WEDNESDAY'S WORD
SEPTEMBER 2, 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, together we make a lasting difference. One of the best things about being part of Team WCPS is seeing how much we can accomplish when we work together, and our annual United Way campaign is a perfect example of effective collaboration. Through our partnership with the United Way of Southern Kentucky (UWSK), we're helping strengthen our community and create opportunities that provide hope and opportunity for our students. This year alone, WCPS has received more than $100,000 in United Way grants to support early childhood education and college and career readiness initiatives. In recent years, the district has received more than $1 million in United Way funding. These grants have a direct and meaningful impact on our students, creating opportunities and providing resources that would not have been possible without the generous support of our local United Way. Our campaign officially kicks off September 8 and runs through September 25, and once again, we're adding a little friendly competition between schools! The school with the highest percentage of faculty and staff who donate will win some fun incentives from our leadership team: 1ST PLACE
Grilled lunch for all faculty and staff
2ND PLACE
Breakfast for all faculty and staff
3RD PLACE
Full dessert bar for all faculty and staff
Want to get an early start? You can pledge before the official campaign begins using the online campaign form. You can also learn more about how United Way funding directly benefits our students by watching the United Way Annual Campaign Video, which features a WCPS graduate who now attends WKU and plans to study medicine. As someone who has served on the United Way Board of Directors for 12 years, I've seen firsthand the incredible impact these funds have on our community and our students. I encourage you to consider giving and thank you for joining me in making a difference. Every dollar matters! Respectfully,
Rob Clayton WCPS SUPERINTENDENT
ANNOUNCEMENTS 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.
SUPPORT CHILD ADVOCACY: DONATE TO THE WCPS TEAM WCPS is proud to support the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center and its mission to provide hope, healing and support to children who have experienced unimaginable abuse. You can support this important cause by making a donation to the WCPS team for Over the Edge for Child Advocacy. Every contribution helps provide vital services to children and families in our community. Donate to the WCPS Team. The Over the Edge event will take place Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Stadium Park Plaza in Downtown Bowling Green. If you would like to come out and witness our WCPS students showing their support, you can see the following groups: Jennings Creek Elementary's Thursday's Live Band 8:15 – 8:40 a.m.
Greenwood High School's Choir 8:40 a.m. (National Anthem)
Briarwood Elementary's Hoppin' Huskies 8:45 – 9:00 a.m.
Alvaton Elementary's Cardio Drumming Team 2:00 – 2:15 p.m.
TAKE YOUR TEACHING TO THE NEXT LEVEL: NBC COHORT Teaching for 3+ years? Join our National Board Certification (NBC) Cohort! FINANCIAL IMPACT COST
$2,000 annual stipend plus a rank change upon certification — together worth up to $7,120/year for a 10-year educator. 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.
APPLY
Apply to the NBC Cohort by September 25. Accepted candidates notified October 2, 2026.
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 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.
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 NOMINATE A COLLEAGUE FOR GOTEACHKY RECOGNITION Do you know a colleague who goes above and beyond and deserves recognition? GoTeachKY wants to celebrate exceptional educators and their contributions to Kentucky's education community. Nominate a deserving colleague today! Nominations may lead to a feature in the GoTeachKY newsletter, a social media spotlight and an opportunity to inspire others while helping elevate the teaching profession. Complete the GoTeachKY nomination form to nominate a colleague.
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
ACTION OF EXCELLENCE
Act in a way that shows care for all people.