Announcement!
Jenkins Independent Schools is excited to announce that Chris Whitaker has accepted the position of Jenkins Middle School Boys Basketball Coach.
We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Whitaker to the Jenkins family and look forward to the experience, leadership, and passion he will bring to our young athletes and our basketball program.
Coach Whitaker was a three-year varsity player at Whitesburg High School, where he earned All-District honors during his senior season. During his playing career, he was part of teams that won three 53rd District Championships, a 14th Region Championship, and advanced to the State Elite Eight. He also competed in the All “A” Classic, including a 14th Region championship and State Final Four appearance, as well as being a 2003 14th Region semifinalist.
Coach Whitaker also brings several years of coaching experience. At Whitesburg Middle School, he served as an assistant basketball coach, helping coach the B-Team to a County Championship in 2025, while the C-Team finished as County Runner-Up. He has also served as an assistant coach with East Kentucky Elite Travel Baseball, where his teams compiled a 146-53 overall record.
Coach Whitaker is especially honored to have the opportunity to coach alongside Danny Bates, who was his high school coach during his playing days and is now the Jenkins High School Boys Basketball Coach.
Away from coaching, Coach Whitaker is married to his wife, Brooke, and they have two children, Drew and Isaiah. He enjoys spending time with his family and especially enjoys being outdoors, including hunting and fishing and spending time at their camper on Cherokee Lake.
Coach Whitaker’s goal is to build a program centered around hard work, discipline, teamwork, accountability, and respect—both on and off the court. He believes in developing young men, teaching them how to work together, and helping them become better students, teammates, and members of their community.
Please join Jenkins Independent Schools in welcoming Coach Chris Whitaker to the Jenkins family!
Go Cavs!
Jenkins Independent Schools is excited to announce that Chris Whitaker has accepted the position of Jenkins Middle School Boys Basketball Coach.
We are extremely excited to welcome Coach Whitaker to the Jenkins family and look forward to the experience, leadership, and passion he will bring to our young athletes and our basketball program.
Coach Whitaker was a three-year varsity player at Whitesburg High School, where he earned All-District honors during his senior season. During his playing career, he was part of teams that won three 53rd District Championships, a 14th Region Championship, and advanced to the State Elite Eight. He also competed in the All “A” Classic, including a 14th Region championship and State Final Four appearance, as well as being a 2003 14th Region semifinalist.
Coach Whitaker also brings several years of coaching experience. At Whitesburg Middle School, he served as an assistant basketball coach, helping coach the B-Team to a County Championship in 2025, while the C-Team finished as County Runner-Up. He has also served as an assistant coach with East Kentucky Elite Travel Baseball, where his teams compiled a 146-53 overall record.
Coach Whitaker is especially honored to have the opportunity to coach alongside Danny Bates, who was his high school coach during his playing days and is now the Jenkins High School Boys Basketball Coach.
Away from coaching, Coach Whitaker is married to his wife, Brooke, and they have two children, Drew and Isaiah. He enjoys spending time with his family and especially enjoys being outdoors, including hunting and fishing and spending time at their camper on Cherokee Lake.
Coach Whitaker’s goal is to build a program centered around hard work, discipline, teamwork, accountability, and respect—both on and off the court. He believes in developing young men, teaching them how to work together, and helping them become better students, teammates, and members of their community.
Please join Jenkins Independent Schools in welcoming Coach Chris Whitaker to the Jenkins family!
Go Cavs!
🎉 FIRST DAY REPORT: WE ARE BACK! 🎒
Jenkins Middle High School had an incredible first day of the 2026–2027 school year!
The morning kicked off with music filling the lobby as our staff greeted a lot of smiling, familiar, and new faces. After breakfast in the Cav Cafe, students gathered in the gym for a special welcome video on our Luxedo projection system. Students cheered seeing their friends, teachers, and Principal Boggs on the big screen!
Following a quick welcome message, students spent the rest of the day getting settled into their new classrooms, mastering their schedules, and reviewing student handbook updates. In what has become great Cav tradition, Eli delivered morning announcements!
Thank you to our amazing students, families, teachers, and staff for making Day 1 such a success. We are ready for a fantastic school year! 💚💚
#JMHS #FirstDayOfSchool #CavalierPride #BackToSchool2026
Jenkins Middle High School had an incredible first day of the 2026–2027 school year!
