapbooking and gardening.

One other interesting fact about you: I was adopted at the age of seven months by my uncle and aunt. At eighteen, I left home and joined the Navy. While serving, I lived in Scotland and visited England, France, Italy, Saudi Arabia, Jamaica, Cuba and Mexico. Also in my travels, I have seen over fifteen states in the U.S.

A story about an educator that left an impression on you: During my sophomore year in high school, my English teacher was a first year teacher. Our classroom was on the second floor of Mar-Mac High School in McGregor IA. The class as a whole didn’t really care for her and began to make her life difficult. I remember one day, the class turned all of her wall decorations upside down. During the debates, each pair that got up there agreed on the subjects. Finally, on a December afternoon with eight foot snow drifts outside the window a student jumped out the window and went home. After that year, she joined the Air Force and never taught again. That may seem like a funny story but her perseverance was an inspiration for me!

Halls and Walls

2009-10-01T13:12:00.003-05:00

Our 9th Grade Academy defended its title this week as Halls and Walls Champion as part of Spirit Week. Thanks to all who decorated our hallway. It looks great!!

Cool Lab Activity! Technology at Work!

2009-10-01T13:02:00.003-05:00

Several of our students recently participated in a really neat science lab. The lab was over projectile motion, and was a web-based activity. The really cool part was that each student's lab partner was in another classroom. Our 9th graders used Skype, as well as the webcam on each of their laptops, to communicate and complete the lab. Check out the "action shots" of our 9th Grade Academy students engaged in learning!

Physics Field Day

2009-09-21T09:30:00.002-05:00

Several of our students recently participated in Physics Field Day during their science or math class. It was a great opportunity to spend some time out of the classroom and put some of the laws of physics into motion. Check out the pictures of our students in action! Thank you to Ms. Skimehorn for organizing this great hands on activity, and thank you to all who helped to make it a great learning experience for our 9th graders!

Faculty Spotlight--Ms. Simmons

2009-09-10T13:19:00.003-05:00

· Name

Jenny Simmons

· Family

My husband Justin is currently working on his student teaching at DCHS. I come from a family full of educators. My father, W.H. Rightmyer, is a retired science teacher who can still be seen walking the halls of DC-he loves to substitute teach! My mother, Rebecca Rightmyer, has worked at Kentucky Wesleyan College for over 40 years. Both of my sisters are elementary school teachers, Pam Croft-Eastview Elementary and Marjie Pippin-Highland Elementary. Oh, and I can’t forget about my pets! I have a dog named Max and two cats, Baylee and Gracie.

• What do you teach?

College Prep English I

Accelerated English I

• Teaching experience/education

This is my eighth year at DC. I graduated from DC in 1997. I completed my bachelor’s degree as well as my Master’s degree through Western Kentucky University and then went on to complete my Rank I certification through the University of the Cumberlands.

• Favorite part of your subject

I love the fact that the area of language arts incorporates so many areas of study. We work on literature, grammar, vocabulary, reading, writing, etc. We are constantly transitioning in class and working on skills that are valuable throughout life.

• Interests/hobbies

During my free time I love playing golf, reading mystery novels, watching movies, and especially attending the many sporting events involving my niece and nephews. And though I hate to admit it…I love watching UFC fights!

• One other interesting fact about you

A few years ago I had the opportunity to meet Jerry Seinfeld. And yes, he is just as funny in person as he is on TV!

• A story about an educator that left an impression on you

Amazingly, the teacher that has left the greatest impression on me is my 3^rd grade teacher, Ms.

Kaufmann. Even as a 3^rd grader I could tell that she cared about each and every one of her

students. She was always willing to help and was the first teacher that showed me learning

could be fun. I recently saw her again after all these years and she still remembered my name.

It really does mean a lot when you know someone cares.

TAILGATE PARTY IS A HIT!

2009-09-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in posting about our Freshman Tailgate Party last Thursday. It was a great night for football, and we had a great turnout. A special thanks to Ms. Kimbrell for organizing the event, and Mr. Smith for being the grillmaster! All who attended had a great time. Check out the pictures of our tailgaters in action.

