McCracken County Students Compete at JAG KY State Conference
Students from Heath Middle School and Reidland Middle School recently represented McCracken County Public Schools at the 2026 JAG KY State Career Development Conference in Lexington.
Heath Middle School
Rosie Watson – 1st Place, Prepared Speaking
Audrey Mulligan – 1st Place, Employability Skills
Reidland Middle School
Wesley Reams – 1st Place, Financial Literacy
Amyah Pearson – Prepared Speech competitor
We are also proud to share that RMS JAG Teacher, Mr. John Howard was recognized as the New JAG KY Specialist of the Year.
Congratulations to these students and to Mr. Howard for their accomplishments and for representing our district well.
Students from Heath Middle School and Reidland Middle School recently represented McCracken County Public Schools at the 2026 JAG KY State Career Development Conference in Lexington.
Heath Middle School
Rosie Watson – 1st Place, Prepared Speaking
Audrey Mulligan – 1st Place, Employability Skills
Reidland Middle School
Wesley Reams – 1st Place, Financial Literacy
Amyah Pearson – Prepared Speech competitor
We are also proud to share that RMS JAG Teacher, Mr. John Howard was recognized as the New JAG KY Specialist of the Year.
Congratulations to these students and to Mr. Howard for their accomplishments and for representing our district well.
Welcome to Kindergarten!
If your child will be 5 years old on or before August 1 and you plan to enroll in McCracken County Public Schools, please complete the Kindergarten Intent Form.
🌐 Visit this link to complete the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_Vg_c2cpmSSxXFP9gn_SzLw0PhkhNXc3Ttes4c5n5Hnlv3Q/viewform?usp=header
Completing the form allows us to communicate with you and share important information about registration, screening, and next steps.
Whether you are already part of our district or new to our community, we are excited to welcome your family to Kindergarten!
📅 Screening dates are listed on the image.
Individual schools will contact you with your child’s specific screening time.
If your child will be 5 years old on or before August 1 and you plan to enroll in McCracken County Public Schools, please complete the Kindergarten Intent Form.
🌐 Visit this link to complete the form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd_Vg_c2cpmSSxXFP9gn_SzLw0PhkhNXc3Ttes4c5n5Hnlv3Q/viewform?usp=header
Completing the form allows us to communicate with you and share important information about registration, screening, and next steps.
Whether you are already part of our district or new to our community, we are excited to welcome your family to Kindergarten!
📅 Screening dates are listed on the image.
Individual schools will contact you with your child’s specific screening time.
Current 5th–8th graders — don’t miss this opportunity to get a jump start on preparing for middle and high school cheer tryouts!
🗓 Tuesday, March 17
🕔 5:15 PM – Registration
📣 5:30–7:45 PM – Prep Clinic
This clinic is a great way to build skills, boost confidence, and learn what to expect at tryouts.
Register here- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J9ZtOW5QRbCykdnmWSxHtRGtsTsL7G2jf81qRLY-wzg/viewform?edit_requested=true
🗓 Tuesday, March 17
🕔 5:15 PM – Registration
📣 5:30–7:45 PM – Prep Clinic
This clinic is a great way to build skills, boost confidence, and learn what to expect at tryouts.
Register here- https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1J9ZtOW5QRbCykdnmWSxHtRGtsTsL7G2jf81qRLY-wzg/viewform?edit_requested=true
✨ Celebrating Our GSA Finalists! ✨
McCracken County High School is proud to have 10 finalists selected across the visual and performing arts for the 2026 Governor’s School for the Arts!
From drama and dance to music, visual art, and creative writing — our students continue to shine at the highest level.
Congratulations to each of these incredibly talented students! Best of luck as you head into the interview round — we are cheering you on every step of the way!
McCracken County High School is proud to have 10 finalists selected across the visual and performing arts for the 2026 Governor’s School for the Arts!
From drama and dance to music, visual art, and creative writing — our students continue to shine at the highest level.
Congratulations to each of these incredibly talented students! Best of luck as you head into the interview round — we are cheering you on every step of the way!
