The Corbin Board of Education (BOE) adopted new communication platforms in response to Senate Bill 181 (SB 181), a Kentucky law that requires traceable communication between school employees and students. This was discussed during their meeting on Aug. 14 at the Corbin BOE building, where they also celebrated updates regarding Corbin Preschool.
To comply with SB 181, the district has implemented ParentSquare, a secure communication tool that facilitates messaging between schools and families. Additionally, they have adopted other traceable platforms, such as SportsYou, which is designed for communication among athletes, families, and coaches, and BrightWheel, an application specifically created for early education programs like Corbin Preschool. BrightWheel is used for parent communication, attendance tracking, and payment processing.
During the meeting, updates regarding Corbin Preschool were also presented. Corbin Preschool Principal Jill Jones reported on the successes that her school has achieved. One significant accomplishment was the increase in the number of students considered “Kindergarten Ready.” The school implemented the Brigance Assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses, guide instruction, and monitor Kindergarten readiness. They assess students three times a year. In the fall, 53% of students scored as “Ready.” By winter, that number increased to 58%, and by spring, 69% of students had achieved this status. Of the 70 incoming Kindergarten students assessed, 31 (44%) were identified as coming from low socioeconomic backgrounds, 20 (29%) had Individual Education Plans (IEPs) that ranged from speech to autism, and three were non-native English speakers.
“Our goal is to have even higher numbers,” Jones stated. Their program is 100 percent inclusive, assessing all students, regardless of disabilities, socioeconomic status, or language barriers. The teachers analyze the assessment data to enhance their instructional methods.
Corbin Preschool introduced a new curriculum called “PreK On My Way,” which focuses on developing literacy, language, math, and social-emotional skills in young children through engaging activities, authentic books, and purposeful play. “We’re very excited. We’ve worked many hours on our curriculum throughout the school year and during the summer. Now, we have a better understanding,” Jones explained.
According to their presentation, highlights within the community included partnerships with the Corbin Fire Department, Hillcrest Nursing Home, Corbin Health and Rehabilitation Center, Corbin Preschool for Step Up Day, Corbin School of Innovation for Christmas in the Castle, and a field trip to the London Children’s Museum. They also recognized the Family Resource Center and complimented Melinda Wynn for her readiness to assist students when needed.
Jones mentioned the 21st Century Community Learning Center, an academic program targeting math, reading, and science.
Students are referred to this program if they are falling behind or are chronically absent.
The program offers after-school tutoring and a variety of enrichment clubs, such as dance, music, theater, chess, book club, cooking club, girls who code, and more. Students must complete their academic work before participating in these fun clubs.
They have recently received a grant for Corbin Primary School (CPS) and conducted an audit of the Corbin Elementary School (CES) program. Additionally, they offer Redhound Enrichment at CPS and CES, with 85 students enrolled for the year and 62 students enrolled for the summer.
In other matters, the board approved the purchase of mellophones for the high school band, totaling $7,100. They also approved reducing the real estate tax rate to 62.4 cents per $100, marking the sixth consecutive year that the board has maintained or lowered this rate.
The meeting concluded with the recognition of CPS teacher Melanie Howard, who is a top-three finalist for Teacher of the Year.
