Newport High School Newsletter

Welcome to the 2026-2027 school year at Newport High School! We are thrilled to have our Wildcats back and ready to learn. Read on for important updates and reminders to help your family start the year off right.

We've updated how dismissal works at Newport High School, and we want every family to know the plan. These changes are designed to keep our afternoon dismissal organized, efficient, and safe for all students.

Dismissal now happens in two waves. At 3:15, we release car riders, drivers, and walkers. At 3:18, we release bus riders. Splitting the two groups keeps foot traffic and vehicle traffic from crossing paths and helps everyone get where they need to go faster.

Here's what your student needs to know based on how they get home

Car riders and drivers head to their lockers first, then exit through the auditorium doors. Anyone grabbing food from the cafeteria can stop there on the way out. Cars will be parked south of the crosswalk or under the bridge, so please plan your pickup spot accordingly.

Walkers also stop at their lockers first, then exit through the front doors. If your student needs a meal, they can swing by the cafeteria before heading out. For safety, walkers must use the 6th Street sidewalk, and students are not permitted to walk down Wildcat Drive.

Bus riders go to their lockers and then report to the cafeteria, where bus areas are clearly marked with bus numbers. Students stay in their assigned bus area until their bus is called, then exit through the cafeteria doors and go straight to their bus. Anyone who wants to eat can do that in the cafeteria while they wait.

The attached map shows all the exits and pickup areas at a glance, so take a minute to look it over with your student. If you have questions about where your child should go, reach out to the front office and we'll walk you through it.

Thanks for helping us make dismissal smooth and safe for every Wildcat.

Here's some good news to start the year off right. Thanks to our partnership with GEAR UP Kentucky, our Class of 2027 Wildcats have a real shot at some serious help paying for college, and the best part is that you don't have to compete for it.

That's right. This isn't the kind of scholarship where thousands of students are fighting over a handful of awards. If you meet the requirements, the money is yours. You complete, you receive. It's that simple.

So what are we talking about? Any 2027 GUK graduate who enrolls at a Kentucky college, university, or technical college earns a first-year scholarship of $750. Then, if you head back for a second consecutive year, another $600 lands in your corner. That's real money toward whatever comes next for you, whether that's a four-year degree, a technical certification, or something in between.

Qualifying takes just four steps. You need to graduate from a GEAR UP Kentucky high school, which you're already doing right here at Newport. You'll want to take part in at least one documented GUK activity, complete both the FAFSA and the GEAR UP Kentucky Senior Survey, and then enroll at a Kentucky college, university, or technical college. Knock those out and the scholarship is guaranteed.

This is exactly the kind of opportunity we love seeing for our students, and we don't want a single senior to miss out on it. If you have questions or want to make sure you're checking every box, talk to your GEAR UP advisor. They're ready to walk you through it and help you claim what's yours.

Go get it, Wildcats. Your next step just got a whole lot easier.

NaviGo Scholars: Real Career Pathways for Wildcats

Here's an opportunity worth putting in front of your student. NaviGo Scholars connects local businesses with motivated high schoolers who want to explore real career fields and build workforce skills before they ever graduate. Selected students get hands-on learning, time inside actual workplaces, and personalized coaching from a NaviGo Coach who supports their college and career planning along the way. Applications are open now through September 2, so this is the window to jump in.

There are more than a dozen Scholars Groups to choose from, spanning just about every interest area you can think of. A few highlights: the Balluff Industrial Sensing & Automation group is brand new this year and a great fit for students drawn to robotics, electrical engineering, and sensors. SHP Design, also new, gives juniors and seniors an inside look at architecture, interior design, and mechanical engineering. Beyond those, students can explore groups in Artificial Intelligence at NKU, Automotive Careers at the BMW Store, Cyber Defense with US Bank, Advanced Manufacturing with Toyota, Skilled Trades, Law Careers, Mental Health Careers, Business and Entrepreneurship, Education, and more. Some run in the fall, some in the spring, and some across the full year, so there's flexibility to match a student's schedule.

A couple of details to know. Most groups meet about twice a month, often splitting time between the company's site and a Gateway campus, and the whole program kicks off with a celebration on Sunday, September 13 from 2 to 4 p.m. that selected scholars, families, and sponsors are all encouraged to attend.

Students can learn more and apply at navigoprep.com/navigo-scholars, and questions can go to navigo@learning-grove.org. If your Wildcat has been wondering what a career in a field actually looks like day to day, this is a chance to find out from the people who live it.

Want a say in what happens at NHS? Student Council is one of the best ways to get involved, and sign-ups are open right now.

Student Council is the group behind a lot of what makes the school year fun. Members organize pep rallies and dances, coordinate spirit weeks, bring student concerns to the table, and lead service projects in the community. It is real practice in leadership and teamwork, and it is exactly the kind of involvement that stands out on a college application.