The morning kicked off with music filling the lobby as our staff greeted a lot of smiling, familiar, and new faces. After breakfast in the Cav Cafe, students gathered in the gym for a special welcome video on our Luxedo projection system. Students cheered seeing their friends, teachers, and Principal Boggs on the big screen!
Following a quick welcome message, students spent the rest of the day getting settled into their new classrooms, mastering their schedules, and reviewing student handbook updates. In what has become great Cav tradition, Eli delivered morning announcements!
Thank you to our amazing students, families, teachers, and staff for making Day 1 such a success. We are ready for a fantastic school year! 💚💚
#JMHS #FirstDayOfSchool #CavalierPride #BackToSchool2026
Back to School Glow Dance Thursday, August 20th @ Burdine Elementary Prek-2nd Grade 5:00-6:00 3rd-5th Grade 6:00-7:00 Admission $3
Burdine families don't forget to check the monthly calendar. We send these home and post them on social media before the month begins.
Burdine families don't forget to check the monthly calendar. We send these home and post them on social media before the month begins.
Good morning, Cavalier families. Jenkins Independent Schools will operate on a one-hour delay today to allow additional time to check bus routes and clear any remaining debris from last night's storms.
We’re excited to finally welcome our students back and kick off the new school year. We’ll see you soon, Cavaliers!
We’re excited to finally welcome our students back and kick off the new school year. We’ll see you soon, Cavaliers!
Here is an updated August and September Calendar for Burdine. Paper copies will go home next week.
Families, we encourage you to support opportunities such as Kona Ice days and school dances whenever you are able. These events are not only fun for our students—they also serve as important fundraisers for student activities throughout the year. Funds raised help us provide special experiences such as inflatable days, student rewards, celebrations, and end-of-year reward trips. Every purchase and every ticket helps us give back to our students and create memorable experiences for them. Thank you for your continued support of our school and our students!
Families, we encourage you to support opportunities such as Kona Ice days and school dances whenever you are able. These events are not only fun for our students—they also serve as important fundraisers for student activities throughout the year. Funds raised help us provide special experiences such as inflatable days, student rewards, celebrations, and end-of-year reward trips. Every purchase and every ticket helps us give back to our students and create memorable experiences for them. Thank you for your continued support of our school and our students!
⚠️ NO SCHOOL FRIDAY, AUGUST 14
Cavalier families, we are truly sorry to have to make this announcement.
Severe storms continue to impact our area, and flooding and other hazardous conditions have made it unsafe for us to operate school tomorrow, Friday, August 14.
We desperately want our students in school. Our staff is ready, our classrooms are ready, and we know our families are ready. But as much as we want to begin this school year, we cannot do so at the risk of anyone’s safety.
We know these repeated delays are frustrating and create real challenges for families, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work through circumstances beyond our control.
Please take care of yourselves and one another tonight.
Stay safe, Cavalier Nation. 💚
Cavalier families, we are truly sorry to have to make this announcement.
Severe storms continue to impact our area, and flooding and other hazardous conditions have made it unsafe for us to operate school tomorrow, Friday, August 14.
We desperately want our students in school. Our staff is ready, our classrooms are ready, and we know our families are ready. But as much as we want to begin this school year, we cannot do so at the risk of anyone’s safety.
We know these repeated delays are frustrating and create real challenges for families, and we sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued support as we work through circumstances beyond our control.
Please take care of yourselves and one another tonight.
Stay safe, Cavalier Nation. 💚
⚠️ IMPORTANT — NO SCHOOL TODAY
Cavalier families, we apologize for the last-minute notice, but Jenkins Independent Schools will be closed today, Thursday, August 13.
Additional severe storms overnight caused flooding, power outages, downed trees, debris, and other hazardous conditions throughout our area. As our bus drivers began reporting conditions from their routes early this morning, it became clear that we could not safely transport students to school.
We know families were prepared and excited for Opening Day, and we are deeply sorry for the inconvenience this last-minute cancellation creates. The safety of our students and staff has to come first.
Please stay safe this morning, Cavalier Nation.
Cavalier families, we apologize for the last-minute notice, but Jenkins Independent Schools will be closed today, Thursday, August 13.
