Independent Appeal
Aug. 1, 2012 24 Pages
2012 Back to School
In-depth interviews with school principals
Helpful information on each of our schools
Interesting features on some of our homeschooling
Complete school calendar, & more!
Back to School 2012
PAGE 2C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Table of Contents Intro
Page 3
High School
Page 4
High School
Page 6
Bethel Springs
Page 10
AdamsvilleJR./Sr. McNairy Central Selmer Middle
Page 8
School Closing Page 11 Tax Holiday
Page 12
Michie Ramer
Page 14 Page 15
Adamsville Ele. Page 16
Selmer Ele.
Faith Baptist
Page 18 Page 19
School Calendar Page 20 Gateway Christian Academy
Homeschool
Page 21
Page 23
West Tennessee Business College 1-800-737-WTBC (9822) Jackson, Tennessee www.wtbc.edu
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 3C
Welcome Back to School! “If there is any magic in education at all, it is in its people, not in the process.” -James M. Moudy, TCU As the 2012 summer vacation winds to a close, we are geared up for the 2012-2013 school year. We have worked hard this summer to ensure that we are ready for school to start. Our buildings and grounds are prepared. Our supplies and materials are ready. It is time to add our most valuable resource: our people. We have a great school system because we have great people –teachers, staff, students, parents, and community members. The professionalism of our teachers, the dedication of our staff, the performance of our students, and the support of parents and community members combine to position our school system among the best. Let’s build on our successes by maintaining high expectations and continuing our pursuit of excellence. I thank you for the part you play in making our school system exceptional. Teamwork enables us to provide optimal conditions for teachers to teach and for students to learn. When everyone works together, everybody wins: the climate is improved, communication is enhanced, staff members are valued, teacher satisfaction is elevated, the community is involved, and student performance soars. Let’s have a great school year. Charlie Miskelly Director of Schools
Moore Brothers Towing 145 Moore Lane • Selmer , TN 38375
1-800-748-9428
1-731-645-3933
Best of luck to the students in the upcoming school year! "We Tow Across the Road or Across the Country" West Tennessee's Newest Heavy Duty Wrecker Service
Donnie 731-610-0893
Trey 731-610-6687
Wayne 731-645-1687
Back to School 2012
PAGE 4C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Staff Photo by Andrew Alexander
Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School continues to grow as new school year begins By Andrew Alexander Staff Writer
Overcrowding is still an issue at Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School, but according to Principal Greg Martin, that can be seen as a good thing in a way. “You’re glad that that’s a problem you’ve got,” Martin said. “You’re glad that people want to come (to Adamsville). It means you’re doing something right.” Martin expects enrollment to be up a little, which he said was a continuing trend, but the issue is just something the school will have to deal with and make the best of until changes are made. There are several new faculty members at the school who will take over the roles of long-time Adamsville teachers that have retired. Mr. Steven Whitaker will take the place of Mrs. Jean Tillman teaching sophomore English, and Mrs. Lisa Ingle will replace Mr. Ronnie Christopher in the art department. “Two long-time Adamsville High School educators have stepped away, and we’ve replaced them,” said Martin, who is entering his fourth year as the school’s principal. “And of course, Mrs. Nell Stewart retired also, but we were able to fill her position with moves we were able to make within the staff.” Adamsville lost its After School Program last year, but administrators believe the school will be approved and available to students this year. Several renovations have taken place at the school. The boys’ and girls’ basketball team locker rooms have been gutted, cleaned out, and remodeled, and the school is also in the process of installing a new bookstore so that students can have convenient access to books, school supplies, and other related materials. According to Martin, that project will be completed sometime this fall. Mrs. Beth Ann Teague and the marketing department at Adamsville will head up the bookstore. The new teacher evaluation process, Martin said, was stressful but beneficial.
v FYI For more information about Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School, visit www.mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Adamsville Jr./Sr. High” or call (731) 632-3273.
“We were able to learn a lot from the evaluation model that was put in place last year in regard to teachers,” Martin said. “I think, statewide, you’ll see a push for everyone to improve in the areas of math and science.” He went on to say that another area he would like to see improvement in the 201213 school year is getting students better prepared for college. “One thing we hope we can do in the future is offer a few more dual-credit college courses,” he said. “Some of our staff has gotten themselves in position to where we can begin to look at offering more of those types of classes...it’s awfully nice for our kids to graduate high school and have a couple college courses under their belts already.” The goals for the school in the upcoming year are simple; higher test scores, teaching that impacts students’ lives, and getting the most out of every day in every classroom, which is what the school always strives toward. “I don’t think you’ll find a better school or a place where teachers care about kids and want to see them be successful, not only during their time in high school, but when they leave,” said Martin. “The support that kids have when they come back to visit campus, whether they need tutoring, friendly support, or a pat on the back...I think you’d be hard-pressed to find a school anywhere that does a better job of that than us. One thing you can say about AHS kids, they’re awfully loyal to AHS. That’s something we’re proud of, and it gives us a good indication that we’re doing something right.”
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 5C
Ann Thacker Massage Therapy 524 East Main Street Adamsville, TN 38310
(731) 632-1048
www.annthackermassagetherapy.com
731 East Main St. • Adamsville, TN (731) 632-5111
Gift Certificates Available
“If you leave hungry it’s your own fault”
T
ALL E N G M S S ’ IR & SER IN M VIC I EPA E R
Tim McClanahan
E
Have A Great School Year!
(731) 610-4890
224 H North Maple St • Adamsville, TN 38310 Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. • Saturday 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. P.O. Box 829 • 330 South Maple • Adamsville, TN 38310 Phone: 731-632-3000 • Fax: 731-632-3223 • www.flozone.com
Specializing in: • Lawnmowers • Garden Tillers • Weedeaters • Go Karts • Leaf Blowers
Build Your Banking Around Us
Wishing all the area students, teachers, and faculty a wonderful year 485 Wayne Rd. Savannah, Tn (731) 925-9046
436 East Main St. Adamsville, Tn (731) 632-0462
9720 TN 57 Counce, Tn (731) 689-5043
PAGE 6C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Staff Photo by Andrew Alexander
McNairy Central on pathways to success for upcoming school year By Amanda Lowrance Staff Writer
Located almost at the center of McNairy County, McNairy Central High School was built around 1969, after the county schools consolidated. Twelve-year MCHS Principal Cecil Stroup explained, “Selmer High School is where the civic center is now. When they consolidated, it’s basically Ramer, Selmer, Bethel, and part of Michie comes here to form McNairy Central.” The school was built for all McNairy County students and enrollment generally fluctuates between 800-900 young adults. Several renovations have taken place including the recently installed gym floor. This year, McNairy Central has added a physical education room at the back of the gym. Painting is done every year to keep everything looking refreshed. “We expect a lot out of ourselves, and we expect a lot out of our students,” said Stroup. “We expect ourselves to be ready to go to work, and we expect them to be ready to go to school.” Roughly seven new educators will begin at MCHS this year, including an agriculture instructor and football coach.
“Every year has different challenges, and we are trying to tweak this evaluation process that has been passed down to us. I thought we did a great job with that last year, and we are going to continue down that road.” Grades nine and ten enter into a high school study plan that prepares the students to take four English and math credits, three science, social studies, focus elective, and elective credits, two foreign language credits, and less than two lifetime wellness, physical education, computer, personal finance, and fine art credits. Elective focus areas include career technical, fine arts, humanities, business, and the recently added STEM focus. STEM is science, technology, engineering, and math that requires a combination of three additional credits in math, science, and/or technology. “We have career day, a guidance department that provides students with any information they want about any different college, and information on our website,” said Stroup. “We have AP (Advanced Placement) classes that we teach with Martin.” Once students have reached grades 11 and 12, a decision is made on which path to follow – technical, university, or dual. Technical path is set for students who wish to go into the work field. University path is set for students who wish to continue their education into college, and dual is a combination of both technical and
v FYI For more information about McNairy Central High School, visit www.mchscats.org or call (731) 645-3226.
university paths. “I’m a big vocational person. Probably 12 to 15 percent of your people are going to college to begin with. We probably put too much emphasis on that.” The world is made up of people, who are working, going to school, and looking for advancement, but Stroup believes future high school graduates should choose the technical path. “There are a lot of people with degrees that can’t find jobs. Everybody is not going to go to college, and we need to be training people to go to work.” Lowering the number of dropouts is difficult to do when everyone is persuaded to take an academic path he said. The school doors will open in early August and Stroup will be accompanied by Assistant Principals, Christy King and Scott Powers and Counselors, Molly Cheshier and Marianne Rainey.
