Reminder that Monday, February 2, is a scheduled staff workday on the 2025–26 district calendar, and students will not attend school. We look forward to seeing our students on Tuesday, February 3.

Meal Bag Information 🍎
McCracken County Food Service will offer meal bag pick-up at each school on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
🚗 Families should drive to the door closest to the cafeteria at their child’s school.
🔢 A student lunch number is required for pick-up.
Thank you, and we look forward to serving our families!
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement- https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/food-service?fbclid=IwY2xjawPomHhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkT0p2SlB6a3dpSjN4bEY5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnE0C7EnSHmvahEaBuBebrgGvMHz6a0oe4JXX97aWzto6Yj7PEz1kjB4vR8c_aem_t81_CDPAn6-qSNcD9P_Ueg
McCracken County Food Service will offer meal bag pick-up at each school on Friday, January 30, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
🚗 Families should drive to the door closest to the cafeteria at their child’s school.
🔢 A student lunch number is required for pick-up.
Thank you, and we look forward to serving our families!
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement- https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/food-service?fbclid=IwY2xjawPomHhleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkT0p2SlB6a3dpSjN4bEY5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHnE0C7EnSHmvahEaBuBebrgGvMHz6a0oe4JXX97aWzto6Yj7PEz1kjB4vR8c_aem_t81_CDPAn6-qSNcD9P_Ueg

McCracken County High School Homecoming activities will continue this weekend as announced earlier this week. Our maintenance and custodial departments are continuing to ensure that snow and ice are cleared from parking areas and sidewalks at MCHS.
• Homecoming Game & Coronation: Friday, January 30
• Homecoming Coronation will begin at 5:30 p.m., prior to the girls’ basketball game.
Saturday, January 31 | 8:00–10:00 p.m.
• Homecoming Dance:
• Tickets will remain on sale through Friday night at 10:00 p.m. via the Infinite Campus School Store.
• Outside guest forms will be accepted until the start of the dance.
• Students attending the dance should enter through the House 2/3 doors.
We look forward to celebrating Homecoming with our students!
• Homecoming Game & Coronation: Friday, January 30
• Homecoming Coronation will begin at 5:30 p.m., prior to the girls’ basketball game.
Saturday, January 31 | 8:00–10:00 p.m.
• Homecoming Dance:
• Tickets will remain on sale through Friday night at 10:00 p.m. via the Infinite Campus School Store.
• Outside guest forms will be accepted until the start of the dance.
• Students attending the dance should enter through the House 2/3 doors.
We look forward to celebrating Homecoming with our students!

❄️ Weather Update | NTI Day #5 ❄️
Friday, January 30, 2026
McCracken County Schools will observe Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Day #5 on Friday, January 30.
We are very grateful to our custodians and maintenance teams who have worked tirelessly to clear and treat sidewalks and parking lots at all of our campuses. At this time, school parking lots and sidewalks across the district have been plowed, shoveled, and treated, and crews will continue working over the next few days. We also appreciate our local and state road crews for their continued efforts.
Despite this progress, some secondary roads remain snow-covered and unsafe for school bus travel. School buses are much heavier than cars, require longer stopping distances, and cannot maneuver or brake safely on icy roads—especially on narrow, hilly, or untreated routes. Many bus turnarounds and intersections remain impacted by snow and ice, making safe transportation difficult.
🍽 Meal Pick-Up
Meal bags will be available at each school Friday from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Please enter through the door closest to the cafeteria. A student lunch number is required.
🏀 Homecoming Weekend
Officials at Paducah City Schools and McCracken County Schools have confirmed that the girls and boys varsity basketball games will take place as scheduled. McCracken County High School will continue with Homecoming activities as planned, with the Homecoming game and coronation on Friday and the Homecoming dance on Saturday. Because buses are not used for these events, and because parking lots and sidewalks at McCracken County High School will be clear, families may make the best decision for their child based on road conditions in their area.
Thank you to our staff and families for your patience, understanding, and continued support.
Friday, January 30, 2026
McCracken County Schools will observe Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Day #5 on Friday, January 30.
We are very grateful to our custodians and maintenance teams who have worked tirelessly to clear and treat sidewalks and parking lots at all of our campuses. At this time, school parking lots and sidewalks across the district have been plowed, shoveled, and treated, and crews will continue working over the next few days. We also appreciate our local and state road crews for their continued efforts.
Despite this progress, some secondary roads remain snow-covered and unsafe for school bus travel. School buses are much heavier than cars, require longer stopping distances, and cannot maneuver or brake safely on icy roads—especially on narrow, hilly, or untreated routes. Many bus turnarounds and intersections remain impacted by snow and ice, making safe transportation difficult.
🍽 Meal Pick-Up
Meal bags will be available at each school Friday from 11:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
Please enter through the door closest to the cafeteria. A student lunch number is required.
🏀 Homecoming Weekend
Officials at Paducah City Schools and McCracken County Schools have confirmed that the girls and boys varsity basketball games will take place as scheduled. McCracken County High School will continue with Homecoming activities as planned, with the Homecoming game and coronation on Friday and the Homecoming dance on Saturday. Because buses are not used for these events, and because parking lots and sidewalks at McCracken County High School will be clear, families may make the best decision for their child based on road conditions in their area.
Thank you to our staff and families for your patience, understanding, and continued support.