Additional severe storms overnight caused flooding, power outages, downed trees, debris, and other hazardous conditions throughout our area. As our bus drivers began reporting conditions from their routes early this morning, it became clear that we could not safely transport students to school.
We know families were prepared and excited for Opening Day, and we are deeply sorry for the inconvenience this last-minute cancellation creates. The safety of our students and staff has to come first.
Please stay safe this morning, Cavalier Nation.
Good evening, Jenkins Independent Schools families.
Due to the severe storms that moved through our area this evening, there will be no school tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12.
We currently have homes without power, downed trees and debris blocking roadways, and other storm-related hazards that make it unsafe to transport students at this time.
We know how excited everyone was for the first day of school, and we hate having to delay our opening. However, the safety of our students, staff, and families must always come first.
Opening Day for students will now be Thursday, August 13.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming our students back on Thursday.
Due to the severe storms that moved through our area this evening, there will be no school tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12.
We currently have homes without power, downed trees and debris blocking roadways, and other storm-related hazards that make it unsafe to transport students at this time.
We know how excited everyone was for the first day of school, and we hate having to delay our opening. However, the safety of our students, staff, and families must always come first.
Opening Day for students will now be Thursday, August 13.
Thank you for your patience and understanding. Please stay safe, and we look forward to welcoming our students back on Thursday.
🎉 Welcome Back, Cavaliers! School Starts TOMORROW! 🎒
Our staff is ready for an awesome day! Here is what you need to know for morning arrival:
⏰ Arrival & Drop-Off
Doors Open: 7:35 AM (Main lobby entrance)
Drop-Off Line: Pull as far to the end of the fire lane as possible, so traffic flows smoothly.
Crosswalk Safety: Watch for student walkers at the parking lot crosswalk! Ms. Wendy will assist during afternoon dismissal.
SRO Visibility: You'll also see Officer Alisha Congleton, our SRO, on duty every morning and afternoon to keep our campus secure.
🛡️ Safety Check & Breakfast
Safety: Students will be greeted by staff and wanded with a metal detector.
Cav Cafe: Head inside for a hot breakfast! Know your lunch number, but don't worry—staff will help if you forgot it.
🏀 First Bell & Kickoff (8:05 AM)
Gather in the gym right after the 8:05 AM bell.
We'll briefly review the daily schedule, hand out class schedules, and introduce teachers to make sure everyone feels ready!
Get a good night's sleep—we can't wait to see you! 💚
#JMHS #CavPride #WeAreSoBack
📢 Announcement: Free Breakfast & Lunch for All JIS Students!
We are excited to share that for the 2026–2027 school year, ALL students at Burdine Elementary and Jenkins Middle High School will receive free breakfast and lunch every single school day!
Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), we are able to continue serving nutritious meals to help fuel our Cavaliers for a successful school year without any cost to our families. 🎒🍎
For any questions, please reach out to Susan Baker, Food Service Director, at 606-832-2180 or via email at susan.baker@jenkins.kyschools.us.
#JenkinsCavs #CavalierPride #CommunityEligibilityProvision #BackToSchool
We are excited to share that for the 2026–2027 school year, ALL students at Burdine Elementary and Jenkins Middle High School will receive free breakfast and lunch every single school day!
Thanks to the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP), we are able to continue serving nutritious meals to help fuel our Cavaliers for a successful school year without any cost to our families. 🎒🍎
For any questions, please reach out to Susan Baker, Food Service Director, at 606-832-2180 or via email at susan.baker@jenkins.kyschools.us.
#JenkinsCavs #CavalierPride #CommunityEligibilityProvision #BackToSchool
Attention Kindergarten Parents!
Thursday, July 30th wraps up our Kinder Boost event at Burdine. We have a special Open House for parents planned that day. Families will make a special keepsake with their kindergartener and receive Math and Reading materials to use at home. Students will receive their Kinder Boost completion certificate and take the Cavalier Pledge! Families will also get a special invite to our Kinder Boost Pool Celebration.
If you still need to register for kindergarten you can register in the front office.