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 7C
What's For Lunch? Darren Bowers Darren.A.Bowers @mwarep.org
Carolyn Bowers Carolyn.A.Bowers @mwarep.org
Floyd Mangrum Floyd.D.Mangrum @mwarep.org
109 North Third Street Selmer, Tennessee 38375 Telephone: (731) 645-9557
FULLWOOD DENTAL CLINIC, LLC General Dentistry for the Whole Family
RONNIE FULLWOOD, D.D.S.
PATRICK FULLWOOD, D.D.S.
Good Luck Students
485 Mulberry Avenue • Selmer, TN 38375
e l y t s in
STYLES AND PROFILES BEAUTY COLLEGE
645-3244
New Classes Forming Each Month. Call Today for Information!
119 South Second Street • Selmer, Tennessee Telephone (731) 645-9728 Toll-Free 1-866-434-8486
Always shop your local Food Giant 407 Mulberry Ave. • Selmer, TN 38375
(731) 645-7785
BACK TO S C H O O L!
Groceries & Low Prices
Class size is limited.
PAGE 8C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
Selmer Middle continues to grow By Amanda Lowrance Staff Writer
School bells and crowded halls are quickly approaching for Selmer Middle School. And third-year principal Brenda Armstrong can hardly wait. “It’s exciting when school starts back,” said Armstrong, “because it’s all new, all fresh, and everybody is ready to buckle down and learn, and to get back to see their friends. It’s just an exciting time for children and for teachers.” Education has been a big part of her life, but that newyear thrill hasn’t perished. Growing up in the area, Armstrong remembers the former Selmer Junior High School, located across the drive of where the old Selmer High School stood, which is now the Selmer Civic Center. Reminiscing to her years spent at the old junior high school, Armstrong said, “That building was in really poor shape. I remember having to walk across a hole that was in the floor. I feel that they built this new building due to the condition of that building.” Housing junior high students of seventh and eighth grade, the middle school was built in 1981, taking on fifth and sixth grade students from Selmer Elementary School. This helped the elementary school temporarily with its own space issues. Selmer Middle had what was once a storage unit that was later renovated into three classrooms, which provided more space. “We really need more classrooms,” said Armstrong.
v FYI For more information about Selmer Middle School, visit www. mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Selmer Middle” or call (731) 645-7977.
“I feel like we are packed in like sardines and with our enrollment going up, which is a positive thing, we do need more classrooms. If you talk to all the principals around, probably everyone needs additional classrooms.” The new county-wide energy and money saving lighting will not be the only new feature added to Selmer’s gym. “I am excited, because we are getting a new air conditioner in our gyms,” said Armstrong. “They are working on it as we speak. In the past, it has been so hot in there when school started and of course, we had to meet in the gym to have our orientation. We have actually had people to faint from the heat.” Orientation is scheduled for Aug. 2 and she hopes that the air conditioning will be working by then and is crossing her fingers. Forty teachers and 430 to 450 students will begin classes the following week after orientation and Armstrong is as excited as the student body. “I am just excited about school opening up. We have a very talented staff and good students.” The only new staff addition is Betty Hopkins and she will be instructing special education for seventh and eighth grades. The latest initiated programs are still in place and have been proven effective.
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012 “We are still doing our interventions,” said Armstrong. “If we have a student who cannot do fractions, then we will pull that student and work with them in a small group. Sometimes it’s just one-on-one. Then of course they’ll go back into their math class and be able to do it.” Struggling students can have peace of mind that if something isn’t understood, it will soon be. “It may take being pulled three times in a week, but that’s what we are doing to get those skills up, so that every child is successful.” New rules, standards, and guidelines are increasing in difficulty as years pass and it easily disheartens students who do not catch on or fall behind. People are more comfortable with routine, but in order to reach full potential, everyone needs to be pushed. “We are going into a new core curriculum this year that will be more toward math,” said Armstrong, “and next year we’ll introduce reading and language arts combined with science and social studies, It is going to be text driven, where students will read nonfiction and another nonfiction and compare and contrast. A combination of states is introducing this new curriculum to give similarity throughout the nation. “Previously each state formed their own curriculum and standards, but now Tennessee is going over to core curriculum. The whole curriculum is changing slowly starting with math. That will be our biggest change, if any.” Selmer Middle plans to build one day at a time, one step at a time, and one child at time.
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Your One Stop Back-To-School Shop Shop Aisles and Aisles of School Supplies, Clothes, Backpacks, and Everything for the School Year.
New Looks tyle!
BACK TO SCHOOL
in s
Hair Salon
Mon- Tues - Thurs- Friday 9am-5pm Saturday 9am - 3pm
3190 Hwy 45 South Selmer, TN 38375 (731) 645 - 8666
Come visit Lori at New Looks.
Shackelford Funeral Directors 160 Cypress Avenue Selmer, Tennessee
Telephone: (731) 645-3481 Service Information Line: (731) 645-5555 www.shackelfordfuneraldirectors.com
Preston & Autumn Shackelford
Have a great year! With love, Mom & Dad
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 9C
Back to School 2012
PAGE 10C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Bethel Springs Elementary prepares for new year By Amanda Lowrance Staff Writer
Located in the northern part of McNairy County, ‘Our quaint little village’ of Bethel Springs began educating within Bethel Springs Presbyterian Academy in 1895, which housed students from 1st to 12th grade. The first elementary school was built as a two story log structure, and since that year the school has continued the tradition of educating young minds. The school grew in the following years, and saw reconstruction and remodeling in 1927 and again in the 1960’s. The school is mired in history and has served as a gravitational center to the town. Residents still talk about a visit from Elvis Presley to the school in the 1950s, when he played in the school’s gym. The elementary school continued to grow throughout the 20th century, and was accredited in 1982 by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. In 1997, Bethel Springs Elementary was reconstructed into the building that stands today. The renovation added a gym, office spaces, and 12 classrooms. About two years ago, six more rooms were added due to the growing student population. “I know what it is like to be in cramped
731-645-3411 530 Mulberry Ave
up space,” said Principal Terry Moore, “but we are fortunate to have our space.” Moore has been at Bethel Springs Elementary for more than 35 years, serving 15 years as principal. During his tenure from an instructor to assistant principal to principal, Bethel has gone through many changes. President George Bush passed the No Child Left Behind Act in 2002 and while it has proven beneficial, it doesn’t come without a cost explained Moore. “It has good points and bad points,” he said. “Nobody is against accountability. I think the way that they have gone about doing it is not totally beneficial to teachers.” Many local teachers struggle each year to meet the standards and according to the act, all teachers are highly qualified. If the teachers are not, the students are not and jobs are questioned. “A lot of people think we are teaching to the test, but we are not. State standards in the Terra Nova/TCAP are a big challenge. We have certain goals that we have to meet, certain percentages that we have to meet, and average yearly progress.” Last year, Bethel met their annual yearly progress on TCAP scores, but another year is around the corner. “The teachers have to make sure daily that they are doing as much as they can do to reinforce those standards of skills
A bright future starts with a good education.
File Photo
v FYI For more information about Bethel Springs Elementary School, visit www.mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Bethel Springs Elementary School” or call (731) 934-7288. that are going to be tested.” Time is of the essence, because the April tests approach whether the students or teachers are ready or not. Last year was a difficult year for Bethel as they mourned the loss of two faculty members, Assistant Principal Richie Graves and Computer Lab Instructor Janette Ray.
“I would like to make sure the teachers have everything that they need to make their job better and that everyone has a safe environment,” said Moore. “The whole time I have been in administration the kids have been my number one priority. They are what we are here for – to help them and do for them as much as we can.”
Aaron’s Sales & Lease 403 Mulberry Ave Selmer, Tn
645-9966 www.pickwickec.com
Character Counts Sponsor
Back to School Sale! New & Pre-leased
Desktops Laptops Touchpads
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 11C
Miskelley speaks on school closure protocol Staff Report Independent Appeal
While inclement weather in McNairy County means good news for students who get to have an unscheduled day off, it is not always an easy thing to decide on, according to Superintendent of McNairy County School Charlie Miskelly. With last winter’s warm weather there were only a few occasions to close the school; however Miskelly said that there are typically 10 days built into the school calendar for bad weather, poor road conditions, and other variables that would cause a school closure. In the previous years, school has been closed for icy roads, snowy conditions, flooding, and various other natural obstacles which make it difficult for children to make it to school in a safe manner. While Miskelly has the ultimate say in whether or not school will be closed for inclement weather, he does rely on several sources to aid him. “I can’t just wake up in the morning, look out my window, and decide if we’re going to have school or not,” said Miskelly. “It does not work that way.”
