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! 🎉
Congratulations to these 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th Grade MCPS students for representing our district as participants in the Kentucky Music Educators Association (KMEA) Kentucky Children’s Chorus (Grades 5-6) and the Kentucky Junior High Chorus (Grades 7-9). They will be performing this evening alongside 600 of their peers from across the Commonwealth at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville at 5:00 PM EST tonight! #McCrackenProud 🏴☠️⚡️🐾🐴
Do you know an alum who deserves recognition?
✔️ Nominations are open to the public
✔️ Anyone may submit a nomination
✔️ Alumni from MCHS, Heath, Reidland, and Lone Oak are eligible
🗓 Deadline: June 1, 2026
🔗 https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
✔️ Nominations are open to the public
✔️ Anyone may submit a nomination
✔️ Alumni from MCHS, Heath, Reidland, and Lone Oak are eligible
🗓 Deadline: June 1, 2026
🔗 https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
The McCracken County Schools Hall of Fame includes two categories:
• McCracken County High School Hall of Fame
• Hall of Heritage — honoring alumni of Heath, Reidland, and Lone Oak High Schools
Help us recognize alumni who achieved excellence in academics or athletics.
🔗 Nominate today: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
• McCracken County High School Hall of Fame
• Hall of Heritage — honoring alumni of Heath, Reidland, and Lone Oak High Schools
Help us recognize alumni who achieved excellence in academics or athletics.
🔗 Nominate today: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/page/hall-of-fame
📚 As we wrap up School Board Appreciation Month… 📚
We have one more McCracken County Board of Education member to highlight and thank for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we recognize Steve Shelby, a longtime board member with deep roots in education. With years of service on the board, prior involvement on the site-based council at Heath Elementary, and a strong family legacy of educators, Steve brings valuable experience and perspective to his role.
Thank you, Steve, for your continued leadership, commitment to public education, and service to McCracken County Schools.
We have one more McCracken County Board of Education member to highlight and thank for their dedication and service to our students, staff, and community.
Today, we recognize Steve Shelby, a longtime board member with deep roots in education. With years of service on the board, prior involvement on the site-based council at Heath Elementary, and a strong family legacy of educators, Steve brings valuable experience and perspective to his role.
Thank you, Steve, for your continued leadership, commitment to public education, and service to McCracken County Schools.
🌟 Happy National School Counseling Week! 🌟
This week, we celebrate the school counselors who are always ready to listen, encourage, and advocate for our students. Your guidance helps shape confident learners and caring individuals. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference every day.
This week, we celebrate the school counselors who are always ready to listen, encourage, and advocate for our students. Your guidance helps shape confident learners and caring individuals. Thank you for making such a meaningful difference every day.
McCracken County Schools will welcome students back to school on Tuesday, February 3.
Our transportation team will be checking routes and road conditions to ensure safe travel. Families will be contacted directly if a bus is unable to safely access a stop.
We ask our community to please be mindful of school buses on the roads, especially in areas that may not be fully cleared. Families who transport students and high school student drivers should also use extra caution.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe return—we look forward to seeing our students tomorrow!
Our transportation team will be checking routes and road conditions to ensure safe travel. Families will be contacted directly if a bus is unable to safely access a stop.
We ask our community to please be mindful of school buses on the roads, especially in areas that may not be fully cleared. Families who transport students and high school student drivers should also use extra caution.
Thank you for helping us ensure a safe return—we look forward to seeing our students tomorrow!
February marks Black History Month, a time to honor the achievements, leadership, and lasting contributions of Black Americans throughout history and today.
Throughout the month, students will engage in lessons, activities, and discussions that highlight influential voices, important moments, and the impact Black leaders have had on our nation and communities.
We are committed to celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, and ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and inspired.
Throughout the month, students will engage in lessons, activities, and discussions that highlight influential voices, important moments, and the impact Black leaders have had on our nation and communities.
We are committed to celebrating diversity, promoting understanding, and ensuring every student feels seen, valued, and inspired.
Just a 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.
📚 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 Crystal Culp, a one-year board member whose connection to McCracken County Schools spans more than two decades. With 27 years of service as an educator—including work at the Adult High School and the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center—Crystal has also led the district’s National Board Academy and served as past president of the McCracken County Education Association.
Thank you, Crystal, for your leadership, advocacy for public education, and commitment to transparency and strong communication in support of our students, educators, and community.
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 Crystal Culp, a one-year board member whose connection to McCracken County Schools spans more than two decades. With 27 years of service as an educator—including work at the Adult High School and the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center—Crystal has also led the district’s National Board Academy and served as past president of the McCracken County Education Association.
Thank you, Crystal, for your leadership, advocacy for public education, and commitment to transparency and strong communication in support of our students, educators, and community.
