Points of Interest
• SAR Contest Winners
pg 4
• Alumni Spotlight
pg 5
• Adopt-A-Class Update
pg 6
• School News
pg 7
• Graduation Schedule
pg 8
Students Selected to Represent KDS at 118th Continental Congress
Micah Kilpatrick is the 17-year-old son of Dedra Kilpatrick and is
a Junior at KDS. He maintains a GPA of 3.71 and says that science,
math and history are his favorite subjects in school.
Though Micah has only attended KDS for the past two years, he
has been an active member of the KDS Historical Society, Science
Club, Volunteer Club, and Red Cross Club. He also participated
in the Adventures in Engineering Job
Shadowing Program at Redstone
Arsenal and the Junior Achievement
AT&T Job Shadowing Day. Micah
was chosen to represent KDS at the
Jacksonville State University Emerging
Leaders Conference.
Micah loves to run and competes both
with the KDS Varsity Cross Country
Team and the Varsity Track Team.
Mallory Kirkland is the 17-year-old daughter of Drs. Barry and
Beverly Kirkland, who are both KDS alumni. She has a GPA of 4.0
and is currently ranked first in her Junior Class. Mallory will graduate
in May 2010 as a Distinguished Scholar with an Advanced Diploma.
She is a native of Gunter Mountain and has attended KDS since first
grade.
Mallory is extremely active in sports and other
extra-curricular activities at KDS including
Varsity Basketball, Golf Team, Volleyball, Marshall
County Youth Council, Marshall County Youth
Leadership, Student Government Association,
Mentor Marshall, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor
Society, Science Club, Spanish Club, Historical
Society, and National Honor Society. A talented
artist, Mallory also participates in the Art Club
and has won numerous awards for her artwork.
Mallory offered the following response about
When asked on his application to
what attending KDS has meant to her: “KDS DAR
describe what attending KDS means
School is who I am. It has molded me into the
to him, Micah responded with the
person I am today. Without it, I would not have
following: “Attending the KDS DAR
had as many opportunities to overwhelmingly
School and being able to graduate
succeed in whatever I choose to do. Moments
Micah Kilpatrick and Mallory Kirkland
from KDS next year means everything
such as Dedication Day have strengthened
to me. KDS has prepared me for the next steps that I will take
my abilities in decision-making and exhibiting a good work ethic.
in my future endeavors because I have been given the chance to
This school has made me a more respectable and responsible
excel academically, participate in athletics and to become a leader
individual.”
among my peers. I am very thankful for this opportunity and to be a
Although she is currently undecided as to which college or university
member of the KDS DAR family.”
she will attend, Mallory’s plans for the future include pursuing a
Future plans for Micah include attending Snead State Community
degree in engineering or architecture.
College for two years before transferring to the University of Alabama
Both Micah and Mallory are excited about the opportunity to
in Huntsville and pursuing a degree in electrical engineering.
represent the school, not only this summer in Washington, DC, but
throughout the coming year as well.
From a number of outstanding applicants, twelve KDS Juniors were
nominated as potential Continental Congress Representatives and were
interviewed by the Selection Committee. From left, they are:
Dusti Guffey, Ryan Atchley, Courtney Cooper, Micah Kilpatrick,
Payton Crowder, Hunter Edmonds, Chloe Garren, Austin Phillips,
Mallory Kirkland, Sam Winkler, Alix Hodges, Blake Jones.
