We want to make everyone aware that Election Day will take place while school is in session. As a result, increased traffic is expected around Estill County High School and West Irvine Elementary, especially during arrival and dismissal times.
In the morning, heavier traffic can be expected between 7:45 and 8:20 AM during student drop-off. We anticipate in the afternoon, congestion will likely be highest between 2:45 and 3:30 PM.
To help manage traffic flow, the following procedures will be in place:
West Irvine Parent Drop Off and Pick-ups: All parent drop-off and pickups will occur in the LOWER PARKING LOT ONLY. The upper lot will not be used for parent pickup.
West Irvine Bus Traffic: Bus operations will remain unchanged and will continue using the designated bus loop.
ECHS Parent Drop-Off and Pick-Ups: Parents should drop off and pick up students at the FIRST SIDEWALK, following the established traffic pattern around the building, exiting as usual.
Estill County High School Bus Traffic: Buses will use the normal bus lane, with fewer buses staged at one time to help reduce congestion near the gym lobby.
We appreciate your patience and cooperation as we work to safely manage both school operations and increased community traffic on this day.
🌱 Grow Smarter, Not Harder!🌱
Join us for a FREE Community Education Workshop where you’ll learn how to build your very own Self-Wicking Container Garden, perfect for saving time, water, and effort while growing healthy plants!
Location: Meads Do It Center
🗓 Date: Saturday, May 16th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This workshop is completely free to attend, but I highly recommend filling out the Google Form to secure your spot and stay updated!
🪴 Want to build your own container during the workshop?
Meads Do It Center has generously provided materials for a VERY limited number of kits available for purchase at a discounted price of $99 (that’s $20 in savings per kit!).
⚠️ Kits are extremely limited and will go fast! You must fill out the Google Form to reserve one!
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, come learn a simple, effective way to grow your own plants with less hassle.
👉 Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot and/or kit today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnejutrW3L17-OviQmztx76bR5hU1weo8LqOfTTCDqTFGuKw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103621946797981925338
#CommunityWorkshop #GardeningMadeEasy #SelfWickingGarden #GrowYourOwn #LocalEvents
Join us for a FREE Community Education Workshop where you’ll learn how to build your very own Self-Wicking Container Garden, perfect for saving time, water, and effort while growing healthy plants!
Location: Meads Do It Center
🗓 Date: Saturday, May 16th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
This workshop is completely free to attend, but I highly recommend filling out the Google Form to secure your spot and stay updated!
🪴 Want to build your own container during the workshop?
Meads Do It Center has generously provided materials for a VERY limited number of kits available for purchase at a discounted price of $99 (that’s $20 in savings per kit!).
⚠️ Kits are extremely limited and will go fast! You must fill out the Google Form to reserve one!
Whether you’re a beginner or seasoned gardener, come learn a simple, effective way to grow your own plants with less hassle.
👉 Don’t miss out! Reserve your spot and/or kit today!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdnejutrW3L17-OviQmztx76bR5hU1weo8LqOfTTCDqTFGuKw/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=103621946797981925338
#CommunityWorkshop #GardeningMadeEasy #SelfWickingGarden #GrowYourOwn #LocalEvents
Estill County High School FRYSC, Charlotte Sutter, hosted an incredible Cultural Fair this afternoon! 🌎✨
Students had the opportunity to sample foods from around the world, exploring flavors from Kentucky to Germany, Italy, Japan, and beyond. It was a great way to experience different cultures right here at school!
A huge thank you to the Estill County Extension Office for helping Mrs. Sutter prepare such a wide variety of samples. We are grateful for amazing community partners who make opportunities like this possible.
And a special shoutout to Mrs. Sutter for organizing such a meaningful and engaging experience for our students. What a fantastic way to encourage them to try new things and broaden their horizons!
#EstillProud #CommunityPartnerships #StudentOpportunities
Students had the opportunity to sample foods from around the world, exploring flavors from Kentucky to Germany, Italy, Japan, and beyond. It was a great way to experience different cultures right here at school!
A huge thank you to the Estill County Extension Office for helping Mrs. Sutter prepare such a wide variety of samples. We are grateful for amazing community partners who make opportunities like this possible.
And a special shoutout to Mrs. Sutter for organizing such a meaningful and engaging experience for our students. What a fantastic way to encourage them to try new things and broaden their horizons!
#EstillProud #CommunityPartnerships #StudentOpportunities
Today, our Central Office staff came together to pre-game for the upcoming Mountain Mushroom Festival!
A big thank you to Mr. Ronald Mullins for treating everyone to delicious smoked chicken wings, and to our staff for bringing an amazing spread of sides and sweets to share.
What a great way to kick off the festivities, we’re looking forward to all the fun the Mountain Mushroom Festival will bring!
A big thank you to Mr. Ronald Mullins for treating everyone to delicious smoked chicken wings, and to our staff for bringing an amazing spread of sides and sweets to share.
