RCS Parent Insider: May 24, 2017

 

 RCS Parent Insider

May 24, 2017

Last day of school is Friday, next year's calendar available online

The last official day of school for the 2016-2017 school year is Friday, which is a two-hour day. You can download and subscribe to next year's calendar HERE

Thank you for another great school year in Rutherford County, and we hope you have a wonderful summer break!

Registration deadlines for summer school and online summer courses

As a reminder, the location for traditional summer school has been moved to Riverdale instead of Blackman. Registration is Thursday and Friday. You can get more information HERE.

Registration is also under way for online summer courses. The registration deadline for the first term is May 30. More information is available HERE.

Parents, we need your input via short, 12-question survey

Parents, we want to ensure we are communicating effectively with you and need your input on a short, 12-question survey. Thank you for your participation.

We appreciate you!

SURVEY: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/TWS29C3

Standardized test scores will not be part of final grades

RCS has not received scores back from TN Department of Education

Results from the recent Tennessee standardized tests will not be factored into the final report card scores for students attending Rutherford County Schools this year, in accordance with state rules and regulations. 

While the school district is expecting to receive the scores for all students soon, those scores will not be delivered to the district before the final five days of the school year, which is the state’s threshold for requiring the scores to be factored into final grades. 

Rutherford County Schools’ final day of the academic year is Friday, May 26. 

“We do not believe this is an issue with the testing system,” said Richard Zago, the assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for Rutherford County Schools. “The tests were taken with paper and pencil this year and went much smoother than the previous year. However, by taking the tests on paper, it takes the state longer to scan and score them.”

The scores will still be used to measure progress of schools, teachers and to help place students in advanced programs, such as the magnet schools, and honors courses once they are received from the state. CONTINUE READING

 Education Commissioner shares message at Stewarts Creek graduation

 

Dr. Candice McQueen 

Tennessee Department of Education Commissioner Candace McQueen was in Murfreesboro last Wednesday night to address the first four-year “full-blooded Creek” graduating class.

McQueen congratulated the class of 2017 for having created a foundation for future classes at Stewarts Creek High School.

“You have set the tone for years to come,” McQueen said. “The ripples of your actions will impact and make a difference in the lives of elementary and middle school students right here in Rutherford County.”  

Ashley Witt named principal of Buchanan Elementary School

 

 Ashley Witt

Ashley Witt, currently an assistant principal at Blackman Elementary School, has been named the new principal of Buchanan Elementary School, Director of Schools Don Odom announced.

Former Buchanan Principal Michael Hickman recently resigned as principal for a position in another county. Retired RCS Principal Lyndal Duke is currently serving as interim principal of Buchanan until a permanent administrator was named.

“She not only brings administrative experience but a strong background focused on effective instructional practices,” Director Odom said. CONTINUE READING

 Smyrna Primary principal Dr. Gale Vogel announces retirement

Gale Vogel 

Students, teachers and parents will soon notice the absence of a familiar face at Smyrna Primary School.

Long-time principal Dr. Gale Vogel has announced her retirement after 17 years in the position.

Vogel is a veteran educator of 37 years.

Prior to Smyrna Primary, she served for two years as an assistant principal at Smyrna High School under principal Robert “Bud” Raikes. Previously, she served in Metro Nashville Public Schools as a teacher. CONTINUE READING

RCS honors retirees for their commitment to local education

Retirement 2017 

Fifty of this year's 102 retirees gathered at the Embassy Suites where they were recognized for a combined 1,190 years of service to Rutherford County Schools.

CONTINUE READING

'Expanding Your Horizons' conference for female middle, high students

Registration is under way for the upcoming Expanding Your Horizons conference.

  • Who: All Young Women in Middle School (Grades 5-8) and in High School (Grades 9-12) 
  • What: A Hands-On Science and Math Conference registration fee = $20 
  • Where: Middle Tennessee State University: See map at: http://www.mtsu.edu/maps/
  • When: October 28, 2017 Schedule: http://www.mtsu.edu/eyh/schedule.php
  • Why: to investigate science and math careers; to talk with women in science and math careers; to attend science and math workshops for girls; to participate in hands-on activities; and to meet girls interested in science and math 

You can learn more about EYH at: http://mtsu.edu/eyh/index.php  or send your questions to [email protected]. Registration closes Sept. 15 or when slots are filled.

Rutherford County Schools is an award-winning school district comprised of 46 schools and more than 43,000 students. The district's mission is to empower today's students to grasp tomorrow's opportunities. Got questions? Contact Communications and Community Relations Coordinator James Evans at [email protected].