Open House

2009-09-02T10:41:00.005-05:00

A big thank you to all who attended our Fall Open House. Also a big thank you to The 9th Grade Academy teachers who relayed such great information about their courses.

EXTREME HOME MAKEOVER!! Let's Make a difference!

2009-09-01T09:21:00.002-05:00

I can't believe this show is actually coming to Owensboro! See below for an announcement from Carrie Kimbrell, DCHS Youth Service Center Director, about how we can contribute to this worthy cause.

DCHS Panther Leadership Camp and FCCLA are sponsoring the

EXTREME FOOD DRIVE in honor of EXTREME MAKEOVER HOME EDITION coming to Owensboro! The food drive will take place this week,

AUGUST 31 - SEPTEMBER 4

We are asking DC students and families to bring in non perishable items as well as paper products and household cleaning supplies. These items will be donated to local food banks !

Our goal is to FILL the MEDIA CENTER full of canned goods and KICK THE LIBRIANS OUT! While at the same time supporting our community in this AWESOME project to HELP a OWENSBORO family fulfill their dreams!

Please SUPPORT OUR COMMUNITY and DCHS by participating in the FOOD DRIVE!

Faculty Spotlight--Coach Wellman

2009-08-25T08:24:00.006-05:00

Name- Rob Wellman

• Family- In the works…have a beautiful girlfriend that is a resource teacher at Highland (Chantay Conder); my mother is Holly Askin and father is David Wellman; my little sister Megan Bickett is a 2009 graduate of DCHS

• What do you teach- 9th grade Global Studies

• Teaching experience/education- 3rd year teaching (1st at DC), graduate of WKU

• Favorite part of your subject- Getting to travel the world everyday and doing all kinds of different projects

• Interests/hobbies- JV girls basketball coach, love playing and watching all sports, going to our place at Rough River, being with my family and friends , PS3, addicted to Lost the tv show

• One other interesting fact about you- My first paying job was at Sea World in Orlando

• A story about an educator that left an impression on you- My advocate all four years of HS was a history teacher and he was a teacher and person I knew I wanted to be like. I was like any other HS kid that didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life and he encouraged me to look into this profession because of my passion and knowledge of history and my “high energy”. His supporting of me did us both some good…I started working harder and behaving better in his classes and I eventually fell in love with teaching and working with kids. Thank you Al Reid!!!

Upcoming Events!!

2009-08-19T07:37:00.000-05:00

I want to take just a couple minutes to publicize two upcoming events in the 9th Grade Academy. The first event is the Freshmen Tailgate Party. It will be held Thursday, September 3rd at 5pm near the entrance to the football stadium. There will be tons of food and prizes, games, music, and fun. All 9th grade students can attend free of charge, and also are admitted free of charge to the Freshman football game at 6pm. I can't wait to see everyone there having a great time and supporting Coach Goodrid and the team.

The next event is FroshFest 2009. It is planned for October 10th from 7-10pm on the football practice field. This is THE social event of the year for our 9th Grade students. There will be live music, tons of prizes, games, and a lot more in a carnival type atmosphere. Right now we are planning to charge each 9th Grade student $5 which includes a FroshFest t-shirt.

These events are for 9th Graders only. It is a great way to get to know your 9th Grade Academy classmates and teachers. Please contact any 9th Grade Academy teacher, Mr. Benjamin, or Carrie Kimbrell, DCHS YSC Director if you have any questions!

1st Day of School!!

2009-08-12T12:15:00.000-05:00

The 9th Grade Academy at Daviess County High School got off to a great start today! Students started the day in advocates, where they received several valuable items, the most exciting of which was definitely their laptop computers! After advocates, students attended their classes and got down to business. I hope you enjoy the pictures I posted from some of my travels today!

What is this?!?!

2009-07-29T10:34:00.000-05:00

This is THE OFFICIAL blog for the Daviess County High School 9th Grade Academy. Check back often for news, updates, humor, and other happenings involving DCHS 9th Grade students, teachers, and activities. Welcome Aboard!