Daniel Boone students showcase arts and STLP as GEAR UP reports high college-application and FAFSA rates

Daniel Boone Elementary students and staff presented the school’s arts curriculum and Student Technology Leadership Program (STLP) during the Madison County Board of Education meeting on Sept. 10, 2024, and district GEAR UP staff reported strong postsecondary-preparation metrics for local seniors.

The showcase began with a description of the school’s “studio habits” approach to art, which encourages students to choose subjects and mediums and to document their artistic process. The board was introduced to art teacher Tina Williams and STLP coordinator Donna Morris; student participants named in the presentation included Valerie Bowles, Sam Bowles, Danielle Martin, Theo Iraanpour, Carter LaGrange and Ruby Aranpour. Jacob Keeney and Nora Wilson, members of the school’s STLP group, explained that the program uses project-based learning and a badge system; Keeney said the group will present at the state showcase in April.

“STLP at Daniel Boone is becoming more than an afternoon club. It is becoming a whole school adventure,” Jacob Keeney said. Student work produced for the program is uploaded to Artsonia to share with families and to document progress.

Emily Stites, who identified herself as a parent and as a senior graphic designer at University of Kentucky HealthCare corporate communications, said she was impressed by the students’ technical skills and awards. “I have been so impressed by the work that is coming out of this program, especially considering that these are elementary age students,” Stites said, adding that projects awarded at the Madison County Technology Extravaganza and the state SELP competition demonstrate the program’s reach beyond the classroom.

Separately, Jason Smith, a GEAR UP academic interventionist at Madison Southern High School, presented outcomes from the program’s cohort work. Smith reported that 81% of last year’s seniors completed a college application and that approximately 76% completed the FAFSA, placing the school third in the GEAR UP opportunity cohort for FAFSA completion.

“FAFSA was reconfigured by the federal government last year and, after delays, did not roll out until around March 1,” Smith said, describing the challenges the district faced and noting plans to use additional time this year when FAFSA is expected to open Dec. 1.

Students who said the program benefitted them included senior Caden Case, who described leadership work and organizing school charity events, and Skylar Seto and Cadence, who credited college visits and leadership programs with expanding their postsecondary plans.

The district’s presentations emphasized partnerships with postsecondary institutions (Eastern Kentucky University, University of Kentucky, Morehead State University, University of the Cumberlands, Northern Kentucky University and others) and upcoming college-application support events, including a College App Day scheduled Oct. 29.

Board members praised the programs and discussed ways to maintain and expand access for students not directly enrolled in STLP or GEAR UP. The meeting’s presentations end with the board acknowledging the student showcase and the district’s ongoing college-readiness efforts.