Archived News

Two Days Left to Apply for Additional Free Meals

05/18/2020

An additional option to receive free meals now has a deadline of Tuesday, May 19. Applications will be accepted throughout Tuesday. Participants in the current Weakley County Schools' meal distribution program are encouraged to take advantage of this offer if they are eligible.

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Baylor University to Provide Meals for Economically Disadvantaged

05/15/2020

UPDATE - DEADLINE EXTENDED TO MAY 19. In response to the COVID-19 crisis, Baylor University and the USDA have partnered to provide meals to children who are classified as economically disadvantaged. To participate in the program, a child must have qualified for Free or Reduced meals during the 2019-2020 school year.

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Marine Recruit Headed to Boot Camp Dons Early Cap and Gown

05/15/2020

Westview senior Mason Whitten was scheduled to leave for boot camp at Paris Island, South Carolina, on Monday. Principal Jeromy Davidson worked with Mason and his mother Amy McCord of Martin and father Lance Whitten of South Fulton to ensure the Marine recruit would at least get one more day on campus,

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Each School To Customize Drive-through Pick Up of Report Cards

05/14/2020

Student population and driveways are helping to dictate the varying approaches to report card pick up at Weakley County Schools. All schools will begin card distribution on May 18 and will be observing social distancing guidelines.

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Details for Rescheduled Graduation Coming Soon

05/01/2020

Weakley County Schools Director Randy Frazier announced today that the graduation ceremonies for the class of 2020 will now occur on the weekend of June 12. Postponing the planned May 15 event came about after consulting with local health officials.

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Director Frazier Salutes Weakley County Teachers

05/01/2020

Director Frazier shares thoughts on lessons learned regarding the roles of teachers. May 4-8 is National Teacher Appreciation Week.

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Pre-K Registration Packet Pick Up Set for May 19; Drop Off May 26

05/01/2020

The newly rescheduled registration dates reflect Weakley County Schools’ continued commitment to observing social distancing guidelines. Pre-K registration will now fall on two dates: May 19 will allow for registration packet pick up. May 26 will be for packet drop off. And the entire process will be a “drive through” operation.

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School Nurses Acknowledged on May 6 But Appreciated Every Day

05/01/2020

National School Nurse Day was scheduled for Wednesday, May 6 this year. Little did organizers know that the recognition for these health care providers would be severely affected by a health crisis.

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Future Health Care Professionals Have Knowledgeable Guides

05/01/2020

At two Weakley County High Schools, students interested in healthcare as a career choice have guides to help them determine what could be next. Both guides are licensed registered nurses.

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County Invited to Participate

04/29/2020

The multi-school combined choir experience was cancelled but that doesn't mean Weakley County can't sing. Check out the details for a virtual choir trip down country roads.

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Reports of Child Abuse Are Down – No Cause to Celebrate

04/23/2020

As Child Prevention Awareness month comes to a close and school will no longer be open, mental health professionals express concern that reports of abuse will be reduced. But that reduction doesn't mean abuse isn't happening.

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Meals, Instruction and Mental Health - WCS Priorities

04/23/2020

The mental health and well-being of students has been a priority since schools closed in March. Choosing to focus on learning engagement rather than formal instruction is one means by which the school system helped to reduce stress in an already stressful time.

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Mental Health Resources in the Weakley County Area

04/23/2020

Students and their families have several resources available to them. Websites and phone numbers listed here offer awareness and/or a direct connection to trained professionals.

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Therapists Offer Suggestions for Talking with Children

04/23/2020

The COVID-19 crisis can produce fear and anxiety in children. Area therapists and national experts offer tips and suggestions on how to address concerns and focus on well-being.

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First Person Account of How Local Resources Addressed Stress

04/23/2020

A single mom describes her high-achieving teen's reaction to school closure and the help received from Youth Villages.

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Weakley County School Administrators Plan for Closing Out School Year

04/17/2020

Weakley County Schools Director Randy Frazier, staff and principals met online on Thursday to determine the next steps of closing out the 2019-20 academic year. The meeting followed Governor Bill Lee’s recommendation on Wednesday to close all Tennessee schools for the remainder of the year.

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Weakley County Schools Serving Meals to 0-18 Years

04/16/2020

125,644 meals served in six weeks -- Meal distributions are underway as Weakley County Schools respond to COVID-19 and school closure needs.