Senior Awards Day May 22nd • Graduation Ceremony May 23rd
Schedule of Events on page 8
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 1
Board of Trustees
*KDS EXECUTIVE BOARD*
* Gary W. Cox, AL, Chairman
*Jean W. Vaughan, AL, Vice Chairman
* Peggy S. Johnson, AL, Secretary
* Larry Ward, AL, Treasurer
* Linda G. Calvin, CA, President General, NSDAR
Elizabeth S. Garner, MI, National School Chairman
* Shelby D. Ward, AL, Alabama State Regent
* Jean W. Vaughan, AL, Vice President General, NSDAR
*Yvonne S. Boone, IA, Advisor to President General
Elizabeth E. Cagle, AL, State School Chairman
*Connie H. Grund, AL, Parliamentarian
*Olivia P. Burkey, AL, Honorary Life Chairman
*Marguerite P. Horton, AL, Honorary Life Chairman
PRESIDENT GENERAL’S APPOINTEES
Edwina H. Beall, GA
Louise P. Brooks, VT
Mindy T. Kammeyer, GA
Betsy A. Moreland, LA
Patricia K. Rhoton, TN
Jean S. Vance, TN
STATE REGENT’S APPOINTEES
Katherine H. Dekle, AL
Connie H. Grund, AL
Janeal N. Shannon, AL
ELECTED MEMBERS
Gretta B. Archer, NY
Libby W. Bevel, AL
Leonora A. Branca, CA
Sue C. Bratton, FL
Barbara H. Carpenter, MD
Judith H. Chaffin, TN
Barbara B. Chastain, GA
Libby Clay, AL
Betty H. Ford, IL
Polly H. Grimes, MS
Carolyn G. Hanf, GA
Susan D. Harris, IA
Sharon A. Hopkins, MI
Ann Jenkins, AL
Tim Nabors, AL
Iralene D. Richards, AL
Kay W. Savage, AL
Mary Lee Schultz, AZ
Hampton Smith, AL
Cynthia L. Steinbach, VA
Cynthia T. Stout, IN
Marie H. Yochim, VA
Lynn F. Young, Texas
HONORARY MEMBERS
Jean F. Armstrong, OH
Mildred R. Byars, AL
Betty N. DeVries, NY
Alae Risse Leitch, GA
J.E. Moody, AL
Jan B. Ricketts-Herbison, AL
Lucy H.S. Taylor, AL
Evelyn S. Waite, GA
Frederica G. White, AL
Message from the Chairman
“Train up a child in
the way he should go,
Even when he is old
he will not depart
from it.”
Proverbs 22:6
As we celebrate the
85th Anniversary
of the founding
of Kate Duncan
Smith DAR School,
we are reminded
Gary W. Cox
of the many years
Chairman, Kds Dar School
Board of Trustees
the DAR and the
community have
joined together to provide the children
of Gunter Mountain with an exceptional
education. You make it possible to continue
the tradition of promoting patriotism,
education and historic preservation by giving
of your time, talent, and gifts to the school.
Many activities have been planned throughout the year to commemorate the 85th
Anniversary. Festivities began with a birthday
party held on February 26, 2009, the actual
anniversary of the opening of the school as
well as the birthday of Kate Duncan Smith.
After a brief lesson on the history of the
school, KDS students, faculty and staff
celebrated with balloons and birthday cake
in the lunchroom.
The KDS Soup Social on Saturday, March
7th was a fun event for students, teachers,
the community and DAR friends. Delicious
soups and desserts were provided by Melisa
Hall, Mimi’s Café, Porky’s Restaurant and
LaDonna Wooten and her lunchroom staff. I
would like to thank KDS Executive Director
Heather Green and all those who helped
to make this event extra special. Over 300
people attended the Soup Social and enjoyed
the student entertainment and art auction.
The String Band, Choral Ensemble, Jazz Band,
and Buckshot performed nonstop after dinner
with “toe tapping” tunes with the guidance
of David Gamble, Brook McGinnis and Billy
Walker. Many talented artists provided their
artwork for auction, including students,
alumni, current and retired teachers. The
auction was organized by Zan Ford, high
school art teacher, and Jeff Davis, elementary
art teacher. The joint effort culminated in a
most enjoyable evening.
There is such a rich history associated with
the Kate Duncan Smith DAR School campus.
The students are taught the history of their
school and why this DAR school is different
from most schools throughout the state and
nation. Libby Bevel, who is a mentor at KDS
and Organizing Regent of the Gunter Mountain
Chapter DAR wanted to share this history with
a group of second grade students she took
on a campus walk. The children thoroughly
enjoyed learning all about the school. This
spring Libby plans to take each second grade
class on a campus tour to share with them the
many wonderful stories behind the 85 years
of the existence of their school; a school that
began with a vision and a dream to teach the
principles of the founders of this great land to
children of all ages. This is just one way we are
preserving the American spirit at KDS.
I want to thank each of you for all that you
do to support KDS and its students and to
invite you to join us this year as we celebrate
85 years of educational excellence on Gunter
Mountain.
Blessings,
Gary
The KDS student entertainment and art auction were
a hit at the Soup Social 85th Anniversary Kick-Off. The art auction proceeds went
to the KDS Art Department Fund.
The southern rock group Buckshot performed
old favorites and original songs.
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 2
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE
Spring brings with it much excitement and
activity here at the Kate Duncan Smith DAR
School.
