WEDNESDAY'S WORD SEPTEMBER 9, 2026
WARREN COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS
VISION
Students will graduate with the determination to succeed personally, intellectually, and professionally.
MISSION
To provide an engaging, inspiring and challenging learning environment, which prioritizes safety, achievement, and opportunity.
Team WCPS, I hope everyone enjoyed a restful Labor Day weekend surrounded by family and friends. As we move forward into another exciting school year, I am reminded that the strength of our school district is rooted in the dedication, compassion and commitment of our nearly 3,000 staff members who show up each day with a shared purpose: to care for, challenge and inspire our students. The work you do matters deeply—not only in the classroom, but also in the countless moments when you encourage a student, support a colleague, solve a problem, build a relationship or help someone feel that they truly belong. These moments may not always make the headlines, but they are at the heart of what makes a difference in the lives of our students and families. I am grateful to serve alongside each of you as we continue this important work together. Our first Professional Learning Community (PLC) Day of the 2026–27 school year for both certified and classified staff members will be Friday, September 18. Please take a moment to review the PLC Day plan as we prepare to make the most of this important opportunity to learn, collaborate and grow together. I encourage everyone to be intentional with this time and to engage in thoughtful, productive conversations that strengthen our collective instructional and leadership capacity. When we learn from one another, share ideas and work together toward common goals, we become better equipped to meet the needs of every student we serve. Thank you for embracing this opportunity to learn together, support one another and continue our shared commitment to the advancement of our faculty, staff and students. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together this year. Yesterday, we kicked off our annual campaign to support the United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK). I have served on the local UWSK board for the past 12 years and I know firsthand the impact this organization has on our most vulnerable community members. In fact, UWSK has contributed over $1 million to WCPS in recent years to support our Little Learners bus, KinderReady Summer Academy, FRYSCs, and college and career readiness programs in our high schools. In this edition of Wednesday's Word, you can learn more about how you can support these efforts and even earn some fun incentives. Respectfully, Rob Clayton
WCPS SUPERINTENDENT TEAM WCPS — TOGETHER WE MAKE A LASTING DIFFERENCE
FEATURE
UNITED WAY ANNUAL CAMPAIGN U N D E R WAY N O W T H R O U G H S E PT E M B E R 2 5 , 2 0 2 6
$100,000+
in United Way grants to WCPS this year alone, supporting early childhood education and college and career readiness.
$1 MILLION+
in United Way funding in recent years, making a meaningful difference for our students and schools.
Our United Way campaign is underway through September 25, 2026! Schools are competing for fun incentives based on the highest percentage of faculty and staff who donate, including but not limited to: 1ST PLACE Grilled lunch — burgers, sides, desserts and more 2ND PLACE Pancake and bacon breakfast 3RD PLACE Full dessert bar Make your pledge through the online campaign form. Watch a brief video highlighting how United Way has made a difference in the lives of our WCPS students. BENEFITS
OPEN ENROLLMENT REMINDER
O C T O B E R 5 – 2 6 · M A N D AT O R Y F O R E V E R YO N E T H I S Y E A R
Our annual Open Enrollment period is October 5–26, and participation is mandatory for everyone this year. If you haven’t received your enrollment information packet from the Department of Insurance, it should arrive soon. Please keep these materials handy. NEED COVERAGE? You must enroll by October 26 to have Anthem health, dental and vision coverage beginning January 1, 2027. O PT I N G O UT ? You must actively enroll in a waiver option during Open Enrollment to receive waiver funds beginning January 1, 2027. Please don't miss the deadline!
WE D N E S DAY ' S WO R D — S E PT E M B E R 9, 2 0 2 6
ANNOUNCEMENTS
WE NEED YOU! BUS DRIVER REFERRAL BONUS
UP TO $1,000
Refer a new bus driver to WCPS and earn up to $1,000 while helping our students get to school safely. FIRST $500 Earn $500 when the person you refer successfully completes all CDL requirements and drives a WCPS school bus for 30 days. NEXT $500 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. KENTUCKY SAFE SCHOOLS WEEK — TAKE THE PLEDGE! S E PT E M B E R 1 4 – 1 8 , 2 0 2 6
“Strong Roots, Strong Schools. We Grow Together.”
The focus for this week emphasizes the critical need for constant vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining secure learning environments across the Commonwealth. This dedicated week aims to empower schools to strengthen their safety initiatives through targeted activities and discussions. The goal is to raise awareness about various aspects of school safety and empower students, teachers, parents and the wider community to take proactive steps in creating a safe and nurturing learning environment for everyone. I encourage you to take the Kentucky Safe Schools Week Pledge! TAKE YOUR TEACHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL: NBC COHORT
Teaching for 3+ years? Join our National Board Certification (NBC) Cohort! FINANCIAL $2,000 annual stipend plus a rank change upon certification — together worth up to I M PA C T $7,120/year for a 10-year educator. COST WCPS covers 1 of 4 components ($475). Your out-of-pocket cost: $1,500 ($75 registration + $475 x 3 components). SUPPORT Monthly coaching with district mentor Amy Yates, NBCT. A P P LY Apply to the NBC Cohort by September 25, 2026. Accepted candidates notified October 2, 2026.
WE D N E S DAY ' S WO R D — S E PT E M B E R 9, 2 0 2 6
GRANTS & FUNDING
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 A P P L I C AT I O N S O P E N T H R O U G H O C T O B E R 2 , 2 0 2 6
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! 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. RECOGNITION & PERKS
SKECHERS FRIENDS & FAMILY DAYS
WCPS employees, families and friends can save 30% on SKECHERS footwear, apparel and accessories during Friends & Family Days, September 10–16, 2026. Shop online at SKECHERS.com using promo code SDFAF326.
SEPTEMBER
RESPECTFUL WE D N E S DAY ' S WO R D — S E PT E M B E R 9, 2 0 2 6
ACTION OF EXCELLENCE
Act in a way that shows care for all people