This publication highlights the monthly activities and events that take place
on campus and across the state.
March 2015
PRINICPAL MATTERS
By: Ms. P (Debi Phillips)
We when go to the doctor and a serious medical test completed,
we want good results! When we plant a garden, weed and tend to
it for months, we expect good results! As a school administrator,
my school life is one of strategic planning, school improvement
plans and accountability required by the guidelines of public
education in the hopes of producing good results.
What are good results for schools?
Of course, students achieving in
reading and writing and at high
levels are good results but we know there are many other measures of
student growth that are just as important. One of our first graders
recently learned to tie their own shoes and another student learned to
write their full name in Braille. In math, some students learned how to
make their learning more accessible by using a new computer app.
Another student wrote a play that she is will be producing and
performing soon for a live audience at the home of our good neighbor, APH.
Yes, results do matter and for me, as the principal at KSB, the things that really matter are our kids
and their daily successes—no matter how small they may seem! Every child under our care has the
potential to become an amazing person…those are the results, that in the end, really matter. Every
day I witness our students be tenacious, kind, helpful and I think, “What a great world they are going
to make”. Those are the results that matter.
COUNSELOR’S CORNER
By: Elaine Hall, Guidance Counselor
So many great things are happening at The Kentucky School for the
Blind! As school counselor, I offer just a tiny snapshot of many
wonderful things happening:

Our seniors are finalizing their “What’s Next?” applications.
Some have applied to colleges and are finalizing scholarship
applications. Some are looking at work opportunities and
sharpening job skills. Some are making plans to continue job
training and independent living opportunities at Office for the
Blind.

Plans are well under way for our third annual Operation Preparation, a statewide advising
program for all 8th and 10th grade students across the state to help prepare for college and/or
career readiness. Here at The Kentucky School for the Blind, we always use this week as an
opportunity to provide as many real world advising experiences as possible in order to broaden
experiences. We also use the week as an opportunity to inspire students to jobs and careers
that they are not generally familiar with. We also guide these advising sessions to have a VI
focus to let students ask questions from visually impaired adults and ask about experiences
they may encounter.

Plans have begun for development of the 2015-2016 school calendar. We will be
implementing some block scheduling in order to give some longer instructional minutes, and
we look forward to telling more about that in the months ahead.

Teachers continue to talk to our high school students about the importance of good grades and
earning KEES money for those good grades.

Our elementary teachers continue to build independence each and every day and to help
develop strong thinking and study habits among the students.

