A Message from
Superintendent
John R. Williamson

Dear Model Families,

As Educator Appreciation Week comes to a close, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who have generously shown support and appreciation to our dedicated faculty and staff not only this week but throughout the entire year.

A big thank you to all who gave on EKU Giving Day! Your generosity directly contributes to the advancement of our students through initiatives such as the Model's Future Educators Fund, athletics, and program enhancements. We appreciate all donors for investing in our world-class students.

With only two weeks remaining in the school year, there is still much to do and to experience together. I invite you to join us at the various upcoming ceremonies and events as we honor and celebrate our students and their achievements. Additionally, the entire Model Family is invited to attend the Graduation and Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 24, at the EKU Center for the Arts at 7:00 p.m. We look forward to celebrating and recognizing the Class of 2024 as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

Please remember students do not have school tomorrow, Friday, May 10. However, Model offices will remain open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Also, don't forget the last day of school is Thursday, May 23, with dismissal at 12:55 p.m.

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

Sincerely,

Wrapping Up the School Year

Final Exam Schedule

All students in grades 7-12 will participate in final exams on Tuesday, May 21, and Wednesday, May 22. See the exam schedule here.

Last Day of School

The last day of school is Thursday, May 23, and dismissal is at 12:55 p.m. MPO is providing pizza for lunch that day. Summer Break begins for students on Friday, May 24.

Lost and Found

During the last week of school on May 20-23, all lost and found items found throughout the school year will be out in the front lobby for parents and students to come by and claim their items. All items not claimed will be donated.

Important Notices

Food Service Accounts

All account balances must be at $0.00 or have a positive balance by Monday, May 20, 2024. Positive school balances will roll forward to the 2024-2025 school year, and negative balance charges are not permitted between now and the end of the year.

For Seniors to participate in the Commencement ceremony, Senior parents must pay off any balance by Monday, May 20, 2024. Seniors who have a positive balance as of May 23, 2024, may request a refund from Aramark or a transfer of funds to siblings in their household.

Contact Cafeteria Manager Amie Speakman at speakman-amie@aramark.com for balance, purchase, or menu inquiries.

Technology Return: Graduating Seniors / Non-Returning Secondary Students

If you are a Senior or a Secondary student not returning to Model for the 2024-2025 school year, please return all checked out technology by 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 22, to Mr. Tim Hoover at his office (Room #1104)

Class of 2024 Graduation Information

Seniors and their families received an email with important information about graduation today. All Model families and community members are welcome to attend the ceremony on Friday, May 24, at 7:00 p.m.; if you are not able to attend, you can live-stream the ceremony at bit.ly/modellivestream.

Senior Walk

The annual Senior Walk is at 8:30 a.m. Thursday, May 23. The graduates' families and friends are invited to join us outside the front of the school as the Seniors take their last trip around the halls of Model.

Summer Programs

Several summer programs and camps are happening all around Richmond beginning at the end of the month. Also, Model Library's annual summer reading program begins May 24 and lasts throughout the entire summer.

For all summer program information, go to this page on our website: model.eku.edu/page/summer.

Kentucky State Assessments Continue

Required state assessments began this Monday, May 6, for Grades 3-8 and 10-11, and they will continue over the course of the next two weeks (May 6-17) in various subjects. To best prepare your child to do their best on the Kentucky State Assessments,

• Encourage them to approach the testing with a positive attitude
• Make sure they have a good night’s sleep the night before
• Ensure they eat a good, healthy breakfast the morning of testing

Nine Students Accepted into Prestigious Summer Programs

Model Laboratory School is excited to announce 10 acceptances among nine students into various prestigious summer programs around the Commonwealth and beyond! Congratulations to these young student leaders on their acceptance:
Governor's Scholars Program
Keaton Carr ('25), Ava Lepp ('25), Beckett Parker-Noblitt ('25)

Governor's School for the Arts
Bailey Combs ('25, Visual Art), Jessi King ('26, Film + Photography), Jackson Meade ('25, Film + Photography)

Governor's School for Entrepreneurs
Ashvita Sherigar ('26)

McConnell Center Youth Leadership Academy at the University of Louisville
Claire Ballou ('26), Jiwoo Kim ('27)

Emerging Rural Leaders at the University of Chicago
Jiwoo Kim ('27)
 

Model Appreciates Our Educators!

Thank you to everyone who showed their support for Model educators this week during Educator Appreciation Week! A special thank you also goes to Model Parent Organization for providing treats for our faculty and staff this week!

Media arts students created a video to honor Model educators during Educator Appreciation Week, and you can watch it at this link.

Grade 5 Gifts Goody Bags at EKU

As EKU students close out this academic year with finals, Model's grade 5 students gifted goody bags around campus to students for a little pick-me-up as they studied for finals.

Fourth and Fifth Grade Dance

Fifth Grade Explores Washington D.C. on Class Trip

2024-25 MPO Officers

Please congratulate and welcome the following parents as the newly-elected 2024-25 school year Model Parent Organization officers:

• President: Gerald Tatum
• Vice President: Michelle Siler
• Secretary: Faith Erdmann
• Treasurer: Patricia Morgeson
• Elementary School Representative: Sharon Moberly
• Middle School Representative: Wendy Wilkinson Ridout
• High School Representative: Beverly Runyon

Advisory Council

The Model Advisory Council provides strategic insights and support to Model in connection with the university and broader community. If you are interested in serving on the Advisory Council, please visit this web page for more information and to apply.

Search Committee Interest

Parent input is invaluable, and we want to make sure you have the opportunity to help make decisions at Model Lab. We are always looking for parents to serve on search/interview committees, so if you are interested in serving at any point please fill out this form.

Purchase Your 2023-24 Yearbook! 

If you wish to purchase a 2023-2024 yearbook, visit https://www.balfour.com/kentucky/richmond/model-laboratory-school. Yearbooks are on sale until June 15, 2024. Reminder: yearbooks are not delivered until Summer 2024 and distribution information will be provided then.

If you have any questions, contact Rachel Cornelius at rachel.cornelius@eku.edu.

End-of-Year Events

• No School for Students: Friday, May 10
• Kentucky State Assessments: May 6-17 (see all assessment info here)
• Class of 2024 Recognition Banquet: Thursday, May 16, 6:00 p.m.
•  Secondary Awards: Friday, May 17, @ Keen Johnson
  • Grades 7-8, 9:00 a.m.
  • Grades 9-11, 1:00 p.m.
• Junior/Senior Prom: Saturday, May 18
• Grandparents' and Grandfriends' Breakfast (Grades K-3): Friday, May 17, 8:00-9:00 a.m.
• Elementary Field Day: Monday, May 20
• Kindergarten Kiss Your Brain: Wednesday, May 22, 6:00 p.m.
• Final Exams: Tuesday, May 21-Wednesday, May 22 (schedule)
• Senior Walk: Thursday, May 23, 8:30 a.m.
• Secondary Field Day: Thursday, May 23, 9:00 a.m.
• Last Day of School (dismiss at 12:55 p.m.): Thursday, May 23
• Graduation and Commencement Ceremony: Friday, May 24, 7:00 p.m.