Lone Oak Intermediate’s Drama Club presents Mary Poppins Jr. this week! 🎩☂️
Join us for a magical performance on:
📅 Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30 PM
📅 Thursday, February 26th at 6:45 PM
You won’t want to miss this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show! 💫
🎟️ Tickets available at the door:
• $10 Adults
• $5 Students
Come support our talented students and enjoy a night of music, magic, and fun! 🎶
Join us for a magical performance on:
📅 Tuesday, February 24th at 6:30 PM
📅 Thursday, February 26th at 6:45 PM
You won’t want to miss this supercalifragilisticexpialidocious show! 💫
🎟️ Tickets available at the door:
• $10 Adults
• $5 Students
Come support our talented students and enjoy a night of music, magic, and fun! 🎶
🎒✨ McCracken County Preschool is Enrolling Now for the 2026-2027 School Year! ✨🎒
Give your child a strong start in a fun, nurturing, play-based learning environment at McCracken County Schools!
📍 Applications can be picked up at:
• Any McCracken County elementary school
• The Board of Education
• Or completed online here:
👉 https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/o/mcps/page/preschool-application
🗓 Preschool screenings will be held this spring.
We can’t wait to play, learn, and grow together!
A few weeks ago, McCracken County middle school Gifted leadership and drama students showcased their “soft skills” in our district’s Amazing Shake! Competition — and we are so proud!
Since December, 45 students have been building communication and leadership skills through strategic practice sessions. Five finalists advanced through real-world challenges including a roundtable discussion, a kindergarten lunch gauntlet task, working the room with Central Office staff, and a live final question session.
2026 Amazing Shake Winners:
Grand Champion – Ali Warmath (LOMS)
1st Runner-up – Eli Hughes (LOMS)
2nd Runner-up – Audrey Mulligan (HMS)
Finalist – Kason Gray (HMS)
Finalist – Ryann Abell (HMS)
Winning students will move on to compete in the Ron Clark AMAZING SHAKE! National Competition March 27–29 in Atlanta, GA.
We are proud of these students for demonstrating confidence, professionalism, and leadership while representing McCracken County Schools!
Since December, 45 students have been building communication and leadership skills through strategic practice sessions. Five finalists advanced through real-world challenges including a roundtable discussion, a kindergarten lunch gauntlet task, working the room with Central Office staff, and a live final question session.
2026 Amazing Shake Winners:
Grand Champion – Ali Warmath (LOMS)
1st Runner-up – Eli Hughes (LOMS)
2nd Runner-up – Audrey Mulligan (HMS)
Finalist – Kason Gray (HMS)
Finalist – Ryann Abell (HMS)
Winning students will move on to compete in the Ron Clark AMAZING SHAKE! National Competition March 27–29 in Atlanta, GA.
We are proud of these students for demonstrating confidence, professionalism, and leadership while representing McCracken County Schools!
🏀 2026 2nd District Basketball Tournament
📍 @ McCracken County High School – Strawberry Hills Pharmacy Arena
🎟 IMPORTANT:
Student passes, adult passes, and teacher passes DO NOT work for postseason play.
Everyone must purchase a ticket.
Buy in advance at gofan.co or use a credit card at the gate.
NO CASH accepted.
📅 Monday, February 23
🎫 https://gofan.co/event/6145786?schoolId=KY13133
• Girls – 5:30 PM | MCHS vs CCA
• Boys – 7:00 PM | MCHS vs CCA
📅 Tuesday, February 24
🎫 https://gofan.co/event/6145819?schoolId=KY13133
• Girls – 5:30 PM | St. Mary vs Paducah Tilghman
• Boys – 7:00 PM | Paducah Tilghman vs St. Mary
📅 Thursday, February 26
🎫 https://gofan.co/event/6145836?schoolId=KY13133
• Girls Championship – 5:30 PM
• Boys Championship – 7:30 PM
📍 @ McCracken County High School – Strawberry Hills Pharmacy Arena
🎟 IMPORTANT:
Student passes, adult passes, and teacher passes DO NOT work for postseason play.
Everyone must purchase a ticket.
Buy in advance at gofan.co or use a credit card at the gate.
NO CASH accepted.
📅 Monday, February 23
🎫 https://gofan.co/event/6145786?schoolId=KY13133
• Girls – 5:30 PM | MCHS vs CCA
• Boys – 7:00 PM | MCHS vs CCA
📅 Tuesday, February 24
🎫 https://gofan.co/event/6145819?schoolId=KY13133
• Girls – 5:30 PM | St. Mary vs Paducah Tilghman
• Boys – 7:00 PM | Paducah Tilghman vs St. Mary
📅 Thursday, February 26
🎫 https://gofan.co/event/6145836?schoolId=KY13133
• Girls Championship – 5:30 PM
• Boys Championship – 7:30 PM
🏆 Keep the Nominations Coming! 🏆
The McCracken County Schools Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations, and we want to continue recognizing outstanding alumni who have excelled in academics and athletics.
