Harlan Independent Schools

📢 HOME GAMEDAY 📢

It's GAMEDAY for HMS!! Tonight the Dragons will host the Lynn Camp Wildcats at HHS!! Tip-off is set for 6:00 PM with the 5/6 Grade game, with 7/8 Grade action to follow!! Come out and cheer on the Green Dragons to a victory this evening!! #GOBIGGREEN

🎃 Congratulations to our Fall Festival Ticket Winners! 🎃 We’re so proud of these awesome dragons: 💚 Kindergarten: Nevaeh Blevins & Everleigh Arthur 💚 1st Grade: Brantley Carnahan & Killian Odell 💚 2nd Grade: Charlie Lane & Ben Brock 💚 3rd Grade: Zoey Phillips & Braylee Pennington 💚 4th Grade: Paxton Howard & Kelton Dean Way to go, Dragons! 🐉🍂 We can’t wait to see you at the Fall Festival!

🎃 Pumpkin patch adventures for our 2nd graders! 🍁 Our dragons had a blast exploring the pumpkin patch, seeing animals, and picking their perfect pumpkins! It was a day full of fall fun at Harlan Elementary! 🧡

🌻 Thanksgiving Fun at Sunshine Preschool! 🦃 Our little ones have been busy getting ready for their big Thanksgiving programs! From making colorful necklaces to coming up with their own fun turkey recipes, the classrooms are full of laughter and creativity. We can’t wait for you to see them sing, dance, and celebrate this special season of thankfulness! 💛🍂

🌟 Congratulations to our Distinguished Dragons for Kindergarten! 🌟
We are so proud of these hardworking students for showing excellence in the classroom and giving their best every day! 💚🐉

🎉 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! ☀️