Cub Club Member Oaklee Hensley is all smiles as her grandfather, Superintendent Brett Johnson, picks her up after completing her day at the Harlan County Child Development Center. The HCCDC provides preschool education opportunities for our future Black Bears.
4 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
GSA SERVED AS CATALYST, FORGING CHANGES IN APPROACH TO ACTING, UNDERSTANDING SELF
My time at the Kentucky Governor's School for the Arts (GSA) in the drama discipline served as a catalyst, forging multiple changes in both my approach to acting and my understanding of myself.
The immersive environment, fueled by never ending creativity and shared passion, unlocked new potential within me and created life long bonds that continue to resonate in my artistic journey. The rigorous studio sessions, collaborative minds, and exposure to viewpoints that differ from my own at GSA instilled in me a newfound confidence, resilience, and empathy that goes beyond the stage.
The intensive training I received stands out as one of GSA's most impactful aspects. The program offered a comprehensive foundation in the performing arts. The demanding curriculum pushed me to explore uncharted territory, experiment with diverse styles, and cultivate a more profound appreciation for the art form.
I honed my skills, identified my strengths, and gained the courage to take risks and embrace vulnerability in my performances through workshops, rehearsals, and the final showcase.
Beyond the technical aspects, GSA brought about a collaborative community that promoted my personal development. I felt a sense of belonging and acceptance among people who shared my passion for the arts.
The lunch table conversations, performing for the entire school in a coffeehouse open mic night, and the all school field trip challenged my mindset, broadened my horizons, and highlighted the significance of empathy and understanding.
Within this community, I discovered the true meaning of teamwork, the strength of vulnerability, and the revolutionary potential of art.
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(Note: A rising senior, Dunn participated in the GSA on the University of Kentucky campus this summer. She was selected for drama, with more than 2,500 applicants for the program. GSA aligns with her long-term goal of majoring in Secondary Education and minoring in Theatre Arts at the University of Kentucky, and eventually becoming a performer/high school theatre educator.
“Going to Governors School for the Arts is an extreme honor and I am so grateful to have been given the opportunity to attend. I’m so lucky to have learned from so many educators and students from across the Commonwealth and the globe. I want to share the GSA experience with others and show how it changed my life for the better, hoping that more people will be able to experience the joy that is Governors School for the Arts,” said Dunn.
Dunn is the daughter of Jessica and George Anglin. She plans to pursue a degree in secondary education with a minor in theatre arts at the University of Kentucky and to apply to work at Governor’s School for the Arts after high school.
“I cannot wait to give back to the program that gave me life,” she said. “I want to share the joy of theatre for generations to come and I hope that, through God’s will, I’ll be able to become a high school theatre educator and share the love I carry for the arts.”
Her activities include being a member of the Beta Club, International Thespian Society, Drama Club, Lady Bear Soccer, National Honor Society, Gifted and Talented and Radio Club.)
4 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Dear families:
This year, we’re adding a new feature called Rooms to our district app. Rooms enables you to have two-way parent-teacher conversations and keep up with classroom announcements.
Our district app currently offers:
• Live feed updates
• District and school news
• Upcoming events
• Breakfast and lunch menus
• Push notifications for important and urgent announcements
With Rooms, you’ll have access to even more exciting features like:
• Two way messaging with teachers, staff, and coaches
• Classroom announcements, reminders about coursework, and materials
• Behavior tracking for celebrating good behavior and academic achievement
• Automatic translation
So what does all of this mean for you? This means that you don’t need another app or tool to keep up with your child’s teachers and coursework. You’ll be able to find the vast majority of school and district information in one place: within our Harlan County Schools app. If you don’t already have it, the district app is free and you can search for it in the Play Store and App Store!
Soon after you return the requested information to your school, you'll receive an invite to Rooms by text. Once you receive the invite, you'll follow the link on your browser to create a login.
Students will be bringing home a letter from Superintendent Brett Johnson and a form for easy submission of your cell phone numbers you want us to utilize. These documents are attached on this post as well.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions.