Thursday, July 30th wraps up our Kinder Boost event at Burdine. We have a special Open House for parents planned that day. Families will make a special keepsake with their kindergartener and receive Math and Reading materials to use at home. Students will receive their Kinder Boost completion certificate and take the Cavalier Pledge! Families will also get a special invite to our Kinder Boost Pool Celebration.
If you still need to register for kindergarten you can register in the front office.
Attention Kindergarten Parents!
Thursday, July 30th wraps up our Kinder Boost event at Burdine. We have a special Open House for parents planned that day. Families will make a special keepsake with their kindergartener and receive Math and Reading materials to use at home. Students will receive their Kinder Boost completion certificate and take the Cavalier Pledge! Families will also get a special invite to our Kinder Boost Pool Celebration.
If you still need to register for kindergarten you can register in the front office.
Thursday, July 30th wraps up our Kinder Boost event at Burdine. We have a special Open House for parents planned that day. Families will make a special keepsake with their kindergartener and receive Math and Reading materials to use at home. Students will receive their Kinder Boost completion certificate and take the Cavalier Pledge! Families will also get a special invite to our Kinder Boost Pool Celebration.
If you still need to register for kindergarten you can register in the front office.
📅 Plan Ahead: Jenkins Middle & High School August Calendar!
The new school year is right around the corner! To help our Cavalier families stay organized, here is the JMHS Living Calendar for the month of August.
Make sure to look closely at the graphic below for key academic start dates, orientations, and our full Middle School Girls Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer game schedules!
🌟 Big Highlights to Remember:
• Aug 6: Back to School Bash & JMHS Open House 🎒
• Aug 12: First Day of School for Students! 🏫
• Aug 21: No School (Jenkins Days!) 👋
Drop a comment to wish our athletes luck as they kick off their seasons this month! 👇
#JenkinsIndependent #CavalierPride #AugustCalendar #GoCavs
The new school year is right around the corner! To help our Cavalier families stay organized, here is the JMHS Living Calendar for the month of August.
Make sure to look closely at the graphic below for key academic start dates, orientations, and our full Middle School Girls Basketball, Volleyball, and Soccer game schedules!
🌟 Big Highlights to Remember:
• Aug 6: Back to School Bash & JMHS Open House 🎒
• Aug 12: First Day of School for Students! 🏫
• Aug 21: No School (Jenkins Days!) 👋
Drop a comment to wish our athletes luck as they kick off their seasons this month! 👇
#JenkinsIndependent #CavalierPride #AugustCalendar #GoCavs
🕊️ You’re Invited: Community Prayer at JMHS 🕊️
Please join us on Tuesday, August 11th at 8:15 AM at Jenkins Middle High School for a special Community Prayer.
Together, we will be praying for comfort and safety over the entire Jenkins Independent School District as we enter the 2026-27 school year.
All are welcome to join. Let's start the year surrounded by community support! 🌟
Please join us on Tuesday, August 11th at 8:15 AM at Jenkins Middle High School for a special Community Prayer.
Together, we will be praying for comfort and safety over the entire Jenkins Independent School District as we enter the 2026-27 school year.
All are welcome to join. Let's start the year surrounded by community support! 🌟
📚 Need to sort out your high school schedule?
Whether you missed registration entirely or just want to discuss your course options and requests, our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Richardson, has you covered!
Drop by the JMHS Lobby this Thursday, July 16th, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to get everything sorted out before the school year kicks off.
💻 If that time doesn't work for you, just send an email to candi.richardson@jenkins.kyschools.us to discuss your options.
Let's make sure you have the perfect schedule for a great year. See you Thursday! ⚔️✨
Whether you missed registration entirely or just want to discuss your course options and requests, our Guidance Counselor, Ms. Richardson, has you covered!
Drop by the JMHS Lobby this Thursday, July 16th, between 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM to get everything sorted out before the school year kicks off.
💻 If that time doesn't work for you, just send an email to candi.richardson@jenkins.kyschools.us to discuss your options.
Let's make sure you have the perfect schedule for a great year. See you Thursday! ⚔️✨
📅 JMHS Open House: Thursday, August 6th! 📬
High school and middle school families, come kick off the new school year with us from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at JMHS!
This is the perfect time to drop in, gather information for the upcoming year, and connect with your teachers. See you on August 6th! ⚔️🎓
High school and middle school families, come kick off the new school year with us from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at JMHS!
