Tuesday, January 20, 2026 |
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A Message from
Superintendent
John R. Williamson |
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Dear Model Families,
Welcome back to a new semester at Model Lab! The second semester of the 2025–2026 school year is off to a strong start, and we are excited to continue partnering with you as we move forward together.
As winter weather becomes more likely, we encourage families to ensure their contact information is current in Infinite Campus. Accurate information allows us to communicate effectively regarding inclement weather, NTI days, and school closings. Additionally, in today’s newsletter, you’ll find an inclement weather notice from me, along with additional details about our NTI and closing procedures.
This Friday, January 23, we invite you to join us for Homecoming and the Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony as we honor three new Class of 2026 inductees. Please join us in the Model gym for this special event and see the schedule of events below.
Ground preparation has been underway at the new Model site, and I am excited to share photos highlighting this early phase of progress below. While much of this work happens behind the scenes, it marks an important step forward and reflects our continued investment in Model’s facilities and learning environment.
Thank you for choosing Model for your child’s education.
Sincerely,
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John R. Williamson
Superintendent & Dean of P-12 Programs
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1. Letter from the Superintendent: Inclement Weather Notice
2. Join Us for Homecoming and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions
3. Construction Update
4. Model Students Selected for Honor Bands
5. Mock Trial Prepares for Regional Competition
6. Model DECA Moves on to State
7. Model Laboratory School Theatre Presents: Blood Brothers
8. NTI and School Closing Information
9. Follow Us on Social Media: @ekumodel
10. Events & Athletics Calendars
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Letter from the Superintendent: Inclement Weather Notice |
Dear Model Families,
As we enter the winter months, decisions regarding school operations during inclement weather are among the most challenging responsibilities of my role as superintendent, as they are for school leaders across the country. Each situation requires careful consideration of many factors, often with limited information and time.
We understand that every family’s circumstances are unique. Some families travel longer distances, others have work obligations or childcare needs, and we know it can be difficult to plan around changing weather conditions. While we strive to make the best decision for our school community as a whole, rarely will one decision perfectly meet every family’s situation.
Model Laboratory Schools operates within a unique setting, and weather-related decisions involve consultation with Eastern Kentucky University leadership and facilities personnel. I have heard from some of you that the last weather delay was made too late. As we continue through the winter season, my goal is to provide weather-related decisions no later than 6:00 a.m., to help families plan accordingly.
If you believe conditions are not safe for your child to attend school, you should never put yourself or your child in harm’s way. Students who stay home for safety reasons will not be penalized with an unexcused absence.
Model Laboratory Schools has a long-standing tradition of remaining in session on days when surrounding districts may close. As a non-bus school, we do not face the same transportation challenges as districts that rely on daily bus routes, which often allows us greater flexibility. I aim to make decisions that benefit student learning and continuity.
I ask for your understanding as these decisions are made. I am always open to hearing from families and value direct communication rather than social media to maintain the positive, supportive environment we value at Model.
Your partnership and trust are essential as we navigate these situations together.
John R. Williamson
John.Williamson@eku.edu
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Join Us for Homecoming and Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions |
Homecoming and the Athletic Hall of Fame Inductions are both on Friday, January 23. Please join us for a night celebrating past and present Model Patriots!
Order of Events:
6:00 p.m. JV Boys Basketball game vs. Western Hills
6:45 p.m. Athletic Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, immediately after the JV game
7:25 p.m. Riley Mollette (‘26) honored as the new All-Time Rebounds Leader
7:30 p.m. Varsity Boys Basketball game vs. Western Hills
8:00 p.m. Homecoming Court Crowning, Varsity halftime
Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees to be Honored:
- Ephraim Otieno ('16), Boys Basketball
- Gus Benson ('14), Boys Tennis
- Fran Skye McCloud ('79), Girls Basketball and Track & Field
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We’re excited to share a snapshot of progress at the new school site. Ground preparation is in motion, and these early steps mark the beginning of an exciting journey toward a new learning space for our students. |
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Model Students Selected for Honor Bands |
Congratulations to the following students on their selection to the Bluegrass All-Region Band! These students were invited to perform as part of an ensemble at the Boyle County Performing Arts Center alongside selectees from 20 schools across the region.
Tate Petrey ('26)
Ethan Witt ('28)
Congratulations to the following students for auditioning and earning a spot in the District 11 Middle School Honor Band!
First Chair Keyboard: Mia Siler ('30)
Eighth Chair Clarinet: Parker Wilson ('31)
Third Chair Bass Clarinet: Walker Howell ('30)
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Mock Trial Prepares for Regional Competition |
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Model Mock Trial competed at the 2026 UK Wildcat Invitational on Saturday, January 17.
Congratulations to Jenny Taliaferro ('26) for placing as a Top 10 Witness! (right)
The team will compete in the Kentucky High School Mock Trial Association Regional Competition on January 31 and February 1.
