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HCS Community Connections Newsletter - August 2025

Posted Date: 8/27/25 (5:00 PM)

Welcome to the 2025-2026 School Year!

Hopkins County Schools logo

Connections

#TeamHopkins Parent and Community Newsletter

August 2025
 

Great Futures Start Here!

Hopkins County Schools, Great Futures Start Here!
We want to celebrate Hopkins County Schools staff members who embody “Great Futures Start Here!” HCS Superintendent Dr. Damon Fleming is starting a new recognition program to honor staff members who go above and beyond to create opportunity, inspire greatness, and remove barriers so all students and staff can thrive.

Details of the recognition program are posted on the district website. You may submit nominations now using the online nomination form.

Honorees will be recognized publicly at an upcoming Hopkins County Board of Education meeting. Nominations may be submitted by staff, students, families, or community members.
 

Reminders to Parents

Household Income Form

To determine your children’s eligibility for additional benefits and for our school district to qualify for state and federal funds, we ask you to complete a Household Income Form. 

To complete this form, please log in to your Parent Portal account. 
 Your child may qualify for educational benefits such as the following:
  • Free/reduced school fees (A list of school fees is attached.)
  • Testing waivers
  • Supplies, clothing, books, resources, etc.
The school district and your child’s school may qualify for the following educational benefits to support student needs:
  • Additional Title funds
  • Additional FRYSC Center funds
  • Other state/federal funds
  • Future eligibility for free and reduced-price school meals.

Code of Acceptable Behavior & Discipline

The Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline (formerly known as Code of Conduct) includes the rights and responsibilities of the school community, information on disciplinary responses, attendance requirements, and policies and codes of Hopkins County Schools. Please review the document and sign the electronic acknowledgement form in ParentSquare.

Over-the-Counter Medications

Updated guidance from the state requires that all OTC medication that is brought to school by parents be accompanied by a provider’s note with instructions and a signature. However, in HCS, students may see the school nurse for OTC medications with evaluation by the Health Department RN and receive most OTC medications that are covered by standing orders by the medical director. To receive OTC medications, a student must have their school consent signed.

High Attendance Day

The annual Kentucky High Attendance Day will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 9. Many of our schools have fun events planned for that day.
 
HCS Back to School, Attendance and Truancy Procedures
HCS Regreso a la Escuela
 

Support your Child's Education

We believe that when parents and schools work together, students succeed. At Hopkins County Schools, we’re committed to helping your child grow, learn, and thrive. Here are some simple ways you can get involved and support your child’s education this school year.

How Parents Can Help Their Child’s Education

At Home:
  1. Create a Quiet Space: Set up a place for your child to study and do homework.
  2. Make a Routine: Have regular times for homework, meals, and bedtime.
  3. Support Learning: Read together, ask about their day, and make learning fun.
  4. Set Goals: Help your child set small goals for school and personal growth.

With the School:
  1. Stay in Touch: Talk to teachers by phone, email, or school apps.
  2. Go to Events: Attend parent meetings, school events, and back-to-school nights.
  3. Volunteer: Help out at school, or even from home with small tasks.
  4. Give Feedback: Share your thoughts with the school through surveys or meetings.
  5. Ask for Help: If your child is struggling, contact district or school staff for support. Teachers, counselors, and administrators are here to assist.
  6. Reach Out for Resources: If you need additional help, don’t hesitate to contact the school for resources, tutoring options, or advice on how to support your child’s learning at home.

Building a Community:
  1. Meet Other Parents: Use school resources to connect with other families.
  2. Attend School Events: Go to games or concerts to show support.
  3. Have Family Fun: Plan family activities like trips or art projects.

Why It’s Important:
When parents help, kids do better in school, feel more motivated, and attend school more often. Even if you have a busy schedule, small actions at home make a big difference for your child’s success!
 

In Our Schools

A Community Celebration

About 15 people stand clapping with ribbon in floor

Governor Helps Open High School Auxiliary Gyms & Storm Shelters

A large crowd – including Gov. Andy Beshear – attended the ribbon cutting to open the new High School Auxiliary Gyms and Storm Shelters. Beshear took part in the ribbon cutting at Hopkins County Central High School and spoke about how the community came together after devastating storms hit our area.

