This week we’re celebrating National School Breakfast Week! 🍎🥞🥛
School breakfast helps fuel our students for a strong start each day — supporting focus and overall wellness. We are grateful for our amazing cafeteria staff who work hard to serve delicious meals for our students every morning.
Join us in recognizing the importance of breakfast and the difference it makes in the classroom! 💙🍽️
School breakfast helps fuel our students for a strong start each day — supporting focus and overall wellness. We are grateful for our amazing cafeteria staff who work hard to serve delicious meals for our students every morning.
Join us in recognizing the importance of breakfast and the difference it makes in the classroom! 💙🍽️
We are proud to share that Paintsville Elementary has been named a recipient of the FY26 Read to Achieve Grant! 📚✨
This highly competitive grant is valued at $70,000 per year for up to four years, providing significant support to strengthen literacy instruction and ensure every student becomes a confident, capable reader.
Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and these funds will allow our educators to expand resources, enhance instructional practices, and continue building strong reading skills that set our students up for long-term success.
We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated faculty/staff and families who make achievements like this possible. Their commitment to academic excellence continues to move our district forward.
Congratulations to Paintsville Elementary and huge thanks to Mr. Paul Baker and Mrs. Tammie Matijasic for your work to secure this funding for our students! 💙📖
This highly competitive grant is valued at $70,000 per year for up to four years, providing significant support to strengthen literacy instruction and ensure every student becomes a confident, capable reader.
Early literacy is the foundation for lifelong learning, and these funds will allow our educators to expand resources, enhance instructional practices, and continue building strong reading skills that set our students up for long-term success.
We are incredibly grateful for our dedicated faculty/staff and families who make achievements like this possible. Their commitment to academic excellence continues to move our district forward.
Congratulations to Paintsville Elementary and huge thanks to Mr. Paul Baker and Mrs. Tammie Matijasic for your work to secure this funding for our students! 💙📖
April's Community Book Club selection "They All Fall the Same" by central KY author Wes Browne and the discussion guide will be available for pickup from 6-7:45 pm on Thursday, March 4th in the PHS library. Anyone who is unable to grab the book at that time can stop by the PHS office during normal school hours of 8am to 3pm from Friday on. Our discussion meeting will be April 9 at 6pm!
FREE copies were ordered for these folks who responded to the interest form. If you didn't get to respond for a free copy, you are welcome to download the ebook or order your own and participate in our April 9th discussion meeting:
M. Bell
D. Burchett
C. Salyer
M. Stambaugh
J. Copley
N. Crum
S Belhasen
A. Hignite
N. Caudill
J. Stepp
A. King
R. Arms
J. Delong
C. Messer
A. Lemaster
A. Conley
K. Reed
L. Murray
S. Woods
P. Thomas
C. Reed
N. Hill
L. Moore
J. Luster
K. Tackett
FREE copies were ordered for these folks who responded to the interest form. If you didn't get to respond for a free copy, you are welcome to download the ebook or order your own and participate in our April 9th discussion meeting:
M. Bell
D. Burchett
C. Salyer
M. Stambaugh
J. Copley
N. Crum
S Belhasen
A. Hignite
N. Caudill
J. Stepp
A. King
R. Arms
J. Delong
C. Messer
A. Lemaster
A. Conley
K. Reed
L. Murray
S. Woods
P. Thomas
C. Reed
N. Hill
L. Moore
J. Luster
K. Tackett
We are happy to welcome back our Clay's Quilt book club members for our discussion, snacks, and fun this Thursday at 6pm in the PHS library! Child care will be provided and we will use this book club guide: https://www.readinggroupguides.com/reviews/clays-quilt/guide
📚🇺🇸 Read Across America Day – March 2! 🇺🇸📚
Paintsville Independent Schools is excited to celebrate Read Across America Day on March 2! This special day reminds us of the power of reading and the adventures that books can take us on.
We encourage all of our students to grab a good book and spend some time reading — at school and at home! Whether it’s a favorite classic, a new adventure, or a story that makes you laugh, reading helps us grow, imagine, and explore the world around us.
Join us as we celebrate literacy and a love of learning across our district!
❤️💙 Read. Explore. Imagine! 💙❤️
Paintsville Independent Schools is excited to celebrate Read Across America Day on March 2! This special day reminds us of the power of reading and the adventures that books can take us on.
