Franklin County Schools
Every Student Succeeds!
Today, FCS is excited to shine a spotlight on 2016 Franklin County High School graduate Sierra Newton.
Following her graduation from FCHS, Newton attended Northern Kentucky University, where she double-majored in journalism and electronic media and broadcasting. During her time at NKU, she served as the Sports Editor for the student newspaper. Before graduating, she landed a job at the Cincinnati Enquirer covering high school sports.
After graduation, Newton started at the local NBC affiliate LEX News in Lexington. She started as a Digital Content Producer, then became the Associate Producer for BBN Tonight, and now she’s an on-air sports reporter.
In her career, she’s had opportunities to cover some of the biggest events in sports, including the Kentucky Derby, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, and numerous SEC games, both home and away.
Newton attended Elkhorn Middle School before she attended FCHS. During her time with FCHS, she competed on the basketball, soccer, and track teams and participated in BETA, pep club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She also took graphic design classes at the Franklin County Career and Technical Center (FCCTC).
Newton noted that her teachers, Ms. Sherri Smith and Mr. Tom Marshall in the English department, and Coach Joey Thacker helped shape her into the person she is today, giving her the confidence and drive to succeed.
“In my senior year at FCHS, Ms. Smith and Mr. Marshall in the English department helped me solidify that journalism was something that I could study in college and build a career,” said Sierra Newton, FCHS Graduate. “Coach Thacker instilled in me to be the best of myself. I have a stronger work ethic and determination to not take the easy way out, because he showed me that the result will be worth it.”
“I admire so much about Sierra! She has always been very goal-oriented, and she is absolutely killing it in the sports television world as a result,” said Principal Joey Thacker. “As a player, Sierra was the glue of our team. It’s been interesting for her to seek out and admire the same types of players when she covers student-athletes that she exemplified herself as a Lady Flyer. I couldn’t be more proud!”
The FCS community can watch Sierra on LEX News and BBN Tonight airing weeknights at 7:30 p.m. and online. Thank you, Sierra, for representing the best of FCS!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Following her graduation from FCHS, Newton attended Northern Kentucky University, where she double-majored in journalism and electronic media and broadcasting. During her time at NKU, she served as the Sports Editor for the student newspaper. Before graduating, she landed a job at the Cincinnati Enquirer covering high school sports.
After graduation, Newton started at the local NBC affiliate LEX News in Lexington. She started as a Digital Content Producer, then became the Associate Producer for BBN Tonight, and now she’s an on-air sports reporter.
In her career, she’s had opportunities to cover some of the biggest events in sports, including the Kentucky Derby, the NCAA women’s basketball tournament, and numerous SEC games, both home and away.
Newton attended Elkhorn Middle School before she attended FCHS. During her time with FCHS, she competed on the basketball, soccer, and track teams and participated in BETA, pep club, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). She also took graphic design classes at the Franklin County Career and Technical Center (FCCTC).
Newton noted that her teachers, Ms. Sherri Smith and Mr. Tom Marshall in the English department, and Coach Joey Thacker helped shape her into the person she is today, giving her the confidence and drive to succeed.
“In my senior year at FCHS, Ms. Smith and Mr. Marshall in the English department helped me solidify that journalism was something that I could study in college and build a career,” said Sierra Newton, FCHS Graduate. “Coach Thacker instilled in me to be the best of myself. I have a stronger work ethic and determination to not take the easy way out, because he showed me that the result will be worth it.”
“I admire so much about Sierra! She has always been very goal-oriented, and she is absolutely killing it in the sports television world as a result,” said Principal Joey Thacker. “As a player, Sierra was the glue of our team. It’s been interesting for her to seek out and admire the same types of players when she covers student-athletes that she exemplified herself as a Lady Flyer. I couldn’t be more proud!”
The FCS community can watch Sierra on LEX News and BBN Tonight airing weeknights at 7:30 p.m. and online. Thank you, Sierra, for representing the best of FCS!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Botrista is heading to Western Hills and Franklin County High Schools. Check out the menu to see all the craft beverages joining the lineup—from fruity refreshers, iced teas, and coffees!
Every drink on the menu is just $3. Which one are you trying first?
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Every drink on the menu is just $3. Which one are you trying first?
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
It's a big game day for Franklin County Schools, and we want to see you support your teams! Whether you're heading out for the middle school crosstown rivalry or attending the first home football games, here are some tips before you go:
👉 Purchase your tickets in advance at https://gofan.co/. We encourage all of our guests to go cashless.
👉 An adult must accompany all children.
👉 No backpacks and no outside sporting goods (balls, equipment, etc.) are allowed. Please use a clear bag for your belongings.
Let's support our athletes, keep the energy high, and show great sportsmanship from the stands. Good luck to all of our teams!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
👉 Purchase your tickets in advance at https://gofan.co/. We encourage all of our guests to go cashless.
