Kaylene Kenny
Winlock High School has a new program this year, Family and Consumer Sciences, basically home economics with a twist. Kaylene Kenny is the new educator who will be teaching this new cool class.
Kaylene is a graduate of Kittitas High School in 2002. She then went to Washington State University for two years. She finished her bachelor's at Central Washington University where she specialized in Family and Consumer Sciences. Kaylene was at Morton High School for 4 years and Onalaska for 10 years.
Principal, Dracy McCoy stated, "Kaylene is a strong addition to the Winlock High School staff. Not only does she provide our students with more CTE course opportunities, but she also has a strong knowledge of graduation pathways and provides students with opportunities to explore post-secondary opportunities.
Kaylene has a strong ability to build relationships with students and is willing to effectively collaborate with staff on ways to motivate and challenge students."
Since it is a new program at Winlock High School, we wanted to know a little more about it. Kaylene stated, "Home Economics, contrary to popular belief, is still alive and going strong in hundreds of schools across our state and thousands across the country. While "Home Economics" is now called "Family & Consumer Sciences," students will learn valuable skills to become successful citizens in their community, homes, and workplace. Students are currently enrolled in Child Development where they learn about children and how they grow, eventually leading to how they LEARN. Students in Senior Success and AVID are learning what College & Career readiness looks like and are staying busy making plans AND CARRYING THEM OUT for life after high school. This also includes financial literacy (money management, banking, credit, paychecks, etc., and employability skills (job applications, resume & cover letters, interviews, soft skills, etc). Interior Design is being offered as an alternative Art avenue for students to explore design concepts as it applies to careers in the Design Industry (principles and elements of design, floorplans, sustainable living, history of architecture and careers in Design)."
Kaylene has goals for her students, she stated, "My goal for students is to be equipped with the necessary tools to contribute to their homes, families, and places of employment."
Kaylene is new to the Winlock School District, when asked why bring this program to Winlock she stated, "Winlock is a fantastic school district to work for! This program has never been offered in our school before, so I saw an opportunity to strengthen not only our course offerings for students but also the Winlock Community as a whole."
When you start a new program in a school, a lot of times it ends up being a part of the community as well. Kaylene stated, "I am currently working on starting up an FCCLA (Family, Career & Community Leaders of America) Chapter. The whole goal of FCCLA is to positively impact our families and community. This could look like assisting with senior citizens, food banks, elementary children, families, and any other needs our community has. If you are a community member and you are willing to work with our chapter we would love to open a line of communication! I am also seeking members to sit on my Advisory Committee. If you are a parent, community member, business owner... I want to meet you! My goal is for students to be visible and active members of their own community. I am so excited to be here! Go Cards!"
Kaylene's energy is obvious, she is excited to be in Winlock and start something new. She will bring the same energy level to her class, her students will learn and enjoy it in the process. Welcome to Winlock Kaylene, we are happy to have you here.