Wednesday's Word August 19, 2026

WEDNESDAY'S WORD

AUGUST 19, 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 an outstanding first week back.

It is always an awesome experience to see our schools filled with the energy, excitement and enthusiasm that comes with a new school year. One of the most satisfying and rewarding aspects of opening a new school year is observing all of the planning, preparation and hard work come to fruition on opening day.

Thank you to everyone across Team WCPS for all you have done to prepare for the new school year and for the warm welcome you have given our nearly 19,000 students. We are off to a remarkable start and I am looking forward to all that this school year has in store for our students, staff and community!

A special thank you goes to our Transportation Team and Nutrition & Dining Services staff for the important work you do behind the scenes and throughout each school day to help our students arrive safely, enjoy nutritious meals and have a successful start to the year.

Have you seen Rocky? Our new canine detection dog is making his rounds across the district and you are certain to see him during the school day and at after-school events. You may be wondering if it is okay to pet him — the answer is yes, but be sure to ask his handler, Deputy Dean Clark, first, and please do not feed him.

Rocky is highly trained and there is a strict protocol for his work on our campuses.

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

Thank you, Team WCPS, for the passion, commitment and care you bring to our students and schools every day.

Respectfully,

Rob Clayton

SUPERINTENDENT

ANNOUNCEMENTS WE NEED YOU: UP TO $1,000 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. Earn another $500 when your referred bus driver remains employed with WCPS through June 30, 2027. That's up to $1,000 for every successful bus driver you refer!

Apply for a WCPS bus driver position.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS: OPEN ENROLLMENT

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.

MEET ROCKY: WCPS WELCOMES A VAPOR WAKE K9

You may remember meeting Rocky during Opening Day ceremonies. Rocky was introduced to the WCPS community and will be assigned to School Resource Officer Deputy Dean Clark. As a firearms and explosives detection dog, also known as a Vapor Wake K9, Rocky is specially trained to help detect potential threats and enhance safety in our schools.

We are proud to welcome Rocky to Team WCPS and appreciate the continued partnership between the Warren County Sheriff's Office and our schools in creating safer learning environments for students, faculty and staff.

Deputy Dean Clark with Rocky.

HOT RODS NIGHT: WCHS TAKES OVER THE BALLPARK

Warren Central High School is taking over the ballpark! Join us Thursday, August 20, at 6:35 p.m. for a fun night at the ballpark while supporting the Dragons. The first 500 fans will receive a school-specific Hot Rods hat, and a portion of every ticket purchased will benefit Warren Central High School.

Plus, 50% of all pre-purchased tickets bought through the link below or the QR code will support the WCPS Education Foundation, helping create more opportunities for students across Warren County Public Schools. Bring your family, wear your Dragon blue and cheer on the Bowling Green Hot Rods while giving back to WCHS and supporting students across WCPS! Purchase Hot Rods Night tickets.

STEM GRANT OPPORTUNITY

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.

STUFF THE BUS FOUNDATION GRANT

The Stuff the Bus Foundation is accepting grant applications to help educators provide resources and opportunities that help level the playing field for students. Grants may support areas including technology, special education, arts, athletics and other classroom needs. Applications are reviewed monthly, and applicants may apply for one grant per calendar year. Learn more about the Stuff the Bus Foundation Grant and apply.

DELTA KAPPA GAMMA GRANT OPPORTUNITY

Delta Kappa Gamma, an international organization of professional women educators, is accepting applications for teacher grants. The application deadline is October 2, 2026. Access the Delta Kappa Gamma teacher grant application.

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.

AUGUST

ETHICAL

ACTION OF EXCELLENCE

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