We encourage all of our students to grab a good book and spend some time reading — at school and at home! Whether it’s a favorite classic, a new adventure, or a story that makes you laugh, reading helps us grow, imagine, and explore the world around us.
Join us as we celebrate literacy and a love of learning across our district!
❤️💙 Read. Explore. Imagine! 💙❤️
📚💙 March 2–6, 2026 is National School Social Worker Week! 💙📚
This week we proudly celebrate our incredible School Social Workers and the meaningful difference they make in the lives of our students every single day.
Our social workers are advocates and trusted supports for students and families. They help remove barriers to learning, provide emotional support, connect families with resources, and ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Because of their compassion and tireless work, our students are better equipped to succeed not just academically — but socially and emotionally as well.
Please join us in thanking our School Social Workers for the heart they bring to our schools. We are grateful for all you do to support our students and strengthen our community!
This week we proudly celebrate our incredible School Social Workers and the meaningful difference they make in the lives of our students every single day.
Our social workers are advocates and trusted supports for students and families. They help remove barriers to learning, provide emotional support, connect families with resources, and ensure that every child feels seen, heard, and valued.
Because of their compassion and tireless work, our students are better equipped to succeed not just academically — but socially and emotionally as well.
Please join us in thanking our School Social Workers for the heart they bring to our schools. We are grateful for all you do to support our students and strengthen our community!
We are so proud of our 6th Grade STLP/Talent Development students! 🎉
Recently, they had the opportunity to present their R.I.S.E. Project to members of the KIWANIS organization. R.I.S.E. stands for Regional Innovation Supporting Entrepreneurs, and this incredible project is all about learning commerce through entrepreneurship.
Our students are putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to work by developing products and experiences to “sell” at an upcoming Entrepreneurial Fair. At the fair, students from Pre-K through 6th grade will receive a pre-determined amount of Tiger Paws (school-created dollars designed by the team) to spend.
This event serves a two-fold purpose:
⭐ Our STLP/TD students gain hands-on experience with entrepreneurial skills such as product development, budgeting, marketing, and customer service.
⭐ All PES students learn valuable lessons about money management and spending wisely in a fun, engaging way.
We are incredibly grateful to KIWANIS for taking the time to hear our students present and for supporting innovative learning opportunities in our school.
We can’t wait to see our young entrepreneurs in action at the fair! 🐾💰
Recently, they had the opportunity to present their R.I.S.E. Project to members of the KIWANIS organization. R.I.S.E. stands for Regional Innovation Supporting Entrepreneurs, and this incredible project is all about learning commerce through entrepreneurship.
Our students are putting their creativity and problem-solving skills to work by developing products and experiences to “sell” at an upcoming Entrepreneurial Fair. At the fair, students from Pre-K through 6th grade will receive a pre-determined amount of Tiger Paws (school-created dollars designed by the team) to spend.
This event serves a two-fold purpose:
⭐ Our STLP/TD students gain hands-on experience with entrepreneurial skills such as product development, budgeting, marketing, and customer service.
⭐ All PES students learn valuable lessons about money management and spending wisely in a fun, engaging way.
We are incredibly grateful to KIWANIS for taking the time to hear our students present and for supporting innovative learning opportunities in our school.
We can’t wait to see our young entrepreneurs in action at the fair! 🐾💰
Our PHS Library continues to be a great place in our building for students to learn, grow, and connect.
During a quick walk-through this morning, Instructional Supervisor Nicki Caudill observed exactly what makes our library so special — students studying for upcoming assessments, catching up on classwork, reading for pleasure, completing assigned reading, and even taking a few moments to chat with friends. It was a perfect snapshot of a space that truly supports the whole child.
Library time provides such an important balance during the school day. It’s a place for focused academic work, quiet reflection, collaboration, and relationship-building. In the midst of busy schedules , our library offers students both structure and flexibility — a calm, welcoming environment where they can be productive while also feeling connected.
We are grateful for the atmosphere our PHS library provides and for the staff who work hard to make it a hub of learning and opportunity for all of our students. It’s more than just a room with books — it’s a space where success is supported every day.
During a quick walk-through this morning, Instructional Supervisor Nicki Caudill observed exactly what makes our library so special — students studying for upcoming assessments, catching up on classwork, reading for pleasure, completing assigned reading, and even taking a few moments to chat with friends. It was a perfect snapshot of a space that truly supports the whole child.
