By Shannon McFarlin WENK/WTPR News Director
Paris, Tenn.—At Tuesday night’s meeting of the Paris Special Schools District board, Special Education Teacher Christy Buckelew reported on her experiences in the inaugural WestTeach Leadership program. West Teach is an offshoot of the WestStar Program operated by the University of Tennessee at Martin.
Buckelew said she was thankful for being a part of the program. “I’m not originally from West Tennessee, so it opened my eyes as to what is available right here. We’ve been able to connect to peers in other school systems and we’ve really bonded and created tight peer groups.”
She said she has learned things about opportunities available in the area that she can share in her classroom. She said tours and presentations from local businesses has helped her learn about what businesses are looking for in graduating seniors. “So much of what we hear is about college-bound seniors but there is such a need for trade jobs and that would be especially good for kids in my classes. It helps to know there is a pathway I can help guide them toward.”
Buckelew said she also has learned how blessed teachers and students in the Paris Special School System are “because we have so many opportunities right here.”
Director of Schools Dr. Norma Gerrell updated the board on the progress of the school calendar committee, which she said has been looking at options for next year’s calendar. “We want to be in school 180 days and we’re committed to that,” she said.
Board Chairman Richard Edwards said a decision will be made the first of the year. He said the PSSD tries to align its calendar as much as possible with the county school calendar. Edwards said he sat in on a calendar committee meeting and appreciates how much work Gerrell and members have done with it.
Photo: Teacher Christy Buckelew presents information on WestTeach with the board. (Shannon McFarlin photo).
Menu
