🍎✨ It’s Teacher Appreciation Week! ✨🍎
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who go above and beyond every single day to inspire, support, and make a difference in the lives of our students. From early mornings to late afternoons, their dedication, passion, and commitment do not go unnoticed.
To our teachers—thank you for the impact you make, the encouragement you give, and the countless ways you help our students grow and succeed.
This week, we celebrate the incredible educators who go above and beyond every single day to inspire, support, and make a difference in the lives of our students. From early mornings to late afternoons, their dedication, passion, and commitment do not go unnoticed.
To our teachers—thank you for the impact you make, the encouragement you give, and the countless ways you help our students grow and succeed.
🏆 STATE CHAMPIONS! 🏆
The McCracken County High School Future Problem Solving team has made history!
Jack Nelson, Riya Patel, Allison Ricketts, and Gavin Schooley captured the State Championship with record-setting scores at this year’s competition—marking the most successful season in MCHS history!
A special congratulations to Jack Nelson, who earned state titles in Individual Future Problem Solving and Scenario Writing, making him Kentucky’s most decorated FPS student this year. He also received a senior scholarship from KAAC!
More standout achievements:
• Gavin Schooley – 5th place, Individual FPS
• Brennen Hartman – 8th place, Individual FPS & 1st place Alternate Division
• Lillie Canter & Victoria Jordan – 2nd place Alternate Division
• Victoria Jordan – 10th place, Individual FPS
From researching the topic of Surveillance Society to developing an innovative solution, this team’s dedication and hard work truly paid off.
We are incredibly proud of these students and Coach Melissa Bryan for an outstanding year!
The McCracken County High School Future Problem Solving team has made history!
Jack Nelson, Riya Patel, Allison Ricketts, and Gavin Schooley captured the State Championship with record-setting scores at this year’s competition—marking the most successful season in MCHS history!
A special congratulations to Jack Nelson, who earned state titles in Individual Future Problem Solving and Scenario Writing, making him Kentucky’s most decorated FPS student this year. He also received a senior scholarship from KAAC!
More standout achievements:
• Gavin Schooley – 5th place, Individual FPS
• Brennen Hartman – 8th place, Individual FPS & 1st place Alternate Division
• Lillie Canter & Victoria Jordan – 2nd place Alternate Division
• Victoria Jordan – 10th place, Individual FPS
From researching the topic of Surveillance Society to developing an innovative solution, this team’s dedication and hard work truly paid off.
We are incredibly proud of these students and Coach Melissa Bryan for an outstanding year!
Today, we celebrate the incredible leaders who guide our schools each and every day—our principals! 🍎
Happy National School Principals’ Day to the dedicated individuals who inspire students, support staff, and keep our schools running strong. Your leadership, passion, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of so many.
Thank you for all you do to create positive, welcoming, and successful learning environments across our district. We appreciate you today and every day!
Happy National School Principals’ Day to the dedicated individuals who inspire students, support staff, and keep our schools running strong. Your leadership, passion, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of so many.
Thank you for all you do to create positive, welcoming, and successful learning environments across our district. We appreciate you today and every day!
Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🥗🍎
Today, we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn. When we call them heroes, we truly mean it—their dedication, care, and hard work make a difference in the lives of students every single day.
Join us in thanking our School Lunch Heroes for all they do!
Today, we celebrate the incredible school nutrition professionals who keep our students fueled and ready to learn. When we call them heroes, we truly mean it—their dedication, care, and hard work make a difference in the lives of students every single day.
Join us in thanking our School Lunch Heroes for all they do!
We’re excited to announce that Coye Elliott has been named Director of Secondary Instruction for McCracken County Schools, effective July 1!
Elliott currently serves as Director of Personnel and brings a strong background in teaching, school leadership, and district support to this new role. His experience and commitment to student success will continue to make a positive impact across our middle and high schools.
Join us in congratulating Mr. Elliott on his new position!
🔗 Read the full press release here: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2851412
Elliott currently serves as Director of Personnel and brings a strong background in teaching, school leadership, and district support to this new role. His experience and commitment to student success will continue to make a positive impact across our middle and high schools.
Join us in congratulating Mr. Elliott on his new position!
🔗 Read the full press release here: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2851412
McCracken County High School students Andrew Byrne and Brynleigh Sullivan have been accepted into the prestigious The Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science in Kentucky Class of 2028!