After the program and ribbon cutting, attendees took self-guided tours of the addition, including the auxiliary gym/storm shelter and athletic recognition hall. The Heritage Hall at Central includes a display case featuring the 1967 Earlington High School State Basketball Championship trophy, interactive video boards for HCCHS and its Hall of Fame, and photo slideshows for EHS, South Hopkins High School, West Hopkins High School, and the former community schools. 

The district primarily used federal Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief funds for the project. The additions at both HCCHS and Madisonville North Hopkins include a full-sized basketball court, spectator seating, storm shelter, locker rooms, restrooms, and a multi-purpose area. The multi-purpose area at Madisonville North Hopkins provides space for classrooms, storage, and athletic training. At Central, this area offers space for the cheer and dance teams with a specialized floor system. These projects will benefit our students as well as our entire community.

Man in a suit stands at podium with seal of Kentucky on wall behind him, and about 4 people seated nearby
About 12 people stand in gym with red walls, 3 basketball goals and a volleyball net.
 

Earlington State Championship Trophy Gains New Home

Seven people stand in front of 
Earlington display with letterman's jacket, basketball, and state championship trophy.
About 5 people watch a video of basketball game on screen.
Several members of Earlington High School's 1967 State Championship Basketball Team attended the ribbon cutting for the new auxiliary gyms and storm shelters. The Heritage Hall at Hopkins County Central HS includes a special display for the state championship trophy and other memorabilia.
Man presents a white EHS baseball cap to the governor with three high school students watching.
 

Preschools Receive Top Rating from State

About 15 people stand on both sides of an outdoor sign with the words Hopkins County Board of Education.
All seven district preschool classrooms in Hopkins County Schools have earned the highest possible rating! Each received a 5 on the Kentucky All STARS quality rating system. This recognition highlights the district’s commitment to providing exceptional early learning experiences for its youngest students.

The All STARS program measures excellence in early childhood education based on teaching practices, family engagement, staff qualifications, and learning environment. Achieving a 5-star rating across all preschool classrooms reflects the dedication of Hopkins County’s teachers, staff, and families to preparing children for future success.
 

Save the Date!

Bowl for FRYSC's Sake, Save the Date, October 25, 2025; Stay Tuned for More Details

Students Set to Explore in MS Career Labs

About 15 people stand in a row behind a red ribbon and a sign above them that says Career Lab.
Hopkins County Schools officially opened the new Middle School Career Labs with a ribbon cutting at James Madison Middle School.

The new career labs at all four of our middle schools serve more than 1,500 students district-wide. This will give students earlier exposure to career fields such as welding, sports medicine, nursing, electrical, plumbing, hospitality and so much more by using equipment and tools that are found in our high school programs and the work-place. Each lab is equipped with tools and equipment designed for middle school instruction by Paxton Patterson, an educational company that develops hands-on, career focused learning systems. 

“This is a game changer for career readiness and a springboard for our local industry and businesses to connect with future employees,” said Alaina Lancaster, principal of the Hopkins County Career and Technology Center.

The Career Labs were made possible through the support of the CTE Supplemental Grant provided by the Kentucky Department of Education, along with our incredible community partners: the J. Rogers Badgett Sr. Foundation, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, West AHEC, Hopkins County Tourism, and Groves Electrical Services.

Hopkins County has built a strong foundation for families and careers, and now we are building the pipeline that connects our students to the workforce, right here at home. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead this school year!
Three people talk in one of the career lab areas
3 adults and 1 student talk in a career lab area.
 

Phelps Joins Board of Education

Person gives oath of office to woman in blue suit, with two board members and three of her family members watching.
Board attorney Keith Cartwright administered the oath of office to newly appointed Hopkins County Board of Education member Martha Phelps in July. She represents Division 1. Congratulations!
 

Homegrown FFA Project

Watermelon & smiles all around! Thanks to Hopkins County Central High School FFA, every school in Hopkins County is enjoying fresh, juicy watermelon earlier this month. Our Color Counts fresh fruit & vegetable initiative is looking good—and tasting even better!
Elementary student eats watermelon in school cafeteria.
Cafeteria worker holds up piece of watermelon in cafeteria kitchen.
 

Applause for Staff & Students

Two elementary students hold art work and stand in front of an eagle painted on the wall.