Heather Green
KDS seniors anticipating graduation can
hardly control their enthusiasm. Awards Day
is scheduled for Friday, May 22 at 9 a.m., with
Graduation Exercises following on Saturday,
May 23 at 10 a.m. Making the occasion even
more special, NSDAR President General
Linda Gist Calvin will be with us to deliver
the commencement address.
During the two-day graduation activities, the Endowment Wall of
Honor will be unveiled as a permanent installation in the Burkey
Center lobby. Since the KDS Endowment Campaign began July
1, 2005, more than $450,000 has been raised. The Endowment
is a restricted account in which the principal may not be spent;
only the interest earned may be used to fund school building and
maintenance projects. The names of all donors with giving of
$365 or greater will be featured on the wall, signifying an enduring
commitment to the success of the school and its students.
Since spring is also a time for enjoying the beauty of nature, KDS’s
ongoing Land Restoration Project will take center stage. During
the fall and winter, we have undertaken numerous plantings
utilizing trees, shrubs and perennials that are both native to the
area and easy to sustain. Current areas of focus include the
Pennsylvania Log Cabin, the Samsa Administration Building, the
Privett Library, and the Seimes-Thomas High School Building.
Other maintenance projects being addressed are the Michigan
Arts & Crafts Center and the New York Reception Room. In
the Michigan Center, updates have been made to the plumbing
fixtures, and the back porch balcony is getting a new railing and
additional reinforcing supports. The New York Reception Room
has a new air conditioning unit, a smooth ceiling with recessed
lighting, a fresh coat of paint and will soon have new carpeting.
Both these areas look fantastic and will be enjoyed by students,
faculty, DAR, and the community for years to come.
As the weather turns warmer, our students enjoy taking to the
outdoors for sports and other extra-curricular activities. Baseball,
softball, track and field, golf and tennis are just a few of the many
offerings available. There is truly something for everyone.
This time of year also finds me travelling to numerous DAR State
Conferences, sharing the KDS story with Daughters from across
the country. So far I’ve visited Alabama, Mississippi, California,
Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. Because Georgia and
Maryland were on the same weekend, high school Principal Stacy
Anderton represented KDS at the Georgia State Conference.
These trips prove very beneficial as they ensure the school stays
in the forefront of the DAR members’ minds.
As we move into spring and approach the end of another school
year, one thing is clear. KDS is a well-known, well-respected
institution of learning both close to home and throughout the
United States. Our “Gem of Gunter Mountain” truly is a special
place to be, no matter what time of year.
Several KDS students attended
the Alabama State Society DAR
Conference held
March 10-12 in Auburn. Jasmine Green, Mallory Kirkland,
Samantha Lee and Brittany Moody
served as pages and provided assistance
to the conference guests. Mallory and Micah Kilpatrick also spoke
about the school during the
School Breakfast on Wednesday.
The KDS Choral Ensemble
travelled to Auburn to perform
at both the School Breakfast
(pictured here) and during the
DAR Memorial Service. Pictured are (front row):
Jessica Dieken, Courtney Cooper,
Brentley Ayers, Kateland Mauldin,
Sally Kauffman, Paige LaPointe;
(back row): Payton Edmiston,
Jose Fernandez, Todd Watkins,
Hannah Beck, Garrett Gamble,
Robert Fuell, Chris Hall. The Choral Ensemble is under the
direction of Brook McGinnis.
KDS Executive Director
Heather Green and
Alabama State School Chairman
and KDS faculty member
Beth Cagle enjoy visiting with
Honorary Vice President General
Yvonne Boone during
the Awards Luncheon
on Tuesday.
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 3
dar darlings
The DAR Darlings is the newest club at KDS. With the role
of women changing in many ways over the past decades,
kindergarten teacher Donna Hasty, elementary counselor Kim
Smith, and school nurse Phyllis Randolph saw a real need to
help preserve the role of a virtuous woman. With the downfall
of the family, the influence of Hollywood and often times,
negative labeling from peers, many
young girls have a difficult time in
transitioning to young, responsible
ladies. The three felt that even with
the female role changing, there
were certain virtues that should
still remain: honesty, cleanliness,
self respect, kindness, modesty,
ability to care for one’s self and
loved ones, good citizenship and
responsibility. Teaching these things
is the heartbeat of DAR Darlings.
for two hours twice a month. They have hands-on activities
that will provide the girls with opportunities to experience
things that they may not normally get to experience. They also
have a few “Big Sisters” from high school that help with special
projects and help set positive role models for the girls.
