“Emergencies don’t happen every day, but preparation does.”

More than 6,000 Rutherford County Schools staff members gathered across the district at their respective campuses for a full day of safety training for the upcoming school year.

Throughout the training, staff received instruction on updated safety procedures, including building security enhancements, effective communication during drills, identification of building-level first responders, and emergency first aid protocols.
about 1 month ago, Rutherford County Schools
A group of people gathered around laptops, some standing, in front of a bleacher with a teal background.
A woman in a blue shirt holds a marker and points at something while speaking, in a room with a white wall.
Two women converse with smiles; one wears glasses, and the other has a tattoo. Nearby, cups, a laptop, and a smartphone are on a table.
Bald man in uniform holding scissors and remote control. He stands in a room with white walls, shelves, and an open door.
A man in a black shirt stands before a seated audience in yellow shirts, holding a microphone and gesturing.
A man and woman stand at a table with a laptop, colored cubes, and other items.
Woman standing in a library, holding a toothbrush, with several women seated before her.
Two women stand before an audience, one speaking into a microphone. Behind them, a screen displays text.
A man in an orange shirt stands at a podium, addressing a group of seated women in a classroom.
Person in black shirt walking past seated people, in front of a screen displaying "Siegel Safety" text.
Copies of Dear My Favorite Human by local author Amy Rhodes are headed to elementary school libraries, thanks to a donation from the Beesley Animal Foundation. RCS Library Specialist Kaitlyn Benavides accepted the donation from Beesley staff Dawn Roberts and Katie Peachey.

Thank you for supporting our school libraries!
about 1 month ago, Rutherford County Schools
Three people stand in front of a wooden double-door, each holding a certificate. Behind them, large glass panels and white columns create an open, bright space.
A person holding a book titled "Dear My Favorite Human" with an illustration of a dog and person.
Wishing our Director of Schools, Dr. Jimmy Sullivan, a very happy birthday! 🎉
We are grateful for your exceptional leadership and unwavering dedication to our students and staff.
about 1 month ago, Rutherford County Schools
A person in formal attire speaks at a podium. The backdrop features a flag, text, and a logo.
Huge community turnout for the Back to School Bash at Holloway High School Saturday. The event featured a legacy candle ceremony representing the past, present and future. There were also several performances by local dance groups, 1,200 backpacks and supplies were given out, and there were other giveaways for the community including diapers and food. It was wonderful seeing the entire Holloway community come together to launch a new school year.

Holloway is still accepting enrollments for the 2026-2027 school year. More information is available at hhs.rcschools.net.
about 1 month ago, James Evans
Nine people pose for a photo in a gym; one person holds a lit candle in a candleholder.
A group of young cheerleaders, two in front holding pom-poms, wearing white shirts and black shorts, in an indoor basketball court.
A person addresses a crowd in an indoor basketball court. A blue and white logo is on the floor.
Group of adults wearing red and black shirts, standing on a basketball court with a blue wall in the background.
A group of women in colorful costumes dance on a basketball court, with others watching in the background.
A young girl performs on a basketball court, wearing a pink and black costume. An audience sits in bleachers.
Kids play frisbee in front of a large inflatable obstacle course with a red, yellow, and green color scheme.
People are gathered indoors around a table. A woman in a red shirt and a hat assists a child.
People gathered in a gymnasium. Two women with curly hair stand by a table with backpacks, books, and a purple tablecloth.
Two women stand under a canopy, smiling, near a table with many backpacks and bags. Behind them is a grassy area with tents.

