April 30, 2019
End-of-year calendar set

The last day of school for students will be Thursday, May 23. Closing day for staff will be Friday, May 24. High school graduation dates have also been set:

HOPKINS COUNTY SCHOOLS ACADEMY
Graduation - Tuesday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at Browning Springs Middle School

HOPKINS COUNTY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL 
Baccalaureate - Wednesday, May 15, at 6 p.m;
Awards Night - Monday, May 20, at 6 p.m.;
Graduation - Friday, May 24, at 7 p.m.

MADISONVILLE NORTH HOPKINS HIGH SCHOOL
Baccalaureate - Wednesday, May 15, at 7 p.m.;
Awards Day - Monday, May 20, at 1 p.m.;
Graduation - Thursday, May 23, at 7 p.m.
Remembering Mr. Gant

Hopkins County Schools Assistant Superintendent Charles Gant, who passed away in March, was honored by Impact Mentoring during Bowl to Impact a Child on April 27. He served as a board member for the organization (formerly Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hopkins County) for many years and was an enthusiastic participant in the annual bowling fundraiser. This year's event, was co-chaired by Superintendent Deanna Ashby and Muhlenberg County Schools Superintendent Robert Davis. In relation to the event, schools decorated bowling pins, and the one receiving the most money in voting won the Hoorah Award in honor of Mr. Gant. This year, Grapevine Elementary was the winner.
Retirement Information

If you plan to retire this year, don't wait till the last minute.

Certified: Notify Janice Gillispie in payroll. We complete everything on-line in the Pathway system. It is not necessary to schedule an appointment.

Classified: Notify Cindy Clark in payroll. CERS is paper documentation so you do need to drop it off at Central Office. Please allow one week to get this paperwork completed, signed, and returned to you.
Withholding Allowances
Did you know that your withholding allowances are on your direct deposit paycheck stub that is emailed out each payroll? Here is an example screen shot. It can be found on the bottom right corner of the stub. If you want to change your withholdings, please use the attached Federal W4 form and Kentucky K4 form.

District Talent Shows

The 2019 District Competition for the Hopkins County Schools Talent Show Series will be held this week at  Glema Mahr Center for the Arts . The District Competition is sponsored by Madisonville Community College Lions Club. The elementary performance will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, April 30, and the middle school and high school performances will be at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 2. Admission is $5, or $3 with an eyeglasses donation.
Collaboration leads to expanded opportunities
for automotive repair students

As the result of a collaboration between Hopkins County Schools and Madisonville Community College, new opportunities will be available for local students interested in careers in automotive repair.

For the first time, MCC will offer an evening class in Automotive Repair for adults during the fall semester at Hopkins County Career and Technology Center. Also, high school students in the automotive program at the CTC will be eligible to earn dual credit. Students will be able to use dual credit scholarships to help with the cost.

"We're really excited to be able to do this," said Dr. Scott Cook, provost at MCC. "I think it's a great opportunity for us to celebrate together."

CTC Principal Pam Todd said, "What makes this so exciting is that we have worked toward offering automotive dual credit classes since we first opened the doors at CTC in 2016. Because of this partnership with MCC, it is finally going to happen."

For more information, see the full story.
2020 U.S. Census Kickoff

The Hopkins County School district is serving on the Hopkins County Complete Count committee for the 2020 United States Census. The month of April marks one year until the 2020 Census, and we have been asked to start the Census campaign and share information with our parents and students.

If every young kid was counted in the last census, there would have been half a BILLION $ more per year to fund critical programs. See how much states lost from just 5 programs and find out how to help #CountAllKids in #Census2020 so they can thrive. #CountMeIn http://bit.ly/CAKStateMoneyBlog

Schools will be asked to share information throughout the 2019-2020 school year AND embed census curriculum materials into lesson plans throughout the year.



#LionChaser / #GiantSlayer


Grapevine Elementary School 2nd-grader Hailey Prince was presented with the #LionChaser / #GiantSlayer Award. She responded quickly when her father suffered a seizure and remained calm as she called 911. Madisonville Police Department, in conjunction with the City of Madisonville, commended her for showing outstanding bravery during a stressful situation. She was recognized at a City Council meeting on Feb. 18, and emergency service agencies also provided a pizza party for her class.


School Resource Officer Hollis Crowley received the #LionChaser / #GiantSlayer Award at a recent Board of Education meeting. Officer Crowley acted quickly when a 6th-grader at James Madison Middle School told him she had lost her retainer in the trash for a second time. She was very upset. He told her not to worry and, without hesitation, started digging through the trash. With gloves on, he dug through trash cans until he found her retainer. This action shows how much he cares for students and is something that the student will never forget!

West Broadway Elementary school nurse Nichole Johnson received the #LionChaser / #GiantSlayer Award during the Board of Education meeting on March 18. On Monday, Feb. 25, a kindergarten student at WBES got sick in the cafeteria. Nurse Nichole went above and beyond cleaning the student up and caring for him. She contacted his mother and recommended she take him to the doctor to determine what was causing the stomach pain. After seeing the doctor, this student had an emergency appendectomy. This is just one example of the daily dedication Nurse Nichole demonstrates to all Bobcats.

