4-5-2022
Dear FIS Families, Students, Staff and Community,
The love I have for this school system and community is unwavering and deep-rooted to the core of my mind, body, and spirit. I am so grateful and thankful that the FIS Board of Education Team afforded me the opportunity to collaborate with such wonderful teams and individuals to support the transformation of the lives of so many students in order that they become the best version of themselves. Over the last 7 years, we have accomplished too many things to name and I say we because it was a complete team effort. Our focus throughout my tenure has been students! While I thought and dreamed that I would remain in Frankfort Independent Schools the rest of my career, ultimately, I have decided to accept another position that begins July 1, 2022. I intend to remain in Frankfort Independent Schools until June 30, 2022 as we begin a transition plan. The team we have in place in FIS is highly functional and I have full confidence the work will carry forward and even accelerate beyond measure.
This is the single toughest decision my family and I have had to make in terms of next steps together with the focus on work and life. We will remain in the Frankfort community and my kids will continue to attend school in Frankfort Independent Schools. This is my family and my love for you will continue! I am a Panther for life!
Best,
Houston Barber
Frankfort High School is thrilled to announce that Ethan Atchley will be the next Head Football Coach at Frankfort High School. He brings a wealth of knowledge and wisdom to lead our young men at FHS. He is meeting with the players today. Check out the attached press release.
Frankfort High School is excited to announce the hiring of Kelcie Turner as Frankfort High School's next Varsity Volleyball Coach. Please check out the attached press release. Congrats to Coach Turner and welcome to the Panther Family.
Good morning FIS Families! We have continued to follow CDC guidelines with great success. In following with updated guidance, we will be moving to mask optional beginning March 7, 2022. We ask that you respect and support each other whether choosing to mask or not. Go Panthers!
Frankfort Independent Schools & Healthy Kids Clinic Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Announce Partnership
2/11/2022
Governor Andy Beshear was the keynote speaker yesterday for the ribbon cutting and announcement of the opening of two new Healthy Kids Clinics in the Frankfort Independent School System. “Partnerships like this one with Cumberland Family Medical Center’s Healthy Kids Clinic and the Frankfort Independent Schools make it easier for parents and guardians by ensuring their kids get the care and treatment they need,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Having this clinic here, and in other Kentucky schools, will help produce a generation of students who will make better health choices when they become adults, and that will help Kentucky become stronger, healthier and more resilient.”
Healthy Kids Clinics are school-based health centers located on-campus that provide a full range of health care needs for students and staff alike regardless of economic or insurance status.
“The motivation behind Healthy Kids Clinics is simply to provide a means by which absenteeism is decreased, academic achievement is increased, and a whole generation of healthier, better educated Kentuckians is created,” stated Dr. Eric Loy, CEO and Medical Director of Cumberland Family Medical Center, Inc. “Our mission is to provide accessible, affordable, and high-quality health care where it is needed the most. In this case, it happens to be in a school-setting.”
Also, on hand to celebrate the ribbon cutting, was Angela McDonald, BSN RN, State School Nurse Consultant with the KY Department of Education.
Managed by Cumberland Family Medical Centers, Inc., a Federally Qualified Health Center network, Healthy Kids Clinics are in 18 school districts and on 113 school campuses across the state where they provide on-site primary care and preventive care to students and staff.
FIS Panther Families - Due to icy conditions and hazardous road conditions, Frankfort Independent Schools will be closed tomorrow Friday February 4, 2022. This is a traditional snow day. Be safe!
Panther Families - Frankfort Independent Schools will be closed tomorrow February 3, 2022 (including Early Learning Academy) due to the ice storm warning and the declared State of Emergency from Gov. Beshear. All athletics and activities will be cancelled. Please be safe!
Happy Sunday! I hope you are enjoying your weekend. Frankfort Independent Schools has been consistent in following CDC Guidelines throughout this pandemic. The CDC recently changed their guidance and we are following the latest guidelines. Here are the latest updated guidelines :
Quarantine & Contact Tracing
Individuals with an at-school exposure don't need to quarantine if they aren't having symptoms but are recommended to test on days 5-7.
