Our June 4th Community Book Club Selection is "Bluegrass: A True Story of Murder in Kentucky!"
Request your FREE copy here and we will email when it is available for pickup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform?usp=dialog
A shocking investigation into a true crime that tore a town apart—the violent murder of a young coed in Kentucky, the innocent boy who was jailed for the crime, and a small Southern community filled with haunting, unforgettable characters.
Katie Autry was a foster child from a tiny village in Kentucky; a little awkward, but always with the biggest smile on her high school cheerleading squad. In September 2002, she matriculated as a freshman at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, majoring in the dental program. She worked days at the smoothie shop, nights at the local strip club, and fell in love with a football player who wouldn’t date her. On the morning of May 4, 2003, Katie Autry was raped, stabbed, sprayed with hairspray, and set on fire in her own dormitory room.
In telling the true story of this shocking crime, William Van Meter describes the devastation of not one but three families. Two young men are jailed for the crime: DNA evidence places Stephen Soules, an unemployed, mixed-race high school dropout, at the scene; and Lucas Goodrum, a twenty-one-year-old pot dealer with an ex-wife, a girlfriend still in high school, and a history of domestic abuse, is held by an ever-changing confession. The friends of the suspects and the foster and birth families of the victim form complex and warring social nets that are cast across town. And a small southern community, populated by eccentrics of every socioeconomic class, from dirt-poor to millionaire, responds to the horror.
With the keen eye of a talented young journalist returning to his southern roots, Van Meter paints a vivid portrait of the town, the characters who fill it, and the simmering class conflicts that made an injustice like this not only possible, but inevitable. Like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bluegrass is redolent with atmosphere, dark tension, and lush landscapes.
Request your FREE copy here and we will email when it is available for pickup: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform?usp=dialog
A shocking investigation into a true crime that tore a town apart—the violent murder of a young coed in Kentucky, the innocent boy who was jailed for the crime, and a small Southern community filled with haunting, unforgettable characters.
Katie Autry was a foster child from a tiny village in Kentucky; a little awkward, but always with the biggest smile on her high school cheerleading squad. In September 2002, she matriculated as a freshman at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green, majoring in the dental program. She worked days at the smoothie shop, nights at the local strip club, and fell in love with a football player who wouldn’t date her. On the morning of May 4, 2003, Katie Autry was raped, stabbed, sprayed with hairspray, and set on fire in her own dormitory room.
In telling the true story of this shocking crime, William Van Meter describes the devastation of not one but three families. Two young men are jailed for the crime: DNA evidence places Stephen Soules, an unemployed, mixed-race high school dropout, at the scene; and Lucas Goodrum, a twenty-one-year-old pot dealer with an ex-wife, a girlfriend still in high school, and a history of domestic abuse, is held by an ever-changing confession. The friends of the suspects and the foster and birth families of the victim form complex and warring social nets that are cast across town. And a small southern community, populated by eccentrics of every socioeconomic class, from dirt-poor to millionaire, responds to the horror.
With the keen eye of a talented young journalist returning to his southern roots, Van Meter paints a vivid portrait of the town, the characters who fill it, and the simmering class conflicts that made an injustice like this not only possible, but inevitable. Like Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Bluegrass is redolent with atmosphere, dark tension, and lush landscapes.
📚 Join Us for Community Book Club! 📚 We’re excited to invite everyone to our Community Book Club meeting tomorrow at 6:00 PM in the PHS Library! This month’s selection, They All Fall the Same, will spark great conversation—and we’re taking it to the next level… ✨ We will have the incredible opportunity to meet the author, Wes Browne, in person! ✨ Come ready to discuss, ask questions, and enjoy an evening celebrating reading and community. We hope to see you there! #CommunityBookClub #PESReads #MeetTheAuthor
Yearbooks are available for pre-sale! They will be shipped in the summer and times will be posted for pickup.
https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/PaintsvilleElementary
https://link.entourageyearbooks.com/my/PaintsvilleElementary
April lunch menu!
Paintsville Independent is proud to highlight 5th grade science teacher Regina Tackett for her dedication to high-quality science instruction! Mrs. Tackett recently attended PIMSER’s OpenSciEd professional learning session for elementary teachers held at Sullivan College in Lexington.
OpenSciEd is known for its focus on student-driven, phenomenon-based learning that engages students in real-world problem solving and scientific thinking. Through this training, Mrs. Tackett is bringing back new strategies and resources to further strengthen hands-on, inquiry-based science experiences in her classroom.
