By Amy Wallot
amy.wallot@education.ky.gov

In mid-December I took a trip to western Kentucky to photograph students taking advantage of dual credit opportunities at the Mayfield/Graves ATC. (Keep an eye on Kentucky Teacher for that upcoming story.) On my way back to Frankfort I had the pleasure of stopping by South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County), a Proficient/Progressing school.

I got a brief tour of the school and saw teachers and students actively engaged with learning and with one another. In every classroom. It was obvious, even in the short time I was there, what a great school culture they have.

According to Principal Rebecca Dunning, the school follows the district’s motto of “Live RED (Reaching Excellence Daily).” She said her teachers and support staff work hard to engage all students in learning at high levels to reach that goal.

Kindergarten students XXX, XXX and XXX read The Elf on the Shelf during Tasha Riley's class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Kindergarten students Westin Avery, Zoe Silkwood and Caylee Hermann read The Elf on the Shelf during Tasha Riley’s class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County).
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

XXX in Tasha Riley's kindergarten class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Kaylee Hopkins and Karaleena Sloan work together in Riley’s kindergarten class.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Sixth-grade teacher Sunni Ogg helps her students with a definitions poster at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Sixth-grade teacher Sunni Ogg helps her students with a science definitions poster.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Sixth-grade students Cameron Anderson and Kaydence McCormick create a definitions poster during Sunni Ogg's class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Sixth-grade students Cameron Anderson and Kaydence McCormick create a definitions poster during Sunni Ogg’s class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County).
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Emily Yates teaches nouns and verbs to a small group of 1st-grade students at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Emily Yates teaches nouns and verbs to a small group of 1st-grade students at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County).
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

First-grade students read during centers in Emily Yates' class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

First-grade students read in small groups in Emily Yates’ class.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Traci Goss helps her 4th-grade students Blake Tracy, Gabe Lawless and Zach Lynch with an experiment creating parallel circuits at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Traci Goss helps her 4th-grade students Blake Tracy, Gabe Lawless and Zach Lynch with an experiment creating parallel circuits.
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Fourth-grade students Jaysa Shelton and Abby Griner create a parallel circuit during Traci Goss' class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County). Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014

Fourth-grade students Jaysa Shelton and Abby Griner create a parallel circuit during Traci Goss’ class at South Livingston Elementary School (Livingston County).
Photo by Amy Wallot, Dec. 11, 2014