If it is an outside of school exposure, the following individuals must quarantine: Anyone who isn't vaccinated and anyone over 18 who isn't up to date with recommended Covid-19 vaccines.
For Test To Stay:
-Patient must be asymptomatic
-When participating in the program, the patient must wear a mask
-Students and staff are allowed to participate
-Outside of school exposures can now be tested
Test to Stay
Day 0 - {LAST DAY OF EXPOSURE TO POSITIVE CASE}
No testing --- Allowed to stay at school ----
Day 1- test- Go to school only if negative
Day 2- test-Go to school only if negative
Day 3- test-Go to school only if negative
Day 4- test-Go to school only if negative
Day 5- test - Go to school only if negative **(Special Note-If Day 5 falls on a weekend or day that school is not in session, then individual will be tested the next day that school is in session
Thank you and let's keep our students safe and in school!
Best,
Houston Barber
Frankfort High School Families and Students,
Basketball Homecoming is a long-standing tradition at FHS, and our staff and students have been working diligently to ensure that our Homecoming week (Jan. 24-29) can occur safely this year! Most surrounding districts are completely cancelling events such as these due to the struggles of Covid-19. However, Frankfort High is happy to announce that we will offer this privilege to our students this year! In order to keep our families safe, students will need to follow certain protocols next week as they partake in exciting and engaging activities! Highlights of the week will include Pajama Day, the traditional Junior-Senior Basketball Playoff, a visit from Tom’s Coffee truck at our Winter Wonderland Soc Hop, and music by the most highly acclaimed DJ in town, Ricky Redden!
SCREENING TESTING:
Our greatest concern is the health and wellbeing of our students, and FIS is proud to offer an expanded healthcare capacity with the recent addition of our Healthy Kids Clinic. Therefore, our district will be requiring that every student planning to attend the Homecoming Dance on Saturday, January 29 participate in screening testing on Friday, January 28th. Your student can reserve a spot for their Covid-19 test at the Healthy Kids Clinic by signing up for a Basketball Homecoming ticket at lunch today (Friday) or Monday. STUDENTS WHO DO NOT RESERVE A TEST BY SIGNING UP TO ATTEND WILL NOT BE ADMINISTERED A TEST AND THEREFORE WILL NOT ALLOWED TO ENTER THE DANCE.
Next Friday morning, students will be called down to our auditorium in cohorts of about 20. Covid-19 rapid test will by administered by our Healthy Kids Clinic nurses, and students will wait in the auditorium to be notified of their results. This process will align with the current protocols of our Healthy Kids Clinic, always ensuring the confidentiality of student test results. This will be a very quick and easy process for your child, and, most importantly, all students who attend the Homecoming Dance will know that every attendee tested negative for Covid-19 prior to the event. If your child tests positive, a virtual Homecoming viewing will be available! Information about this will be given to your student next week.
SYMPTOMS FORM:
Your student will also be required to fill out their Covid-19 Symptoms Form on Saturday, January 29th. This will be shared via email to your student, but you can also share the link below with them. We encourage students to fill this out on Saturday PRIOR TO ARRIVING at the Homecoming Dance. This will ensure that the process of entering the dance runs smoothly. However, if your student forgets to fill out the brief questionnaire prior, devices will be provided for your student to complete this vital check-in before entering the dance.
If your student is displaying an excess number of Covid-19 symptoms as evident within their questionnaire responses, they will be asked by an administrator to contact a parent or guardian and make arrangements to leave the facility. We will offer a waiting room for students who are symptomatic for Covid-19. As students enter, staff will be double-checking that all students received a negative test result. IF A STUDENT TESTS POSITIVE FOR COVID-19 AND ARRIVES AT THE DANCE, THEY WILL NOT BE ADMITTED AND WILL BE ASKED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO LEAVE. IF A STUDENT DID NOT GET TESTED AT SCHOOL ON FRIDAY MORNING, THEY WILL ALSO BE ASKED TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO LEAVE THE FACILITY. This is a non-negotiable policy set in place to keep our students and families safe.