We are very grateful to the United Way of South Central Tennessee and the community for the Stuff the Bus program. We have received more than 2,000 backpacks full of supplies — which is a record — and will now be distributed to our elementary schools to help those students who are in need.

about 2 months ago, James Evans
A man with tattoos helps a child with a purple backpack, surrounded by people in a room with tables full of supplies.
Four people handle boxes on a dolly in an outdoor area. A truck is parked in the background.
A woman in a blue shirt holds a backpack near boxes of crayons, pencils, and other school supplies.
A large room with stacks of boxes, people gathered, a stage with a person speaking, blue curtains, and yellow ceiling lights.
Three men in a room, holding cardboard boxes. One holds a box in front, another holds a box behind, and a third holds a roll of tape.
Group of people in a warehouse with boxes, standing together, smiling, and some holding onto shoulders.
People in blue shirts gather around a table. Many bags, including backpacks, are stacked on the table.

Tennessee's 2026 sales tax holiday on clothing, school supplies and computers begins at 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 31 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 2.

During this time clothing school supplies and computers may be purchased tax-free. Certain restrictions apply. Items sold online are also eligible. Items must be purchased for personal use, not for business or trade.

What’s included?

General apparel priced $100 or less per item, such as shirts, pants, socks, shoes, dresses, etc.

School and art supplies priced $100 or less per item (binders, backpacks, crayons, paper, pencils, etc.) and art supplies (glazes, clay, paints, drawing pads, and artist paintbrushes).

Computers (laptops or tablets) for personal use with a purchase price of $1,500 or less.

Complete details: https://www.tn.gov/revenue/taxes/sales-and-use-tax/sales-tax-holiday/sth-traditional.html

The Rutherford County Schools has a core supply list available at https://www.rcschools.net/o/academics/page/core-school-supply-lists, but check your school's website for grade-specific lists and requests.

about 2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Tennessee Tax Free Weekend July 31-Aug 2
Parents, thank you for your patience as we have worked to get everyone enrolled and verified for the new school year using the Synergy platform.

An email went out to many parents tonight to remind them to activate their account and verify their student's information. If you have already completed this step, there is nothing else you need to do. If you haven't completed your enrollment and verification, please do so online at www.rcschools.net/enroll.

If you are having trouble accessing your account or completing the enrollment, please contact your school directly. We appreciate your patience when contacting the schools, as our dedicated staff is working to help parents as quickly as possible.

We are looking forward to another great school year and seeing all our students and their smiling faces!
about 2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
A classroom with tables and chairs, and text reading "Important Enrollment Information" on a blue background.
Rutherford County Schools welcomed nearly 200 new teachers to the district at the annual Ignite celebration. Held at LifePoint Church in Smyrna, the event is a day-long orientation designed to provide training, along with access to tools and resources.

Educators had the opportunity to hear from district leaders, including Director of Schools Dr. Jimmy Sullivan. Also in attendance were representatives from Rutherford Education Association, Professional Educators of Tennessee, Wilson Bank & Trust and TDS.

The 2026-2027 school year begins Friday, Aug. 7 with a two-hour day, followed by the first full day of classes on Monday, Aug. 10.
about 2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
A group of people seated around a table; a woman wearing a green sweater speaks while others listen.
A man in a blue and black shirt smiles
A man with a microphone speaks at an event. Behind him, a backdrop features a balloon arrangement and text.
Three women stand in front of a counter; one holds a drink cup, another smiles, and the third talks to them.
A woman speaks into a microphone on stage. People sit in chairs around tables, listening. The word "CS" is on a lit sign.
Two women converse indoors. One holds a baby and a towel. A third person stands in the background.
A smiling woman with a straw in a drink sits in a chair at a table.
Two women sit at a table, one wearing a colorful type.
A woman wearing a brown top writes in a notebook.
Two women at a table talk as one uses a computer.
Poplar Hill Middle School officially opened its doors! ✂️

Hundreds of members of the community gathered today to celebrate the grand opening of Poplar Hill Middle School.

This nearly $60 million, 169,000 square foot building will become the 53rd Rutherford County school when it opens in August.

