Honoring the Memory of Loved Ones or Classmates 11.16.11

Often, folks struggle with an appropriate way to honor the memory of a friend or loved one who has passed away. While many worthy national organizations exist, often we wish to make a local donation. A donation to the Franklin-Simpson Educational Excellence Foundation, Inc. is an incredible way to honor the memory of those closest to you. 100% of your donation remains in Simpson County to help educational programs at both the schools and community organizations. Families will be notified of your donation, and you will receive notification from FSEEF acknowledging your generous memorial contribution. Envelopes are available at both Booker-Gilbert and Crafton Funeral Homes in Franklin to make memorial gifts. For more information about how FSEEF can be included in your memorial planning, contact Laura Smith, FSEEF Executive Director.

Holiday Assistance for Families 11.1.11

FSEEF recently donated $1,500 to Simpson County Schools–$500 to the Family Resource Center, $500 to the FSMS Youth Service Center, and $500 to the FSHS Youth Service Center to assist with their holiday programs. Each of the centers assists families with food and small gifts during the holiday season. Thank you to Kenna Richardson, Constance Taylor, and Amie Chaney for their continuing efforts to assist Simpson County students and families in need.

Krista James Named “Excellent Educator” 11.1.11

Congratulations to Krista James–the newest FSEEF Excellent Educator!

Mrs. James has been teaching in the Simpson County Schools for
fi ve years. Currently, she teaches English 9 and Pre-AP English 9
in the Freshman Academy at FSHS. She graduated from Western
KentuckyUniversity and is currently working on her masters as a
Reading and Writing Specialist. She has lived in Franklin for 18 years
with her husband Ted and two children Jodie (a senior at FSHS) and
Ben (a 5th grader at LES). According to Mrs. James, “I truly enjoy
being involved in all aspects of a child’s life. I didn’t start out going to
school to become a teacher, but once I had children of my own and my
husband and I became involved in coaching softball, I realized just how
much I enjoyed teaching skills kids needed to reach their potential.
That led me into the classroom where students can learn skills that
will help them lead productive lives.” Her favorite part of her job is
being “exposed to my student’s individual character development and
their view of the world. I love seeing and hearing their perspective
on a subject; we have taught each other so many things.” In her free
time, Mrs. James enjoys attending her children’s activities, walking
with her dogs, cooking/baking, reading and exercising at the gym.
According to her nominations, Mrs. James…
Has a wonderful personality and makes learning fun.
Has always been there and helped me.
Does everything she can for her students.
DESERVES THIS AWARD!!

F-S Arts Council Creates Youth Theater Program 10.25.11

The Franklin-Simpson Arts Council has long been wishing for a Youth Theater program in Simpson County. During the fall of 2011, this dream became a reality. With assistance from FSEEF, the Simpson County Youth Theater kicked off its first series of workshops. A grant in the amount of $3,150 will help cover initial expenses of the youth theater and also provide registration fee scholarships to deserving students. Special thanks to Gail Broady for her work on this project.

Distinguished Young Women and F-S Cheerleaders Receive Donations 10.25.11

The FSEEF board of directors approved donations in the amount of $500 to Simpson County Distinguished Young Women scholarship program and $250 to the FSHS cheerleaders to support their programs this year. Congratulations to both organizations.

Imagination Library Continues to Grow in Simpson County 10.25.11

Imagination Library in Simpson County continues to experience exponential growth! Initiated in 2008 by FSEEF, Simpson County Schools, and F-S Rotary, Imagination Library provides FREE books monthly to Simpson County children ages 0-5 years who complete online registration at . We currently have over 400 children enrolled in Imagination Library and have graduated over 370 children for a total of over 700 children served in three years. If you would like to sponsor a child, the cost is approximately $30 per year. Simply go to our “Make a Gift” tag in the top right corner of our homepage, download the form, designate your gift to Imagination Library, and mail your TAX DEDUCTIBLE contribution to the address on the form. Let’s keep Imagination Library alive and well in Simpson County.

Math Teacher Receives Funding 10.25.11

Jennifer Webb received $699 for the purchase of an interactive board for her math classes at FSMS. The interactive board will add to the functionality of Ms. Webb’s existing Smartboard system.

FSEEF provides funds for FSMS Microscopes 10.25.11

FSEEF is happy to announce funding in the amount of $1,200 to FSMS science teacher Lynne Stinson. Mrs. Stinson will be purchasing microscopes for the FSMS science department.

Alumni Association Joins Forces with FSHS for a Successful Football Homecoming 10.25.11

September 30, 2011 will be a day remembered by many F-S alumni and students as the day a new tradition began! Franklin-Simpson alumni from across the nation and across the generations returned to James “Shadetree” Mathews Field for an afternoon of fellowship and fun with our first ever TAILGATING event as Franklin-Simpson defeated district rival Warren East. Past coaches, football players, teachers, cheerleaders, students–YOU NAME IT–gathered to celebrate friendships of the past and to reconnect with their alma mater. Pictures say it all…

FSEEF Names Ragland and Robinson as “Excellent Educators” 10.25.11

The first two Excellent Educators of the 2011-12 school year have been announced. Congratulations to Scott Ragland and Katie Robinson!

Scott Ragland and "crew"

Mr. Ragland grew up in Leitchfield, KY and graduated from
Western Kentucky University. He has been teaching for 16
years with eight years in Simpson County Schools. He currently
teaches 6th grade beginning band, 7th, 8th grade bands at the
middle school, high school beginning band, jazz band and high
school band at FSHS. He became a teacher because of his band
director and mentor Phil Ashby. According to Mr. Ragland, “The
favorite part of my job is getting to see the kids grow from 6th
grade band to their senior year and how much they improve in all
aspects of life and music. That really is awesome!” He is married
and has two children: Anna and Caleb. He loves to play golf,
work on his truck and is hoping to restore a Mustang for his wife
Tera some day.

According to his nominations,
Mr. Ragland…
is a terrific mentor and friend
encourages us to play our best constantly
challenges our minds
encourages excellence in everything we do
BELIEVES in us

Ms. Robinson and her students


Ms. Robinson is originally from Corbin, KY and graduated from
Western Kentucky University with a degree in Corporate and
Organizational Communications as well as Marketing, English
and Allied Arts for Secondary Education. She is in her fi rst year
of teaching at Franklin-Simposn Middle School. She became
a teacher because she “wanted to have a career that interacted
with others on a daily basis and made an impact in someones
life. Teaching is all of that and more. I love getting to know my
students and encouraging them to dream big!” Ms. Robinson is
from a large family–her sister is a teacher and her brother is a
student at Eastern Kentucky University. She loves to read, spend
time with family and friends, do anything outside, train and ride
horses, and serve at her church.
According to her nominations,
Ms. Robinson…
teaches us in a fun way
is really nice
is smart, funny, caring and sociable
helps me solve my problems
works hard to make things excellent

FSEEF is proud to continue it’s Excellent Educator program for the fourth year and award these outstanding teachers with a classroom stipend for their hard work and dedication to students in the Simpson County Schools!