September Board Statement
The MKCHS Board met on September 17 for its monthly meeting,
welcoming members of the administrative team, who reported on
summer preparations to accommodate the added challenges of
Covid-19, successes thus far, and their goals for the school year.
Kelli Mahan, Dean of Academics:
• Teachers participated in summer training with a focus on
technology and distance learning.
• Counselors host virtual meetings with distance learners for ongoing
feedback.
• Progress report alerts were sent via email to students and parents.
At-risk students were identified and intervention protocol was
created to ensure their success. There will be a follow up with
these students at minimum, every two weeks.
• Two seniors have been named National Merit Semifinalists based
on their Fall 2019 PSAT results and have begun the application
process to proceed to Finalist status. They are the only National
Merit Semifinalists in the Southeast Texas area.
• AP results were stellar with a passing rate of 78%, the highest since
2011.
• There were 29 AP scholars, highest since data collection began for
this benchmark in 2012.
• Testing info: SAT School Day option for senior students and PSAT
administered to grade 9, 10, 11 on Wednesday, October 14.
• Exploring the option of offering PreACT to students on second
testing day.
Laurence Williams, Dean of Students:
Coach Williams has focused on increased involvement with our
students. Student feedback was that the teachers and administrator
need to get to know our students better.
• Created Senior Advisory group
• 21 students taking part
• Goal is to strengthen the relationship between students and faculty
by giving them ownership in school policies and implementation of
senior privileges (for example, allowing hoodies, creation of a senior
hang out room & coffee bar)
• Mrs. Clayton assisting to start a diversity group.
• Service updates: helped to fill sand bags and prep our school
before the storm; tremendous participation with support of St. Louis
High School. Black box theater filled with 18 pallets of supplies.
• Raised $7,000 in donations for St. Louis Catholic HS
• Working on Homecoming plans, no dance but will have activities
throughout the week.
• Football: Upcoming games will be based on TAPPS and local/state
regulations and guidelines. 50% capacity – all must wear masks.
Working for a broader range for streaming games with the National
Federation of High School Football.
Lindsey Ramey, Advancement:
Grants:
• Received: $20,930.00
• Pending: $35,012.00
Marketing:
• Kelly decals
• Creating a social media video showcasing first month of school
• Planning throw back posts for alumni social media during
homecoming
• Media coverage: Back to School in the Examiner, Service project
in the Examiner, 12 News interviews for Lake Charles donation
drive, Coach Smith interviews for football
Development:
• Currently undergoing BlackBaud, Razor’s Edge training to aid in
alumni and donor relations
• Developing an Alumni Newsletter “Homecoming” addition
Carrie Aulbaugh, Admissions:
• Fish-O, Howdy week a success despite an interruption from
Hurricane Laura
• Continuing to plan virtual recruitment activities to reach the
maximum amount of students
• Some activities, such as 8th grade Shadow Day, will be postponed
until the Spring
• Mostly newsletters sent to feeder school parents
• Creating a virtual tour using Peapod Designs
• Participating in a ZOOM conference by Independent School
Management for Admissions and Recruitment.
In new business, the board continued its research and discussion
regarding the mission statement and updating the strategic plan. It
will be an extensive process to study and update all the factors that
influence the vision of Kelly High School in 3-5 years, thus guiding the
strategic plan. The board voted to create a special Mission/Strategic
Planning Committee to fill the need.