Hopkins County Schools will open new Middle School Career Labs at the start of the 2025-2026 school year. One lab will be located in each of our four middle schools.
“This lab is a game-changer for career readiness, workforce development, and student engagement in Hopkins County Schools,” said Alaina Lancaster, director of secondary instruction. Each lab will include 18 interactive modules focused on different career pathways. This instruction will encourage students in 6th through 8th grade to explore a variety of potential career fields.
The district received a waiver to use Career and Technical Education Supplemental Funds through the Kentucky Department of Education on the project. Community sponsors will also play a crucial role in the success of these labs. Sponsors include the following: Bentley Badgett with the Badgett Foundation, Groves Electrical Services, Hopkins County Tourism, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, and West Area Health Education Center. If your business is interested in becoming a sponsor, please email alaina.lancaster@hopkins.kyschools.us.
Introducing students to Career and Technical Education at a younger age gives them early exposure to career possibilities, technical skills, and problem-solving strategies that will prepare them for future success. It also strengthens community connections by introducing students to local industries and workforce needs.
“The support of our community sponsors is not just an investment in a classroom, it’s an investment in our students, our workforce, and the future of Hopkins County,” Lancaster said. “By working together, we are creating opportunities for students to explore careers, gain valuable skills, and connect with industry professionals who can guide them toward success.”
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Madisonville North Hopkins welcomed Kentucky Education Commissioner Dr. Robbie Fletcher, along with other KDE officials, to learn about a variety of Ag Department projects Friday afternoon. Fletcher, who praised the “vibrant learning” going on at the school, made the visit as part of Kentucky’s first state-wide Agriculture Education Week.
Ag teacher Brian Welch led the visit, which included a meeting with FFA officers. Visitors also viewed the school’s second Shipping Container Clinic, which is currently under construction. This clinic, like the one completed last year, will go to Liberia. Fletcher and the other visitors spent time in a Geometry in Construction class before heading to the workshop where students are framing walls for a Habitat for Humanity House. Students and teachers did a great job demonstrating the amazing work that goes on in the ag program!
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The community is invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Hopkins County Schools Central Office, located at 2135 N. Main St., Madisonville. The ceremony will be held at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 27, 2025. |
HOPKINS COUNTY SCHOOLS ACADEMY GRADUATION
HCSA Graduation, Thursday, May 15, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at Hopkins County Central High School
MADISONVILLE NORTH HOPKINS GRADUATION
Baccalaureate, Sunday, May 18, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at Victory Church
Awards Ceremony, Monday, May 19, 2025, 1:00 p.m.
Graduation, Thursday, May 22, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
HOPKINS COUNTY CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION
Awards Ceremony, Sunday, May 18, 2025, 2:00 p.m.
Baccalaureate, Sunday, May 18, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Graduation, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, 7:00 p.m.
*Please note: Tickets are required to attend the Graduations at HCCHS and MNHHS.
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Parents who do not know their Infinite Campus Parent Portal password should contact their school. You will need to be able to log in to your portal account to complete the Annual Update for Online Registration. Also, any parent who does not have a portal account should go to the Parent Portal page on the HCS website to request an account.
OLR/Annual Update will open on Monday, April 28.
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Hopkins County Schools appreciates and values all volunteers in our schools! Please be aware that the application and approval process for new school volunteers may take up to 30 days for state and district staff to complete. Because of this time frame, the deadline for submitting an application to become a volunteer this school year will be Friday, April 18, 2025. If you want to volunteer for end-of-the-year activities or trips, please submit your application if you haven’t already done so. For more information and links to required forms, visit the HCS Volunteers webpage. |
The top 11 students in the HCS Elementary Amazing Shake competition took part in the final round earlier this month. The “Dinner Etiquette” round involved setting a formal table, demonstrating conversation skills, during and after meal etiquette, and showing engagement in the activity. All the competitors were very impressive! The winners are Preslee Byard, 1st place; Ariyah Hopson, 2nd place; and Willow Bolden, 3rd place. All of them are students at West Broadway Elementary School.
Congratulations to the winners and to ALL participants! They have gained valuable life skills that will serve them well in the future. We also want to thank our community volunteers who help make this annual event a success!
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Four HCS students were selected to serve as legislative pages during the current session of the Kentucky General Assembly! Collin Phaup, an 8th grader at South Hopkins Middle School, served as a page on February 13. Zoey Hibbs, a 9th grader at Hopkins County Central, participated on February 25. Two of the students, Pride Elementary 5th grader Rayleigh Neathery and Madisonville North Hopkins junior Aiden Clark, unfortunately weren’t able to make it to Frankfort because of winter weather. Legislative pages have a unique chance to witness firsthand the inner workings of state government. From interacting with state lawmakers to assisting in the legislative chambers, this experience allows students to actively engage in the legislative process. |
Talented young artists from throughout Hopkins County Schools got to see their creativity on display in the Anne P. Baker Gallery at Glema Mahr Center for the Arts during the preview night on March 3.
