WEDNESDAY'S WORD
SEPTEMBER 23, 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, One of the greatest strengths of Team WCPS is our willingness to learn from one another and continually work to improve on behalf of our students. Last Friday, that commitment was on full display as employees across the district came together for our first Professional Learning Community (PLC) Day of the 2026–27 school year. These days provide valuable time for our certified and classified staff to collaborate, share ideas, and focus together on the work that matters most—supporting the success of every student. Throughout the district, our staff engaged in meaningful conversations, shared ideas and best practices, and collaborated with colleagues to strengthen the work taking place in our schools and classrooms. PLC Day was another great reminder that you are the key to our success with the collective knowledge, dedication, and commitment you bring to our students each day. Thank you to our Warren County Board of Education for its continued investment in you by providing five dedicated PLC Days each school year. Setting aside this time for professional learning and collaboration reflects our shared belief that when we invest in our people, we strengthen opportunities and outcomes for all of our students! Thank you to every member of Team WCPS for making the most of this valuable time—and, more importantly, for the difference you make for our students and families every day. When Team WCPS comes together to support our community, even the smallest contributions can make a meaningful difference. With just two days remaining in our districtwide campaign for United Way of Southern Kentucky, I encourage you to consider supporting an organization that gives so much back to our students and families throughout the year. Every contribution matters, regardless of the amount, and collectively, our generosity can have a significant impact on those we serve. You can find more information about how to participate in this edition of Wednesday’s Word. As always, thank you for what you do to shape the lives of our remarkable students! Respectfully,
Rob Clayton WCPS SUPERINTENDENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UNITED WAY ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
ONLY 48 HOURS LEFT!
Our United Way campaign ends this Friday, September 25, 2026, and there's still time to participate. Schools are competing for fun incentives based on the highest percentage of faculty and staff who donate. If you haven't donated yet, now is the time! Let's finish strong and see which WCPS schools come out on top! This year alone, WCPS has received more than $100,000 in United Way grants supporting early childhood education and college and career readiness. As previously mentioned, the district has received more than $1 million in United Way funding in recent years, making a meaningful difference for our students and schools. LEADING SO FAR
PRIZE
Grilled Lunch (burgers, sides, desserts,
1ST PLACE
Warren East High School
2ND PLACE
Briarwood Elementary
Pancake and Bacon Breakfast
3RD PLACE
Cumberland Trace Elementary
Dessert Bar
etc.)
New this year: United Way Jeans Days. Anyone who donates to our United Way campaign will receive four stickers to use on four Jeans Days. Your FRYSC or building leader will have the stickers available. To participate, employees must wear their United Way sticker on each designated Jeans Day. 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. Keep those donations coming as we head into the final days of the campaign!
WE NEED YOU! BUS DRIVER REFERRAL BONUS
UP TO $1,000
$500 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. Another $500 bonus. 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.
NOMINATE AN EDUCATOR FOR VIP TEACHER SPOTLIGHT Know a WCPS educator who goes above and beyond for students? Nominate them for the VIP Teacher Spotlight hosted by VIP Bowling Green Magazine! To nominate an educator, email editor@vipbowlinggreen.com with the teacher's name, school and a brief description of how they make a difference for their students.
GRANTS & FUNDING
KAST OUTREACH CLASSROOM/SCHOOL GRANTS
$15,000
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 about the KAST Outreach Grant and application process, view the KAST Outreach Grant application resources. To further support your efforts, contact your Digital Learning Coach for more details or for collaboration prior to submission.
BRIGHT IDEAS GRANTS ANNOUNCEMENT
DUE OCTOBER 2
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! Applications are due October 2, 2026. Apply for a Bright Ideas Grant. If you have questions, please contact Allison Mefford, Education Foundation Director, at allison.mefford@warren.kyschools.us.
DISTRICT/SCHOOL 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 (it only takes a few minutes). Complete the Grant Approval Form.
GROWTH & BENEFITS
TAKE YOUR TEACHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL: NBC COHORT Teaching for 3+ years? Join our National Board Certification (NBC) Cohort!
IMPACT
$2,000 annual stipend plus a rank change upon certification — together worth up to $7,120/year for a 10-year educator.
COST
WCPS covers 1 of 4 components ($475). Your out-of-pocket cost: $1,500 ($75
FINANCIAL
registration + $475 x 3 components). SUPPORT
Monthly coaching with district mentor Amy Yates, NBCT.
APPLY
Apply to the NBC Cohort by this Friday, September 25, 2026. Accepted candidates notified October 2, 2026.
2027 OPEN ENROLLMENT IS COMING!
OCTOBER 5–26
Open Enrollment for 2027 is October 5–26, 2026, and participation is mandatory. All eligible employees must log in to KHRIS.KY.GOV during Open Enrollment to either enroll in coverage or waive coverage for 2027. If you do not take action during Open Enrollment, you will be placed in Waiver Without HRA and will not have health insurance coverage or receive HRA funds for 2027. GET READY NOW
HELP SESSIONS
Before Open Enrollment begins, log in to
Central Office will offer additional assistance:
KHRIS.KY.GOV to: Verify your login credentials
Oct. 6–8 (Fall Break): 9 a.m.–2 p.m., by appointment only
Reset your password, if needed
Oct. 13–14: 3–5 p.m.
Be ready to go when OE starts
Oct. 15: 2–6 p.m. (Department of Insurance onsite) Oct. 20–22: 3–5 p.m.
Don't wait until Open Enrollment begins. Get your KHRIS account ready today!
SEPTEMBER
RESPECTFUL
ACTION OF EXCELLENCE
Act in a way that shows care for all people.