Read more about Poplar Hill Middle here: https://www.rcschools.net/article/3033648
about 2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
A group of people stands before a brick building, holding a green ribbon for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
A school gymnasium with a stage, microphone, and podium. People seated in chairs and standing behind the stage.
A podium with flowers stands in front of a person who speaks into a microphone. Behind them, a green backdrop displays "Poplar Hill Bobcats" with logos.
Ceremony on a basketball court with military personnel, flags, and spectators in the stands.
People in business attire stand on a basketball court in front of chairs, clapping hands. A flag is behind them.
A group of young cadets in uniforms stand in a gym with flags. Audience seated in bleachers.
Man in suit at podium with microphone, next to a flag, and a crowd of people.
Many people in a stadium, wearing green and yellow shirts, watching an event, some wearing glasses.
Speakers at a podium in a gymnasium with a banner that says "Poplar Hill Middle School" in the background.
A man with a beard wearing a white shirt and yellow tie talks to another person in a blue-walled room.

IT’S TIME!

Enrollment for 2026-2027 now under way. Returning families should receive an email July 22-23 with instructions about how to complete registration and verification information. New RCS families can enroll at www.rcschools.net/enroll, which contains all information families need to begin the enrollment and registration process.

www.rcschools.net/enroll

about 2 months ago, James Evans
"Important Enrollment Information" in white text. Desks and chairs in a classroom. Background is blue.
Rutherford County Virtual School’s Braxton Head captures Tennessee Junior Amateur Championship, advances to national stage

Braxton Head, a rising senior at Rutherford County Virtual School, won the 67th Tennessee Junior Amateur Championship at Westhaven Golf Club in Franklin.

Head’s victory secured him a spot in the 2026 U.S. Junior Amateur Championship, one of the most prestigious junior golf events in the country.

The U.S. Junior Amateur Championship will be held July 20-25 at Saucon Valley Country Club in Bethlehem, Pa. More information is available at https://championships.usga.org/usjunioramateur.html.

Head is scheduled to tee off Monday at 12:43 p.m. CDT from the 10th tee. Coverage of the event will be available on GolfChannel.com.

We are proud of you, Braxton!
2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Person wearing a hat and holding a certificate and sign on a golf course.
Golfer in shorts swings club on a green field; a trophy is behind him. Background has trees and a cloudy sky.
A young man poses with a trophy on a golf course, wearing a hat, a black shirt, and khaki pants.

Are you new here? Follow RCS on all our social media platforms to stay updated.

Facebook
Instagram
LinkedIn
Twitter / X
YouTube

2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Blue background with text, "Follow us on social media" in white font. Logos of Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and YouTube.
Rockvale Middle School is hosting its first theatre camp, with nearly 100 students from more 20 schools across the district taking part. The camp comes to a close on Friday with a production of "The Wizard of Oz: Youth Edition" to showcase all they’ve learned in two weeks.

Led by Sarah Chambers, the camp staff consists of of theatre, dance, and music professionals, and along with 10 RMS Theatre alumni who have come back to serve as interns and mentoring the campers.

Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Friday, July 17 at Rockvale Middle, 6543 Highway 99, Rockvale.

Purchase tickets at https://gofan.co/app/school/TN72004.
2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
A poster featuring Dorothy, the Cowardly Lion, and the Tinman on a yellow brick road.

SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENTS ENJOY 'CAMP WONDER' FOR SEVENTH YEAR

By JAMES EVANS
Rutherford County Schools

Camp Wonder — which was held last week at Riverdale High School — is the passion project of School Board Chair Claire Maxwell, who previously served as an education assistant for special education at Riverdale High School.

She started Camp Wonder as a summer-time event for high school special needs students. It is a joint venture with The Discovery Center, which provides staff and curriculum for the education portion of the camp.

Students participate in various activities throughout the week, including arts and crafts, visits from local law enforcement and emergency response agencies, and field trips to places such as The Discovery Center in Murfreesboro.

“It’s important for these kids to have a fun summer and have something to look forward to,” Maxwell said. “And I believe it’s also a time that the parents know their kids are having a great time and are safe and happy.”

