Weakley County Schools

School nutrition staff served 264 lunch and breakfast combos at six locations across Weakley County in the first day of school closure.

Weakley County Schools will continue classes next week, but nonessential activities will be suspended, according to Director Randy Frazier in an announcement to the school board, school principals and staff today.

Weakley County Spelling Bee Champion Brenley Little joined 53 other superior spellers in Nashville on Saturday to see who would take the state’s top spot.

The Martin Middle School library served as the site for representatives of the Tennessee Department of Education to meet with educators, administrators, concerned parents and students. They discussed the Whole Child Support initiative. These engagement sessions are part of a statewide effort to "learn what we can do, as a state, to meet the needs of students, families and school communities." Story by Christian Ashlar first appeared in the Weakley County Press.

Gov. Bill Lee announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 5. Director of Schools Randy Frazier shared an update to parents regarding the school system's activities to address the health concern. Students received the letter and robocalls and texts will alert parents that the letter has been distributed.

UPDATE 03.05.20-Gov. Bill Lee announced the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on March 5. With daily news broadcasts tracing the progress of the coronavirus or COVID -19, and public response varying in extremes, the Weakley County School System wants to assure local residents that staff are monitoring the situation and employing preventative measures.

As of March 3, anyone mailing packages to Gleason School or using GPS maps will need to enter a new address. Due to recent changes in the 911 and postal systems, a dash can no longer be used, making 92-99 State Championship Drive obsolete. The new address – 3 State Championship Drive – reflects both a response to change and the inclusion of the third and, to-date, un-heralded (at least where the address is concerned) team of champions.

Weakley County Schools received a $5000 check this week from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers Incorporated, for a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) education project.

Weakley County Soil Conservation District (WCSCD) and the Tennessee Division of Forestry are partnering to ensure 5th graders in Weakley County understand the value of trees in preventing soil erosion.

The personal story of 7th grade English Language Arts teacher Lynn Brasfield helped bring the reading about Ruby Bridges and school segregation closer to home.

When employees of Imerys in Gleason (formerly Kentucky Tennessee Clay Company) met for their annual safety refresh workshop in February, they included an unveiling of a new safety mascot and simultaneously honored a recent retiree. They also gifted a young artist with a $500 scholarship in recognition of the colorful creation, fashioned to underscore safety issues at the plant.

During the month of January, elementary students at Gleason School had the opportunity to participate in Gleason School Library’s “Reading-Is-Fun-a-thon.” Their efforts have raised more than $2,200.

Talent from across the county will be featured at the Weakley County Art Show at 6 p.m. on February 29 at the Weakley County Personal Development Center, 8250 Hwy. 22, Dresden. Deadline to submit entries at schools is Feb. 21.

First selected by their peers, then acknowledged through a committee review, three Weakley County Teachers of the Year will now proceed to a regional level and possibly on to be named the state’s Teacher of the Year.

A reminder to be kind from a local radio station prompted a Sharon teacher, whose mind was already focused on how her second graders would observe the Great Kindness Challenge, to apply for Blankets of Hope, a national effort to meet the needs of homeless people. As a result, the kindness continues and several individuals in Jackson who are without a permanent home will spend their Valentine’s Day warmly reminded of some children’s care.

Gleason students in K-8th recently only had to choose between bubble gum, cookie dough and watermelon and within minutes their teeth had received a flavored fluoride varnish and sealants to prevent tooth decay. The free services were made available in January and more than 100 students took the state of Tennessee up on the offer.

When Shannon O’Neal, the Martin Middle School Librarian, addressed the Weakley County School Board during their monthly meeting, she revealed how school libraries go beyond books to help meet academic goals.

The Westview HOSA Future Health Professionals will host their first-ever HOSA Healthy Heart 5K Run on February 22.

Based on the beliefs that “kindness is strength” and that as an action is repeated, a habit is formed, the Great Kindness Challenge is now in more than 24,000 schools including those in Weakley County. Most Weakley Schools will observe the week beginning Jan. 27.

