Model Laboratory Schools

Parent Newsletter

Monday, September 29, 2025

creativity class
soccer
Mock Trial @ Yale
climbing at the Rec
Williamson

A Message from

Superintendent

John R Williamson

Dear Model Families,

As we head into Fall Break, it’s a natural time to pause and appreciate the energy and momentum of the first half of the semester. From classroom learning to athletic competitions and community traditions, Term 1 has already offered so many moments to celebrate—and there’s more on the way.

This week, our fall athletes are stepping into postseason play, beginning with middle school soccer in the conference tournament tonight. We’re also looking forward to one of our favorite traditions: Grandparents’ and Grand-Friends’ Day this Friday, when we welcome elementary students' special guests to campus for a morning of connection and celebration.

Please remember: Model Laboratory Schools and offices will be closed from Monday, October 6, through Friday, October 10, for Fall Break. Dual Credit students should attend class Wednesday through Friday unless they have made prior arrangements with their professors, as EKU is only closed on Monday and Tuesday.

When we return, we’ll jump right into Term 1 wrap-up and look ahead to our Fall Festival on Friday, October 17. Until then, enjoy a safe and restful break!

Thank you for choosing Model for your child's education.

Sincerely,

John Signature

John R. Williamson

Superintendent & Dean of P-12 Programs

In This Newsletter:

  1. Mock Trial Competes Globally at Yale Invitational

  2. ECDC Teachers Present at State Conference

  3. Picture Day

  4. Yearbook Information

  5. Youth Basketball League

  6. Find Us on Social Media

  7. Events & Athletics Calendars

Mock Trial Competes Globally at Yale Invitational

Model’s Mock Trial team spent more than 25 hours on campus the weekend of September 20-21 as they competed in the Yale Bulldog Invitational Virtual Mock Trial Competition. This prestigious international event brought together teams from across the globe, offering students the chance to test their legal reasoning, collaboration, and public speaking skills in high-level rounds.

Great job to Jenny Taliaferro (’26), Teddy Mott (’26), Jules Combs (’26), Aaron Jenkins (’27), Bea McCoy (’29), Avnita Sherigar (’29), Colin Wangler (’29), Jiwoo Kim (’27), and Youngwoo Kim (’26). Also a big thank-you to coaches Brian McCoy, J.D. and Haley McCoy for their guidance and support!

Way to represent Model on the global stage!

Mock Trial @ Yale
Mock Trial @ Yale
Mock Trial @ Yale

ECDC Teachers Present at State Conference

Early Childhood Development Center teachers Jennifer Duty, Jaime Priode, and Sarah Winkler represented Model at the Kentucky Association for Early Childhood Education Conference on Saturday, September 20, 2025.

Their presentation, inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, showcased how recyclable and natural “loose parts” can be used to create hands-on, meaningful learning experiences for young children. The session highlighted innovative ways to align these creative activities with the Kentucky Early Childhood Standards.

ECDC KAECE
ECDC KAECE

Picture Day

All students will have their photo taken for the yearbook on one of the following dates:

  • Monday, September 29

    • Preschool/ECDC and Kindergarten; Senior composite retakes

  • Thursday, October 2

    • Grades 1-11

  • Retakes for P-11, future date TBA

Picture Day

Yearbook Information

The yearbooks for the 2024-25 school year have arrived and distribution has begun!

If your child was enrolled at Model last year, their reserved yearbook should have been delivered to them at school or the parent/guardian was notified by email that it's available for pickup. Please spread the word that yearbooks may be picked up at the front desk if it hasn't been received yet!

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The 2025-26 yearbook cost is included in every student’s tuition and fees, and EVERY student in Preschool through Grade 12 will receive a 2026 yearbook.

This means, you do NOT have to purchase a yearbook separately online. You will be notified by October 2026 when the 2026 yearbooks are available.

Model Patriots Youth Basketball League

Hosted by the Model Boys Basketball Team

The Model Patriots Youth Basketball League is a 6-week developmental league for girls and boys, grades 1-4, designed to build skills, learn what it means to be a great teammate, compete, and have fun, while developing the Patriots of the future.

Find more information and register at model.eku.edu/ball-league.

basketball league

Want more Model moments?

We can’t fit everything into the newsletter, but our social media can! Follow us on social platforms (@ekumodel) or visit our website (model.eku.edu) to catch the latest highlights, everyday happenings, behind-the-scenes snapshots, and celebrations from across campus.

ekumodel
Grandparents Day

School & Community Events

Wednesday, October 1

  • First Grade Trip

Thursday, October 2

  • Fall Picture Day for Grades 1-11

Friday, October 3

  • Grandparents' & Grand-friends' Day

Monday, October 6 - Friday, October 10

  • Fall Break - No School

Tuesday, October 14

  • FAFSA Parent Seminar, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, October 15

  • Advisory Council

Thursday, October 16

  • Choir Concert, 6:00 p.m.

Friday, October 17

  • Term 1 Ends

  • Fall Festival

Saturday, October 18

  • Middle School Halloween Dance, 6:00-8:00 p.m., Gym

Athletic Events

Tuesday, September 29

  • Varsity Boys Soccer at FCA, 6:00 p.m.

  • Varsity Girls Soccer at Corbin, 6:00 p.m.

  • Volleyball vs. LCA, 6:00 p.m.

  • Middle School Boys Soccer vs. Garrard County, Conference Tournament, 5:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 30

  • Volleyball vs. FCA, 6:00 p.m. (Senior Night)

  • Middle School Girls Soccer at Bellevue vs. Foley, Conference Semi-Finals, 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday, October 1

  • Varsity Boys Soccer at Rowan County, 6:00 p.m.

  • Middle School Boys Soccer at Bellevue vs. TBD, Conference Semi-Finals, 5:30 p.m

Thursday, October 2

  • Varsity Girls Soccer at. Garrard County, 6:00 p.m.

  • Middle School Soccer at Bellevue vs. TBD, Conference Finals, 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.