Our Journey is Fleming County Schools’ district-wide newsletter, shared weekly with students, teachers, staff, parents, and guardians. It serves as a clear and consistent line of communication that keeps our school community informed, connected, and aligned. Our Journey helps create a shared understanding of where we are, where we are headed, and why the work matters.

The Week of Monday, April 27, 2026

Meet Ariez Jones, an eighth-grade student at Simons Middle School.

There are moments in the teaching and learning process that rise above the rest. Moments that capture something meaningful, something lasting. Ariez’s Celebration of Learning was one of those moments. While he began with some understandable nerves, it didn’t take long for him to find his footing. As his presentation unfolded, Ariez took control of both the experience and the conversation, demonstrating confidence, composure, and ownership of his learning. 

One of his teachers, Mrs. Crystal Thayer, shared, "Ariez has a sunny disposition that draws his peers to him, a witty charm, a kind heart, and an admirable work ethic both inside the classroom and beyond. He is a goal setter and works intently toward success in every aspect."

What stood out even more was how he described himself. It is rare to hear a student confidently identify as a “Distinguished Writer,” especially when that claim is not tied to a single test score, but to authentic evidence of learning. Ariez’s writing artifacts reflect that distinction. They are thoughtful, well-crafted, and uniquely his. His work captures not only skill, but voice, purpose, and a clear sense of identity as a writer.

Ariez reminds us what is possible when students are allowed to take ownership of their learning and present it with authenticity. His work is not just impressive. It leaves a mark.

In April, students in Kindergarten through 12th grade will finalize their grade-level BPI requirements. This includes revising their BPI websites based on feedback and participating in the End-of-Year Presentations of Learning.

The End-of-Year Presentations of Learning make learning visible, explainable, and owned by students. They are not an event at the end of the year. They are the culminating demonstration of deeper learning. This is where students synthesize their experiences, connect their learning across contexts, and clearly articulate how their growth prepares them for what comes next.

EoY Presentations of Learning, including TED Talks, Defenses of Learning, Celebrations of Learning, Website Defenses, and Passion Projects, provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate communication skills in authentic ways. The information presented matters. What matters even more is the student’s ability to clearly communicate their thinking, justify their evidence, and tell the story of their learning in a way that is coherent, reflective, and grounded in evidence.

Please refer to each school’s End-of-Year Presentations of Learning schedule for specific dates and times. We invite parents, guardians, and community members to attend. Space is limited, especially at Fleming County High School, where each Senior TED Talk is filled with students, families, educators, community members, and visitors from across Kentucky.

In Fleming County Schools every student leaves a mark. Some pass through quietly, while others shape the experience for those who follow. Our Student Leader Spotlight recognizes students who are not only achieving, but intentionally leaving footprints that matter. These students represent more than success in the moment. They demonstrate character, leadership, and a commitment to something greater than themselves. Through their actions, decisions, and daily choices, they are helping define what it means to be a student in Fleming County.

We often ask a simple but powerful question:
Fifty years from now, how do you want to be remembered?

The answers reveal something deeper than accomplishments. They speak to perseverance, integrity, faith, and the kind of impact that lasts beyond the classroom. As a district, we believe leadership is not about titles or recognition. It is about the footprints we leave behind. It is about how we influence others, how we respond to challenges, and how we carry our values into everything we do. Our Student Leaders are not just preparing for the future. They are shaping it, one step at a time.

In Fleming County Schools, we celebrate the creativity and talent of our K-12 students. From paintings and designs to choir, band, and drama performances, the arts are alive in every corner of our schools. Take a moment to explore this week’s featured work and help us celebrate the incredible ways our students are creating and expressing themselves.

Context: Chaos and Order

Art students at Fleming County High School often explore the balance between chaos and order. Chaos can represent what feels random, messy, energetic, unpredictable, or out of control. Order reflects structure, patterns, organization, calm, and control.

In this project, students created artwork that explored the relationship between these two ideas (Chaos and Order). Their work showed chaos transforming into order, order breaking down into chaos, or both existing side by side within the same composition. Students were encouraged to interpret this theme in their own way through color, pattern, composition, symbols, or subject matter. The goal was for the art students to think creatively about how to represent the contrast and interaction between these two forces visually.

Click the student's name for a larger image of their artwork

Hannah Frist, 9th grade (Lion and Lamb)

Stacy Smoot, 11th grade (Colorful Word Puzzle)

Kate Carpenter, 12th grade (Dark Eye)

Addy Doyle, 11th grade (Various Forms of Lines)

Jessi Fryman, 12th grade (Zelda's Sister)

Kylen Wilson, 12th grade (Vision 20/20)

For more information, please contact Mrs. Shalita Compton, Art Teacher at Fleming County High School, at shalita.compton@fleming.kyschools.us

Dear Fleming Countians,

Students across our district in grades 3 through 12 continue to showcase their BPIs through End-of-Year Presentations of Learning. Each presentation represents an important moment in a student’s journey this school year. It is a moment where learning becomes visible, personal, and meaningful.

During these presentations, students are asked to speak not only about their academic growth, but also about who they are becoming. They reflect on their progress as learners, the grade they have earned, and the growth they have experienced as individuals. Just as important, they share what they have discovered about themselves along the way.

There is no textbook to rely on and no single test to complete. Instead, these presentations require students to think deeply, communicate clearly, and stand behind their work. They must organize their ideas, explain their learning, respond to questions, and demonstrate that they have met grade-level expectations in our BRIDGE Performance Indicators. These are the same skills they will carry with them into college, careers, and life beyond school.

In Fleming County, we believe learning should be seen, heard, and experienced. Our community values learning, supports our students, and takes pride in the growth we see across our schools. These presentations reflect that shared commitment. They show what is possible when students take ownership of their learning and when a community stands behind them.

As we move closer to the end of the school year, I encourage you to take time to talk with the students in your life about their learning. Ask them what they are proud of. Ask them what they have learned about themselves. You may be surprised by what you hear.

Thank you for your continued support of Fleming County Schools and the students we serve.

Our Journey Continues…

Brian K. Creasman
Superintendent
Fleming County Schools

In Fleming County Schools, End-of-Year (EoY) Presentations of Learning are authentic, student-driven exhibitions that showcase a student’s growth, mastery, and readiness. They serve as a culminating reflection of the learning journey across the school year. These presentations extend far beyond traditional final exams or year-end reviews. Instead, they are meaningful, public demonstrations of the knowledge, skills, and dispositions students have developed, aligned to the district’s Portrait of a Learner and the BRIDGE Performance Indicators (BPIs).

Local Accountability in Fleming County Schools focuses on what matters most, real learning and real growth. Through multiple measures and authentic student work, we support students, inform families, guide staff, and keep our community connected to how our schools are preparing every learner for the future.

Thursday, April 30, 2026: Senior Website Defenses

Saturday, May 2, 2026: Prom 2026

Friday, May 22, 2026: Last Day of School for Students

Saturday, May 23, 2026: The Class of 2026 Graduation at 10:00 am (FCHS Gymnasium) 🎓