👉 An adult must accompany all children.
👉 No backpacks and no outside sporting goods (balls, equipment, etc.) are allowed. Please use a clear bag for your belongings.
Let's support our athletes, keep the energy high, and show great sportsmanship from the stands. Good luck to all of our teams!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We were honored to host Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman at the Early Learning Village to visit our preschool classrooms. Our district is part of the Team Kentucky Pre-K For All pilot program, which offers free, full-day preschool to all 4-year-olds. We are off to a great start and are proud of the positive impact this is having on our students, families, and community as a whole.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
COMING SOON, Elks and Braves!
We will be serving up fresh-made and fresh-baked Smart Mouth pizzas as part of your daily lunch menu. The dough is proofed fresh, AND you get your very own restaurant-quality personal pan-size baked in a REAL pizza oven. Just look for the red box!
The best part is how you can help feed another hungry child. For every 10 pizzas sold, Smart Mouth donates 1 meal to a child in need.
So, get ready students - Smart Mouth Pizzas are coming soon!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We will be serving up fresh-made and fresh-baked Smart Mouth pizzas as part of your daily lunch menu. The dough is proofed fresh, AND you get your very own restaurant-quality personal pan-size baked in a REAL pizza oven. Just look for the red box!
The best part is how you can help feed another hungry child. For every 10 pizzas sold, Smart Mouth donates 1 meal to a child in need.
So, get ready students - Smart Mouth Pizzas are coming soon!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Our preschool students officially made it through their first day of school and came back for more! We are so proud of how positive the students and families are about the start this preschool pilot program. We can tell it’s going to be an amazing year!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Today marked a milestone for Franklin County Schools! We officially launched our free, full-day preschool program, welcoming more than 200 four-year-olds into our classrooms. Seeing so many bright new faces in our schools was incredible, and we can’t wait to watch them learn and grow this year.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
The first day of preschool is tomorrow! We are so excited to welcome our 4-year-olds to the classroom and launch the free, full-day preschool pilot program for Franklin County families. We are wishing all of our students and teachers an incredible first day and a fantastic school year!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We are proud to share that members of the Franklin County High School FFA chapter received top honors at the Kentucky State Fair, earning a statewide victory in school garden culinary arts and top finishes in wildlife management and floral design.
In the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) School Garden Cooking Challenge, FCHS took home first place. Students were tasked with harvesting produce directly from the school garden, developing an original recipe, and presenting a live cooking demonstration and taste test. The FCHS team included Senior Adam Alhamdani, Junior Gage Click, Junior Makenzie Ratliff, and Sophomore Gabby Roe.
"I enjoyed this contest because it was something different that we have never done before. It was a fun way for our team to be creative and step out of our comfort zones, especially cooking on the stage in front of that many people,” said FCHS Junior Makenzie Ratliff. “Being an FFA Officer and an advocate for agriculture, I enjoyed learning the process to not only grow our food at school but also cook it. We are already looking forward to next year's contest!"
The FCHS Wildlife team earned 4th place in the state overall, with team member Senior Garrett Roe receiving 2nd highest individual honors. The teams were tested on native Kentucky plant and animal identifications, as well as whitetail deer management strategies. Team members included Senior Garrett Roe, Sophomore Kolston Bratton, Senior Brayden Roberts, and Sophomore Lucas Gottler.
Team members Senior Madi Suter, Sophomore Xoe Harris, and Sophomore Natalie Wheeler represented FCHS in the Floral Design contest, where they were evaluated on plant and foliage identification and their ability to replicate floral arrangements accurately.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
In the Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) School Garden Cooking Challenge, FCHS took home first place. Students were tasked with harvesting produce directly from the school garden, developing an original recipe, and presenting a live cooking demonstration and taste test. The FCHS team included Senior Adam Alhamdani, Junior Gage Click, Junior Makenzie Ratliff, and Sophomore Gabby Roe.
"I enjoyed this contest because it was something different that we have never done before. It was a fun way for our team to be creative and step out of our comfort zones, especially cooking on the stage in front of that many people,” said FCHS Junior Makenzie Ratliff. “Being an FFA Officer and an advocate for agriculture, I enjoyed learning the process to not only grow our food at school but also cook it. We are already looking forward to next year's contest!"
The FCHS Wildlife team earned 4th place in the state overall, with team member Senior Garrett Roe receiving 2nd highest individual honors. The teams were tested on native Kentucky plant and animal identifications, as well as whitetail deer management strategies. Team members included Senior Garrett Roe, Sophomore Kolston Bratton, Senior Brayden Roberts, and Sophomore Lucas Gottler.
