Central Office Update

Jefferson County Schools is proud to announce that five schools have been designated as Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education. This is a record number of Reward Schools for the district. This school designation reflects exceptional performance in the areas of achievement and growth for the 2022 – 2023 school year. Each year, schools are eligible for designations based on their overall performance across indicators that are essential to student success, including how they prepared students to be proficient (achievement), accelerated student learning (growth), encouraged students to attend school regularly (chronically out of school), and supported English learners acquiring language skills.

• Rush Strong School last received Reward School status in 2018.

• Talbott Elementary has earned Reward School status four years in a row.

• Piedmont Elementary and Jefferson Elementary have earned Reward School status two years in a row.

• Maury Middle School last received Reward School status in 2018.

The Reward School designation provides a great opportunity to celebrate the work done within each of these schools daily. Dr. Tommy Arnold says “We are proud of all our schools and the work they are doing. Having five schools recognized by the department proves their commitment to a Culture of Excellence in everything they do! Please remember to celebrate the good things happening in our schools every single day.” In addition to Reward School status each of these schools and Jefferson Middle School also earned an A from the department of education on this year’s school report card.

In Jefferson County Schools, a transformative initiative has been underway for the past 2.5 years, profoundly impacting the academic journey of over 1,000 students each semester. The Tennessee Department of Education's TN ALL Corps program has been instrumental in providing small group tutoring services aimed at bolstering student achievement. This innovative approach, spearheaded by a mix of retired teachers, licensed educators, and aspiring teachers, has not only addressed educational deficits but also fostered remarkable growth among students.

Bethany Glenn, one of the dedicated tutors involved in the program, reflects on the gratification derived from witnessing students grasp concepts they once found challenging. This sentiment is echoed by Jessica Newell, whose tenure with the program has showcased remarkable gains among students. The secret lies in the program's ability to pinpoint specific gaps in student learning and tailor interventions accordingly.

Through data-driven insights, tutors like Jessica Newell and Penny Inman have been able to provide targeted support, honing in on individual needs with precision. This approach ensures that each student receives personalized attention, empowering them to overcome obstacles and excel academically. Penny Inman emphasizes the importance of holding students accountable while offering encouragement, a strategy that has proven highly effective in motivating students to strive for success.

What sets the TN ALL Corps program apart is its commitment to reaching students who may not traditionally receive individualized support. By providing focused lessons and cultivating a sense of investment and care, tutors forge meaningful connections that propel students toward higher levels of proficiency. This inclusivity not only closes educational gaps but also instills a sense of empowerment and confidence in students.

As the program enters its third year, it is imperative to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the tutors and celebrate the remarkable achievements of the students. The TN ALL Corps program stands as a beacon of hope, showcasing the transformative power of education when coupled with dedicated support and personalized attention. In Jefferson County Schools, it is clear that the TN ALL Corps program is not just closing educational gaps—it's opening doors to a brighter future for all students.

Taking the ACT in high school is a graduation requirement for Tennessee students. But it is much more than that: scoring well on the ACT opens doors for students. On Wednesday, February 14th, the Tennessee Department of Education released data on the 2023 ACT Senior Retake: Thanks to the retake opportunity, the number of high school seniors in Tennessee who took the ACT in 2023 and are now eligible for the state HOPE Scholarship has increased to 24,623, representing one out of three seniors.

Tennessee leads the nation in ACT access, becoming the first state in the nation to offer public high school seniors the opportunity to take the ACT two times for free during normal school hours and boasts strong statewide ACT participation rate of 99% for the graduating class of 2023. Public school students test once in the spring of their junior year, and then have an opportunity to retake the ACT in the fall of their senior year during normal school hours.

Across the state, over 423,000 students have participated in the retake opportunity since inception in 2018. In fall 2023, 51,745 students participated in the retake opportunity and 77% of those students increased their superscore, the average of the highest sub scores from each subject of all test attempts. Additionally, economically disadvantaged students increased their composite score by 2.02 points and superscore by 2.36 points and students with disabilities increased their composite score by 2.01 points and superscore by 2.35 points.

At Jefferson County High School, students are celebrated for achieving high scores, as well as improving their scores. The school is set to host its annual ACT Luncheon on March 7 for 157 seniors who scored 21 or higher on the ACT. Additionally, students who participated in the ACT retake were eligible for prizes. Locally, we celebrated the following results after the 2023 ACT Retake:

• 366 out of 401 students took advantage of the ACT Retake opportunity.
• 154 students who retook the ACT improved their scores.
• 16 students achieved the benchmark of 21 or higher since taking the ACT as a junior.
• 9 students achieved a score of 30 or higher through the retake, 6 of those students meeting that threshold for the first time.
• 14 students improved their score by 4 or more points, with one student gaining 8 points!

