We are proud to celebrate Karen Heavin as the JCS Virtual Learning Academy Teacher of the Year! 🏆

Karen has been a cornerstone of our VLA program for the past five years and her dedication has contributed to its growth and success. Karen's commitment and support ensure that every student finds their "aha" moment in math. By focusing on a growth mindset, her consistent encouragement empowers students to build confidence and succeed. 🎉

Karen, thank you for your commitment and your passion. We are so lucky to have you on the team! 🌟
about 9 hours ago, JCS
Karen Heavin

Get ready to see some serious JCS student artist displays on deck!🛹

Our students have been hard at work with professional artist Mark Rivard to create a one-of-a-kind collection of skateboard art, and it's finally time to show it off. Whether you're a fan of skate culture, local art, or just supporting our amazing students, you won't want to miss VARIAL this Friday night. 🔥

📍Event Details

What: 🛹A Student Skateboard Art Exhibition

When: 🗓️Friday, April 3, 2026

Time: 🕰️5:30-7:30 PM (Acknowledgements at 6:30 PM)

Where: 📍City Limits Entertainment Center~ 106 Courchelle Dr.

🎨Over 150 students worked with our Artist in Residence, Mark Rivard, covering everything from visual storytelling to marketing and entrepreneurship. This exhibition is the culmination of their hard work, creativity, and the spirit of youth pop culture.

Come out and support the next generation of Jessamine County artists!

#DoRadThings #JessamineCountyArts

about 10 hours ago, JCS
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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.🌟




1 day ago, JCS
heather grant
heather grant
heather grant
Happy Paraprofessional Appreciation Day! ✨

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

1 day ago, JCS
paraprofessional appreciation day
More than just a run.🏃‍♀️

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!✨
2 days ago, JCS
Color Run April 17th
Sole Sisters Run Club
Notes
"Behind every great student is a teacher who refused to let them give up." ✨

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!🏆
3 days ago, JCS
Ashley Onkst
We're so excited to share that Jessica Morris has been named the Jessamine Early Learning Village Teacher of the Year!🏆

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!✨

6 days ago, JCS
Jessica Morris

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! 🌟

7 days ago, JCS
Carrie Roe
Carrie Roe and family
Congratulations to the Wilmore Elementary Special Education Teacher of the Year, Michelle Smith! 💚💛
10 days ago, Katie Adams
pic
We are beyond excited to celebrate an incredible member of our Jaguar family! 🎉

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. 👏
10 days ago, JCS
Lauren Jones
Lauren Jones
Huge congratulations to Justin Schommer, the 2026 EJHS Teacher of the Year! 🏆

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!🎉
10 days ago, JCS
justin schommer
justin schommer
justin schommer
Congratulations to Wilmore Elementary School's Teacher of the Year, Madison Gibson! 🏆✨

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! 🧡
15 days ago, JCS
Madison Gibson
Madison Gibson
Madison Gibson
We are excited to honor Elizabeth Antoniou, our 2026 Hattie C. Warner Elementary Teacher of the Year! 🏆

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! 👇
21 days ago, JCS
elizabeth antoniou
elizabeth antoniou
Big congratulations to Dylan Schatko, the 2026 Rosenwald-Dunbar Elementary School Teacher of the Year! 🏆

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!
22 days ago, JCS
Dylan Schatko
We are thrilled to celebrate Theresa Reynolds as the Nicholasville Elementary School Teacher of the Year! 🏆

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!
23 days ago, JCS
Theresa Reynolds
Theresa Reynolds and family
Join us in a massive round of applause for the 2026 East Jessamine Middle School Teacher of the Year, Anna Tidei! 🏆✨

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!
24 days ago, JCS
Anna T EJMS
Anna T EJMS

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

27 days ago, JCS
maintenance staff
maintenance staff
Join us in celebrating Alex Tingle, the 2026 JCTC Teacher of the Year! 🏆

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

27 days ago, JCS
alex tingle
alex tingle
alex tingle
Congratulations to Andrea Ramsey, West Jessamine Middle School’s 2025-2026 Teacher of the Year! 🏆

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
28 days ago, JCS
Andrea Ramsey
Andrea Ramsey
Join us in celebrating a true difference-maker! 🎉

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! 👏✨
29 days ago, JCS
Brian Helton