This is the perfect time to drop in, gather information for the upcoming year, and connect with your teachers. See you on August 6th! ⚔️🎓
If you still need to register for Kindergarten scan the QR code or use the link below:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjCOF0sn1aKNlM0oM-M0R-BbBGNlnve_ak24F32Sunpicm_g/viewform?usp=header
Kinderboost kicks off next week Monday, July 20th at Burdine. Doors open at 9:30. Parents/families bringing students are to stay the first day for Parent Orientation. We can't wait to see you!
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScjCOF0sn1aKNlM0oM-M0R-BbBGNlnve_ak24F32Sunpicm_g/viewform?usp=header
Kinderboost kicks off next week Monday, July 20th at Burdine. Doors open at 9:30. Parents/families bringing students are to stay the first day for Parent Orientation. We can't wait to see you!
🗓️ Burdine Elementary: July & August Calendars! 🗓️
Hey Cavalier families! To help you plan ahead for the rest of the summer and the start of the new school year, here is a quick breakdown of all the important dates coming up at Burdine Elementary for the remainder of July and August.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
☀️ REMAINDER OF JULY:
July 20–24 & July 27–31: KinderBoost (ALL Week, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) 🎒
July 29: 3rd Grade Orientation (10:00 AM) 🏫
🍎 AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS:
August 6: Back to School Bash (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) & Open House (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) 🎉
August 12: 🌟 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS! 🌟
August 17: Kona Ice Fundraiser (Prices: $3, $5, and $7) 🍧
August 20: Back to School Glow Party Dance! (Admission $3) ✨
K–2nd Grade: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
3rd–5th Grade: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
August 21: No School (Jenkins Days) ❌🚌
August 24: Fall MAP Testing Begins 📝
Check out the full calendar graphics below to save them to your device. Let's get ready for a wonderful school year! 👇
#BurdineElementary #JenkinsCavs #BackToSchool2026 #CavFam
Hey Cavalier families! To help you plan ahead for the rest of the summer and the start of the new school year, here is a quick breakdown of all the important dates coming up at Burdine Elementary for the remainder of July and August.
Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:
☀️ REMAINDER OF JULY:
July 20–24 & July 27–31: KinderBoost (ALL Week, 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM) 🎒
July 29: 3rd Grade Orientation (10:00 AM) 🏫
🍎 AUGUST HIGHLIGHTS:
August 6: Back to School Bash (12:00 PM - 4:00 PM) & Open House (5:00 PM - 7:00 PM) 🎉
August 12: 🌟 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS! 🌟
August 17: Kona Ice Fundraiser (Prices: $3, $5, and $7) 🍧
August 20: Back to School Glow Party Dance! (Admission $3) ✨
K–2nd Grade: 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
3rd–5th Grade: 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM
August 21: No School (Jenkins Days) ❌🚌
August 24: Fall MAP Testing Begins 📝
Check out the full calendar graphics below to save them to your device. Let's get ready for a wonderful school year! 👇
#BurdineElementary #JenkinsCavs #BackToSchool2026 #CavFam
📚✨ Growing Together in Numeracy!
Our teachers are kicking off Year 2 of the Numeracy Counts Cohort! This exciting professional learning opportunity allows educators to collaborate, share strategies, and strengthen their math instruction to better support student success.
We are proud of our teachers for their commitment to continuous growth and for bringing new ideas and practices back to their classrooms. Thank you for investing in our students and making a difference every day! 💚
#NumeracyCounts #TeacherGrowth #MathMatters #LearningTogether
📬 Jenkins Independent Families: 2026-2027 School Calendar!
The official 2026-2027 Academic Calendar is attached below (2026–2027 Academic Calendar)! Take a close look at the graphic to see all grading periods, holidays, and professional development days. To help you get started, here are the anchor dates for the year:
📌 August 12, 2026: First Day of School for Students
🍂 November 23-27, 2026: Thanksgiving Break
🎄 Dec 21, 2026 - Jan 3, 2027: Christmas Break
🌸 March 22-26, 2027: Spring Break
📌 May 21, 2027: Last Day of School for Students
Feel free to download, print, or save this image to keep your family on track. See you all very soon for day one! 🎒✨
