Dear Newcomer Academy Families and Students,
I am writing to share an important update about staffing and student schedules. Newcomer Academy has fewer students enrolled this school year. When enrollment changes, JCPS adjusts staffing so teachers can serve at schools with more students and a greater need for additional staff. This is a common district process.
As part of this change, some Newcomer Academy teachers will begin working at other JCPS schools, where they will continue serving multilingual learners. They are outstanding educators, and their new school communities will be fortunate to benefit from their knowledge, care, and dedication.
All student schedules will change. Students will receive their new schedules on Tuesday afternoon, October 6, and will begin following them on Wednesday, October 7.
We understand that working with different teachers or attending different classes may feel difficult at first. Newcomer Academy continues to have an excellent team committed to helping every student learn, grow, and have a successful school year.
If you have questions or concerns after reviewing the new schedule, please contact the school. We are here to listen and assist your family.
Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Warmly,
Dr. Irina McGrath
Principal
Newcomer Academy
I am writing to share an important update about staffing and student schedules. Newcomer Academy has fewer students enrolled this school year. When enrollment changes, JCPS adjusts staffing so teachers can serve at schools with more students and a greater need for additional staff. This is a common district process.
As part of this change, some Newcomer Academy teachers will begin working at other JCPS schools, where they will continue serving multilingual learners. They are outstanding educators, and their new school communities will be fortunate to benefit from their knowledge, care, and dedication.
All student schedules will change. Students will receive their new schedules on Tuesday afternoon, October 6, and will begin following them on Wednesday, October 7.
We understand that working with different teachers or attending different classes may feel difficult at first. Newcomer Academy continues to have an excellent team committed to helping every student learn, grow, and have a successful school year.
If you have questions or concerns after reviewing the new schedule, please contact the school. We are here to listen and assist your family.
Thank you for your trust and partnership.
Warmly,
Dr. Irina McGrath
Principal
Newcomer Academy
Dear Newcomer Academy Families,
I am honored to share that I have been appointed principal of Newcomer Academy. It has been a privilege to serve our school as assistant principal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside our students, families, and staff in this new role.
Newcomer Academy is a special community. Our students and families bring many languages, cultures, experiences, and dreams that enrich our school every day. My commitment is to ensure that every student is respected and valued, receives strong instruction and the support they need, and has opportunities to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams.
I look forward to listening to your ideas, learning more about your hopes for your children, and strengthening our partnership. Your questions and perspectives matter. Please feel comfortable reaching out to me or our school team.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. I look forward to welcoming our students on Monday and beginning this next chapter together.
Warmly,
Dr. Irina McGrath
Principal, Newcomer Academy
I am honored to share that I have been appointed principal of Newcomer Academy. It has been a privilege to serve our school as assistant principal, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue working alongside our students, families, and staff in this new role.
Newcomer Academy is a special community. Our students and families bring many languages, cultures, experiences, and dreams that enrich our school every day. My commitment is to ensure that every student is respected and valued, receives strong instruction and the support they need, and has opportunities to pursue their goals and achieve their dreams.
I look forward to listening to your ideas, learning more about your hopes for your children, and strengthening our partnership. Your questions and perspectives matter. Please feel comfortable reaching out to me or our school team.
Thank you for your trust and partnership. I look forward to welcoming our students on Monday and beginning this next chapter together.
Warmly,
Dr. Irina McGrath
Principal, Newcomer Academy
SAVE THE DATE | Join us at the 2026 Showcase of Schools on October 24 at the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center!
Newcomer Academy Family Conferences
We hope to see you on Wednesday, September 23, between 11 am and 4:30 pm. Our teachers and staff are eager to meet with you and discuss the progess and goals of your student.
English flyer - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nuefdZ0WNfEgyuNvizFgPUf6znEHID3l/view
Translated flyer - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13nuFFlW_ILzxiHI0WB8h4HmdbPN1YljX/view?usp=sharing
Newcomer Academy Family Conferences
We hope to see you on Wednesday, September 23, between 11 am and 4:30 pm. Our teachers and staff are eager to meet with you and discuss the progess and goals of your student.
