Welcome to Ms. Whitsell and Ms. Dunnn!

Some of you may have heard the news -- but we have two, new, awesome folks joining our school next year. In second grade, we will have Ms. Debbie Whitsell, and in third grade, Ms. Sarah Dunn. Here is a little about each as well as their contact info. Feel free to reach out and welcome them to the BES family!

 

Debbie Whitsell (2nd Grade):

I’m so excited to be part of this amazing team and wanted to take a moment to introduce myself.

I’ve been in education for 18 years, with 12 years in the classroom teaching 2nd through 4th grade and the past 6 years serving as an instructional coach. While I’ve loved supporting teachers and collaborating across grade levels, I’m especially excited this year to get back in the classroom—where my true passion lies.

A little bit about me personally—I’m thrilled to be joining the Bardstown community along with my family! My husband is the culinary instructor at Bardstown High School, and our two children, Ava and Mason, will also be joining the district as a second and third grader. We’re all excited to become part of this wonderful school family.

Please feel free to reach out, or just say hello—I’d love to connect! debbiewhitsell451@gmail.com

 

Sarah Dunn (3rd Grade):

Hi Everyone! My name is Sarah Dunn, and I am so excited to join the third-grade team at Bardstown Elementary School!

I recently earned my Master of Arts in Teaching with dual certification in Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education (IECE) and Elementary Education. Since 2021, I’ve had the privilege of serving as a substitute teacher in Bardstown City Schools, an experience that allowed me to find my passion for education. Before entering the classroom, I spent over 13 years as a cosmetologist and proudly owned my own salon before transitioning into teaching.

My husband, Michael, also teaches in the district, and we’ve called Bardstown home since 2012. We have two amazing kids- Madeline (a freshman at BHS) and Finlay (a 7th grader at BMS); as well as two dogs and a cat.

I want to sincerely thank the entire BES team for the incredible support you’ve shown me throughout my journey- from observations to student teaching, and beyond the classroom. It means the world to now work alongside such a welcoming and inspiring group of educators.

Please feel free to reach out and share any advice or insights- your experience is invaluable, and I’m eager to learn from you. I’m truly grateful to be part of this fabulous school family and look forward to growing alongside all of you.

 

With Gratitude,
Sarah K. Dunn 

sarah.dunn@bardstown.kyschools.us

 

 

 

Last Day for Tiger Tickets - TOMORROW

Tomorrow is the last day for students to redeem tiger tickets. As a reminder, they DO carryover from year to year if students want to save them for next year, but they need to keep up with them. 

This week's winners are here: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1cvuqjy5IAtyWhJDeh75XQEp49VQ1qFU3NWm805kMx4w/edit?usp=sharing

Please let me know if you have any questions. 

-Josh 

Redemption times are the same: 1:20 PM - Grade TWO / 1:30 PM - Grade 4 / 1:50 PM - Grades 3 & 5

 

Staffing Updates

 A few staffing updates:

 

1 - We are currently hiring for a second and third grade teacher. We will also be hiring for a SpEd resource teacher as Ms. Bodine has recently accepted a new position at Hardin Co. Schools!

2 - Amanda Filiatreau will be moving back to third grade. 

3 - Cheryl Burks is moving to science lab. 

4 - Hannah Hall will be joining us full time to establish a second highly structured classroom. 

5 - SpEd R

 

Please see Josh with any questions. 

End of Year Celebrations

Greetings!

Mark your calendars for 3 PM on 5/29! We will meet in the media center to send off and celebrate Amy Jo Sims and Anne Marie Dossett as they retire from BCS! We will also wish Betty and Allen well as they move to BHS! 

Lastly, we will reveal the winners of our staff superlative awards! Make sure to vote by 4 PM on 5/27! Use this link: https://forms.gle/iuKUgpTX6T6tSo357

See Josh with questions!

Updates

 Greetings! Here are some updates:

1 - BCS has a new mowing contract in place. The grass will be mowed on Thursdays. They will do the best to work around our recess fields as students are out, but there may be some days of overlap, depending on weather. Please be flexible.  

2 - BES will offer summer feeding this year. It will be Thursdays from 11-1. Families will get SEVEN breakfasts and lunches per child. It will run June 12-July 17 through our car loop.

 3 - A $1000 stipend is available for anyone wishing to work before school duty in the mornings from 7-7:30 AM. If you are interested in this or want to learn more, come see me, Josh.

 4 - A reminder that if you have any interest in our science lab or 3rd grade position to reach out to me, Josh, today. 

5 - During KSA, you may want to let families know:

    A. There are no EEOs/EHOs for absences. 

    B. Students should leave smart watches and cell phones at home. 

Have a great rest of your week! See many of you at the Academic Medal Ceremony Thursday at 6 or the 5th Grade Dance Friday from 5:30-7:30 PM. 

-Josh