6 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Check out the animal science pathway now available at Harlan County High School.
24 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Harlan County High School Freshman Orientation is today, Thursday, July 31, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Come check out all of the new and exciting opportunities coming your way at Harlan County High School!
24 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Congratulations to Mason Garrett, a rising seventh grader at Rosspoint Elementary School, on winning the Lynch Junior Invitational Golf Tournament recently.
Mason has been a member of the Harlan County High School Golf Team, playing on the junior varsity last season.
This junior invitational returned to the Lynch Country Club after 13 years this summer. He is shown with his coaches, Brendan Rutherford and Brett Widner.
Mason is the son of Dennis and Sabrina Garrett.
Congratulations Mason!
25 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Harlan County Pee Wee Football and Cheer sign ups are continuing through August 16th, the final day to register.
Opportunities include flag football for kindergarten through second graders only ($40 fee);
Football for third and fourth graders only ($50 fee);
Cheer for kindergarten through fourth grade ($50 fee).
Up to date physicals are required and registration fee due at signup.
27 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
We congratulate Addison Truitt on her selection to and participation in the 2025 HOBY Kentucky Leadership Seminar at Berea College this summer. She is a rising junior. Her parents are Adam and Tabitha Truitt. She is sharing her experience with us.
28 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
A special meeting of the Harlan County FFA officer team was held recently in the Library of Harlan County High School. During this meeting, a recap of the 2024-2025 School Year was discussed, items such as competitions, chapter activities, fundraisers, and community engagement were discussed.
Once the meeting moved to new business, Mr. Brock detailed the changes made this summer, gave an update on the facilities, and discussed the implementation of Chapter Goal Setting for the 2025-2026 school year. Thanks to this meeting, the FFA Officer team and Mr. Brock have several fundraiser ideas that the public should soon know about, a plan for chapter involvement in competitions, and a plan to attend Freshman orientation on July 31st.
Each officer noted they are excited to be presented with new opportunities this upcoming school year.
If you have questions about Harlan County FFA, how you can be involved, or even how you can help our students be successful, please reach out to Mr. Elijah Brock via email at
elijah.brock1@harlan.kyschools.us28 days ago, Harlan County Public Schools
The Harlan County High School FFA officers will meet on Wednesday, July 23rd at 1 p.m. at the high school. Refreshments will be served. Anyone with questions may email
elijah.brock1@harlan.kyschools.us about 2 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Two Harlan County students recently participated in a summer learning program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the Challenger Center in Hazard.
Eli Epperson, who will be in the eighth grade this fall at Cawood Elementary School, and Mason Garrett, who will be in the seventh grade at Rosspoint Elementary, took part in the day-long training.
Activities included the Power of Machine Learning, how computers learn from data; the Science of Secrets, the craft behind hiding and encrypting information; What's the Matter, how temperature, viscosity and molecular interactions affect states of matter; Blast Off! DIY Rockets, using chemistry and physics to launch projectiles; and From 2D Design to 3D Printing, designing and making your own small creations.
Both young men excl in science.
2 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Harlan County Lady Bear Volleyball tryouts are July 17th.
2 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
This is a reminder that the KHSAA Mandatory Dead Period runs from Wednesday, June 25, through Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Please note that ALL of our athletic facilities are CLOSED for the entire duration of KHSAA Dead Period.
Student-athletes cannot be on campus during this time. Individual participation is prohibited as well.
The track, the gym, the football field, the fieldhouse, the weight rooms, the cross country course, the tennis courts, the multi-purpose room....everything is shut down during this time, said Harlan County High School Athletic Director Eugene Farmer.
Communications between coaches and student-athletes are prohibited during this time, Farmer said.
Several annual maintenance projects will be taking place on our campuses during this time.
It is imperative that our athletes and their families understand that there are no exceptions to the rule.
FROM THE KHSAA:
It is the time where high school athletes in the Commonwealth are supposed to get the chance to take a break from the rigors of high school sports, and it is coming up next week. The annual “Dead Period” is set to begin on Wednesday across the state.