Library time provides such an important balance during the school day. It’s a place for focused academic work, quiet reflection, collaboration, and relationship-building. In the midst of busy schedules , our library offers students both structure and flexibility — a calm, welcoming environment where they can be productive while also feeling connected.
We are grateful for the atmosphere our PHS library provides and for the staff who work hard to make it a hub of learning and opportunity for all of our students. It’s more than just a room with books — it’s a space where success is supported every day.
This would be a fabulous opportunity for our students interested in a pharmacy or medical career. Participation would also be ideal for Rogers Scholars, Rogers Explorers, GSP, or college scholarship applications.
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is hosting The Wonders of Pharmacy—an interactive, hands-on event created specifically for high school students interested in pharmacy, medication use, and the pharmaceutical sciences.
Students will experience an afternoon of engaging stations, games, prizes, snacks, and behind-the-scenes activities led by current PharmD students and practicing professionals.
Parents, guardians, and high school counselors and teachers are welcome to attend.
Event Details
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: Noon – 4:00 PM
Location: UK College of Pharmacy, Lee T. Todd, Jr. Building, Lexington, KY
Registration: Scan the QR code in the graphic to register or click the link below
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C1MwK7ZpV0S4GEgctT1Crn5wUdXU09tJrQ0C6OptynxUODRHVkZHSUwwRklKOTVEM1g3OEJMWkoyUC4u&route=shorturl
Questions? Email crome.lab@uky.edu
The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy is hosting The Wonders of Pharmacy—an interactive, hands-on event created specifically for high school students interested in pharmacy, medication use, and the pharmaceutical sciences.
Students will experience an afternoon of engaging stations, games, prizes, snacks, and behind-the-scenes activities led by current PharmD students and practicing professionals.
Parents, guardians, and high school counselors and teachers are welcome to attend.
Event Details
Date: April 25, 2026
Time: Noon – 4:00 PM
Location: UK College of Pharmacy, Lee T. Todd, Jr. Building, Lexington, KY
Registration: Scan the QR code in the graphic to register or click the link below
https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=C1MwK7ZpV0S4GEgctT1Crn5wUdXU09tJrQ0C6OptynxUODRHVkZHSUwwRklKOTVEM1g3OEJMWkoyUC4u&route=shorturl
Questions? Email crome.lab@uky.edu
Director of Music Cassie Hites recently attended the Kentucky Music Educators Association conference and had the opportunity to participate in what she described as one of her favorite professional learning sessions ever!
The session focused on the powerful connection between music literacy and reading literacy — and how skills developed in band, orchestra, and choral classrooms can directly support students’ reading comprehension and overall academic success. The presenters shared how the same pillars of literacy can be applied in music instruction to help bridge learning gaps and strengthen transferable skills.
Cassie left the session energized and excited, realizing she was already implementing some of these strategies — and inspired to refine her approach even more to better support students.
The session was presented by Ben McWhorter, Orchestra Director at Tate’s Creek High School in Lexington, KY, and Hilary McWhorter of the Kentucky Department of Education.
We love seeing our educators continue to grow, learn, and bring innovative ideas back to our students. Music education truly makes an impact far beyond the classroom stage! 🎶📚✨
📚 Paintsville Community Book Club – Next Selection Announced! 📚
We’re excited to announce our next Community Book Club read:
They All Fall the Same by Kentucky native Wes Browne!
This gripping novel follows a young woman caught in the middle of a high-stakes criminal world, forced to make impossible choices to protect her family. Set against the backdrop of rural Kentucky, They All Fall the Same is a fast-paced story of loyalty, survival, and the consequences of desperation. With strong Appalachian roots and powerful storytelling, it’s a book that will keep you turning pages — and give us plenty to talk about!
📖 Want a FREE copy?
The deadline to request your book is February 25 using this link:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107448454584326432386
📦 Book Pick-Up:
Stop by the table set up in the commons area on March 5 anytime between 6:00–7:00 PM to grab your copy.
💬 Book Discussion Night:
Join us on April 9 at 6:00 PM for discussion, snacks, and great adult conversation!
We will also provide FREE child care during the meeting to make it easy for everyone to attend.
