News

The Elizabethtown Independent Schools Theatre Guild is bringing the beloved holiday classic The Best Christmas Pageant Ever to the EPAC stage on Dec. 12–13 at 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $10, and children six and under are free, making this festive performance something the whole community can enjoy.

Directed by theatre teacher Pacey Hammond, the production blends humor, heart, and holiday spirit—and promises to leave audiences smiling long after the final curtain.

Hammond says the decision to produce The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was intentional and community-centered.

“We wanted a show that was both heartfelt and funny, something that would bring the whole school community together. The Best Christmas Pageant Ever strikes the perfect balance,” Hammond said. “It’s accessible for young performers and full of memorable characters. It also provides opportunities for a large, diverse cast to shine."

Elizabethtown Independent Schools is proud to join schools across the nation in recognizing Special Education Day 2025—an annual observance commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), signed into law in 1975. The legislation guaranteed students with disabilities the right to a free and appropriate public education, forever changing the landscape of American public schooling.

Before IDEA, countless students with disabilities received little to no formal education. Schools were not required to adapt instruction, make accommodations, or create inclusive learning environments. Many families had to send their children to special institutions—often at great financial and emotional cost. IDEA changed that. It ensured that students ages 3–21 with qualifying needs in 13 eligibility categories could receive individualized support, instruction, and pathways to graduation.

The impact continues to echo across classrooms today.

Elizabethtown High School senior Bella Patrick remembers being a young student in another district when older students visited her classroom to help with writing.

Now, years later, Patrick has the chance to pay that support forward by working with fifth graders at Morningside Elementary.

Patrick was one of several EHS students who volunteered during the school’s on-demand writing conferences on Monday. Parents, community members, Superintendent Paul M. Mullins, and EIS Director of Human Resources Derisa Hindle also served as writing mentors.

“It’s been a lot of fun working with them,” Patrick said. “I’m where I am now because people helped me.”

On Friday, Elizabethtown Independent Schools proudly honored Dr. William Godfrey with the dedication of the newly named William Godfrey Aquatic Center, recognizing his decades of service to EIS, local swimmers, and the broader Elizabethtown community. The ceremony celebrated a man whose leadership and passion for the sport have shaped generations of student-athletes and elevated swimming in Elizabethtown to statewide prominence.

Superintendent Paul M. Mullins spoke extensively about Dr. Godfrey’s remarkable influence on the district.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Dr. Godfrey,” Mullins said. “He has meant so much to our students and our community. The depth of his contributions can’t be measured. He’s the face of one of our most successful athletic programs, and his influence and commitment to competitive swimming have truly shaped our community.”

Elizabethtown Independent Schools (EIS) posted strong gains in this year’s Kentucky Summative Assessment (KSA) results, reflecting the district’s continued commitment to academic growth and excellence. Performance increased at every school, with Elizabethtown High School and Helmwood Heights Elementary showing the most significant jumps in achievement, while both Morningside Elementary and T.K. Stone Middle School posted steady results and strong content-area gains.

Students at Helmwood Heights and Morningside Elementary Schools recently received a hands-on lesson in democracy when Hardin County Clerk Brian D. Smith visited their classrooms to teach about the voting process and the importance of civic participation.

Smith’s engaging presentation gave students a behind-the-scenes look at how elections work in Hardin County. He explained the many responsibilities of the County Clerk’s Office — from issuing marriage and motor vehicle licenses to maintaining property records and overseeing elections — and discussed the vital roles played by poll workers and election supervisors on Election Day.

The Elizabethtown Independent Schools Holiday Bazaar returns on Saturday, Nov. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Elizabethtown High School’s commons area and gym, bringing with it a full day of shopping, community spirit, and student empowerment.

More than just a craft fair, this special event supports the district’s Community-Based Instruction (CBI) programs for special needs classrooms. All vendor fees directly fund enriching experiences for students, such as field trips, classroom projects, and hands-on learning opportunities that foster independence and real-world skills.

National School Psychology Week, observed November 3–7, shines a spotlight on the vital role school psychologists play in fostering students’ academic, social, and emotional growth. This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” highlights how these professionals guide students toward discovering their strengths and navigating life’s challenges.

At Elizabethtown Independent Schools, school psychologist Lisa Wilson exemplifies that mission every day. Her work touches every building in the district, helping ensure that students receive the support they need to succeed both in and out of the classroom.

“Every day is different,” Wilson said. “I could be consulting with teachers about students, helping special education teachers with paperwork, having meetings about students, writing reports, or working directly with students. Usually, it’s a combination of them all.”

Elizabethtown High School rolled out the red carpet on October 30 for its annual “Lights, Camera, College & Career Fair,” an event that truly lived up to its Hollywood-inspired name. The fair brought together more than 35 colleges, universities, technical programs, and career representatives, all eager to help students explore their options and prepare for life after high school.

Hosted by the Elizabethtown Youth Service Center, the event took place during Red Ribbon Week, tying into the week’s focus on making positive choices for the future. The gym buzzed with excitement as students circulated among the tables, collecting brochures, meeting recruiters, and learning about scholarships, degree programs, and career paths in a variety of industries.

At Elizabethtown Independent Schools, supporting new teachers as well as teachers with the district for a couple of years is a top priority. The district provides a strong system of coaching, mentoring, and professional learning opportunities designed to help early-career educators grow in confidence and skill.

One of the biggest support the district gives is the New Teacher Academy.

“We meet with the teachers monthly along with their coaching and mentor support,” EIS Assistant Superintendent Daniel Lockwood said. “It is very important for their development as they are new to the profession.”