English flyer - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1nuefdZ0WNfEgyuNvizFgPUf6znEHID3l/view
Translated flyer - https://drive.google.com/file/d/13nuFFlW_ILzxiHI0WB8h4HmdbPN1YljX/view?usp=sharing
🎉 NATIONAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH | Today marks the start of National Hispanic Heritage Month (Sept. 15 to Oct. 15).
We are proud to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino, Latina, and Latinx Americans throughout our schools.
Follow along all month for stories and highlights from across JCPS!
We are proud to honor the rich histories, cultures, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino, Latina, and Latinx Americans throughout our schools.
Follow along all month for stories and highlights from across JCPS!
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We’d like to inform you that during the month of September, our school will be conducting a lesson with all students about suicide prevention. This lesson will include a video presentation and a teacher-led discussion. Students will be asked to complete a short form to indicate whether they would like to talk to an adult about a concern for themselves or someone else. We will have our guidance counselors and additional trained professionals available to meet individually with any students who express a need for such support. If any significant concerns arise with your child, we will contact you immediately.
In accordance with state law, all students in Kentucky middle and high schools must receive information on suicide prevention by September 15 of each school year. If your child is absent on the day we are conducting our lesson, a makeup lesson will be provided upon his/her return.
Students will also receive a follow-up course in the month of January.
All of the suicide prevention programs we use have been thoroughly researched and carefully selected. Staff members in our school are also provided with training annually, so that they can properly conduct the lessons and respond to any student needs that may arise.
If you have questions or concerns about this topic, or would like further information, please feel free to contact any of the following:
Rita Secession, School Counselor
Thomas Crookshank, School Counselor
Jenni Garmon, Mental Health Practitioner
Newcomer Academy
3741 Pulliam Drive
(502) 485-6324
Louisville, KY 40218
We’d like to inform you that during the month of September, our school will be conducting a lesson with all students about suicide prevention. This lesson will include a video presentation and a teacher-led discussion. Students will be asked to complete a short form to indicate whether they would like to talk to an adult about a concern for themselves or someone else. We will have our guidance counselors and additional trained professionals available to meet individually with any students who express a need for such support. If any significant concerns arise with your child, we will contact you immediately.
In accordance with state law, all students in Kentucky middle and high schools must receive information on suicide prevention by September 15 of each school year. If your child is absent on the day we are conducting our lesson, a makeup lesson will be provided upon his/her return.
Students will also receive a follow-up course in the month of January.
All of the suicide prevention programs we use have been thoroughly researched and carefully selected. Staff members in our school are also provided with training annually, so that they can properly conduct the lessons and respond to any student needs that may arise.
If you have questions or concerns about this topic, or would like further information, please feel free to contact any of the following:
Rita Secession, School Counselor
Thomas Crookshank, School Counselor
Jenni Garmon, Mental Health Practitioner
Newcomer Academy
3741 Pulliam Drive
(502) 485-6324
Louisville, KY 40218
☀️ ENJOY THE LONG WEEKEND | JCPS will be closed on Monday, September 7, in observance of Labor Day.
HEAT UPDATE | Friday JCPS outdoor athletics start time moved to 8 p.m.
Due to the heat advisory on Friday, September 4, JCPS schools must adhere to the following updated schedule requirements:
- Football Games: Must now start at 8 p.m. or later (pushed back from 7 p.m.)
- Outdoor Practices and Other Competitions: Must be held in the morning or start at 8 p.m. or later
Reminder: All outdoor practices and competitions remain canceled today, Thursday, September 3.
Thank you in advance for prioritizing student safety. Please contact your coach or athletic director for updated information.
Due to the heat advisory on Friday, September 4, JCPS schools must adhere to the following schedule requirements:
Football Games: Must start at 7 p.m. or later
Practices and Other Competitions: Must be held in the morning or start at 7 p.m. or later
As a reminder, all outdoor practices and competitions are canceled today, Thursday, September 3.
