Dragon Parent News
August 19, 2016
Parents,
We are extremely excited about the start to the 2016-17 school year. Over the summer, we have
worked extensively to redesign Doss High School around career academies and to ensure that each
of our students is passionate and engaged about his/her work inside the classroom. Our mission,
vision, academy structure and new bell schedule all support our commitment to making sure that
your child is engaged in class each and every day. Every Doss student is now in a career academy
where they take both their core content and career academy courses. Please take a minute to check
with your child about their career academy and the work they are doing in each academy. Each of
our academy principals will be updating you on a weekly basis about their academy. If you have any
questions about the academy work, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s academy principal.
The weekly parent newsletter is new for 2016-17. We will be sending it out every Friday
throughout the school year. As a result, we hope to improve our communication with you and keep
you engaged in the school community at Doss.
Thanks I look forward to a great year.
Marty Pollio
MEET THE FRESHMAN ACADEMY TEAM
MS. MEOCHA WILLIAMS-FRESHMAN ACADEMY PRINCIPAL
My name is Meocha Williams and I am very excited to be your
Freshmen Academy Principal. I was born and raised in
Lexington, KY. GO CATS!! My husband, Josh, and I relocated to
Louisville 6 years ago with our poodle Chihuahua, Simba and
yorkie poodle, Dakota.
I received my Bachelor’s Degree in Spanish from the University
of Louisville, my Master’s Degree in Education from Georgetown College and my Rank I, Masters in
Educational Leadership, Instructional Supervisor and Superintendent Certification from Eastern
Kentucky University.
I decided to go into education because I wanted to be a catalyst for change and growth. I believe
that ALL students can and will learn at high levels daily. Every student has a strength and ability
that makes them unique. It is up to me, as an educator, to cultivate those strengths and abilities in a
way that will foster exponential growth.
MS. CHRISTY EMBRY- FRESHMAN ACADEMY COUNSELOR
My name is Christy Embry and I am honored to be your
Freshman Academy Counselor! I am very excited about getting
our first year started together. I look forward to working with
you and our staff at Doss High School.
As a counselor, I have developed the belief that a good school
counseling program is a bridge to help those students who may
be struggling to find success; academically, socially and/or emotionally. The students’ personal
developments and achievements are my main concern. I believe that effective counseling requires
collaboration by the school wide community. Throughout the year I plan to conduct individual,
group and classroom guidance counseling. I want to serve as an active resource for all students and
assist them in reaching their full potential.
I am very enthusiastic and confident that we, together, can make a difference for our children.
MS. MELANIE WEAVER, SOCIAL STUDIES - TEAM LEAD, GOLD
My name is e I am Ms. Weaver and I am the Freshman Social Studies teacher
on the Gold Team. I have been an educator for the past 13
years; however, this is just my second year at Doss High
School. I currently teach Exploring Civics and AP Human
Geography at Doss. Prior to teaching, I earned my Bachelor's
degree at the University of Kentucky and then received my
Masters in Education from U of L. My advice to freshmen is to
come to class prepared every day engaged and ready to work. Outside of the classroom, students
should review and study notes and class assignments on a daily basis.
MS. LEE SPICER - ENGLISH/ECE TEAM LEAD,
BURGUNDY
Hello! My name is Lee Ann Spicer. I am one of many special
education teachers at Doss High School. I received my
undergraduate degree from Liberty University and my
graduate degree from Campbellsville University. I have taught
special education at various schools and grade levels before coming to Doss in 2014. I am happy to
be here and I love being a member of the Freshman Academy.
As incoming freshmen, it is important to remember that teachers are here to help you be successful.
If you are struggling with an assignment, ask your teacher for help. At Doss, we are a family and we
want every student to be successful. We are so excited to have you! Welcome to the Dragon Family!
MS. RACHEL YAN - ENGLISH, GOLD
Hi! My name is Rachel Yan and I teach English 1. I enjoy DIY projects, Twix candy,
interior design, dachshunds, and movies! Most of all I love teaching English.
My advice to any incoming freshman is to be present physically and mentally in
class. Don't let anything outside of the classroom keep you from learning!
MS. SARA DALTON-ENGLISH, BURGUNDY
Hello! My name is Ms. Dalton and I teach Burgundy team
English. I am an advocate for my students. I strive to see all
my students be successful and will work very hard to see
them become college and career ready. Being a mother of 3, I
treat my students just as I do my own children: with respect,
appreciation, and compassion. My students are my children!
