CHS Students Visit Cities Around the Globe via Virtual Reality

Corbin High School Integrated Social Studies students got the opportunity to visit New York, New York; Amman, Jordan; and Ashland, Kentucky. 

The students visited the cities via Virtual Reality technology. The virtual reality headsets place students inside a three dimensional virtual environment, giving the illusion of presence. The technology allowed the Corbin students to experience the geography and culture of Ashland, Amman, and New York while watching, listening, and visiting young people from each city. Each young person explained their life and culture in the areas they lived.

“With the help of the VR sets, students were able to view life from the perspective of these three young people living in different parts of the world helping them to empathize with and appreciate their global community,” Corbin Technology Integration Specialist Kristal Doolin said. 

Corbin EdTech Provides Technology Resources for Students

Corbin Schools new EdTech program is bringing innovative technology resources, ideas, and opportunities to teachers and students in the district.

Since the program’s start in August, classes have not only had the opportunity to take virtual field trips to a variety of places, but they’ve also had the chance to use digital tools to learn with classrooms across the globe and collaborate with their peers in new ways.   

Corbin Schools Technology Integration Specialist Kristal Doolin is focused on providing leadership, training, modeling and support for teachers both in and out of the classroom.  “Students benefit most when we shift our thinking from using technology to teach what we’ve always taught to creating new learning with 21st century tools and skills. Classroom teachers have far too much to do on a daily basis, so my goal is to make staying on top of the latest tech trends, tools, opportunities, and global learning initiatives easier.” 

New Corbin Middle School on Track to Open in 2018

The New Corbin Middle School is slated to open in early 2018. 

The construction crews are following a tight schedule to complete the 113,608 square foot building that will house grades 6 - 8. A portion of the new building is now standing at the site, 50 McNeel Drive. 

“The Corbin School community is extremely excited as our new middle school begins to become a reality. A considerable amount of time and effort was put into the planning of the facility prior to construction and to see those ‘paper dreams’ begin to come true is very gratifying,” Corbin Schools Superintendent David Cox said.

The construction of the new building started in February 2016 and the groundbreaking ceremony was held this past June. Community members attending the ceremony commented the site had already changed dramatically. 

The site is the former Saint Camillus Academy property that was purchased by the Corbin School District in 2013. The property was purchased from the Sisters of Divine Providence and is set to be paid off this year. It consists of 26 acres located in the heart of Corbin.

Prior to the start of construction, architect firm Sherman-Carter-Barnhart and Hacker Brothers Construction met with administrators, board members, staff, and even students to complete the design and planning stages. The top priority for the building is to create an atmosphere for learning while integrating technology, accessibility, and safety. 

The School Facilities Construction Commission, SFCC, is assisting with the construction and building funds. SFCC offered their assistance in building a new middle school in September 2014. The agreement required the Corbin Board of Education to commit the district’s facility bonding potential toward the building project with the state providing the rest of the funds. The district received the offer of assistance based on the factors of poor building evaluation scores, a building project ready to move forward, a commitment to excellence from the district, and community support for education. 

“While the building and facilities are certainly integral to a great education, we know the students, staff, and community are the most important factors in our success. To that point, we would like to thank our community for their continued support throughout the years. Without their generosity and willingness to go above and beyond what is required, this school would not have been possible.” Cox said. 

The photos included show the site changes from the date of purchase in 2013 to December 2016.

NHS Hosts Annual Storybook Christmas

Corbin High Schools National Honor Society, NHS, hosted their 22nd annual Storybook Christmas at the Corbin Center. 

Storybook Christmas is a NHS led community literacy project where more than 200 Corbin High School student volunteers act out children’s books for elementary students. 

“Every year it is a Christmas miracle as we transform the Corbin Center into a children’s book wonderland for 24 hours. I appreciate all the hard work, time, and money each group puts into this project. Our main purpose is to encourage children to read and make sure every child has books to read in their home.” Storybook Christmas Coordinator and Corbin High School Teacher Jill Lewis said. 

ATC Criminal Justice Students Hosts 2nd Annual Operation Joy

Corbin Area Technology Center Criminal Justice classes donated turkey baskets to law enforcement officials as part of their second annual Operation Joy.

The 50 turkey baskets were donated to local, state, and federal law enforcement officials to distribute to needy families in the community. 

“The operation teaches our Criminal Justice students that law enforcement plays many different roles in the community,” Criminal Justice Teacher Tackett Wilson said. “Of course, the main purpose is to give back to the community during the upcoming Christmas Holiday season. It teaches the students the core values of helping those who are less fortunate.”