Wednesday marked the 100th of 180 total instruction days in the school calendar. Now past the halfway mark, Weakley County Schools will remain as focused on health and safety as they were at day one, say directors charged with ensuring training in both areas.

An investigation following a Wednesday afternoon altercation on a school bus resulted in the Weakley County Sheriff’s Office filing a juvenile petition for unruly behavior (assault) against a Westview High School student.

Special education teachers, principals and administrators spent a half day learning about Least Restrictive Environments (LRE) and how to provide educational experiences that are accessible, meaningful, and engaging.

A suspicious social media post prompted a search of Dresden High School late Wednesday night. After the school was cleared and deemed safe by administration and the Weakley County Sherriff’s Department, classes continued today without interruption. The student whose post prompted the search has now come forward.

New Year/New You is getting an added boost at Westview High School as faculty challenge themselves and each other to see who can be the Biggest Loser – of body fat that is.

Weakley County Schools transportation director Ron Byington is working overtime to ensure the county’s 41 routes stay fully served.

Healthy eating choices are on everyone’s mind as the new year begins, and with the help of several creative Weakley County students, keeping a daily record and making those choices will be easier.

Students at Gleason School are about to experience "soft skills" lessons as they experience rewards in a new and fun way that gives a nod to their lovable Bulldog mascot.

Returning to classrooms this week also marks a return to after school programs, helping families ensure their children are safe and cared for until workdays conclude.

Weakley County was among 142 recipients of grants supporting Science, Technology, Engineering and Math that went to six states.

Weakley County principals and district office staff were asked, “What is your hope for 2020 related to your role with Weakley County Schools?” The following are some of their replies.

Asked about the highlights of 2019 for our Weakley County Schools, various administrators weighed in. Here’s a sampling of insights from principals to district office staff.

Longtime friends and co-workers Leigh Hart and Jamie Rickman, the coach and the counselor, launched the Lions’ Den store in 2011 and annually expand the effort to meet the Christmas shopping needs of Dresden Middle School students. The reward program has become a model for other schools in the county.

When school started, Sharon students learned they would be receiving SOAR bucks for good behavior, good grades, reaching Accelerated Reading (AR) goals, and acts of kindness. On Wednesday, they had the chance to spend those “bucks” on items in a special pop-up shop set up in the school gymnasium.

Thanks to the efforts of Greenfield’s junior high teachers, students enjoyed a chance to spend their hard-earned “Jacket cash” on items for themselves or those they loved. And according to seventh grade teacher LeeAnn Usery, many were choosing to focus on others.

Gleason School hosted a December 13 luncheon in honor of the Senior Citizens in the community.

At a time when experts acknowledge students are self-absorbed as part of their natural developmental process, Dresden Middle School (DMS) students are showing signs of great empathy. And the impact of their kindness is literally being felt around the world.

David Fisher of the Dresden Enterprise recently reported on Career and Technical Education Director (CTE) director Lindsey Parham's progress since assuming her role in July.

SRO Jimmy Brown coordinated Martin Middle School's participation in the annual Can Caravan and helped secure their position as the top can collector among participating schools.

Students in the Principles of Agriculture Mechanics course have waited a couple of months to get their hands on the newest tool in Weakley County’s Career and Technical Education offerings.

Twelve spellers entered the Weakley County Schools’ (WCS) board room on Thursday and one countywide champion emerged. After an hour of intense spelling, Brenley Little of Greenfield claimed the top honor and the chance to advance to the Tennessee Titans Regional Spelling Bee in Nashville. Luke Lawrence from Gleason School was runner up.

After five competitions near and far, the Westview Band earned several accolades and won the crowd’s heart on three separate occasions during this fall’s competitive season.

Weakley County Schools has joined the list of Mid-South organizations recognized as “StormReady Supporters” by the National Weather Service.

Beta Club members from Gleason, Greenfield, Dresden, and Westview were among the approximately 4500 students at the state convention held in Nashville last week, the largest in the history of Tennessee Senior Beta Convention. This week, Dresden Middle participated in the middle school convention.

The Charger Foundation has awarded a second round of grants to Martin teachers ensuring almost $9,000 of resources will be coming to all four Martin schools.