Thank you in advance for prioritizing student safety. Please contact your coach or athletic director for updated information.
Football Games: Must start at 7 p.m. or later
Practices and Other Competitions: Must be held in the morning or start at 7 p.m. or later
As a reminder, all outdoor practices and competitions are canceled today, Thursday, September 3.
Thank you in advance for prioritizing student safety. Please contact your coach or athletic director for updated information.
JCPS UPDATE | Due to forecasted extreme heat this week, practices and game times on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday may be altered. Please check with your school's coach or athletic director for adjusted times or cancelations.
Additionally, ALL outdoor practices and competitions are canceled on Wednesday, Sept. 2, and Thursday, Sept. 3.
💡 DID YOU KNOW | JCPS has adopted a Language Access Plan (LAP), available in multiple languages, to help ensure multilingual students, families, and employees can communicate effectively and access district services and information in their preferred language.
View the LAP: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2bBklRnQ/3r-5oYH2VnEDGflVdbC5PQ/view?utm_content=DAG2bBklRnQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hfa48bdac12
Available in multiple languages: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FSP9gKb5lplKaJpYFC3WZrHpgf5puE6U/view?ts=6a724033
The LAP explains the language support services, resources, and communication assistance available throughout the district. It also describes how JCPS provides interpretation and translation services, approved language-access technology, employee training, and multilingual communication practices across schools and programs.
If employees prefer to communicate in a language other than English, they can contact their immediate supervisor for work-related communication within their department or the appropriate district department when seeking assistance from another district office, such as Human Resources.
Schools, programs, and departments may request language support services through the Language Services Office to facilitate communication with students, families, and employees who prefer to communicate in a language other than English.
To learn more about the LAP, information about language support services, and district language access resources, visit the JCPS Language Services webpage: https://jeffersoncpsky.sites.thrillshare.com/o/jcps/page/language-services
View the LAP: https://www.canva.com/design/DAG2bBklRnQ/3r-5oYH2VnEDGflVdbC5PQ/view?utm_content=DAG2bBklRnQ&utm_campaign=designshare&utm_medium=link2&utm_source=uniquelinks&utlId=hfa48bdac12
Available in multiple languages: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FSP9gKb5lplKaJpYFC3WZrHpgf5puE6U/view?ts=6a724033
The LAP explains the language support services, resources, and communication assistance available throughout the district. It also describes how JCPS provides interpretation and translation services, approved language-access technology, employee training, and multilingual communication practices across schools and programs.
If employees prefer to communicate in a language other than English, they can contact their immediate supervisor for work-related communication within their department or the appropriate district department when seeking assistance from another district office, such as Human Resources.
Schools, programs, and departments may request language support services through the Language Services Office to facilitate communication with students, families, and employees who prefer to communicate in a language other than English.
To learn more about the LAP, information about language support services, and district language access resources, visit the JCPS Language Services webpage: https://jeffersoncpsky.sites.thrillshare.com/o/jcps/page/language-services
🚌 485-RIDE NOW CLOSED | The JCPS 485-RIDE Bus Hotline has closed for the 2026-27 school year. JCPS families who have transportation-related questions can reach out to their child's school for assistance or check out http://jcpsfirstday.com for frequently asked questions and resources.
If you haven't already, download the My Ride K-12 app and add your student to track bus locations in real time, check route schedules, and view substitute bus numbers.
Learn more: https://jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2895007
If you haven't already, download the My Ride K-12 app and add your student to track bus locations in real time, check route schedules, and view substitute bus numbers.
Learn more: https://jefferson.kyschools.us/article/2895007
📸 FIRST DAY IN PHOTOS | Looking back at Thursday's big smiles as we step into our first full week of the 2026-27 school year! Let's keep that first-day energy going in every classroom across the district. 💛✏️
Dear Parents and Guardians,
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students is one of the many responsibilities that we have as a school district. Senate Bill (SB) 73, related to sexual extortion, was recently passed by the legislature and requires the district to provide the following information about sexual extortion to help ensure that parents/guardians have the resources they need to support their student(s) and protect them from being victimized (KRS 531.125).