We appreciate her commitment to continuous learning and to providing our students with meaningful, engaging science instruction!
Paintsville Elementary was fortunate to spend two days learning alongside EPIC’s PD provider, Kristy Brackin, as she worked with our K–5 ELA teachers on unit internalizations.
Through this focused work, teachers dug deeply into standards, unpacked texts, and collaboratively planned for high-quality instruction that will directly impact student learning. The level of engagement and collaboration was evident in every session.
We are grateful for Kristy’s expertise and support as we continue strengthening Tier 1 instruction and ensuring meaningful learning experiences for all students. #PESPride #HighQualityInstruction
Meet the author at our April Community Book Club meeting!!
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqKRkQN4s/
https://www.facebook.com/share/1AqKRkQN4s/
Spuddies and Kona Ice are setup in the lane!
Math Night is ready for families to stop by anytime between 4:00 and 6:00!
Hope to see you soon!
Mark your calendars—exciting events are coming up at Paintsville Elementary! 📅✨
🌸 Spring Break: March 30 – April 3
🎒 April 16: New Kindergarten Open House
📝 May 4–8: State Testing
🏃 May 14: Field Day (All Grades)
🗳️ May 19: No School (Election Day)
🏅 May 20: 3rd–6th Awards Day
🎓 May 21: Head Start & Kindergarten Graduation
🎉 May 22: Last Day of School
We’re looking forward to a fun and busy season—hope to see everyone there! 💙 #UpcomingEvents #SchoolCommunity #PaintsvilleElementary
🌺 Math Night Luau 🌺
Join us for a fun and FREE evening of math, games, and island vibes at Paintsville Elementary!
📅 March 19th
⏰ 4:00–6:00 PM
🍔 Food trucks will be on site with delicious options available for purchase, with proceeds supporting our PTO.
Bring the whole family and enjoy a night of learning and fun—luau style! 🌴
No afterschool today!
Our Community Book Club selection to be discussed at our May 7th meeting will be "A Dark Room in Glitter Ball City." You are welcome to download an e-version but if you'd like a FREE paper copy, please fill out this short request form by March 27th. It will be available to pick up on April 9 (or earlier) in the PHS office.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform
About the Book:
The inspiration for HBO's Murder in Glitter Ball City
This true crime saga—with an eccentric Southern backdrop—introduces the reader to the story of a murder in a crumbling Louisville mansion and the decades of secrets and corruption that live within the old house’s walls.
On June 18, 2010, police discover a body buried in the wine cellar of a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. James Carroll, shot and stabbed the year before, has lain for 7 months in a plastic storage bin—his temporary coffin. Homeowner Jeffrey Mundt and his boyfriend, Joseph Banis, point the finger at each other in what locals dub The Pink Triangle Murder.
On the surface, this killing appears to be a crime of passion, a sordid love tryst gone wrong in a creepy old house. But as author David Dominé sits in on the trials, a deeper story emerges: the struggle between hope for a better future on the one hand and the privilege and power of the status quo on the other.
As the court testimony devolves into he-said/he-said contradictions, David draws on the confidences of neighbors and other acquaintances within the city's vibrant community to piece together the details of the case. While uncovering the many past lives of the mansion itself, he enters a murky underworld of gossip, neighborhood scandal, and intrigue.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfaMwyU_47JtdP8sDU4ITMrkA-pFtinCKpTrzvTjmo_mUJLuA/viewform
About the Book:
The inspiration for HBO's Murder in Glitter Ball City
This true crime saga—with an eccentric Southern backdrop—introduces the reader to the story of a murder in a crumbling Louisville mansion and the decades of secrets and corruption that live within the old house’s walls.
On June 18, 2010, police discover a body buried in the wine cellar of a Victorian mansion in Old Louisville. James Carroll, shot and stabbed the year before, has lain for 7 months in a plastic storage bin—his temporary coffin. Homeowner Jeffrey Mundt and his boyfriend, Joseph Banis, point the finger at each other in what locals dub The Pink Triangle Murder.
On the surface, this killing appears to be a crime of passion, a sordid love tryst gone wrong in a creepy old house. But as author David Dominé sits in on the trials, a deeper story emerges: the struggle between hope for a better future on the one hand and the privilege and power of the status quo on the other.
As the court testimony devolves into he-said/he-said contradictions, David draws on the confidences of neighbors and other acquaintances within the city's vibrant community to piece together the details of the case. While uncovering the many past lives of the mansion itself, he enters a murky underworld of gossip, neighborhood scandal, and intrigue.