Dyer, Lake and Weakley County School Boards are receiving nearly a half a million dollars to improve distance learning opportunities for their students.

Dresden Middle School has won awards for their student-run recycling program. And, even though the Recycle Bowl is no longer a statewide school competition, teacher Jody Hatler and the sixth through eighth graders who form the recycling team are still dedicated to the task.

Rarely do four hours of study in the morning, four in the afternoon, then writing essays or preparing slide presentations seem like an ideal way to spend a summer day. But for the chosen few who applied for and made it into one of 11 Governor’s Schools in Tennessee, the month-long investment of time is deemed “well worth it.”

Vince Vawter, award-winning children’s book writer and former newspaper reporter and editor, was on his way to speak at a national convention in Memphis last week. But first he had to make a stop in Greenfield.

Weakley County has once again exceeded state norms on ACT participation and scoring.

Gone are the days of class time devoted to identifying the main idea and other skills which hinted at the need to teach for the test rather than learning. Armed with background knowledge and the ability to decode letters that make sounds and sounds that make words, students can find success in reading, experts say. Weakley County teachers are following these practices and seeing results.

Martin Elementary is presenting Seussical, the Musical November 15, 16 and 17. The new countywide high school theater group Weakley Playhouse is staging Feathers and Teeth November 14, 15, and 16.

As students take to the stage in November for Weakley Playhouse’s first theatrical production, the new Weakley County Schools option for theater buffs is also offering a chance for those drawn more to the page than the stage.

Weakley County cafeterias have recorded $2,575 in unpaid student charges.

Students hear many anti-drug, alcohol and bullying messages during Red Ribbon Week and at Westview and Dresden High they were treated to a bit of magic as well.

When a Congressman and a Commissioner addressed the audience assembled in UTM’s Watkins Auditorium at the Northwest Tennessee Food Processing and Agri-business Conference on Thursday, they couldn’t miss the row of blue corduroy,

The Farm to School emphasis in October took the form of taste tests in all ten school cafeterias last week.

Ag Commissioner Dr. Charlie Hatcher visited the Weakley County Schools Livestock Production Farm.

October is Bullying Prevention Month and Dresden has it covered. Dresden High School launched the emphasis by wearing blue. Dresden Middle is mapping safe places. Dresden Elementary includes the subject in curriculum.

Martin Middle School officials cleared two science rooms briefly Tuesday morning after a gas-like odor was detected.

Gleason's First United Methodist Church opened the doors to their Family Life Center for Gleason seniors to take advantage of an ACT Retake day. Countywide more that 200 seniors took the college entrance exam again.

Weakley County Schools’ adoption of propane school buses was one of seven initiatives recognized and the only rural-based example.

In celebration of October as Farm-to-School Month, the Weakley County School Nutrition Department, the Northwest Tennessee Local Food Network and Weakley Arts Can have organized a district-wide Harvest of the Month poster contest. All students in Weakley County Schools are invited to participate.

Exploring career options takes hands-on learning and in the case of Westview students interested in a possible health-focused career, those hands are gloved!

400 students, teachers, parents and volunteers turned on to Shady Grove Road in Martin Friday morning and four hours later left much more aware of the sights, smells, sounds, tastes and touch of the farm.

Weakley County’s Farm to School Kickoff on Tuesday night drew nearly 90 representatives of business, government, and school leadership to Dresden High School to hear more about the initiative and offer input on ways to increase farm and school interactions.

To launch the beginning of a countywide Farm-to-School emphasis, organizers have arranged a farm-to-table meal, tour, and forum at Dresden High School which houses the only production facility in the state with hogs and cattle.

Sandy Hook Promise (SHP) launched its all-new Start with Hello digital program this month and Martin third through fifth graders are about to discover the tools designed specifically for elementary schools.

School Nutrition Director Trista Snider answers questions regarding new badges.

Fire prevention messaging in Tennessee added two Greenfield communicators to their list of award-winning talent last weekend as Gwyneth Norwood and Annabelle Lovell claimed top spots for their poster-making.