From the Superintendent’s Office Patriot Family, As we bring the fall semester of this school year to a close, I wanted to take a moment to look forward to the next semester. As you may already know, earlier this month, President Benson announced that he would be stepping down as President of EKU. The EKU Board of Regents has named Dr. David McFaddin as the Interim President. They will begin conducting a national search for the next President of the university shortly. In the meantime, in this edition of the newsletter, I’ve included several other important events and exciting opportunities that are happening when we return from winter break. Finally, this holiday season, I wish you and all your families safe travels, warm celebrations, and great joy. I look forward to seeing everyone back for Spring 2020 on Monday, January 6! John R. Williamson Superintendent and Dean of K-12 Programs

Legislative Update EKU Administrators and Superintendent John Williamson continue to meet regularly with Rep. Deanna Frazier, legislators, and other key stakeholders on a sustainable funding solution for Model. They anticipate filing a bill early in the session, beginning in January, and all remain hopeful that at minimum, Model will be provided funding for the current operations next year. Some parents have asked how Dr. Benson’s transition will affect Model. Dr. Benson will remain connected with the university through the transition of a new president, so it is expected that he will continue to advocate for Model's role in K-12 and higher education. Model has a strong advocate in Dr. Benson, just as Model has a strong advocate in Dr. McFaddin, the interim president. The momentum Model has established will continue to grow and sustain us throughout the upcoming semester and the legislative session in January.

Parent Newsletter | December 19, 2019

DECEMBER 19 – JANUARY 3 Winter Break

JANUARY 6 First Day of Classes after Winter Break

Parent Seminar: Substance Abuse Prevention – Model Library; 6 p.m.

10 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production; EKU Center for the Arts – 7:30 p.m.

Athletic Hall of Fame Induction; Model Gym – 7:15 p.m.

11 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production; EKU Center for the Arts – 7:30 p.m.

12 A Midsummer Night’s Dream Production; EKU Center for the Arts – 2:00 p.m.

13 Parent Seminar— CANCELLED

16 Cap and Gown Order Placement Due

17 Class Ring Order Due

20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day – No School

27 Parent Seminar: CHECKing in on Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence – Model Library; 6 p.m.

Creating, Performing, Designing and Engineering:

Theatre Production Coming Soon! Come experience family fun, fairy mischief, and magic in A Midsummer Night’s Dream! The show will feature students from the elementary, middle, and high school; attending the production is a fantastic way to support Model as a whole. The production will be hosted at the EKU Center for the Arts at 7:30 p.m. on January 10 and 11, and at 2:00 p.m. on January 12. Tickets are $5, and can be purchased by going to bit.ly/model_theatre. Contact Sarah Jo Jacobs (Sarah.Jacobs@eku.edu) for additional information.

Faculty Updates for Spring 2020 We are excited to announce updated roles of current faculty members and welcome several new faculty members to the Patriot Family for the upcoming semester!

• Ben Hanks– part-time Secondary Math • Savannah Rose– Special Education • Martin Rosenberger– long-term first grade

substitute • Heather Taylor– RTI / Reading Specialist • Brielle White– part-time Secondary English

Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions On Friday, January 10, Tim Cahill (Swim Coach) and Kevin Knezevich (Swimmer) will be inducted into the Model Athletic Hall of Fame! The event will take place at 7:15 p.m. before the boys’ basketball game in the gym.

Kindergarten IOWA Assessments Kindergarteners will be taking the IOWA assessments in the mornings the week of January 13 – 17. Contact Dr. Christopher Budano (Christopher.Budano@eku.edu) for additional information. Balfour Cap and Gown & Class Ring Orders Representatives from Balfour will be accepting orders from seniors for caps and gowns on Thursday, January 16. They will be accepting orders from sophomores for class rings on Friday, January 17. Informational packets and order forms will be provided to these students the first week of January. Letters of Intent Letters of Intent for the 2020-21 school year will be distributed the first week after winter break. The letters of intent are due Friday, January 31. Deposits for next school year will be due Friday, March 6. Contact Beth Campbell (Beth.Campbell@eku.edu) for additional information.

Parent Seminars Jan. 6 – Substance Abuse Prevention On Monday, January 6, at 6 p.m. join Alex Elswick, co-founder of Voices of Hope (a nonprofit located in Lexington dedicated to substance abuse prevention and recovery), in a discussion about risk factors for substance use and prevention strategies. There will also be a Q&A session designed to address topics more in-depth. Jan. 27 – Being Mindful of Emotions: CHECKing in on Your Child’s Emotional Intelligence Children, especially high achievers, often struggle to navigate their emotions in a healthy and productive way. On Monday, January 27, at 6 p.m. join Dr. Jilliane McCardle, Gifted Services Coordinator, and Tammy Frazier, School Counselor, to learn how CHECKing in (Control, Hear, Emotional awareness, Challenge, Know) with your child on a regular basis can nurture emotional intelligence.

Homecoming 2020 Mark your calendar for Friday, February 7 because YOU are invited to the first-ever Model Alumni Homecoming, hosted at the EKU Alumni Coliseum! Alumni who RSVP will receive free admission and VIP perks at the Feb. 7 Model basketball games. Be sure to add/update your information at model.eku.edu/alumni to be included. Everyone is welcome to come out and support the Model Varsity Basketball teams, who play at 6 and 7:30 p.m.!

Model Laboratory School at Eastern Kentucky University 521 Lancaster Avenue • Richmond, KY 40475 (859) 622-3766 • model.eku.edu

Enjoy the Winter Break, Patriot Family! We look forward to seeing you back on Monday, January 6, 2020!