Miskelly’s aid comes from weather forecasts, bus driver input, assistance from other transporters in the community, and from the county’s Transportation Supervisor Willie Austin. These individuals pool their resources to make a calculated decision about whether or not the weather and road conditions are safe enough for students to be traveling in. “Obviously, we have a large county and the weather can vary from the northern portion of the county to the southern portion,” said Miskelly, so at times the decision can be a difficult one to make. Previously, when inclement weather struck, parents had to rely on local television or radio stations for school closure information. With recent updates in technology made during the 2008-09 school year, the schools can contact parents with an auto dialer to alert them of closings. However the auto-dialer can only reach the parents who list a number with the schools. Closing information will also be posted as soon as it is available at www.independentappeal.com, or by following the Independent Appeal on Facebook.
Fall 2012/McNairy County Center/Selmer
File Photo
Classes Begin on August 27, 2012
731.646.1636 or 1.888.654.6897 Director: Deidra Beene dbeene@utm.edu
Bradley Book Co. - Aug. 16 - 3-6pm DAY
CRN 41475 42158 41357 41360 41361 41362 41363 41364 41367 41368 41379 41380 41381 41382 41383 41385 41386 42153 42154 41388 41390 41392 41394 41971 41396 41397 41547 41399 41545 41401 41410 41411 41504 41414 41415 41416
SUBJ ART CJ CSCI ECON ELED ENGL ENGL ENGL GEOL GEOL HIST HIST HIST HLRN HLRN HLTH HPED MATH MATH MATH MUS PACT PSYC PSYC READ READ SOC SPED SWRK SWRK SWRK SWRK TCED TCED TCED TCED
CRSE# 110 360 201 201 490 111 111 260 110 110L 121 201 441 311 325 111 310 100 100L 191 111 122 101 340 438/ 638 201 300 220 410 460 470 211 302 305 350
SEC PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE2 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE2 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE2 PE1 PE1 PE1
41418
TCED
475
PE1
42197 42199 42198 42200 42201 41419
TCED TCED TCED TCED TCED THEA
402 403 402 403 404 110
PE1 PE1 PE2 PE2 PE1 PE1
COURSE TITLE HRS Understanding Visual Art 3 Child Abuse 3 Intro to Computer Apps 3 Principles of Macroeconomics 3 Geography Concepts for Elem. T. 3 English Composition 3 English Composition 3 American Literary Tradition 3 Intro to Physical Geology (lecture) 4 Lab 0 Development of World Civilization 1 3 History of the United States 1 3 History of Latin America 3 Technology Integration 3 Educational Psychology 3 Principles & Concepts of Personal Health 3 Dev PE Elem&Mid Sch Child 3 Essentials of Algebra: Part 1 4 Lab (must register for lecture & lab) 0 Principles of Mathematics 3 Masterpieces of Music 3 Aerobic Walking and Jogging 2 General Psychology 3 Industrial & Organizational Psychology 3 Clrm Appr Tchg Rdg Elem Sch 3 Clrm Appr Tchg Rdg Elem Sch 3 General Sociology 3 Exceptional Child 3 Hum Div&Oppres Pop 3 Social Work Research and Evaluation 3 Social Work Senior Seminar 2 Social Work Field Instruction Preparation 1 Intro to Teaching (Aug. 27-Oct. 12) 1 *Integrated Teaching Strategies (K-6) 3 *Classroom Management (K-6) 2 Applied Social Studies & Lang. Arts 4 Learning & the Kindergarten Child Seminar Student Teaching Grades 1-4 Student Teaching Grades 5-8 Student Teaching Grades 1-4 Student Teaching Grades 5-8 Student Teaching Grades 7-8 Understanding Theatre
INSTRUCTOR Souders Overton Cole Yarber O’Neal Lucy Dierks Dierks Dierks DePriest DePriest Shull, Will Smith, Tim Smith, Tim Cole Wroten Harris Harris Tedford Tedford Cain Harvey Surratt Wroten Woods Swan Swan Maples Wood, Karen McLean Henderson McLean McLean Swan Whittington Whittington Swan
4 0 6 6 6 6 6 3
* must register for both TCED 302 and TCED 305 by add slip from Dr. Joyce Swan
Swan Swan TBA TBA TBA Brooks Brooks Blackwell
DAY T R M T M MW TR M TR R T MW MW M T W W T T MT T W R M T T TR F W M R R W TR TR W R R R TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA W
TIME 1:00-3:45p 2:15-5:00p 1:00-3:45p 3:00-5:45p 1:00-3:45p 9:00-10:15a 2:00-3:15p 11:00-1:45p 11:00-12:15p 1:00-3:00p 2:30-5:15p 10:30-11:45a 9:00-10:15a 9:00-11:45a 9:00-11:45a 3:00-5:45p 12:00-2:45p 11:00-1:45p 2:00-3:45p 4:15-5:30p 9:00-11:45a 4:00-5:45p 9:00-11:45a 3:00-5:45p 1:00-3:45p 1:00-3:45p 1:00-2:15p 9:00-11:45a 3:00-5:45p 3:00 - 6:00p 4:00-6:00p 3:00-4:00p 1:00-2:45p 8:00-10:15a 10:30-11:30a 10:00-11:50a 3:00-4:50p 8:00-12:00p TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA TBA 3:00-5:45p
EVENING CRN 42134 41358 41359 41365 41366 41505 41506 41369 41370 41507
SUBJ ART BIOL BIOL ELED ENGL ENGL MATH POSC PSYC SWRK
CRSE# 140 110 110L 490 111 112 160 431 101 440
SEC PE1 PE1 PE1 PE2 PE3 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1
COURSE TITLE Drawing I Intro to Cell Biology and Genetics Lab Geography Concepts for Elem. T. English Composition English Composition Calculus for Business&Life Sciences American Constitutional Law General Psychology Social Work Practice III
HRS 3 4 0 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
INSTRUCTOR Souders Mattox Mattox O’Neal Lucy Jones Dierks Cole Gray Woods McLean
DAY M M M M M M M M M M
TIME 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:30p 8:30-10:00p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-9:00p
41972 41508 41384 41387 42155 42156 42327 41393
CJ COMM ECON HIST MATH MATH POSC PSYC
200 230 202 201 100 100L 312 313
PE1 PE1 PE1 PE2 PE2 PE2 PE1 PE1
Intro to Criminal Justice Public Speaking Principles of Microeconomics History of the United States 1 Essentials of Algebra: Part 1 Lab (must register for lecture & lab) Politics & Government of Tennessee Developmental Psychology
3 3 3 3 4 0 3 3
Lee Stone Yarber Killingsworth Tedford Tedford Gray Billingsley
T T T T T T T T
6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 4:00-5:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p
42135 41509 41510 41395 41511 41398 41470
ART ENGL ENGL HLTH MATH SWRK TCED
250 270 385 111 210 200 450
PE1 PE1 PE1 PE2 PE1 PE1 PE1
Painting I World Literature Modern Poetry Principles & Concepts of Personal Health Elem. Statistics & Probability Intro to Social Work & Social Welfare Designing Curr. For the Early Adol.
3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Souders Lambert Jones Surratt Hendrix Taylor Armstrong
W W W W W W W
6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p
41472 42136 41477 42326 41973 41479 42157 41481 42261
ACCT ARTH BLAW CFS CJ HLTH MATH SPAN SPED
201 211 201 303 470 220 140 111 300
PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1 PE1
Acct Info Decision Making I The History of Art Legal Environment of Business Family Relationships Tennessee Criminal Law Advanced First Aid & CPR College Algebra Elementary Spanish Exceptional Child
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 3
Perrigo Souders Overton O’Brien Lee Surratt Hendrix Holland Gray, Kaylie
R R R R R R R R R
6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-8:45p 6:00-9:45p 6:00-8:45p
M=Monday T=Tuesday W=Wednesday R=Thursday F=Friday
PAGE 12C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 13C
Tennessee’s Tax Holiday set to begin Aug. 3 Tennessee’s Sales Tax Holiday www.tntaxholiday.com
Sales Tax Holidays begin on the first Friday in August each year at 12:01 a.m. and end at 11:59 p.m. the following Sunday.