This highly competitive program, located on the campus of Western Kentucky University, provides students with the opportunity to complete their final two years of high school while earning college credit and engaging in advanced STEM learning.
We are incredibly proud of Andrew and Brynleigh for this outstanding achievement!
🔗 Read the full press release here: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2851279
This highly competitive program, located on the campus of Western Kentucky University, provides students with the opportunity to complete their final two years of high school while earning college credit and engaging in advanced STEM learning.
We are incredibly proud of Andrew and Brynleigh for this outstanding achievement!
🔗 Read the full press release here: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2851279
Today we celebrate the incredible individuals who go the extra mile—literally—for our students every single day.
Happy National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
Our bus drivers are often the first smiling face students see in the morning and the last one they see in the afternoon. They play a vital role in keeping our students safe, building relationships, and ensuring every child gets to and from school with care.
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and commitment to our schools and community. We appreciate all that you do!
Happy National School Bus Driver Appreciation Day!
Our bus drivers are often the first smiling face students see in the morning and the last one they see in the afternoon. They play a vital role in keeping our students safe, building relationships, and ensuring every child gets to and from school with care.
Thank you for your dedication, patience, and commitment to our schools and community. We appreciate all that you do!
We’re hiring!
Join McCracken County Schools for our Job Fair and explore a variety of opportunities to make a difference for students every day.
📅 May 12
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 300 Cumberland Avenue, Paducah
We’re looking for:
✔ Bus Drivers
✔ Cafeteria Workers
✔ School Nurses
✔ Classroom Aides
✔ Secretaries
✔ Custodians
✔ Teachers
✔ Student Workers
Whether you’re starting a new career or looking for a meaningful change, there’s a place for you in McCracken County Schools.
Learn more: www.mccracken.kyschools.us
Join McCracken County Schools for our Job Fair and explore a variety of opportunities to make a difference for students every day.
📅 May 12
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
📍 300 Cumberland Avenue, Paducah
We’re looking for:
✔ Bus Drivers
✔ Cafeteria Workers
✔ School Nurses
✔ Classroom Aides
✔ Secretaries
✔ Custodians
✔ Teachers
✔ Student Workers
Whether you’re starting a new career or looking for a meaningful change, there’s a place for you in McCracken County Schools.
Learn more: www.mccracken.kyschools.us
Middle school students from across Western Kentucky gathered at the Carson Center on April 25 for the National Civics Bee Western Kentucky Regional Competition—and we’re proud to share an incredible result!
1st Place: Sharon Shi, Lone Oak Middle School
Sharon rose to the top after three rounds of competition, which included essay submissions, a multi-round civics quiz, and a final interview-style round with judges. Her outstanding performance earned her the top prize and a $500 award!
She will now advance to compete at the state level in the Kentucky Chamber National Civics Bee later this summer.
Join us in celebrating Sharon on this amazing achievement—we are so proud of you!
1st Place: Sharon Shi, Lone Oak Middle School
Sharon rose to the top after three rounds of competition, which included essay submissions, a multi-round civics quiz, and a final interview-style round with judges. Her outstanding performance earned her the top prize and a $500 award!
She will now advance to compete at the state level in the Kentucky Chamber National Civics Bee later this summer.
Join us in celebrating Sharon on this amazing achievement—we are so proud of you!
Congratulations to MCHS junior Luke Whiteside on an outstanding achievement!
Luke has qualified for the Regional Semi-Finals of the Presidential 1776 Award Competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
This prestigious competition honors the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, and Luke earned one of the highest scores in the state of Kentucky! He is now one of approximately 200 students nationwide—and just four from Kentucky—to advance from the first round.
Luke will represent MCHS as he travels to Grand Rapids on May 2 to compete at the regional level.
We’re proud of your hard work and dedication, Luke—good luck in the next round!
Luke has qualified for the Regional Semi-Finals of the Presidential 1776 Award Competition, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education and the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation.
This prestigious competition honors the upcoming 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, and Luke earned one of the highest scores in the state of Kentucky! He is now one of approximately 200 students nationwide—and just four from Kentucky—to advance from the first round.
Luke will represent MCHS as he travels to Grand Rapids on May 2 to compete at the regional level.
We’re proud of your hard work and dedication, Luke—good luck in the next round!
🎶 Celebrating Excellence in Music Education! 🎶
We are proud to share that three outstanding McCracken County Public Schools employees have been recognized by the First District Kentucky Music Educators Association as award winners for the 2025–2026 school year!
