From Oxford to Greenup County: Bringing Extraordinary Learning Home
For Dr. Lauren Brewer, an educator at Greenup County High School, spending part of her summer studying at the University of Oxford was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
But what made the experience truly meaningful wasn't simply the opportunity to study at one of the world's most recognized universities. It was the people she met, the conversations she shared, and the ideas she brought home to her students in Greenup County.
“Wow. I was at Oxford.”
Even now, Dr. Brewer says those words capture the feeling of being part of a place so deeply connected to history, literature, and learning.
Throughout her time in England, she participated in seminars, explored historic sites, and learned alongside educators and professionals from around the world. And some of the most meaningful learning happened outside the classroom — during meals, walks, excursions, and conversations with fellow participants.
Oxford itself became part of the classroom.
Rediscovering the Joy of Learning
One of Dr. Brewer's biggest takeaways came from finding herself on the other side of the classroom again — as a student.
The experience reminded her that meaningful learning isn't always about having the right answer. Sometimes, it's about asking better questions, challenging assumptions, listening to different perspectives, and being willing to change your mind.
That philosophy is something she hopes to bring even more intentionally into her own classroom at Greenup County High School.
Dr. Brewer wants students to feel comfortable saying, “I'm not sure,” and to understand that uncertainty can be the beginning of discovery rather than something to fear.
She hopes to create more opportunities for students to explore ideas, defend their thinking, engage in meaningful discussions, and learn through experiences that go beyond traditional assignments.
Bringing the Experience Back to GC
For Dr. Brewer, the experience also reinforced the importance of Greenup County Schools' Great 8 approach, which encourages students to understand who they are, where they want to go, and how they can get there.
She believes meaningful education is about much more than grades or completed assignments. It's about helping students develop curiosity, confidence, and the ability to think for themselves.
Her time at Oxford offered fresh perspectives on how to make those experiences even more meaningful for students at GC.
And while the setting may have been extraordinary, Dr. Brewer believes the same spirit of discovery can happen in any classroom — including those right here in Greenup County.
Recognition That Hits Close to Home
Dr. Brewer's commitment to her students has also earned recognition beyond the classroom.
She was recently named a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction, an honor made especially meaningful because she was nominated by one of her own students.
For an educator, knowing that a student recognizes and appreciates the impact of their work can mean more than any award.
The recognition is another reflection of the passion Dr. Brewer brings to teaching and the relationships she builds with her students.
Leading by Example
Oxford is just one chapter in Dr. Brewer's continued commitment to learning and professional growth.
Her experiences have also included the Innovative Teacher Fellowship, Ford's Theatre, the White House Teacher Institute, and Founding Forward — opportunities that have helped her grow as an educator while bringing new perspectives back to her classroom.
For Dr. Brewer, these experiences are about more than professional development. They're an opportunity to model something she wants every student to understand: learning doesn't end when you leave school.
And perhaps that's the most important lesson she brought home from Oxford.
“Oxford was an extraordinary place to learn, but extraordinary learning isn't just reserved for extraordinary places. I want our students in Greenup County to know that the classroom can be a place where they question, create, debate, take risks, and discover what they're capable of.”
Explore Dr. Brewer's Oxford Experience
Want to see more from her time at Oxford? Take a closer look through photographs, experiences, and reflections from her summer in England.
View Dr. Brewer's Oxford Presentation →
Research consistently shows a positive relationship between family involvement and student achievement — and being involved doesn't have to mean spending hours helping with homework.
Sometimes, it starts with one simple question:
“How was your day?”
“What did you learn?”
“What was the best part?”
Those little conversations send a big message: What happens at school matters to me.
Small things matter. Your involvement matters.
#ItMattersAtGC
#CelebrateGC
Research shows that reading aloud with children can improve vocabulary, strengthen memory, and support their overall learning and development.
And reading together doesn't have to stop once children can read on their own. Read a book, an article, a recipe — or simply talk about what they're reading.
A few minutes together can make a difference.
Read together. It matters.
#ItMattersAtGC
#CelebrateGC
THIS WEEK IN GC!
It's a lighter week around the district as many of our winter sports teams begin preparing for their upcoming seasons! But there's still some football action ahead, including a big Friday night matchup as our Musketeers look to secure a home playoff game with a win this week!
This week also marks National School Bus Safety Week, and we want to take a moment to recognize the incredible members of our transportation team!
From our bus drivers and monitors to the dedicated staff who work behind the scenes, these individuals play such an important role in our district. Their commitment to safely transporting our students each day is something we never take for granted.
To our entire transportation team, THANK YOU for all that you do and for the care and dedication you show our students every day. We appreciate you!
Here's a look at what's happening around GC this week!
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October is National Principals Month, and while we always appreciate our principals and assistant principals for all that they do, we love another opportunity to shine a spotlight on this incredible group!
From supporting our students and staff to helping create schools where everyone can learn, grow, and succeed, these dedicated leaders make a difference across GC every single day.
Help us celebrate them! Drop a comment below and give a shout-out to a principal or assistant principal who has made a difference in your life!
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A busy week ahead for our Musketeers! Special shoutout to our boys soccer team as they take on East Carter in tonight’s district championship at Morgan County!
Check out this week’s schedule, come out and cheer on GC, and share your photos in the comments!
