One week ago today, Model had the privilege of honoring the veterans who are part of our school community. As part of a cherished annual tradition, veterans submitted by Model families gathered with students, faculty, staff, and loved ones for a special reception, Veterans Day ceremony, and a visit to EKU's Veterans Memorial. We extend our sincere thanks to Josh Maynard, who not only served as our guest speaker but also led the Veterans Memorial visit.
Thank you to every veteran who joined us and to the families who shared them with our community. Your service, sacrifice, and example continue to inspire future generations. We are honored to celebrate you and grateful for all you have done for our country.
*See more photos on our Facebook page.
🎶 You can dance, you can jive, and have the time of your life... but first, you need tickets! 🎭
Opening night of MAMMA MIA! is here, and our talented Model Theatre students are ready to transport audiences to a sunny Greek island filled with laughter, love, and plenty of ABBA favorites. Join us tonight, Thursday, November 12, at 7:00 p.m. for the first performance.
Commemorate the show with an official Mamma Mia! sweatshirt, available for pre-order through the Patriot Shoppe for $25.
Tickets and merchandise information are available at model.eku.edu/theatre. We can't wait to see you there!
🎖️ HAPPY VETERANS DAY! 🎖️ On Friday, November 6, 2026, we gathered as a Model community to honor the incredible veterans who have served and sacrificed for our nation. We are deeply grateful for their bravery and dedication. This linked video is a tribute to the veterans of the Model community and was shown during the program.
Thank you to all veterans for your service and to the Model families, staff, and students who joined us in showing appreciation and respect. May we always remember and honor those who protect our freedom. 🇺🇸
Join us tonight for MODEL MADNESS as we officially launch the 2026-27 winter athletics season! Come meet our teams, enjoy scrimmages and performances, and help fill the gym with Patriot spirit as we celebrate our student-athletes in basketball, cheer, archery, swimming & diving, volleyball, and more.
Tonight! - Tuesday, November 10, 2026
5:15-8:30 p.m.
Model/Shirley Kearns Gymnasium
Model Laboratory School Theatre is bringing Mamma Mia! to the Black Box Theatre at EKU Center for the Arts, and you won’t want to miss this feel-good musical phenomenon. Featuring ABBA’s timeless hits and a heartwarming story of love, family, friendship, and self-discovery, Mamma Mia! follows a daughter’s quest to uncover the identity of her father on the eve of her wedding, leading to unexpected reunions and unforgettable memories. Tickets are on sale now: model.eku.edu/theatre. Detailed ticket pricing and fees are available on the website.
Thursday, November 12 at 7:00 p.m.
Friday, November 13 at 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 14 at 2:00 p.m. & 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 15 at 2:00 p.m.
BUILDING A PROGRAM: Colleen Chaney Leads New Era for Model Girls Basketball
As Model Laboratory Schools prepares to tip off another winter sports season, the school is looking ahead under new leadership for its girls basketball program. Model has named Colleen Chaney as Varsity Girls Basketball Head Coach for the 2026-27 season. Read the full feature here.
🎃 HAPPY HALLOWEEN! 🎃 We hope the Model community has as much fun today as we did at school yesterday. 🥳 To see even more photos, go to model.eku.edu/halloween.
Get ready to blast off to Literacy Night ! Join us TONIGHT on Thursday, October 29 at 6:00 p.m. for an evening of reading, family fun, and literacy activities. Begin your mission in the Library, where you can also explore the Fall Book Fair and discover your next great read!
The Scholastic Book Fair will be held October 29-November 6, each day from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
All primary classes will visit the book fair two times: once to preview and make a wish list, and once to make purchases, if desired. Fourth-Sixth graders will only be visiting once. Please see your child's classroom Rooms group for the specific days and times they will visit the Book Fair.
For questions, contact Mandy.Williams@eku.edu.
The latest edition of the Parent Newsletter (10/26/26) is now available! ➡️ model.eku.edu/newsletter
📸 Picture Retakes are Tomorrow! Students in grades P-11 who missed the original Picture Day or would like their portrait retaken should report to the auditorium when their grade level is called on Monday, October 26. Retakes will take place approximately from 8:30-11:00 a.m. so please ensure your child is at school before 10:30 a.m. if they are to have their photo taken.
Last call for yearbook portraits! This is the final portrait opportunity before spring Picture Day on February 18, 2027, so make sure you're in the yearbook.