After only a few meetings, the
DAR Darlings are already making
a difference on campus. They
have decided to spearhead the
Crisis/Emergency Kits needed in
each classroom and in each school
office. They have stocked all of
the Elementary classrooms with
emergency bags and educational
material. They hope to provide the
same for middle and high school
teachers before the end of the
school year. They have sent out
DAR Darlings from left: Jacklyn Parker,
a call for help to the community
The club was started in January with
Cassey McTarsney, Brittney Seals, Cassidy Shadden,
in stocking the boxes for each
seven elementary girls from the
Max Long, Hannah Phillips, and Katie Chen
school office. In celebration of
second, third, and fourth grades.
KDS DAR’s 85th birthday, the girls are also planting and caring
The club will hopefully expand next year by increasing the
for a flower garden by the Helen Pouch Building.
number of girls, following the fourth graders into middle school
and adding new members. The DAR Darlings meet after school
We can expect great things from these special young ladies.
KDS Students Participate in SAR Speech and Essay Contests
Additionally, Mrs. Myers submitted the works of seventeen
On February 9, 2009, three KDS DAR students competed
students to compete in the Alabama Society Sons of
in the Tennessee Valley Chapter SAR Joseph B. Rumbaugh
the American Revolution (Tennessee
Oration Contest. The subject of
Valley Chapter) George S. and Stella
the speech had to deal with an event,
M. Knight Essay Contest. All of the
personality, or document pertaining
students did an excellent job with two
to the Revolutionary War and show a
students placing 2nd and 3rd. The topic
relationship to America today. Not
of the essay was an event, person,
only did the oration have to be five
philosophy or ideal associated with the
to six minutes in length, the students
American Revolution, the Declaration
were also required to deliver the
of Independence, or the forming of the
speech without the use of notes, etc.
United States Revolution. All of the
- it had to be memorized! Carrie Ann
essays were required to be original,
Myers, high school English teacher,
researched and proven. Lindsey
had three students participate in the
Bearden, sophomore, placed 3rd and
event. Each student placed as follows: Sam Winkler, junior, placed 2nd.
Hunter Edmonds, 3rd place; Kerry
Rice, 2nd place; Ashton Manning, 1st
Congratulations
to all of the participants
place. Ashton went on to compete
Front from left: Ashton Manning and
and winners on a job well done!
in the state competition in Mobile,
Lindsey Bearden Back: Hunter Edmonds,
Kerry Rice, and Sam Winkler
Alabama, where she won 5th place.
e e e NOTE TO DONORS e e e
Because of a recent change in the way donations are reported to KDS by the NSDAR*, please notify the school directly if
you are making a donation of less than $100. In the event you have recently made a contribution and have not received an
acknowledgement from KDS, please contact the Administration Office so that your record of giving may be updated.
KDS values every donation of every amount, and we will do our best to ensure every gift is properly acknowledged.
*As stated in Daughters of the American Revolution Newsletter January/February 2009/Volume 9, No. 1, Page 3,
report of the Treasurer General: “On September 1, 2008, the Office of the Treasurer General, on the advice of our auditors,
implemented a new process to provide individual donor information to the DAR schools.
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 4
KDS Student Artists Honored
Numerous KDS art students
participated in the Mountain Valley
Arts Council’s Winterfest Junior
Competition and Exhibition.
The show was made up of 2dimensional and 3-dimensional
visual art by students who live
in or attend school in Marshall
County. There were 152 entries
that were judged on overall
Ann Marie Early and
appeal,
technique, and creativity.
her Best of Show
Seventeen KDS students placed
first, second or third in their respective categories and 13 students
earned honorable mention status. KDS 4th grader Ann Marie Early
was named Best of Show for the elementary age group.
Other KDS artists placed as follows:
TWO-DIMENSIONAL ART:
• Grades K-2 –Kelly Ivy 1st place, Kyle Saylor 3rd place
• Grades 3-4 –Gracie Weeks 1st place,
Jack Pate 2nd place, Josh Garner 3rd place
• Grades 5-6 –Cassie Taylor 2nd place,
Julia Walker 3rd place
• Grades 7-8 –Alex Gamble 2nd place,
Bailee Kennamer 3rd place
• Grades 9-10 –Hunter Lindsey 2nd place,
Jackie Rhyne 3rd place
• Grades 11-12 –Mallory Kirkland 2nd place
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART
• Grades K-4 –Katherine Saylor 2nd place,
Kyle Saylor 3rd place
• Grades 11-12 –Virginia Braswell 1st place,
Stacie Hoover 2nd place, Nicklas Stapler 3rd place
Snowflake Giving
Campaign a Success!
