Franklin County Schools
Every Student Succeeds!
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.
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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!
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#OneTeamFCS #Focus
High school soccer is back ⚽
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#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!
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- 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.
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👏 Senior Clap-in at Western Hills High School 👏
We hope you have a great year, seniors!
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We hope you have a great year, seniors!
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Our BMS Braves are off to a great start!
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#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Every Day Matters! 🏫
It’s a new school year, and that means a fresh start! Did you know that missing just two days a month adds up to losing 10% of the school year? We are #focused on our students having consistent attendance because it builds confidence, helps students stay connected, and helps them keep up with learning without the stress of catching up. Let’s make it a great year, FCS!
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It’s a new school year, and that means a fresh start! Did you know that missing just two days a month adds up to losing 10% of the school year? We are #focused on our students having consistent attendance because it builds confidence, helps students stay connected, and helps them keep up with learning without the stress of catching up. Let’s make it a great year, FCS!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We are proud to announce that Western Hills High School ninth-grader Ayla Tolentino has qualified to compete at the 2026 National FFA Agriscience Fair in the Social Systems category, Division 1.
Tolentino earned her spot on the national stage following her performance at the state-level competition, where she took 1st place in Division 1 Social Systems while completing her eighth-grade year at Bondurant Middle School. This marks her second consecutive trip to the national event, where she placed 8th in the nation last year.
In addition to agriscience success, Tolentino earned a 1st-place finish as part of the Opening and Closing Ceremony team and a 2nd-place finish in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking category.
“It has been a privilege to work with Ayla over the last three years. She has worked so hard to get to where she is now and it’s pretty amazing that two years in a row she is in the top 10 in the nation,” said Gracie Webb, Bondurant Agriculture Teacher. “The agriscience fair contest is no easy task, but she finds so much joy in the curiosity of why certain things are in the agriculture industry. I am extremely proud of this success, but more importantly, her growth as a student. Ayla is off to do big things for the future of agriculture!”
The National FFA Agriscience Fair is a key competition that is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 21-24, 2026, in Indianapolis. To qualify, FFA members working as individuals or teams in grades 7 through 12 are required to conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture or food science industries and win their state’s FFA Agriscience Fair.
First-place winners in each state qualified for the national pre-qualifying judging. The panel of judges reviewed entries and selected a maximum of 10 in each category and division to move on to the next stage of national competition.
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Tolentino earned her spot on the national stage following her performance at the state-level competition, where she took 1st place in Division 1 Social Systems while completing her eighth-grade year at Bondurant Middle School. This marks her second consecutive trip to the national event, where she placed 8th in the nation last year.
In addition to agriscience success, Tolentino earned a 1st-place finish as part of the Opening and Closing Ceremony team and a 2nd-place finish in the Extemporaneous Public Speaking category.
“It has been a privilege to work with Ayla over the last three years. She has worked so hard to get to where she is now and it’s pretty amazing that two years in a row she is in the top 10 in the nation,” said Gracie Webb, Bondurant Agriculture Teacher. “The agriscience fair contest is no easy task, but she finds so much joy in the curiosity of why certain things are in the agriculture industry. I am extremely proud of this success, but more importantly, her growth as a student. Ayla is off to do big things for the future of agriculture!”
The National FFA Agriscience Fair is a key competition that is part of the annual National FFA Convention & Expo, Oct. 21-24, 2026, in Indianapolis. To qualify, FFA members working as individuals or teams in grades 7 through 12 are required to conduct a scientific research project pertaining to the agriculture or food science industries and win their state’s FFA Agriscience Fair.
First-place winners in each state qualified for the national pre-qualifying judging. The panel of judges reviewed entries and selected a maximum of 10 in each category and division to move on to the next stage of national competition.
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Serving our students, one tray at a time! We are so thankful for our food service staff. They are at our schools bright and early, preparing well-rounded meals and greeting our students. Drop your favorite food emoji in the comments, and let's show these team members our appreciation!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
The future is bright at the Franklin County Career and Technical Center! Only one week in, and our students are already getting hands-on, real-world experience in their selected career field. We are excited to see all they accomplish this school year.
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#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Next time you step into Western Hills High School, make sure to take a look at the artwork at the front entrance! Senior Kendria Wickers recently brought a new project to life in just one week. The mural centers around the "We Are HILLS" initiative that’s built on four core pillars: Academics, Problem Solving, Work Skills, and Participation. The artwork features a tree anchored by roots representing these key values, with "ACCOMPLISHED" woven up the trunk. Throughout the school year, student and staff accomplishments will be added to the branches!
Please join us in congratulating Kendria on her artwork that will leave a lasting mark on the WHHS hallway!
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Please join us in congratulating Kendria on her artwork that will leave a lasting mark on the WHHS hallway!
#OneTeamFCS #Focus
Class of 2027 Senior Clap In
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#OneTeamFCS #Focus
We want to extend a big thank you to our staff who direct traffic and help get our kids on the bus, keeping dismissal running smoothly. If you see these staff members out and about, don't forget to give them a wave and a smile!
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#OneTeamFCS #Focus
The bulldogs are back at The Academy!
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#OneTeamFCS #Focus
