WEDNESDAY'S WORD
OCTOBER 21, 2026
WA R R E N C O U N T Y P U B L I C S C H O O L S 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.
Welcome back, Team WCPS! OPEN ENROLLMENT · ACTION REQUIRED
D E A D L I N E O C T. 2 6
Failure to take action by October 26 will result in Waiver Without HRA, meaning you will have no health insurance coverage and will not receive HRA funds for 2027. Team WCPS, it’s time to make your benefits selections for 2027. All eligible employees must log in to KHRIS.KY.GOV by October 26, 2026, to enroll in benefits or waive coverage. Your current benefits will not renew automatically. Current health, dental and vision plans through Anthem expire December 31, 2026, so you must submit a new enrollment to have coverage beginning January 1, 2027. We know this process looks different from previous years, so please take time to review your options and complete your enrollment before the deadline. Don't risk losing your coverage. Log in to KHRIS.KY.GOV and take action today!
Team WCPS has so much to celebrate!
Green
5-Year High
96.7%
OVER ALL R ATING, EVERY SCHOOL
RE ADING PROFICIENCY
GR ADUATION R ATE
All WCPS elementary, middle and high schools earned an overall Green rating on the 2025–2026 Kentucky School Report Card. Reading proficiency reached a five-year high, science proficiency continued to climb, and the district maintained an impressive 96.7% graduation rate. These accomplishments reflect the hard work and dedication of our students, teachers and staff across the district. Read the 2025–2026 WCPS School Report Card to celebrate our progress and learn more about these exciting results!
W E D N E S D AY ' S W O R D
OCTOBER 21, 2026
FACILITIES SERIES · PART 2 OF 3
Making Room to Grow During last month’s Certified and Classified Advisory Council meetings, staff shared feedback about school space and facility needs as Warren County continues to grow. In the second part of our threeweek series, we’re highlighting how WCPS is investing in new facilities and additional classroom space to accommodate enrollment growth, expand educational opportunities and support the needs of students and staff. WHAT WE’RE DOING EXPANDING EARLY LEARNING
INCREASING EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES
The Early Learning Academy opened in 2025, serving approximately 500 students and creating additional space in eight elementary schools.
The IMPACT Center for Leadership and Innovation serves approximately 1,100 students, with additional students expected to enroll in January.
PLANNING FOR FUTURE GROWTH
LOOKING AHEAD
Summit View Elementary is scheduled to open in August 2027, with capacity for approximately 1,000 students.
A new school in Oakland is on the district’s longterm planning horizon for 2030.
Looking Ahead: WCPS will continue evaluating enrollment, facility needs and future construction priorities to help ensure schools have the space needed to serve students and support employees. Thank you for the care, dedication and hard work you bring to our schools each day. Your generosity and commitment to our students and community are just a few of the many reasons it’s a privilege to be part of Team WCPS! Respectfully,
Rob Clayton WCPS SUPERINTENDENT
W E D N E S D AY ' S W O R D
OCTOBER 21, 2026
ANNOUNCEMENTS 2027 OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE!
M A N D AT O R Y · T H R O U G H O C T. 2 6
Open Enrollment for 2027 runs through October 26, 2026, and participation is mandatory. All eligible employees must log in to KHRIS.KY.GOV during Open Enrollment to either enroll in benefits or waive coverage for 2027. There will be no automatic renewals. Current 2026 health, dental and vision plans expire December 31, 2026. To have coverage beginning January 1, 2027, employees must actively submit a new enrollment during Open Enrollment. If you do not take action, you will be placed in Waiver Without HRA, meaning you will not have health insurance coverage or receive HRA funds for 2027. We know this process looks different from previous years, so please make sure you complete your enrollment to avoid accidentally losing your coverage. Not sure what plans you currently have? You can check your emailed pay stubs or MUNIS SelfService. You can also reach out to Sherry Stratton, WCPS Benefits Specialist, at sherry.stratton@warren.kyschools.us. LOG IN TO KHRIS.KY.GOV TO:
OPEN ENROLLMENT HELP SESSIONS
• Verify your login credentials • Reset your password, if needed
Central Office will offer additional assistance for employees who need help completing Open Enrollment: October 21–22 · 3–5 p.m.