The program does not use Rutherford County tax funding. Instead, it is made possible each year through generous donations from local businesses, churches and individuals, Maxwell said. Parents pay $50 per student. This year, the camp served 18 students, which is nearly capacity for the program.

The camp typically rotates each year to various high schools.

2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Two students collaborate on a science project at a table, using marshmallows and sticks.
A group of adults and children in a room with tables and chairs. They stand and crouch next to a whiteboard.
Adults and children in tie-dye shirts, some with headphones, standing in a room with a table.
Four individuals seated around a table, engaged in a card game. Two males wear glasses, one in blue, one in gray.
A person in a light blue shirt sits at a table with model building materials.
A person in a pink shirt holds a molecular model in a classroom with others working at tables.
A youth seated at a table, gesturing peace, surrounded by various items. Two individuals are standing in the background.
Two young boys hold slushy cups; one smiles with a thumbs up. Background features buildings and greenery.
A person in a black Sonic the Hedgehog t-shirt, making a peace sign in front of a green light.
Person lying in a cushioned ball pit wearing a shirt with a graphic on it.
A new school year is almost here, and our community is excited to help families get ready!

Several events are being held in the coming weeks. Check flyers for dates, times, locations and contact info in case you have questions.

Rutherford County Schools will open registration for new and returning students after July 22. Details coming soon!
2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Poster featuring text, clock, books, apple, pencils, and other school items for a Back to School Bash.
Event poster with a school building in the background. Text reads: "SAVE THE DATE! Legacy Back-to-School YOUTH RALLY."
Flyer for "Back 2 School Jamboree" shows diverse people, icons, and details about event date and location.
An event flyer with a yellow backpack, pencils, and books. Text reads: "Backpack Giveaway" on August 1st.
Exciting day for Poplar Hill Middle School! 👏

Poplar Hill Middle School marked an exciting milestone today as members of the school team began moving in and preparing for the year ahead.

Rutherford County Schools will officially open its 53rd school this August.

The school looks forward to welcoming the community for its ribbon-cutting ceremony on July 26 at 2 p.m.
2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Hallway at Poplar Hill Middle School. Logo on wall. Three people entering through doors. Man with box.
A man in a gray shirt and a woman in a black shirt converse in a large room.
An empty hallway with a white wall displaying a logo and the word "GYMNASIUM". The wall has green, blue, and white stripes.
An indoor basketball court with a wooden floor, walls displaying the Poplar Hill Middle School logo, and ceiling lights.
A woman in a black shirt stands in a gymnasium. A large "Popular Hill Middle School" sign is behind her.
Two women stand in an unfinished space with blue lights, surrounded by stacked cardboard boxes.
An empty auditorium with rows of green chairs facing the stage, lights on the wall, and a black screen.
A green wall displays the Poplar Hill Middle School logo featuring a lynx with yellow eyes. The name "MEDIA CENTER" is written in large purple letters.
Five people stand in front of the Poplar Hill Middle School sign with an open door behind them.
Aerial view of a large building with flat roofs, a parking lot, and a landscaped area.

Our final group of interns traded the classroom for construction sites during the month of June.

--James King is a rising senior at Oakland High School pursuing the Construction pathway, with interest in agriculture mechanics and plumbing.
Assigned to T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc.’s project site for Wegmann Automotive in Murfreesboro, King plans to attend college or join the military after high school.


--Diego Baltazar is a rising senior at Smyrna High School pursuing the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) construction pathway.
Assigned to a T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc., building site in College Grove, Baltazar plans to pursue a career in welding after high school.

 --Yustin Hidalgo is a 2026 graduate of Smyrna High School. A member of the school’s soccer team, he pursued the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) construction pathway.
Assigned to a T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc., building site in College Grove, Hidalgo aspires to have a career in construction management.