Clothing ($100 or less) Tax-Free Items Include: • • • • • •
Hosiery Jackets Jeans Neckties Pants Scarves
• • • • • •
• • • • • •
By Emily Pitts Staff Writer
School Uniforms Shirts Shoes Socks Sneakers Underwear
Items Subject to Sales Tax Include Clothing Accessories: Belt Buckles (sold separately), Briefcases, Cosmetics, Hair Notions, Handbags, Jewelry, Patches and Emblems (sold separately), Sewing Equipment and Supplies, Sewing Materials, Sunglasses, Umbrellas, Wallets, and Watches. Protective Equipment: Breathing Masks, Face Shields, Hard Hats, Hearing Protectors, Helmets, Paint or Dust Respirators, Protective Gloves and Welder’s Gloves, Safety Glasses and Goggles, and Tool Belts. Sports or Recreational Equipment: Ballet or Tap Shoes, Cleated or Spiked Athletic Shoes, Gloves (Baseball, Boxing, Golf), Goggles, Hand and Elbow Guards, Life Preservers and Vests, Mouth Guards, Roller and Ice Skates, Shin Guards, Shoulder Pads, Ski Boots, and Wet Suits and Fins.
Frequently asked questions From www.tn.gov/revenue When is the sales tax holiday? Tenn. Code Ann. Section 67-6-393 establishes annual sales tax holidays in Tennessee. The holiday starts each year at 12:01 a.m. on the first Friday in August and ends at 11:59 p.m. on the following Sunday. What items qualify for the sales tax holiday? During the holiday, the following items are exempt from sales and use tax: 1) clothing with a price of $100 or less per item; 2) school and school art supplies with a price of $100 or less per item; and 3) computers with a price of $1,500 or less per item. How do I claim the exemption? The exemption is based on the purchase of items that qualify for the holiday. No identification or exemption certificate is required. As long as you purchase an item that qualifies to be sold tax exempt, you should not pay sales tax on the item sold. What merchants are participating in the sales tax holiday? Merchants who sell the items listed above must participate in the sales tax holiday. If a merchant sells only to other businesses (purchases for a business do not qualify for the holiday), or does not sell items that qualify for the holiday (example: a car dealer) then the merchant is NOT required to participate in the holiday. What items of clothing qualify? Clothing is defined as human wearing apparel suitable for general use. This includes shirts, dresses, pants, coats, gloves and mittens, hats and caps, hosiery, neckties, belts, sneakers, shoes, uniforms whether athletic or non-athletic, and scarves. Clothing DOES NOT include belt buckles sold separately, patches and emblems sold separately, sewing equipment and supplies or sewing materials that become part of “clothing” such as thread, fabric, yarns and zippers. What types of items qualify as school and school art supplies? A school supply is defined as an item used by a student in a course of study. The definition contains an all-inclusive list of school supplies. Examples are binders, book bags, calculators, tape, chalk, crayons, erasers, folders, glue, pens, pencils, lunch boxes, notebooks, paper, rulers, and scissors. School art supplies are defined as clay and glazes; acrylic, tempera and oil paints; paintbrushes for artwork; sketch and drawing
Belts Caps Coats Dresses Gloves Hats
pads; and watercolors. Excluded from the holiday (and therefore subject to sales tax) are school instructional material and school computer supplies consisting of computer storage media, diskettes, compact disks, handheld electronic schedulers, personal digital assistants, computer printers, and printer supplies for computers (including printer paper and printer ink), house paint and paintbrushes to be used for house painting, spray paint, and easels. What qualifies as a computer? A computer is defined as a central processing unit (CPU), along with various other components including monitor, keyboard, mouse, cables to connect components, and preloaded software. While the CPU may be purchased separately, other items must be part of a bundled computer package in order to be eligible. Excluded from the holiday are individual computer parts, such as monitors, keyboards, speakers, and scanners when not sold in conjunction with a CPU; individually purchases software or other software not part of a preloaded software package on the initial purchase of a computer; storage media, such as diskettes and compact disks; handheld electronic schedulers; personal digital assistants (PDAs); video game consoles; and computer printers and supplies for printers, such as paper and ink. Do school textbooks or workbooks qualify for the holiday? School textbooks and workbooks are exempt from sales tax. They do not qualify for the holiday because they fall within the school instructional material exception. However, because they are already exempt from tax, no holiday is necessary on these items. Does computer software qualify for the holiday? No. While computers with a price of $1,500 or less may be purchased exempt from tax during the holiday, purchases of computer software are excluded from the holiday and are subject to tax. Is there a limit to the number of items that may be purchased? There is no limit to the quantity of items that may be purchased as long as the purchase price of each of those items is below the threshold provided in the law.
School & Art Supplies ($100 or less) Tax-Free Items Include: School Art Supplies • Binders • Book Bags/Backpacks • Calculators • Chalk • Crayons • Erasers • Folders • Glue
• • • • • • • •
Lunch Boxes Notebooks Paper Pens Pencils Rulers Scissors Tape
School Art Supplies • Clay and Glazes • Paints • Paintbrushes • Sketch and Drawing Pads • Watercolors
Items Subject to Sales Tax Include School Computer Supplies: Compact Disks, Computer Printers, Computer Storage Media, Diskettes, Handheld Electronic Schedulers, Personal Digital Assistants, and Printer Supplies including Paper and Ink. Note: Textbooks and Workbooks are always exempt from sales tax.
Computers ($1,500 or less) Tax-Free Items Include: • •
Hudreds of back-to-school items tax-free this weekend
Computers with a purchase price of $1,500 or less, not for use in a trade or business, are exempt from sales tax. A computer is a central processing unit (CPU) that includes a monitor, keyboard, mouse, speakers, cables to connect components, and preloaded software.
Items Subject to Sales Tax Include Computer parts: Monitors, Keyboards, Speakers, and Scanners when not sold in conjunction with a CPU. Individually purchased Software, or other software not part of a preloaded software package on the initial purchase of a computer. Storage Media: such as Diskettes and Compact disks. Handheld Electronic Schedulers, Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs) and Video Game Consoles, Computer Printers, and Printer Supplies including Paper and Ink.
For more information, please contact the Tennessee Department of Revenue. Online: www.tntaxholiday.com or www.TN.gov/Revenue E-mail: salestax.holiday@TN.gov Telephone: (800) 342-1003, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., Central Time
Tennessee will hold its annual Tax Holiday for back-to-school shoppers this Friday through Sunday, August 3-5. During this time, hundreds of back-toschool items, including clothing items and school supplies under $100 and computers under $1,500 can be purchsed tax free. “This holiday provides citizens with sales tax relief, while helping with some of the back to school costs associated with the beginning of the school year,” said Senator Dolores Gresham in a press release earlier this week. Gresham co-sponsored the law and is Chairman of the Senate Education Committee. “Although it is great for getting students ready for school, citizens of any age can also enjoy the sales tax relief benefits.” Any merchant who sells qualifiying items will be participating in the holiday, and anyone who buys these items qualifies for the tax exemption. “It’s a great in-
centive to shop local,” said Russell Ingle, Director of Chamber Programs for McNairy Regional Alliance. “A lot of our merchants have all that families will need for back to school. It’s a great time, and we really encourage everyone to get out and shop local.” The tax holiday is not only good news for buyers; it’s good news for merchants as well. Joe Vaughn, owner of Cyber Tech in Adamsville, said that his business typically sells probably three times the amount of laptops during the holiday as opposed to a normal day’s business. Cyber Tech is normally closed on weekends, but will be open on Saturday offering special deals. “We’re running at least $50 off of every system, and some systems are on special,” said Vaughn. For more information on the tax holiday, visit www.tntaxholiday.com or www.tn.gov/revenue. You can also email salestax.holiday@tn.gov, or call 1 (800) 342-1003 7 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday with any questions regarding the holiday.