PES’s Critical Needs teacher, Mrs. Rachael Spradlin, partnered with PHS’s 3-D Printing Class for a truly meaningful project!
Our talented high school students designed and created tactile communication tiles to support Mrs. Spradlin’s students. These 3-D printed tiles feature raised words, symbols, textures, and even Braille to help students communicate their wants, needs, emotions, and daily activities through touch.
The tiles are durable and thoughtfully designed to meet individual student needs — promoting independence and confident participation in the classroom.
We are so proud of this collaboration between PES and PHS. It’s a wonderful example of students using real-world STEM skills to make a real difference right here in our district. 💙
#DistrictPride #StudentSuccess #STEMinAction
Our talented high school students designed and created tactile communication tiles to support Mrs. Spradlin’s students. These 3-D printed tiles feature raised words, symbols, textures, and even Braille to help students communicate their wants, needs, emotions, and daily activities through touch.
The tiles are durable and thoughtfully designed to meet individual student needs — promoting independence and confident participation in the classroom.
We are so proud of this collaboration between PES and PHS. It’s a wonderful example of students using real-world STEM skills to make a real difference right here in our district. 💙
#DistrictPride #StudentSuccess #STEMinAction
Paintsville Elementary math teachers were highlighted in several ways at the 2026 conference hosted by the Kentucky Center for Mathematics. It was exciting to see the incredible work happening at PES recognized across the state!
Mathematics Achievement Fund Coach Jessica Davis even walked away with a fabulous door prize! Kaitlyn Adams’s endorsement of the Numeracy Academy—an initiative of the Kentucky Center for Mathematics that she is currently participating in—was featured in the conference slideshow. In addition, Kayla Rice and Emily Farrar were highlighted on conference signage.
Several attendees also shared with Jessica how impressed they were with the amazing things happening in mathematics at Paintsville Elementary. It’s always great to see the dedication of our teachers and students recognized beyond our school community! 📊📚👏
Mrs. Allison King’s 6th grade science students designed and carried out an investigation to help answer the question: “What happens to the air near the ground when it warms up?”
Students sealed a plastic bottle with bubble solution and placed the bottle in both cold and hot water to observe what happened. When the bottle was placed in cold water, the bubble sank down into the container. When the bottle was placed in hot water, the bubble expanded and pushed outward.
Through their observations, students discovered that air expands when it warms and contracts when it cools—exactly the kind of hands-on investigation scientists use to understand how our atmosphere works.
And judging by the reactions in the room… their flabbers were officially GASTED. 😆🔬
Exciting happenings in science! Mrs. Shasta Howard's 4th grade scientists collected data during a school tour by observing objects that power on and identifying how they knew each object was operating. They then organized their observations based on the evidence that showed the object was on. This helped them begin exploring our guiding question: How do clocks power on and stay on?
Our "Clay’s Quilt" discussion is tonight at 6:00 PM! 📚
We’re so looking forward to gathering again for great conversation, snacks, and a little time to connect.
Join us in the PHS Library at 6:00 PM. Childcare is provided — we hope to see you there! Park in the 3rd street lot and enter through the double doors by the main office.
We’re so looking forward to gathering again for great conversation, snacks, and a little time to connect.
Join us in the PHS Library at 6:00 PM. Childcare is provided — we hope to see you there! Park in the 3rd street lot and enter through the double doors by the main office.
Please help us congratulate PES teacher Mrs. Ramey on being named Best Teacher in the Mountains! 🏆
Her dedication to her students goes far beyond the classroom. She pours her heart into everything she does, constantly going above and beyond to ensure our students succeed. Mrs. Ramey is a true professional—knowledgeable in her craft, committed to excellence, and always striving to grow and inspire those around her.
She is a wonderful example of what it means to lead with passion, purpose, and pride. We are so lucky to have her at PES!
Congratulations, Mrs. Ramey! 💙
ROAR 🐾
Her dedication to her students goes far beyond the classroom. She pours her heart into everything she does, constantly going above and beyond to ensure our students succeed. Mrs. Ramey is a true professional—knowledgeable in her craft, committed to excellence, and always striving to grow and inspire those around her.
She is a wonderful example of what it means to lead with passion, purpose, and pride. We are so lucky to have her at PES!
Congratulations, Mrs. Ramey! 💙
ROAR 🐾
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
