The Kentucky Schools Board Association (KSBA) presented the Newport Independent Schools with its Public Education Achieves in Kentucky (PEAK) Monday.
The district received the award for its groundbreaking Home Visit Program.
The PEAK Award, given twice yearly, was established in 1997 to focus statewide attention on outstanding public school efforts that enhance student learning skills and promote the positive impact of public elementary and secondary education in Kentucky.
“The administration, faculty and staff at Newport Schools believe relationships trump everything,” said Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Kelly Middleton. “To enhance the relationships between teachers and their students and parents, Newport began its Home Visit Program in 2012.”
All 2,000 Newport students receive a visit from their teacher prior to the new school year. All staff also participate. The program has helped the district build relationships and connections among the community, and has resulted in an increase in parent/guardian and community involvement, and fewer discipline referrals for students.
Newport Independent School Board Chairwoman Ramona Malone, who is a member of the KSBA’s board of directors, said the board is honored and proud to receive the award.
“The Home Visit Program is one of the many tools we use to build relationships with our students and their families,” Malone said. “The program helps us achieve our equity goals and to make our school community extraordinary. You can’t meet the needs of your students and families if you don’t know the need.”
Newport Independent Schools
