9th Grade Academy "Day at the Movies"

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

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!

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

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

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!!!

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

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

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!

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

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

· 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!

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

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!

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!