English 1 Teachers Combine for Reading Groups

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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

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..............

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.