Team members Senior Madi Suter, Sophomore Xoe Harris, and Sophomore Natalie Wheeler represented FCHS in the Floral Design contest, where they were evaluated on plant and foliage identification and their ability to replicate floral arrangements accurately.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Seventy WHHS students were inducted into the newly formed Winnie A. Scott Chapter of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. Over 200 students, parents, and community members gathered at the Thomas D. Clark Museum of Kentucky History for the charter induction.
Dr. Chaka Cummings, Director of Learning for the Kentucky Historical Society, welcomed guests and delivered a speech highlighting the chapter's namesake, Winnie A. Scott. Born in Frankfort, Scott was an African American educator who graduated from Kentucky State University in 1895. Recognizing the lack of medical care for Black citizens, she partnered with the Women’s Improvement Club to establish the Winnie A. Scott Hospital for African Americans at 228 East Second Street in December 1915. Dr. Cummings urged the new inductees to honor her legacy by valuing their education, remaining curious, and actively working to improve the lives of those around them.
The evening also featured remarks from Franklin County Magistrate and Western Hills alumnus Eric Whisman, who serves as President of the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. Whisman spoke on the power of preserving local history and encouraged students to engage directly with local city government.
Retired Western Hills Social Studies Department Chair Vanessa Smith was honored for her key role in establishing the chapter and selecting its namesake. Smith joined current Social Studies Department Chair Matthew Graham, Rho Kappa Advisor Lorrie Fraley, and teachers Corey Stratton and Henry Hoffman in leading the official induction ritual.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Dr. Chaka Cummings, Director of Learning for the Kentucky Historical Society, welcomed guests and delivered a speech highlighting the chapter's namesake, Winnie A. Scott. Born in Frankfort, Scott was an African American educator who graduated from Kentucky State University in 1895. Recognizing the lack of medical care for Black citizens, she partnered with the Women’s Improvement Club to establish the Winnie A. Scott Hospital for African Americans at 228 East Second Street in December 1915. Dr. Cummings urged the new inductees to honor her legacy by valuing their education, remaining curious, and actively working to improve the lives of those around them.
The evening also featured remarks from Franklin County Magistrate and Western Hills alumnus Eric Whisman, who serves as President of the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. Whisman spoke on the power of preserving local history and encouraged students to engage directly with local city government.
Retired Western Hills Social Studies Department Chair Vanessa Smith was honored for her key role in establishing the chapter and selecting its namesake. Smith joined current Social Studies Department Chair Matthew Graham, Rho Kappa Advisor Lorrie Fraley, and teachers Corey Stratton and Henry Hoffman in leading the official induction ritual.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We are proud to announce that Western Hills High School senior Meylin Zelaya is one of eight finalists in the Office of the Kentucky Secretary of State “I Voted” sticker contest.
The contest is open to all Kentucky students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The winning sticker design will be given to voters in participating counties during the 2026 general election. You can vote for your favorite sticker at the Secretary of State’s Office booth at the Kentucky State Fair until August 30, 2026.
The contest is open to all Kentucky students from kindergarten to 12th grade. The winning sticker design will be given to voters in participating counties during the 2026 general election. You can vote for your favorite sticker at the Secretary of State’s Office booth at the Kentucky State Fair until August 30, 2026.
⚽ Huge shoutout to the WHHS and FCHS girls' soccer teams for giving it their all on the field. Best of luck to both programs as their seasons are just getting started. We’ll be cheering you on every step of the way!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Seventy WHHS students were inducted into the newly formed Winnie A. Scott Chapter of the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society. Over 200 students, parents, and community members gathered at the Thomas D. Clark Museum of Kentucky History for the charter induction.
Dr. Chaka Cummings, Director of Learning for the Kentucky Historical Society, welcomed guests and delivered a speech highlighting the chapter's namesake, Winnie A. Scott. Born in Frankfort, Scott was an African American educator who graduated from Kentucky State University in 1895. Recognizing the lack of medical care for Black citizens, she partnered with the Women’s Improvement Club to establish the Winnie A. Scott Hospital for African Americans at 228 East Second Street in December 1915. Dr. Cummings urged the new inductees to honor her legacy by valuing their education, remaining curious, and actively working to improve the lives of those around them.
The evening also featured remarks from Franklin County Magistrate and Western Hills alumnus Eric Whisman, who serves as President of the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. Whisman spoke on the power of preserving local history and encouraged students to engage directly with local city government.