Students are very hard at work in all levels of our building. Teachers are working hard to catch
up from lost snow days and cover new material ahead. We have begun plans for spring music
programs and Founder’s Day.
Thank you to all our families for your support and encouragement. Please continue to check in with
your children about things they are learning and books they are reading.
Kentucky School for the Blind is a wonderful place to learn and excel!!
As always, please do not hesitate to call with questions or concerns.
WELCOME TO LOW VISION
By: Connie Hill, CLVT (Certified Low Vision Therapist)
Elementary students are learning about eye anatomy and their
eye condition. They have been working on vision statements for
their vision portfolios. Here are some of the statements:
“I wear glasses. My rights eye is my good eye. I use a
monocular to see things in the distance. I wear goggles in the
swimming pool.”
“My right eye is my good eye. I wear glasses. I don’t have
mobility right now. I use a white cane when I travel. I use a monocular to see things in the
distance.”
“My right eye is my best eye. I have O&M on Wednesday. I use a white and red cane. I use a
monocular to see from a distance. I wear goggles in the swimming pool.”
Second and third graders have been learning the eye anatomy by using an egg shell for the eye
socket, marshmallow cream for the sclera, Hershey kiss for the iris and colored icing for the iris. Here
are some of the students: Macy, Alex, and Hayden
Middle School students have been learning eye anatomy and their eye conditions through baking
cookies and decorating them. The sugar cookie is the sclera, Hershey kiss the iris and colored icing
for the iris. Along with the baking of the cookies we discussed how the cookies expand like the iris
when light enters. Here are some of the students baking cookies and decorating.
The Transition Dorm students are working on
cooking skills using low vision strategies. They use
their monocular at the store to locate the aisle
needed to get their grocery items. Madeline uses her
phone to take a picture of grocery prices. Here are
the students cooking.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact
Ms. Hill.
connie.hill@ksb.kyschools.us
502-897-1583, ext. 7101
SHORT TERM PROGRAM WEEKEND RETREAT: MAR 27 – 29
REGISTRATION DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MARCH 6th
This year's theme is “In Tune with Your Creativity” with a focus on music. The KSB Weekend
Retreat is funded by the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation.
This year’s retreat is in response to the request by last year’s participants to have a weekend built
around music. There will be opportunities for students to create music, visit a professional recording
studio, attend a musical theater production, and perhaps enjoy a musical surprise or two. In addition
there will be time set aside for reuniting with old and making new friends, cooking meals together, and
going out for a meal. Members of the KSB music instructional staff (all are performing musicians) will
be involved as part of the leadership team.
AUDIENCE: MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL
Follow this link for more information: http://www.ksb.kyschools.us/content_page.aspx?cid=22
For more information contact: Peggy Sinclair-Morris, Outreach Director at 502-897-1583, ext.
7714 or at peggy.sinclair-morris@ksb.kyschools.us
"AN EXCEPTIONAL AFFAIR - A NIGHT IN THE BLUEGRASS" - JUNE 5
Plan to join us for a night of dinner, wine and music on Friday, June
5 to benefit the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable
Foundation! Enjoy a delectable Bluegrass-themed dinner prepared
by Ice House Chef Laurence Agnew in collaboration with Guest
Chef Jim Gerhardt.
Enjoy complimentary wine pairings - courtesy of Southern Wine & Spirits of Kentucky. With the
Bluegrass theme, musical entertainment and a silent auction, the evening will be an exceptional affair
to remember.
Details and reservation information will be sent in April
KSB AND APH TO HOST KENTUCKY BRAILLE CHALLENGE
The Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) and the American
Printing House for the Blind (APH) will host the Kentucky
Regional Braille Challenge was originally scheduled for Thursday,
February 19. Due to weather, it was postponed to Monday, March
16.
Thirty-seven students (grades K-12) from across the state who
read and/or write Braille will participate in a unique competition that includes Braille speed and
accuracy, reading speed and comprehension, spelling, proofreading and interpreting tactile
graphics/charts and graphs reading.
The top scorers from all regional events will be invited to participate in the national Braille Challenge
in Los Angeles on June 19-20.
All competitive events will take place at KSB, located at 1867 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, from 10:30
AM-2:15 PM after an opening rally in the auditorium at 10 AM. After the competition, students and
their parents will move next door to APH (1839 Frankfort Ave.) for refreshments and entertainment at
1:30 PM, followed by the Awards Ceremony at 3:30 PM.
For more information about the Kentucky Braille Challenge, contact Janie Blome at (502) 899-2367 or
email jblome@aph.org.
INSIGHT POST-SECONDARY PREP PROGRAM: JUNE 5-13, DEADLINE: MAR. 15
INSIGHT is open to any student in Kentucky with a visual
impairment who is currently a sophomore, junior, or senior
the year in which they apply. Juniors and sophomores will
have priority in the selection process. Participants may
attend more than one year. In the event that more students apply than can be accepted for the
program, a waiting list will be created in case of a drop out before the program start.
INSIGHT is intended to give high school students the opportunity to experience what it will be like in a
post-secondary setting. Participants will attend college classes, classes taught by INSIGHT staff,