Bobbie Schaffer Orten, Family Resource Youth Services Center coordinator at West Hopkins School, received the #LionChaser / #GiantSlayer Award at the April 15 Board of Education meeting. Mrs. Bobbie puts the microscope on the basic needs of kids. In a day and age when everyone wants kids to perform well academically, kids must also feel confident in just coming to school and being the person we all know they can be. She has been instrumental in helping students maintain that confidence. One way she has accomplished this is reaching out to families with assistance in laundry services for student clothing. This alone has made a major impact on student self-confidence and improved attitudes and attendance. The WHS community is one BIG family. Mrs. Bobbie goes above and beyond to meet the basic needs of children.

How are YOU being a Giant Slayer?
Two seniors receive academy appointments

Two Hopkins County seniors have received appointments to the U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 2023. Hopkins County Central student Jack Stratton and Madiso n ville North Hopkins student Micah Center were honored separately by the Board of Education. Upon graduation, each will be commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force. They will leave for basic training this summer. Congratulations to both !
Stroud named Ky MS Teacher of Year Semifinalist

South Hopkins Middle School teacher Garris Stroud is one of three semifinalists for Kentucky Middle School Teacher of the Year, the Kentucky Department of Education and Valvoline announced April 26. Winners of the Elementary, Middle and High School Teacher of the Year Awards, in addition to the overall 2020 Kentucky Teacher of the Year, will be announced at a ceremony at 10 a.m. ET on May 20, at the Berry Mansion in Frankfort.
 
The nine semifinalists are among 24 educators who were named 2020 Valvoline Teacher Achievement Award (TAA) winners. They were chosen based on their scores from the first round of judging, which was conducted by a blue-ribbon panel of veteran educators. Applications included information on nominees' teaching philosophies, teaching experiences, involvement in their respective communities and letters of recommendation.
 
Classroom visits and personal interviews with each of the nine semifinalists will result in the selection of the 2020 Elementary School, Middle School and High School Teachers of the Year. A culmination of these scores results in the selection of the 2020 Kentucky Teacher of the Year. This individual will represent Kentucky in the 2020 National Teacher of the Year competition.
HCEF Mini-Grant Opportunity

Attached you will find the 2019 Hopkins County Education Foundation Mini-Grant opportunity. A blanket board approval to apply for the HCEF grants will be on the May board agenda. Grant applications are due Friday, May 24, by 4 pm. Applications may be mailed to the address below or hand delivered to Hopkins County Schools Central Office. Please DO NOT scan and email grant applications. 


Please mail completed applications to Jennifer W. Luttrell; 320 S. Seminary St.; Madisonville, KY 42431.
Autism Awareness

Browning Springs Middle School is shining a light on Autism. April is Autism Awareness month, and BSMS is spreading awareness and understanding to Hopkins County as the school celebrates and honors their students with autism. Every year the BSMS staff shows their support by wearing blue and shining blue lights on the outside of the school.
'A Spoonful of Sugar' 

Madisonville North Hopkins High School's production of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh's "Mary Poppins" was presented to rave reviews on April 12-13 at Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. The musical also featured performers from other Hopkins County schools. Cast photos by The Messenger.
MNHHS wins Region 2 boys basketball championship

The Madisonville North Hopkins High School boys basketball team won the Region 2 Championship, and advanced to the KHSAA State Tournament. They defeated Lincoln County High School in the first game at Rupp Arena in Lexington, before falling in the second round. Congratulations to the players and coaches!
Mock accident emphasizes safety

A mock accident event held April 12 at Hopkins County Central emphasized the dangers of distracted driving and the importance of safety. The event was hosted by HOSA in conjunction with PHI Air Medical. Organizers took a realistic approach, with the scene featuring a wrecked vehicle, students portraying injured and dead individuals, emergency responders arriving in vehicles with sirens blaring, and PHI helicopter landing on the soccer field. A student dressed as the grim reaper also stood watch. After the event, guest speaker Andy Pilgrim, a former race car driver who is a speaker for the Corvette Plant in Bowling Green, talked to students during an assembly in the gym.
Flood Relief Drive

Classes at Hanson Elementary School gave generously during the recent Nebraska Flood Relief Drive. Ember Patterson's 4th-grade class had been learning about natural hazards in science, along with real world events. After hearing about the record flood that recently caused massive damage in the upper Midwest, students decided to start a school-wide collection drive. They collected diapers, hand sanitizer, nonperishable food items, trash bags, bottled water, toilet paper and more! The school collected more than 4,715 items; the class with the most donations was Lindsey Rogers' 4th grade. The project was done in conjunction with a donation drive by the Hopkins County Extension Office.
'Amazing Shake' focuses on soft skills

Sixth-graders at James Madison Middle School introduced themselves to community leaders, shook hands, made eye contact, and more during the inaugural "Amazing Shake" event at the school. Teachers Kia Zieba and Sara Lutz spearheaded the competition that focuses on soft skills. Thirty-four students took part in the "Meet and Greet" segment of the competition. Additional events were held throughout March. Out of five finalists, Aiden Lutz was selected as the winner. Jordan Owens was in 2nd place. The event is based on The Amazing Shake, which originated at the Ron Clark Academy in Atlanta. Organizers hope this event will grow in the future.
Breakfast and Books

