Our Affiliated Project: Johns Creek Elementary School in Pikeville, Kentucky

 

facts about Johns Creek Elementary School:

  • Average enrollment: 865 students
  • Building description: Four buildings comprise this very large school. The buildings house classrooms, a cafeteria, library, media center, dance studio (the only school with a dance studio in the state), auditorium and a digital piano lab. The middle school building was recently renovated.
  • Faculty: Includes a 56-member certified staff
  • Percentage of students who qualify for Federal Free or Reduced Price Meals: 60%
  • School curriculum: Based on the KY Program of Studies and KY Core Content. To view the school’s state report card visit www.k12.ky.us.
  • Academic schedule: The school year typically begins the first week of August and ends the second week of May. Normal holidays are observed.
  • Sports and activities: Extracurricular activities offered include an academic team, spelling team, performing arts club, speech and drama clubs, Girl Scouts, cheerleading, track and field, basketball, chorus, football and marching band.
  • Distinguishing accomplishments: Johns Creek Elementary has been ranked number 27 of the state’s top schools to make steady progress, earning awards for improved test scores since the state testing program.

Nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains and steeped in a rich cultural heritage, Pike County once thrived due to its coal and lumber industries. Then, in 1994, the Eastern Division of Pittston Coal Company closed its mines. Unfortunately, the mountain passes and rugged terrain have effectively blocked other types of industry from settling in this part of Kentucky. Thus, few industries and employment options remain in the area. As a result, unrelenting poverty and unemployment have taken their toll.

Moreover, their debilitating effects do not only impact adults. Hunger and cold nights in bed are no strangers to many of the children of this area, as their parents struggle to make ends meet. For this reason, Johns Creek Elementary School — the largest P-8 educational facility in the county — serves as a beacon of hope, allowing students to learn, discover and grow in a warm and caring environment that is geared towards education — the key to breaking the cycle of poverty.