The 2025 state testing results are in—and they reflect the COURAGE, commitment, and excellence of our entire FCS community. From our youngest learners to our graduating seniors, the data tells a powerful story: We’re rising together.

🌟 Five schools earned GREEN overall ratings: Westridge • Collins Lane • Peaks Mill • Franklin County High • Western Hills High 👏 Let’s celebrate these incredible teams!

📊 District-wide highlights:
✅ High Schools: Blue & Green across nearly every category—including Reading/Math, Graduation Rate, and Postsecondary Readiness
✅ Middle Schools: Elkhorn earned Blue & Green in every area; Bondurant showed growth in key indicators
✅ Elementary Schools: Consistent Green ratings across all categories, with 100% of student subgroups improving or maintaining in academics and climate

📈 Performance gains worth cheering:
🔹 11% more high school students reached proficiency in reading and math
🔹 7% more elementary students were proficient in math 🔹 4% more elementary students were proficient in reading 🔹 100% of middle and elementary subgroups improved in school climate and safety survey responses
🔹 100% graduation rate for African American and EL students over five years
🔹 Overall high school graduation rate: 96.2% (4-year) and 97.6% (5-year)

💬 Leadership reflections:
🗣️ “We couldn’t be more proud of our staff and students for these incredible results. The hard work and dedication they show each and every day is validated in the scores.” — Superintendent Mark Kopp
🫶 “We hold deep affection for our dedicated team and we are so proud of their growth. Way to go, FCS!” — Kimberly Young, Director of Assessment

💚 This isn’t just about numbers, it’s about heart. Every star, every rating, every gain reflects the love, effort, and unity of our students, families, teachers, support staff, and community partners.

Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep shining.

FCS: Where Every Student Succeeds!

#courage | #oneteamfcs
26 days ago, Stella Pollard
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Celebratory graphic from Franklin County Schools announcing 2025 standardized testing results. Five schools—Westridge, Collins Lane Elementary, Peaks Mill Elementary, Franklin County High School, and Western Hills High School—are recognized for achieving “Green” status on a five-level performance scale. The scale, shown on the right, ranges from Blue (highest) to Red (lowest), with Green as the second-highest level. Each school is represented with its name and mascot or logo. Bold, colorful text highlights the achievement, and the overall tone is festive and congratulatory.
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November is Youth Homeless Awareness Month, which helps raise awareness that students without stable housing still deserve our support. Under McKinney-Vento, students can enroll in school right away and receive help even if important documents are missing. If you or a friend is sharing housing, in a motel or shelter, or without a regular place to stay, reach out to your school FRYSC coordinator or the district Homeless Liaison, Cassandra Adams.

Ms. Adams can be reached at cassandra.adams@franklin.kyschools.us or by calling 502-695-6700.

We want to help you!

Shoutout ot WHHS Wolverine, Harlow Stapleton, for designing this graphic!

#StudentVoice | #Courage | #OneTeamFCS
27 days ago, Stella Pollard
Right Side (Headline): Youth Homeless Awareness Month  Left Side (Body Text): November is Youth Homeless Awareness Month, which helps raise awareness that students without stable housing still deserve our support. Under McKinney-Vento, students can enroll in school right away and receive help even if important documents are missing. If you or a friend is sharing housing, in a motel or shelter, or without a regular place to stay, reach out to your school FRYSC coordinator or the district Homeless Liaison, Cassandra Adams. We want to help you!
FRANKFORT, KY – November 17, 2025 – FCS and Western Hills High School (WHHS) are thrilled to announce that Social Studies teacher, Lori Fraley, has been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Herbert D. Liebman Education Fund Grant. Ms. Fraley was awarded the maximum grant amount of $1,000 to implement an innovative program aimed at enhancing historical literacy and critical thinking skills in her classroom. The Herbert D. Liebman Education Fund Grant supports dedicated educators by providing funds directly for classroom resources, projects, and materials that will have a direct and measurable impact on student learning. Congratulations, Ms. Fraley! #courage | #oneteamfcs
28 days ago, Stella Pollard
Lori and guest
Lori receiving award
Thanks to 1st Presbyterian Church of Frankfort and JC Penney for selecting Elkhorn Middle School for their cloth a child program contribution. EMS YSC, Lexi Brough, was able to select students who would benefit from this opportunity and today JC Penney opened its doors early so these students could have a personal and confidential shopping experience. Thanks to the community for collaborating, together we can ensure no child has an unmet need! Way to go Frankfort!