It
snowed
on
Gunter Mountain
this holiday season
thanks to the friends
and supporters of
the Kate Duncan
Smith DAR School.
In order to continue
the noble work
the DAR started 85 years ago, KDS embarked on a
Snowflake Giving Campaign to raise money to help
our children and families in need at Christmas time.
Each donor had their name listed on a beautiful
snowflake card, and the snowflakes adorned the wall
of the lobby and hallway of the Samsa Administration
Building throughout the holiday season. It stared
snowing in December and continued to snow
in January and February. Seventy-four donors
supported the campaign with gifts totaling $7,162!
Each one of you is to be commended for your love
and dedication to KDS. The Christmas Fund that
began with a deficit balance in November ended in
the black. The Administrative Office must budget
between $6000 and $8000 each year to meet the
needs of all the families who need help during the
Christmas season. Your generous donations ensured
that Gunter Mountain families experienced the true
spirit of the holiday season. Thank you for making it
a white Christmas!
Alumni SPOTLIGHT
Mr. Olin Cooper (KDS Class of 1939) was born in 1921 in the Bucksnort community on Gunter Mountain.
His family moved off the Mountain to the Red Hill community near Guntersville when he was three years
old. When he was in 3rd grade his family returned to northern Marshall County and lived in the Click
Hollow community where he attended Mt. Pleasant School.
In 7th grade, Olin started school at KDS, walking up the mountain 2 ½ miles to meet the school bus that
would take him to Grant. He played basketball at KDS, participating in the first game to be held in Becker
Hall in 1937. As an agriculture student, Olin, along with other “Ag” students, helped plumb the Pennsylvania
Water Tower that is now the Pennsylvania Bell Tower. Graduating from KDS in the spring of 1939, he
enrolled at Auburn University that fall and graduated in 1943 with a degree in agriculture. Olin joined the
United States Army that same year serving in France, Germany and Africa.
After the Army, Olin returned home to Gunter Mountain where he married Virginia Cooper from New
Hope. He taught high school agriculture one semester at New Hope High School in Madison County before
being hired for a Veteran’s Administration program through the board of education to teach updated farming
Olin Cooper
techniques to armed forces veterans in Marshall County. Olin was employed for 40 years by the USDA as
a Soil and Water Conservation Supervisor. After retirement from the USDA, he became a rural letter carrier for 17 years. As a
respected member of the Gunter Mountain community, Olin was instrumental in the development of telephone and city water
services for Grant and the surrounding area.
Olin and Virginia have been married for 63 years and live in their lakefront home at the foot of Gunter Mountain. They have two
children who both grew up to become school teachers. Daughter Deb Cooper lives next door to her parents and son Jim Cooper
lives in Haleyville, Alabama. The Coopers have two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 5
The Adopt-A-Classroom Program
continues to benefit KDS classrooms
The Adopt-a-Classroom Project initiated in 2003 by Alabama
State School Chairman Beth Cagle (KDS Family and Consumer
Science teacher) continues to make wishes come true. The
monetary donations are needed, but the in-kind gifts (which
have been many), DAR classroom visits, birthday cards, thank
you cards with photos, and the development of personal
relationships with a specific teacher and group of students are
what make this project so special. Thank you, sponsors, for
making the Adopt-a-Classroom Program so special and such a
success. Please visit our website to see the classrooms that are
still available for adoption. You may want to join in on the fun!
Pennsylvania Chapter and High School
“Adopt” Mathematics Department
Alabama Chapter Brings Learning through
the Adopt-a-Classroom Program
The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter DAR, Hoover, Alabama, has
brought hours of learning and fun for Ms. Keller’s first grade
class. To celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, Connie Grund,
Regent, Pat Campbell, School Chairman, Betty Baker, Rene
Arnold, Sandra Beaver, and Charlotte Patton provided a
wonderful learning experience for the class. Mrs. Baker, a DAR
member of Cherokee descent, came dressed in native clothing
and brought artifacts for the children to examine. Everyone
was enthralled as she spoke of Native American customs and
showed the artifacts including bowls and tools. Mrs. Baker
taught the children that the Cherokee drumbeat is the echo
of the beating heart and presented Ms. Keller with a Native
American Talking Stick. The day was completed by the students
making a beaded necklace and enjoying a snack with their DAR
friends. The Lily of the Cahaba Chapter, through their caring
and generosity, are making memories with the children that will
last a lifetime.
