KINGS PREPARING STUDENTS FOR THE FUTURE

I recently had the opportunity to teach a class at Xavier University for aspiring school leaders. I was asked to share information about how we at Kings are preparing students for their future. There are so many great things happening throughout the district from building skills at the lower levels to student internships at the high school level. The work our staff has done around the Kings Power 5 Future Skills has been impressive. We look forward to continuing to grow our students' abilities to be communicators, collaborators, critical thinkers, problem solvers, and career-ready.  

Here is some data that is interesting about high academic expectations and student engagement at Kings:  

• Advanced Placement course offerings = 22
• Average ACT score = Kings 22.2: State average = 19.0
• 2024 graduates with honors credentials = 112 Honors Diplomas 
• Over 700 English Language Learners who speak 40+ languages
• Student internships 2024-2025 = 41 students total (looking to place 80 students in 25-26)
• Students in extracurriculars at KHS = 748

STATE FUNDING UPDATE

The governor released his first run at a state funding budget for the upcoming biennium. This initial budget is not favorable to Kings as we will continue to lose significant state funding over the next two years. We are working with state and county-level advocacy groups and local community members to advocate for adjustments to the budget proposal. 

The Kings Board of Education and administration is working diligently with local legislators to fully fund the fair school funding formula, advocate for additional funding for our growing diverse student needs, and further expand the Homestead Exemption for eligible seniors.    

KHS STUDENTS AWARDED JOE BURROW FOUNDATION GRANT FOR TEEN MENTAL HEALTH DAY

Kings High School's Sources of Strength student group was awarded a grant from the Joe Burrow Foundation to support the activities that were held on World Teen Mental Health Day on Monday, March 3. The students planned a day filled with engaging activities to promote mental wellness among their peers and help to create a positive atmosphere throughout the school such as playing uplifting music between class periods, wearing Bengals gear or the color green, a school-wide scavenger duck hunt, poster contest, and a prize wheel. 

The student leaders prepared a special morning announcement to kick off the day's events and raise awareness about teen mental health. This initiative demonstrates our students' commitment to fostering a supportive school environment and their leadership in addressing important issues affecting teens today. The Joe Burrow Foundation's support reinforces the significance of these efforts in promoting mental wellness among young people.

ELEMENTARY STEAM SHOWCASE

Recently I attended the elementary steam showcase at J.F. Burns Elementary. This was a great event where our students engaged in exploration, problem-solving, and analysis, and created scientific solutions to problems. The focus on early STEAM education is an emphasis in Kings and we are really proud of our students and staff!