Don’t wait until Open Enrollment begins. Get your KHRIS account ready today! Benefits Resource Group (BRG) will visit each of our schools and buildings in March 2027 to discuss Open Enrollment for optional benefits, including Delta Dental/Vision, Colonial Life Insurance policies, as well as many other benefits, to be effective April 1, 2027.
W E D N E S D AY ' S W O R D
OCTOBER 21, 2026
BUS DRIVER REFERRAL BONUS: UP TO $1,000 Recruit a bus driver(s) and earn extra cash (up to $1,000 per driver) as the holidays approach!
$500
+ Another $500
Earn $500 when the person you refer successfully completes all CDL requirements and drives a WCPS school bus for 30 days.
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
MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION: STUDENT CONTESTS “THE DREAM LIVES THROUGH US” · MON., JAN. 11 · 5:30 P.M. · SOUTH WARREN HIGH SCHOOL
It’s time to get students excited about our annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration! This year’s event will take place Monday, January 11, at 5:30 p.m. at South Warren High School, with the theme “The Dream Lives Through Us.” Please encourage students to participate in the contests! Elementary students may enter the elementary poetry contest, while middle and high school students may participate in the middle and high school essay contest and/or the student art contest. Each flyer includes contest details and prize information. These contests also offer great opportunities for wholeclass assignments. Teachers may submit poetry entries on behalf of elementary students if needed. Please share the contest information with your students, encourage them to get creative, and help them submit their entries by Tuesday, November 24. All submissions must be received by the deadline. Art teachers may arrange to have entries picked up after the deadline.
W E D N E S D AY ' S W O R D
OCTOBER 21, 2026
KAST OUTREACH
DISTRICT/SCHOOL GRANT APPROVAL FORM
CLASSROOM/SCHOOL GRANTS
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 (it only takes a few minutes). Complete the Grant Approval Form
Any Kentucky Association for School Technology (KAST) member can apply for the KAST Outreach classroom/school grant. You must be a KAST member to apply and membership sign-up is free. The $15,000 classroom grants are designed to support educational technology projects, resources and initiatives that enhance learning and advance the use of technology in classrooms and schools. For more information, view the KAST Outreach Grant application resources. Contact your Digital Learning Coach for more details or for collaboration prior to submission; the grant deadline is October 31, 2026.
CHILDREN’S PICNIC TABLES
SHOW YOUR WCPS SPIRIT!
MADE BY ATC STUDENTS
Looking for a way to show your Team WCPS pride? The WCPS Spirit Store is a great place to shop for district gear and apparel to wear to school, district events or out in the community. The store is open now through October 28, so be sure to browse and find something for yourself or a fellow WCPS supporter! Shop the WCPS Spirit Store
ATC students are building children’s picnic tables for just $50 each! Support our students and bring home a handmade picnic table for your little ones to enjoy. Order a Children’s Picnic Table
W E D N E S D AY ' S W O R D
OCTOBER 21, 2026
WCPS TURKEY DRIVE: NOVEMBER 3–17
NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR FOR
Help WCPS spread a little kindness this holiday season by donating frozen turkeys or chickens! Donations may be dropped off at the Warren County Board of Education, located at 303 Lovers Lane in Bowling Green, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., November 3– 17, 2026. Thank you for helping support our community!
VIP TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
WCPS ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
HALL OF DISTINGUISHED
WCPS is seeking remarkable graduates who deserve to be recognized. Their stories can be shared through the Alumni Spotlight nomination form.
ALUMNI: 2027 CLASS
OCTOBER
PROFESSIONAL
Know a WCPS educator who goes above and beyond for students? Nominate them for the VIP Teacher Spotlight hosted by VIP Bowling Green Magazine! Email editor@vipbowlinggreen.com with the teacher’s name, school and a brief description of how they make a difference for their students.
Nominations are open for the 2027 Class of the Hall of Distinguished Alumni. Outstanding WCPS graduates can be nominated through the Hall of Distinguished Alumni nomination form. Nominations are due by December 4, 2026.
ACTION OF EXCELLENCE
Demonstrate good judgment and polite behavior. Be competent in your role and willing to meet all the expectations.