Back to School 2012
PAGE 14C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Michie Elementary looks forward to new year By Emily Pitts Staff Writer
Schools in McNairy County have a bright future ahead of them for the 20122013 school year, and Michie Elementary is no exception. Suzanne Henson will lead the way for the school, in just her second year as principal of Michie Elementary. “Last year was a great year but, it was certainly a challenging one,” said Henson. “I was assigned to Michie Elementary approximately two weeks before school started. It was the first year for the state model (TEAM) teacher evaluation model to be implemented. I completed over 120 teacher evaluations last year which was a tremendous amount of paperwork and time. I was unfamiliar with the Pre-K 4 program that we have. Our math program in grades K-2 began teaching core standards. There was a lot of transition for everyone.” Despite the challenges the school faced last year, Henson hopes to make this year the best yet. State evaluations have been, and will continue to be a challenge for schools across the state, but teams of teachers at Michie have spent many hours becoming familiar with the new state adopted evaluation method. Henson stated that Michie will be continuing the successful programs of the past, as well as implementing new ones in the coming school year. “Breaking down learning into small groups with learning centers that focus on
literacy and numeracy has been very successful at Michie,” said Henson. “We have begun training in Common Core Standards that will be implemented in math. We have also had a group of teachers trained in Project Empower which is also a math program for grades 2-6 introduced to the county by Middle Tennessee State University. It deals with hands on activities that can be used during regular instruction time or in a lab setting.” DIBELS, which assesses literacy skills and ThinkLink, which assesses literacy, numeracy, and science, have so far been very successful at Michie and will continue to be implemented this year. In November, Michie Elementary will be going through a Southern Association of Colleges and Schools evaluation. “This process will help us to identify our areas of need and our strengths,” said Henson. There will be no major changes at Michie this year, but school officials are looking at reorganizing the physical education program. According to Henson, the program will now be aligned with county’s Coordinated School Health Program that is sponsored by Shelva Moore. “My goal is to help teachers be the best they can be and to have the means to reach each child’s learning potentiaal,” said Henson. “I personally want to be able to spend more time out in the building this year getting to know the students.” According to Henson, Carolyn Geistler, former principal of Selmer Elementary, will
Staff Photo by Emily Pitts
be assisting her this year on a part time basis. “Our challenge this year will be to assess where we are as a school and use the input from the community members and stakeholders to better us,” said Henson. “The school is the hub of the community. We want everyone to be proud of the school that their children attend and know that we are here for the children.” Henson added, “It is a privilege to work with an outstanding staff. The students are the reason that I am here. I believe that as
Stantonville, TN 38379
(731) 632-4543
Monday - Friday 5:30 am to 4:00 pm Saturday 7:00 am to 2:00 pm
Convenience Store Ethanol free gas Diesel fuel
Cafe - “Specials” - Great food Specialty sandwiches Storage Buildings
Wishing All Students “A” Great Year!
long as we make decisions where the child’s needs come first, we will be accomplishing our goals and everything else will fall into place.”
Auto Sales & Body Shop FREE Estimates
1030 Mulberry Ave Selmer, TN 38375
Stantonville One Stop 8528 Hwy 142
For more information about Michie Elementary School, visit www.mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Michie Elementary” or call (731) 632-3602.
Roger’s
Dr. Jackie McClain 646-0021
v FYI
• Complete Body Repair & Painting • Fiberglass Repair
• Insurance Claims • Auto Sales • Specialize In Late Model & Low Mileage 632-1957 • 3 1/5 miles South of Adamsville, on Rt. 117
MICHIE HEALTHCARE ASSOCIATES, LLC
-INS WALKCOME L E W
School & Work Physicals Medically supervised weight loss management Offering: Phentermine, Adipex, Xenical, B12 & Lipotropic Injections, DOT Physicals
(731) 239-9470
Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri.: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - noon
5823 Hwy 22 South Michie, TN
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 15C
Ramer Elementary prepares for upcoming year By Jeff Whitten Head News Writer
Staff Photo by Andrew Alexander
v FYI For more information about Ramer Elementary School, visit www.mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Ramer Elementary” or call (731) 645-3996.
2014-2015 school year. “We’re excited about that. We’re going to welcome that challenge,” Petty said. “We’re looking forward to a great school year. I expect us to continue doing what we can to educate our students. We have some of the best scores in the county, and that will not change. I expect a very smooth year,” Petty said.
Call for Details New hours: Monday - Saturday 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Wishing students, teachers, & faculty a great 2012/2013 6708 Hwy 45 • Nightly specials • Sunday plate lunch Eastview, Tennessee 645-5800 • Full menu all the time
Wishing all students, teachers, & faculty a great school year
Diane’s Salon Family Hair Care
610-1679 4321 Highway 57 Ramer, TN
Pedicures• Manicures
Owner: Diane Hill
ALL CITY
(731) 645-8900
www.companycasuals.com/allcity
Separate Dining Room for churches & local groups to have “eatin’ meetin’s”
ALL CITYEMBROIDERY
We’ve got great food, and that ain’t no bull!
731-645-8900 TROPHIES BANNERS SIGNS
The size of the school does not limit its expectations for its students, according to Petty. “We have high expectations for them. We want the very best for them,” he said. Ramer Elementary had four classrooms added over the past couple of years. They house a kindergarten, a first grade and two second grade classes. At one time, Ramer had an overcrowding problem. “These classrooms have definitely helped us out,” he said. “We are right where we need to be. We have a little bit of room to grow.” The main new thing at Ramer Elementary is Common Core standards in math. These standards seek to make standards in a subject and grade the same for all states. This is being done gradually, with some subjects in a year. Full implementation will be completed by the
SCREENPRINTING
Ramer Principal Rusty Petty has been in education for 25 years. He started in Fayette County where he taught for six years and then moved to Hardeman County where he taught for four years. He moved to Ramer 15 years ago and has been there ever since. Petty was a teacher until six years ago when he became assistant principal. He has been principal for three years. Petty taught all grades at Ramer and all subjects. “My love is math,” he explained. Petty received his bachelor’s and master’s degree from Union University. Petty’s wife is named Laurie, and he has two daughters. Ashley is a sophomore at Blue Mountain College, and Morgan is a senior at McNairy Central High School. Ramer is the smallest school in the county at 389 students. Students from prekindergarten to the eighth grade attend the school. “Of course, I think we’re the best in the county,” he joked. “We’re very family-oriented. We believe we are a family. We work together. We struggle together. We celebrate together,” he said. Petty said that Ramer Elementary is very child-oriented. “We want the best for our children,” he said. The main challenge for Ramer Elementary is its size, according to Petty. “There’s lots of funding that we may miss because we are the smallest,” he said. Academics are the strongest selling point of the school, Petty said. “Academically, I think we are very strong all the way up and down the spectrum. I think our students, when they leave Ramer, are ready for high school. We do our best to prepare them for that and ultimately for jobs outside of high school, college, the work force,” he said.
PAGE 16C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Adamsville Elementary ready for new school year By Andrew Alexander Staff Writer
v FYI
With the new school year just around the corner, Adamsville Elementary School’s faculty and student body are ready to get things started. Like most of the other schools in the county, AES will be knee-deep in fundraisers this year in hopes of raising money in-house to support the school in this tough economy. The school’s After School Program has been heavily attended, giving students extra help with their classwork and providing the children with extracurricular activities when school lets out, and it will continue through the next two years. AES has applied for a new grant to extend the program for several years beyond that. Construction on the new sidewalks around the school has yet to begin because the city is still waiting on easements to be signed by residents around AES, but those easements must be signed by the end of the month. There is currently no timetable for construction to begin. The soccer field behind AES received new lights over the summer, and will provide Adamsville High School and Jr. Pro Soccer a venue to compete and practice at night; a luxury neither has ever had. Attendance at the school has remained about the same, according to the administration, but the school will be welcoming in several new and old teachers, along with saying goodbye to one that has put in many years of service. Susan Mitchell, who has served as an interventionist at the school, will take over 5th grade math, Autumn Shourd, who is new to AES, will be teaching 4th grade science, and Lisa Breymaier, who has previously taught at both AES and Adamsville Jr./Sr. High School, has returned from Kentucky to teach 4th grade reading. Though there will be new faces smiling at children at AES this year, there will be one smile missing. Mrs. Gloria Stamper, who has been an educator in Adamsville for over 40 years, has retired. Her services at the school are immeasurable, and she will be missed.
o
o
For more information about Adamsville Elementary School, visit www.mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Adamsville Elementary” or call (731) 632-0934.
