Harlan County Public Schools

The Harlan County Elementary Cheer Competition will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at Harlan County High School. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. for the public. Admission is $3. Concessions will be available. Squads competing are Cawood, Cumberland, Evarts, Green Hills and Rosspoint. All teams will compete facing the home side of the gymnasium. Little Dancers from Rosspoint, Cumberland and Evarts will perform at intermission, along with the Harlan County High School Dance Team will perform. Cheer squads are judged on a sideline cheer, floor cheer, and pom routine. Cheerleaders making honor roll will be recognized for their academic achievement. This is the eighth year for the competition which funds the Frank Brittain Academic and Athletic Hall of Fame for Harlan County Schools.

Let's Go Bears! Good luck to our Harlan County High School Black Bears as they head to Owensboro to compete in the Class 2A state championships at the Owensboro Sports Center. The Bears will play Mercer County on Friday at 9 p.m. EST, 8 p.m. CST. All times on the bracket are CST or local time for Owensboro. Tickets can only be purchased for the tournament at www.owensborotickets.com. The only streaming service permitted for the tournament is www.prepspin.com. The cost is $14.95 per game. WTUK will broadcast the games on 105.1 FM. WTUK will not have video of the games.

Harlan County Schools will operate on a 2 hour delay for students and transportation on Wednesday January, 15th. If we receive any snowfall this evening or tomorrow morning, we will reevaluate travel conditions.

The Harlan County Black Bears are headed to the state 2A Championship tournament in Owensboro. The Bears, led by Coach Kyle Jones, will battle Mercer County on Friday at 8 p.m. CST.

We will not have classes on Tuesday, January 14, 2025. Numerous areas of the county continue to be a challenge on returning to school safely as the snow depths varied, with the northern parts of the county receiving up to 8 inches. This is not an NTI day.

ALUMNI SHOUTOUT Congratulations to Cumberland High School Alumnus SFC Michael Victor Joseph II on his many successes. Joseph is a member of the U.S. A282D Army Band at Fort Jackson, S.C., which recently performed during services for the late President James "Jimmy" Carter. Joseph hails from Cumberland. He is married to Amanda Williams Joseph of Cumberland, and they share two beautiful children, Andrew and Ari. Currently serving as the First Sergeant of the 282D Army Band, he has proudly served the United States Army for 21 years. His service to the country began in the Kentucky Army National Guard as an infantryman and continues with active-duty service as an Army Band Musician. His love for music began at the age of 11. He started his musical journey as a 6th grader in the beginner band program at Cumberland Middle School taught by band director, Mr. Dan Midkiff. He began marching in the high school band during his 7th-grade year as a bass drummer. Joseph quickly gained technical proficiency as a percussionist and competed for honors throughout his high school experience. His senior year accolades include 1st chair snare drum—All-Festival; 2nd chair snare drum—All-Regional; 1st chair snare drum, concert band—All-State; Solo and Ensemble distinguished musician award recipient; John Philip Sousa award recipient. Additionally, he was a member of the Cumberland High School Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC) program for three years. Sergeant Major Dillard Day’s leadership and approach toward young people sparked his love for the military. Development in basic leadership skills, the importance of community service, and learning how to be a great citizen at this early age helped him gain confidence which ultimately motivated him to serve his country. He has had many unique opportunities to share his love of music as a percussionist, vocalist, and guitarist with millions around the world. Some of the highlights of his musical career are as follows: • Kentucky Derby and Virginia International Tattoo performances • Operation Rising Star Vocal Competition Winner (Formally known as Military Idol) • Performed with the Army Soldier Show • Performed with American Idol vocal coach, Ms. Debra Byrd and country music star, Michael Peterson • Nashville recording artist • Drum Major for countless professional sporting and community outreach events • Musical tours throughout Japan • Opened for country superstar, Craig Morgan • Survivor Outreach Services (Gold Star Families Remembrance Concerts) • Performed with the 101st Airborne Division Country Band at Bridgestone Arena (Nashville, TN) • And President James Earl Carter's “Jimmy Carter” Funeral Service performances. Although Joseph has shared his musical gift on the big stage throughout the world, he is most proud of his family and his service to the Soldiers in which he serves. He and his family look forward to beginning a new chapter after retirement in less than three years. It is amazing and ironic that Joseph started his musical adventure as a bass drummer in the Cumberland High School drumline and found it most fitting to serve within the same capacity for the highest honor a military band member can serve. He has truly come full circle in his most recent world-class performance for the respectful send-off of a former sitting President of the United States of America. Thank you SFC Michael Joseph II for your outstanding service. We are #HCProud!

There will be no school in the Harlan County School District on Friday, January 10th. The National Weather Service has placed Harlan County under a winter storm warning which has now been backed up to begin at 7:00 am. This is a traditional cancellation, not NTI.

EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS OFFERED VIRTUAL ALGEBRA CLASS The Harlan County School District is implementing a virtual abbreviated Algebra I class to eighth graders across the district who want to be better prepared for the advanced mathematics classes at Harlan County High School this fall. The course will be independent study and facilitated by Harlan County High School Mathematics Instructor and Districtwide Math Resource Teacher Greg Longworth. “The course is a journey into the world of mathematics where we’ll explore patterns, problem-solving strategies, and real-world applications of algebraic concepts,” said Longworth. “Whether you’re already confident in math or find it challenging, this class is designed to help you grow and succeed.” Longworth explained the class will focus on developing a strong foundation in key topics such as linear equations, inequalities, quadratic functions, and more. He said the concepts will not only help in future math courses, but also in everyday decision-making and critical thinking. Eight grade students will receive a letter at school detailing the enrollment process and expectations for the class. The class will begin this month. “I’m here to help them at any point,” said Longworth. “If any of the participating students ever feel stuck or unsure, they should not hesitate to reach out for help, whether it is during my school visits, after school or through email. This is an opportunity to make Algebra I no just a math class, but a space where you build confidence, curiosity and problem-solving skills for life.” Harlan County Schools Superintendent Brent Roark said, “We are pleased to be able to provide this service to our students. This is a tremendous opportunity for those students who are planning to take accelerated mathematics at the high school to broaden their knowledge. This is another effort to continue advancing our curriculum to better meet the needs of our students.” Contact information for Longworth is included in the letter alerting students to the availability of this pilot program. Parents who would like to receive additional information may contact Longworth through email at greg.longworth@harlan.kyschools.us or by calling 573-4330, Ext. 2030.

7th/8th Tournament: The dates for the 7th and 8th tournament are January 27th (Monday), January 28th (Tuesday), January 30th (Thursday), and February 1st (Saturday). Black Mountain Elementary is our host for this tournament. All Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday games will be played at JACES. The Consolation and Championship games (Saturday) will be played at HCHS. Games each session are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

5th/6th Tournament: The dates for the 5th and 6th tournament are January 16th (Thursday), January 21st (Tuesday), January 23rd (Thursday), and January 25th (Saturday). Cumberland Elementary is our host for this tournament. All Tuesday and Thursday games will be played at JACES. The Consolation and Championship games (Saturday) will be played at HCHS. Games each session are scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

SNOW DAY ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 9, 2025! Enjoy!

Class 2A Section 7 Tournament Update Note: Schedule is subject to change due to weather conditions

Girls semifinals will be played Thursday at Bell County at 6 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. The championships will be scheduled for 6 and 8 Friday at Harlan County High School. If snow hits like predicted, the games will be played on the next possible date. WEDNESDAY @ Harlan County High School GIRLS FIRST ROUND Whitley County vs. Harlan County - 6 p.m. Bell County vs. Corbin, 8 p.m. THURSDAY at Harlan County High School BOYS SEMIFINALS Bell County vs. Whitley County - 6 p.m. Harlan County vs. McCreary Central - 8 p.m. THURSDAY at Bell County High School GIRLS SEMIFINALS Knox County vs. Whitley County/Harlan County Winner - 6 p.m. McCreary v Bell/Corbin winner - 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY (TENTATIVE DUE TO WEATHER FORECAST OF SNOW STORM) CHAMPIONSHIPS Harlan County High School Girls - 6 p.m. Boys - 8 p.m.

NTI Day 7 on Wednesday, January 8, 2025

Congratulations to Harlan County High School Senior Katherine Cornett on being selected as a WYMT/ARH Mountain Student Achiever. https://www.wymt.com/video/2024/09/24/arh-student-achiever-6/

NOTICE FOR HARLAN COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS AND PARENTS There will be a minimum of 2 days in-person classes with our current students (first semester) from the day we return to school before the semester officially ends. The second semester is scheduled to begin January 10th. However, the new semester will not begin until school has resumed and two days of classes are held. This will give ample time to communicate any expectations concerning the collection and grading of all NTI assignments and any other classroom assignments that might be due. In addition, for teachers, the grading window will be extended to accommodate for the addition of all NTI assignments (policy states minimum of 5 days allowance to turn NTI work in). Students will turn in NTI work to their first semester teacher even after the second semester may have already started. Teachers will communicate this with their students during the two day in-person classes as well as during NTI contacts.

STATE 2A SECTION 7 TOURNAMENT UPDATE Games postponed tonight due to inclement weather. The girls will tip off on Wednesday at 6 and 7:30, with HCHS Lady Bears playing Whitley at 6. The boys semis will be on Thursday, with HC taking on McCreary Central at 7:30 p.m. We will post additional updates as the tournament progresses.

ALUMNI SHOUTOUT Congratulations to Rosspoint Elementary and James A. Cawood High School graduate Judge Executive Dan Mosley on his new role as President of the Kentucky Association of Counties. https://mydigitalpublication.com/.../837884/article.html

Congratulations to J.J. Eldridge on being selected as a WYMT/ARH Mountain Student Achiever. J.J. is a member of the Superintendent's Student Council at Harlan County High School. https://www.wymt.com/video/2025/01/07/arh-mountain-student-achiever-jason-eldridge-jr/

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