Middle School Music Teacher of the Year
Spencer Sullivan – Band & Choir Director, Reidland Middle School
High School Music Teacher of the Year
Savannah Fallis – Choir Director, McCracken County High School
Outstanding Administrator of the Year
Matthew Houser – Principal, Lone Oak Middle School
These recognitions highlight the incredible talent, dedication, and impact our educators and leaders have on students every day. Congratulations to each of these individuals on this well-deserved honor!
We are proud to share that three outstanding McCracken County Public Schools employees have been recognized by the First District Kentucky Music Educators Association as award winners for the 2025–2026 school year!
Middle School Music Teacher of the Year
Spencer Sullivan – Band & Choir Director, Reidland Middle School
High School Music Teacher of the Year
Savannah Fallis – Choir Director, McCracken County High School
Outstanding Administrator of the Year
Matthew Houser – Principal, Lone Oak Middle School
These recognitions highlight the incredible talent, dedication, and impact our educators and leaders have on students every day. Congratulations to each of these individuals on this well-deserved honor!
🎓 Support the MCHS Class of 2026!
Help us make Senior Dinner and end-of-year celebrations unforgettable for our seniors! There are several easy ways to support:
🛍️ Shop the Pampered Chef fundraiser (open through May 3)
💛 Make a direct donation
🥩 Dine at Texas Roadhouse (Monday, 3–10 PM — mention MCHS Class of 2026!)
Every purchase, donation, and meal helps create a memorable send-off for our seniors.
👉 Get all the details and links here:
www.pamperedchef.com/party/mchsgraduation2026
https://app.99pledges.com/fund/mchsclass2026
https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2841532
Thank you for supporting our Class of 2026!
Help us make Senior Dinner and end-of-year celebrations unforgettable for our seniors! There are several easy ways to support:
🛍️ Shop the Pampered Chef fundraiser (open through May 3)
💛 Make a direct donation
🥩 Dine at Texas Roadhouse (Monday, 3–10 PM — mention MCHS Class of 2026!)
Every purchase, donation, and meal helps create a memorable send-off for our seniors.
👉 Get all the details and links here:
www.pamperedchef.com/party/mchsgraduation2026
https://app.99pledges.com/fund/mchsclass2026
https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2841532
Thank you for supporting our Class of 2026!
🏆 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
Let’s honor the legacy of excellence across our schools.
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
Let’s honor the legacy of excellence across our schools.
Congratulations to Our GSP Scholars!
We are proud to share that 15 juniors from McCracken County High School have been selected for the prestigious Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP)—a highly competitive honor recognizing some of the top students across the state!
These students will take part in an incredible summer experience focused on leadership, learning, and personal growth alongside peers from across Kentucky.
Join us in celebrating their achievement and wishing them the best this summer!
🔗 Read the full press release and see the complete list of students here: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2840358
We are proud to share that 15 juniors from McCracken County High School have been selected for the prestigious Kentucky Governor’s Scholars Program (GSP)—a highly competitive honor recognizing some of the top students across the state!
These students will take part in an incredible summer experience focused on leadership, learning, and personal growth alongside peers from across Kentucky.
Join us in celebrating their achievement and wishing them the best this summer!
🔗 Read the full press release and see the complete list of students here: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2840358
You’re invited!
Join us for Together in Conversation, Together as Friends as we celebrate our English Learners and the diversity that makes our schools strong.
📅 May 7, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 McCracken County Schools Board of Education
Enjoy an evening with students, families, and staff!
RSVP to Romina Maldonado at 270-538-4037 or romina.maldonado@mccracken.kyschools.us
We hope to see you there!
Join us for Together in Conversation, Together as Friends as we celebrate our English Learners and the diversity that makes our schools strong.
📅 May 7, 2026
🕕 6:00 p.m.
📍 McCracken County Schools Board of Education
Enjoy an evening with students, families, and staff!
RSVP to Romina Maldonado at 270-538-4037 or romina.maldonado@mccracken.kyschools.us
We hope to see you there!
Congratulations to McCracken County High School students Emma Nolan, Madison McKinney, Noah Hambrick, and William Seaton on being accepted into the Governor's School for Entrepreneurs (GSE)!
We’re also proud to recognize Marlee Harbison for being named an alternate.
GSE is a highly competitive, three-week summer program that equips students with the skills to develop business ideas, create prototypes, and pitch their own startups. What an incredible opportunity!