Denise Saint, high school mathematics teacher and volleyball
coach, had not been adopted in the six year history of the
program. Denise teaches Algebra 2, Pre-Calculus, and Calculus,
and was in great need of thirty-five TI-83 graphing calculators.
The calculators retail for $80 each for a total cost of $2,800.
The Administrative Office was contacted in November by a
DAR member and high school teacher ‘all the way’ in Pittsburg,
Pennsylvania, who wanted to adopt a KDS classroom on behalf
of her chapter and as a service project for her homeroom
students. With a prayer said silently and fingers crossed, Deedie
recommended Denise Saint. Susan Meer, Regent of the Jacob
Ferree Chapter and Mt. Lebanon High School chemistry teacher
and volleyball coach (what a coincidence) was thrilled with the
recommendation. She received approval from her DAR Chapter
and Mt. Lebanon Mathematics Department supervisor and the
adoption began.
The first shipment of new school supplies collected by members
of the Jacobs Ferree Chapter arrived in early December. The
second shipment given by Mt. Lebanon High School arrived just
before Christmas. This shipment included a TI-View screen, 32
TI-81/82 graphing calculators, 72 protractors, 12 compasses, 24
rulers, and three mathematics classroom sets; for a total value
of $605. The big surprise came in February when 16 boxes of
school and office supplies were received by Denise to share
with the entire high school teaching staff. More than 900 items
(including a new TI-83 Plus graphing calculator) were collected
by Susan Meer’s homeroom students. Denise wrote in one
email to Mrs. Meer, “The shipment arrived and my students
were ecstatic! Every gift, large or small, has touched the lives of
not only the students in my classroom but other classrooms as
well. Thank you.”
2009-2010 Adoptions will begin soon. Alabama Chapters and Daughters wishing to adopt a class or keep
the same class for next year should contact ASDAR School Chairman Beth Cagle by May 1st. Out-of-state Chapters should contact Dee Shadden in the Administration Office by email [email protected].
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 6
school news
KDS DAR Elementary School
Grades K-4, 445 students
In the fall, the KDS DAR Elementary School received a Gold Banner from
Universal Literacy for having greater than 90% of students benchmark
on baseline DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills)
testing. DIBELS testing is used by kindergarten through sixth grade
teachers in the United States to screen for students who are at risk of
reading difficulty, and to monitor student progress and guide instruction.
To kick off the second set of assessments and to reinforce the
importance of this type of testing, a pep rally was recently held with
the help of our high school cheerleaders.
Currently, the elementary school is working on improving DIBELS
scores as well as preparing 3rd and 4th grade students to take the
Alabama Reading and Mathematics Test and the Stanford Achievement
Test.
The Elementary School also recently held its annual Family Reading Night
on March 3rd. The students, parents, and the community were invited
to attend this event which consisted of a book fair, students teaching
their parents what they do in class and food for the entire family.
KDS DAR Middle School
Grades 5-8, 388 students
Two Middle School girls have artwork hanging in the Alabama State
Capital in Montgomery representing KDS in the Superintendent’s Art
Show. MacKayla Harris and Madison Stubblefield earned their spots in
this show by being selected from among numerous other local entries.
All KDS Middle School students participated in this year’s DAR
History Essay Contest. The winners read their essays at the
February meeting of the Gunter Mountain Chapter DAR.
The KDS JAC Club, which is comprised of sixth grade students, sponsored
a service learning project to collect baby wipes to send on a mission
trip to Guatemala. The baby wipes were used by missionaries to clean
children’s feet before they were given new shoes to wear. One of the
missionaries presented a slide show of the mission trip to the JAC.
KDS DAR High School
Grades 9-12, 484 students
The KDS DAR High School recently received an $85,000 grant to
purchase Interactive Video Conferencing equipment. This equipment
will allow the high school to offer more courses to our students, in
particular more foreign language courses. The grant also supplied a
classroom set of wireless laptop computers. This grant was made
available by an initiative of Governor Bob Riley to equip all schools with
IVC equipment.
The High School also received a grant in order to offer AP (Advanced
Placement) courses. Next year, for the first time, AP courses in
History and English will be offered. An AP, or honors, course is a
class that has higher expectations, values scholarship, and emphasizes
complex thinking skills. AP courses are designed to challenge the most
academically competent students. Students taking the AP courses will
be awarded college credit.