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Model DECA Moves on to State |
Congratulations to Model DECA! The team competed in the Regional Career Development Conference at EKU on Friday, January 16.
- Matthew Marks ('27) and David Tofan ('27) placed first in Entrepreneurship Team Decision Making.
- Aiden Flynn ('27) placed second in Automotive Services Marketing.
- Alice Schneider ('27) and Whitley Combs ('27) placed third in Business Law and Ethics Team Decision Making.
- Tobias Sowders ('27) placed fourth in Community Awareness Project Management.
All will be competing at the DECA State competition in March. |
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Model Laboratory School Theatre Presents: Blood Brothers |
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Showtimes:
- Friday, February 6, 7:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 7, 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday, February 7, 7:00 p.m.
- Sunday, February 8, 2:00 p.m.
Location: EKU Center for the Arts, Black Box Theatre
Ticket Pricing: $10 per ticket
This show is recommended for ages 13 and up.*
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Book, Music, and Lyrics by Willy Russell
Blood Brothers is a powerful and emotionally charged musical that tells the story of twin brothers, Mickey and Eddie, separated at birth and raised in very different worlds. Though bound by fate and an unbreakable childhood bond, the boys grow up on opposite sides of the social divide, shaped by class, opportunity, and circumstance.
As they reconnect throughout their lives, their friendship is tested by superstition, jealousy, and the consequences of choices beyond their control. With a compelling score and gripping narrative, Blood Brothers explores themes of family, loyalty, and inequality—building toward a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion that asks how much our lives are shaped by fate versus choice.
Tickets go on sale soon! Be sure to check our website and follow us on social media for the latest updates.
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Also, stay tuned for an announcement about auditions and information for the schoolwide musical to be performed April 23-26 at the Center for the Arts main stage.
This musical will be open to students in grades 4-12. Auditions are currently scheduled to occur the week of February 16.
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School Closing and NTI Information
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Information on Inclement Weather and Learning Disruption Notifications |
In the event there is potential inclement weather or a disruption to learning we cannot control, such as facilities (i.e. heat, water, etc.) or a community concern, we will alert parents of the possibility of a nontraditional (NTI) day or a school closing. Please read the following information about unanticipated or anticipated events.
All the information below can always be found and printed off of our website at model.eku.edu/closings.
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Anticipated Weather or Learning Disruption Event - NTI Day
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Families will receive notification via phone call, text, and/or email ahead of time if we are utilizing a nontraditional (NTI) Day.
The state has approved all school districts to use up to 10 NTI days that may be used for school closures related to weather or other events that disrupt the learning environment.
Assignments and attendance during NTI:
Teachers will be available and can be contacted 7:50 a.m.-2:55 p.m. Expect communication from teachers via email or Rooms /school app.
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Grades K-3:
- Teachers will send home a packet with instructions before the anticipated event that students need to complete and return upon returning to school.
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Grades 4-12:
- Teachers will post assignments by 8:00 a.m. on Google Classroom or Infinite Campus, and students are to complete them based on the teacher's specified directions and due date.
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ECDC/Preschool:
- Teachers will send home a packet, or send it electronically, with two activities or lessons students can complete at home.
- Attendance will be determined by the returned packet or submitted online work.
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Unanticipated Weather or Learning Disruption Event - No School
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- Families will receive notification via phone call, text, and/or email promptly about the closing, and it will clarify if faculty will report.
- Model currently has three days of banked hours that can be used for unanticipated weather or a learning disruption event.
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Should we have more than three unanticipated days and use all 10 NTI days, we have the option and flexibility to require students to come on a currently scheduled no-school day.
- If we do not use those days to make up for a missed day, the graduation ceremony may have to be rescheduled and students would be required to attend school after Memorial Day. This is less than ideal and a last resort.
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We can’t fit every celebration 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, event photography, and celebrations from across campus. |
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School & Community Events |
Saturday, January 24
Sunday, January 25
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Saturday, January 31
- Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Kentucky Country Day, 12:00 p.m.
- Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Berea, 1:30 p.m.
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Tuesday, February 3
- Varsity Boys Basketball vs. Pineville, 7:30 p.m.
- Varsity Girls Basketball @ Trinity Christian, 6:30 p.m.
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Thursday, February 5
- Varsity Girls Basketball vs. Somerset Christian, 7:30 p.m.
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Friday, February 6
- Varsity Boys Basketball @ Lynn Camp, 7:30 p.m.
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Wednesday, February 18
- Athletic Signing: Darby Nelson (Swim), 3:30 p.m., Auditorium
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Model Laboratory Schools at Eastern Kentucky University
521 Lancaster Avenue, Richmond, KY 40475
859-622-4000 • model.eku.edu • @EKUModel |
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