Pictured above are some of the senior prize winners, including Derrick Rajnoor (Bike), Miguel Mancilla Arabia (Speaker), Kayden Pursley (Speaker), Rachel Livesay (Air Pods), Sahil Patel (Air Pods), Dylan Edmonds (Keurig), Abigail Castillo (TV), Jacqueline Delgado (Emergency Kit), Ethan Trentham (Prom Tickets), Edith Silva (Prom Tickets) Edward Ramos (Large Fridge).

We are proud of all our students' achievements!

If you walk the halls at Talbott Elementary School, you may find some interesting displays on the wall.

Schools have been looking for creative ways to encourage and develop good attendance habits in their students. At Talbott Elementary, they have an Attendance Derby display. All of the homeroom classes are represented by a racehorse by homeroom teacher's name. Characters wearing derby hats watch the horses race. Each month the class with the least absences wins. The homeroom teacher of the winning class gets their picture displayed, complete with derby hat. Each semester the winning class is awarded a party. The winning class for the year earns a pizza party!

In the K-8 grade levels, different incentive systems have been developed across the district to encourage the use of iReady personalized learning or My Path. At Talbott Elementary, a March Madness bracket has been set up. Classes compete and advance through the bracket by having a higher lessons passed rate for the week than their competition. It will be exciting to see which class wins it all!

Attention Jefferson County Schools Staff, Family, and Friends! 👟🌼

Get ready to embrace the beauty of spring and hit the trails with us at the Spring Into Shape 5K Walk/Run, taking place at Panther Creek State Park! Join us for a morning of fun, fitness, and community on April 6, 2024, at 9:00am.

Whether you're a seasoned runner or prefer a leisurely stroll, this event is perfect for participants of all ages and fitness levels. Lace up your sneakers, gather your loved ones, and join us as we celebrate health and wellness in the great outdoors.

🌳 Here's what's in store for you:

• Scenic 5K trail winding through the breathtaking landscapes of Panther Creek State Park.
  

  Opportunities to connect with fellow staff members, friends, and family in a vibrant and supportive atmosphere.

🏅 Don't miss this chance to soak up the beauty of spring while supporting your health and well-being. Let's come together as a community to make memories, set goals, and enjoy the journey toward a healthier lifestyle.

Contact: mwhitaker@jcboe.net for additional details!

Jefferson County Schools and Jefferson Middle School recognized Providence Church for their community partnership at the school board meeting in February. We appreciate all of our community partners and look forward to continued recognitions.

Students in grades K-8 take iReady benchmarks three times per year to track their progress in ELA and math. Principals, academic coaches, teachers, and staff work to help students understand their own data and set goals for each benchmark. All of our elementary and middle schools have different ways to encourage students to do their best and achieve their goals. At Maury Middle School, students who gain one point or show growth in each subject from one benchmark to the next have an opportunity to participate in a reward activity at the school. After the winter benchmark, students who showed growth participated in a Glow Silent Dance Party, where students put on headphones with 3 different channels and a DJ, and listened and danced to the music of their choice. They also had access to concessions and Winter Wonderland minute-to-win-it games, for which they could earn prizes. The next reward activity planned after the third benchmark is "Grow Your Score to Go Outdoors."

On February 15, 2024, Jefferson County Schools recognized School Resource Officer (SRO) Appreciation Day, a day dedicated to honoring the remarkable individuals who contribute to the safety, well-being, and positive atmosphere within our schools.

This special day allowed us to shine a spotlight on the outstanding SROs in our district. These officers go above and beyond and build trust between law enforcement and the school community. It is clear that our SROs are not just officers but integral members of the school community. They foster positive relationships with students, teachers, and parents, cultivating an atmosphere where everyone feels supported and valued. The impact of their work extends far beyond the realm of security; it reaches into the hearts and minds of those they serve.

The commitment of our SROs to the safety and success of our students is truly commendable, and SRO Appreciation Day provided the perfect opportunity to recognize and celebrate their contributions. In Jefferson County, we are fortunate to have these everyday heroes shaping the future of our schools. Thank you, SROs, for your unwavering commitment to our students and the entire school community!

Jefferson County Schools celebrates Read Across America every year around March 2, Dr. Seuss's birthday! Schools went all out again this year with decorations, dress-up days, guest readers, book giveaways, vocabulary parades, and family literacy nights. Many JCHS students served as guest readers at elementary schools.