Required Questionnaire - https://forms.gle/Vx7BAaQaLUcvALmf9
POLICY IF A STUDENT IS UNAVAILABLE TO TEST ON FRIDAY MORNING:
Students who have an unexcused absence on Friday morning should arrange for a Covid-19 test at another location or at the Healthy Kids Clinic on Thursday, January 27th. If this applies to your student, please notify Student Services Director, Brittney Howell, @brittney.howell@frankfort.kyschools.us
Students who are only planning to attend the Pep Rally and Basketball Games will not be required to participate in screening testing.
GUEST POLICY:
Your student is welcome to bring an out-of-district guest! Guests will need to complete the Guest Guidelines Form. Copies of this form are available in the front office and at the Homecoming Ticket table during lunch. A copy of the Guidelines form is also attached to this email. The guest must receive a negative Covid-19 test result. The Guest Guidelines form is due no later than Friday, January 28th to Assistant Principal Foley. Guests also must fill out the symptoms questionnaire and they must upload a photo copy of their negative test result within this form.
Required Questionnaire - https://forms.gle/Vx7BAaQaLUcvALmf9
MASKING:
Furthermore, we ask that students continue to wear masks at all indoor events - our annual Pep Rally, during the Basketball Games, the Homecoming Court Ceremony, and at the dance. Remember to encourage your child to wear their mask properly - over their nose and mouth. If your student is in need of a mask, the front office at FHS has plenty available upon request. KN95 masks will be provided to all students at the dance.
SCHEDULE & FUN HIGHLIGHTS:
Beyond the logistics, the Pep Club has planned a super exciting week ahead! Encourage your student to get involved in as many events as possible!
Spirit Days Monday-Friday, January 24-28 (see graphic attached)
Pep Rally: Friday, January 28th @Ewing Street Gym @1:30-3:00 p.m.
FHS Girls Basketball Home Game Friday, Jan. 28th @6 p.m.
FHS Boys Basketball Home Game Friday, Jan. 28th @7:45 p.m.
2022 Homecoming Court Ceremony during Boys Game halftime
A Winter Wonderland Homecoming Soc Hop/Dance @Ewing Street Gym Saturday, January 29th @8:00-11:00 p.m.
Remind your student that if they dress up on any Spirit Day, they will earn a free drink from Tom’s Coffee Truck at the dance on Saturday. The truck will be fully functioning at the facility from 9:00-10:30. Furthermore, students are encouraged to wear winter socks to our Homecoming Dance and participate in the Soc Hop. This is the Pep Club’s creative way of keeping the new gym floor in good shape! Students will be able to check in their shoes with staff at the entrance - similar to a coat check process. If your student does not want to participate in the Soc Hop, they will not be required to. Once shoes are checked in, students can show off their socks on the dance floor or in the photo booth! Your student can win a free pair of winter socks by entering our raffle while they sign up for a Homecoming ticket during lunch. They can also win socks by having the best spirit day outfits!
We can’t wait to see your student getting involved. It's going to be a great (and Covid Friendly) week!
Happy Thursday! FIS continues to follow CDC Guidelines for COVID Mitigation. We are asking our families to continue to work together and unite as one over the next few days and weeks. We need your help! Tomorrow, we have a big rivalry game vs. Franklin County HS in basketball at home and we are asking all families to mask up and social distance. Thanks for your efforts! As cases continue to climb, we must remain focused on the safety and mental health of each and every child. Go Panthers!!
January 15, 2022
**** For Immediate Release ****
Frankfort Independent Schools is excited to announce the hiring of Katelyn Blair as Head Softball Coach at Frankfort High School.
