Harlan Independent Schools

🎉 Congratulations to our Kindergarten Students of the Month for October! 🎉

We’re so proud of our Harlan Dragons for their hard work, kindness, and great attitudes this month! 🐉💚

Keep shining bright, Dragons! 🌟

🎉 Congratulations to our First Grade Students of the Month for October at HES! We are so proud of you! 💚🐉

🏀 Basketball season is underway at Harlan Elementary! Our 3rd and 4th grade teams are hitting the court and ready to make this season one to remember! We can’t wait to watch them grow, compete, and show that Dragon pride! 💚💪🐉 Let’s go, Dragons! 🏀💥

⭐ Way to go, 2nd Grade Students of the Month at HES! ⭐ Your kindness, effort, and determination make us so proud. Keep up the amazing work, Dragons! 🐉💚

🎉 Congratulations to our 3rd Grade Students of the Month at HES for October! We are so proud of your hard work, positive attitude, and leadership. Keep shining, Dragons! 🐉✨

🏀 Basketball season is here! The Lady Dragons have their first scrimmage of the season today at Madison Southern H.S. Both JV and Varsity will be playing. Tip-off is set for 4 PM. Good luck, ladies!

Harlan Cross Country Shines at State Championship The Harlan Cross Country program proudly represented the Harlan Independent School District at the 2025 KHSAA State Championship in Lexington this past weekend, with 13 runners—six girls and seven boys—taking the line for one of the most competitive meets of the year. For many of our athletes, it was their first-ever State appearance, and they rose to the occasion with grit, determination, and heart. Girls’ Team The girls’ team, Harper Carmical (22:30.43), Priscilla Stewart (24:51.06), Cora Jones (25:22.48), Lillie Carver (26:23.41), Josephine Toll (26:25.19), and Gwendolyn Toll (29:15.66), finished 19th overall, showing strong improvement against regional competition. Of the six runners, only three, Carmical, Stewart, and Gwendolyn Toll, had previous State experience, making this an exciting moment for the young, growing team. Their perseverance throughout the season has laid a foundation for future success, as they continue to build a program centered on teamwork, resilience, and consistent progress. Boys’ Team On the boys’ side, Tanner Daniels led the team with an incredible third-place finish, clocking an outstanding 16:11.87, a major improvement from last season’s performance. Cooper Thomas (19:22.67), Gibson Wilder (20:36.52), Cruz Galloway (20:42.82), Dalton Halcomb (20:52.26), Xavier Farley (21:28.52), and Garrett Wilder (22:11.57) all delivered strong performances, many setting new personal bests. Thomas battled through adversity, running nearly the entire race with one spike after being cleated in the first 400 meters, but refused to let it slow him down. For several of the boys, including six first-time State qualifiers, this race marked the start of a new tradition, one built on commitment and championship aspirations. A Program on the Rise Coach Erin Alred shared her pride and optimism for the team’s future, stating: “This trip for these kids was such a wonderful experience. They know now what it takes to make it and want to continue to grow. I do not think we will have another State appearance drought for a long time. So proud to be part of this program and coach these kids.” This year’s State Championship was not just a race—it was a statement. The foundation has been laid for a program that intends to make State appearances a new normal. The district and community could not be prouder of these student-athletes for representing Harlan with excellence, perseverance, and heart. Congratulations to all of our runners on an incredible season!

🎉 Congratulations to our 4th Grade Students of the Month at HES for October! 🎉 We are so proud of your hard work, positive attitude, and leadership. Keep shining, Dragons! 🐉✨

🎉 Congratulations to our 4th Grade Students of the Month at Harlan Elementary! 🎉 We are so proud of your hard work, positive attitude, and leadership. Keep shining, Dragons! 🐉✨

🎉 Congratulations to all of our Distinguished and Proficient Dragons at HES! 🐉 These students worked hard and earned all A’s or all A’s and B’s on their report cards! We are so proud of your effort, determination, and commitment to excellence. Keep up the amazing work, Dragons! 🌟

📸 Picture Retake Day! Picture retakes will be held on Monday, November 10th at Harlan Elementary. If you missed the original picture day or would like a new photo taken, this is your chance! We can’t wait to see all those smiling faces! 💙🐉

Students in Mrs. Dixon’s class became animal experts this week! Each student pair researched an animal they believe should be added to our nearest zoo. After gathering facts, they created colorful exhibit posters showcasing their animals and wrote persuasive opinion letters to convince the zookeeper why their animal would make a great addition. We’re so proud of their hard work, creativity, and growing research skills! 🐍🐘🦥

🎃 Halloween Fun at Sunshine Preschool!👻 From trick-or-treating and fun games to face painting and delicious treats, there were smiles and giggles all around! And let’s not forget the amazing Book Fair — we loved seeing our little learners so excited about reading and learning through fun! At Sunshine Preschool, every day is a nice day to grow, learn, and shine! ☀️

🏀 It’s Gameday, Green Dragons! 🏀

Come out and cheer on our Harlan Green Dragons as they take on the Pineville Mountain Lions this evening! The action starts with our 3rd/4th grade boys at 6:00 PM, followed by the 5th/6th grade and 7th/8th grade boys’ teams.
Let’s fill the stands and show our Dragon pride! 💚🐉

🏈 Good luck to the Green Dragons in the first round of the playoffs. Tonight's game against the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets is set for 7 pm. #GoBigGreen 🐉

Thanks to journalism student Ray Smith for today's gameday graphic!

Students in Dr. Saylor’s English III class stepped into the courtroom last week for a full-scale mock trial inspired by The Crucible. While reading Arthur Miller’s classic, students brought the play to life by taking on the roles of judges, attorneys, witnesses, and jurors in The Commonwealth of Salem vs. Elizabeth Proctor. They analyzed evidence, questioned motives, delivered opening and closing statements, and debated what justice, truth, and integrity really mean. This engaging activity challenged students to think critically, argue effectively, and connect timeless themes to the world around them, all while having a little fun in 1692 Salem. #TheCrucible  #StudentEngagement #MockTrial

📷 Don't forget, Picture Day is Friday, November 7th, for all Harlan middle school and high school students! This includes Senior photos.

Thanks to journalism student Tiana Penny for the graphic!

🏀 HOME GAME!! 🏀

It's GAMEDAY for the HMS Green Dragons as they will host the Knox Central Panthers this evening!! Tip-off is slated for the 5/6 Grade team at 6:00 PM, with 7/8 Grade action following!! Let's go, Green!! #MoreThanASchool #FamilyofDragons

🏀 It’s Gameday, and our FIRST HOME GAME of the season! 🏀

Join us tonight as the Harlan Green Dragons face off against the Middlesboro Yellow Jackets!

⏰ Tip-Off: 3/4 Grade @ 6 PM, with 5/6 Grade and 7/8 Grade to follow
📍 Where: Harlan High Gymnasium

Let’s pack the stands, show our Dragon pride, and bring the energy! 💚