May 2025 Newsletter
Have a GREAT summer!
As we head into summer break, we want to thank our students, staff, and families for an incredible school year filled with milestones and achievements. We hope you enjoy a well-deserved break and take time to create lasting memories.
We’re already looking forward to the 2025–2026 school year, which brings exciting new beginnings—including the inaugural year at Pike and Charlestown Elementary Schools and the launch of our first-ever Dual Language Immersion Program at Parkwood Elementary.
We’ll see you back on Thursday, July 31st, for the first day of school!
Calendar Reminder -
Last Day + Graduations
We’re officially in the final stretch of the 2024–2025 school year! Please note that the last day of school has been moved to Thursday, May 22nd.
Graduation Dates
We are incredibly proud of each and every one of our graduating seniors. Your hard work, dedication, and perseverance have brought you to this important milestone, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for you.
Congratulations again to the Class of 2025!
Save the Dates: Orientation Events for Incoming Students
Families with students entering Kindergarten, 6th Grade, or 9th Grade, please mark your calendars for these important orientation events:
- Camp Kindergarten – July 24th
- 6th Grade Orientation – July 24th, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
- 9th Grade Orientation – July 29th, 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Please note: Your student’s school will provide specific details and additional information once your child is enrolled. Be sure to watch for communication directly from your school as these dates approach.
Dual Immersion Program
Greater Clark County Schools is proud to launch Southern Indiana’s first-ever Dual Language Immersion Program at Parkwood Elementary for the 2025–2026 school year. Starting in kindergarten, this groundbreaking initiative will prepare students to become bilingual, biliterate, and globally competitive. No prior knowledge of Spanish or English is required.
We are especially seeking native English-speaking students to apply to help build a balanced and successful program.
- 80/20 Model – Kindergarteners begin with 80% instruction in Spanish and 20% in English
- Gradual Transition – By 3rd grade, students will receive 50/50 instruction in both languages
- Boosts cognitive development and critical thinking: Studies have shown that bilingualism strengthens cognitive skills such as problem-solving, critical thinking, and creativity.
- Enhanced multitasking abilities: Bilingual individuals can better filter out distractions and focus on relevant information.
- Strengthens communication and social skills: Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds enhances social and emotional intelligence.
- Enhances academic performance and literacy in both languages: Bilingual students often demonstrate stronger academic skills in both languages. Increased literacy skills: Learning to read and write in two languages strengthens foundational literacy skills.
- Enhanced problem-solving and critical thinking abilities: Bilingualism encourages flexible thinking and the ability to see problems from multiple perspectives.
- Prepares students for a global workforce with in-demand bilingual skills: Bilingual individuals are highly sought after in a globalized job market.
Families with incoming kindergarten students (2025-2026) planning to attend Parkwood Elementary through 5th grade are encouraged to apply.
Registration Reminder
Attention GCCS Parents & Guardians, registration for the 2025-2026 School Year is officially OPEN!
Families with current preschool through eleventh-grade students should have received a Snapcode letter to use for registration. The Snapcode will be required to complete the registration process.
Should you have any problems with your snapcode, we are asking families to please contact:
- Carolyn Barton (cbarton@gccschools.com) for Elementary School
- Wendy Gallagher (wgallagher@gccschools.com) for Middle and High School
Secure your student’s spot and get ready for another great year at Greater Clark County Schools!
Summer Meal Sites Available!
Greater Clark County Schools will once again offer free breakfast and lunch to children through the USDA Summer Food Service Program! Meals will be provided from June 2nd through July 11th at the following school sites:
- River Valley Middle School
- Riverside Elementary
- Franklin Square Elementary
- Charlestown Middle School
- New Washington Elementary
Meal Times:
- Breakfast: 9:00 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
- Lunch: 11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Participation is not affected by eligibility for free or reduced-price meals during the school year or prior enrollment in the Sun Bucks Summer EBT program, which has been suspended for 2025.
Sun Bucks Program Update
The State of Indiana has announced the suspension of the Sun Bucks program for Summer 2025. If your household received a Sun Bucks card in previous years, please be aware that funds will not be reloaded this summer.