Do you know someone who made a lasting impact? A record-setting athlete? An academic standout? Now is the time to nominate them.
✔️ Nominations are open to the public
🗓 Deadline: June 1, 2026
🏆 Inaugural induction: August 2026
Submit a nomination today at https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
The McCracken County Schools Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations, and we want to continue recognizing outstanding alumni who have excelled in academics and athletics.
Do you know someone who made a lasting impact? A record-setting athlete? An academic standout? Now is the time to nominate them.
✔️ Nominations are open to the public
🗓 Deadline: June 1, 2026
🏆 Inaugural induction: August 2026
Submit a nomination today at https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
Talk about real-world learning in action! 👩🍳👨🍳
Head to Gold Rush Café and order The Golden Sausage Fritters — available as a weekly special for a limited time!
This creative breakfast dish was designed by McCracken County High School Culinary students as part of a partnership with the café. After being challenged to create an innovative and unique breakfast item, students delivered in a big way.
🏆 First Place Team:
Owen Schmeiser
Greg Williamson
Elijah Smith
Kaelob Johnson
Their winning creation features a smoked sausage link dipped in a special pancake-style batter, deep fried to crispy perfection, and served with maple syrup dipping sauce — plus your choice of potatoes and two eggs cooked your way.
This is the ultimate example of teaching with real-world application — students developing a product, presenting it, and seeing it served to actual customers in our community.
As an added bonus, Gold Rush Café is collecting tips at the register to support the MCHS Culinary Program and inspire even more creativity from our students.
If you're out and about, stop by, try the special, and help support our talented Mustangs!
Head to Gold Rush Café and order The Golden Sausage Fritters — available as a weekly special for a limited time!
This creative breakfast dish was designed by McCracken County High School Culinary students as part of a partnership with the café. After being challenged to create an innovative and unique breakfast item, students delivered in a big way.
🏆 First Place Team:
Owen Schmeiser
Greg Williamson
Elijah Smith
Kaelob Johnson
Their winning creation features a smoked sausage link dipped in a special pancake-style batter, deep fried to crispy perfection, and served with maple syrup dipping sauce — plus your choice of potatoes and two eggs cooked your way.
This is the ultimate example of teaching with real-world application — students developing a product, presenting it, and seeing it served to actual customers in our community.
As an added bonus, Gold Rush Café is collecting tips at the register to support the MCHS Culinary Program and inspire even more creativity from our students.
If you're out and about, stop by, try the special, and help support our talented Mustangs!
While School Resource Officer Appreciation Day was officially February 15, our appreciation lasts all year long! 💙
Our School Resource Officers are not only protectors—they are mentors, role models, and trusted adults in the lives of our students. Their presence makes a difference every single day.
Thank you for your dedication to McCracken County Schools. 💙
Our School Resource Officers are not only protectors—they are mentors, role models, and trusted adults in the lives of our students. Their presence makes a difference every single day.
Thank you for your dedication to McCracken County Schools. 💙
McCracken County Schools is proud to announce that our Board of Education member, Sheila Cruse Johnston, has been elected to serve on the Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence.
Sheila was elected at the organization’s Annual Meeting in October and officially began her term in January as one of 13 new members joining the Committee this year. In addition to her service on the McCracken County Board of Education, Sheila has dedicated her career to strengthening parent engagement as a strategy for improving student outcomes. Many across Kentucky will also remember her years of service on the Prichard Committee staff as Community Support Coordinator.
We are incredibly proud of Sheila’s continued leadership and her commitment to advancing public education — both in McCracken County and across the Commonwealth.
Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement!
Sheila was elected at the organization’s Annual Meeting in October and officially began her term in January as one of 13 new members joining the Committee this year. In addition to her service on the McCracken County Board of Education, Sheila has dedicated her career to strengthening parent engagement as a strategy for improving student outcomes. Many across Kentucky will also remember her years of service on the Prichard Committee staff as Community Support Coordinator.
We are incredibly proud of Sheila’s continued leadership and her commitment to advancing public education — both in McCracken County and across the Commonwealth.
Please join us in congratulating her on this outstanding achievement!
Congratulations Mustangs Dance Team - 2026 NDA National Champions - Game Day Medium Varsity!!
Just a reminder that Monday, February 16, is Presidents’ Day, and schools will be closed.
Enjoy the long weekend—we’ll see students back on Tuesday!
Enjoy the long weekend—we’ll see students back on Tuesday!