Please click at the following link for more information about this important matter. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QZMKAiUy8_lwE96oa0uVJ2-S9cPX2JdEd0ve70hJLi0/edit?tab=t.0
Jefferson County Public Schools is committed to helping you keep your students safe from sexual extortion. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns related to this critical issue.
Thank you - Gwen Snow, Principal
Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our students is one of the many responsibilities that we have as a school district. Senate Bill (SB) 73, related to sexual extortion, was recently passed by the legislature and requires the district to provide the following information about sexual extortion to help ensure that parents/guardians have the resources they need to support their student(s) and protect them from being victimized (KRS 531.125).
Please click at the following link for more information about this important matter. https://docs.google.com/document/d/1QZMKAiUy8_lwE96oa0uVJ2-S9cPX2JdEd0ve70hJLi0/edit?tab=t.0
Jefferson County Public Schools is committed to helping you keep your students safe from sexual extortion. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns related to this critical issue.
Thank you - Gwen Snow, Principal
🎒📚 WELCOME BACK, JCPS | Happy first day of school! We’re so excited to kick off the 2026-27 school year.
📸 Don’t forget to share your back-to-school moments with us on social media using #JCPSFirstDay!
📸 Don’t forget to share your back-to-school moments with us on social media using #JCPSFirstDay!
We are excited to welcome our students back to school tomorrow! Our entire staff is looking forward to an amazing year of learning, growth, and new opportunities.
🏫 School Hours
Building Opens: 7:00 a.m.
Classes Begin: 7:30 a.m.
Dismissal: 2:10 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 502-485-6324. We are always happy to help!
🚌 Stay Updated on Your Child's Bus
Families can track their student's bus using the My Ride K-12 or Bus Teller apps.
Learn more here:
Bus Tracking Information (My Ride K-12 & Bus Teller)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-MFgRDJpTE1pbvRS4dKcUeDlrYKC0-iP/view?usp=sharing&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Read more about the beginning of school in today's newsletter - https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/o/newcomer/article/3062443
🏫 School Hours
Building Opens: 7:00 a.m.
Classes Begin: 7:30 a.m.
Dismissal: 2:10 p.m.
If you have any questions, please call our office at 502-485-6324. We are always happy to help!
🚌 Stay Updated on Your Child's Bus
Families can track their student's bus using the My Ride K-12 or Bus Teller apps.
Learn more here:
Bus Tracking Information (My Ride K-12 & Bus Teller)
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1-MFgRDJpTE1pbvRS4dKcUeDlrYKC0-iP/view?usp=sharing&utm_source=chatgpt.com
Read more about the beginning of school in today's newsletter - https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/o/newcomer/article/3062443
🎒 SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW | We can't wait to welcome students tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, for the first day of school!
Tips to help you start the year off strong:
🔗 Visit www.jcpsfirstday.com for important back-to-school information and answers to frequently asked questions.
🚍 Continue checking your child's bus stop up until tomorrow morning as routes are subject to change.
📞 Call 485-RIDE with transportation-related questions.
Tips to help you start the year off strong:
🔗 Visit www.jcpsfirstday.com for important back-to-school information and answers to frequently asked questions.
🚍 Continue checking your child's bus stop up until tomorrow morning as routes are subject to change.
📞 Call 485-RIDE with transportation-related questions.
🎒 BACK-TO-SCHOOL PREP | Superintendent Dr. Brian Yearwood and district leaders met with media today to share key plans and updates for the 2026-27 school year.
📺 Watch the press conference: https://youtu.be/vbVnqP-a83Y
🔗 Read more: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/article/3059185
📺 Watch the press conference: https://youtu.be/vbVnqP-a83Y
🔗 Read more: https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/article/3059185
🎒 ONE WEEK TO GO | The countdown is officially ON! We are just one week away from welcoming JCPS students back for the 2026–27 school year.
Dust off those backpacks, double-check those supply lists, and get ready for a great year! 🎉
Dust off those backpacks, double-check those supply lists, and get ready for a great year! 🎉