Staff Photo by Andrew Alexander
SWEETPEAS Family Restaurant
Buffet & Menu
869 Pickwick St. • Savannah, TN 38372 • (731) 925-8780
Monday: Closed Tuesday & Wednesday: 11 am - 2 pm Thursday: 11 am - 8 pm Friday: 11 am - 9 pm Saturday: 4 pm - 9 pm Sunday: 11 am - 3 pm
Go get’em this school year! SAMMIE SMITH INSURANCE
Keith’s Auto Sales & Car Detailing
2061 Shiloh Adamsville Rd. Adamsville, Tn
(731) 632-3366
Wholesale Prices
Financial Representative
121 East Main, P.O. Box 320 • Adamsville, TN 38310 Phone: Bus. 731-632-0602; Cell 731-646-0403; Fax 731-632-5418 sammie.h.smith@mwarep.org
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Back to School 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 17C
Planning After School Activities For Your Kids (StatePoint) Fun and learning can extend beyond the classroom. From music and the arts to organized sports, after-school activities can help kids stay active and make lifelong friends. Here are some great tips to keep kids active and engaged during the afternoon: Sign up early: Many programs fill up fast. Be sure to sign your kids up for programs as soon as possible to ensure their enrollment. Listen to your kids: As much as you would like your child to participate in certain activities, don’t push too hard. Let them explore all their options to find activities they actually enjoy doing. Make scheduling convenient: If your child is active, you will be too. Plan activities close to home or school to limit time spent in the car. Whether you’re setting up play dates, forming a time-saving carpool or heading up the PTA, mommy calling cards from an online stationery store like Minted.com is a unique way
to make an impression, and share your contact information quickly with teachers, coaches and other parents. Go informal: When the weather is nice, consider organizing an impromptu neighborhood bike ride or soccer game. If your child is artistically inclined, invite his or her friends over for craft time. Encourage academic interests: At-home supplies can inspire your child to get excited about learning. A science kit, for example, can be found at any hobby store and will augment lesson plans with fun hands-on experiments. Personalized journals for kids, will encourage your young writer to put pen to paper and compose stories or essays. Don’t overschedule: As with everything great in life, moderation is key. With rich, full school days, homework and after-school activities, don’t forget to give your kids time to unwind. With the right after-school programming, you’ll be sure to keep your kids safe, active and happy, long after the bell rings.
(c) Alena Ozerova - Fotolia.com
Good Luck to all the Area Students! Todd's Discount Drugs We're more than just a pharmacy
Gift Items • Jewelry • Home Accessories
Callianne & Bolton Gean and Candra Wolfe Todd's employees Megan MitchellPaulk (left) Andrew Aristorenas,
347 E. Main St. Adamsville, TN 632-0995
OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK
Back to School 2012
PAGE 18C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Selmer Elementary faces changes as school year begins By Christen Coulon Editor
As Selmer Elementary school prepares to welcome its students back for another school year, it is also welcoming in a new principal. Pam Killingsworth will be taking the helm at SES this year, but it is role she is quite prepared to take. Prior to her promotion, Killingsworth served as assistant principal at the school for the last 15 years and has more than 30 years experience in educating young people. Despite the change in leadership, the new head of the school said it will be business as usual. This is a stark contrast to last year, where the school adjusted to many changes such as new state regulations requiring the school to participate in the federal government’s Race to the Top competition, which focused on improving student achievement and brought many changes to the school. This included a new teacher evaluation system where each teacher or principal underwent a mandatory evaluation. Fifty percent of the evaluation for teachers is based on student achievement, with the remaining percentage of the score being based on a minimum of four classrooms observations using new state evaluation models. However, with one year under their belts the evaluations should go much
smoother this year. “Everything is on an even keel, there is not going to be a lot of changes,” Killingsworth said. “The evaluation system is going to be the same.” Killingsworth said the biggest thing that she wanted to convey to parents was the proper use of dropoff-pickup areas which has been an area of increasing difficulty as the schools population has grown. “Students must be dropped off by the east end or down by the gym,” Killingsworth said. She also reminded everyone not to park in front of the office area when busses are loading or unloading. She is hoping that everyone can get on the right track here to make things as simple as possible for everyone. The school will continue its fourth grade program, introduced last year, where students switch classes, with this year’s plan including one small modification. Killingsworth said that the students will switch in blocks and not try to do so every 45-50 minutes. She said that it will still get them into the middle school mindset, but will not be so disruptive with students switching throughout the day. “It was just a little bit too much for the kids to handle,” Killingsworth said of last year’s program. “I think this new two-hour block is going to work out better.” She also said that the school will be
Littlejohn
Monuments & Signs
Staff Photo by Emily Pitts
v FYI For more information about Selmer Elementary School, visit www.mcnairy.org, find “schools,” and click on “Selmer Elementary” or call (731) 645-9756. implementing a new pilot anti-bulling program, and they will invite the parents’ input and assistance in implementing the program. Killingsworth also reminded parents that school lunch prices will go up by $.25 per meal with breakfast now costing $1 and lunch going up to $1.50. Killingsworth said that they expect to have nearly the same number of students
this year as the previous year with nearly 600 attending. “I want to the parents, and our staff and our administration here to all be on the same page with educating their child,” Killingsworth said. “I want parents, if there is an issue, to come and talk with a teacher or talk with me...We want people know what is going on, and to have a say in what education their child is getting.”
D & D YOUNG INC.
• Signs & Lettering for Truck Doors • Church Vans • Boats • Utility Trailers • Windows • Magnetic Signs • Custom Car Tags
Selmer SUBWAY® restaurants 152 South Y Square Selmer, TN 38375
Phone: (731) 645-6060 Fax: (731) 645-6076
Owner: Joel Littlejohn Hwy 45 S. • Selmer, TN
Office: 731-645-6222 • Cell: 731-610-5035
©2012 Doctor’s Associates Inc. SUBWAY® is a registered trademark of Doctor’s Associates Inc.
Farm & Home Realty 811 Mulberry Ave. Selmer, TN
www.ucfarmandhome.com
731-645-4344
have a great year teachers & Students!
Have a great school year! DEBERRY DRUGS 103 South Y Square, Selmer, TN
(731) 645-6100 Rhonda Wheeler
731-610-1776
Becky Hearnsberger
731-610-0222
Suzanne Henson
731-645-0449
Candace Cline
731-926-6507
NEW HOURS: Monday - Friday 8 A.M. to 7 P.M. Saturday 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. Sunday 1 P.M. to 4 P.M.
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 19C
File Photo
Faith Baptist offers Christian environment for students By Jeff Whitten Head News Writer
Faith Baptist School is a very different kind of school. “A Christ-centered ministry is what this is, and it is a ministry out of Faith Baptist Church,” said Pastor Dr. S. Freed Ware, last year. Ware has moved on this year and will be replaced by Murry Kimball as pastor and school administrator. The school, which was established in 1976, will have 20 to 30 students from Kindergarten to 12th grade and seven teachers. The largest classes only have eight to ten students. This year the school will change from the Bob Jones to the Abeka curriculum. Tanya Pierce will be joining the fac-
ulty this year and since there is a senior this year, the school will be having a graduation ceremony for the first time in a few years. “I believe this year is going to be wonderful,” Kimball said. “We have a lot of interaction with our teachers because our classrooms are small,” Ware said. It uses the same standards as the public schools; “Our education is usually better than one that students get in other schools. (They) go a little bit further and push a little bit harder,” Ware said. At Faith Baptist, they teach Bible lessons in every grade. “We have no problem with bullying; we have no problems with drugs. We have no problems with foul language. We believe that a Christian education pairs up with a Christian
Go Bobcats / Go Selmer Lions
Eastview Service Center 6742 Hwy 45 S. Ramer, Tn 38367
family and a good, Bible-preaching church. We believe that will produce a very functional Christian for society,” Ware said. In history, Ware says they “go all the way back to our Founding Fathers and bring out the Christian heritage of our country.” In sports, the school offers basketball, girls’ volleyball and is starting an eight-player football team. The teams play teams from other Christian schools. Ware describes the school as “a place where you can bring your child, leave, them and they will be all right.” “The school tries to offer a Christian environment,” Ware said. “We’re still taking open enrollment,” Kimball said.
(: ALL SMILES :)
(731) 645-7648
• Brakes • Tune-ups • Tires The
Independent Appeal
Would like to wish more than 4,480 students a happy and successful school year, along with all teachers, & faculty.