💙 FRYSC Week | February 9–13, 2026 💙
The Family Resource and Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky has designated February 9–13, 2026, as FRYSC Week, marking 35 years of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers serving Kentucky families.
While this week provides a special opportunity to highlight their impact, the work of FRYSC centers is valued and appreciated every day. FRYSCs play a critical role in supporting students, strengthening families, and connecting schools with essential resources that remove barriers to learning.
We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of FRYSC staff and partners who make a difference in our schools and communities year-round.
The Family Resource and Youth Services Coalition of Kentucky has designated February 9–13, 2026, as FRYSC Week, marking 35 years of Family Resource and Youth Services Centers serving Kentucky families.
While this week provides a special opportunity to highlight their impact, the work of FRYSC centers is valued and appreciated every day. FRYSCs play a critical role in supporting students, strengthening families, and connecting schools with essential resources that remove barriers to learning.
We are grateful for the dedication and commitment of FRYSC staff and partners who make a difference in our schools and communities year-round.
🏆 STATE CHAMPION ALERT! 🥇🔥
Reidland Middle School student Emmery Evans is a STATE CHAMPION!
Emmery took 1st place today at the Middle School Girls State Wrestling Tournament in the 115 lb weight class—an incredible accomplishment that reflects her dedication, grit, and determination.
Her championship match went into sudden victory, and Emmery sealed the win like a true champion with a clutch takedown.
We are so proud of you, Emmery! Congratulations on an outstanding achievement and representing your school and district at the highest level!
Reidland Middle School student Emmery Evans is a STATE CHAMPION!
Emmery took 1st place today at the Middle School Girls State Wrestling Tournament in the 115 lb weight class—an incredible accomplishment that reflects her dedication, grit, and determination.
Her championship match went into sudden victory, and Emmery sealed the win like a true champion with a clutch takedown.
We are so proud of you, Emmery! Congratulations on an outstanding achievement and representing your school and district at the highest level!
Congratulations Mustangs Coed Cheer - 2026 UCA Nationals 2nd Place!!
Our schools have a proud tradition of academic and athletic excellence.
The McCracken County Schools Hall of Fame honors alumni whose achievements continue to inspire future generations.
🏆 Help us celebrate that legacy.
🔗 Submit a nomination at https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
The McCracken County Schools Hall of Fame honors alumni whose achievements continue to inspire future generations.
🏆 Help us celebrate that legacy.
🔗 Submit a nomination at https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
🚢 Building Workforce Pathways 🚢
Several members of the McCracken County Schools team spent Thursday with Ingram Barge Company, touring their training facilities in downtown Paducah and Metropolis. We had the opportunity to see firsthand the equipment they use, how new employees are trained, and to have meaningful conversations about how we can continue preparing McCracken County High School students for success in the workforce.
Strong partnerships like this help connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
MCPS Team Members:
Josh Hunt • Jon Reid • Aaron Edwards • Jonathan Smith • Dylan Sonnek • Ashley Woodruff
Several members of the McCracken County Schools team spent Thursday with Ingram Barge Company, touring their training facilities in downtown Paducah and Metropolis. We had the opportunity to see firsthand the equipment they use, how new employees are trained, and to have meaningful conversations about how we can continue preparing McCracken County High School students for success in the workforce.
Strong partnerships like this help connect classroom learning to real-world careers.
MCPS Team Members:
Josh Hunt • Jon Reid • Aaron Edwards • Jonathan Smith • Dylan Sonnek • Ashley Woodruff
🌟 February McCracken MVP: Chuck Spees 🌟
We’re proud to recognize Chuck Spees, Preschool Bus Driver, as our February 2026 McCracken MVP!
Chuck brings positivity, patience, and a heart for kids to everything he does. He makes every ride a fun and welcoming experience for his preschool riders while always putting safety and what’s best for students first.
With a warm smile and kind words, he brightens mornings and afternoons for students and staff alike.
Thank you, Chuck, for the joy, care, and dedication you bring to our school community every day. 💙🚌
Congratulations, Chuck Spees! 🎉
We’re proud to recognize Chuck Spees, Preschool Bus Driver, as our February 2026 McCracken MVP!
Chuck brings positivity, patience, and a heart for kids to everything he does. He makes every ride a fun and welcoming experience for his preschool riders while always putting safety and what’s best for students first.
With a warm smile and kind words, he brightens mornings and afternoons for students and staff alike.
Thank you, Chuck, for the joy, care, and dedication you bring to our school community every day. 💙🚌
Congratulations, Chuck Spees! 🎉