We understand that many families in our district have relied on this resource in the past. To help fill the gap, free summer meals will be available through the USDA’s Summer Food Service Program (see details above).
To locate additional summer meal sites near you, visit: https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sitefinder
For immediate assistance, contact the Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (English) | 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
For immediate assistance, contact the Hunger Hotline: 1-866-3-HUNGRY (English) | 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
Free/Reduced Lunch
Please note that applications for free/reduced lunch benefits for the 2025-2026 School Year will be open on July 1st. If you’ve previously submitted an application for the upcoming school year during student registration, you must reapply once the application opens in July.
However, applications for benefits for the current school year (2024-2025) are still being accepted until the last day of classes. If you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to apply!
We appreciate your patience and understanding regarding this matter.
2025 GCCS Holiday Craft Fair Save the Date!
Attention Greater Clark families, the 2025 GCCS Craft Fair is returning for another year to benefit the GCCS Angel Tree! Join us at River Valley Middle School on October 18th from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM for Arts and crafts, Food, and Student Entertainment!
Interested in being a vendor? Sign up today by scanning the QR code or by clicking the button below!
2025 Elementary Academic Team Competition Winners-
Wilson Elementary!
Join us in celebrating Wilson Elementary School, the 1st place winners of the 2025 Elementary Academic Team Competition, held on May 13th at Jeffersonville High School.
We also extend our congratulations to the 2nd place winners, Northaven Elementary, and 3rd place winners, Thomas Jefferson Elementary, for their outstanding performances.
Great job to all the students, coaches, and schools who participated!
Jeffersonville High School Cadets Receive Top JROTC Honors
Jeffersonville High School and Greater Clark County Schools are proud to recognize two outstanding Air Force Junior ROTC cadets for their exceptional achievements in leadership, service, and academic excellence.
Cadet Evan Cooper, a graduating senior, has been awarded both the JROTC Patriot Award and named Most Distinguished Cadet of the Year by the Louisville Armed Forces Committee. These prestigious honors rank him as the top senior JROTC cadet among all military branches across 16 schools in Northern Kentucky and Southern Indiana. Cadet Cooper will be recognized at an upcoming banquet, where he will receive a commemorative plaque and a $1,000 scholarship. During his time at Jeff High, he served as Cadet Corps Commander, participated in the Drill Team, Color Guard, and Academic Bowl Team, and dedicated over 215 hours to community service.
Cadet Blake Russell, a rising senior, has been named Air Force JROTC Cadet of the Year for Region 3, placing him among the top junior cadets nationwide and among 199 schools in the region. He will receive a plaque and formal recognition from the Air Force JROTC Regional Director. Currently serving as Cadet Corps Commander, Cadet Russell is actively involved in the Drill Team, Color Guard, Physical Training Team, and Academic Bowl Team. He has contributed more than 250 hours of community service over his three years at Jeff High.
“These two young leaders represent the very best of our JROTC program and the values of service, integrity, and excellence that we strive to instill in all cadets,” said Jeffersonville High School’s Senior Aerospace Science Instructor, Colonel (Ret.) Bob Benning. “Their achievements bring great pride to our school and community.”
Jeffersonville High School JROTC Cadets Take Learning to New Heights
The Jeffersonville High School Air Force JROTC program had a remarkable month in April, marked by two unforgettable experiences that brought leadership, teamwork, and aerospace education to life.
Sky’s the Limit: First-Ever C-130 Flight Experience
In a program first, 47 cadets, along with two counselors, one assistant principal, and five teachers, took to the skies aboard a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, thanks to the support of the Kentucky Air National Guard. During the two-hour flight, participants explored the aircraft’s cargo bay, observed the flight crew in action, and gained insight into the aircraft’s role in airlift operations.
This hands-on experience deepened cadets’ understanding of aviation careers, military readiness, and the real-world applications of aerospace science principles learned in the classroom.