What a great way to kick off the festivities, we’re looking forward to all the fun the Mountain Mushroom Festival will bring!
This week, we celebrate Administrative Professionals Week, a time to recognize the dedicated individuals who keep our schools running smoothly every day.
Your work, from managing behind-the-scenes details to supporting students, staff, and families, is essential to everything we do. Your organization, patience, and commitment create an environment where others can succeed.
Thank you for the countless ways you contribute to our community. Your efforts may often go unnoticed, but they are always meaningful. We appreciate you today and every day. 💙
#AdminProfessionalsWeek #Gratitude #Teamwork
This week, we celebrate Public School Volunteer Week, a time to recognize the incredible individuals who give their time, energy, and heart to support our students and schools.
From organizing events to lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed, our volunteers play a vital role in creating opportunities and building stronger school communities. Your impact reaches far beyond the classroom, shaping experiences and inspiring success for every student you touch.
Thank you for your dedication, your generosity, and your unwavering commitment to public education. Our schools are better because of you. 💙
#VolunteerAppreciation #PublicSchools #ThankYouVolunteers
Our production of Shrek The Musical, Jr. by The Blue Train Theatre was a huge success! Our cast — 35 high school and 21 middle school students — gave eight performances this week to glowing reviews. Huge thanks to musical directors Mrs. Stephanie Arthur and Mrs. Melissa Collier, and to Alisha Lester for the fantastic set design. Bravo to the entire cast, crew, creative team, and our supportive families and sponsors!
Here is the live stream link for the April 16, 2026 Estill County School Board Meeting:
https://youtube.com/live/dzrmYyogFdI?feature=share
https://youtube.com/live/dzrmYyogFdI?feature=share
Here is the form for Public Comments for the April 16, 2026 Estill County School Board Meeting.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyhjXzQ0IS6-aEe6tlTA6RTzVCb1uMZj7k8xUGUCIPrFrGXw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdyhjXzQ0IS6-aEe6tlTA6RTzVCb1uMZj7k8xUGUCIPrFrGXw/viewform?usp=publish-editor
Estill County Schools Events Flyer
Community Education Director, Melinda Barnett (Mrs. M), had the opportunity to cook with Mrs. Hughes’ class at ECHS today! Students rolled up their sleeves and made homemade pasta from scratch, along with a spaghetti sauce using fresh garlic and basil.
Along the way, they discovered just how simple cooking can be—learning that pasta can be made with just a cup of flour, two eggs, salt, and olive oil (and even without eggs!), and that a delicious sauce doesn’t have to be complicated.
More importantly, students were reminded that sometimes the hardest part is simply trying something new. Today was a great lesson in confidence, creativity, and the realization that a homemade meal can come together with just a few basic pantry ingredients. 🍝
#CommunityEducation #MakeSomethingFromNothing #HealthyFood
Along the way, they discovered just how simple cooking can be—learning that pasta can be made with just a cup of flour, two eggs, salt, and olive oil (and even without eggs!), and that a delicious sauce doesn’t have to be complicated.
More importantly, students were reminded that sometimes the hardest part is simply trying something new. Today was a great lesson in confidence, creativity, and the realization that a homemade meal can come together with just a few basic pantry ingredients. 🍝
#CommunityEducation #MakeSomethingFromNothing #HealthyFood
The local Situation Table is already proving to be a valuable resource for our community.
So, what is the Situation Table? It’s a team of local resource providers who meet every Monday to identify and respond quickly to situations where someone may be at acute elevated risk. This can include challenges like basic needs and food insecurity, mental health concerns, substance use, abuse, or any situation that may pose a threat to public health and safety.
What makes this effort so impactful is the speed and collaboration. When a concern is identified, the right people come together and act quickly, often within 24–48 hours, to connect individuals and families with the support they need. Having a dedicated, local team ready to respond in real time is truly life-saving.
Our schools are proud to serve and represent our Engineer families and to be part of a collaborative effort that supports the well-being of our entire community.
If you would like more information or need to discuss a potential situation, please reach out to Brayden:
📧 BGriggs1@mercy.com
📱 Call or text: (606) 975-5141
Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more supportive community. 💙
So, what is the Situation Table? It’s a team of local resource providers who meet every Monday to identify and respond quickly to situations where someone may be at acute elevated risk. This can include challenges like basic needs and food insecurity, mental health concerns, substance use, abuse, or any situation that may pose a threat to public health and safety.
What makes this effort so impactful is the speed and collaboration. When a concern is identified, the right people come together and act quickly, often within 24–48 hours, to connect individuals and families with the support they need. Having a dedicated, local team ready to respond in real time is truly life-saving.
Our schools are proud to serve and represent our Engineer families and to be part of a collaborative effort that supports the well-being of our entire community.
If you would like more information or need to discuss a potential situation, please reach out to Brayden:
📧 BGriggs1@mercy.com
📱 Call or text: (606) 975-5141
Together, we are building a stronger, safer, and more supportive community. 💙
Kindergarten Registration Information
April 6–10 is National Assistant Principals Week, and we are proud to recognize the incredible assistant principals who help keep our schools running smoothly every day.