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Printed and Online Materials Now Available for Encouraging Learning

04/16/2020

A new instructional platform meant to offer learning suggestions and less stress are now available on this website. Paper overviews are being distributed at meal sites.

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April 13-17 Meals Continue Daily, Then Move to Tuesdays and Fridays

04/09/2020

Beginning April 21, the new schedule for meal distribution will be Tuesdays and Fridays. On April 21 and the following Tuesdays, families will receive Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday meals. On April 24 and the following Fridays, they will receive meals for Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday.

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Harvest of the Month Calendar Artists Have More Time

04/09/2020

The COVID-19 crisis and school closures came just as entries were beginning to be dropped off at school cafeterias. So, adjustments were made and the new deadline is April 30.

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Weakley County Schools' Latest Response to COVID-19

03/30/2020

As new information is obtained regarding COVID-19 and the coronavirus, school administration will share.

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WCS Nutrition Staff Will Provide Meals Throughout Closure

03/25/2020

After a virtual meeting with cafeteria managers on Tuesday afternoon, Weakley County Schools Nutrition Director Trista Snider was confident that the Monday through Friday meal distribution would continue throughout the now extended school closure.

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Governor Asks Schools to Continue Closures

03/24/2020

Director Randy Frazier was preparing to extend the closure of Weakley County schools when Governor Bill Lee made his recommendation to remain closed until April 24.

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Local Media, Webcasts and Webinars Help Connect Weakley County Schools

03/18/2020

In the second day of the closure of Weakley County Schools, Director Randy Frazier continues to stress safety and adherence to social distancing recommendations.

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Meal Distribution to Expand

03/17/2020

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

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Schools Will Close Until At Least April 1

03/16/2020

Governor Bill Lee released a statement this morning urging every school district in Tennessee to “close as soon as possible.” The statement came while Weakley County Schools district and school administrators were in a meeting discussing COVID-19, and director Randy Frazier immediately announced schools will be closed beginning tomorrow and will remain closed until at least April 1.

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Following CDC Guidance, Schools Remain Open March 16-20

03/13/2020

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.

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RTI Collaborative Prompts Launch of YouTube Playlist

03/10/2020

A recent report on the urgency for literacy in Tennessee recommends three steps Weakley County has already taken. A presentation to NWTN peers on what that looks like prompted the launch of a YouTube playlist which can be used for future training.

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Greenfield's Brenley Little Among State's Top Spellers

03/09/2020

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.

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MMS Hosts Whole Child Discussion

03/06/2020

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.

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Frazier Offers Details on Weakley County Schools' Response to COVID-19

03/05/2020

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.

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Social Workers Sims and Jaco Serve Weakley County Students

03/05/2020

The first week of March is designated National School Social Work Week. Kellie Sims, seated, and Brittany Jaco are the two school social workers serving Weakley County Schools.

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Weakley County Schools Address Coronavirus Concerns

03/04/2020

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.

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Gleason Address Change Adds More Champions

03/04/2020

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.

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Weakley County Schools Awarded TVA STEM Education Grant

03/04/2020

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.

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County Soil Conservation District Gift More Than 325 Trees

03/04/2020

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.

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Nearly 200 Entries Share Spotlight at Inaugural Art Show

03/03/2020

Hundreds came out in support of the arts in Dresden on Saturday night. They were treated to an evening focused on the senses as 196 student-produced art pieces lined the walls of the Weakley County Personal Development Center, students served light fare, and students provided the musical backdrop.

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7th Graders Hear Firsthand Account of Segregation & Integration

02/28/2020

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.

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Students Return to the Drawing Board for Next Harvest of the Month Calendar

02/28/2020

After a successful launch of the Harvest of the Month educational marketing program in the fall, organizers are encouraging student artists to submit entries for the July 2020-June 2021 school calendar.

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Freshman Artist Designs Safety Mascot

02/18/2020

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.

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Gleason School Library Reading-Is-Fun-A-Thon Nets Big Results

02/13/2020

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.

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Student Artists' Work to be Featured in Countywide Art Show

02/13/2020

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.

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School and District Level Teachers Acknowledged

02/12/2020

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.

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Students Add Love Notes to Blankets of Hope

02/12/2020

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.

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Dental Prevention Program Offers Fluoride and Sealants

02/06/2020

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.

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MMS Library Goals Address Collaboration and Imagination

02/03/2020

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.

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Race/Walk To Help Offset Costs for State HOSA Competition

02/03/2020

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

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Kindness Challenge Comes To Weakley County Schools

01/27/2020

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.