In a program first, 47 cadets, along with two counselors, one assistant principal, and five teachers, took to the skies aboard a C-130J Super Hercules aircraft, thanks to the support of the Kentucky Air National Guard. During the two-hour flight, participants explored the aircraft’s cargo bay, observed the flight crew in action, and gained insight into the aircraft’s role in airlift operations.
This hands-on experience deepened cadets’ understanding of aviation careers, military readiness, and the real-world applications of aerospace science principles learned in the classroom.
Rappelling to Excellence
Also in April, more than 40 cadets took part in a high-adventure challenge by rappelling from a 60-foot tower, an event made possible by the Indiana Army National Guard. Guided safely by Army personnel, cadets pushed their limits—developing courage, confidence, and resilience.
This event not only tested their physical abilities but also strengthened leadership skills, teamwork, and camaraderie within the corps.
Also in April, more than 40 cadets took part in a high-adventure challenge by rappelling from a 60-foot tower, an event made possible by the Indiana Army National Guard. Guided safely by Army personnel, cadets pushed their limits—developing courage, confidence, and resilience.
This event not only tested their physical abilities but also strengthened leadership skills, teamwork, and camaraderie within the corps.
Special thanks to the Kentucky and Indiana National Guards for making these extraordinary opportunities possible for our cadets.
Photo Credit: Extol Media
GCEF Grants
Thanks to a partnership between the Greater Clark Education Foundation and Meta, three schools were each awarded $5,000 Mega Grants to be utilized for improvement programs, projects, and other items to benefit the school. These grants were awarded through an application process reviewed by a dedicated selection committee and were evaluated on creativity, sustainability, and educational impact.
Riverside Elementary received a grant, which will be used to expand its playground, providing much-needed space and improved play opportunities for its growing student population.
Thanks to the vision of Mrs. Jessica Moman, Parkview will soon open its own Maker Space! This space will allow for a hands-on, creative learning environment aimed at sparking curiosity, creativity, and innovation. This space will be equipped with tools such as a Glowforge laser cutter and engraver, 3D printers, pens and other tools to support student learning.
Northaven Elementary School is ready to create a new state-of-the-art Learning Lab for Innovation and Discovery. This lab will introduce students to robotics, engineering, 3D printing, and more, fostering collaboration, critical thinking, and problem-solving opportunities. This lab will also provide additional opportunities beyond the district and Northaven Elementary, serving as a training ground for future educators through a partnership with the Indiana University Southeast School of Education, giving teacher candidates valuable first-hand experience in next-generation instructional tools and practices. This grant is thanks to Principal Laura Morris.
We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community partners such as Meta and the Greater Clark Education Foundation, whose investment in our schools is fostering new opportunities for our students and staff, not only creating unprecedented learning opportunities, fostering curiosity and an eagerness for learning, but also incredible memories for our students.
Hiring
Looking to be part of something greater? Greater Clark County Schools is now hiring for multiple positions across the district for the 2025–2026 school year.
We offer competitive benefits, including:
- Flexible scheduling
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- PERF (Indiana State Retirement), paid by GCCS
Greater Clark County Schools is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace.
The Academies Section
Last month, select Business & Entrepreneurship Academy students attended the Innovate WithIN pitch competition, presented by the STARTedUP Foundation, which empowers Indiana’s high school entrepreneurs with hands-on education, mentorship, and seed funding. At Region 6’s competition, hosted at Maker13, two students—one from Jeffersonville High School and one from Charlestown High School—delivered their persuasive pitches to a panel of entrepreneurial and business-minded judges. The CHS student then earned a Regional Wild Card and will compete at the state championship on June 20 at Butler University, where the 10 finalists will compete for $25,000 in seed funding to make their business idea a reality.
Enthusiastic classmates from JHS and CHS attended Maker13 to learn the ropes and cheer on their peers alongside their teachers, while New Washington High School’s business academy students joined the event, guided by their teacher, to analyze effective pitch strategies and gear up for next year.
We’re proud of our students’ creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit. Thanks to STARTedUP’s support, these experiences build confidence, critical-thinking skills, and community connections that turn big ideas into real ventures.