✨ This book club is open to ANYONE in the community — young or old! Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to get connected, we’d love to have you join us.
We’re excited to announce our next Community Book Club read:
They All Fall the Same by Kentucky native Wes Browne!
This gripping novel follows a young woman caught in the middle of a high-stakes criminal world, forced to make impossible choices to protect her family. Set against the backdrop of rural Kentucky, They All Fall the Same is a fast-paced story of loyalty, survival, and the consequences of desperation. With strong Appalachian roots and powerful storytelling, it’s a book that will keep you turning pages — and give us plenty to talk about!
📖 Want a FREE copy?
The deadline to request your book is February 25 using this link:
👉 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=107448454584326432386
📦 Book Pick-Up:
Stop by the table set up in the commons area on March 5 anytime between 6:00–7:00 PM to grab your copy.
💬 Book Discussion Night:
Join us on April 9 at 6:00 PM for discussion, snacks, and great adult conversation!
We will also provide FREE child care during the meeting to make it easy for everyone to attend.
✨ This book club is open to ANYONE in the community — young or old! Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to get connected, we’d love to have you join us.
Part 2 of Mrs. Ebony Doderer’s middle school language arts students are bringing their books to life in a creative way! 📚✨
As part of their independent reading, students designed custom bookmarks to match their choice books. From symbolic illustrations to meaningful quotes and vibrant artwork, each bookmark reflects the themes, characters, and personal connections they’ve discovered through reading.
We love seeing students combine creativity with literacy — and most importantly, celebrating their love of reading! Great work, Mrs. Doderer and students! 🎨📖
As part of their independent reading, students designed custom bookmarks to match their choice books. From symbolic illustrations to meaningful quotes and vibrant artwork, each bookmark reflects the themes, characters, and personal connections they’ve discovered through reading.
We love seeing students combine creativity with literacy — and most importantly, celebrating their love of reading! Great work, Mrs. Doderer and students! 🎨📖
📚✨ Creativity + Choice in Mrs. Doderer’s English Class! ✨📚
Students in Mrs. Ebony Doderer’s PJHS Language Arts class recently brought their novels to life in a fun and creative way—by designing their own themed bookmarks!
Thanks to the KyCL25 grant, each student was able to select and receive a novel of their choice. Giving students ownership in what they read has made a powerful impact—boosting engagement, excitement, and meaningful connections to literature.
Each bookmark reflects the novel a student selected, featuring important symbols, quotes, imagery, and artistic details that represent the story’s themes and characters. This project beautifully combined creativity with literary analysis while celebrating student voice and choice.
We are so proud of the thoughtful work happening in this classroom and grateful for opportunities like the KyCL25 grant that support authentic learning experiences for our students! 📖🎨
#StudentVoice #KyCL25 #EnglishClass #LoveOfReading #ProudToLead
New season will be here soon!!! Gymnastics open classes will begin this Thursday in the auxillary gym at Paintsville Elementary. Any questions please contact Brittany Minix - Brittany.minix@paintsville.kyschools.us
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We are proud to share some exciting news for our early learners and preschool partners! 🎉
Sherri Woods, PES Assistant Principal, has officially become an Acadience Reading Pre-K: PELI Mentor!
As a PELI (Preschool Early Literacy Indicators) Mentor, Mrs. Woods is specially trained to support teachers in implementing research-based early literacy practices and using student data to strengthen foundational reading skills. This important work focuses on building language development, vocabulary, phonological awareness, and early comprehension — the essential building blocks for reading success.
What this means for our students and partners:
📚 Enhanced early literacy instruction for our Head Start students
📊 Data-informed support to better meet individual student needs
🤝 Ongoing coaching and collaboration with our partner preschools
🌟 Stronger kindergarten readiness for all learners
We are especially excited about the positive impact this will have on our partnerships with Little Light Academy and Our Lady of the Mountains, as we continue working together to ensure every child enters kindergarten confident, prepared, and ready to thrive.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Woods on this outstanding accomplishment and her continued commitment to early childhood education! 👏📖
Sherri Woods, PES Assistant Principal, has officially become an Acadience Reading Pre-K: PELI Mentor!
As a PELI (Preschool Early Literacy Indicators) Mentor, Mrs. Woods is specially trained to support teachers in implementing research-based early literacy practices and using student data to strengthen foundational reading skills. This important work focuses on building language development, vocabulary, phonological awareness, and early comprehension — the essential building blocks for reading success.
