Second Semester means so many things to school children as it does to all of us involved with the students. Our students at Paducah are not any different. For our high school students second semester brings many opportunities for competition, stock shows, FFA LDE contests, FCCLA project competitions, BPA contests, basketball playoffs, track, baseball, One Act Play, Band, UIL academic contests, golf and tennis. Along with all these opportunities are the anxiety of TAKS testing for 10th and 11th grade students, and the new End of Course or EOC tests that have been imposed on them by the legislature. Paducah students are well-rounded proud students who want to win at everything they do academically and athletically. Many hours are spent before and after school preparing for both academic and athletic excellence. Our JH students have many of the same opportunities before them, basketball district tournament, track and STAAR testing. These students work as hard as the high school and strive for perfection in all they do.
Our elementary students also anticipate the second semester with excitement. The 3rd through 5th grade students will soon be heavily engaged in STAAR testing. Kindergarten through 2nd grade are assessed in reading and mathematic skills through other testing formats which are used across the state to determine if a student is prepared for the next grade. In addition to these tests the students look forward to field trips, warmer weather and summer. Opportunities for growth outside of school exist also youth basketball and baseball (by the way coaches and helpers are always needed) 4-H stock shows, play days and other opportunities for learning can be found. Greenbelt golf opportunities usually begin in late April or early May.
Paducah Schools are not just about classroom. I think this is much to the chagrin of many in our state. But we still believe that education comes not only from books, but from experiences. We, as a community that holds high expectations for our students, need to encourage, assist, support and mentor our young people as never before. The pressures, the expectations, the anxiety, the uncertainty is greater than ever in my opinion. They need us to hold them up, guide them, and love them for who they are.
Troy