#courage | #oneteamfcs
about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
Brandy Clay, Whitney Allison, and Alexie Brough standing in JC Penny.
November is Youth Homeless Awareness Month, a reminder that many students face housing challenges that aren’t always visible. In Franklin County Schools, we support between 150–200 students each year who qualify for help under the McKinney-Vento Act. This law is designed to make sure students can stay in school, stay connected, and get the support they need—whether they’re sharing housing, staying in a motel or shelter, or don’t have a stable place to sleep. If you or a friend needs help, you can talk to your school’s FRYSC coordinator or the district Homeless Liaison, Cassandra Adams. Support is confidential and judgment-free..

If you'd like to help support our efforts, here is the link from the QR code that is on flyer: https://bgcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=11527

#courage | #oneteamfcs
about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
A promotional flyer for Youth Homeless Awareness Month, created by Franklin County Schools (FCS). The flyer features bold text stating “FCS Student Voice is asking for your help” and “November is Youth Homeless Awareness Month.” It highlights that Franklin County Schools averages between 150–200 homeless students each school year. The flyer announces a partnership with the Frankfort CARES Coalition, a group of local agencies providing shelter, food, healthcare, housing, and other resources to families and students in need. It encourages donations to the coalition and includes a QR code for easy access. At the bottom, contact information is provided for Cassandra Adams, Federal Programs Director and Homeless Liaison, for those interested in donating directly to the FCS Homeless Program. The flyer uses a clean layout with the FCS logo and a tone of urgency and community support.

Franklin County Schools values your input as we work to enhance the quality of education and services we provide. To ensure we are meeting the needs of all our students, we are asking for your help in completing a short survey about our federal programs. Your feedback will guide us in improving professional development, student support services, and other vital resources that directly impact our students and staff. This survey should take between 3-4 minutes.

Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts and help us continue to make Franklin County Schools a great place for learning!

Link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeVnYEor061XY1CsI-YA1j9opCjHWYyJ4sHNF7zeR-mO8az0Q/viewform?fbclid=IwY2xjawOBShdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFFbmhDZDBtWXpIejNFbjB5c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHiF6qWrbzE9KoXqvfYPlGtSvbzf-1XM5MaFW9FJHtqlYZEKbRqogPP4x9E7w_aem_XlTaSrgCd3IVb9rybHIcHQ

#oneteamfcs

about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
fcs family survey. blue background. green and white text. fcs logo.
NOW HIRING: Bus Mechanic
Starting Pay: $27.13 to $37.01 Per Hour
Full-time

Requirements:
* Valid Kentucky Commercial driver’s license class B with Passenger and School Bus endorsement.
* Must obtain KDE School Bus Inspector Certification (minimum two years of experience). Must attend annual updates as required by the Kentucky Department of Education.
* Coursework toward completion of ASE School Bus Master Certification.

Apply today: https://franklincty.schoolspring.com/?jobid=5434354

#oneteamfcs
about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
Now Hiring Bus Mechanic 27.13 - 37.01 per hr. garage in background.
Our food service team is hiring cooks, bakers, and substitutes! For more information and to apply click here: https://franklincty.schoolspring.com/ #courage | #oneteamfcs
about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
now hiring food service with food service team and pme cafe in the background
This past Saturday, our WHHS FCCLA proudly hosted the Rise Up Leadership Summit in the Bondurant Middle School Library! Students explored career pathways through Eastern Kentucky University’s Family and Consumer Sciences program. We also experienced a full-circle moment as a Western Hills Class of 2023's Brinley Fields returned to share her journey. She was joined by her EKU roommate, Sydney, adding even more warmth and insight to the conversation.

Attendees also heard from National FCCLA Officer Kendall Slaughter, whose inspiring words set the tone for a powerful day of growth. After the presentations, students dove into the STAR Event Workshop, building skills and confidence for future competitions.

A heartfelt thank you to WHHS senior Carter Hutcherson for the invitation and leadership. We’re incredibly proud of our FCCLA students for rising up, leaning in, and leading with courage.