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We’re excited to welcome Michael “Mike” Evans as our new wrestling coach!
Coach Evans brings 17 years of experience coaching wrestlers at every level, including state and national champions and wrestlers who have placed at the world level. He is dedicated to helping each athlete reach their individual potential, wherever they are in their wrestling journey. He’s ready to bring that same commitment to GC and help our Musketeers grow in skill, confidence and determination.
What means just as much is his commitment to the students he coaches. Coach Evans believes wrestling teaches lessons that reach well beyond the mat—hard work, discipline and perseverance. He takes pride in showing up for his “wrestling kids,” supporting them through challenges, celebrating their successes and being someone they can count on.
Outside of wrestling, he is a general contractor, husband and father. We’re excited to have him join GC and look forward to what’s ahead for our wrestling program!
Join us in giving Coach Evans a warm Musketeer welcome!
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We want to make our GC families and community aware of an accidental fire alarm activation that occurred earlier today at Greenup County School of Innovation.
All students and staff are safe, and there was never any danger.
Please see the above update for additional information.
Proud of these young leaders and the way they continue to encourage, support and push one another during the Mogadishu Mile Kentucky competition.
Great job, JROTC Raiders!
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Have a great week, Musketeers!
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Back in August, we recognized our GC custodians for all of the hard work they put in to get our schools ready for another year.
And while the school year may be well underway, their hard work certainly hasn't stopped!
Day in and day out, our custodial teams continue working behind the scenes to keep our schools clean, safe and ready for our students and staff.
So today, we're celebrating ALL of our GC custodians and saying THANK YOU for everything you do — each and every day — to keep GC shining!
Happy National Custodian Appreciation Day!
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On a day off during fall break, members of our GCHS JROTC volunteered their time to help students from Boyd County learn how to build rope bridges as they prepare for future competitions.
Giving up part of their day off to help others says a lot about this group of young people — and about the camaraderie, respect and unity that exists across JROTC programs.
Competition is important, but supporting one another and helping others succeed is pretty special, too.
Great job, JROTC! We’re proud of the way you continue to represent GC — even on your days off!
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No school Thursday (10/1) or Friday (10/2). We hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fall Break!
We’ll see you back Monday, Musketeers!
What a night for one of our GC Lady Musketeer Volleyball seniors!
During last night’s 3–0 win over Lewis County, Lucy Roy recorded the 1,000th kill of her high school career!
An incredible milestone and the result of a whole lot of hard work and dedication over the years.
Congratulations on joining the 1,000 Kill Club, Lucy - we couldn't be more proud of you!
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A quick reminder — Greenup Old Fashion Days is THIS WEEK, October 1–3!
You won’t want to miss this very special year as our community celebrates 60 years of Old Fashion Days and 250 years of America.
And we’re especially proud that our very own Captain Dennis Rice and Master Gunnery Sergeant Paul Sites are Co-Grand Marshals for this year's event!
We can’t think of two more deserving people for this honor. We’re so thankful for their continued commitment and dedication to GC, our students and our community. 💚💛
We’ve included the full schedule of events — there’s A LOT happening over the three days, and we hope to see you there!
Congratulations, Captain Rice and Master Gunnery Sergeant Sites!
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Our Greenup County Schools special education team is hosting “Parents as Partners: Know, Organize & Advocate” on October 28 from 5–6 PM at Greenup County High School.
Families will receive helpful information from KY SPIN and create a personalized ARC binder to help keep important school records organized.
And bring your child! Sensory activities will be available.
Register by October 16 using the QR code or registration link on the flyer.
Our GCHS JROTC cadets were up bright and early this morning, welcoming students to school with smiles and plenty of encouragement!
They brought the energy, leadership and pride we’ve come to expect from this outstanding group of young adults — and made sure everyone's Monday started on a positive note!
Thanks, JROTC, for starting our day the Musketeer way!
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On Friday at 9:25, students and staff across our district paused to read and honor Dolly Parton and the gift of reading. Some students read at their desks, others in small groups. At one school, students even lined the hallways and read together. The photos shared from our schools captured just how meaningful those few minutes were.
And because it was also Musketeer Spirit Day, we even got to hear a special performance of our fight song! It was such a fun reminder that this day was about connection, too.
We hope our students carry something from Dolly Day with them: read often, give when you can, be kind and love one another. What a beautiful way for our GC family to come together in her memory.
Thank you to everyone who helped make Dolly Day so special. Let’s honor Dolly’s spirit every day and leave our little corner of the world better than we found it.
#GiveLikeDolly
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It’s a short school week, but there’s still plenty of Musketeer action ahead with volleyball, soccer, football and cross country. Come out and support our teams!
Reminder: There is no school Thursday, October 1, or Friday, October 2, for Fall Break. Enjoy the long weekend, GC!
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It certainly was a busy week in GC! In addition to Spirit Week and Homecoming, students from around the district had plenty of hands-on fun celebrating All in for Ag Education Week!
We learned about everything from baby chicks, bees and plants to goats, calves, worms and more!
The week wrapped up with Ag Day at the Greenup County Fairgrounds, featuring hayrides, animals, games and plenty more to experience.
It was a fun week — and a great way for our students to learn more about Greenup County’s rich agricultural history and why agriculture remains such an important part of our community today!
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