--Frank Ndayambaje is a 2026 graduate of Oakland High School. A member of the school’s basketball team, Model UN and First Priority, he pursued the Construction pathway.
Assigned to T.W. Frierson Contractor, Inc.’s project site for Wegmann Automotive in Murfreesboro, Ndayambaje Is considering various post-secondary options, including studies in concrete management, business, and psychology or volunteering with AmeriCorps.

3 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
ID Card for summer intern James King
ID Card for summer intern Diego Baltazar
ID Card for summer intern Yustin Hidalgo
ID Card for summer intern Frank Ndayambaje

Introducing our next group of summer interns!

These students are actively involved in their schools, leading and learning in a number of ways. Look for more intern profiles next week!

--Ethan Morrow is a 2026 graduate of Stewarts Creek High School, where he was involved in National Honor Society, SCHS Anglers and served as a drone pilot for the school’s football team.
Assigned to the Career and Technical Education Department at the district’s Central Office, Morrow aspires to work in sports broadcasting.

--Simon Soundara is a rising senior at Blackman High School, where he is a member of the Blackman Collegiate Academy. He is involved A/V Production and is Media Manager of the school’s Key Club.
Assigned to the Career and Technical Education Department at the district’s Central Office, Soundara is planning a career in video production with a focus on broadcast journalism.

--Grace Secker is a rising senior at Riverdale High School and is a member of the swim team, Student Council and the Honors College.
Assigned to the Summer Learning Camp location at Brown’s Chapel Elementary, Secker aspires to become an elementary school teacher.

--Isabella Padilla is a rising senior at Riverdale High School pursuing dual pathways in Health Science and Teaching as a Profession. She is a member of Skills USA, FCCLA and the Criminal Justice Club.
Assigned to the Summer Learning Camp location at Rockvale Elementary, Padilla aspires to become a pediatric nurse.

--Avi Patel is a rising senior at Riverdale High School pursuing dual pathways in Engineering and Business. He is a member of DECA, Beta Club and the tennis team.
Assigned to the Professional Development Center at the district’s Central Office, Patel plans to pursue a career in engineering after high school.

3 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
ID Card for summer intern Ethan Morrow
ID Card for summer intern Simon Soundara
ID Card for summer intern Grace Secker
ID Card for summer intern Isabella Padilla
ID Card for summer intern Avi Patel

SF-1010 form will be unavailable due to our student information system's upcoming scheduled maintenance.

Any forms requested before 3 p.m. Monday, June 15, will be available for pickup after 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 15.

Requests submitted after 3 p.m. on Monday will be available for pickup after 3:30 p.m. on Monday, June 22.

3 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
A blue background features a white text announcement. It reads "SCHEDULED SYSTEM MAINTENANCE" with "SF-1010 FORM WILL NOT BE ACCESSIBLE UNTIL JUNE 22".
Rutherford County Schools Gifted Academy, held June 1–3, provided around 40 elementary and middle school teachers with engaging professional learning focused on gifted identification, understanding the unique needs of twice-exceptional learners, and implementing effective classroom strategies to support high-potential students.

Sessions were led by members of the RCS Gifted team, along with award-winning author and Lipscomb University professor, Dr. Emily Mofield. Speakers shared practical tools and resources teachers can immediately apply in their classrooms to better serve gifted students.

This professional development opportunity was made possible through the support of the Jennings and Rebecca Jones Foundation, whose longstanding partnership with the RCS Gifted Department continues to expand opportunities for both educators and students.

"As educators, our commitment to students doesn't end when the school year does," said Courtney Brown, RCS Gifted Supervisor. "I am incredibly grateful for the teachers who invested the first days of their summer in professional learning so they can better recognize and support the strengths and needs of gifted and twice-exceptional learners. Their dedication will have a lasting impact on students across our district."
3 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Four individuals seated around a table, working with papers, pens, and a pink cup. One person wears a gray top, another a black shirt.
A group of adults seated around a table, engaged in a discussion. Some are wearing headbands.
Five women seated around a table, wearing glasses. Each has a name tag, and some hold pens.