We are thrilled to share that Heather Grant from Red Oak Elementary has been named the district's Elementary Special Educator of the Year and is also the JCS Overall Special Educator of the Year recipient!🏆
Teaching is a work of heart, and Heather embodies this every single day.❤️ Whether she's tailoring a lesson to meet a student’s unique needs, cheering on a breakthrough in the classroom, or providing a steady hand of support for families, her impact is immeasurable.🙌
Congratulations, Heather! We are incredibly proud that you're a member of the JCS family.🌟



Behind every thriving classroom is a team of dedicated professionals working tirelessly to ensure every student shines. Today, we’re honoring our incredible instructional assistants, aides, and paraprofessionals, the glue that holds our classrooms together.🙌
They are the ultimate team players:
✅Bridging learning gaps with one-on-one support.
✅Offering a steady hand and a kind word when a student needs it most.
✅Collaborating with teachers to create the best possible learning environment.
To our Paras and IAs~ Thank you for giving our students your best every single day. You make it look easy, but we know how much heart it takes!💙
✨ Join the celebration:
Is there a Para or IA who has made a difference for your child? Drop a shout-out or a "Thank You" in the comments below! 👇
#ParaprofessionalAppreciationDay

Is the Strength in Colors Run/Walk on your calendar yet? 👟
The NES Sole Sisters are leveling up, and they’ve learned that training for a 5K is about way more than just the miles, it’s about what you tell yourself when the going gets tough. These incredible students are flipping the script, building mental toughness, and trading "I can't" for "I will." 💪
We're incredibly proud of them for growing their muscles and their mindsets. Ready for a boost of positivity?
Be Inspired: Read their personal mantras that keep them moving.📝
Be There: Make a commitment to yourself. Join the Sole Sisters at the Strength in Colors event on April 17th!✨



Congratulations to Ashley Onkst, West Jessamine High School Teacher of the Year! From sparking curiosity in the classroom to going the extra mile for every student, Ashley truly embodies what it means to lead with heart.❤️
Thank you for your dedication, your extra effort, and the lasting impact you make on our students every single day.
Join us in celebrating Ashley and this well-deserved recognition!🏆

Jessica creates a warm, welcoming environment where every preschooler feels they belong. She understands that the first year of school is a journey for the whole family, and her gift for communication builds a strong, supportive bridge between home and the classroom.❤️
An incredible collaborator and a passionate early childhood educator, Jessica makes JELV a better place for everyone. We are so proud to have her in the JCS family and grateful for the lasting impact she makes on our Otter community.🦦
Congratulations, Jessica!✨

Huge congratulations to Carrie Roe, Red Oak Elementary’s Teacher of the Year! 🏆
Described as a great team member who will stop at nothing to ensure the success of her students, Carrie is a true rockstar who balances high expectations with a big heart. ❤️
From helping her first graders master critical thinking to supporting families and co-workers, she gives 100% to everything she does. 💯
We’re so proud to have this incredible educator and teammate in the JCS family. Way to go, Carrie! 🌟


East Jessamine High School’s Lauren Jones has been named the JCS High School Special Educator of the Year!🏆
A proud EJHS Class of 2004 graduate, Lauren has come full circle and now walks the same halls as an educator, pouring her Jaguar pride into her students every single day. 💙
Her ability to lead with heart, create a caring and supportive environment, and maintain high expectations empowers her students to grow, achieve, and reach their full potential. 🔥
Congratulations, Lauren! Your impact is felt far beyond the classroom, and we are so grateful to have you in the JCS family. 👏


Justin has a rare gift: he turns the impossible into the attainable. While Calculus can be a mountain to climb, Mr. Schommer walks every step of the way with his students. He pairs his high standards with an even higher level of heart, ensuring no Jag ever feels left behind. Whether he’s sparking a lightbulb moment with a tough derivative or simply offering a kind word and a laugh, Justin has built a classroom where every student truly belongs.💚
Justin, thank you for showing us that when you lead with care, even the hardest math can become a joy. We are so lucky to have you!🎉



