Harlan Independent Schools

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Cross Country is Back! 🐉💚 It’s time to lace up your running shoes! Join us for the first cross country practice of the season on Monday, July 13 at the HHS Track. 📍 Practice Times: 1st & 2nd Grade: 4:30–5:00 PM 3rd–6th Grade: 5:00–6:00 PM 7th Grade & Up: 6:00 PM ✅ Please bring: 💧 A water bottle 📋 A current sports physical We can’t wait to see both returning and new runners as we kick off another great season. Go Dragons! 🐉

🏀 Attention HES & HMS Girls! 🏀 Join us for Girls Basketball Practice July 13–16 at the Harlan High School Gym! 🕓 3rd–6th Grade: 4:00–5:30 PM 🕔 7th–8th Grade: 5:00–7:00 PM 💚 #GoLadyDragons

HMS Cheer Presents: The Big Top Dragon Cheer Camp!! Check out the graphic for more information and join in on the fun!!

Pre-register by following this link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeRmJT4M1Vg6ygIMvwysaVGdMX2e9r86TvX5xV9H8JbWZR-xQ/viewform

🏐 Harlan Lady Dragons Volleyball Tryouts 🏐

Calling all girls entering grades 7 - 12!! Volleyball tryouts will be held on July 13th and 14th from 9AM to 11AM in the High School Gym. Come ready to compete and work hard!! #GOBIGGREEN

Join us for the first annual "Glowing Back to School 5K (run/walk)" Cross Country Fundraiser! Registration begins at 6 pm in front of the high school. The race will begin promptly at 8:30 pm. Come glow with us!!

Harlan Independent is incredibly proud to celebrate one of our own, Nashayla Harris! What an incredible accomplishment! Nashayla was recently named the Midwest Youth of the Year Runner-Up, placing her among the Top 10 Youth of the Year finalists in the nation. As Kentucky's Youth of the Year, she traveled to Chicago where she shared her inspiring story before corporate executives, Boys & Girls Club leaders, and supporters from across the country. She represented Harlan Independent, our community, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia with confidence, grace, and authenticity. Her achievement reflects her resilience, leadership, determination, and the bright future that lies ahead. We are honored to celebrate Nashayla's success alongside our valued partners at Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia. Together, we have had the privilege of watching her grow into an outstanding young leader who continues to make our community proud. Kateena Haynes, Chief Executive Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia, shared: "Watching Nashayla represent Kentucky on the regional stage was one of the proudest moments in our Club’s history. Being named Midwest Youth of the Year Runner-Up is an incredible accomplishment, but even more inspiring is the leader she has become. Nashayla reminds us what is possible when young people are given opportunity, encouragement, and someone who believes in them. We couldn’t be more proud, and I have no doubt this is only the beginning of her story." Nashayla noted, “Being part of the Boys & Girls Club has been a life-changing experience for me. Through the Youth of the Year program, I have had the opportunity to travel, meet new people, hear inspiring stories, and share my own. The most rewarding part of this journey has been building relationships and using my voice to inspire others. I have learned that it is not just about winning, but about making a difference and never giving up. This experience has helped me grow from a timid young girl into a confident leader. The Boys & Girls Club has given me opportunities to speak publicly, advocate for what I believe in, and discover my passion for helping others. Because of this journey, I hope to pursue a career in advocacy and continue making a positive impact.” Kendra Calhoun, Chief Operations Officer of Boys & Girls Clubs of Appalachia, added: "I've had the privilege of watching Nashayla grow since she first walked through our Club doors at just 6 years old. Seeing her become a confident leader and advocate for young people has been one of the greatest joys of my career. To watch her stand on that regional stage and share her story with such courage was incredibly special. She is proof of what's possible when a community comes together to invest in a child, and I know this is only the beginning of her leadership journey." Adding to this incredible accomplishment, Nashayla was the youngest competitor in the regional competition and will have the opportunity to compete again next year. Congratulations, Nashayla! Your Harlan Independent family, your Boys & Girls Club family, and your entire community are cheering you on every step of the way. We can't wait to see what you accomplish next! #HarlanIndependent #DragonPride #YouthOfTheYear #KentuckyProud #BGCAppalachia

🌊🐉 Kindergarten Jumpstart — Making Waves This School Year! 🐉🌊

We are excited to welcome our newest Harlan Elementary Dragons to Kindergarten Jumpstart! Students will join us August 3–5 from 9:00 AM–Noon each day to meet new friends, explore our school, learn routines, and get ready for an amazing kindergarten year. Students will receive a snack before heading home each day.

Parents and guardians are invited to join us on Monday, August 3rd, at 9:00 AM in the school cafeteria for a Boo-Hoo or Yahoo Breakfast and informational meeting.

Families unable to attend Jumpstart may drop in for our Open House option on Wednesday, August 5th, from 5:00–7:00 PM to meet the teacher and visit their child’s homeroom.

We can’t wait to meet our newest little Dragons and start Making Waves This School Year! 💚🖤🤍🌊

Mark your calendar!