MR. KEVIN JOHNSON - SOCIAL STUDIES,
BURGUNDY
Hello! My name is Kevin Johnson and I teach Civics for the
Burgundy team in the Freshman Academy. This is my
second year teaching at Doss High School. I grew up in the
South end of Louisville in the PRP/Iroquois area where I
attended Butler High School. I went to the University of Louisville where I received a Bachelor's
degree in History and my Master's degree in Secondary Business and Social Studies Education. I
also am entering my 7th year as an assistant high school football coach.
The major piece of advice I give to freshmen is very simple; never get tired of showing up and doing
the right thing. Once your freshman year starts, the clock starts for your transcripts towards college
and your career. Take advantage of your first year and start off strong. No matter how hard a day
might be, always work to do the right things. If you can do that, good things will follow. Have a great
year and Go Dragons!
MS. KELSEY FOSHAGE- SCIENCE, GOLD
Hello! My name is Ms. Foshage and I teach Integrated
Science on the Gold Team. I received my Bachelor’s of
Science in Biochemistry from the University of Arkansas.
My Advice to freshmen: Make your four years in high
school count! Get involved in all of the various clubs, organizations, and athletic teams Doss has to
offer. The extra time and commitment to something you're passionate about will pay off!
MS. DONA THOMAS-SCIENCE, BURGUNDY
My name is Ms. Thomas and I am the Burgundy team Science
teacher. I was born and raised in Northern Ohio and attended
Kent State University where I received a BS degree in Basic
Science, Zoology and Pre-Med. I entered the U.S. Army after
graduation as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps
and spent the next 23 years in the Army rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel before retiring in
2000.
After retiring from the army, I decided to become a teacher and went to Spalding University to earn
my teaching certification. This is my 16th year as a teacher. I am more than excited to be at Doss
High School this year and look forward to a fulfilling and productive year with all my students.
MR. PAUL FORD-MATH, BURGUNDY
My name is Paul Ford. I am the Burgundy team math
teacher. This coming year will be my 15th year teaching
and my 9th at Doss.
I received a Bachelor’s of Science in Secondary
Mathematics Education from Indiana University Southeast
and a Master’s in Education from Indiana Wesleyan
University.
My advice to students is BELIEVE IN YOURSELF!! You literally hold the keys to your success in your
hand. Take advantage of all helpful avenues and know that
you can do all things on which you set your mind!!
MS. KATHRYN VANGILDER-MATH, GOLD
Hi! My name is Mrs. VanGilder and I am the Algebra I Gold
teacher. I received my undergraduate degree in Industrial
Engineering from the University of Arkansas. I also have
twin Masters Degrees in engineering and one in education
from the University of Louisville. My advice to freshmen: High school is a time to learn how YOUR
brain works so you can build on your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses so that you
can become a better life learner. We never stop learning.
MR. BRANDON SCHADT-BUSINESS/FINANCE,
BURGUNDY
Hi! My name is Mr. Schadt and I am excited to be settling
into my second career as a Doss Dragon teaching Business
Principles and Financial Literacy. I graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor’s
degree in Accounting and Finance and worked in retail banking in Nashville, Tennessee. However,
upon returning home five years ago, I desired the opportunity to participate in the school system
that had provided me a strong academic foundation. I immediately became a substitute teacher and
ultimately received my Master of Arts in Teaching from Spalding University.
I am a proud product of the Jefferson County Public Schools and am immensely pleased with the
JCPS education my children are currently receiving. For me, the opportunity to be here with each of
you is very personal, and I am grateful.
MR. JOHN KRYSINSKI- COMPUTER
TECHNOLOGY, GOLD
My name is Mr. Krysinski and I am the computer
technology teacher for the Gold Team. I retired from active
duty Army and I have my Bachelor’s in Business
(marketing) and my Master’s in Education. I will be going
into my 14th year of teaching. My Advice to freshman
dragons: Never say, “I can’t” until you have tried your very best. You’ll be amazed with the result!