The 2025 Student Art Exhibit, which consists of artworks created by students in kindergarten through 12th grade, will be on display through March 29. Regular gallery hours are 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday with extended hours on Glema Center event days. Go check out the amazing artwork!
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Kasey Baldwin, a kindergarten teacher at Pride Elementary, received the Remember Your Why Award at the Board of Education meeting on March 17. She is described as one-of-a-kind! She has gone above and beyond since the school year started. After the first day of school, according to a parent nomination, she called the student’s home to make sure the child had a great first day. She has helped make her students excited about school and learning! Her communication with parents is excellent, and she makes them feel comfortable knowing that their child is in great hands!
Baldwin said her “Why” is the following: “Teaching is my mission field. Every day, I have a chance to have a positive impact on my students' lives. I am fulfilled by the relationships I have with my kids and by being a part of their social and academic growth. Despite it being my fifteenth year, watching them learn a new skill or meet a goal is just as exciting as it was my first year. Kindergarten is so rewarding because the growth that we see from the beginning of the year to the end is astounding!”
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Pam Todd, principal of Hopkins County Career and Technology Center, was presented with the “Remember Your Why” Award at the Board of Education meeting on March 3. The nomination said she exemplifies the spirit of Remember Your Why through her unwavering commitment to students and staff. Her passion for education and dedication to fostering a positive, safe and enjoyable environment for learning are apparent on a daily basis. She takes the time to listen to student concerns, offering both guidance and encouragement during difficult times. She also creates a warm and welcoming environment at CTC, where every student feels valued and heard.
Todd said her “Why” is the following: “Being the principal at Hopkins County Career and Technology Center is incredibly rewarding because I get to witness students develop real-world skills that prepare them for successful careers. I love seeing their confidence grow as they master hands-on learning experiences. Our dedicated teachers and staff make a lasting impact, fostering an environment where students are encouraged to excel. I enjoy developing partnerships with local businesses and industry so our programs stay relevant and provide students with valuable opportunities. Working with the teachers to help shape the future workforce and empower students to achieve their goals has made this role truly fulfilling.”
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Hopkins County Schools wants to recognize employees and students for good deeds and kindness shown to others. Remember Your Why Award winners may be nominated by any district stakeholder, including staff, students, parents, and community members.
Through the theme "Remember Your Why," faculty and staff are encouraged to focus on what’s most important – the reason they went into education or chose to work in the schools. This initiative was initially designed to motivate staff. We always want to be there for our students! It has since been expanded to include students. Raising motivation levels will have positive impacts on students, parents, co-workers, and the community.
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HCS students became innovators for Future Ready Friday activities across the district on March 21! At Pride Elementary, these photos show kindergartners building things using a variety of items; 1st-graders working in groups to create “leprechaun traps”; and 3rd-graders using Legos to innovate as they created sturdy bridges. All the kids were very excited to think outside the box as they participated in the hands-on projects!
On Future Ready Fridays, schools emphasize the Hopkins County Future Ready characteristics of successful graduates.
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Effective Communication was the focus of the Future Ready Friday on Feb. 28. These monthly activities encourage students to embrace the characteristics of being a Future Ready Graduate. This event involved students working on new ways to communicate as well as covering soft skills that are part of the HCS Amazing Shake competition. |
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After designing and building 3-D bedroom models, Hanson Elementary 3rd graders received a visit from a special guest showing how those skills can be used in real life.
Brooke Dunbar Gilliam, who is featured on the TV show “Making Modern with Brooke and Brice,” visited the school today to talk to students about being a builder. Her niece, Aubrey Dunbar, is a 3rd grader at Hanson, and her mother, Jill Dunbar, teaches at Madisonville North Hopkins.
“I have looked at your rooms and I have seen lots of innovation,” Brooke said. “What was the hardest part?” The students all answered at once!
Several agreed they had trouble making sure everything would fit in the room. Brooke’s presentation showed clips from the TV show that gave examples of how they had to be innovators, such as using loft beds or Murphy beds to conserve space.
“I hope it made y’all excited to be able to build and create other things in your world,” Brooke told the students. Her renovation series “Making Modern with Brooke and Brice” can be streamed on Magnolia Network, Max, and Discovery+.
The “Designing Your Own Bedroom” project fits right in with Hopkins County Schools’ Deeper Learning initiative. Students used a variety of abilities to create their designs, drawing on math, art, and problem-solving skills. Schools are placing an emphasis on the characteristic of being an Innovator this month. The kids were very excited to show off their designs!