Two Finalists in State's 'I Voted' Sticker Contest

Two creative HCS students were recognized as finalists in the statewide “I Voted” Sticker Contest! The finalists, 5th grader Jaidin Adkins and 4th grader Rylan Bowman, are both students at Jesse Stuart Elementary School. They are among 9 finalists selected statewide. The top designs are posted at https://www.sos.ky.gov/civic-initiatives/Pages/i-voted-sticker-contest.aspx.

Kentuckians were able to vote for their favorite sticker at the Secretary of State’s Office booth at the Kentucky State Fair. The top vote getter’s design will be printed on stickers and sent to county clerks to provide to voters during the May 2026 primary election.
 

FFA State Champions from HCCHS

Several Agriculture State Champions from Hopkins County Central High School were honored at the Board of Education meeting on August 4. Students include Ag Sales State Champions Westin Baldwin, Hayden Crick, Jessica Lawless, and Mattie Reynolds.

Also recognized were three State Proficiency Winners: Agricultural Services - Andrew Densmore; Equine Science Placement - Westin Baldwin; and Diversified Crop Placement - Landon Herring. They will all advance to compete at the National FFA Convention! 
Four high school students wearing FFA jackets stand with three adults in district boardroom.
Two high school students wearing FFA jackets stand with three adults in district boardroom.
 
Nine adults holding plaques sit in two rows on school bleachers.

HCS Employees of the Year

Our 2024-2025 Employees of the Year were announced during the annual Team Hopkins Day event. Those honored include the following:

• Food Service Employee of the Year - Donna Stanley, Hopkins County Central High School
• Facilities Management Employee of the Year - James Musgrove, West Broadway Elementary School
• Transportation Employee of the Year - Katherine Bardell Vincent
• Secretary of the Year - Debbie Roden, Pride Elementary School
• Central Office Employee of the Year - Steven Vaught, Technology Department
• Classified Support Service Employee of the Year - Shannon Brooks, Hanson Elementary School
• Elementary School Teacher of the Year - Alexandria Creekmur, Southside Elementary School
• Middle School Teacher of the Year - Jennifer Edwards, South Hopkins Middle School
• High School Teacher of the Year - Dr. Linda Gigliette, Madisonville North Hopkins High School (not pictured)
• Administrator of the Year - Melissa Lipe, West Hopkins School
 
Woman in black tweed suit jacket smiles for photo

Devine Selected as KASA President

Dr. April Devine, director of pupil personnel for Hopkins County Schools, has been installed as the new president of the Kentucky Association of School Administrators! A lifelong educator and dedicated KASA member since 2012, Dr. Devine brings a deep understanding of student needs, school operations, and statewide policy to her new role. For more details, go to https://www.hopkins.kyschools.us/112557_2?articleID=32261.
 
12 high school students holding certificates stand with two adults in district boardroom.

Governor's Scholars Program

Congratulations to the outstanding students who participated in the 2025 Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program! They were honored at the Board of Education meeting on August 18. Students recognized were Aidan Arp, Matthew Brantley, Paige Brummer, Aiden Clark, Avery Crane, Kiley Demoss, Emma Duncan, Addison Howard, Caris Lewis, Jett Lutz, Aliyah Strahl, and Michael Strahl of Madisonville North Hopkins and James Payne of Hopkins County Central.
 
Three high school students holding certificates stand with two adults in district boardroom.

Governor's School for Entrepreneurs

Innovative students who were chosen to participate in the 2025 Kentucky Governor’s School for Entrepreneurs were recognized at the Board of Education meeting on August 18. Students honored were Cadence Curry, Alex Garrott, Olivia Kirkland, Eli Pinkerton, and Madelyn Vargas of Madisonville North Hopkins and Emma Frazier of Hopkins County Central.
 
2 high school students holding certificates stand with two adults in district boardroom.

Governor's School for the Arts

Hyewon Park, Bailey Stanley, and Madeline Stanley of Madisonville North Hopkins were honored on August 18 at the Board of Education meeting. They were selected to participate in the Governor’s School for the Arts this past summer.
 
1 high school student holding a certificate stands with two adults in district boardroom.

Commonwealth Honors Academy

Jaden Heath of Madisonville North Hopkins HS was honored at the Board of Education meeting on August 18. He was selected for the Commonwealth Honors Academy at Murray State University this past summer.
 
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Hopkins County Schools

320 S. Seminary St.
Madisonville, KY 42431