BLES Kindergarten Graduation 2013

BLES Kindergarten staff and students celebrated a wonderful milestone for their Kindergarten students on Tuesday evening, May 14th with their annual Kindergarten Graduation.  BLES Graduated over 100 Kindergarteners.  BEST WISHES to our little BOBCATS! (click here for more photos)
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Jeff Miles from MSHA came to speak with our Kindergarten classes about Mine Safety.
(Click Here for Photos)

The National Humane Education Society visited Betsy Layne Elementary's Kindergarten - 3rd Grade. The talked to the students about the safety and the care for animals. The students were introduced to 4 different careers:  Animal Control Officer, Pet Groomer, Animal Trainer and Veterinarian.
( Click here for more Photos)

BLES Kicks-off OPERATION 
PREPARATION with its
First Ever COLLEGE & CAREER TOWN HALL MEETING

On Monday, BLES held its first ever College and Career Town Hall Meeting as an opening event for the school's OPERATION PREPARATION activities.  Operation Preparation is a state-wide college & career initiative sponsored by the Kentucky Department of Education.  During this event, students in grades 5th-8th were given a chance to ask question of a panel of community career professionals.  Student developed their own questions during their Advisor-Advisee class time with the guidance of their teachers.  

The panelists included:  Dr. Henry Webb, superintendent; Mr. Jeff Stumbo, Board Chairperson; Mrs. Linda Chaffins, retired teacher; Mr. James Meade, medical physicist; Mrs. Amy Rose, occupational therapist; Mrs. Connie Woods; physcial theraptist, Mrs. Thelma Jones, Branch Manager Community Trust Bank; and Mrs. Leann George, speech therapist.  This was a wonderful opportunity for BLES students to explore what it takes to suceed in college and their future careers.
(Click here for more photos)
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BLES STUDENT AND STAFF CELEBRATE READ ACROSS AMERICA WEEK

Students at Betsy Layne Elementary are having fun with Dr Suess/Cat in the Hat and The Read Across America Week! (Click Here for More Photos) 

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BLES
2013 Basketball Homecoming
(click here for photos)

Congratulations to Jordan Adkins our 2013 Basketball Homecoming Queen
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BLES #1 in DISTRICT GOVERNORS' CUP COMPETITION

BLES Middle School Academic Team takes 1st place after a hard-fought come back to win the District Governors' Cup Academic Competition.  Congradulations to Coach Michael Griffith, academic team members and parents, and community members for proving once again that Being Our Best Counts At This School. (Click here for photos)

FINAL STANDINGS
BLES 1st PLACE OVERALL
BLES 1st PLACE FUTURE PROBLEM SOLVING COMPETITION
BLES 1st PLACE QUICK RECALL COMPETITION

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BLES Students Perform School Wide Musical--"Beyond All Borders"
(Click Here for more photos)
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Chad Varga, Motivational Speaker, talked about his overcoming odds growing up in an addictive household and abusive environment. The students were given free autographed pictures. This was a wonderful program sponsered by the FRYSC.(Click here for more photos)

Joe Washington entertained the students with his wonderful Anti - Bullying program.(Click here for more photos)

BLES STAFF WELCOME STUDENTS BACK 
AT ANNUAL BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY!

Imagine showing up the first day of school and seeing your teachers and administrators outside the school on the sidewalks with pom-poms, posters, large smiles and brightly-colored T-shirts, cheering for you as you unload the bus.  Would this have put a smile on your face?  Would you have been filled with excitement?  Well, BLES Staff members did just that as they welcomed back students for the 2012-2013 school year bright and early Tuesday morning.  The staff knows how important a good first day is for students and this is just a taste of what they do for kids everyday.  Thank you BLES staff for your dedication to OUR students.

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BLES PROM 2012--  "A NIGHT OF STARS"
(Click Here for more photos)
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PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL TEAM VISITS BLES

Recently, the East Kentucky Drillers, a professional indoor football team based in Pikeville, visited with the students and staff of Betsy Layne Elementary.  The Drillers team is a member of the Ultimate Indoor Football League with their home arena being the East Kentucky Expo Center.  Driller team members addressed the student body and motivated students and staff alike to step up and do their best in school and life. Click here for more photos.
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BLES students participate in Floyd County's
DARE DAY IN THE PARK 2012---Anti-drug Program

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McTEACHER NIGHT 2012...We're Lovin' It!

Betsy Layne Elementary staff members recently participated in a McTeacher's Night fundraiser at the Coal Run McDonald's.  This is an exciting and anticipated event for all those involved, and the funds raised are used to help with expenses for the school's annual kindergarten graduation ceremony. Our staff members want to thank Coal Run McDonald's for a wonderful evening of food, fun and friendship. Click here for more photos.
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BLES STAFF & STUDENTS EXPRESS THEIR LOVE 
FOR THEIR SCHOOL

Beginning as a 3rd grade project, "What Do You Love About OUR School," quickly became a school-wide project.  Each student in the school and all staff members were given a heart to write something that they loved about their school, and all the hearts are now proudly displayed in the shape of a huge heart on the wall outside the school's cafeteria. 

