We have made an addition to this year's Code of Acceptable Behavior and Discipline regarding beverage containers. Only plastic bottles with plastic lids will be acceptable for students to use during the school day and while being transported to and from school on the school bus.

Rineyville Elementary School teacher Ciji Thurman has been selected by the Kentucky Department of Education's Division of Innovation as one of 25 outstanding educators for the fifth cohort of the Kentucky Innovative Teacher Fellowship.

This distinguished group of teachers will continue advancing the vision of United We Learn by implementing innovative instructional practices, engaging in meaningful professional learning, and fostering collaboration to transform teaching and learning across Kentucky classrooms to provide vibrant learning experiences for all Kentucky students.

Hello HCS Family! Two reminders for you: 1) School starts for K-12 students on August 6, 2026! 2) All elementary schools (EXCEPT Lakewood Elementary School) will release ONE HOUR EARLY on Thursday, August 6, 2026 (the first day of school) ONLY! This allows our bus drivers and staff extra time to ensure all students get home safely.

Trojan Fest is TONIGHT at North Hardin High School 5 to 7 PM! Come meet community partners and gather resources for a great school year. Learn more here: https://www.hardin.kyschools.us/page/back-to-school-fests-and-open-house-dates #HCSDifferenceMaker #DistrictOfOpportunities

Bulldog Fest is TONIGHT at John Hardin High School from 5 to 7 PM! Come meet community partners and gather resources for a great school year. Can't make it? Stop by Trojan Fest on Thursday (North Hardin)! Learn more here: https://www.hardin.kyschools.us/page/back-to-school-fests-and-open-house-dates

Students who DO NOT qualify for free or reduced lunch at non-CEP schools will have to pay for lunch this school year. Go to https://www.hardin.kyschools.us/page/my-school-bucks-online-lunch-payment for instructions and a link to place money on a MySchoolBucks account.

Non-CEP schools are:
*Cecilia Valley Elementary School
*Lincoln Trail Elementary School
*Rineyville Elementary School
*Vine Grove Elementary School
*East Hardin Middle School
*Central Hardin High School
*John Hardin High School
*North Hardin High School
*HCS Early College & Career Center

Good morning, families! If you received messages last school year from the Rooms portion of the HCS app from a coach, club advisor, classroom teacher, etc., that Room will be archived on Thursday, July 16, 2026. We have asked staff who have already built Rooms for the 2026-27 school year to set their Rooms to not "unpublish" if that is their desire.

We are excited to welcome K-12 students BACK TO SCHOOL in 22 DAYS on Thursday, August 6, 2026!

Back-to-School Fests and Open Houses are fast approaching! Find more info (dates, times, locations, etc) here: https://www.hardin.kyschools.us/page/back-to-school-fests-and-open-house-dates #HCSDifferenceMaker #DistrictOfOpportunities

HCS is accepting nominations for the Hardin County Schools Distinguished Alumni awards.

If you know an HCS graduate who has made a significant impact in their career, community, or at a regional, national, or international level, please consider nominating them.

You can find the nomination form and more details by going to the HCS webpage (www.hardin.kyschools.us) and clicking on the Alumni tab!

Congrats to Central Hardin HS student Farrahlauren Terrado, named to the 2026-2027 Kentucky Department of Education Commissioner’s Student Advisory Council! She joins a group meeting with Commissioner Robbie Fletcher to share feedback & shape Kentucky education.

#HCSDifferenceMaker #DistrictofOpportunities

This year's summer Youth Theater of Hardin County presentation is Shrek the Musical! July 10, 11, 17 & 18 at 7 pm and July 12 & 19 at 3 pm. All performances will take place at the HCS Performing Arts Center. Go to www.thepac.net for tickets.

Rain or shine—from last week's blazing sun to today's downpour—our summer meal volunteers handle it all! Huge thanks to the staff, students & community helping feed those in need weekly at Rineyville, Lincoln Trail, West Hardin & West Point. #HCSDifferenceMaker #DistrictOfOpportunities

The HCS Student Transportation Department has started processing newly enrolled students for the 2026-27. As they are assigned to bus routes, parents will receive an email invitation for Stopfinder.

The Stopfinder app (available for download) alerts parents when the bus is near their location. The email invitation goes to the student's primary contact in Infinite Campus. Please contact HCS Student Transportation at 270-769-8890 with questions.

The weather that is moving through the area may cause delays in bulk summer meal distribution. We ask for everyone's patience and cooperation!

Congratulations to the new Creekside Elementary School principal, Courtney Howard! Read more here: https://www.hardin.kyschools.us/article/3023328

Hardin County Schools Open Enrollment is July 16 and 17 at each school and the Online Information Update window is now open. Parents will NOT have the ability to see schedules, grades, attendance, or other important information found in the Parent Portal until they have completed the Online Information Update. More information on both of these items is available here: https://www.hardin.kyschools.us/article/3022589

Due to extreme heat and the National Weather Service Heat Advisory, the Hardin County Schools Summer Meals Program has altered its bulk pickup schedule for Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Lincoln Trail Elementary School and Rineyville Elementary School.

The new distribution time will run from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Lincoln Trail Elementary School and Rineyville Elementary School ONLY! The Noon to 1 PM distribution schedule remains the same at the former West Point School and West Hardin Middle School.

Families must have pre-ordered the meals. As it has been all summer, bulk distribution on Wednesday is made only to those who pre-ordered.

This change is being made to ensure the safety of the staff working in the heat to serve the community at Lincoln Trail and Rineyville. Distribution at West Point and West Hardin remains the same because distribution at those sites take place indoors.