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Latter Part of School Year Sees No Lapse in Focus on Safety and Health

01/24/2020

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.

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Driver Applauded for Prompt Response

01/16/2020

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.

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Weakley Educators Challenged to Provide Students with Least Restrictive Environments

01/16/2020

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.

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DHS Continues Classes After Safety Determined

01/16/2020

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.

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Westview Faculty Focuses on Fat Percentage

01/14/2020

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.

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Interested Persons Encouraged to Apply Now

01/09/2020

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

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Student-Illustrated Calendar Supports Farm to School Initiative

01/09/2020

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.

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DAWG PAWS To Reward Students

01/07/2020

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.

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Training for After School Workers Addresses Behavior Management

01/06/2020

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.

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Funds Will Foster STEM Learning at Middle Schools

01/06/2020

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

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Principals and County Staff Look to 2020

12/19/2019

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.

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Principals and County Staff Reflect on 2019

12/19/2019

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.

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DMS Christmas Pop-up Shop Now in its 9th Year

12/18/2019

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.

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Sharon Christmas Pop-Up Shop Allows for Gift-Giving & More

12/18/2019

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.

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Jacket Hive Expands for Christmas Shopping

12/18/2019

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.

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Gleason Students Reach Out to Senior Citizens in December

12/18/2019

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

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Students Send Support to National Guard in Kuwait

12/18/2019

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.

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School Board Hears CTE Progress & Plans

12/18/2019

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.

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Thunderbolt Broadcasting Can Drive Turns to Students Throughout the County

12/12/2019

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.

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Gleason Students Sign Up for Signage

12/11/2019

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.

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Greenfield's Brenley Little Spells Her Way to District Title

12/05/2019

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.

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Westview Band Marches to a Winning Beat

12/05/2019

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.

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Weakley County Schools Recognized as StormReady Supporters

12/05/2019

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

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Weakley County Well Represented in State Beta Club Conventions

11/29/2019

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.

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Charger Foundation Distributes More Funds

11/26/2019

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.

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Weakley Among Three Counties Receiving USDA Distance Learning Grant

11/21/2019

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

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DMS Recycling Program to Continue Even as Contest Closes

11/07/2019

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.

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Local Governor's School Grads Encourage Others to Apply

11/07/2019

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.”

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Vince Vawter Shares Stories of Life as a Paperboy

11/06/2019

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.

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Class of 2019 Exceeds State Norms

11/05/2019

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

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Teachers Now Stress Background Knowledge & Decoding

Teachers Stressing Background Knowledge and Decoding

11/05/2019

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.

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Stage Is Set for Two Student Performances

11/01/2019

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.

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Weakley Playhouse Announces Inaugural Short Scene Competition

11/01/2019

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.

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School Cafeterias Seeking Means to Cover Student Lunch Debt

10/30/2019

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

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Slight of Hand Helps Students Focus on Bigger Message During Red Ribbon Week

10/24/2019

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.

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Westview FFA Enjoys Interacting with Expertise at Agri-business Conference

10/13/2019

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,

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Young Food Critics Offer Thumbs Up to Farm to School Sausage

10/13/2019

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

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Commissioner of Ag Hatcher Praises Weakley County Schools Production Farm

10/13/2019

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

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Dresden Schools Take On Bullying Prevention

10/09/2019

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.

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Odor Prompts Brief Relocation of Two Martin Middle School Classes

10/08/2019

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

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County Seniors Taking Next Steps Toward College

10/03/2019

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.

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Weakley Schools Among Sustainable Transportation Award Winners

10/03/2019

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

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Students Prompted to Promote Produce

10/03/2019

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.

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Westview Students Prep for Health Care Professions

10/03/2019

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!

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Weakley County 4th Grade Farm Day Plants Seeds for Future Farmers

10/03/2019

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.

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Farm to School Kickoff Plants Seeds for Future

10/02/2019

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.

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Farm-to-School Kickoff Planned at One-of-a-Kind High School Farm

09/25/2019

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.

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MES Teacher Participates in WestTeach

09/19/2019

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New Online Tools Will Help MES To Address Isolation Issues Early

09/17/2019

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.

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Updates on ID Badges and More from School Nutrition Staff

09/17/2019

School Nutrition Director Trista Snider answers questions regarding new badges.

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ID Badges Are Coming

09/11/2019