Model Laboratory Schools

Parent Newsletter

Monday, September 15, 2025

soccer
May Monarchs
Watercolors Smith
Blakeman
Williamson

A Message from

Superintendent

John R Williamson

Dear Model Families,

It has been a strong and successful start to the school year, and it’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the Term 1 Midterm. I continue to be impressed by the energy, focus, and enthusiasm our students and staff bring to each day. From classrooms to athletic fields, the Model spirit is evident—and it’s clear that we’re building a strong foundation for the year ahead.

Fall sports are in full swing, and our student-athletes are representing Model with determination and pride. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to our community, I encourage you to come out and support our teams. You can find the full athletics schedule at the bottom of this newsletter or on our website.

Midterm grades for students in grades 4-12 will be available in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal on Monday, September 22. Contact modelcounseling@eku.edu for Infinite Campus assistance. As always, your support and encouragement are vital as we move through the first half of the semester and beyond.

Next week, students in grades 1-7 will participate in the Iowa Assessments (September 22-26). These standardized tests help us gather valuable data about student learning and growth. You can support your student’s success by ensuring they get plenty of rest, eat a healthy breakfast, and arrive to school on time. Encouragement and a positive mindset go a long way!

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

Sincerely,

Williamson Signature

John R. Williamson

Superintendent & Dean of P-12 Programs

In This Newsletter:

  1. Grandparents & Grand-Friends' Day: October 3, 2025

  2. Published Patriots

  3. Advisory Council Members

  4. Picture Day

  5. 2025 Yearbook Information

  6. Find Us on Social Media

  7. Events & Athletics Calendars

Grandparents Day

Sign-up and register your grandparent at this link.

Published Patriots

Model faculty and students continue to make their mark beyond the classroom—congratulations to those whose work is being recognized in print and online.

Ten Model students are now published authors in the Journal of Cancer Education! After launching a peer-led cancer education initiative last year, these students co-authored a paper that was officially published this summer—an extraordinary achievement in both public health and academic research.

Student authors: Jiwoo Kim ('27), Youngwoo Kim ('26), Jacob Austin ('27), Aleen Bakhos ('27), Haleigh Bowens ('27), Aiden Flynn ('27), Teddy Mott ('26), Erin Simpkinson ('27), Tobias Sowders ('27), River Turner ('27)

Read the article: "Peer-Led Cancer Education Intervention in Appalachian Kentucky: Evaluating Effects on Participants’ Cancer Knowledge and Perspectives"

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After being named the 2025 Southern District Health Educator of the Year by SHAPE America and the KySHAPE Health Teacher of the Year, Dr. Melanie Smith was invited to contribute to a national health education blog. Dr. Smith provided tips for interdisciplinary learning and how her classroom is collaborative environment.

See the SHAPE America blog here.

Cancer Education
Smith article

2025-26 Advisory Council

Congratulations to the members selected for the 2025-26 Advisory Council!

  • Ms. Claire Ballou ('26)

  • Dr. Tammy Cole

  • Ms. Mary Beth Hammond

  • Mr. Brian Mullins

  • Ms. Stephanie Nelson

  • Dr. Shaniqua Robinson

  • Dr. Elizabeth Smith

  • Mr. Gerald Tatum

  • Mr. Ashley Ward

The Model Advisory Council provides strategic insights and support to Model in connection with the university and broader community. The Advisory Council was established through House Bill 366, now included in KRS 164.380. Members of the Council are appointed by the EKU President, and the Council meets quarterly.

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

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, they have a yearbook reserved, and it will be delivered to them or made available for pickup. More information will be sent via email specific to you or your child.

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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 2025 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.

Find Us on Social Media

Find us on social media or online on our website (model@eku.edu) to discover more content and stay up to date on the latest Model Lab achievements and celebrations.

ekumodel

School & Community Events

Wednesday, September 17

  • Constitution Day

  • Term 1 Midterm

Friday, September 19

  • Pep Rally

  • Sixth Grade Trip

Saturday, September 20

  • Tuition & Fees Due

  • Fall Ball, 8:00-10:00 p.m.

Monday, September 22 - Friday, September 26

  • Iowa Assessments (Grades 1-7)

Monday, September 22

  • Term 1 Midterm Progress Reports Available Online

Tuesday, September 23

  • Financial Aid / KHEAA Parent Meeting, 6:00 p.m.

Monday, September 29

  • Early Childhood & Kindergarten Picture Day / Senior Composite Makeups

Thursday, October 2

  • Fall Picture Day for Grades 1-11

Friday, October 3

  • Grandparents' & Grand-friends' Day -- Sign-up Here

Athletic Events

Monday, September 15

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

  • Middle School Boys & Girls Soccer at Foley, 5:30 & 7:00 p.m.

Tuesday, September 16

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

  • Volleyball at Bell County, 6:00 p.m.

  • Middle School Girls Basketball at East Bernstadt, 6:00 & 7:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 17

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

Thursday, September 18

  • Varsity Boys Soccer vs. Lexington Catholic, 5:30 p.m.

  • MS Girls Basketball at Science Hill, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.

Friday, September 19

  • Middle School Boys & Girls Soccer vs. Caudill (8th Grade Night), 5:30 & 6:45 p.m.

  • Middle School Girls Basketball vs. East Bernstadt, 6:00 & 7:00 p.m.

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

Saturday, September 20

  • Varsity Volleyball at Breathitt County, 4:00 p.m.

Monday, September 22

  • Varsity Girls Soccer vs. Holmes, 6:00 p.m. (Senior Night)

Tuesday, September 23

  • Varsity Boys Soccer vs. South Laurel, 5:30 p.m. (Senior Night)

  • Varsity Volleyball at Kentucky School For The Deaf, 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 24

  • Varsity Volleyball vs. Berea, 7:00 p.m.

Thursday, September 25

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

  • Varsity Volleyball at Bath County, 7:00 p.m.

Saturday, September 27

  • Varsity Volleyball vs. Francis Parker, 11:00 a.m. & 1:00 p.m.

  • EKU's Annual "Extra Yard for Teachers" Football Game

Monday, September 29

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

  • Varsity Girls Soccer at Corbin, 6:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 30

  • Varsity Volleyball vs. Frankfort Christian, 7:00 p.m. (Senior Night)