RCS Parent Insider: April 13, 2017

 

 

 April 13, 2017

TNReady testing begins Monday, find answers to common questions

TNReady testing for Rutherford County Schools begins Monday, and we know our students will do well. 

The Tennessee Department of Education has reduced the amount of time students will spend taking assessments this year and has provided answers to list of frequently asked questions (FAQ), that parents may find useful. You can also view sample questions HERE.

Please encourage students not to stress about the tests but to do their best. 

 Final reminder: Zone exemption application deadline is Monday

As a final reminder, the deadline to apply for a zone exemption for the 2016-2017 school year is Monday, April 17, by 4:30 p.m. Zone exemption applications can be submitted by any family who would like to request to attend another school and feel they have a hardship. Requests are reviewed based on the reason for the request, space availability, recommendations from the principals, etc.

For more informaiton, visit the zone exemption application page on the RCS website. 

 Multiple summer camps available for students

Several academic camps are available for Rutherford County students this summer are there are upcoming deadlines to register. 

CODE CAMPS

There are lots of spaces still available for students in this summer's Code Camps, presented by the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce's Rutherford Works initiative. More info can be found here: http://rutherfordworks.com/building-tomorrow-s-workforce/programs/code-camp. Registration link: http://web.rutherfordchamber.org/events?oe=true

STEMEx

Registration is now open for the Business Education Partnership Foundation’s STEMEx camp, scheduled for June 12-16 from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.  BEP’s STEMEx is a tuition-free summer day camp that introduces students to different careers in science, technology, engineering, and math.  STEMEx includes tours of local businesses that utilize STEM skills as well as interactive discussions and activities with STEM professionals. 

STEMEx campers will see real world examples of mechatronics engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, information technology, and more, all of which are designed to provide valuable information that will enable students to pursue the education and credentials they need to succeed in exciting STEM careers. 

Daily camper drop-off and pick-up will be at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.  Rising sixth-eighth grade students from Rutherford County are eligible to apply for the camp; however, camp space is limited. 

Applications are due by April 28th, and they are available at rutherfordbep.org/stemex.  For information on sponsoring STEMEx, contact Amelia Bozeman at (615) 278-2008, or email[email protected].

CAMP M.D.

Registration is now open for BEP’s Camp M.D. presented by Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital, scheduled for June 19-23. 

BEP’s Camp M.D. Presented by Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital is a tuition-free summer day camp that introduces students to healthcare careers through interaction with the medical community.  Camp M.D. includes tours of local medical facilities, and discussions with healthcare professionals such as physicians, nurses, medical assistants, lab technologists, researchers, and therapists.  Student tours will be complemented by off-site activities designed to provide valuable information that will enable students to pursue the education necessary for careers in all levels of healthcare. 

Rising sixth through eighth grade students from Rutherford County are eligible to apply for the camp; however, camp space is limited.  Applications are due by April 21, and they are available at rutherfordbep.org/camp-md.  

JOURNALISM CAMP

Blackman High School is offering a journalism camp this summer June 6-9. It is open to all rising 8th-12th-graders. Check out the attached flyer for details. J camp flyer 2017.pdf

First 'Countdown to Kindergarten' event for parents next week

If you are the parent of an upcoming kindergartener, please take a look at this meeting to help you get ready. The first will be held next week but there are others planned. 

Check out the attached flyer: countdowntokindergartenboro2017.pdf 

 

 

Rutherford teacher advocates for early introduction of keyboarding

Dr. Carol Parker presenting research at national conference this week

 

Dr. Carol Parker, a keyboarding instructor at Rockvale Middle School, is advocating the idea that full keyboard instruction and digital literacy should begin as early as third grade.

Parker is traveling to Chicago, where she will speak at the Business Education Research Conference on Wednesday. The conference is held in conjunction with the National Business Education Association Convention being held April 11–15. CONTINUE READING

 

Stewarts Creek Middle band honored as best in Tennessee, other music students perform at All-State (VIDEO)

Stewarts Creek Middle School’s band performed at the Opryland Hotel on April 6 as part of the Tennessee Music Education Association’s annual conference.

The band was invited to play at the conference after being the named the best middle school band in Tennessee for this school year.

A video of the performance is available by following the link below. 

In addition, several other Rutherford County band and choir students performed the same weekend as part of All-state. CONTINUE READING

More than 500 local students compete in Special Olympics (PHOTOS)

 

After running to the Dean Hayes Track and Field from nearby Central Magnet School, the School Resource Officers of Rutherford County opened this year’s Area 16 Special Olympics by running the first lap around the track and passing off their batons to five special athletes.

“These SRO’s are in the lives of the Special Olympians every day,” said emcee Chip Walters, who noted the SRO’s have raised $5,000 at two special events held at Toot’s Restaurant. CONTINUE READING

 Blackman, Holloway seniors meet with employers during first High School Hiring Fair

 

Blackman and Holloway seniors got lots of face time with representatives from the local business community during the first “High School Hiring Fair” that was held at Blackman on April 6.

Approximately 50 businesses met with students to talk about job opportunities for the summer and part-time while students are in college next school year. CONTINUE READING

 Upcoming Important Dates

  • Thursday, May 25: Teacher work day (No school for students)
  • Friday, May 26: End 4th nine weeks; 4th nine weeks report cards Last day for students: two-hour day 

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].