Grant County High School (GCHS) Juniors are preparing to take the ACT this week as part of the Kentucky Accountability System. For the last seven years, each member of the junior class receives a note of encouragement and a treat from their biggest supporters, the Grant County Schools staff.
Beginning in January each year, Nikki Stidams, secretary at GCHS, sends all of the juniors’ names to the district staff, staff then choose students from the list until every single junior is spoken for. When asked about the program, Mrs. Stidams shared, “One girl opened her bag and cracked up laughing because it was a gift that only she and her teacher would get. Seeing her face light up was worth it all.” District staff from food service to bus drivers, custodians, and teachers from all six Grant County Schools work together to ensure that our juniors know they are supported and receive words of encouragement.
Junior Kaydin Helton was impacted by the note she received in her bag, “Knowing she (my teacher) wrote this note specifically for me is heartwarming.” She shared. This year, GCHS had 252 juniors that needed “adopting” from district staff. “It’s really cool, he takes good care of us.” Junior, Tucker Ammerman shared after he received his gift. “It is a good surprise before we are stressed about the ACT.” Jayden Maines said.
We are a staff that owns our students from Pre-school to graduation and then beyond. We truly love our students and love watching them grow and succeed throughout their lives. “To know I have people behind me, supporting me, means so much,” shared Kaiden.