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ENGLISH                       MATH                           SCIENCE          
Rylan Huey*                  Eric Clark                      Casey Rogers
John Stratton*               Rylan Huey                   John Stratton
Caitlyn Tackett              Kory Stevens
                                      Austin Yates
                                      Nathan Brinager (7th)
* Denotes students who scored perfect in two areas. ______________________________________________________________

BLES K-5 BOYS' BASKETBALL TEAM WINS DISTRICT TOURNAMENT!
Way to go, BOBCATS!
Coaches:  Kris and David Watkins, Joey Stumbo and Timmy Hall
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BLES CELEBRATES THANKSGIVING

On Thursday, November 17, BLES served over 1000 Thanksgiving dinners to students, staff, family and community members.  The BLES Student Council Members and administration worked in conjunction with the BLES lunchroom staff to serve student and visitors.  After a long day of serving others, the student council members sat down with the lunchroom staff for a much-deserved lunch break.  The student council members finished he day with a new appreciation of our lunchroom staff. 
(Click here for more photos).
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The following BLES students have been selected as participants in Duke University's Talent Identification Program (DUKE TIP):

1.  Ashley Allen (5th)
2.  Seth Howell (5th)
3.  Joseph Kade Meade (6th)
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BLES ANNOUNCES 2011 SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS

UPDATE--Congratulations to CAMERON THACKER, who placed 2nd OVERALL at the REGIONAL SCIENCE FAIR. 

Recently the 4th-8th grade students participated in the school's 2011 Science Fair.  Students were challenged to create projects that demonstrated their scientific knowledge and understanding.  This year's 1st and 2nd place winners are listed below:

Fourth Grade                                                         Fifth Grade                    
1st Place-- ALEXIS NEWSOME                              1st Place-- JULIANNA KIDD
2nd Place-- KRISTEN GRIFFITH                              2nd Place-- LORNA SWIGER

Sixth Grade                                                           Seventh Grade
1st Place-- JOSH HALL                                          1st Place-- CAMERON THACKER
2nd Place-- KADE MEADE & JACOB ELLIS             2nd Place-- ALISHA AKERS

Eighth Grade
1st Place-- ALEX MEADE
2nd Place-- NOEL BLEVINS

CONGRATULATIONS to all the winners and a huge THANK YOU for all the participants who helped make our Science Fair a great success.
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BACK-TO-SCHOOL RALLY

The morning of August 9th was filled with anticipation and excitement as the BLES staff arrived early to school to welcome back the students, parents and bus drivers.  With welcoming signs and banners in hand, the staff greeted students with smiles, high-fives, and cheers as students arrived on campus.  This proved to be a wonderful way to start the year. Click here for more photos.
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2011 Kindergarten Graduation
BLES 2011 Kindergarten Grads sing and dance as they celebrate a wonderful milestone in their lives.
Click here for more photos.
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BLES Raises $2,392.81 for "Pennies for Patients" Program

Recently, the students and staff members at Betsy Layne Elementary proudly participated in the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Pennies for Patients program, one of LLS's national school & youth programs that raises money to find cures for leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma.  This program teaches students caring, sharing, respect for others and the value of community service, in addition to supporting an important cause. 

The Pennies for Patients donation drive ran for approximately three weeks and was part of the school's Amazing Race challenge.  The second grade classes ended up raising the most money, winning the group a Solution Banner worth 500 points. 

"Part of our school's pledge is to Be a Solution, and this type of program helps students fulfill that pledge," explained BLES principal, Mr. John A. Kidd.  "This has taught students that they can make an important difference in the lives of others."

This is only one of many programs that the school has participated in to fulfill their pledge of "being a Solution."  In Kentucky and Southern Indiana, 257 schools participated in the Pennies for Patients program raising $226,000 for this cause.
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McTEACHER'S NIGHT..."I'm Lovin' It!"