Southside Elementary School recently hosted "Breakfast and Books" sessions for their families at each grade level. Parents, grandparents, and students were provided a light breakfast while they listened to a special guest read a book. Afterward, students were allowed to pick out two books to take home.
Read Across America

A group of Hopkins County Central High School students recently celebrated Read Across America Day. Under the direction of English teacher Carol Niswonger and interventionist Monte Mefford, the group traveled to West Hopkins, West Broadway, Grapevine (shown in photos), Earlington and Southside to read to our younger students. Read Across America is held annually on March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday.
Devine selected as legislative page

West Broadway Elementary School 5th-grader Adam Willett Devine was chosen to represent WBES and Hopkins County for Legislative Page Day in Frankfort. Adam submitted a poster and essay last October and was chosen from several entries to serve as a page to State Sen. C.B. Embry.
'Adulting Day'

Seniors from both Hopkins County Central and Madisonville North Hopkins high school learned about basic auto care and tire changes, banking, health care, resume writing, job application skills, and food skills that will help with their transition after high school graduation. The "Adulting Day," held at the Career and Technology Center, was organized through the Youth Services Centers.
Purchasing Reminder

All purchase orders must be approved by April 30, and all invoices submitted for payment no later than May 31. Please help our school and district finance staff by turning in all POs with invoices and other required documentation.
Summer Payroll

Payroll has to process all the summer payrolls before our fiscal year ends on June 30, 2019. Employees may receive multiple direct deposit stubs by email before June 30. However, all the funds will not be direct deposited at that time. We will direct deposit the funds over the pay dates of June 28, July 15, July 30, and Aug. 15, when applicable.
Donuts with Dads

Grapevine Elementary School's Donuts with Dads event drew a large number of participants. More than 100 adults enjoyed breakfast with their kids that morning.
Grandparent of the Year essay winner

West Broadway Elementary School 5th-grader Aliyah Strahl was presented the AARP Award for the "Grandparent of the Year" district essay contest at the March 18 Board of Education meeting. The award was presented by Susan Weatherford of the Hopkins County Retired Teachers Association. Aliyah wrote her winning essay about her grandmother, Pamela Wilson.
MNHHS Job Fair

Sixteen employers set up tables at the Job Fair held at Madisonville North Hopkins High School on March 18. Students who are at least 16 years old could participate, talk to the employers and apply for jobs. According to Youth Services Center coordinator Randall Campbell, who organized the event, several students were able to schedule interviews or obtain jobs.
Cyber Safety workshop offered for parents

Pride Elementary School recently hosted a Cyber Safety workshop for its parents. More than 150 people attended the workshop, which was conducted by Robert Carter, district director of engagement, equity and school support.
Family Reading Night Fun

Hanson Elementary School recently hosted a family reading night. Teams of faculty and staff created stations of themed activities involving a selection of Dr. Seuss books. The Cat in the Hat even visited!
Connecting future grads with employers

Local students met with representatives from about 13 local businesses/organizations and Madisonville Community College's admissions and certificate programs during Business and Industry Day this afternoon at the Career and Technology Center. This event was aimed at students from both Madisonville North Hopkins and Hopkins County Central who want to go to work right out of high school. Organizers hope this will be the first of many similar events aimed at preparing our students for the future.
Honoring young writers and authors

Student writers and artists were honored during Hopkins County Schools' recent Young Author/Illustrator Showcase. The event featured local author/illustrator Mona Larkins, who also gave special presentations in our schools last week. Congratulations to all participants and winners. The list of district winners is posted at this link: http://tinyurl.com/y3bvez9r.
Crabtree honored for KSBA banner

The Board of Education honored Madisonville North Hopkins High School art teacher Eric Crabtree on April 15 for his efforts to create Hopkins County Schools' banner for the Kentucky School Boards Association conference. Each year, the conference has a banner display representing school districts in the state. There is a different theme each year. This year, Mr. Crabtree used black and white paint to create a banner that looked like a chalkboard that had been written on with chalk. We appreciate his creativity and hard work!

Two selected as regional FFA officers

Two students from Hopkins County have been selected to serve as Regional Officers for the Pennyrile FFA for the 2019-2020 school year. Allie Wagoner of Hopkins County Central will be serving as reporter, and Tatyana Slaton of Madisonville North Hopkins will be serving as Sentinel.
Project benefits homeless shelter

James Madison Middle School students in the 7th-8th grade social studies and 8th grade leadership advisory class recently led a drive to collect food for the Salvation Army homeless shelter. Items were collected for a week, then delivered to the agency.
Event Calendar

May 6  - Board of Education Meeting, Central Office, 5:30 p.m.
May 6-10 - Teacher Appreciation Week
May 20 - Board of Education Meeting, Central Office, 4:30 p.m.
May 21 - Professional Development/No School
May 23 - Last Day for Students
May 24 - Closing Day

To submit information for upcoming issues, email Communications and Community Engagement Specialist Lori Harrison

Together, 
We are one team,
      one mission,
      one community