Teachers across our county received gift cards from Lodge Manufacturing, one of our Partners in Education, for their hard work, perseverance, and student success on the 2020-2021 TNReady assessment. Marion County Schools would like to extend our sincerest gratitude to Lodge Manufacturing for the recognition and generous contribution to our well-deserving educators. Thank you Lodge and congratulations teachers!

CASE assessments are now complete. Each school has very specific data on students' progress toward standards mastery. They are using this data to drive teacher instruction. The second benchmark assessment will take place in January.

Our work with Instruction Partners and NIET consulting firms continue. Observations have taken place, trends have been identified, and plans are now in place to adjust instruction which will increase student outcomes.

1. Congratulations to WES teacher, Grace Pickett Grayson, on being named Elementary Physical Education Teacher of the Year for the state of Tennessee at the annual TAHPERD convention October 26-28!!! We are super proud of Grace and her accomplishment! As a gentle reminder--we have 3 other teachers who are also state of Tennessee Physical Education Teachers of the Year award winners. They are: Lynn Baxter--SPES; Tammy Rollins--JES; and Shea Layne--WMS. Congratulations to all!

2. Coordinated School Health is finalizing Health Screenings. We will complete all screenings by November 10th. To date we have screened 1242 students and we have 2 schools remaining. Nursing students from the 3 area high schools have assisted CSH this year and have done an excellent job. The students have utilized the professional manners they have been taught and the students being screened have been completely at ease with these fabulous Nursing students. Mona Houts, Kelli Haynes and Melissa Holden--you are to be commended on a job very well done!

We know the Nursing profession will have some great graduates coming up!

3. Students that have failures in hearing are being re-screened by Cristy Collier. Blood Pressure re-checks are being done by the 3 ladies listed above and those we "miss" at the screenings are being re-screened by the school nurses. A huge shout out to these ladies for their help! Any student failing vision, hearing or blood pressure will automatically receive a referral letter and should be checked out by a physician. All screening information will be delivered to the schools before Christmas break.

4. CHS will host a De-Stress December Staff Wellness event for anyone interested December 1-17. More information to follow.

5. Life Skills Health evidenced-based Curriculum has been purchased by the Southeast Regional Health Department, in partnership with a CDC grant, and is being implemented in all schools. Elementary and Middle schools counselors, PE/Wellness teachers and Drivers Education teachers are bringing the information to our students. Thanks to these teachers for adding another layer to your already full schedules. Our students are the ones who benefit in the end. Healthy students are better learners!

Healthy Green Bean Casserole recipe | Thankful Tree a Family Activity |

Check out one of Registered Dietitian Dee Baxter Harwell’s favorite Thanksgiving dishes. Follow the link for a healthier version of the traditional green bean casserole. It is delicious!

Are you hosting Thanksgiving this year? Add to your holiday activities with a Thankful Tree, a fun hands-on activity for your guest to do while they wait to feast. This activity is quick to assemble and can double as an inexpensive centerpiece. Head to our website to see an example and grab your free printable leaf template. http://dynamicdietetics.com/thankful-tree/

Submitted by Registered Dietitians Dee Baxter Harwell and Heather Wehunt, both proud graduates from Marion County High School.

For more free information check out www.dynamicdietetics.com or like Dynamic Dietetics on Facebook

Way to go students! Your achievements are notable. We are proud of you.

Thanksgiving Break - November 22-26

“I LIKE A TEACHER WHO GIVES YOU SOMETHING TO TAKE HOME TO THINK ABOUT BESIDES HOMEWORK.” – LILY TOMLIN