Middle school students showcase leadership programs as new school construction nears completion

Students from Rockcastle County Middle School presented examples of student leadership and school culture programs to the board and said leaders are taking on many building roles.

Ms. Willis introduced two student groups and said the district's Leader in Me and Renaissance initiatives are being used together to support student leadership. Eighth‑grader Jenna James described Rock Club as a student‑led spirit club that plans spirit weeks, rallies and staff recognition; another student, Kennedy, said the programs help students feel motivated and welcomed. Sixth‑grader Trip Mosley and seventh‑grader Haley Slater described the Student Lighthouse Team's roles in welcoming new students, running announcements and supporting daily school operations. Molly Willis, an eighth‑grader and Lighthouse member, said students practice the seven habits and teach lessons to classmates.

After the presentations, board members praised the students' poise and participation. The superintendent and staff also provided a construction update for the new building: presenters showed interior photos and said classroom framing is complete in several wings, cafeteria finishes and kitchen hoods are installed, and the elevator 'push' is scheduled for May 15. Staff noted ongoing rock excavation required for bus route access and that some areas will require blasting; roofing work was reported to be nearly finished and the basement/AB section walls were expected to be up by the end of the next week.

Board members asked about testing accommodations and noise during construction; staff noted they tested bus routes during spring break and will continue to coordinate logistics. The board encouraged parents and community members to attend meetings and school events.