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Audience members traveled “Under the Sea” for the Hopkins County Schools Joint Production of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid”! The show was presented March 21-22 at Glema Mahr Center for the Arts. This was a First United Bank and Trust Proud Partnership. |
The Board of Education honored Hopkins County Central High School High Voltage Dance Team members and coaches on March 3 for winning the UDA National Championship in Pom! The team also placed 2nd in the nation in Hip Hop. Congratulations to all! |
Madisonville North Hopkins swimmers who captured Regional Championships were honored at the Board of Education meeting on March 3! A freestyle relay team of Addison Howard, Adison Melton, Emma Tagg, and Audrey Tate won the 200-yard freestyle as well as the 400-yard free relay. Emma Tagg also won the 50-yard freestyle event. Congratulations to all! |
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The Be-YOU-Tiful Leaders group visited children at First Church Church Preschool earlier this month. The Hopkins County Central and Madisonville North Hopkins students who participate in Be-YOU-Tiful Leaders read stories to the young children and led a lesson on kindness. The preschool kids made the pieces for a “kindness quilt.” |
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The BeYOUtiful Leaders will be collecting hygiene items for the homeless community until Friday, April 11. Products requested include the following: Deodorant; Feminine products; Toothbrushes; toothpaste; Baby wipes; Socks; Hair combs; Soap (bar and liquid form); Lotion; Tissues; Lip Balm; Shampoo/Conditioner.
Drop-off locations are Madisonville North Hopkins High School, Hopkins County Central High School, Madisonville Fire Department, 98 E. Center St., Mister Taco, 506 E. Center St., and Hopkins County Family YMCA. The leaders will be creating hygiene bags at the spring conference on April 23rd and distributing them throughout the community for their spring project.
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- Students receive 8 parent/guardian note excuses for full day absences.
- Medical notes (or other excuses) should be submitted within 5 days.
- After 6 unexcused absences, parents/guardians/students may receive a FINAL NOTICE from the DPP office with a notification to attend an attendance intervention meeting.
- After 15 unexcused absences, parent/guardian/student names will be reported to the local county attorney’s office.
**Per school SBDM policy: Students may be prohibited from school-sponsored events:
- After 6 Unexcused Absences
- After 10 Tardies
**KRS 159.051 outlines No Pass/No Drive Laws for attendance/truancy
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Public school partners from Caldwell, Crittenden, Dawson Springs, Hopkins, Muhlenberg, and Webster County districts along with Madisonville Community College and Murray State University-Madisonville have announced the third year of the Regional Education Partnership Excellence in Teaching awards to recognize outstanding classroom educators.
"We are excited to host this event for the third year, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to excellence in teaching and the vital role educators play in shaping the future of our communities," said Dr. Jay Parrent of Madisonville Community College. "We hope this award inspires educators to continue their invaluable work and serves as a reminder of the profound impact they have on their students' lives."
The award was created to celebrate and highlight teaching excellence in elementary, middle, and high school education. Nominees who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their profession and inspire and motivate students to achieve their full potential are sought. The colleges and school districts have been meeting regularly since 2017 to discuss issues of mutual importance, plan collaborative ventures, and refine and expand dual credit programming for students. Several key initiatives have been developed through this partnership since its inception.
The window for nominations will remain open online until Friday, April 4. To be eligible, nominees must be full-time regular classroom teachers in an elementary, middle, or high school with at least three years of experience. A committee of educators and administrators from each district and representatives from the colleges will select one teacher from each grade level from each district.
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Hopkins County Schools is seeking nominations for the 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year and Employee of the Year awards.
Teacher of the Year nominees must have a minimum of three years teaching experience. The Teachers of the Year will be selected in the categories of Elementary (P-5), Middle (6-8) and Secondary (9-12).
Categories for Employee of the Year nominations are: Administrator of the Year, eligible nominees would include principals, assistant principals, central office administrators, and guidance counselors; Classified Support Services, eligible nominees would include instructional assistants who work in a classroom setting to enhance student achievement and Family Resource employees who provide student needs throughout the district; Facilities Management, eligible employees would include all custodians and district maintenance staff; Food Service, eligible nominees would include all cafeteria employees, cafeteria managers and district food service employees; Transportation, eligible nominees would include bus drivers, bus monitors, vehicle maintenance staff and district employees; Secretary of the Year, eligible employees would include all school secretaries; and Central Office Employee of the Year, eligible employees would include all central office staff.
Nominations will be accepted through the close of business, 4 p.m. Friday, May 23, 2025. Online nomination forms are available at the following links:
A printable form is also available. It may be emailed to jennifer.harris@hopkins.kyschools.us or mailed to Employee of the Year, Hopkins County Schools, 320 S. Seminary, Madisonville, KY 42431, Attention: Jennifer Harris. Telephone nominations will not be accepted.
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Madisonville North Hopkins High School Key Club officers presented a check to Sharmari Parker, director of Christian Food Bank of Hopkins County. The club donated the proceeds from this year’s Character Breakfast event to the food bank. What an awesome way to give back to the community! |
HCS Technology Department staff Steven Vaught and Eric Stephens gave a presentation at the Kentucky Society for Technology in Education Conference recently in Louisville. The presentation, entitled “Unlocking Security: Mastering Door Access Control in K-12 Schools, talked about how IT personnel are becoming more involved in building and safety infrastructure. |
320 S. Seminary St.
Madisonville, KY 42431
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