The class expanded the operation from last year increasing the number of baskets donated from 15 to 50. The Criminal Justice students met with officers at the Corbin Area Technology Center to help load the baskets into the cruisers. The baskets were complete with a turkey, stuffing, vegetables, and drinks. 

The Criminal Justices classes consisted of 50 students. The department would like to thank students, staff, and community members as well as the VFW, Kroger, and Walmart for their generous support in providing donations toward the project.

CHS Biomedical Program Named Top in State

The Corbin High School Project Lead The Way Biomedical Program has received the “Program of Excellence Award”. Naming Corbin High School’s program the best Biomedical program in the state.

“Biomedical department head, Mrs. Debbie Theodore, has created, shaped, molded and directed this program to become an example of exemplary learning.” Corbin High School Principal John Crawford said. “Everyday, kids are exploring, asking questions, probing and being involved with ‘hands on’ projects.”
Corbin High School’s program was named the best out of more than 50 programs across Kentucky. The program was honored at the PLTW/Biomedical Convention last week.

The Biomedical program allows students to explore a range of careers in biomedical sciences. The programs rigorous curriculum consists of four courses and allows students to study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. The students learn content in the context of real world, hands on activities, projects, and problems. They participate in activities such as practice suturing, constructing body structures from clay, dissections, designing a prosthetic arm, and investigating the death of fictional characters. They also examine structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. 

The program is very hands on and has become popular among students at Corbin High School. The program has grown from 20 students in 2012 to approximately 160 this school year. 

Corbin Intermediate Hosts Character Day

Corbin Intermediate School hosted a Character Day to teach students the importance of being a “person of character”. 

The event was organized by Corbin Intermediate PBIS, Positive Behavior and Inventions/Supports in Schools, and YSC, Youth Services Center. Corbin High School students served as role models at the event by planning and teaching the character lessons to the younger students.

“The main purpose of the event is to teach children about being a person of character. Students need to know the importance of respect, kindness, forgiveness, etcetera,” Corbin Intermediate PBIS specialist Erin Wells said.

The female lessons included Save the Drama (the dangers of gossip and rumors), Kindness and Forgiveness (Learning the right way to respond when others don't), Confidence and Attributes (learning our personal value), Open-mindedness (Tolerance and Acceptance of Others), and Being Accountable for Your Own Actions (Words and Actions can hurt and you can make a difference). The male lessons included The Tough Kid (Bully Prevention), Chivalry and Character (Becoming a modern day knight), Find the "Brut" Within (Self-control, benefits of fitness as a coping strategy), It's a Guy Thing (Hygiene and personal care), and Making Good Choices and Judgments.

Area Technology Center Students Attend Kentucky 4 Construction

The Corbin Area Technology Center electricity and automotive classes visited the Shelbyville Fairgrounds for the Kentucky 4 Construction event. 

The students got the opportunity to participate in numerous activities at the event. They were able to run various pieces of equipment and compete through obstacle courses. Potential employers attended the event to speak with students regarding the numerous careers offered in the construction and engineering fields. 

UK Engineering Visits CHS

A representative from the University of Kentucky’s College of Engineering spoke to Corbin High School and Corbin Area Technology Students regarding the engineering school. Any students interested in engineering were invited to attend the event. 

Corbin High School currently has approximately 100 students enrolled in the Project Lead the Way Engineering pathway. The representative, Monica Nielsen a UK college of engineering student, spoke regarding several aspects of the UK program including requirements for enrollment, an explanation of each engineering major, and life at UK as an engineering student. 

First Priority Hosts See You at the Pole

Corbin Schools First Priority Clubs hosted the annual See You at the Pole event September 28. 

See You at the Pole is a global movement of prayer that is student-initiated, student-organized, and student-led. Students across the Corbin District as well as students across the nation gathered around the flag pole at each school, prior to the school day, to pray for the schools, students, and the nation. 

First Priority student leaders organized the event. They came up with topics to pray over as well as led the prayer at the schools.

Corbin Preschool Celebrates Grandparents

Corbin Preschool Center hosted their annual Grandparents Day. 

Grandparents had the opportunity to visit their student during the school day. The students created crafts and shared snacks with their grandparents. Grandparents also got the opportunity to view students daily activities.

Numerous grandparents attended the event. The preschool center held two celebrations one for A.M. students and one for P.M. students. All classes participated in the event.

UK Dental Students Visit Corbin Schools

University of Kentucky Pre-Dental Students visited Corbin Primary and Elementary School students to speak on the importance of dental hygiene. 