Here is what you need to know. Sign-ups run through August 26, and the first meeting is that same day, August 26, at 3:15pm in Ms. Packwood's room, #213. To join, scan the QR code on the flyer or use the sign-up link. If you have questions, email Ms. Packwood at jennifer.packwood@newport.kyschools.us.

Come be the voice of NHS. We would love to have you.

The NHS Theatre Department is proud to announce their winter show will be Charlotte’s Web, the script based on the beloved children’s book by E.B. White. Auditions will be held on Wednesday September 2nd from 3:30 to 5:00 in the auditorium. Audition packets will be available for pick up beginning Monday August 24th from Ms. Stacy’s classroom 202. The cast includes around 15 different roles. IF you are interested or have questions you can see Ms. Stacy in between classes.

There's a lot happening at NHS after the final bell, and there's something for just about everyone. Whether you want extra help with homework, a creative outlet, a new skill, or just a fun way to stay active, our after-school clubs are a great way to get involved and meet people who share your interests.

Here's what's on the schedule:

Study Tables meets Tuesday through Thursday from 3:30 to 4:30 with Ms. Tasha, offering homework help and a quiet place to focus. Cosmetology Club runs Mondays from 3:30 to 4:30 with Ms. Tasha for anyone interested in hair, nails, and beauty basics. YLD meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30 to 4:30 with Ms. Amy and focuses on youth leadership. Drama Club gathers Thursdays from 4:00 to 5:00 with Ms. Parr for acting and performance. Variety Club meets Wednesdays from 3:30 to 5:00 with Ms. Katrina and covers life skills like cooking and sewing. Pickleball is Fridays at 3:15 with Ms. Parr. And our Outdoor Adventure Club has a kayaking trip coming up on September 12 with Mrs. Kennedy.

Getting involved is one of the best parts of high school, and it looks great on a college application too. Interested in any of these? Just talk to the club sponsor to sign up. Times are subject to change, and we'll keep adding new clubs and events throughout

Newport High School has a Wildly Important Goal that every family can help us reach. We want student attendance at 93.4 percent, which means our Wildcats are here and ready to learn nearly every single day. Hitting that number starts with a few simple habits around excuse notes, so here is how the system works. Every absence and every tardy needs a note. To keep that manageable, each family gets five parent notes for the school year to use however you see fit, no reason required, to excuse any absence or tardy. The one thing to remember is the deadline. A parent note or other valid excuse has to reach the school within five school days of the event. If it doesn't, that event is marked unexcused, and your parent notes are then applied to it automatically until they run out.

Anything past that needs documentation, like a doctor or dentist note, a note from the court clerk or court designated worker, or an obituary or funeral card for the death of a family member. We know life happens, and this system is built to give families flexibility while keeping our attendance strong, because showing up is where learning starts. That goal of 93.4 percent is not just a number on a wall. It is what we mean when we say "Here Every Day, the Wildcat Way," and we get there one day and one Wildcat at a time. If you ever have a question about a note or an absence, just call the front office and we will walk you through it.

As we head into the new year, here is one small dress code habit we are asking every Wildcat to build. During the school day, students should not wear anything on their heads. That means hoods stay down, and hats, caps, beanies, bonnets, du-rags, and other head coverings stay in backpacks or lockers once the day begins. It is a simple expectation, but an important one. Being able to see our students' faces helps us keep the building safe, helps teachers connect with kids during class, and keeps everyone present and engaged.

The only exceptions are head coverings worn for an approved medical or religious reason, and we are always glad to work with any family in that situation. If that applies to your student, just reach out to the front office so we can note it and make sure your child is set for the year. You can help at home by reminding your student to come to school ready to leave the hood down and the hat off. Little reminders now save everyone the awkward hallway conversation later, and they help us start the year on the same page. As always, thanks for partnering with us on this one.

Every day is a fresh chance for your student to learn something new, laugh with a friend, and take one more step forward, and it all starts with showing up. When our Wildcats are here day after day, great things happen. They stay connected to their teachers, they keep their momentum going, and they get the full Newport High experience we work so hard to give them.

That is why we are excited about our goal this year to reach 93.4 percent attendance together. It is a goal we know our families can help us hit, and every single day counts toward it. Get your Wildcat here, cheer them on, and let us take care of the rest. Here every day, the Wildcat way.

The LIHEAP Summer Subsidy Program will accept applications August 3 through September 11, 2026, to help eligible Kentucky households offset cooling costs with a one-time electric benefit. Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are depleted.

Interested households should contact their local NKCAC-Neighborhood Center to determine eligibility and complete the application process. To find the office serving your county, visit www.nkcac.org or call 859-581-6607.

