District prepares for students to return back to school

By Eugenia Jones

The McCreary County School District is offering back-to-school registration open houses at all schools as students, parents, and staff prepare for the first day of school with students on Thursday, August 11, 2022.  Opening day for staff is scheduled for Wednesday, August 10.

Whitley City Elementary led the way as the school hosted their registration earlier this month.  Pine Knot Elementary School (both buildings) will host registration on Tuesday, August 2 from 12:00 noon until 5:00 p.m.  

Registration for preschool is scheduled for Wednesday, August 3 at Pine Knot Elementary Building 1 (gymnasium) from 10:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Parents/guardians must bring proof of income to the preschool registration and also need to bring copies of students’ birth certificates, immunization certificates, physicals, dental and vision exams, and insurance/medical cards.

On Tuesday, August 2, McCreary County Middle School will register students from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.  Parents and students who have registered on-line still need to attend open house registration in person as there are a few remaining forms that need to be completed during the event.  During registration, middle school students will meet teachers and receive their lockers and schedules.  Snow cones, free school supplies, and a limited number of free haircuts will also be available.  Community school partners will also be present during the event.

McCreary Central High School registers students tonight (Thursday, July 28) from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.  Registration continues tomorrow (Friday, July 29) from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. and Saturday July 30 from 10:00 a.m. until noon.  New enrollees at McCreary Central High School need to call 606-376-5051 to schedule an appointment.

The Voice will publish school bus schedules and routes prior to the opening of school.

Along with Superintendent Dr. John Gunn, the McCreary County School District welcomes two new principals to its leadership team.  Ms. Angela Loudermilk, a McCreary County native and teacher, replaces Mr. Skip Jones as principal at Whitley City Elementary.  Jones retired at the end of the 2021-2022 school year.  Loudermilk is excited to begin her work at Whitley City Elementary School.

“I am passionate about education and will work hard to empower our students to reach full potential,” Loudermilk said.  “I am excited to begin this journey leading alongside a great staff and outstanding students.”

Ms. Kathy Neal advances from her position as Assistant Principal at McCreary County Middle School to assume the duties of Principal.  Neal is a native of McCreary County with twenty years of experience in the field of education.  Neal replaces the former principal, Susan Tucker, who assumed the duties of Director of Federal Programs at the Central Office. 

“I feel blessed to be able to serve the students, parents, staff, and community as the new principal of McCreary County Middle School,” Neal commented.  

McCreary County School District Superintendent Dr. John Gunn is now in his fourth week as superintendent of schools and is enthusiastic about the coming year.

“I am honored to serve you and our students and the community as your new superintendent. This is my fourth official week among you and I am very much enjoying my “Three L Tour” of listening, looking, and learning. It is truly humbling to have been chosen to work with you as we build upon our strengths and find new ways of serving our students,” Superintendent Gunn stated.