Retired Western Hills Social Studies Department Chair Vanessa Smith was honored for her key role in establishing the chapter and selecting its namesake. Smith joined current Social Studies Department Chair Matthew Graham, Rho Kappa Advisor Lorrie Fraley, and teachers Corey Stratton and Henry Hoffman in leading the official induction ritual.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Dr. Chaka Cummings, Director of Learning for the Kentucky Historical Society, welcomed guests and delivered a speech highlighting the chapter's namesake, Winnie A. Scott. Born in Frankfort, Scott was an African American educator who graduated from Kentucky State University in 1895. Recognizing the lack of medical care for Black citizens, she partnered with the Women’s Improvement Club to establish the Winnie A. Scott Hospital for African Americans at 228 East Second Street in December 1915. Dr. Cummings urged the new inductees to honor her legacy by valuing their education, remaining curious, and actively working to improve the lives of those around them.
The evening also featured remarks from Franklin County Magistrate and Western Hills alumnus Eric Whisman, who serves as President of the Franklin County Trust for Historic Preservation. Whisman spoke on the power of preserving local history and encouraged students to engage directly with local city government.
Retired Western Hills Social Studies Department Chair Vanessa Smith was honored for her key role in establishing the chapter and selecting its namesake. Smith joined current Social Studies Department Chair Matthew Graham, Rho Kappa Advisor Lorrie Fraley, and teachers Corey Stratton and Henry Hoffman in leading the official induction ritual.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
FOUR NESTS, ONE HIVE! 🐝
During Sorting Day at Hearn Elementary School, new students got to pop a balloon to reveal their house for the school year.
The four nests:
🖤 Altruismo: The House of Givers
💙 Rêveur: The House of Dreamers
❤️ Amistad: The House of Friendship
💚 Isibindi: The House of Courage
This tradition helps create a supportive school culture, encouraging mentorship and community connection across all grade levels. Four Nests, ONE Hive!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
During Sorting Day at Hearn Elementary School, new students got to pop a balloon to reveal their house for the school year.
The four nests:
🖤 Altruismo: The House of Givers
💙 Rêveur: The House of Dreamers
❤️ Amistad: The House of Friendship
💚 Isibindi: The House of Courage
This tradition helps create a supportive school culture, encouraging mentorship and community connection across all grade levels. Four Nests, ONE Hive!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
AMBUSH DAY: Bridgeport Elementary School Edition 🐯
It was such a special day at Bridgeport Elementary! All of our new students got to pop a balloon to find out which den they are in. There are four dens:
⚫ Altruismo: The House of Givers
🔷 Reveur: House of Dreamers
❤ Amistad: House of Friendship
💚Isibindi: House of Courage
The purpose of this is to build community and encourage mentorship across all grade levels. Once everyone was in their den, students and staff celebrated with an outdoor lunch and team-building games. It was a great way to end the week!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
It was such a special day at Bridgeport Elementary! All of our new students got to pop a balloon to find out which den they are in. There are four dens:
⚫ Altruismo: The House of Givers
🔷 Reveur: House of Dreamers
❤ Amistad: House of Friendship
💚Isibindi: House of Courage
The purpose of this is to build community and encourage mentorship across all grade levels. Once everyone was in their den, students and staff celebrated with an outdoor lunch and team-building games. It was a great way to end the week!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Joining a club is the ultimate way to getting connected! Western Hills High School students set up in the library for a Club Fair, highlighting what makes their clubs unique and exciting. We encourage all of our students to jump in, explore our offerings, and join a group. There’s something for everyone!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
High school soccer is back ⚽
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Each month, the Early Learning Village is welcoming a leadership group within our district for a “Thankful Thursday” event. To kick off the first month, ELV hosted the FCS board members for an inside look at the incredible work happening at the school.
- Board members toured the building, checking out our brand-new preschool classrooms and meeting the staff who bring these new spaces to life.
- Board members talked with staff, including teachers, the administrative team, food service, and custodial staff.
- Board members stopped by Kindergarten classrooms to see our youngest learners off to an amazing start this school year.
As a token of appreciation, board members left with a handmade project crafted by our Kindergarten students! Thank you to our school board for helping us make ELV's first "Thankful Thursday" a success. We are looking forward to seeing which leadership group is next!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
- Board members toured the building, checking out our brand-new preschool classrooms and meeting the staff who bring these new spaces to life.
- Board members talked with staff, including teachers, the administrative team, food service, and custodial staff.
- Board members stopped by Kindergarten classrooms to see our youngest learners off to an amazing start this school year.
As a token of appreciation, board members left with a handmade project crafted by our Kindergarten students! Thank you to our school board for helping us make ELV's first "Thankful Thursday" a success. We are looking forward to seeing which leadership group is next!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Our transportation team keeps the wheels on the bus going round and round! Join us and say thank you to the people who are driven and focused on getting our students to their destinations.
Remember, if you see a school bus with the stop arm out and the lights flashing, you must stop. The only exception to this rule is if you are on a four-lane road with a barrier in between.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
👏 Senior Clap-in at Western Hills High School 👏
We hope you have a great year, seniors!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We hope you have a great year, seniors!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