#COURAGE | #OneTeamFCS
about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
Brinley presents to FCCLA in BMS library
FCCLA sponsers stand in the library
Brinley presents to FCCLA in BMS library
Students in FCCLA in BMS library doing an assignment
Students in FCCLA in BMS library doing an assignment
Rise Up Leadership Summit Banner
Carter stands at podium in BMS library
Our district provides access to PebbleGo—a powerful digital database that makes reading and research fun and accessible for young learners! And we love seeing the journeys this tool sparks in our classrooms.

From September 15th to October 15th, we celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month- a 30-day tribute to the rich histories, vibrant cultures, and impactful contributions of Hispanic Americans. At Peaks Mill Elementary, fourth graders dove into PebbleGo to research Hispanic leaders who’ve shaped our world.

They explored the legacy of Roberto Clemente, a baseball legend and humanitarian; learned about Ellen Ochoa, the first Hispanic woman in space; and discovered the creativity of Lin-Manuel Miranda, who brought history to Broadway. These stories—and many more—helped students build tech skills, cultural awareness, and a deeper appreciation for leadership and perseverance.

A huge shoutout to PME’s library media specialist, Mrs. White, for guiding students through this meaningful exploration!

#COURAGE | #OneTeamFCS
about 1 month ago, Stella Pollard
Shoot for the stars like Ellen Ochoa
Student work sample hangs on a wall. Topic: Lionel Messi
Student work sample hangs on a wall. Topic: Lin Manuel Miranda
Student work sample hangs on a wall. Topic: Sonia Sotomayor
Student work sample hangs on a wall. Topic: Roberto Clemente
Hispanic Heritage banner hangs on wall
Huge news from the Westridge Elementary STLP program! Our recent competitions have led to a fantastic partnership with a local favorite: McClain's Landscaping in Franklin County. A massive shoutout and congratulations to our winner, Timberwolf Joey! We are so proud of our scholar's achievement and deeply appreciate the welcoming spirit of our town. Thank you, McClain's, for supporting our students!

Shoutout to STLP Coaches Britt Nagler and Britney Spicer for making all of these opportunities come to life!

#courage | #oneteamfcs
about 2 months ago, Stella Pollard
571557909_1361738162406576_4382663044811697083_n
Due to a power outage affecting our Board Office, our main phone line is currently unavailable. If you need assistance, please leave a voicemail and we will return your call as soon as possible. You may also contact our staff via email for support.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

#OneTeamFCS
about 2 months ago, Stella Pollard
FCS important announcement
Lighting the Way: Rhodney Harris and Mason Mathers, our incredible district electricians, were caught in action repairing a broken cable outside Westridge—keeping our schools safe, bright, and beautiful.

Thank you, Rhodney and Mason, for your expertise and dedication!

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS
about 2 months ago, Stella Pollard
rodeny and mason in front of bobact outside of westrdige
westridge school building and bus sign reads: heroes come in all sizes heroes in the making
rhodney supervises bobcat work
bobcat
maintenance truck

🚌 It’s National School Bus Safety Week! 🛑

This week, we honor the incredible drivers, monitors, mechanics, and transportation staff who keep our students safe every single day. Rain or shine, they greet each child with a smile, navigate our roads with care, and model COURAGE in motion.

💛Did you know? School buses are one of the safest ways for students to travel—but safety takes all of us. Families, please remind your children to:

- Stay seated
- Use quiet voices and kind words
- Wait for the driver’s signal before crossing the street
- Never chase a bus or walk behind it

📏 Fun fact: If you added up all the miles our school buses drive in a normal day—3,400 miles—it would equal the distance of a road trip from Miami, Florida to Seattle, Washington! That’s how far our transportation team goes to keep kids safe.

👏 To our transportation team: You are the first hello and the last goodbye each day. You build trust, ensure safety, and help our district run smoothly. Thank you for your dedication, your patience, and your heart. We see you. We appreciate you. We celebrate you.

Thank you, transportation team!

#Courage | #oneTeamFCS

about 2 months ago, Stella Pollard
School bus in front of Bondurant Middle School. Morning sky in back ground and cars parked out front.
Bus being washed by driver
Buses parked in front of the capitol
bus driver
charlie and janice
bus drivers at picnic
bus driver washing the bus
bus driver driving a bus with windshield wipers going
bus driver checking the bus
See the flyer for more details about this year's Tackle Hunger Food Drive!

