Beginning with the upcoming school year, all Kentucky schools are required to observe a moment of silence or reflection at the start of the first class each day. This new requirement will begin on June 27, 2025, and follows legislation recently passed by the Kentucky General Assembly. Here are the guidelines:

The moment of silence or reflection will last at least one (1) minute but not more than two (2) minutes. During this time, students will remain seated and silent, without making any distracting movements. Each student may use the time to meditate, pray, or engage in any silent activity of their choice that does not interfere with others. School staff will not direct or influence how students choose to reflect.

We encourage you to review these guidelines and discuss them with your child so they can be prepared for this new daily practice.

While on school property or while attending school-sponsored or school-related activities, whether on or off school property, students shall be permitted to possess personal telecommunications devices and other related electronic devices. Students are prohibited from using a personal telecommunication device during instructional time, except during an emergency, or if directed to do so by a teacher for an instructional purpose.

Senate Bill 73 has been passed to address the serious issue of sexual extortion, which involves threatening to share intimate images or information in order to manipulate or control someone.

This law aims to: Increase awareness of the dangers of sexual extortion, especially among youth, strengthen consequences for those who engage in such behavior, and provide resources and support for victims.

We will continue working closely with our school resource officers, counselors, and teachers to educate students about online safety and what to do if they ever feel threatened or unsafe.

This will be the first year a health care provider’s signature is required on the District’s medication administration permission form.  Prior to this year, all that was required on the form was the parent’s signature and dosing instructions. 

The District acknowledges the hardship this policy change may cause for both families and our medical community.  Steps and strategies to alleviate this burden were considered and discussed among school and healthcare leaders in our area.  The ultimate result is the District must remain in compliance with requirements set forth by both the Kentucky Department of Education and the Kentucky School Boards Association.

This policy amendment was not made at the local level only.  Every school system across our state must also abide by these changes.  Each district has the option to opt out of administering all over-the-counter medications; however, Muhlenberg County school staff are committed to providing this service to students with the benefit of increased school attendance and student health and comfort.  

Click on the following link to learn more about this change as well as access to the form: https://5il.co/3n6m1

Senate Bill 181 sets new requirements for how school employees may communicate electronically with students. This law aims to increase student safety, transparency, and accountability in all school-related communication. All communications must be traceable and reviewable. Staff must use approved systems that keep a permanent record of messages. No personal messaging allowed. Teachers and staff may not use personal text messages, personal email, or apps like Snapchat, WhatsApp, or Facebook Messenger when communicating with students.

Only district-approved platforms can be used, including: Remind, Apptegy, ClassDojo, Google Suite (including district email and Google Classroom)

We understand that this may be a change in how you or your child usually hear from school staff, coaches, or other adults connected to school activities. Our goal is to make this transition smooth and user-friendly.

If your child has a non-school relationship with a staff member or volunteer (for example, babysitting, mowing grass, church group, family friend, etc.), we have a form available to allow those types of non-school, non-traceable communications to continue. Muhlenberg County Schools employees and volunteers will have access to this form and guidance on how to use and submit it.

This podcast is where we will learn about all the great moments taking place across our school district as we share updates from our schools, upcoming events, and interviews with people making a difference in Muhlenberg County. Session 2 kicks off on August 27th. You can subscribe on our Muhlenberg County Schools YouTube channel, Apple Podcast, and Spotify.

Muhlenberg County Schools is finalizing our strategic plan to be rolled out this fall. This is a shared vision crafted through collaborative partnerships of students, parents, teachers, staff, community members and administrators. This Blueprint is designed to guide our district into the future. It represents our commitment to "One Voice, One Purpose, One Community," ensuring every decision we make together serves our greatest priority: our students; and ultimately our vision of transforming learning and life outcomes for all students.