Assistant principals wear many hats as they support teachers, motivate students, assist principals, and help create a positive and productive learning environment. Their work often takes place behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the entire school community.
From handling daily challenges to stepping in wherever they're needed, their dedication, leadership, and commitment do not go unnoticed.
Please join us in thanking our assistant principals for all they do to support our students, staff, and schools. We appreciate you this week and every week!
Assistant principals wear many hats as they support teachers, motivate students, assist principals, and help create a positive and productive learning environment. Their work often takes place behind the scenes, but its impact is felt throughout the entire school community.
From handling daily challenges to stepping in wherever they're needed, their dedication, leadership, and commitment do not go unnoticed.
Please join us in thanking our assistant principals for all they do to support our students, staff, and schools. We appreciate you this week and every week!
Today, our Central Office staff enjoyed celebrating Easter together with a potluck full of delicious food and great fellowship. It was a nice opportunity to pause, connect, and enjoy time with one another. We’re grateful for moments like these that strengthen our sense of community.
Wishing everyone a happy Easter weekend! 🌷🐣
Wishing everyone a happy Easter weekend! 🌷🐣
Mrs. Sarah Beard and Mrs.Carlee Cornett, along with our first-ever middle school Odyssey of the Mind team, headed to Boyle County for the Odyssey of the Mind State Tournament. Odyssey of the Mind (OM™) teaches students how to develop and use their natural creativity to become problem-solvers. Our new team and coach participated in the OM Shadow Program. They were able to observe teams competing from across our state, talk with coaches, and explore how OM could fit within our current gifted programming. The KYOM Association Director, Mr. Michael Taylor, awarded a year-long membership to Estill County Schools for the 2026-2027 school year. We cannot wait to see what these students will gain next year as our first Odyssey of the Mind team! Thank you to Mr. Jimmy Cornn for leading the OM Shadow Program!
#kyootm #OdysseyoftheMind #GiftedEducation
Odyssey of the Mind team pictured:
Eighth graders: Iris Patrick-Howard, Delayna Bailey, Kylee Nichols, Kris Philhower
Sixth graders: Jon Osborne, Ramey Blakenbecler, Emmie Beard
OM Coach: Mrs. Sarah Beard
Gifted Coordinator: Mrs. Carlee Cornett
#kyootm #OdysseyoftheMind #GiftedEducation
Odyssey of the Mind team pictured:
Eighth graders: Iris Patrick-Howard, Delayna Bailey, Kylee Nichols, Kris Philhower
Sixth graders: Jon Osborne, Ramey Blakenbecler, Emmie Beard
OM Coach: Mrs. Sarah Beard
Gifted Coordinator: Mrs. Carlee Cornett
April is School Library Month, and with National School Librarian Day falling on Saturday, April 4th, Estill County Schools is celebrating our incredible school librarians today!
Our librarians do so much more than manage books; they inspire a love of reading, support student learning, and create welcoming spaces where curiosity and creativity can grow. They play a vital role in helping our students explore, discover, and succeed.
We are so thankful for their dedication and the positive impact they make in our schools every day. Be sure to join us in celebrating and thanking our amazing school librarians! 📚
Our librarians do so much more than manage books; they inspire a love of reading, support student learning, and create welcoming spaces where curiosity and creativity can grow. They play a vital role in helping our students explore, discover, and succeed.
We are so thankful for their dedication and the positive impact they make in our schools every day. Be sure to join us in celebrating and thanking our amazing school librarians! 📚
Happy Occupational Therapy Month!
Estill County Schools would like to recognize and thank our occupational therapists, Mrs. Chelsea Clark and Kelli Gordon. Your dedication and care help our students grow, succeed, and thrive each day.
We are so grateful for all that you do!
Today we celebrate the incredible paraprofessionals who make a difference in our schools every single day!
From supporting student learning to building meaningful relationships, our paraprofessionals are the heart behind so many success stories. Their patience, dedication, and compassion do not go unnoticed.
We are so grateful for the role they play in helping our students grow, learn, and thrive. Thank you for all that you do. You truly make a difference in Estill County Schools! 💙
From supporting student learning to building meaningful relationships, our paraprofessionals are the heart behind so many success stories. Their patience, dedication, and compassion do not go unnoticed.
We are so grateful for the role they play in helping our students grow, learn, and thrive. Thank you for all that you do. You truly make a difference in Estill County Schools! 💙
April marks Autism Awareness Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the diverse strengths of individuals on the autism spectrum.
Estill County Schools remains committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where all students feel respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We encourage our students, staff, and community to continue promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance. 💙
Estill County Schools remains committed to providing an inclusive, supportive environment where all students feel respected, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential.
We encourage our students, staff, and community to continue promoting awareness, understanding, and acceptance. 💙