📅Mark your calendars, HHS Orientation Day is almost here! 🐉 HHS Freshmen Orientation Thursday, August 6 5:30–7:30 PM For incoming freshmen 🐉 HHS Dual Credit Orientation Thursday, August 6 4:00–5:00 PM For all juniors and seniors interested in taking dual credit classes and their parents. We look forward to seeing you on Orientation Day!

🏃‍♀️🏀⚾ Time to Hit Pause, Dragons! 🐉💚

Just a reminder that all athletic facilities for Harlan Independent Schools will be CLOSED during the KHSAA Dead Period from June 25 to July 9, 2026.

This is the perfect time to recharge, enjoy summer adventures, and come back refreshed and ready for another great season! Go Big Green! 🐉

🎓 Attention Harlan High School Seniors! 🎓 Class of 2026 Senior Banners are now available for pickup in the Harlan High School office. Please stop by during regular office hours to pick up your banner and celebrate this exciting milestone! 🐉

⛳ GOLF SEASON IS ALMOST HERE! 🏌️‍♂️

Calling all boys and girls in Grades 5–12 who are interested in playing golf this season!

📅 Team Meeting: Friday, June 19
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Location: HHS Baseball Field

⛳ All interested players are encouraged to attend!

Good luck to Harlan’s own Izack Saylor as he travels to Greensboro, North Carolina to compete at the Adidas Track Nationals tomorrow! Izack has earned the opportunity to compete on one of the biggest stages in high school track and field and will be representing Harlan in the high jump competition. We are incredibly proud of his hard work and commitment to excellence. Join us in wishing Izack the very best as he competes against some of the nation’s top athletes. 💚🐉🖤

Please join us in welcoming Mr. Garret Begley to the Harlan Independent family! Garret is a proud Harlan graduate whose connection to the district began at just four years old as a student at Sunshine Preschool. During his time at Harlan, he participated in both football and baseball and now has the opportunity to give back by helping coach both sports. Garret will be joining our team as a Special Education teacher and is excited to begin serving students in the same school system that helped shape him. He shared that it is an honor to teach and coach at Harlan, and he cannot wait to get started. Welcome home, Garret! We are excited to have you as part of the Green Dragon family! 🐉💚

🏀🐉 HHS Basketball Camp is Back! 🐉🏀 Join Coach Varner and the Lady Dragons for a fun-filled day of basketball on June 17th at the HHS Gymnasium from 9:30 AM–12:30 PM! This camp is open to ALL boys and girls in Pre-K through 4th grade and will focus on: 🏀 Fundamental Skills 🏀 Ball Handling 🏀 Passing 🏀 Shooting 🏀 Live Play 🏀 Fun Games! 💲 Cost: $25 per camper Don’t miss this great opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, and have fun with Harlan Basketball! 📝 Pre-register here: https://forms.gle/NHVd7cH72a3Q3aSJ8 #HarlanDragons #LadyDragons #HHSBasketballCamp #FutureDragons 🏀💚🐉

Please join us in welcoming Rachel to Harlan Elementary School! Rachel is a proud graduate of Harlan High School and recently earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary and Special Education from the University of the Cumberlands. She is excited to return to home and give back to the community that played such an important role in her life. Rachel is passionate about creating a caring and engaging learning environment where every student feels encouraged to succeed. She looks forward to building meaningful relationships with her students and helping them grow both academically and personally! 🐉

Samantha Brackett is a lifelong resident of Harlan County. She has worked at Harlan Independent Schools as the Save the Children tutor for the past five years. She graduated from the University of the Cumberlands with her bachelor’s degree this past August. Samantha is married to Allen Brackett, and they have one daughter, Shealyn Brackett, who will be a junior at HHS. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family, watching movies, and reading. She is very excited about her new position and the upcoming school year! 🐉

🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️ Harlan Cross Country Parent Meeting 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️ Any current, returning, or new runners in 1st–12th grade, along with their parents, are invited to attend our Cross Country Parent Meeting on Monday at 6:00 PM in the Harlan Elementary School Cafeteria. During the meeting, we will: 🏃 Hand out summer workout plans 📅 Review the season schedule 👟 Explain the sport and what to expect 📝 Discuss practice and meet information ❓ Answer any questions from athletes or parents Whether you are a veteran runner or considering cross country for the first time, we would love to see you there! Contact Coach Erin Alred at erin.alred@stu.harlanind.kyschools.us for more informations 💚 Go Big Green! 🐉💚

🏀 Lady Dragon Open Gym 🏀 Calling all Lady Dragons in grades 3–8! Join us for Open Gym at the Harlan High School Gym on Tuesday, June 9, and Friday, June 12, from 5:00–7:00 PM. Come work on your basketball skills, stay active, and have fun with fellow Lady Dragons. We hope to see you there!

🏀💚 LADY DRAGONS BASKETBALL IS BACK! 💚🏀

The Harlan Lady Dragons will be in action today as they host a day of summer scrimmages at Harlan High School!

📅 Today
📍 Harlan High School

🏀 Harlan vs. Rye Cove — 3:00 PM
🏀 Harlan vs. Letcher County Central — 4:40 PM

Come out and get your first look at this year's Lady Dragons as they hit the floor and continue preparing for the upcoming season. Your support means everything to our players and coaches!
#GoBigGreen🐉