Madison's classroom is a welcoming space where students feel empowered to take on new challenges, stretch toward their full potential, and master the art of teamwork. It's more than a room; it's a launchpad where students don't just learn, they thrive.🪴
Madison, thank you for your heart, your dedication, and for helping to make WES such a wonderful place to learn. We are so proud to have you in the JCS Family! 🧡



Elizabeth does so much more than teach; she builds a community. Her classroom is a true second home where every student feels a deep sense of belonging and the support they need to soar. 💖
But her impact doesn’t stop at the classroom door. Elizabeth has a heart for the whole family, building meaningful bridges between home and school. 🏠 Plus, her team-first spirit makes her a constant source of encouragement for her fellow educators! 🤝
Elizabeth, thank you for your passion, your kindness, and for being such a bright light in our Warner Family. We are so lucky to have you in JCS! 🌟
Join us in the comments to congratulate Elizabeth! 👇


As a dedicated music educator, Mr. Schatko does more than teach notes and rhythms; he orchestrates a classroom where every child feels empowered to find their voice. 🎵
Dylan understands that every student learns at a different tempo, and he works tirelessly to ensure each child who walks through his doors has the support they need to shine.✨
Thank you, Mr. Schatko, for your harmony, your heart, and for helping our students succeed!

Known for her boundless energy and a genuine joy for teaching, Theresa has a "superpower" for making every student feel like they belong.🧡
She doesn't just run a classroom; she builds a family. Whether she’s inspiring her students or her colleagues, Theresa leaves a trail of motivation everywhere she goes. 🌟
Please join us in congratulating Theresa on this well-deserved honor!


Middle school is such a pivotal time in a student's journey and it takes a total rockstar to lead the way with so much energy and heart. We are lucky to have such an amazing educator on our team, making a real difference for our Jaguars every single day.
Congratulations, Anna!


Today is Maintenance Worker Appreciation Day, and we’re recognizing the experts who keep our district safe, comfortable, and running smoothly.
Behind every successful school day is a maintenance team making it possible! 🛠️🏫
🔧 Fixing that "mystery" leak before it becomes a flood.
❄️ Tuning the HVAC so our classrooms stay comfy.
🛡️ Ensuring every building is safe, functional, and ready for learning.
Their best work is often invisible because they fix problems before they ever disrupt a lesson. We see you, we appreciate you, and we couldn't do this without you!
Help us celebrate this incredible crew! Drop a shout-out in the comments below! 👇✨
#MaintenanceWorkerAppreciationDay #BehindTheScenes #InvestInJess


From the workshop to the field, Mr. Tingle is doing so much more than teaching—he’s cultivating the next generation of agricultural leaders and innovators.🌱
Whether he’s guiding a shop project or mentoring FFA students, Alex’s impact is rooted in meaningful relationships, creative lessons, and helping students reach their fullest potential. 🤝
Congratulations, Mr. Tingle! Thank you for investing in our future. 🚜✨ #InvestInJess #JCSExcellence



There is no higher compliment than being nominated by your own students, and Andrea's 8th-grade math classes made sure her hard work and dedication didn't go unnoticed.
We are so proud to have you on our JCS team, Mrs. Ramsey! 🌟 #JCSExcellence


We are excited to share that Brian Helton from West Jessamine Middle School has been named the 2026 JCS Middle School Outstanding Special Educator of the Year! 🏆
Whether he’s diving into 7th-grade Math or exploring Science, Brian’s dedication to his students shines through every single day. WJMS is so lucky to have you on the team. Congratulations, Brian! 👏✨

The WJHS Art Club recently took on a challenge to create a "meaningful story" through their work. Their muse? The one and only Mr. Daugherty.
Mr. D’s influence as a teacher and mentor radiates through our entire community. This beautiful tribute captures the gratitude we all feel for his years of dedication to our students.
Well done, Colts! We are so proud of your talent and the meaningful way you chose to honor a local legend. ✨


