Weekly Leadership Connection

Celebrating Success and Embracing Perseverance

At SCPS, we have so many reasons to celebrate! This past weekend, the Collins Cheer Squad and the SCHS Dance Team delivered outstanding performances and brought home well-deserved awards. Congratulations to both teams on their hard work and success!

Reflecting on their achievements brings to mind the power of perseverance. The key trait that separates the average from the exceptional is grit—the willingness to push through challenges and do what it takes to reach the next level. Success, whether in academics, athletics, or life, requires dedication and a willingness to overcome setbacks.

As educators, we play a crucial role in teaching our students how to navigate obstacles and develop resilience. Even more importantly, we must model this behavior through our continuous learning and growth. Championships—whether we are winning trophies or mastering a subject—are earned on the other side of “I don’t feel like it.”

Let’s continue to encourage perseverance in ourselves and our students, knowing that every small step forward brings us closer to our goals.

Have a wonderful week ahead!

Check out some of the learning that is happening in our district.

students in a classroom lined up for a pic — Process Machinery announce a partnership with Southside Elementary's 4th-grade classes for a hands-on geology project! Their team recently visited the school to kick off this year’s collaboration, and they said they were blown away by the students’ enthusiasm and curiosity. From thoughtful questions to insightful answers, these young minds truly impressed their new partners. Their eagerness to learn about Kentucky’s geological wonders—and the stories Earth’s features tell—was inspiring!

greenhouse construction — Shelby County High School's Greenhouse construction is looking great! This is an inspiring space for agricultural students to learn and "grow!"

3 students rock climbing — Students in Casey Page's Advanced PE class took their rock climbing skills to new heights this past week!

students posing with John Boel from WAVE 3 — John Boel from WAVE3 News visited the WMS Student Media Team to share his experiences, discuss his process, and provide practice advice. West Middle is extremely grateful for his years of service to the community and the field of journalism.

students posed with lawyers — On business and finance day sophomores involved in the Chamber of Commerce Young Leaders Institute visited Berkley Oliver PLLC. Students got to see the fun side of being a lawyer and a business owner all in one. Looking at the obvious leadership trait of integrity when it comes to being a lawyer And the vision when it comes to being an entrepreneur. Thank you so much for taking the time to speak to our students today and answer all of their questions.

young leaders at Traditional Bank — Young Leaders Institute also visited Traditional bank on Friday, November 15th as part of their business and finance learning day. They heard from guest speakers who talked about the many different job opportunities in banking.

Our inspired leaderships comes in many forms in Shelby County Public Schools.

a teacher and two students - one speaking into a mic — Two students were awarded character coats at Painted Stone Elementary on Friday, November 15th.

adults talking to students — Senior Conversations Round #2 at Martha Layne Collins High School! Community partners met with their group of seniors to follow up on plans and discuss plans for college or career. Each student was given a folder geared towards their specific plan. Thank you to all of our community partners who are a part of this! It is amazing to see the connections and conversations.

susan barkley CFO — Susan Barkley, Chief Finance Officer for SCPS is President Elect of the Kentucky Association of School Business Officials (KASBO) for the 2024 - 2025 term. Click to learn more.

Mrs. Erin Dennis has been selected to serve on the Reading and Writing Standards and Assessment Review Committee (RC). The American Institutes of Research will facilitate a team of teachers, higher education leaders, and business and community members to review the Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Reading and Writing and the assessment blueprint.

Mrs. Dennis is a Teaching and Learning Pathway instructor at both Collins High School and Shelby County High School.