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS
2 months ago, Stella Pollard
TAckle Hunger Food Drive Lets Team up together. Franklin co High School vs Western Hills High School October 17, 2025 7:30 PM AT FCHS

Join the Franklin County Schools Team! We’re hiring and you could be just the person we’re looking for!

We currently have openings for certified teachers and several classified roles. Whether you're an educator or support staff, there's a place for you here.

Looking for a job that aligns with the school calendar? You’ve found it. Explore opportunities with Franklin County Schools today!

See our openings here: https://franklincty.schoolspring.com/

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS

2 months ago, Stella Pollard
Now Hiring! FCS Logo with a blue background and green.white text font.
🍂🎉 Fall Festivals 2025 – You're Invited! 🎉🍂 Franklin County Schools are celebrating the season with a lineup of festive, family-friendly events across our campuses! From pumpkins to cozy vibes, each celebration is a chance to connect, laugh, and make memories together.

📅 Mark your calendars:

Oct 16: Hearn @ Happy Jacks | 5–7 PM

Oct 17: Westridge | 6–8 PM

Oct 23: Bridgeport | 6–8 PM & Peaks Mill @ Happy Jacks | 5–7 PM

Oct 24: Elkhorn Elementary | 5:30–7 PM & ELV until 7 PM

Nov 8: Collins Lane | 3:30–5:30 PM

📍 Unless otherwise noted, each event will take place at the host school.

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS
2 months ago, Stella Pollard
A colorful poster titled “Fall Festivals 2025” features a blue background with green and orange accents. Autumn-themed illustrations include pumpkins, a duck wearing a scarf and hat, and a stack of books with a teacup on top. The poster lists fall festival events for Franklin County Schools:  October 16: Hearn @ Happy Jacks, 5:00–7:00 PM  October 17: Westridge, 6:00–8:00 PM  October 23: Bridgeport, 6:00–8:00 PM; Peaks Mill @ Happy Jacks, 5:00–7:00 PM  October 24: Elkhorn Elementary, 5:30–7:00 PM; ELV until 7 PM  November 8: Collins Lane, 3:30–5:30 PM
The Western Hills FFA is still offering Fall Decorations!

Small Fall Display Includes 1 straw bale, 1 mum, and 2 small pumpkins for $40.
Medium Fall Display includes 1 straw bale, 2 mums, 3 small pumpkins, and 1 large pumpkin for $80.
Grand Fall Display includes 2 straw bales, 2 mums, 4 small pumpkins, 2 large pumpkins, and a corn stalk for $110.

Each purchase comes with complimentary setup from the FFA members.

To order or for questions regarding orders, please email jeffrey.shaffer@franklin.kyschools.us.

Please make any checks out to WHHS Horticulture.

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS
2 months ago, Stella Pollard
hay bales, cornstalk, pumpkins, mums, in front of a business.
mum, pumpkins, hay bail, and a front yard.
mums and a pumpkin and a hay bail on the porch
Please help us celebrate our October Student Champion of the Month, Elkhorn Middle School's JJ Leach!

JJ is a shining example of what it means to lead with purpose and compassion. As a peer leader at EMS, JJ consistently goes above and beyond—volunteering for roles, stepping up when others step back, and treating everyone with respect and kindness. He serves as a role model for his peers and leads with pride as a key member of Sources of Strength. JJ doesn’t just show up, he makes a difference every single day. We’re so proud to celebrate his impact!

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS
2 months ago, Stella Pollard
JJ Leach, Elkhorn Middle School, October Champion of the Month can be seen with his family and FCS Board members- in front of our legendary FCS Franklin County Schools green backdrop.
Please help us congratulate our October Staff Champion of the Month, Ms. Sam Dedrickson from Westridge Elementary School.

Sam consistently goes above and beyond in her role as custodian. She takes initiative, tackles every task with dedication, and brings a spirit of hard work to everything she does. Her commitment to keeping Westridge clean and welcoming doesn’t go unnoticed and we are so grateful for her!

Thank you, Sam, for being a shining example of #OneTeamFCS!

#Courage | #OneTeamFCS
2 months ago, Stella Pollard
Samantha Dedrickson, with board. OCTOBER 2025 champ of the month.