THE FINANCE ACADEMY
Welcome! Students in the Finance Academy have an exciting year in store. The Finance Academy
covers an array of pathways including accounting, finance and new this year, hospitality and
tourism. Not only will students have the opportunity to work with Class Act Federal Credit Union if
they choose, they will also be able to work directly with other Louisville businesses including The
Galt House, Coca Cola, The Convention and Visitors Bureau, and local restaurants through
internships and job shadowing. Our motto in the Finance Academy is: We Make It Count! We
believe in teaching students how to make the most of their time at Doss to ensure they have a
successful future. All of our teachers are trained in Project Based Learning and will work hard to
provide each student with a unique, relevant and meaningful education. We are looking forward to
working with your student this year! For any questions, contact:
Terra Greenwell, Finance Academy Principal
[email protected]
Tammy Lucas, Finance Academy Counselor
[email protected]
THE TECH/DESIGN ACADEMY
Things are off and running in the Tech/Design Academy at Doss High School. As a member of the
Tech and Design Academy, students have the option of choosing from four different majors. The
majors include: Interactive Media Arts, Information Support Services, Programming and App
Development and Manufacturing Engineering Technology Technician. Each major has a four year
sequence of classes that will lead students towards Certifications, Internships and Job
Opportunities. Please talk to your student about the major they have selected and the
opportunities that come with that selection.
Also, the Tech/Design Academy is hard at work to promote the good things happening within our
Academy. We just launched a twitter account dedicated to the hard work of our students and
teachers. The Doss Tech twitter account will showcase the many projects the students in
Tech/Design Academy are working on and provide important information and dates that are
pertinent to the Academy. Please follow us at @doss_tech to keep up to date on all things about the
Tech/Design Academy.
Another huge component to our academy this year will be Project Based Learning. Each student
will get the opportunity in each class to pick an authentic content related topic to really dive into
and develop true universal knowledge. Please ask your students what projects they are currently
working on and be sure to let us know if you have any questions.
For any questions, contact:
Todd Stockwell, Tech and Design Principal
[email protected]
Beth Salyer, Tech and Design Counselor
[email protected]
THE BUSINESS ACADEMY
Welcome to the Business Academy. The Business Academy is comprised of three pathways, all of
which can lead to an industry certification and the ability for students to become college and career
ready. Our teachers have worked extremely hard over the course of the past few months to
prepare for the exciting changes taking place at Doss High School during the 2016-17 school year.
A central focus within our academy will be for teachers to design and implement project based
learning experiences addressing topics that are relevant to our students’ lives. Over the course of
the school year, your child will have several opportunities to develop the academic and social skills
needed to become successful members of our school and local community. The Business Academy
is currently working to develop partnerships with local businesses and colleges which will allow
them to draw connections between the curriculum and their everyday lives. I am excited to be the
Business Academy principal and look forward to working with your son/daughter.
For any questions, contact Jason Neuss, Business Academy Principal
[email protected]
ACADEMIC INTERVENTIONS
This week at Doss, on Wednesday and Thursday, students experienced their first application days
during the extended periods. Teachers are working to introduce students to Project Based Learning
as well as intentional grouping and station teaching in classes.
Anne Kelly, RTI Coordinator/Resource Teacher
Important Dates
August 31
September 5
September 8
September 29
September 30
Music department program at 6:00 p.m. followed by dinner
No School/Labor Day Holiday
Open House and Title 1 Parent meeting 6:30 p.m.
Short meeting in gym will be followed by rotating classroom
visits
Underclassman pictures will be taken during the school day
No School/Professional Development Day for staff
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Terez Traynor, junior
Wide Receiver
Charles Allen, junior
Offensive Lineman
Shawn’Kel Knight-Goff
Defensive Lineman
These Doss Dragons received All-Metro honors in football and have already been
getting scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Morehead State, Western Kentucky,
Miami (Ohio), Kentucky and Louisville! Dragon Pride!!
Doss Sports Events
Week of 8/22 – 8/27
Monday
Freshman
Football vs.
South
Oldham
5:30 pm
Away
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Boys Soccer
vs. Fern
Creek
5:30 pm
Home
Varsity Boys
Soccer vs.
Waggener
5:30 pm
Home
Volleyball vs.
Moore
5:30 pm
Home
Freshman
Football vs.
South
Oldham
5:30 pm
Away
Volleyball vs.
J’town
5:30 pm
Home
Friday
Varsity
Football vs.
South
Oldham
7:00 pm
Home
Saturday
Voleyball at
OVVC
Tournament
Away