Wednesday's Word - August 26, 2026

WEDNESDAY'S WORD

AUGUST 26, 2026

WARREN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS VISION

MISSION

Students will graduate with the determination to succeed personally, intellectually, and professionally.

To provide an engaging, inspiring and challenging learning environment, which prioritizes safety, achievement, and opportunity.

Team WCPS, what a great start to the new school year!

As we settle into our routines and move into another exciting week, I want to thank each of you for the tremendous amount of planning, preparation and hard work that has gone into making the beginning of this school year a success. A strong start doesn't happen by accident — it is the result of dedicated people working together and doing whatever it takes to support our students and one another.

Across Team WCPS, it is inspiring to see the energy and enthusiasm throughout our schools. From welcoming students each morning and building meaningful relationships to creating engaging learning environments and ensuring our schools operate smoothly, each of you plays an important role in serving nearly 19,000 students every day. Thank you for the care, commitment and professionalism you continue to demonstrate.

I also want to extend a special thank you to our Maintenance Department for the countless hours of hard work behind the scenes to ensure our schools and facilities were ready to welcome students and staff back for another successful school year. Your dedication helps create safe, clean and welcoming learning environments across Team WCPS, and we appreciate all you do.

Each week, I encourage you to read our Wednesday's Word and stay abreast of important WCPS information as we work diligently to keep all of Team WCPS engaged and informed. This week's edition includes information about increased referral bonuses for WCPS employees who refer bus drivers to the district, grant opportunities, as well as the upcoming mandatory Open Enrollment window for employee benefits.

Thank you for an outstanding start to the school year and for everything you do each day to make WCPS a great place for students to learn and grow!

Respectfully,

Rob Clayton

WCPS SUPERINTENDENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS WE NEED YOU! BUS DRIVER REFERRAL BONUS

UP TO $1,000

$500 bus driver referral bonus. Earn $500 when the person you refer successfully completes all CDL requirements and drives a WCPS school bus for 30 days.

Another $500 bonus. Earn an additional $500 when your referred bus driver remains employed with WCPS through June 30, 2027.

That's up to $1,000 for each successful bus driver you refer! Apply for a WCPS bus driver position.

OPEN ENROLLMENT FOR EMPLOYEE BENEFITS Open Enrollment for employee benefits will be an active/mandatory enrollment period from October 5–23, 2026. Please watch for additional information and reminders as the enrollment period approaches.

The Department of Employee Insurance Benefits Fair will be held Thursday, October 15, at 2 p.m. More information will be shared as we get closer to the event.

TVA STEM GRANTS: LET'S APPLY! The 2026 TVA STEM Awards are now open and will close September 15, 2026. K–12 schools in the TVA service area are eligible to apply for awards of up to $5,000. Learn more about the TVA STEM Awards and apply.

BRIGHT IDEAS GRANTS ANNOUNCEMENT The WCPS Education Foundation is proud to announce that applications for the Bright Ideas Grants (BIG) program are open now through October 2, 2026.

The BIG program promotes excellence and creativity through initiatives and programs that excite young minds. Students identify what is needed at their school and develop a plan to bring their ideas to life.

The goal is to spark academic success while developing a strong culture and sense of community within our schools. These student-generated ideas — including student decisions about the project budget and implementation — showcase our district's commitment to leadership and innovation.

Please encourage students at your school to apply and turn their bright ideas into action!

Applications are due October 2, 2026. Apply for a Bright Ideas Grant.

If you have questions, please contact Allison Mefford, Education Foundation Director, at allison.mefford@warren.kyschools.us.

GRANT APPROVAL FORM Please remember that anyone applying for a classroom grant, school grant, district grant or any other grant must also complete the Grant Approval Form prior to applying.

Complete the Grant Approval Form.

NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE FOR GOTEACHKY RECOGNITION Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond and deserves recognition?

GoTeachKY wants to celebrate exceptional educators and their contributions to Kentucky's education community. Nominate a deserving colleague today! Nominations may lead to a feature in the GoTeachKY newsletter, a social media spotlight and an opportunity to inspire others while helping elevate the teaching profession.

Complete the GoTeachKY nomination form to nominate a colleague.

AUGUST

ETHICAL

ACTION OF EXCELLENCE

Through thoughtful action, follow accepted expectations of behavior and be morally good and right.