⚾️ Mustang Baseball Camp ⚾️
Join us Saturday, February 7 for a fun and skill-building Mustang Baseball Camp led by our Mustang coaches and players! Open to K–8th grade, with age-based sessions.
💲 $35 per camper | 👕 Camp T-shirt included
📍 Mercy Health Indoor Facility
Join us Saturday, February 7 for a fun and skill-building Mustang Baseball Camp led by our Mustang coaches and players! Open to K–8th grade, with age-based sessions.
💲 $35 per camper | 👕 Camp T-shirt included
📍 Mercy Health Indoor Facility

Due to hazardous conditions on secondary roads, McCracken County Schools will be closed for in-person instruction tomorrow, Thursday, January 29, 2026. This day will be designated as NTI Day #4.
While travel conditions are improving, they are not yet consistent enough across the county for school buses to operate safely, particularly on secondary routes. Some staff and students would still encounter challenging travel conditions, and our priority is to ensure everyone can return to school safely.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our janitors and maintenance team, who have worked tirelessly across the district to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and school grounds in preparation for our return. Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.
Looking ahead to Friday, our transportation department will be checking all bus routes tomorrow. While no decision has been made at this time, we are hopeful that in-person learning can resume if conditions continue to improve. With Monday, February 2, already scheduled as a staff work day, returning students on Friday would provide an important opportunity to check in, serve meals, and reconnect after several days away from school.
Families should not assume a closure for Friday. We will continue to closely monitor conditions and communicate clearly once a final decision is made.
Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and support as we work to safely return students to classrooms.
While travel conditions are improving, they are not yet consistent enough across the county for school buses to operate safely, particularly on secondary routes. Some staff and students would still encounter challenging travel conditions, and our priority is to ensure everyone can return to school safely.
We would like to extend a sincere thank you to our janitors and maintenance team, who have worked tirelessly across the district to clear parking lots, sidewalks, and school grounds in preparation for our return. Their dedication and hard work are greatly appreciated.
Looking ahead to Friday, our transportation department will be checking all bus routes tomorrow. While no decision has been made at this time, we are hopeful that in-person learning can resume if conditions continue to improve. With Monday, February 2, already scheduled as a staff work day, returning students on Friday would provide an important opportunity to check in, serve meals, and reconnect after several days away from school.
Families should not assume a closure for Friday. We will continue to closely monitor conditions and communicate clearly once a final decision is made.
Thank you for your continued patience, flexibility, and support as we work to safely return students to classrooms.

Due to the ongoing winter storm and hazardous conditions across our area, McCracken County Schools will be closed on Monday, January 26; Tuesday, January 27; and Wednesday, January 28, 2026.
The decision to close schools for the next three days allows our families and community time to focus on safety and navigate the impacts of this significant winter weather event. In addition, the extended period of extremely cold temperatures following the storm is not expected to allow for sufficient thawing to ensure safe travel and school operations.
During this time, all McCracken County Schools campuses will be closed, and all district games, events, practices, and extracurricular activities are canceled through Wednesday, January 28. We encourage families, students, and staff to remain off the roads so highway departments and emergency services can safely perform their work.
These days will be designated as Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Days 1, 2, and 3. If families are able, students should complete assigned NTI work. We understand that winter weather, power outages, or other unforeseen circumstances may interfere with a student’s ability to participate, and schools and staff will be flexible in accommodating these situations. Families with questions may reach out through the MCPS mobile app (Rooms), Google Classroom, or email.
The use of NTI days allows the district to maintain Spring Break and prevents the extension of in-person instruction beyond Memorial Day.
As this winter storm brings extremely cold temperatures and the potential for ice, snow, and power disruptions, we encourage everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe and prepared. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through the MCPS website, MCPS mobile app, official McCracken County Schools social media channels, and local media outlets. Families will also receive a phone call, email, and text message notifying them of any updates.
Please stay warm, safe, and weather-aware during this extended closure.
The decision to close schools for the next three days allows our families and community time to focus on safety and navigate the impacts of this significant winter weather event. In addition, the extended period of extremely cold temperatures following the storm is not expected to allow for sufficient thawing to ensure safe travel and school operations.
During this time, all McCracken County Schools campuses will be closed, and all district games, events, practices, and extracurricular activities are canceled through Wednesday, January 28. We encourage families, students, and staff to remain off the roads so highway departments and emergency services can safely perform their work.
These days will be designated as Non-Traditional Instruction (NTI) Days 1, 2, and 3. If families are able, students should complete assigned NTI work. We understand that winter weather, power outages, or other unforeseen circumstances may interfere with a student’s ability to participate, and schools and staff will be flexible in accommodating these situations. Families with questions may reach out through the MCPS mobile app (Rooms), Google Classroom, or email.
The use of NTI days allows the district to maintain Spring Break and prevents the extension of in-person instruction beyond Memorial Day.
As this winter storm brings extremely cold temperatures and the potential for ice, snow, and power disruptions, we encourage everyone to take necessary precautions to stay safe and prepared. The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority. We will continue to monitor conditions and provide updates through the MCPS website, MCPS mobile app, official McCracken County Schools social media channels, and local media outlets. Families will also receive a phone call, email, and text message notifying them of any updates.
Please stay warm, safe, and weather-aware during this extended closure.

