Education

On January 15, Community High School's Smokestack Theater Group hosted Community alumnus and member of Murfreesboro Little Theater's board of directors, Dalton Reeves. Reeves came to speak with each of Tony Davis' classes about theater and acting techniques. ...

Last week at Cascade, things seemed pretty mellow. The students have returned to their previous routines and teachers back on their groove. While things appeared calm, there was excitement in the air. Students diligently practiced in preparation for the 5-on-5 game that is to take place January 23rd and are ready to bring the heat...

Middle Tennessee State University now has a noticeable presence inside the Junior Achievement of Middle Tennessee's newest contribution to teaching Middle Tennessee secondary school students about financial literacy. Junior Achievement, a volunteer-driven organization that provides programs focused on work-readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy skills, hosted a grand opening Tuesday afternoon of the JA Finance Park, a state-of-the-art program that will serve seventh- through 12th-grade students across Middle Tennessee and is the organization's first such venture in the state.. ...

Southside Elementary faculty, staff and students wore their Tennessee Titans gear on Friday to support the team, which is playing in the AFC championship this weekend in hopes of making it to the Super Bowl.

On Jan. 11, six students from Cascade Middle School and Cascade High School performed at the 2020 All Middle Tennessee Honor Ensemble at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro. Back row, from left: middle schoolers Ella Jefferson (silver band), Mikey Lucich (gold band), Emma Kwapinski (gold band) and Macy Howell (gold band). Front row: Chloe Delease (gold band) and Connor Prim (gold band).

Middle Tennessee State University is partnering with Motlow State Community College to host a "Finish Your Degree" Q&A event Thursday, Feb. 6. at the D.W. Wilson Community Center in Tullahoma. The come-and-go event will run from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the center, located at 501 N. Collins St...

Youth Leadership Bedford participated in Education Day on Jan. 8. The class visited Bedford County Board of Education, Bedford County Schools Maintenance Department, Thomas Magnet School, and Tennessee College of Applied Technology—Shelbyville.

Austin Peay State University has recognized nearly 2,400 students who were on the Dean's List during the Fall 2019 semester. They include: Alyssa Amos of Bell Buckle Brandon Azar of Bell Buckle Wade Conley of Chapel Hill Lauren Nash of Shelbyville Jasmin Navarro of Shelbyville...

MOORE COUNTY — Motlow State Community College president Michael Torrence, Tennessee College of Applied Technology-Shelbyville president Laura Monks, and Kimberly McCormick, vice chancellor for external affairs of Tennessee Board of Regents outlined educational achievements and needs during Motlow’s annual legislative briefing, held Friday at Motlow’s Moore County campus...

In honor of The Webb School's 150th Anniversary, the Follin Speaker Series will continue hosting special guests throughout the 2019-2020 school year. Dr. John McCardell, 16th vice chancellor of The University of the South at Sewanee, a historian and a national leader in liberal arts education, will be the first speaker of the spring semester. ...

This week at Cascade High School, students start off the new year and semester strong with high hopes and sleepy attitudes. As many students mope through the hallway, they struggle to find their routine that was lost the minute Christmas break began. Sleep schedules will be swiftly changed as classes gradually return to their normal state...

Bailey Ledbetter of Shelbyville has been named to the Fall 2019 Dean's List for Volunteer State Community College. The Dean's List recognition is awarded to students who have completed a minimum of twelve collegiate-level hours with at least a 3.75 grade point average during the awarding term...

Boy Scout Troop 370 held its annual Christmas Court of Honor on Dec. 16. Scouts and family members were present for the award ceremonies. Scouts who were awarded merit badges and ranks in their scouting activities included, from left, Aiden Warren, Scout rank; Xander Sullivan, Scout rank, Tenderfoot rank, merit badges (Space Exploration, Leather Work, Wood Carving, First Aid); Christian Arnold, Scout rank; Carson Smith, Scout rank; Tyler Rowe, Scout rank; and Alexander Beene, Scout rank, Tenderfoot rank.

School Superintendent Don Embry recently told Bedford County Board of Education the district has made great strides toward improving its state ranking for equitable teacher pay. “We’re doing good,” he said during his December report. Based on state rankings for 2018-2019 teacher salaries, provided to districts annually by Tennessee Education Association, Bedford County is quite competitive with its neighboring counties within the South Central Tennessee Development District...

Bedford County educator Joan Gray, who after retiring from the local school system served as the first-ever executive director of Tennessee Educational Technology Association, was honored recently by TETA on the occasion of Gray's retirement. The recognition took place at a TETC conference last month in Murfreesboro...

"In a perfect world, what would your school look like?" Lowering her voice, Jennifer Simons said, "Just like it is." Simons does not hesitate to express her love for East Side Elementary School in Shelbyville. "I love the kids that I see everyday. I love the families," she said. "I found my home."...