• Batteries • Oil changes • Auto Repair Shop
Everyday we offer children’s dentistry, providing gentle and experienced care in a fun, family-friendly office setting. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends children visit the dentist by their first birthday.
Call us today to schedule your child’s consultation. Greg L. Wilson, D.D.S., MS Greg A. Wilson, D.D.S.
710 Federal Drive • Selmer, TN 38375
(731) 645-7506
PAGE 20C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
Tech Tips:
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
McNairy County Board of Education
2012-2013 School Calendar FALL TERM
TBD Aug. 1,2 Aug. 3 Aug. 6
Prepare your student for the school year (StatePoint) Preparing children for a new school year is no longer just about stocking up on pencils and notebooks. The face of education is changing, and a well-equipped student should know how to use new technology to personalize the learning experience and succeed in school. “Digital resources and applications can stimulate and engage students by providing a more interactive learning experience,” says Dan Caton, president of McGraw-Hill School Education. “Some of the best digital learning tools personalize learning, adapt to children’s individual strengths and help them overcome unique challenges.” While digital learning may come naturally to children, parents should get up to speed on technology as well to better understand how new tools and resources can help their children learn. Here are some great back-to-school tech-tips for parents: • Talk to your children and their teachers about what they want to accomplish this year and how they can use traditional and new learning tools to meet goals. • Encourage children to use computers and other web-enabled devices for more than just games and Facebook. • If you think books are the same as when you went to school, think again. New digital textbooks available for download through applications like iBooks2, allow you to highlight text, make notes, or search inside the book. You can even have your tablet device read the book to you. Learn how this technology works so you can keep up with your kids. • Some forward-thinking schools are using innovative programs like CINCH Learning, which makes the complete K-12 math and 7-12 grade science curricula accessible online. Programs like these go beyond the textbook, so talk to your children’s teachers to learn how to maximize the program’s interactive tools and games from home devices. • Nearly half of all high school students who take Advanced Placement (AP) exams fail. But new subscription based programs like the ONboard series from McGraw-Hill Education are providing students with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in these advanced courses. Parents of high school students should encourage teens to take advantage of such study aids before senior year.
* School Dismissed
Administrative Days School In-Service Staff Development Orientation for AHS gr. 7-9, MCHS gr. 9, SMS gr. 5 First Day of School (excluding students who attended on 8/3) School Begins for all students End of 1st Month Labor Day Holiday* School Dismissed 11:16; Parent Teacher Contact 1-3 p.m. End of 2nd Month End of 1st Quarter (45 days) Fall Break* Parent-teacher conference* 12-6 p.m. 1st Quarter Report Cards Staff Developtment* End of 3rd Month Thanksgiving Holiday* End of 4th Month End of 2nd Quarter (45 days) and Fall Term (90 days) School Dismissed 9:30 Christmas Holiday*
Aug. 7 Aug. 30 Sept. 3 Sept. 4 Sept. 28 Oct. 5 Oct. 15-17 Oct. 18 Oct. 19 Nov. 1 Nov. 21-23 Dec. 4 Dec. 18 Dec. 19-Jan. 2
SPRING TERM
Jan. 3 Jan. 11 Jan. 16 Jan. 21 Feb. 7 Feb. 14 Feb. 18 March 8 March 15 March 19 March 20 March 25-April 1 April 22 May 3, 10, 17 May 23 May 24
Classes Resume 2nd Quarter Report Cards End of 5th Month MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. HOLIDAY* School Dismissed 11:16 Parent Teacher Contact 1-3 p.m. End of 6th Month PRESIDENTS’ DAY HOLIDAY* End of 3rd Quarter (45 days) End of 7th Month STAFF DEVELOPMENT* 11th Grade ACT (11th grade students attend) 3rd Quarter Report Cards SPRING BREAK*/GOOD FRIDAY HOLIDAY* End of 8th Month FRIDAYS OFF* RECORDS AND REPORTS* (TEACHERS ONLY) End of 4th Quarter (45 days) and Spring Term (90 days) 4th Quarter Report Cards, End of 9th Month
• If you’re on a budget, don’t stress. Not all technology will break the bank. In fact, with a bit of effort, you can find e-readers on sites like eBay for much less than retail cost. And as more devices come onto the market, prices will become even more affordable. Many public libraries offer access to computers so you can familiarize children with basic technology and a range of digital resources, such as free ebooks.
Charlie Miskelly - Director of Schools Frank Lacey, Chairman - Adamsville Jarrell Stanfield, Vice Chairman - Ramer Lynn Baker - Michie Tony Chapman - Selmer Kevin Isbell - Selmer Jean Jones - Selmer Larry Smith - Bethel Springs
For more information on how digital technology is changing the way kids learn, visit www.mheonline.com. Help make this school year successful for your children by learning about new educational tools.
Welcome Back
• Pick a regular time each day dedicated to beefing up vocabulary, improving spelling, reading together and just talking about new topics and ideas. The International Reading Association (IRA) recommends giving children choices in what they read -- browse the ever-growing selection of age-appropriate books and periodicals available for download to your e-reader.
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 21C
Gateway Christian Academy doubles enrollment By Janet Rail Publisher
Gateway Christian Academy doubled their enrollment from 100 to 200 students in the past year. The Academy was founded in 1995 with approximately 10 students and has grown to 200 students for the current school year for grades K-12. The program offers parents an option to a quality Christian education. Pastor Michael Price, his wife Principal Deborah Price and Assistant Principal Shelly Settlemires are busy preparing a new building that will house up to 40 students for their growing on-campus program. The program already has 20 local students committed, so space is filling quickly. The program also focuses on a home schooling curriculum with 30-40 percent of the students local and the rest from other states including Alabama, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida and Missouri. “Gateway receives referrals across the state as well as many referrals from other school boards in states with troubled children who can’t keep up in public schools or have behavioral issues,” said Principal Deborah Price. “Often we help the children catch up so they can return to the public school system but some choose to continue to home school,” said Price. A referral from East Tennessee last year concerned two teen girls who are in foster
care and had no social security number and could not write their names. “We started these girls in kindergarten as they did not have the basics. In just one year the girls have gone back to public schools in special education classes but continue to improve in their test scores,” said Settlemires. The program does not accept any student with history of violence or criminal charges to their on campus program but offers a great option to parents and guardians of children who benefit from a structured home school program. Students are tested diagnostically upon entering the program and then placed in an individualized curriculum in each subject based on their level of performance. This is ideal for many students as it allows them to advance from unit to unit as they demonstrate mastery. Students can independently work through the curriculum under the supervision of instructors who provide tutoring at the optimum moment of learning. Principal Price believes that this is a great option for many as home schools offer an accelerated Christian education. After more than 20 years, she believes parents and caregivers deserve the option to teach at home. “Home schooling done correctly can be very beneficial,” Price said. The academy also added two additional instructors to their staff this year to accommodate their growth. All educators are trained through the School Tomorrow Accelerated Christian Education program in
Shannonʼs Plumbing & Electrical 30 Glover Dr. Selmer, TN -- (731) 645-6414
...Itʼs that time again
J&B Auto Sales Jim Rowsey 610-0715 Brian Rowsey 645-0155
731-239-8486
• Shannon’s Tanning •
WEEMS
LA-Z-B
ON
OY
Furniture Since 1959
425 Tennessee St. Bolivar, TN 38008
v FYI
“Welcome Back”
Shannon’s would like to wish all McNairy County students a safe and productive school year
JAMIS
Staff Photo by Janet Rail
Lewisville, Texas. “We communicate with parents frequently The program reports to assure they have to the local Board of the support to get the Education and provides teaching done,” said a curriculum and For more information about Gateway Christian Settlemires. testing material which Academy, visit www.gatewaychristianacadAccelerated meets public school emy95.com, or call (731) 934-9476. Gateway is Christian education requirements. If a child located at 2342 Refuge Road in Bethel Springs. concepts are based is not keeping up with on five basic laws of their curriculum or learning: a child must drops out, they are turned over to the Truancy be at a level where they can perform; have Officer in the county. Out of state students reasonable goals; learning must be controlled have to get approval for their local Board of with a motivated child; learning must be Education. measurable and rewarded for performance. Some parents are intimidated at first, but Annual registration for on-campus the academy provides many resources and students is $200 and $150 per month per support to assure the success of each child’s student. Home school registration is $50 with education. Parents or guardians that teach $100 per month per student. School starts must have a GED or diploma at the minimum; Aug. 6 and follows the county schedule and however many have bachelor’s degrees or school closures except for staff development advanced education. days.