The Kentucky High School Athletic Association enforces the annual shutdown time from June 25 to July 9. During this time period, all school-related athletic activities are suspended.
This break prohibits the use of school facilities, equipment, uniforms, and transportation for any KHSAA-sanctioned sport. Additionally, coaches are barred from communicating with athletes through any means, including email, social media, or phone calls.
The KHSAA has noted that the primary objective of this period is to provide student-athletes, coaches, and families with a designated time to rest and recharge, addressing concerns about year-round athletic commitments and potential burnout.
Established more than two decades ago, the “Dead Period” was introduced in response to increasing demands of continuous athletic participation, which often left little room for family vacations or personal downtime. By implementing this mandatory break, the KHSAA is working to ensure that athletes have the opportunity to recover physically and mentally.
While the “Dead Period” restricts organized team activities, individual athletes can still choose to engage in personal workouts or training sessions independently, as long as the activities are not organized or supervised by school personnel.
It is important to note that violations of the KHSAA “Dead Period” guidelines can lead to penalties for both the school and individuals involved.
https://www.yoursportsedge.com/2025/06/20/khsaa-dead-period-to-start-wednesday/featured/trogers/#:~:text=The%20Kentucky%20High%20School%20Athletic,for%20any%20KHSAA%2Dsanctioned%20sport.
2 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Exciting news, Harlan County families! 🎉 Do you have a four-year-old ready for an amazing learning adventure?
The Harlan County Child Development Center is accepting registration interest forms for our inaugural class of four-year-old students, opening August 2025! 🏫📚
Give your child the best start with our new program housed at James A. Cawood Elementary School.
Don't miss out – spots are limited!
➡️ Complete your Registration Interest Form today:
https://forms.gle/q4YnmyxrH7NkNhmx8
Got questions?
Call Leah Coots at (606) 573-4330 or Kim Saylor at (606) 573-1950.
#HarlanCounty #EarlyChildhoodEducation #PreK #FourYearOlds #ChildDevelopment #EnrollNow #HarlanCountySchools #NewProgram
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Get ready for kindergarten!
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
Congratulations Luke Kelly! We are #HCProud!
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
It’s time to sign up for Summer EBT!
Dear parents and families,
We’re reaching out to share important information about the Summer EBT program. It’s just one program that can help families access healthy food over the summer.
What is Summer EBT?
Summer EBT provides an extra $120 per school-aged child for groceries during summer break. Last year, this program helped over 395,000 children in Kentucky access nutritious food while they were out of school!
Check to see if you’re eligible for Summer EBT
You are eligible if your household is at or under 185% of federal poverty guidelines. Most eligible families on SNAP, KTAP, income-based Medical Assistance (Medicaid), or Kinship Care are automatically enrolled, but others (like you!) may qualify too. Check feedingky.org/sebteligibility to see if you are eligible and need to sign up. It’s quick and easy.
Sign up for Summer EBT today!
You can sign up at kysebt.ky.gov.
Summer EBT works alongside other programs like SUN Meals to ensure children in Kentucky have access to nutritious food year-round.
If you received Summer EBT last year and are eligible again, look for your benefits on last year’s card.
• If you need a replacement and have not moved, you can contact EBT Customer Service at 888-979-9949 to request a replacement.
• If you have moved, call the DCBS Call Center at 855-306-8959 to update your address and receive a new card.
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
The Harlan County School District will be closed on Monday, May 26, 2025 in observance of Memorial Day.
Remember and Honor!
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
HCHS Lady Bear Volleyball camp is Friday, May 30th.
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
ATTENTION PARENTS/GUARDIANS OF RISING 11TH GRADERS:
Please make sure your child has an updated Kentucky Certificate of Immunization (Shot Record) on file at school. Students are required to have their second Meningococcal vaccine.
These forms are required by the Kentucky Department of Education.
Thank you for your cooperation!
3 months ago, Harlan County Public Schools