meet with college staff, live in the dorms with other students, make and keep schedules, and
participate in various activities that are like those you would experience if you lived on campus. All
participants are supervised at all times and must follow INSIGHT rules and policies.
AUDIENCE: HIGH SCHOOL SOPHOMORES, JUNIORS and SENIORS
For more information or to register visit
http://www.ksb.k12.ky.us.schools.bz/content_page.aspx?cid=30
Contact: Peggy Sinclair-Morris, Outreach Director at 502-897-1583, ext. 7714 or
peggy.sinclair-morris@ksb.kyschools.us
“APH INSIGHTS 2015”
Twenty-fourth Annual Juried Art Competition and Exhibition for
Artists Who Are Visually Impaired or Blind
Throughout the past 23 years history of this competition, there has been
very few entries from Kentucky students who are blind and visually
impaired. I hope you will share this with your students. APH is a great
supporter of our students. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to show our
appreciation for their support, by inundating them with artwork from
Kentucky?
Please take a moment to look over the details below.
The American Printing House for the Blind (APH), located at 1839 Frankfort Avenue, invites visually
impaired and blind artists of all ages to submit artwork to “APH InSights 2015.” This is the twentyfourth year of the competition, which is open to everyone from preschool children to senior citizens
and professional artists, as well as hobbyists and school art classes. Entries can cover a wide range
of subjects in a variety of media, including painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography.
The deadlines for entry are: March 24, 2015, for preschool through high school students and
April 1, 2015, for adults.
Winners of the annual international art competition will be showcased in a free exhibition during the
organization’s annual meeting of Ex Officio Trustees in October. The competition reflects APH's
mission to "promote the independence of blind persons" by encouraging individuals to create original
art.
Here is a link to the on-line forms and rules. Use form labeled “ A” for pre-high school, and form
label “B” for adults. You may fill out your form on-line, and print it, but not submit it on-line. The
reason is that we need the form to come with the artwork entry, not separate from it.
http://www.aph.org/museum/enter_insights.html
Contact: Roberta Williams rwilliams@aph.org. or 502-899-2357.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS!
BLIND BOYS OF ALABAMA
Several TVIs and their families in W KY attended the performance of the Blind Boys of Alabama at
the W KY Community and Technical College in Paducah. The singers first met while attending the
Alabama School for the Blind and have been singing gospel music for decades.
Our group was seated by Barbara Adams & Justine Howard, WKCTC Student Ambassadors and
former KSB graduates. These sisters attended KSB many years ago and presently are assistant
preschool teachers in the Paducah Independent School System. With the encouragement from
family, friends, and OFB, these girls are on their way to IECE certification and a classroom of their
own. This is a reminder that one is never too old for education.
Enjoying the concert are Heath & Trisha Conklin, Nona & Gerald Walker, Robbin Cox, Lana Dockery.
Barbara Johnson Adams, Robbin Cox (W KY KSB Outreach consultant), & Justine Johnson Howard
ADAPTIVE PE
February brought an opportunity for teachers across the state to
sharpen their adaptive physical education skills with coaches and
athletes from the United States Paralympic Team. Special education
teachers, physical education teachers, TVIs, and administrators from
14 schools districts attended the training in Central Kentucky. Clark
County Public Schools trained teachers from every school in their
district.
Amanda Dennis, USA Women's Goal Ball Gold Medalist, and Matthew
Boyle, head coach of the men's team, trained the teachers on the
rules of goal ball. Lex Gillette, world champion and world record
holder in long jump, taught sessions on adapting running activities in
physical education classroom.
Nancy Nichols, Outreach Consultant, worked in collaboration with Dave Wickstrom, Independence
Place (IP), to organize this event. IP will hold the next adaptive PE professional development in July
in Winchester, Kentucky.
The photos below are of Mr. Paul Christy, Superintendent of CCPS, running with Lex Gillette. The
blindfolded teacher in front of them is Lindsay Pritchett, Anderson County Schools TVI. The student
looking at the silver medal is Dylan Nichols. Several students observed/played goal ball in the
afternoon session.
Check out the news broadcast here:
http://www.wkyt.com/home/headlines/Sportsforthedisabledafocusforteachers.html
COMMITTEE UPDATES
TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE
Fantastic new technology is arriving at KSB in the next few weeks. Through a generous grant from
the Kentucky School for the Blind Charitable Foundation, we will be receiving a Tap-It, Chromebooks
and some additional iPads!
The Tap-it is an ADA approved interactive whiteboard. This technology will give a larger group of our
students the ability to interact and participate in a modern classroom environment. KSB will utilize the
Chromebooks in a new class offered next year. We are always looking for opportunities to expose our
students to new and emerging technology. The additional iPads will improve interaction and
collaboration with the teachers who are utilizing this equipment already. New technology always
brings new possibilities!
COMMUNICATION COMMITTEE
One of the things that KSB’s Communication Committee has been working on is to improve external
communication with all stakeholders (parents, alumni, professionals in the field of visual impairments,
educators, businessmen and community friends). Here are a few initiatives that have been put into
place to help in this effort:

In December, the official KSB Facebook Page was launched. In addition to providing
stakeholders information about events and activities, it was instrumental in keeping our
audiences informed about school closings during the past few weeks due to inclement
weather. I encourage you to “Like us on Facebook”
https://www.facebook.com/KYschoolfortheblind.

You are encouraged to visit the KSB website http://www.ksb.kyschools.us/ . That is your best
source for the latest information. Committee member Beth Baker has been designated to
review and update information on the site.

In addition, the committee has revamped our news publications. In an effort not to overload
your email inboxes, the previous Weekly Wildcat newsletter has become the Monthly Wildcat.
This publication highlights all aspects of KSB as the Statewide Resource Center on Blindness
and contains news relevant to all of our stakeholders. It is distributed, via email and available
on our website, on the last Friday of each month.
In keeping with our effort to communicate effectively with parents of students who attend KSB, the
committee has implemented the Weekly Campus Update. This news memo is circulated every Friday
to students, staff and their parents and contains news of on-campus programming.
If you are not receiving the Monthly Wildcat and/or Weekly Campus Update and would like to do so,
email Beth Baker beth.baker@ksb.kyschools.us.
The Communications Committee meets monthly. If you would like to join us, please contact
Committee Chair Paula Penrod paula.penrod@ksb.kyschools.us. The next meeting will be held on
Tues., Mar. 3 at 11:30 AM in KSB’s Professional Development Room.
SAFETY AND GROUNDS COMMITTEE
The main goal of the Safety/Grounds Committee is to provide a safe, secure, and healthy
environment for all students, faculty, and staff.
In an effort to support this goal, the Kentucky School for the Blind (KSB) has:

Added a Badge Reader Access system to three of its buildings (Music Building, Langan Gym,
Recreation Building).

Implemented a ticketing system so that requests from maintenance, technology and
housekeeping are answered in a timely manner

Housekeeping has created a restroom monitoring checklist to show that the restrooms on
campus are cleaned and replenished frequently

Video answering monitors were installed in the dorm so that staff could see who is requesting
entrance to the building

