By Tim Alsobrooks
Paris, Tenn.- The Paris Special School District board of education met at Inman Middle School on Tuesday evening and heard an update on the Food Services and Nutrition program from Manager Pam Brazzell.
Prior to the meeting, the board (and media) were invited to dinner and sampled the new personal pizzas that are available for lunches. The system bought new pizza ovens and Brazzell said they are hugely popular with the students as a lunch option. The company that sold the ovens and dough estimated so many pizzas per day would pay off the oven in one year. Brazzell said, “Its been such a hit its estimated that with as many pizzas being served the pizza oven machine will be paid for by December 3rd of this year.“
She said 56% of students are being reached in PSSD with the new free breakfast for all students. They look at expanding the grab and go breakfast lines at Paris Elementary which will likely attract even more students to take advantage of free breakfast. The numbers of students taking advantage of the free breakfast is climbing every day and it truly is a wonderful program.
New Teachers Introduced
Prior to the meeting, the board (and media) were invited to dinner and sampled the new personal pizzas that are available for lunches. The system bought new pizza ovens and Brazzell said they are hugely popular with the students as a lunch option. The company that sold the ovens and dough estimated so many pizzas per day would pay off the oven in one year. Brazzell said, “Its been such a hit its estimated that with as many pizzas being served the pizza oven machine will be paid for by December 3rd of this year.“
She said 56% of students are being reached in PSSD with the new free breakfast for all students. They look at expanding the grab and go breakfast lines at Paris Elementary which will likely attract even more students to take advantage of free breakfast. The numbers of students taking advantage of the free breakfast is climbing every day and it truly is a wonderful program.
New Teachers Introduced
— The board recognized newly hired teachers for the school at their meeting Tuesday night at Inman. At Rhea Elementary new Kindergarten teacher Jordan Sawyers, and guidance counselor Micia Adams were recognzied. At PES, Amanda Belisle teaches 5th grade science; she actually came on last year to fill in and decided to stay. Dustin Smith was introduced as 4th grade teacher of Math and Science. Inman’s new crop of teachers included: Whitney Glass, new teacher for 8th grade science at Inman and Candise Wyatt, now teaching 6th grade science.PSSD Superintendent Dr. Norma Gerrell gave the board total enrollment numbers which are up to over 1600 students. She said that is a little ahead of last year, but class sizes are not hurting in any way. She said the open enrollment is closed at this time. Dr. Gerrell said a few may come in after labor, especially students who lived up north.
Read to Be Ready Serves 42 in PSSD this Summer
–The PSSD Board of Education heard stats from the Read to be Ready Program which had 42 students be involved this summer. Students took home around 40 books during the sessions in June and July. They took a few field trips to LBL, the Refuge, and other places. There were read aloud rooms, discussion about books in the open, STEM rotations, and more. All involved said it was a great summer with the Read to be Ready Program.
Chairman Richard Edwards said the state cut out the budget for the program, but the district made sure to have the funds to continue the program into the future as the benefits are widely seen.
Kathy Coley Recognized After 41 Years in the PSSD
–Dr. Gerrell also recognized Kathy Coley who has taught at the PSSD for 41 years. Ms. Coley thanked the board and directors and past members for all they do each day and it has been a pleasure to teach in this system. Coley retired from the system this summer but promised to come back after taking some time off and help out in other ways.
Events Upcoming as PSSD Celebrates 100 Years
–Becky Cate, math specialist and instructional education at the PSSD, told board members the next celebration of the 100th year of the PSSD will be September 19th at the Inman Middle School football game against Henry County Middle School. The game and tailgate will be at the Henry County Practice Field and Stadium. During the week, it will be spirit week at the PSSD, dressing up to commemorate the different decades.
The district is also looking for artifacts from the history of all schools in the PSSD they are looking for them to display at the Plumley Exhibit at the Heritage Center. It will open up later this fall.100 year t-shirts are also being sold.
Dr. Gerrell made a public announcement about the district-wide data as the PSSD is at the advancing level in achievement and at a 5 in the other category. She said we are proud of the results but know we can be even better.
In subgroups, the system is advancing in all those areas, which is very exciting. She said there is some work to do with economically disadvantaged students.
The PSSD Board approved a new policy on Tuesday night that dealt with board member code of conduct. Dr. Gerrell said the policy is worded well and talks about relationships board members have with students, the director, the community, themselves, teachers, etc. Dr. Gerrell said the policy is straightforward, specific and clear for board members.
Read to Be Ready Serves 42 in PSSD this Summer
–The PSSD Board of Education heard stats from the Read to be Ready Program which had 42 students be involved this summer. Students took home around 40 books during the sessions in June and July. They took a few field trips to LBL, the Refuge, and other places. There were read aloud rooms, discussion about books in the open, STEM rotations, and more. All involved said it was a great summer with the Read to be Ready Program.
Chairman Richard Edwards said the state cut out the budget for the program, but the district made sure to have the funds to continue the program into the future as the benefits are widely seen.
Kathy Coley Recognized After 41 Years in the PSSD
–Dr. Gerrell also recognized Kathy Coley who has taught at the PSSD for 41 years. Ms. Coley thanked the board and directors and past members for all they do each day and it has been a pleasure to teach in this system. Coley retired from the system this summer but promised to come back after taking some time off and help out in other ways.
Events Upcoming as PSSD Celebrates 100 Years
–Becky Cate, math specialist and instructional education at the PSSD, told board members the next celebration of the 100th year of the PSSD will be September 19th at the Inman Middle School football game against Henry County Middle School. The game and tailgate will be at the Henry County Practice Field and Stadium. During the week, it will be spirit week at the PSSD, dressing up to commemorate the different decades.
The district is also looking for artifacts from the history of all schools in the PSSD they are looking for them to display at the Plumley Exhibit at the Heritage Center. It will open up later this fall.100 year t-shirts are also being sold.
Dr. Gerrell made a public announcement about the district-wide data as the PSSD is at the advancing level in achievement and at a 5 in the other category. She said we are proud of the results but know we can be even better.
In subgroups, the system is advancing in all those areas, which is very exciting. She said there is some work to do with economically disadvantaged students.
The PSSD Board approved a new policy on Tuesday night that dealt with board member code of conduct. Dr. Gerrell said the policy is worded well and talks about relationships board members have with students, the director, the community, themselves, teachers, etc. Dr. Gerrell said the policy is straightforward, specific and clear for board members.