Powell/Norwood Shopper-News 110413

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POWELL/NORWOOD VOL. 52 NO. 44

IN THIS ISSUE

Miracle Maker

In Amanda Cagle’s world, life isn’t good, it’s phenomenal. The assistant principal for 6th grade at Northwest Middle School has a “phenomenal” principal, Karen Loy. Her fellow assistant principals are “phenomenal.”

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PBPA celebrates fall

at the farm “We had good weather, great food, talented entertainment and the best company one could ask for when our members and their families gathered at the Baileys’ farm for the PBPA Family Fun Event on Oct. 27. “Many thanks to all who worked hard to organize the event and to those who took time to attend,” said PBPA president Kelley Jarnigan.

See Betsy Pickle’s story on A-9

Do you hear what I hear?

Sandra Tipton attended the public forum at Vine Middle School last spring, and she was back for the Insight Session at Austin-East last week. Tipton, a parent, spoke with barely concealed anger in her small group at A-E.

See Sandra Clark’s story on A-4

Surprise, Jim!

He didn’t want it or ask for it, but his admirers insisted. The Central High School Wall of Fame ceremony Nov. 2 included a surprise recognition for Fountain City historian and Shopper-News columnist Dr. Jim C. Tumblin, in honor of his years of service to both his community and to his alma mater.

See the story on page A-6

Some nutty stuff

Dr. Bob Collier’s column this month is a story about nuts. There are a number of species of trees that offer up tasty and nutritious nuts that have been enjoyed by millions of people for centuries.

See Dr. Bob’s story on page A-5

Auburn tops UT

This may hurt a little. Yes, it might sting more than a flu shot. I am reluctant to dull your day but here goes: Among the great universities of the United States, Auburn is ranked ahead of Tennessee.

See Marvin West’s story on A-5

Fall festival fun

Glenwood Baptist Church in Powell held its fall festival Oct. 30. The church converted the gym to a game house, concession stand and trick or treat venue. Food included hot dogs, chips, drinks and of course, candy. Church members worked booths that included a ball toss, egg on a spoon and many other fun games for the kids. Artist Sam “Artman” Rue offered face painting. Every kid received a free bag of candy.

See Cindy Taylor’s story on A-3

7049 Maynardville Pike 37918 (865) 922-4136 NEWS news@ShopperNewsNow.com Sandra Clark | Cindy Taylor ADVERTISING SALES ads@ShopperNewsNow.com Shannon Carey Jim Brannon | Tony Cranmore Brandi Davis | Patty Fecco

November 4, 2013

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Riley Lewis, age 1 1/2, checks out a donkey, assisted by Laura Bailey.

More pictures on A-3

It’s official: Karns Senior Center at sportspark By Sandra Clark Mayor Tim Burchett has selected the Knox County Sportspark as the site of the new Karns Senior Center. The announcement came last week on the site. Burchett was joined by commissioners Brad Anders, who represents District 6, and Ed Shouse, an at-large commissioner. Stacy Cox, an architect with Studio 4 Design, is the principal architect for the 8,000 square foot facility. Burchett joked that he’s not one for building things, but said Anders has been “a pain in my backside,” since his election. He said construction will start “as soon as possible.” Knox County Commission appropriated $1.2 million in the current year’s budget for the project. Easy access plus existing parking on county-owned property are benefits of the site, Anders said. “I appreciate the work of all to make this happen.” He said he began advocating for a senior center in 2008. The Karns site will fill a

Architect Stacy Cox talks with Doug Bataille, director of Parks and Recreation, about the new center. Mayor Tim Burchett and commissioners Brad Anders and Ed Shouse stand on the spot where the Karns Senior Center will be built at the Knox County Sportspark on Oak Ridge Highway. Photos by S. Clark missing link with existing countyrun centers in Halls, Corryton, Carter, South Knox County and Farragut. Robert “Buzz” Buswell, the in-

Tenured and tired By Jake Mabe This is part of an ongoing series examining issues in education. “Tenured, tired teacher.” That’s how an elementary school teacher, whose spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of retribution, describes herself.

Analysis “I am reminded of the sayings, ‘You can’t see the forest for the trees’ and ‘Seeing the world through rosecolored glasses.’ I wonder to what destination the teaching profession has come and is heading.” The teacher describes the Common Core curriculum as limiting and says schools are being steered toward the “TAP variety show. “I am a teacher of children.

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Teaching used to be fun. There is so little now that I can bring into the classroom for them to enjoy that does not have a state standard connected to it.” There is no wiggle room. “When I consider straying from the standards even a little, I am given a warning.” An example: “It is written that this week you must teach using apostrophes with nouns to show possession.” “When I find that the students are still confused with the difference in using them for possessive nouns and for contractions, I need to stop and change my direction. Re-teaching contractions is a teachable moment. But I must beware. Should the principal, assistant principal, coach, mentor or master teachers find that I am

terim director of senior services, was on-hand. He said center users would work with sportspark users on scheduling to avoid parking issues.

Doug Bataille, senior director of Parks and Recreation, said he’s hired landscape architect Shauna Godlevsky to fill the vacancy of parks and greenways coordinator.

teaching what has not been recorded in my plan book, or written in the standards for the day, I am given a warning. “I can’t use my expert and veteran experience of 25 years to go an extra 10 minutes in a reading group because my low group is struggling to grasp a concept. Some schools have supervisors come in with a stopwatch to see how long reading groups last. “I fear that veteran tenured teachers are on the chopping block. I have seen my friends resign or retire early because everything has become too much to endure. Some could not afford to do that.” We have heard similar stories from teachers in their 20s. An overwhelming number of those with whom we talked are good teachers who are scoring 4s on their evaluations. Most are not rabble-rousers. Tales of teachers going home

in tears are common. Several top-notch teachers and principals have left for other school systems. One said it was the best decision she’s ever made. Another teacher said students spend about 20 percent of their time testing, and the net result is that they are less prepared. She is a teacher evaluator, and she feels like death when she walks down the hall because other teachers are afraid of her. The tenured, tired teacher encourages colleagues to speak out, publicly, privately, alone or in a group. “The more people who offer a voice, the more the district leaders will see that we do not agree with what is happening around us.” Wendy Smith contributed to this report.

To share the good, the bad and the ugly in Knox County Schools, call Sandra Clark at 661-8777 or Jake Mabe at 466-6398.

Stay strong, live long.

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Bataille hires greenways coordinator

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