Families interested in purchasing photos will receive ordering information directly from Triple Play Productions once photos are ready. Contact Triple Play Productions at info@tripleplaypro.com with questions.
🇺🇸 FINAL CALL: Veterans Day Registration Deadline Extended — We want to make sure every Model family has the opportunity to recognize a veteran who is special to them! Originally shared in the October 5 Parent Newsletter, veteran registration has now been extended one final time through Monday, October 26. This is the final deadline, and submissions cannot be accepted after Monday as we prepare our recognition video, program, and invitations.
If a family member of a Model student has served in the armed forces and you would like that individual recognized during the program and/or invited to attend, please complete the registration form at model.eku.edu/veteransday. Submit one form per veteran. Reception invitations and additional details will follow for veterans attending in person.
Join us for Model’s Veterans Day Program on Friday, November 6, at 1:30 p.m. at the EKU Center for the Arts. 🇺🇸
REMINDER: Extended Learning will close early on Friday, October 23, at 5:00 p.m. due to EKU's Homecoming activities. Please make arrangements for your child to be picked up no later than 5:00 p.m.
If you have any questions, please contact Morgan Campbell at Morgan.Campbell@eku.edu.
🐦⬛🖋️👻 Once upon a school week eerie, while they pondered, bright yet weary, Over many a quaint and curious poem of Poe’s dark lore—While they nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of someone gently rapping, rapping at their classroom door.
“’Tis Mrs. Hardin,” they whispered, “rapping at our classroom door—‘POE’try Slam—and nothing more.”
Now tonight's fast approaching—echoes stirring, candles scorching—Join us, friends and families, for frights and verse galore;
Hear young poets’ haunting phrases, see their art that Poe amazes, Celebrate before the shadows fall on Halloween’s dark door.
Five to seven as the moon rises, join this night that comes but once—Quoth Mrs. Hardin “Nevermore.”
Don't miss the seventh grade POEtry Slam tonight on Tuesday, October 20! Join us in EKU's Science Building Atrium from 5:00-7:00 p.m.
Academic excellence, demonstrated. Model Laboratory Elementary School has earned an overall BLUE rating, the highest performance rating possible, on the 2025-26 Kentucky assessment and accountability ratings! 🔵🎉
86% Proficient/Distinguished in Writing
#6 in Kentucky for Writing
70% Proficient/Distinguished in Reading
61% Proficient/Distinguished in Math
This incredible achievement reflects the hard work of our students, faculty, staff, and families and the commitment to excellence that defines Model. Congratulations to all!
🍂 HAPPY FALL BREAK! 🍁 Model Laboratory Schools and offices will be closed Monday, October 12 - Friday, October 16, 2026. We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, October 19.
📚 Reminder for Dual Credit students: Eastern Kentucky University is only closed Monday and Tuesday. Students should attend class Wednesday through Friday, unless prior arrangements have been made with their professors.
We wish everyone a safe and restful break!
Model Elementary students in grades 2-6 had the exciting opportunity to attend EKU Men's Basketball Coach A.W. Hamilton's children's book launch for Dream Big with Coach A.W. Hamilton. Students enjoyed an interactive and inspiring event, cheered on their classmates, and even convinced a few teachers to join the fun on the court!
Coach Hamilton generously gifted and personally signed a copy of the book for every Model student in attendance. The book encourages children to dream big, never quit, listen well, use their words for good, and make the most of every opportunity. Thank you, Coach Hamilton, for sharing such a meaningful message with our students!
Dream Big with Coach A.W. Hamilton releases October 15. • News story: WKYT coverage • EKUHoops video: Watch here
🎶 Congratulations to our Model Chorus students on being selected for the 2026 Kentucky American Choral Directors' Association (KACDA) Fall Honor Chorus! We are proud to recognize the following students for earning this distinguished honor and representing Model on the state stage this November.
Junior High Mixed Choir: Matthew Mayer (‘31) • Posy Holt (‘31)
Children's Choir: Skyler Gruber-Brock (’33) • Stella Jacobs (’34) • Lavinia Kitts (’34)
This achievement is especially exciting as Model Chorus continues to grow and thrive in just its second year under the direction of Mr. Justin Felix. These selections reflect the dedication, talent, and hard work of our student musicians and the strong foundation being built within our choral program. 🎵🎤 Congratulations to these outstanding students and to Mr. Felix on this milestone achievement for Model Chorus!
See these students perform on November 4-5, 2026, at the University of Kentucky's Singletary Center for the Arts.