The entire Project CHILD team wishes you a joyful holiday season. May you find time to relax and refresh with family and friends, and begin 2008 recharged and renewed.

Left to right: Winky Jenkins-Rice, Diana Paulson, Cathy Campanile, Jan Gabhart, Sally Butzin, Paula Cannon, Karen Yawn, Barbara Hett.

Sue Curtis (on right) with Winky Jenkins-Rice, ISI Director of Educational Programs.

This month we highlight a true “star” among our galaxy of CHILD leaders who support innovation. Sue Curtis, Executive Director of Elementary Education in Indian River County, Florida is that exemplary leader who understands and values the Project CHILD model within her district. There are currently 75 CHILD classrooms at 7 elementary schools within the district! As a former teacher, Ms. Curtis lends her expertise in problem solving to all who enter her office. She researches best practice techniques and encourages teachers to increase student achievement through hands-on learning and high expectations. It is with this philosophy that she leads the Indian River school district to be on the cutting edge to keep ahead of the ever-changing tides in public education today. Thank you Sue Curtis for your dynamic leadership and support!

Left to right: Melissa Allinder, Christy Crawford, Keevie Dixon, Rob Carroll, Crissy Sandefur

Several CHILD teachers and Principal Rob Carroll from South Heights Elementary School in Henderson, KY, shared their successes with the CHILD model at a recent Kentucky Title I Conference. Their presentation was titled “Teacher Tools to Manage Differentiated Instruction: The CHILD Instructional Model.” Winky Jenkins-Rice was there as well to add additional information on data and research from the Institute’s perspective.

South Heights has been increasing test scores and generating enthusiastic students since they adopted Project CHILD in 1999. The school now has Project CHILD schoolwide and is a CHILD National Demonstration Site. To learn more, go to www.henderson.k12.ky.us/schools/shs.htm.

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