Referencing her role as Middle School Executive Administrator, Greenwell says, 鈥�Middle School is not an easy time for kids. This program was designed with that in mind. We know that students thrive when they have a choice in their learning and feel a sense of belonging. Through Explore, students will go through a rotation of pathway offerings in 6th grade. Then at the end of 6th grade, they will choose their 7th and 8th grade pathway in a special selection ceremony. Over the next two years, students will experience project-based learning, guest speakers, field trips to local high schools, and the creation of a capstone backpack artifact that connects to their passion.鈥澨�

Greenwell stressed that the program is about hands-on learning and student choice during a time when many students can become disengaged.听听

Prior to the Explore program, middle school students had to choose between taking an art and music-based elective or pursuing career and technical education electives such as robotics or healthcare.

鈥淣ow, due to funding and staffing, kids get to have both. It鈥檚 a win-win for all,鈥� Greenwell said.听听

Greenwell will work with principals districtwide to expand the program.

鈥�The principal is key to the success of any new initiative and when working with principals, it鈥檚 important to respect their knowledge and experience in the field. Therefore, their time must be valued and goals must be clear,” she said. “It鈥檚 essential to provide expectations, but then also avenues of support for success. My goal has always been to serve others, and in this role, I鈥檓 able to do that on a much larger scale. Working with principals is no different – I鈥檓 here to serve.鈥�听

As Greenwell gets this new program rolling, she acknowledges that her experience earning a Doctor of 成人直播 (Ed.D) degree from UofL was the “best step I made in my professional career.”

“The programs, especially the Ed.D, challenged me to pinpoint my exact philosophy of education and to understand the need for continual growth. There were long days and long nights in the process, but I graduated with a sense of pride knowing what I had accomplished,” Greenwell said. “I encourage anyone who wants to grow in education to pursue their administrative degree and doctorate. If nothing else, you will be exposed to a world of research that will help shape your beliefs about student learning and open your eyes to inequitable systems you can then fight to change.鈥�听

Story written by Susan Hildebrand, CEHD recruitment strategist.

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Below, Felton provides answers to the most-asked questions about sport physicals:

What is a sports physical?

A sports physical is a comprehensive history and physical exam. In Kentucky, the sports physical form comes from the . In Indiana, the form can be obtained from the . Information about Catholic school athletics is available from the . All leagures require that the form is signed by a physician, nurse practitioner, physician鈥檚 assistant or chiropractor (within scope of practice).

Who needs a sports physical?

In both Kentucky and Indiana, any middle school or high school student who plans to participate in a sport under the athletic association for that state will need a sports physical. You can always get a sports physical. It is better to have one and not have to use it than to miss out on playing.

How often do I have to get a sports physical?

A sports physical form is good for one calendar year. If you have your sports physical done in the spring semester, then it will still be good in the fall of the next school year.

I had a school physical; is that the same thing?

No. In Louisville, the Jefferson County Public Schools鈥� physical form is different from the sports physical form. If you need a sports form, then you must ask for it specifically.

When should I have my sports physical?

You should give yourself plenty of time before your physical is due. The doctor鈥檚 office gets busy as everyone is getting ready to go back to school, so make your appointment early. Most people don鈥檛 think about it at the end of the school year or early summer, but this is a great time to beat the rush. Also, if your doctor finds an abnormality in the physical, then you may need additional work-up before you are cleared to play sports, so you want to give yourself plenty of time.

Is there anything I can do to be ready for my sports physical?

The Kentucky sports physical form is long and has approximately 60 questions to answer before you see your doctor. You can download your form from the KHSAA website prior to your appointment and have it already filled out. The forms for other leagues are similarly lengthy. If you don鈥檛 have a form, ask for it as soon as you get to your doctor鈥檚 office. You can fill out the form in the waiting room and it will save you some time once see the doctor.

Where can I find out more information about sports physicals?

Contact UofL Pediatrics at 502-588-0700听 or visit the websites of the , , or the .