As we look ahead to next week following the winter storm, we want to remind families how McCracken County Schools will notify you if weather conditions require changes to the school schedule.

With the anticipation of a winter storm, all McCracken County Schools students will receive meal bags containing 2 breakfasts and 2 lunches today. How students receive their meal bags will vary by school level:
Elementary and middle school students will receive their meal bags as they leave school today.
McCracken County High School students may pick up their meal bags in the cafeteria as they leave today.
Preschool families should check with their child’s elementary school about picking up a meal bag for their preschooler.
We hope this helps families prepare. Please stay safe and warm.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement- https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/food-service
Elementary and middle school students will receive their meal bags as they leave school today.
McCracken County High School students may pick up their meal bags in the cafeteria as they leave today.
Preschool families should check with their child’s elementary school about picking up a meal bag for their preschooler.
We hope this helps families prepare. Please stay safe and warm.
USDA Nondiscrimination Statement- https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/food-service

📚 School Board Appreciation Month 📚
This month, we are proud to recognize and thank our McCracken County Board of Education members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we are highlighting Sheila Johnston, a three-year board member and former Teacher of the Gifted in McCracken County Schools. As a lifelong educator, she is committed to supporting teachers, engaging families, and ensuring students have the tools and safe environment they need to achieve academic success and reach their personal goals.
Thank you, Sheila, for your leadership, service, and commitment to McCracken County Schools.
This month, we are proud to recognize and thank our McCracken County Board of Education members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we are highlighting Sheila Johnston, a three-year board member and former Teacher of the Gifted in McCracken County Schools. As a lifelong educator, she is committed to supporting teachers, engaging families, and ensuring students have the tools and safe environment they need to achieve academic success and reach their personal goals.
Thank you, Sheila, for your leadership, service, and commitment to McCracken County Schools.

❄️ Cold Weather Reminder ❄️
With colder temperatures, please remember to send your children to school dressed for the weather—coats, hats, gloves, and warm layers make a big difference.
👀 Missing a winter item?
If your child is missing a coat, gloves, socks, or a hat, please be sure to check your school’s Lost and Found first. You might be surprised how many items are waiting to be claimed!
If your child still needs a specific piece of winter wear to stay warm, please contact your school’s Family Resource Center—they are happy to help.
👉 Learn more about Family Resource Centers here:
https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/family-resource-and-youth-services-centers
Together, we can help keep every student warm, safe, and ready to learn.
With colder temperatures, please remember to send your children to school dressed for the weather—coats, hats, gloves, and warm layers make a big difference.
👀 Missing a winter item?
If your child is missing a coat, gloves, socks, or a hat, please be sure to check your school’s Lost and Found first. You might be surprised how many items are waiting to be claimed!
If your child still needs a specific piece of winter wear to stay warm, please contact your school’s Family Resource Center—they are happy to help.
👉 Learn more about Family Resource Centers here:
https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/family-resource-and-youth-services-centers
Together, we can help keep every student warm, safe, and ready to learn.

📣 Community Resource Information
Please help us share this community resource with families who may need it.
Local service providers are hosting a Free Meal & Resource Fair as part of the 2026 K-Count, which helps gather a snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness in McCracken County.
📍 Community Kitchen
📅 Wednesday, January 28
⏰ 7:00–10:00 PM
📌 1237 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Resources include a free meal, clothing vouchers, hygiene kits, transportation assistance, and health screenings.
Please help us share this community resource with families who may need it.
Local service providers are hosting a Free Meal & Resource Fair as part of the 2026 K-Count, which helps gather a snapshot of individuals experiencing homelessness in McCracken County.
📍 Community Kitchen
📅 Wednesday, January 28
⏰ 7:00–10:00 PM
📌 1237 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive
Resources include a free meal, clothing vouchers, hygiene kits, transportation assistance, and health screenings.