The campus playground is currently prohibited due to safety concerns. Bids for repairs are
being taken and the concerns will be addressed as soon as possible.
KSB is committed to providing a safe and clean environment for all.
UPCOMING CAMPUS EVENTS
ACTORS THEATRE OF LOUISVILLE PLAYWRITING RESIDENCY UNDERWAY
Kentucky School for the Blind eighth through twelfth grade students have begun working to create 10minute plays. Under the tutelage of Justin Dobring; teacher in residence from Actors Theatre of
Louisville, Sarah White; middle school English/Language Arts teacher and Kyrstin Johnson; high
school English teacher, students have begun a twelve day residency wherein their product will be a
10-minute play, which will be read by actors from Actors Theatre at KSB.
The students will also enter their work into two playwriting competitions: New Voices Playwriting
Competition at Actors Theatre and VSA Playwriting Competition. The winners will have their plays
performed at either Actors Theatre or the Kennedy Center for Performing Arts in Washington, D.C.
We offer a special thanks to VSA and Actors Theatre of Louisville for grant funding to make this
program possible for our students.
KSB READERS THEATRE - MARCH 31 - 6:15 PM - 8:30 PM
Celebrate our students success with us as Actors Theatre playwrights and actors perform 8-12th
grade student written 10-minute plays. (Note: some plays may contain material not suitable for
children under the age of 13.)
KSB AUDITORIUM
1867 FRANKFORT AVE
LOUISVILLE, KY 40206
Contact: Kyrstin Johnson (502) 897-1583 x 7314
RING CEREMONY SCHEDULED - MAY 8
Students who have purchased a class ring will be invited to participate in the KSB Ring Ceremony on
May 8, 2015 directly following the Founder’s Day Celebration. Family and friends are encouraged to
attend to celebrate our high school students.
Students who purchased a ring must have their rings paid to Balfour by March 13, 2015. If rings are
not paid in full by March 13, Balfour will not guarantee that they will be at KSB on May 8 for the
ceremony.
If you have any questions about ring purchases or ceremony, please contact Kyrstin Johnson.
UPCOMING STATEWIDE EVENTS
BUILD YOUR FUTURE WORKSHOPS FOR YOUNG ADULTS - MARCH 5 - 10-11AM
Applying For Jobs 101
Designed for young adults ages 16-28,
Attendees will learn the basics of job applications and
resumes and what employers are looking for.
Guest speaker:
Susan Rademaker - Human Resources Manager,
Parallon Business Performance Group
Build Your Future workshops are FREE and open to the public, but please RSVP.
BON AIR LIBRARY
2816 DEL RIO PLACE
LOUISVILLE KY 40220
Contact: Amy Jones at (502)589-6620 or ajones@calky.org.
MEDICAID WAIVER TRAINING – MARCH 5 – 6 – 7:30 PM
Alecia Barrett, case manager at Seven Counties Services, Inc., will present a brief explanation of
services and eligibility for the Michelle P. Waiver with instructions for getting on the Michelle P.
Waiver waiting list and discuss other potential resources for individuals with ID/DD (EPSDT, HCBW)
VIPS
1906 GOLDSMITH LANE,
LOUISVILLE, KY 40218
Contact: Mona Wilkerson: mwilkerson@councilondd.org or 502-584-1239.
INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY - MARCH 7 - 10:30AM. – 3PM
Join us to celebrate the life and career of author, activist, and education pioneer Helen Keller with a
full day of events. The day's activities include a story hour for children, a showing of The Miracle
Worker with audio description for the blind, clips from her 1919 autobiographical film, and a reception
in her honor. Free to the public but space is limited so registration is required. For adults and children
age 5 and up.
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND
1839 FRANKFORT AVE, LOUISVILLE, KY 40206
Contact: Katie Carpenter, 502-899-2213 or kcarpenter@aph.org
CAL’S 2015 MOCK INTERVIEW CLINIC – MARCH 12 – 10AM-12:30PM
Great opportunity to practice your interview skills!
Mock interviews and feedback with real HR professionals!
FREE 30 minute session!
Dress in interview attire and bring your resume.
Slots are limited and reservations are required.
CENTENNIAL ROOM – MAIN LIBRARY
301 YORK STREET
LOUISVILLE KY 40203
Contact: Amy Jones at (502)589-6620 or ajones@calky.org.
READERS THEATER - FRI, MAR 13 - 7- 9PM AND SAT, MAR 14, 1-3PM
The APH Museum Readers Theater Troupe presents a festival of new plays, all by blind playwrights.
No props, no lights, no costumes. Our actors read the script in braille. Free to the public but space is
limited so registration is required. Best for older children and adults.
Note: APH Readers Theatre is presenting “A Fire’s Definition” by KSB sophomore Madelyn
Loyd @APH March 13, 2015 7PM/March 14, 2015 1 PM.
AMERICAN PRINTING HOUSE FOR THE BLIND
1839 FRANKFORT AVE, LOUISVILLE, KY 40206
Contact: Katie Carpenter, 502-899-2213 or kcarpenter@aph.org
