Helmwood Heights Elementary School

08/09/2026

These incredible team members help keep our Panthers safe, healthy, supported, and ready to learn each day!

Meet School Nurse Sarah Pike and Family Resource Center Coordinator Charity Barnes Brown. We’re also excited to welcome two new faces to Helmwood: School Resource Officer Gavin Wood (photo coming soon) and Custodian Dallas Gambrel.

We’re grateful for the care and dedication they bring to our students, families, and staff!

08/09/2026

Helping our students discover their strengths, explore new ideas, and reach their fullest potential!

Meet our Gifted and Talented Teacher, Renee Lackey. We’re thankful for the creativity, encouragement, and opportunities she provides our Panthers throughout the year!

08/09/2026

Our Nutrition Services team keeps our Panthers fueled, cared for, and ready to learn!

Meet the wonderful team that serves our students each day: Manager Ashley Wiser, Assistant Manager Brooke Nolen, Hannah Tedder, Debra Threadgill, and new team member David Burch.

We’re also excited to welcome two new lunch monitors who help keep lunchtime running smoothly. We’re thankful for the smiles, care, and dedication this team brings to Helmwood each day!

08/06/2026

Meet the incredible instructional assistants who help make Helmwood Heights such a special place! From supporting students and classrooms to encouraging learning every day, they are an important part of our school family. You already met Ava Steenbergen and Jacob Maile during our SPED team introductions, and now we’re excited to introduce the rest of this amazing team! 💙💛

✨ Meet our instructional assistants:
• Candace Eitutis-Penwell
• Marisa Thomas-Santilli (new to Helmwood Heights!)
• Sharon Ray
• Karen Halk
• Amanda LaFontaine

Whether they’re lending a helping hand, encouraging students, or supporting our teachers behind the scenes, these incredible team members make a difference every single day. We’re so thankful for each of them and can’t wait for you to get to know them this school year!

08/06/2026

Meet the incredible instructional assistants who help make Helmwood Heights such a special place! From supporting students and classrooms to encouraging learning every day, they are an important part of our school family. You already met Ava Steenbergen and Jacob Maile during our SPED team introductions, and now we’re excited to introduce the rest of this amazing team! 💙💛

✨ Meet our instructional assistants:
* Candace Eitutis-Penwell
* Marisa Thomas-Santilli
* Sharon Ray
* Karen Halk

08/05/2026

08/05/2026

Almost a week away, we just want to remind everyone! Can't wait to see our kiddos in the cafeterias next week!

08/05/2026

🥎 Calling all future Lady Panthers! 🥎

If your 4th, 5th, or 6th grader is interested in softball, this is a great opportunity to learn, grow, and have fun with the Elizabethtown Lady Panthers!

🏆 Fall Clinic Details:
• Mondays & Wednesdays
• 3:15–4:15 PM
• FREE
• Open to Elizabethtown students in grades 4–6
• No sign-up required, but registration is encouraged
• Begins August 24 and runs through September 30

Register here:
https://forms.gle/mzPzYXpzCxTzFcgK7

Whether your player is picking up a glove for the first time or looking to sharpen her skills, this is a fantastic chance to be part of the Lady Panther program. We hope to see you on the field! 💙🥎

08/04/2026

COUNTDOWN TO 2026-27: One badge. Many possibilities.

This school year, every student across Elizabethtown Independent Schools will have something new: a student ID badge. For the first time in district history, students at every grade level, from Panther Academy's youngest learners to Elizabethtown High School seniors, will carry a single badge that simplifies their day, connecting them to the services they use most.

Superintendent Paul M. Mullins said the new badges reflect the district's ongoing commitment to making the student experience better.

"At Elizabethtown Independent Schools, we're always looking for ways to strengthen the student experience," Mullins said. "These new student ID badges represent more than identification, they're another investment in creating schools where students feel secure, connected and proud to be Panthers. As we continue to build a culture of excellence, every improvement, no matter how big or small, helps us better serve our students and families."

For most students, the badge's biggest impact will show up in the small moments of the school day: the lunch line, the library, the computer lab. Director of Student Services Travis Gay said the badge brings several everyday systems together into one simple tool.

Read more about the new student ID badges on our website at etown.kyschools.us/all-news

08/04/2026

Helping students build confidence, strengthen skills, and celebrate every step of progress!

Meet our interventionists: Math Interventionist Jessica Whitlock, Reading Interventionist Robin Gani, and Interventionist Susie Hignite.

We’re thankful for the focused support, encouragement, and care they give our students throughout the year!