The following students achieved the Dean's List at Belmont University for the Fall 2019 semester. Eligibility is based on a minimum course load of 12 hours and a quality grade point average of 3.5 with no grade below a C. l Tyler Allen of Shelbyville...

With the second half of the school year to begin next Tuesday, Bedford County Board of Education has several open-ended agenda items carrying over into 2020. One of those carryover action items recently discussed is a new roof at Southside Elementary School. The current 20-year-old structure will have to be replaced, Daniel Kleindienst, director of maintenance, recently informed the school board...

Harris Middle School Student Council collected before Christmas break about 70 toys for the Harris Head Start children during their annual toy drive.

Phillip McConnell, sixth grade social studies teacher at Harris Middle School, and other staff have begun a new program called "Harris Heroes" which is aimed at recognizing fellow students, teachers and staff. All of the HMS grades are now split into pods, so the social studies teacher has designed a plan to honor students in a great way...

Middle Tennessee State University's Center for Accelerated Language Acquisition (CALA) again invites the public to register now for an upcoming introductory course to American Sign Language. CALA, the language training partner of the University Honors College, will help ASL course participants learn sign language "naturally through games and other fun hands-on activities dealing with greetings, numbers, colors, body parts, the alphabet and elements of basic, everyday conversation."...

Barbara Troxler, Jiffy Burger and Titan Transfer helped to bring a very special Christmas to the boys and staff at Arrowhead Ranch near Normandy, according to co-founder Jeff Sweeney. The residential facility serves troubled boys in a home-like rural environment.

Harris Middle School students Sarah Bailey and Micah Threatt were announced as homecoming queen and king Thursday night. Serving as crown bearer was Maison Perakes. Miriam Bowman was flower girl.

It's been one of the best-kept-secrets recently at Community High School. But the secret was out Friday night when four veterans/educators were surprised and honored with Quilts of Valor made by student hands. The four QOV recipients were: Anthony Davis, who has taught drama for 25 years; Luke Bowling, science teacher; Chris Grooms, physical education, softball and football coach; and Ryan Eady, who serves as a non-faculty football assistant...

As a part of the Cascade FFA PLOW program, the agricultural education classes created posters and displays that included information and pictures about different kinds of animals. They are set up in the school library where other students and teachers can learn about the impact of agriculture in Tennessee.

Bedford County FFA from Shelbyville Central High School made their annual donation to Junior’s House, an advocacy group supporting abused children in southern Middle Tennessee, on Friday. More than 250 toys collected by the FFA were brought to Shelbyville police headquarters. Detective Carol Jean, who works with troubled youth, and Police Chief Jan Phillips stand with FFA advisors Tommy Green and Jordin Ray and FFA officers Allison McCarty, president; Cali Mason, vice-president; Dorothy Brandon, secretary; Khloe Davis, treasurer; and Nick Moore, sentinel. Allin, a therapy dog who comforts Junior’s House clients, attended with his handler, Crystal Guess, the group’s executive director.

The Shelbyville Central High School Criminal Justice Student Organization completed its third annual toy drive on Dec. 16. The student organization was able to provide toys for a total of 25 families with 48 children. Yoes Barber Shop, Bedford Farmers CO-OP, and Dollar General are some of the sponsors who helped to make this toy drive a success.

Bedford County Board of Education learned Tuesday night about some of the safety programs being implemented locally by schools in an effort to defuse bullying and other incidences of abuse. Dee Crabtree, coordinator of school health, gave a state of school safety report during the monthly meeting. She discussed new various safety nets in place to keep students safe...

The Southside School PTO has been working to raise money to replace worn and broken playground equipment in time for the kids to enjoy in the spring. “The effort of the parents and teachers was a long time in the works,” said Southside teacher Andrea Nix, “but so worth it for a fun, safe playground for the kids.”

To the Editor: After reading the story printed in the Shelbyville Times-Gazette regarding the meeting of the Bedford County School board it is apparent that I either misspoke or misrepresented my thoughts or I was taken out of context in regards to conversations I had with commissioners as individuals...

Tyler W. Eddings of Shelbyville was among students who received degrees from the University of Tennessee at Martin during fall commencement held Dec. 14 in the Kathleen and Tom Elam Center on the UT Martin campus. UT Martin is a public four-year university offering 18 bachelor's degree programs and five master's degree programs. The main campus in northwest Tennessee is one of four primary campuses in the University of Tennessee System. For more information, go to utm.edu...

With schools’ Christmas break days away and gifts shared, Bedford County Board of Education shared little merriment during Tuesday night’s business meeting due to some tension over how best to address the on-going issue of hiring school architects with Bedford County Commission...

Angie Reed Jackson, art instructor at Learning Way Elementary, was a guest at a recent Shelbyville Optimist Club meeting. She was presented with a check for $750 for classroom art supplies in return for her help at the Optimist Club donut booth during the Celebration. Jackson is pictured with Optimist Club member Frank Douglas.

