HCS Connections Newsletter - November 2024

For details on the calendar, to to the district website school calendar page.

Participants in the Maroon Family Podcast recently turned their focus to building Family Engagement. The show included a “Battle of the Ages” with four sets of teens and their parents answering questions about each other. You can tune in to the episode now on Spotify.

The timing centered on Family Engagement Week, which runs from Nov. 18-22. Madisonville North Hopkins students in Kilee Beshear’s Leadership Class take turns hosting the Maroon Family Podcast podcast. The project is funded through the Community Schools Grant.

“During this period, students set up,” said Randall Campbell, Youth Service Center coordinator. “They have prepared. I just kind of guide them through.”

The first episode went live on September 6. 

“Last month, we had an assembly for Red Ribbon Week,” Campbell said. “Immediately when the speaker finished, he came in here. He met with our podcast team. We did a podcast so that rather than just students hearing one message, they can go back to it again in a few months. … When they’re really struggling with the issue, they can get the information and they can get the resources.

“We have all kinds of information about mental health,” he said. Based on national trends, Maroon Family Podcast is in the top 30 percent of podcasts nationwide, Campbell said. Students and the community have started listening. Plus, a billboard near Starbucks and the north side Burger King advertise the podcast to raise awareness.

Much of their content is based on Community Schools survey results. It’s designed to provide information and resources to students and families while pulling in community partners to collaborate.

Listen to the podcast on Spotify.

HCS Community Schools held its Fall Community Leadership meeting on November 7. The event offered the chance for students to share details of the new initiatives that have been started. Thanks to all who were able to attend! 

We are seeking parents/guardians and community members to serve as mentors, guest speakers, and more. If you have questions or are interested in helping make an impact through this program, please contact Wendy Gamblin, director of community schools, at wendy.gamblin@hopkins.kyschools.us.

To learn more, follow the HCS Community Schools Facebook page.

A Christmas Literacy Station sponsored by Title I will be held on Sunday, December 8, at The Flight Before Christmas. This event sponsored by the City of Madisonville will be from 1-4 p.m. at the Madisonville Regional Airport. All Hopkins County students are welcome to attend!

Members of the Hopkins County Schools’ Rising Leaders Cohort 1 (2022-2023) and Cohort 2 (2023-2024) were recognized during the Board of Education meeting on November 4. They were honored for their dedication to honing leadership skills, fostering collaboration and strengthening their capacity to lead within Hopkins County Schools and beyond.

Cohort 1 members recognized include Melissa Wilson, Derek Schwartz, Amanda Sarles, Brittany Marsh, Jenny Haw, Heather Gordon, Stephanie Knott, Scott Moore, David Moss, James Hundley, Jamie Scott, and Jennie Knight. Two members, Micki Clark and Katie Gibson, no longer work in the district.

Cohort 2 members recognized include Christopher Sarles, Katie Vaught, Amanda Bearden, Valerie Epperson, Michael Powers, Sarah Buchanan, Julie Oakley, and Ashley Brewer. Two members, Keaton Frazer and Wendy Wilson, no longer work in the district.

Congratulations to these outstanding educators!

Frank Cates, school resource officer at West Hopkins School, received the “Remember Your Why” award at the Board of Education meeting on November 4. 

Officer Cates is recognized for going above and beyond. He provides safety, support, and kindness to every student, staff member, and parent he encounters. In addition to checking cameras and monitoring locked doors, he makes his presence felt throughout the school. He knows every student by name and makes them feel valued. During lunch, he offers words of encouragement to students. During a recent tragedy, Officer Cates provided an unwavering presence that demonstrated strength and resilience. His dedication to the well-being of the West Hopkins community is truly deserving of recognition! Congratulations!

Cates said that his “why” is the following: “To serve God, to serve others, and to spread the love of Jesus, fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and communities.”

November’s Future Ready Friday activities focused on being a Contributing Citizen! Throughout the district, students discovered the ways that they contribute at school, home, and in the community. They also completed a paper quilt piece showing the ways that they are Contributing Citizens.

Congratulations to the HCS students who were selected as winners of the Crime Stoppers of Hopkins County Hidden Hero Contest! This contest has helped spread awareness of Crime Stoppers and keep our community safe.

Poster Contest Winners ($100 prize each):

Public Service Announcement Contest Winners (total prize of $500):

Here is the link to the winning PSA entry.

Honoring our military veterans was the focus of several programs held in Hopkins County Schools recently in recognition of Veterans Day. These photos were taken at assemblies at Grapevine and Hanson Elementary schools. A special “Thank You” goes out to all of our veterans!

The Be-YOU-tiful Leaders group, made up of girls from both Madisonville North Hopkins and Hopkins County Central High schools, held their fall kick-off meeting recently. Members participated in fun activities and planned their projects for the year. 

Members of the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council recently gave their time to help at the Christian Food Bank. The group is made up of four students from Hopkins County Central and four from Madisonville North Hopkins High schools who share their ideas with Superintendent Amy Smith. The council’s community service project will focus on the food bank. The students will also be arranging for additional students and groups from their schools to volunteer for the agency throughout this school year. Great job!

The Middle School Fall Sports Athletes of the Year were honored at the Board of Education meeting on November 18. Those recognized include the following:

• Athletes of the Year – Collin Phaup and Kylie Whitmer

• Citizenship Athletes of the Year – Catie Wright and Hudson Beeny

• Heart of the Team Athletes of the Year - Carter Peyton and Karoline Riddle

• Sportsmanship Athletes of the Year - Ollie Faulk and McKenzie Gray

The High School Fall Sports Athletes of the Year were honored at the Board of Education meeting on November 18. Those recognized include the following:

• Athletes of the Year – Madison Hill and Carter Edwards

• Citizenship Athletes of the Year – Lilly Armour and Tyler Bryan

• Heart of the Team Athletes of the Year - Avery Rudd and Jak Mitchell

• Sportsmanship Athletes of the Year - Katie Gillette and Jerimiah Groves

The Madisonville North Hopkins High School cheer team won the Region 1 championship in the All-Girls Small division! They will advance to the KHSAA Competitive Cheer State Championship in December.

The Hopkins County Central High School cheer team placed 2nd in the Region 1 competition in the Game Day Large division! They will advance to the KHSAA Competitive Cheer State Championship in December.

Madisonville North Hopkins Maroon Magic Dance Team placed 2nd in pom at the recent KHSAA Region 1 Championship! They will advance to the KHSAA State Championship in December. Maroon Magic also placed 7th in small hip hop.

Hopkins County Central High Voltage placed 4th in small hip hop and 6th in pom at KHSAA Region 1 Championship. They advanced to the State Championship in December. 

Hopkins County Central’s boys cross country team qualified for the KHSAA State Cross Country meet! The team placed 4th in the Class 2A Region 1 meet. This is the 2nd year in a row for the HCCHS team to advance to state. Top individuals for the Storm were Landon Posey in 6th and Kaiden Devargas in 15th. Madisonville North Hopkins runner Dakota Evans placed 7th in the 3A Region meet, qualifying for state.

320 S. Seminary St.

Madisonville, KY 42431