The UK visitors provided toothbrushes, floss, and toothpaste to each student. They taught the students how to properly brush and floss as well as informed them of the dangers of not brushing and flossing correctly. The UK students also spoke to the students about how surgery foods effects dental hygiene. 

Local Editor Visits CHS English Class

John Ross, managing editor of the Times Tribune, spoke to more than sixty Corbin High School students from Mr. Theodore’s English 095 and Creative Writing classes. 

Mr. Ross imparted advice on writing an editorial as well as some insight into journalism and being an editor.

In the upcoming weeks, the students will be submitting their own editorials. Mr. Ross communicated that when writing an editorial, it is important not only to acknowledge a problem, but also present a solution. He went on to give several examples and presented the students with actual editorials that had been published.

Corbin Elementary Completes Fitness 5

Corbin Elementary School participated in Fitness Five.

Fitness Five is a program offered by the Youth Services Center in partnership with Baptist Health Family Fitness to promote a healthy lifestyle for young students. 

Corbin Intermediate Hosts Annual Book Fair

Corbin Intermediate students visited the Scholastic Book Fair last week. 

The book fair travels to schools across the nation allowing students the opportunity to purchase books. The primary, elementary, intermediate, and middle schools host a book far twice a year, once in the fall and once in the spring. All students have the opportunity to visit the fair. The purpose of the book fair is to promote reading among all ages.

Corbin Schools Named Distinguished District

The Corbin Independent School District will continue to be recognized as a Distinguished District. According to the testing data released by the Kentucky Department of Education this week the districts test scores increased by 1.9 overall. 

A Distinguished District is classified as any district scoring between the 90th and 99th percentile in the state. Distinguished Districts are also recognized as the top 10 percent of school districts in Kentucky. 

Corbin High School and Corbin Intermediate School were each named a “School of Distinction”, which is the highest award an individual school can achieve. Schools of Distinction are classified as the highest performing schools in the state with overall scores at the 95th percentile or higher. 

CHS Students Assist Department of Fish and Wildlife

The Corbin High School Environmental Science Class placed nearly 8,000 Lake Sturgeon fish into Laurel Lake last week. 

The students worked with the Department of Fish and Wildlife to release the fish. The students placed the 6 month old Sturgeon fish into pans and acclimated them to the lake water before releasing them at the Mouth of the Laurel Boat Ramp.

“The department invites our science classes to participate in the project because they know getting more people involved in their efforts increases public understanding and awareness as well as increases the likelihood for success,” Corbin High School Environmental Science Teacher Ann Hail said. “As for our class reading the material may make some impact but actually being able to participate in a restoration project with the Department of Fish and Wildlife helps students to relate the material to real life and will leave a lifelong memory.”

The Corbin High School science students have had the opportunity to assist the Department of Fish and Wildlife in placing Sturgeon fish into the lake since 2008. The department is working to reintroduce Sturgeon fish to the area. These fish were once native to Kentucky and the surrounding lakes until over fishing and pollution eliminated them.

The project goes along with the Environmental Science unit regarding pollution, ecology, extinction, and restoration. Following the release of the fish, the science students picked up trash around the boat ramp and hiked some nearby trails.

Corbin High School Seniors Celebrated as 100th Graduating Class

Corbin High School Seniors celebrated being Corbin Schools 100th graduating class!

The seniors received a 100th graduating class t-shirt before taking a class photo at Campbell Field. Corbin High Schools first graduating class consisted of three students in 1918, Ida Mae Bishop-Owens, Roy Wyrick, and Ed Gilliam. The 2017 graduating class will be the 100th class to graduate from Corbin High School, with 215 students. 

CHS Students Experience Life in the Reconstruction Era

Corbin High School History Students experienced what it was like living in old Corbin in 1897.

The students participated in a simulation to see what it was like living in the Reconstruction Era. Corbin High School History Teacher Sarah Watkins researched occupations, wages, and tasks that were typical of people from the time period.

“Each student was given a new identity to that of someone living in the town of Old Corbin in 1897,” Watkins said. “Their occupations ranged from wealthy sawmill owners and railroad workers to milliners and scullery maids.”

Andrew Roark Announced as New Athletic Director

Corbin Schools would like to announce Coach Andrew Roark as the new Athletic Director for the Corbin School District. 

Coach Roark has taught and coached football at Corbin High School since 2009. He will continue to fill various roles as a Redhound including teaching Project Lead the Way courses and serving as the new Athletic Director.