The state Report Card is online line at the Tennessee Education Association's website. More features continue to be added to this website in an effort that the community better understand state indicators. I have learned much, and been a little aggravated at times, I'll admit, reading this report over the years. It certainly has been an "educational" process for this reporter...

Community Middle School Student Council organized a Christmas gift drive for families in need. With the help of several teachers and staff, Student Council and Fellowship of Christian Athletes members, over 300 gifts were bought for several Community children.

Last week at Cascade got off to a good start when Julie Elliott, principal of Bedford County Learning Academy, came to Cascade. Mrs. Jackson, Mrs. Vasquez and Mrs. Waggoner put together a small, short ceremony dedicated to the BCLA book drive held in early October. Those attending the ceremony were the National English Honors Society, led by Mrs. Jackson; Interact, led by Mrs. Vasquez; and the freshman honors English class, led by Mrs. Waggoner...

Small Town Robotics Team recently held a meeting with some reps from the Schneider Electric Corporation, which generously provided a $2,000 grant. The team will compete Feb. 8 at Middle Tennessee State University in Murfreesboro and Feb. 22 in Huntsville, Alabama. Small Town Robotics is comprised of Shelbyville Central High students, but operates independently from the school. Interested students and sponsors can get more information at smalltownrobotics@gmail.com. Left to right are: Jacob Betzelberger, Jake Thompson, Seth Thompson, Savannah Bobo, Janette Chapman from Schneider Electric, Sean O’Gorman, Mauricio Reyes Sanchez, Ben Gilmore and Nicholas Pasquerilla from Schneider.

Harris Middle School recently hosted its annual canned food drive. Over a week’s time, students brought in a variety of canned food to help the needy within the community. The student body donated a total of 866 canned food items to the drive at Shelbyville Central High School. The largest donation of over 400 cans was from 8th grader Juwan Henderson. Pictured, left to right, are: student council vice president Carlie Belle Barber, president Carolina Rose and top seller/student council member Juwan Henderson.

Community High School honors geometry students are responsible for a project each quarter. While that might sound stressful, students are discovering ways to turn their assignments into something teen-friendly. Of course all geometry rules still apply, that being concepts of point, line, plane, distance, angle, surface and curve...

Cub Scout Pack 312 got the opportunity to meet Bedford County Mayor Chad Graham this week, learning about his duties leading the county.

It's that time of the year again when I do a little easy reading -- Tennessee Department of Education's annual Report Card. I must admit, I really do prefer Louisa May Alcott's "Christmas Treasury" or "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens...

Bedford County Schools will close two hours early today, Tuesday, due to inclement weather. The closure was announced this morning.

An inexpensive can of beans or a package of baby diapers can make a world of difference to some area families, especially during Christmas, as some Bedford County students recently discovered. As part of their annual Great Canned Food Drive (GCFD) recently, Shelbyville Central High School students, faculty and staff spelled out with donations across the gym their 2019 theme, "A Can, Can Make a World of Difference."...

On December 6th, Community High School hosted Jeff Zentner, Nashville-based author of the highly acclaimed young adult novels “Goodbye Days,” “The Serpent King,” and “Rayne & Delilah’s Midnite Matinee.” Zentner presented his story of his career change from a musician to author. He also taught a workshop for students interested in creative writing. Community High School’s book club, Straight Outta Pages, ate lunch with Zentner, participated in a question and answer session, and got their books signed by the author.

Last week at Cascade, Christmas decorations began to fly up through the halls. Each Champ Time class was able to decorate their doors in a friendly competition between the classes. Christmas trees, red and green, snowmen, and the Grinch stood proudly on the doors for everyone who walks by to admire. ...

Shelbyville Central High School Renaissance Team recently held a Christmas drive to assist the community’s homeless. The Renaissance team is pictured with Judi Burton of the Loft Church, which will help the students distribute the 196 various items. Front row, from left: Jadon Buchanan, Cindy Solis, back row, left to right, Laura Conte, Brooke Neal, Jared McGee, Renaissance sponsor Kelly Kingree, Burton, Isis Hook and Mary Alice Shavers.

Learning Way fourth grade teacher Kevin Rhodes recently won a $100 Amazon card during the PTO’s recent fall fundraiser; his students sold 25 boxes of Moon Pies and earned a pizza party. PTO president Conswella Johnson congratulated Rhodes.

Retired Teachers of Bedford County met Wednesday at Urban Plantation. Sally Brockway McReynolds gave an devotion. The speaker was Shelbyville Central High School football coach Justin Palmer, who discussed the character-building aspects of his football program. One example is the mentor program for Palmer’s players, in which each young man is paired with an adult man in the community for support. Palmer is seen here with Bill Pietkiewicz.

To the Editor: I am a volunteer at Good Samaritan. This is my second year for helping unload the cans of food and other items donated by Shelbyville Central High School. First, I would like to thank all those who donated food and toiletry items. We were getting very low on some food items and also toilet paper. ...