Van Buren BOE Approves Service To Boost Instruction For Science And Social Studies
The Van Buren School System will implement a teacher observer program to provide feedback on instruction. The School Board approved some $100,000 for two contracts. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said one service will be introduced to science and social studies at all grade levels. “Observes their class and gives them suggestions,” Cole said. “Sometimes […]
Genesis House Empowering Community Through Free Self-Defense Class
The Genesis House is hosting a free self-defense and bystander intervention class Tuesday. Rural Outreach Advocate Tracie Davis said the organization has partnered with Alpha Jiu-Jitsu to teach defense techniques through real-life situations. “The biggest thing is we’ve had individuals who have took the class, because they’ve been attacked before, and their first response was […]
Cookeville Enters Right Of First Refusal Agreement For Potential Land Property
Cookeville City Council has entered into a right of first refusal agreement for some 70 acres of land off of Lee Seminary Road. City Manager James Mills said that the agreement would allow the city “first dibs” should the landowner decide to sell. He said that the city and county’s intention would be to have […]
Original Play About Cookeville Opens Thursday Night
Theatre and history lovers have the opportunity to see an original play about Cookeville starting Thursday night. Cookeville Museums Manager Beth Thompson said that “Round Trip” is set in town one week after the events of Pearl Harbor. She said that the show features a mixture of real people and fictional characters. “It’s so cool […]
UC High Schools See Decline In College Attendance But Still Above State Trend
Upper Cumberland High Schools seeing a decrease in students attending college after graduation but not as significant as the state average. Cookeville High School Counselor Judy Smith said self reported numbers in 2021 indicated a gradual decline. 68 percent of students planned to attend a four-year university and 21 percent a 2-year institute. “They looked […]
Gainesboro Elementary School Names Sonja Smallwood New Principal
Gainesboro Elementary School has named its new principal. Sonja Smallwood has over 28 years of experience in the Jackson County School System, with the last 12 years as an assistant principal. Smallwood takes over the position from long-time principal Tina Cassetty, who decided to retire this year after serving in the system for more than […]
Van Buren BOE Approves New Fiscal Year Budget
The Van Buren County School Board will send a budget to the county commission that contains restored funding for a pre-k classroom. Director of Schools Cheryl Cole said some $100,000 of federal funding came back to the school system. “I had to go back and revise it last week, because voluntary pre-k,” Cole said. “We […]
