Morgan County Schools spotlights STAR classes; teachers describe community-based instruction and transition skills

Morgan County Schools used a work-session portion of its board meeting to spotlight STAR special-education classes and the teachers who run them.

Dr. Booth introduced a clay snowflake ornament project led by resource specialist Lauren Harrison and invited students to present ornaments to board members as a thank-you for support of special programs. Several students, including Tylie Sue Jones and Dansley Ellis, were named as presenters.

"We go on community based instruction," said Miss Sheez, a STAR teacher at Kentucky Junior High School, describing regular monthly outings where students make shopping lists, distinguish wants from needs, order from menus using verbal or picture-based communication, practice table manners and handle payment. "We use communication based methods, whether it's verbal or picture symbols or using a device, and make their order."

Becca Mize, STAR teacher at West Morgan High School, described a recurring classroom project in which students plan and prepare a Thanksgiving meal. "Every year in my class, we prepare a Thanksgiving meal," Mize said, explaining that students develop menus, create shopping lists, shop at Walmart and prepare dishes at school with partner students assisting. Mize also described work-based experiences with local businesses arranged as mock-customer interactions to help students practice communication and service skills.

Teachers emphasized hands-on life skills and transition preparation. In the classroom, students practice recipes and measurement using tactile materials; in the community they visit retail and food-industry sites to learn navigation, product selection and customer interactions. Mize also described athletic opportunities: students participated in more baseball and basketball games this year, providing social and confidence-building experiences.

Board members used the moment to offer appreciation. "This program is very special," board member Mr. Clark said, praising the time staff spend with students and the ways inclusion lets STAR students participate alongside general student populations. Adam Glenn, another board member, thanked teachers and said he would display a student-made ornament at home.

Superintendent Ansley Ellis (named in the record) thanked teachers and parents and described district efforts to restore activities paused during COVID-19, such as fall festivals and photographs with Santa. The superintendent said staff secured instructional funds to support year-long art projects for STAR students and noted recent playground equipment purchases at several schools.

The board did not take votes related to STAR programming at this meeting. After the recognition and remarks, the meeting returned to scheduled personnel and business items.

The district identified several STAR teachers and staff in attendance and thanked them by name: Lauren Harrison (resource specialist), Miss Sheez (Kentucky Junior High STAR teacher), Becca Mize (West Morgan High STAR teacher), Heather Robin, Amy Bogle and Meredith (surname not specified in the transcript).