In April the high school will be hosting a Southern Association of
Colleges and Schools visiting committee. This committee is part of
the accreditation team that KDS hosts every five years to renew the
SACS certificate. This is a very intensive review process, but is an
important step in assuring the children receive the best and most
current educational instruction possible.
American History Essay Contest
The Gunter Mountain Chapter DAR held an American History Essay Contest for
students of KDS Middle School. First place winners presented their essays at the
chapter’s February meeting. The following students were named as contest winners
and will be presented awards at the Middle School awards program in May:
From left: Chandler Brewer, Jimmy Parks,
Jacob Verhine, and Hunter Bentley
5th Grade:
1st place – Jimmy Parks
2nd place – Anna Wilson
3rd place – Victoria Sullivan
7th Grade:
1st place – Hunter Bentley
2nd place – Michael Davis
3rd place – Tony Pate
6th Grade
1st place – Jacob Verhine
2nd place – Dekota McCollough and
Breanna Lemaster (tie)
3rd place – Eli Jones
8th Grade:
1st place – Chandler Brewer
2nd place – Walter Meadows
3rd place – Lauren Hall
KDS Projects in Need of Sponsorship
There are several vital school projects currently in need of sponsorship. Any DAR State Society, Chapter, group or individual
interested in sponsoring any of these or another project, should contact the Administration Office for more information.
Smart Board for Individual Classroom............. $2,500 each
need 15 in the Elementary School and 3 in the High School
Computers................................................................ $900 each
need 25 in the Middle School and 20 in the High School
Portable Sound System................................................$1,500
for Elementary School musical performances/programs
Risers......................................................................... $675 each
need 5 for Middle School performances/programs
The Patriot
KDS DAR School News
Page 7
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Kate Duncan Smith DAR School
6077 Main Street
Grant, Alabama 35747
Non-Profit Organization
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Grant, Alabama 35747
Heather W. Green - Executive Director
Barbara Grider - Staff Accountant
Deedie Shadden - Administrative Assistant
Teresa Choat - Administrative Staff
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Please cut out this form and mail to:
Kate Duncan Smith DAR School
6077 Main Street • Grant, Alabama 35747
or call: (256) 728-4236
or email to: [email protected]
85
TH
ANNIVERSARY
Kate Duncan Smith DAR School
Grant, Alabama
2009 AWARDS DAY/GRADUATION SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
FRIDAY, MAY 22
*9:00 a.m. – Honors and Awards Program, Burkey Center Gymnasium
12:00 Noon – Lunch, DAR Lunchroom............................................................................................................................................ $3.00
1:00 p.m. – Combined meeting of Advisory, Endowment, Finance, and State School Chairman Committees (location to be announced)
1:30 p.m. – Board of Trustees Meeting, New York Reception Room, J.O. Baylies Bldg.
6:00 p.m. – Dinner, Holiday Inn...................................................................................................................................................... $30.00
*Presenters please be on stage to be seated by 8:30 a.m.
*Reserved seating in the audience for those not seated on the stage.
SATURDAY, MAY 23
*10:00 a.m. – Graduation Ceremony, Burkey Center Gymnasium (President General Linda G. Calvin will give the Commencement Address)
11:30 a.m. – Lunch, DAR Lunchroom........................................................................................................................................ no charge
6:00 p.m. – Alumni Banquet, DAR Lunchroom............................................................................................................................... $10.00
You may combine the cost of the dinner and the Alumni Banquet and mail one check to:
KDS DAR School, Admin. Office,
6077 Main Street,
Grant, AL 35747.
Please order tickets by May 8th.
*DAR Officials who will be seated on stage, please be on stage by 9:30 a.m.
*Reserved seating in the audience for those not seated on the stage.
Please notify the school of all events you plan to attend. Include your name and title exactly the way you wish to be introduced. If you
are flying and wish to be met at the airport, please include all flight information. Please let KDS know if you need transportation to the
airport on your departure date.
Hotel Reservations:
Holiday Inn Research Park at Madison Square Mall, 5903 University Drive, Huntsville, AL 35806, (256) 830-0600 or 1-800-845-7275.
Room Rate is $84.00 for Standard and $89.00 for Executive Level (12 % Room Tax + $1 City Surcharge will be added to all rooms).
Ask for DAR rate.