🔗 Read the full press release: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2837112
We’re also proud to recognize Marlee Harbison for being named an alternate.
GSE is a highly competitive, three-week summer program that equips students with the skills to develop business ideas, create prototypes, and pitch their own startups. What an incredible opportunity!
🔗 Read the full press release: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2837112
Board of Education Recognitions – April Meeting
We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our McCracken County High School students and teams!
Athena Yang – Freshman recognized for being named the 2026 Math Content Assessment State Champion.
Dawson Hayden – Named Class 3A Boys’ Pole Vault State Champion, clearing an impressive 14-6 at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field State Championship.
MCHS Mustangs Coed Cheer Team – Celebrated for being crowned 2026 State Champions and earning 2nd place at UCA Nationals.
Congratulations to all!
We are proud to recognize the outstanding achievements of our McCracken County High School students and teams!
Athena Yang – Freshman recognized for being named the 2026 Math Content Assessment State Champion.
Dawson Hayden – Named Class 3A Boys’ Pole Vault State Champion, clearing an impressive 14-6 at the 2026 Indoor Track & Field State Championship.
MCHS Mustangs Coed Cheer Team – Celebrated for being crowned 2026 State Champions and earning 2nd place at UCA Nationals.
Congratulations to all!
This summer, give your child a confident start with Waterford Upstart! ☀️📚
This program is designed for preschool and current kindergarten students, helping build strong early learning skills before the next school year.
Thanks to an Education, Innovation & Research (EIR) grant, qualifying Kentucky families can access this program at no cost.
🗓 Summer Program Dates: May 4 – August 30, 2026
⏱ Just 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week
📖 Your child will be assigned to reading or math/science with fun, research-based lessons
Spots are limited—enroll by April 26 to secure your child’s place!
👉 Apply now to see if you qualify
👉 No cost for eligible families
This program is designed for preschool and current kindergarten students, helping build strong early learning skills before the next school year.
Thanks to an Education, Innovation & Research (EIR) grant, qualifying Kentucky families can access this program at no cost.
🗓 Summer Program Dates: May 4 – August 30, 2026
⏱ Just 20 minutes a day, 5 days a week
📖 Your child will be assigned to reading or math/science with fun, research-based lessons
Spots are limited—enroll by April 26 to secure your child’s place!
👉 Apply now to see if you qualify
👉 No cost for eligible families
Happy Administrative Professionals Day!
Today we celebrate the incredible individuals who keep our schools and offices running smoothly each and every day. From greeting visitors with a smile to managing schedules, answering calls, and supporting students, staff, and families—your work never goes unnoticed.
Your organization, dedication, and heart make a difference in every building across our district. Thank you for being the backbone of our schools and for all you do to support student success!
Join us in thanking our amazing administrative professionals today!
Today we celebrate the incredible individuals who keep our schools and offices running smoothly each and every day. From greeting visitors with a smile to managing schedules, answering calls, and supporting students, staff, and families—your work never goes unnoticed.
Your organization, dedication, and heart make a difference in every building across our district. Thank you for being the backbone of our schools and for all you do to support student success!
Join us in thanking our amazing administrative professionals today!
Eight McCracken County High School students have been selected for the 2026 Kentucky Governor’s School for the Arts (GSA)—a prestigious program that brings together some of the top young artists from across the Commonwealth.
Congratulations to Chloe Case, Brennan Freeman, Layla Nichol, Eleanor Polete, Emmett Rathgeber, Kory Sulcer, Sophia Witte, and Polina Zagumennova on being accepted!
We also want to recognize Amberlee Bradford for being named an alternate—an outstanding accomplishment!
GSA is a life-changing experience that allows students to grow their talents, collaborate with peers, and explore future opportunities in the arts. We are incredibly proud of these students and their hard work!
🔗 Read the full press release: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2830865
Congratulations to Chloe Case, Brennan Freeman, Layla Nichol, Eleanor Polete, Emmett Rathgeber, Kory Sulcer, Sophia Witte, and Polina Zagumennova on being accepted!
We also want to recognize Amberlee Bradford for being named an alternate—an outstanding accomplishment!
GSA is a life-changing experience that allows students to grow their talents, collaborate with peers, and explore future opportunities in the arts. We are incredibly proud of these students and their hard work!
🔗 Read the full press release: https://www.mccracken.kyschools.us/article/2830865