IPAD BOOT CAMP MARCH 23 & 24, 8-4PM, DEADLINE MARCH 20 (WEST KY)
The iPad Boot Camp is an intensive two-day experience filled with hundreds of
demonstrations of new and innovative ways to use the iPad to help individuals
with disabilities achieve educational success. This hands-on training provides
participants an intensive emersion into apps, adaptations, accessories, and
resources that benefit students who experience impairments related to vision,
hearing, cognition, communication, learning, remembering, executive function,
neurobehavioral, and physical disabilities. PARTICIPANTS MUST BRING
THEIR OWN iPAD.
Target Audience: Educators, service providers (SLP's, OT's), individuals with
disabilities
and their parents/family members, paraprofessionals, vision specialists, vocational rehab counselors,
AT staff
Cost:
$50
Need more information? Want to register? Click here for more info or to register for this workshop!
WENDELL FOSTER'S CAMPUS (YOUNG BUILDING),
815 TRIPLETT STREET
OWENSBORO, KY 42303
Contact: Tricia Cecil (270) 683-4517, ext. 487 or tcecil@wfcampus.org.
FAMILY DAY – WINCHESTER - MARCH 21
Join us for motivational speakers: Judge David Holton and Travis Freeman from
23 Blast & Lights Out.
Goal Ball, Student Showcase, Arts & Crafts and Face Painting will be offered.
Lunch will be provided.
GEORGE ROGERS CLARK HIGH SCHOOL
2745 BOONESBORO ROAD
WINCHESTER, KY 40391
Contact: CKEC/SESC Outreach Consultant, Nancy Nichols: 606-371-0997
See the flyer at the end of the newsletter
RECIPES FOR SUCCESS TRANISITION FAIR - MARCH 27 – 9AM-2:30PM
Audience: Middle / High School
KNOTT CO SPORTSPLEX CENTER
450 KENNY CHAMPION LOOP
LEBURN, KY 41831
Parents, Teachers and Administrators
are encouraged to attend!!!
Please register as soon as possible.
Contact: KSB Outreach Consultant, KVEC: Verna Howell - 606.216.3596 (work cell)
REGIONAL ACCESSIBLE EASTER EGG HUNT – ASHLAND – MARCH 28, 11AM-2PM
KYOVA MALL
10699 US ROUTE 60
ASHLAND, KY
Lunch, Games, Crafts, and fun-filled surprises will begin at
11AM inside the Mall, followed by a spectacular
Accessible Easter Egg Hunt at 1PM!
This extraordinary event is structured to provide
interactive enjoyment and break down barriers that
impede full inclusion in traditional Easter activities.
Contact: KEDC Outreach Consultant, Pamela Howard 606-465-5831 or
pamela.howard@ksb.kyschools.us
See the flyer at the end of the newsletter.
VISIONARY DAYS – WEST KY – APRIL 16 and 17
April 16, 2015, 6PM, is a Soup Supper for Parents. The parents will have
opportunity to learn about services from agencies in the region.
CITY PARK CLUBHOUSE
755 PARK AVENUE
MADISONVILLE, KY
April 17, 2015, 9AM – 1PM, is Visionary Day for students who are blind or
visually impaired and the theme for the day is A Touching Experience for
Students- Exploring Art with the Blind and Visually Impaired. Students will
participate in sessions on art, dance, low vision skills, orientation & mobility,
and technology.
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH
246 MAIN STREET
MADISONVILLE, KY
See flyer and registration form at the end of the newsletter.
Contact: Robbin Cox, KSB Outreach Consultant for West KY - 270-994-3395 (cell)
CALENDAR:
March, 2015
9
Monday
Flexible Professional Development Day for Staff
11
Wednesday
Little NC Goalball Championship Meet, Ohio
State School for the Blind, Columbus, OH
11
Wednesday
3rd Quarter Grading Period Ends
13-14
16
Friday/Sat
Monday
APH Reader’s Theater – featuring a KSB student play
KY Regional Braille Challenge
20
Friday
Low Vision Clinic, EKU
20
Friday
iPad Bootcamp – West, KY
21
Saturday
Central and Southeast/Southcentral Family Day in Winchester
24
Thursday
Swimming and Forensics: Day Meet, Indianapolis, IN
27-29
Fri/Sat/Sun
Short Term Weekend Retreat
28
Saturday
KY Educational Development Cooperative
Region Family Day
31
Tuesday
KSB Reader’s Theater
Editor: Beth Baker, Administrative Assistant, Outreach
Kentucky School for the Blind
1867 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206
We’re on Facebook! We would love for you to like our page!
Follow this link: https://www.facebook.com/KYschoolfortheblind
KSB Mission Statement:
“The mission of the Kentucky School for the Blind
is to provide comprehensive educational services
to all Kentucky students who are
blind and visually impaired, birth to 21.”
KSB Vision Statement:
“Empowering Students who are Blind and
Visually Impaired to Command their Future”
KSB Beliefs
We believe students who are blind and visually impaired…
... can become college and career ready through world class instruction and
services
… have unique needs that must be met
… have a right to knowledge, tools and relationships necessary to build
successful lives
… deserve to be taught in a safe and caring environment by competent
professionals
… are meaningful contributors to society