What this means for our students and partners:
📚 Enhanced early literacy instruction for our Head Start students
📊 Data-informed support to better meet individual student needs
🤝 Ongoing coaching and collaboration with our partner preschools
🌟 Stronger kindergarten readiness for all learners
We are especially excited about the positive impact this will have on our partnerships with Little Light Academy and Our Lady of the Mountains, as we continue working together to ensure every child enters kindergarten confident, prepared, and ready to thrive.
Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Woods on this outstanding accomplishment and her continued commitment to early childhood education! 👏📖
💙 Celebrate Random Acts of Kindness Day with Paintsville Independent Schools! 💙
Today, February 17, we challenge our students, families, staff, and community to perform a random act of kindness and make someone’s day brighter! 🌟
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Pay for someone’s food in line in a drive thru🍔
• Leave change in a vending machine🚪
• Give a genuine compliment to a friend or teacher 💬
• Do the dishes for your adult 🍽️
No act is too small — every bit of kindness counts! Let’s show how caring and thoughtful the Paintsville community can be.
#PaintsvilleProud #RandomActsOfKindness #SpreadKindness
Today, February 17, we challenge our students, families, staff, and community to perform a random act of kindness and make someone’s day brighter! 🌟
Here are some ideas to get you started:
• Pay for someone’s food in line in a drive thru🍔
• Leave change in a vending machine🚪
• Give a genuine compliment to a friend or teacher 💬
• Do the dishes for your adult 🍽️
No act is too small — every bit of kindness counts! Let’s show how caring and thoughtful the Paintsville community can be.
#PaintsvilleProud #RandomActsOfKindness #SpreadKindness
🇺🇸 Happy Presidents Day from Paintsville Independent Schools! 🇺🇸
Today, we honor the leaders who have shaped our nation’s history and the values of citizenship and service.
We hope our students, staff, and community take a moment to reflect on the importance of learning from history and striving to make a positive impact! 📚✨
#PaintsvilleProud #PresidentsDay #LearningFromHistory
Today, we honor the leaders who have shaped our nation’s history and the values of citizenship and service.
We hope our students, staff, and community take a moment to reflect on the importance of learning from history and striving to make a positive impact! 📚✨
#PaintsvilleProud #PresidentsDay #LearningFromHistory
👮♂️ Happy School Resource Officer Appreciation Day! 👮♂️
Today, we want to give a big thank you to Officer Craig Meade, our amazing School Resource Officer at Paintsville Elementary. Your care and commitment to keeping our students safe every day does not go unnoticed.
We appreciate all that you do to protect and guide our school community! 💙
#PaintsvilleProud #SROAppreciationDay #ThankYouOfficerMeade #KeepingOurSchoolsSafe
Today, we want to give a big thank you to Officer Craig Meade, our amazing School Resource Officer at Paintsville Elementary. Your care and commitment to keeping our students safe every day does not go unnoticed.
We appreciate all that you do to protect and guide our school community! 💙
#PaintsvilleProud #SROAppreciationDay #ThankYouOfficerMeade #KeepingOurSchoolsSafe
🇺🇸 Reminder from Paintsville Independent Schools! 🇺🇸
School will be in session on Monday, February 16 (President’s Day).
We look forward to seeing all of our students ready to learn and have a great day! 📚✏️
School will be in session on Monday, February 16 (President’s Day).
We look forward to seeing all of our students ready to learn and have a great day! 📚✏️
💖 Happy Valentine’s Day Weekend from Paintsville Independent Schools! 💖
We wish all of our students, families, staff, and community members a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend filled with kindness and appreciation for the people who make our school community so special.
We hope our students have lots of fun celebrating at their classroom parties today! 🎉💌
Spread a little love and enjoy the weekend! 💙🤍
#PaintsvilleProud #HappyValentinesDay #SpreadKindness
We wish all of our students, families, staff, and community members a wonderful Valentine’s Day weekend filled with kindness and appreciation for the people who make our school community so special.
We hope our students have lots of fun celebrating at their classroom parties today! 🎉💌
Spread a little love and enjoy the weekend! 💙🤍
#PaintsvilleProud #HappyValentinesDay #SpreadKindness