Coach Blair fell in love with softball when she was 8 years old and played at every opportunity from then until she graduated from Berea College. She attended high school at Rockcastle County High School in her hometown of Mount Vernon, Ky where she graduated in 2012 as the 5 year starting pitcher. Between seasons, she played on summer and fall travel teams.
Katelyn is a 2016 graduate of Berea College where she majored in political science and child development. She was a 4 year starter for the softball team as a pitcher/utility player and was a captain during her senior season. When not on the pitcher’s mound, she was a starter at both infield and outfield positions depending on the needs of the team.
In 2015, Katelyn had the opportunity to travel with her team to the Small College World Series at Akron Racers stadium in Akron, Ohio, where they entered as the 10th ranked team but finished as national runners up. She finished her pitching career at Berea College holding the school record for innings pitched and finishing as runner up for career strikeouts, wins, shutouts, and career ERA.
After graduating college, she served as assistant high school softball coach at both Frederick Douglass High School and at Tates Creek High School in Lexington, Ky. She was also active in the softball community—providing private lessons and coaching for the local youth league.
She and her husband, Matt, moved to Frankfort in August 2021. Katelyn works full time for the Kentucky Public Pensions Authority and enjoys spending her free time with her family and her pets.
Principal Tyler Reed stated “We are thrilled to have Coach Blair at the helm of our Softball Team. She brings a level of experience and expertise that will truly move our program to the next level. Frankfort High has a solid core of young athletes, and with Coach Blair’s knowledge of the game, we will see our athletes skills expanded and the game of softball taught. We look forward to hanging a softball banner in the near future!”
Coach Blair will be in touch with current and prospective players very soon to get all introductions, information, and practice under way. We look forward to seeing everyone out at State Stadium this spring to show our Lady Panther Pride!
Good morning! I hope our Panther families are doing well! We will be offering Drive-Through COVID Testing on Tuesday January 18 and then every Monday starting January 24 from 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM at Second Street School.
Happy Tuesday Panther Families! If you would like for your child to receive a booster, please sign up for this Friday's (January 14, 2022) Booster Clinic at bit.ly/fisbooster
FIS Families - Tomorrow will be a traditional snow day. Frankfort Independent Schools will be closed. No Pre-K, no wrap around. No activities and athletics. Enjoy the day, enjoy the snow. Drink some hot chocolate for me. I challenge you to read as well! Go Panthers!
Happy Thursday FIS Families! I'm sure you are wondering about the probability of school tomorrow. There are several factors involved in regards to decisions for school delays and closures in FIS. We just ask that you be patient with us! We have not made a decision at this time.
Good morning FIS Families! Frankfort Independent Schools will be on an early release schedule today due to potential inclement weather this afternoon. Second Street School will be on a 12:00 PM dismissal schedule and Frankfort High School will be on a 12:30 PM dismissal schedule. There will be no afternoon Pre-K and Wraparound. All activities and athletics are cancelled for the evening. Please be safe and thank you for being a Panther!
See this attached graphic about Kentucky Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT).
As a response to virtual learning this 2020-2021 school year, the FHS Art classes have been learning to use their computers to make art. Students had several projects to practice the skills they were learning, along with the elements of art. The final projects pulled those skills together. The Animal Icons and Self-Portrait artworks were created by the students using Google Draw while the Patriotic Portraits, and New Species photos were created in Pixlr.com a tool like Photoshop while they learned photo manipulation. The students enjoyed learning art this way and some found their hidden talent. Check out all of the artwork here: https://www.frankfort.kyschools.us/page/fhs-digital-art
If a student, teacher, or staff member tests positive for COVID-19 or thinks they may haveCOVID-19, follow this guidance to keep the community safe. Read more: https://5il.co/11sm3
The Kentucky Integrated Health Insurance Premium Payment (KI HIPP) program is a voluntary Medicaid program that helps families pay for employer sponsored health insurance premiums It is for families with at least 1 Medicaid member on the policy. Read more here: https://5il.co/11sm8