To qualify, households must meet eligibility requirements, including having a household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Benefits are paid directly to the household's electric provider.

Please note:

• A disconnect notice, past-due bill, or eviction notice is not required to apply.

• Receiving assistance during previous LIHEAP components does not affect eligibility for this program.

The Wildcat Market is open and ready to welcome Newport families. It's a free shopping market available to all Newport students and their families, where you can pick up food, fresh produce, clothing for children and adults, hygiene products, household items, and other everyday necessities. Everything is provided at no cost thanks to generous donations and community partnerships. If you like Plato's Closet or Goodwill, you'll love the Wildcat Market, and new items arrive every month. The Market is open on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month from 12:00 to 4:00 PM, so you can shop twice a month. This year's shopping dates run from August 27th all the way through May 27th, with the only closure on October 8th. For the full 2026-2027 schedule and more information, find us on Facebook. One district, one community, stronger together.

Newport Independent Schools wants families to know about two rights they have under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). First, you can request information about any state or district testing policy, including what a given assessment covers, why students take it, how much instructional time it uses, and when and how results are shared. Second, you have the right to ask about the professional qualifications of your child's teacher and any paraeducator who works with your child. That includes whether they meet Kentucky's certification and licensing requirements, whether they are teaching under an emergency or provisional status, and their college major, degree, and field of certification. To request testing information, contact Autumn Slankard, District Assessment Coordinator, at 859-292-3092 or autumn.slankard@newport.kyschools.us. For educator qualifications, contact Dr. Melissa Hemmerle, Director of Federal Programs, at 859-292-3092 or melissa.hemmerle@newport.kyschools.us. When you reach out, please include your child's name, school, grade, and the specific information you want. Translation, interpretation, and accessible formats are available on request.

We've got a full week ahead at Newport, both in the classroom and on the field. Here's what's on the calendar for our Wildcats.

The big one for every student is Tuesday, August 25, when grades 7 through 12 take the IXL Universal Screener diagnostic. This test helps us understand where each student is doing well and where they might need a little extra support, so it matters that kids show up ready to do their best. A couple of simple things make a real difference. Please make sure your student gets a good night's sleep the night before and eats a solid breakfast that morning. A rested, fed brain does its best thinking, and that's all we're asking for on test day.

On the athletics side, it's a busy stretch. Varsity Volleyball opens the week Monday at the All "A" Classic against NCC at Beechwood, then plays at St. Patrick's on Wednesday and at Pendleton County on Friday. Middle School Football travels to Tichenor on Wednesday, and Varsity Football hits the road Friday for Week 2 at Lloyd. Come out, wear your red and black, and cheer these teams on.et's fill those stands and make this a fall to remember.

Go Wildcats!

Big things are happening for Wildcat football, and we could not be prouder. Two of our own, Sean Hurry and Ryder Brewer, have been named to Bluegrass Gameday's Class A Top 10 Defensive Linemen in Kentucky. That is a serious honor, and it puts Newport right in the middle of the conversation among the best programs in the state.

Sean checked in at number three on the list, and Ryder earned the number nine spot. Having two players from the same school recognized this way says a lot about the work these young men put in, on the field and in the weight room, and about the coaching that helps them get there.

We are looking forward to another great season of Wildcat football, and we hope you will come out and support Sean, Ryder, and the entire team as they get after it this fall. Congratulations to both of you.

Go Wildcats!

Mark your calendar for Saturday, August 29. The Newport High School Youth Service Center is teaming up with Good Deeds Pharmacy to host a Community Resource Fair at the NHS Stadium from 12 to 3 PM, and everyone is invited.

The whole idea is to connect our families with the people and organizations that can help them build brighter futures. You'll get to meet college graduates, local business owners, and community service agencies, all in one place and all ready to share what they do.

And it's not just about the resources. Come hungry and ready to have some fun, because we'll have food trucks, a bouncy house, music, and plenty more to keep the whole family entertained.

We hope to see you there. Bring the family, bring your neighbors, and let's keep building a stronger community together.

Newport High School is hosting a Back to School Softball Camp with the Newport Ladycats, and it's a great chance for players to sharpen their skills before the new season gets going. Starting August 20th at Newport Vets (26 Caroline Dr, Newport, KY 41071), the camp is open to all players in grades 7 through 12, no matter where they are in their development. Players will work on the fundamentals that matter most, including hitting, fielding, throwing, base running, and game situations, all while building the confidence and teamwork that carry over to every part of the game. Best of all, the camp is completely free. It just takes commitment and effort. If your athlete is ready to grow as a player and start the season strong, contact Coach Turner at kenneth.turner@newport.kyschools.us to register today.