Newport Schools will be returning to in person classes utilizing our Hybrid Plan on September 29th. Therefore, we will begin taking transportation requests starting Wednesday, September 16, 2020. This year we are asking you to complete the online transportation request form. You will need to complete a form for each child in your household. This will allow us to be more efficient as we move forward. All requests will be taken in the order they are received online. It is important for you to provide accurate addresses and contact information.

Transportation Request Form

Due to COVID-19 we will have fewer seats available on the buses. Therefore, you will probably notice some changes to our procedures. All buses will be loading from the back to the front and unloading from the front to the back. Please remember all riders will be required to wear a face mask or covering.

If you have any questions please contact Kathi Baldwin at 859-292-3001.

NEWPORT – Newport’s Food Service workers – who are viewed by many as valuable but often unsung heroes of the COVID-19 pandemic – were formally honored Wednesday by The Kentucky House of Representatives. 

During Wednesday night’s Newport Board of Education meeting, each worker was presented an official Kentucky House of Representatives Certificate of Appreciation from State Rep. Rachel Roberts of Newport. The certificates were signed by Rep. Roberts as well as by Speaker of the House David Osborne.  

“Thank you for ensuring that Newport students and families were provided enough food to feed their families every day of the week during this difficult time,” The Certification of Appreciation says. “You were truly on the front lines, and your dedication and commitment to the community is worth recognition.” 

The certificates were presented to Newport High School Food Service Manager Stephanie Atkins, Newport Intermediate School Food Service Manager Holley Clark and Newport Primary School Food Service Manager Kim Guffey along with the following Food Service workers: Alda Lane, Tara Tucker, Taylor Gross, Jalene Hoskins, Paul Juan McDay, Pam Underwood, Marcella Goff, Lisa Fulmer, Maria Palmisano, Melonie Bennett, Donna Shively, Becky Mueller, Brittani Atkins, Lynnzee Browning, Jessica Bartel and Lenora Mocciola. 

Members of the Newport Independent Schools Administration and Board of Education praised the workers and thanked Rep. Roberts for spearheading the recognition effort. 

Click on the title to read more.

A significant obstacle for student’s academic growth at times is the unmet need for social and emotional development that may require specialized services. Our children's mental health  is especially vulnerable during this time of virtual and hybrid learning.  Newport Independent Schools offer three different layers for overall student social and emotional development in addition to the learning in the classroom setting.  

STATEMENT FROM NEWPORT INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS SUPERINTENDENT TONY WATTS ON COVID-19-RELATED SCHOOL REOPENING

In a call yesterday (Aug. 10), Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear made a recommendation to all public school superintendents to delay opening schools to in-person instruction until or after the week of Sept. 28 due to the high number of Kentuckians testing positive for COVID-19, especially among children. 

The governor based his recommendation on four factors:

1. A high level of total COVID cases and a high positive test rate
2. An increase in the number of infections among children, both in Kentucky and the nation
3. Outbreaks already occurring in states that have attempted reopening schools
4. Families still going on vacations in COVID hotspots, then returning to Kentucky.

Based on Gov. Beshear’s recommendation, unfortunately, we will not begin school with in person instruction. All students will begin school on Aug. 31 doing virtual instruction. We will provide updates on changes as they occur. We thank our students, parents, families, teachers and staff for their patience and understanding through these trying times. 

Aug. 11, 2020 

:
Tony Watts
Superintendent Newport Schools

Video Interview

Click here to read the article in The River City News, Written by Patricia A. Scheyer, RCN contributor