Congratulations to Gavin Schooley on earning a perfect 36 on the Reading section of the ACT!
An outstanding academic achievement—well done, Gavin! 👏
An outstanding academic achievement—well done, Gavin! 👏

🎉 Congratulations to Eli Hughes! 🎉
Eli, a 7th grader at Lone Oak Middle School, earned first place for McCracken County at The Amazing Shake, hosted today by Paducah Middle School—way to go! 👏
What is The Amazing Shake?
The Amazing Shake is a competition that helps students develop essential professional and life skills, including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. Through a series of challenges, students practice introductions, interviews, teamwork, and handling real-world scenarios—all while being judged on poise, professionalism, and adaptability.
We’re proud of Eli for representing our district so well and showing what it means to be future-ready!
Eli, a 7th grader at Lone Oak Middle School, earned first place for McCracken County at The Amazing Shake, hosted today by Paducah Middle School—way to go! 👏
What is The Amazing Shake?
The Amazing Shake is a competition that helps students develop essential professional and life skills, including communication, critical thinking, problem-solving, and confidence. Through a series of challenges, students practice introductions, interviews, teamwork, and handling real-world scenarios—all while being judged on poise, professionalism, and adaptability.
We’re proud of Eli for representing our district so well and showing what it means to be future-ready!

📅 Reminder: No School on Monday
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on Monday.
We encourage our students, staff, and families to take time to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of service, leadership, and community.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, there will be no school on Monday.
We encourage our students, staff, and families to take time to reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of service, leadership, and community.

Strong Schools. Strong Community. Strong Future.
This week, McCracken County Public Schools hosted our next Ford Next Generation Learning Community Meeting, bringing together community members, business and industry leaders, faith-based and nonprofit partners, staff, students, parents, and postsecondary partners.
Together, we are working to empower generations for a better future by strengthening career academies, developing meaningful pathways, and building strong community partnerships that support student success beyond graduation.
A special thank you to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service – McCracken County Office for allowing us to use their beautiful facility, and to Rhodes for providing breakfast.
Thank you to everyone who continues to invest their time, voice, and expertise in this important work for our students and our community.
This week, McCracken County Public Schools hosted our next Ford Next Generation Learning Community Meeting, bringing together community members, business and industry leaders, faith-based and nonprofit partners, staff, students, parents, and postsecondary partners.
Together, we are working to empower generations for a better future by strengthening career academies, developing meaningful pathways, and building strong community partnerships that support student success beyond graduation.
A special thank you to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service – McCracken County Office for allowing us to use their beautiful facility, and to Rhodes for providing breakfast.
Thank you to everyone who continues to invest their time, voice, and expertise in this important work for our students and our community.




📚 School Board Appreciation Month 📚
This month, we are proud to recognize and thank our McCracken County Board of Education members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we are highlighting Kelly Walker, whose connection to McCracken County Schools runs deep—as a longtime MCPS speech therapist, a parent and grandparent of MCPS graduates and students, and a passionate advocate for public education.
Thank you, Kelly, for your leadership, service, and continued commitment to strengthening McCracken County Schools.
This month, we are proud to recognize and thank our McCracken County Board of Education members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we are highlighting Kelly Walker, whose connection to McCracken County Schools runs deep—as a longtime MCPS speech therapist, a parent and grandparent of MCPS graduates and students, and a passionate advocate for public education.
Thank you, Kelly, for your leadership, service, and continued commitment to strengthening McCracken County Schools.

📚 School Board Appreciation Month 📚
This month, we are proud to recognize and thank our McCracken County Board of Education members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we are highlighting Tyler Parker, whose connection to McCracken County Schools runs deep—as a Lone Oak High School alum, a parent of two MCPS students, and a committed advocate for public education.
Thank you, Tyler, for your leadership, service, and commitment to representing the voices of the Second District.
This month, we are proud to recognize and thank our McCracken County Board of Education members for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we are highlighting Tyler Parker, whose connection to McCracken County Schools runs deep—as a Lone Oak High School alum, a parent of two MCPS students, and a committed advocate for public education.
Thank you, Tyler, for your leadership, service, and commitment to representing the voices of the Second District.

They danced their way onto the STATE podium!
The McCracken County Dance Team earned:
🥈 State Runner-Up – Jazz Division
🥉 3rd Place – Game Day Division
at the 2025–2026 KHSDA Dance State Championships presented by UK HealthCare.
We are so proud of our Mustangs!


THEY DID IT! 🙌
Congratulations to our McCracken County Coed Cheer Team for being crowned STATE CHAMPIONS at the 2025–2026 Competitive Cheer State Championship, presented by UK HealthCare!