Phone: (731) 658-2081 Fax: (731) 658-5256
GQ Fashions 581-H Old Hickory Blvd Jackson, TN 38305
(731) 661-0016 Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Specializing in Italian and Hollywood Styles
PAGE 22C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Get whole family organized at back-to-school time (StatePoint) Back-to-school season is the ideal time for families to reestablish routines and get organized -- both at home and on the go. But before hitting the stores for supplies, take time to plan ahead with shopping lists that meet both your children’s and your family’s needs. There are many great tips to help get a fresh start on the academic year ahead: Save If you have more than one child, or want to stock up for the year, save on items like glue sticks, notebooks and writing utensils by taking advantage of sales and purchasing value packs, which are easy to find at back-to-school time. For better deals on items like tissues and sanitizing wipes, hold off until you are also buying these products for the home at a warehouse club or with coupons. Teach Organization Teach kids the importance of starting the day organized. One way to simplify the morning shuffle is by assigning a color to each child for easy identification of binders, backpacks and pencil pouches. Assign colors before shopping to prepare for easier in-aisle decisions. Five Star products (www.meadfivestar.com), for example, are available in a variety of on-trend patterns and basic solid color options to complement and contrast styles. Or use color-coded stickers and labels to maintain consistency. Synchronize Schedules The school year often brings additional commitments for families. Creating a “mission control” in a central location in the home will improve
communication and ease the stress of time management. Look for calendars with high functionality like meal planners, “look-ahead” features, magnetic backings and repositionable peel-and-stick adhesives. Don’t forget to include a white board or cork board where notes can be left for one another. Student planners are crucial to help your children stay on top of due dates, keep their own commitments and operate on the same schedule as the rest of the family. Vow to spend time on a weekly basis reviewing and synching calendars and discussing the week ahead. Manage Papers With each new school year comes an overwhelming amount of handouts, reminders, permission slips and medical forms. Parents and children all benefit from a paper management system. Use bins, expanding files and binder dividers with “reminder” flags to keep track of priorities. Flag items needing immediate attention -- whether it’s homework or paperwork. If your children have busy schedules, make it easier for them to work on the go. Opt for binders with writing surfaces, internal storage pockets for loose paper and places to stash pens and pencils. And you can do the same. Consider using binders and expanding files in the car to create a place for last-minute notes, papers and storage. With a little planning and creativity, the whole family can prepare to stay organized throughout the school year.
EAST WEST MOTOR FREIGHT 1055 Mulberry Avenue • Selmer, Tennessee
Phone: (731) 645-7991
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Back to School 2012
INDEPENDENT APPEAL / PAGE 23C
Homeschooling: a growing trend By Emily Pitts Staff Writer
A government survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics from 2006-2007 estimates that 1.5 million students are being homeschooled in America. However, it is thought that these statistics, because they were gathered as part of a survey, may vastly underestimate the actual number of homeschooled children in the nation. According to the same survey from years past, however, there has been a 74 percent increase in the number of homeschooled students in the past 10 years. The homeschooling trend has reached McNairy County as well. Last year, there were 19 students in the county registered as homeschooled with the superintendent’s office, with five in church-related homeschool and fourteen in independent homeschool. However, it is more than likely that these numbers, like the national ones, are much lower than in reality. There is no way to accurately determine the actual number of homeschooled students in the county because not all parents report to the Board of Education that they are homeschooling their children, and those that homeschool through a church-related organization are not required to report at all unless the child is in grades 9-12. Stacy Donahoe, of Stantonville, chose to begin homeschooling her children in 1998 through the church-related homeschool group Gateway Christian School. Like many in the county and in the nation, there were religious reasons for her family’s decision. “We chose to because God convicted us to,” said Donahoe. “We weren’t dissatisfied with the school system.” It is estimated that 83 percent of homeschoolers nationally cite religious reasons for their decision, although dissatisfaction with the school system, caring for special needs children, and having more time to spend with family are normally cited reasons as well. Kathy Parham, of Ramer, had a twofold reason for choosing to homeschool her children. “My kids are apt to get in trouble if they are bored. I wanted to challenge them in a way that local public schools just don’t have the funding to do,” she said. “I also felt that the schools were more about keeping kids in attendance than they were about safety or education.” Parham homeschools through Home Life Academy, which is a state-recognized organization founded by David Parkerson, who is now a member of Rose Creek Village in Selmer. Like many, Parham chose Life Academy, technically a church-related organization, to avoid having to report to the county as an independent homeschooler. There are many requirements for in-
dependent homeschoolers, and with an abundance of conflicting information on the Internet and from various other publications, the laws and requirements surrounding the decision to homeschool can be very confusing at times. First, independent homeschoolers must submit a notice of intent to the local superintendent prior to each school year “for the purpose of reporting only.” The notice of intent must include the names, number, ages and grade levels of children involved, location of the school, curriculum to be offered (no particular subjects required), the proposed hours of instruction, and the qualifications of the parent-teacher. However, as mentioned earlier, parents may choose not to report that they are homeschooling their children independently. They must also maintain attendance records to be turned in to the superintendent at the end of the school year, give instruction four hours a day for the same number of days required for public schools, and submit proof of their child’s vaccination, or a written statement that such immunization conflicts with religious beliefs and practices. If the parent is homeschooling independently, they must have a high school diploma or a GED. If, however, they are conducting a homeschool associated with a church –related school, there are no qualifications for teaching grades K-8, but parents must have a high school diploma or GED to teach grades 9-12.
Finally, independently homeschooled students in grades 5, 7 and 9 must take a standardized test administered by the commissioner of education or someone designated by him or by a professional testing service approved by the local education agency. College admissions requirements for homeschooled students vary from school to school, but typically, the student will have to submit a transcript and all standardized test scores. “I have found over the course of 27 years in higher education that homeschooling can be a really good thing, or it can be a really bad thing,” said Associate Dean and Director of Enrollment Services/Registrar at Northeast Mississippi Community College Lynn Gibson. “There aren’t many in-between areas. “Some parents and their children have a wonderful rapport that is conducive to teaching. From what I have gathered from them, the key is being consistent, maintaining a set schedule of classroom time, and a great curriculum to follow,” said Gibson. However, some homeschooled students do not fare well in a college setting. “I have also seen the other end of the spectrum—those homeschooled students who have been so severely limited and restricted by out-of-the mainstream beliefs and by parents who themselves have had very limited educational backgrounds,” commented Gibson. “Their educational background will show weaknesses, usually in the Math and Sciences
and sometimes in Reading, and they have problems thinking on a critical level. ACT scores are usually low as well.” Gibson also conveyed that there are also dangers to taking an Internet route to being homeschooled. There are many unethical programs online for those who are searching for a high school diploma. “This type of ‘homeschool’ education is not usually accepted at higher education institutions because they do not possess regional accreditation,” said Gibson. “They may have some sort of purchased national accreditation, but that type of accreditation is not widely accepted. I come into contact with prospective students who have fallen for these unethical practitioners on a weekly basis.” Gibson believes that a homeschool education can be a great thing if it is done the right way: “If the student comes from a home grounded with caring, educated parents who really invest time in research about what is needed to achieve the optimum level of education, coupled with a great supportive homeschool group, then the scenario for a great homeschool education exists.” When asked what advice she would offer to parents who wish to homeschool their children, Donahoe stated, “The main thing is don’t be afraid that you can’t do it. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of failure. There are all sorts of resources, all sorts of homeschool groups. You’d be surprised at what you can do at home. Don’t think you can’t do it, because you can.”
PAGE 24C / INDEPENDENT APPEAL
Back to School 2012
WEDNESDAY, August 1, 2012
Wishing everyone a successful school year Dr. Barton Chase
3856 Hwy 57 West, Ramer, TN 38367
(731) 645-6118
Don’t wait to start your career... Finish in 12 months or less! Enrolling monthly Financial Aid for those who qualify
For more information about our graduation rates, the median debt of students who complete the program, and other important information, please visit our website at:
www.ihd4me.com
Institute of Hair Design 205 Enterprise Drive Adamsville, Tn
731-632-9533
LEFT OUT OF THE Enroll today at the “In”stitute of Hair Design “IN” CROWD? and be on your way!