On the evening of March 17th, staff members from BLES, including the school's principal, John A. Kidd, visited Coal Run McDonald's to work McTeacher's Night as a fundraiser for the school's kindergarten classes.  The event was a huge success, and a great activity for those who participated.  According to McDonald's staff members, this was one of the most successful McTeacher's Night fundraiser they had ever had.  The staff of BLES says a big "Thank You" to all those who came out and supported them during the McTeacher's Night fundraiser. (Click here for more photos).
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BLES CELEBRATES "READ ACROSS AMERICA"
"HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR. SEUSS"

During the first week of March, BLES celebrated "Read Across America" and Dr. Seuss's birthday.  Each day a Dr. Seuss book was  read over the intercom to the entire student body, and each book served as the theme for the day.  For example, on Thursday, Dr. Seuss's "Green Eggs and Ham" was the book of the day that was read over the intercom, the staff and students were encouraged to wear green, and the cafeteria staff served up green eggs and ham for breakfast.  Several community members also dropped in to read to students during the week. 
Pictured here is attorney Craig Davis, who stopped by to read to the first grade classes.
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BLES Students Raise over $700 for the American Heart Association's "HOOPS FOR HEART" Campaign

Recently BLES students and staff raised over $700.00 in the "Hoops for Heart" campaign sponsored by the American Heart Association.  This money will support life-saving research in the battle against the number one killer in the United States--Heart Disease. The grade-level group that raised the most money also received a Solution Banner worth 1000 points in the school's BOBCATS AMAZING RACE incentive program. 

"I'm proud of our students and staff," stated Hoops for Heart coordinator, Mrs. Tammy Jarrell, Practical Living and Physical Education teacher.  "Because of their hard work and dedication, this campaign was a huge success."

Pictured here is BLES student Brianna Bradford, who raised over $250.00 herself for this cause.
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Brandon Robinson, WYMT Weather Man, Visits BLES

As part of a recent unit on weather and precipitation, BLES third-grader students were treated to a visit from Brandon Robinson, WYMT weather man, who shared information about weather and answered questions from the students.  "The students had really good questions," said Jennifer Griffith, third-grade science and social studies teacher. "I was especially impressed with how detailed and higher-level their questions were," Griffith continued.  

Brandon Robinson grew up in the heart of the coalfields, right across the mountain in Harlan County.  He first became interested in weather and news at an early age. In fact, he said that he grew up watching WYMT.  Mr. Robinson graduated from Cumberland High School and then attended Southeast Kentucky Community and Technical College where he received an Associate Degree in Science. He then earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications at Morehead State University.  He is now attending Mississippi State University, taking classes in Broadcast Meteorology.

BLES students extend a huge “THANK YOU” to Mr. Robinson and when you ask any BLES third-grade student, you’ll hear, “Mr. Robinson is the best weather man around!”
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BLES HEAD-START CELEBRATES PRESIDENTS' DAY


  
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BLES HONOR VETERANS

Betsy Layne Elementary celebrated Veterans' Day on November 10^th, 2010.  Principal John A. Kidd welcomed the student body, staff and visitors to the event where the Jr. Band directed by Sandy Tackett performed a medley of the Armed Forces Salute.  Mr. Kidd recognized the Betsy Layne Disabled American Veterans which included:  Shular Hurd (Chapter 169 DAV Commander), George Hall (Commander of SS02), Gretho Hamilton, J.D. Roberts, George Kidd, Jr. and Shane Murray.  Other veterans included Ray Ponce and Zane Rivera.  Alex Meade a 7^th grade student read a poem titled “Remember”.  The JROTC of Allen Central High School presented the flag where everyone pledged allegiance to the flag. 

            The Betsy Layne Elementary Chorus sang the National Anthem and My Country Tis of Thee under the direction of Mrs. Sandy Tackett.  After the choir sang the JROTC exited, everyone was seated while McKenzie Akers (8^th grade) read a poem “Heroes Die for Me.”  To conclude the celebration a DVD entitled Thank You Soldiers was played while the entire student body sang to the video.  This is the 4^th annual Veterans’ Day Celebration that was sponsored and arranged by the Betsy Layne Elementary Family Resource Youth Service Center.

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BLES Fall Festival

Recently, BLES students, staff and community members celebrated the coming of fall during a Fall Festival sponsored by the school's PTO.  Click here to see more pictures.

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"HATS-ON" DAY AT BLES
Being A SOLUTION in the Race for a Cure

On Friday, September 24, the Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsored a "Hats-On" / Crazy Hat Day at BLES.  This was part of a national donation campaign for The Foundation for Children with Cancer.  As part of the school's Amazing Race competition, students were encouraged to wear their favorite or most crazy hats and bring in donations for the Foundation for Children with Cancer.  The grade-level team that collected the most donations won a SOLUTION Banner for the first leg of the Bobcat Amazing Race. By the end of the day, the school had raised over $900 in donations for Children with Cancer, with the 7th Grade team winning the SOLUTION banner by raising over $166.00.
"This was a great opportunity for BLES students to be a SOLUTION...Something they pledge each morning during our Bobcat Pledge," stated John A. Kidd, Principal.  
"This was for a really good cause," explained the school's PTO president, Mrs. Melena Brinager, "and I'm very pleased with how our students and staff took on the challenge,"   (Click Here for more photos)
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THE BOBCAT AMAZING RACE IS ON!