In Tennessee, March is considered Literacy Month. Our educators and families are working hard to ensure students have positive experiences with reading. The love of reading and learning is important and something we want our children to take with them throughout their lives.

Dandridge Elementary School hosted a book walk about Animals in Winter. Students and their families walked the path and read the book. Activities included bird feeders, painting with snow, animal tracks, making snow, STEM building towers, music, migration and coding. Visitors included veterinarians, TWRA, Park Rangers and some students. It was a great interactive learning time with the families of DES.

Enrollment at Talbott Elementary School has increased greatly over the past several years. In fact, music classes are held on the stage, and there is not a space at all for art classes. Multiple grade levels are at the top of the state's teacher-to-student ratio. However, there is not a space to add a classroom teacher to bring the ratio down.

Dr. Arnold and Michelle Walker met with teachers to listen to their concerns. Dr. Arnold took those concerns to the school board, and the school board took action. A plan was approved to add four classrooms and a set of bathrooms to Talbott Elementary School. One million dollars in fund balance was set aside for this addition. We are excited for the students and staff members of Talbott Elementary.

The school-level spelling bee winners from across the district participated in the county-wide spelling bee on January 25 at the JCHS Performing Arts Center. Thank you to all of the school-level spelling bee sponsors and the county-wide team that made the event a success. Sixth grader Audrey Mayes of Rush Strong School won the Jefferson County Spelling Bee with second place going to Douglas Eaton of Maury Middle School and third place going to Teresa Denton of White Pine School. It took multiple rounds to determine the winners. Students spelled words like Erlenmeyer flask, lanthanides, and coccidiosis. Amazing job, spellers!

Dandridge Elementary kindergarten classes were able to visit CTE classes at JCHS. Click on this link to read the article in the Standard Banner.

The kindergarteners had the opportunity to explore seven different careers that they might consider in the future while the high school students were able to share what they have been learning in their career and technical education classes at JCHS. The students had the chance to visit classes in cosmetology, health science, culinary arts, welding, vet science, criminal justice, and automotive.

During the visit, the students engaged in various hands-on activities. They made cupcakes alongside culinary arts students, used stethoscopes to listen to their hearts in health science, experienced beauty treatments in cosmetology, groomed and interacted with dogs in vet science, learned car maintenance in automotive, explored a police car and experimented with its lights in criminal justice, and donned oversized gear in the welding class. What a great experience for both the JCHS CTE students and DES kindergarten students!

Thank you to Kalyn Marshall, one of the kindergarten teachers, along with JCHS Service Learning Teacher Lani O'Conner for this special field trip! Also, thank you to CTE Director Missy Hayes and JCHS Principal Randy Rogers!

March 5 was a professional development day when teachers spent the mornings at their schools and the afternoon with their district teams to refine and solidify the focus of instruction as we get ready for state testing. Students in 3rd grade through high school will begin TCAP testing the week of April 15, so teachers want to make the most of the next few weeks with students.

Teachers completed surveys to share their feedback on the sessions that they attended. Here are some comments from the surveys.

• I noticed and appreciated how much work and consideration was prepared for today's PD! Thank you also for the opportunity to be vertically grouped; so many great ideas shared!
• I learned so much about TN Ready questioning in these sessions. I don't speak out as much as the veteran teachers, but I soak up the knowledge like a sponge.
• I loved hearing all of the encouragement and tips from our presenters today. The test taking strategies and presenting best practice with daily tasks were great!
• What I found most beneficial today was creating test prep question slides and understanding what conceptual understanding looks like on a test question.
• Being able to work directly with the other teachers from my grade level from across the county was beneficial.
• (Art Teacher) I enjoyed looking at and learning about local artists. It was beneficial to have exposure to local artists I can teach about.

Teachers also shared some suggestions for improving future professional development sessions. There was some feedback on logistics such as timing, session formats, and location considerations. Multiple teachers expressed a desire for continued collaboration and planning time, especially within grade-level or subject-specific groups.

For the last seven years, Lisa Haynes, who teaches 4th grade math and science at Dandridge Elementary School, has dedicated her time and effort to create and maintain a school garden for her students. Her efforts will be showcased at the 2024 Coordinated School Health Institute. Through projects like the school garden, Mrs. Haynes goes above and beyond to provide enriching experiences for her students.

Please watch the interview with Mrs. Haynes in the link below to hear why the school garden is important to her and how it continues to enhance her student's overall health.