The Bobcat Amazing Race..."It Begins with You" is this year's school-wide theme at Betsy Layne Elementary School.  Much like the popular TV series The Amazing Race, the Bobcat Amazing Race is a competition or race among all grade-level teams to earn race banners, with each having different point values.  The race is broken into four (4) legs reflecting the four semesters of the school year.  Each leg of the race has certain banners/markers for which grade-level teams compete. These banners reflect the school's Bobcat Pledge and include the following: ATTENDANCE, SOLUTION, ACHIEVEMENT, RESPECT, PEACE, RESPONSIBILITY and SCHOOL SPIRIT.  Teams must attain certain criteria to earn each banner.  For example, to earn the ACHIEVEMENT Banner, the grade-level team must have 85% or more of their students to score proficient and/or distinguished in all areas during the THINKLINK testing cycle. Each grade-level team must also select a country to represent in the race, choose a team song, and create a unique flag for the team.  This type of competition and awareness helps students stay interested as well as motivated throughout the school year.
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BLES Celebrates
Grandparents’ Day

On Friday morning, September 10, Betsy Layne Elementary School hosted a Grandparents’ Day Celebration.  Approximately 250 Grandparents and family members were in attendance and each received a small token of appreciation from the school that included a lapel pin, ribbon bookmark, Grandparent’s Day ink pen, and a Very Special Grandparent certificate.  The entire student body came together to honor all the Grandparents in attendance.  Principal John A. Kidd welcomed everyone and read the Grandparents Day Proclamation that was signed by President Jimmy Carter in 1978, making Grandparents Day an annual event.  Brian H. Akers of the BLES Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) delivered a history of how Grandparents’ Day began.  During his presentation, Mr. Akers explained that “being a grandparent is not an easy job, and that over 3 million children today are being raised by grandparents.” 

            The grandparents were treated a Jack Hartman poem set to music and performed by the Kindergarten classes.  Debbie Bradley, 6^th Grade Language Arts teacher, also read a poem by Joanna Fuchs titled “Grandparents Meet a Special Need.”  Other poems were read by Michal Gilliam, an eighth grade student as well as Jefferson McKade Mitchell, a third grade student.  The final performance was a Grandparents Rap preformed by Nathan Brinager, Josh Griffith, Jordan Kendrick and Zack Justice. 

            Grandparent’s Day began as the idea of one woman, who inspired other dedicated people to join her campaign to establish a special day for grandparents.  Today Grandparents Day is celebrated by millions throughout the United States, who take the opportunity to honor their elderly family members and recognize their wisdom, strength, and lasting contributions.  Throughout this morning of remembrance and celebration, Betsy Layne Elementary sought to strengthen these enduring values of the American family.
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Bobcat PRIDE Transforms Campus

During last semester, the Bobcat PRIDE Club, sponsored by 3rd grade teacher, Jennifer Griffith, teamed up with the BLES PTO to transform the campus landscaping.  This effort began in May and was finalized in July with help from the Catholic Heart Work Camp members, who used the school as their home base in July to serve area residents with minor home repairs and winterization projects.  The landscaping project serves as a lasting reflection of the PRIDE that students and volunteers alike have for Betsy Layne Elementary School.  A special "Thank You" goes out to all who helped make this tranformation possible.  Click here to see more photos.

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KINDERGARTEN GRADUATION

(Click for the slide show)



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Bobcats SURVIVE Newport Aquarium

On Saturday, May 22, 2010, the Bobcat Survivor winners, the Mighty Monkeys (kg.) and the Tigers (7th), traveled to Newport, Kentucky to visit the Newport Aquarium.  This trip was the result of many weeks of hard work and dedication from of BLES staff and students.  Each week, students earned points from having clean rooms, maintaining high attendance, good behavior and competing in various challenges.  One such challenge was to raise money for Saint Jude's Children Hospital, which ended with over $3000.00 raised.  Another challenge was a "Hearts for Haiti" donation campaign when the Survivor Tribes were able to raise over $700.00 for the Haitian Relief effort.  Along with helping out in our world, Tribes have also participated in local challenges, such as a Cedar Coal Fair Challenge as well as hallway decoration challenge for State testing and a campus beautification challenge through the PRIDE club at BLES.  The teachers and staff also participated in physical challenges in the gym for their Tribes, such as bicycle races, balloon relays, limbo challenges, etc.  To view a slideshow of some photos from the Newport Trip, click here.
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During this year's Math-a-thon, the BLES Survivor Tribes ended up raising over $3,000.00 for St. Jude's Children Hospital.  Organized by sixth-grade math teacher, Mr. Michael Griffith, the math-a-thon was adopted as a school-wide Survivor challenge for all tribes druing the Bobcat Survivor campaign.  This is just another way that students at BLES are living up to their daily pledge of being a "Solution." 
Go Bobcats!
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