Johnson City Schools
COMMENT
S
TEAM MEMBERTM
AMERICA’S
FALL
2015
SCHOOLS
The Mission of Johnson City Schools is to enable all students to achieve excellence in learning, social responsibility and self-worth.
Johnson City Schools is 2015 District
SCORE Prize Finalist
On September 8, The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) announced
that Johnson City Schools was one of three finalists for the District SCORE Prize. The SCORE Prize
is the hallmark data-based effort in Tennessee to recognize public schools and districts that have
demonstrated significant and sustained academic achievement.
SCORE, in its press release, identified why Johnson City Schools was selected as one of three
district finalists. “Johnson City Schools serve nearly 8,000 students. The district has made strong
gains over the past three years in Algebra I and Algebra II, and district scores are more than 15
points above the state average in reading and English II. The district has closed achievement gaps
for almost all subjects and has an AP exam pass rate of about 75 percent.”
The SCORE visiting team spent the day in Johnson City Schools on Monday, September 28th.
The team had the opportunity to interview Superintendent of Schools Dr. Richard Bales, school
board members, school and district administrators, teachers, students, parents, and community
members. On October 26th,
Trousdale County Schools was
named the 2015 District SCORE
Prize winner.
“It was an honor to be selected as
one of the top three school districts
in Tennessee,” said Superintendent
Bales. “This acknowledgement is
because of the tremendous commitment and dedication of administrators and educators who teach every
child, every day. This
nomination also recognizes the
outstanding support from our city
leaders, community members, and
supportive parents.”
(Yeleeya Li with Dr. Richard Bales)
Indian Trail Student Wins SCORE’s “Students
Rise to the Challenge” Writing Contest
Yeleeya Li, a sixth-grade student at Indian Trail
Intermediate School, won the award for the best middle
grades essay. Over 530 students from across the state
entered the competition. Yeleeya composed a poem about
how her math teacher helped her better understand math.
Yeleeya’s English teacher is Becky Honeycutt.
Page 1
COMMENT, FALL 2015
TOP 10 FACTS
about
TN READY
TN Ready is designed to measure students’ real understanding of
the material, not just basic memorization and test-taking skills.
1
TN Ready replaces the previous math and English language
arts TCAP tests. There will be no additional state tests for
English language arts and math.
3
The results from TN Ready will provide parents and teachers
with more and better information about what students know.
The best preparation for TNReady comes from strong
instruction in the classroom every day.
5
4
TNReady provides students multiple ways to
show what they know and can do.
Online practice tools are already available for parents,
teachers, and students to practice using the online test
format.
7
2
6
Online tools will be available to every student during the test to
support them as they answer questions.
TNReady will be taken online to prepare students with technology skills
they will need to succeed in postsecondary education and the workforce.
TNReady will change over time as our Math and English language arts standards are revised and improved.
9
10
8
Because this is a new and different type of test,
student scores will likely be impacted as we set
a new baseline for student performance.
For more information, please go to:
http://www.tn.gov/assets/entities/education/attachments/tnready_parent_guide.pdf
2015 Johnson City Schools’ Mathletes
Front row (l to r) Linda Sexton, Ruth Loving, Deanna Mattaliano,
Megan Andukonis, Lucretia Stephens, Andrea Fissel
Back row (l to r) Rebecca Saunders, Yolanda Miller, Brad Johnson, Alexa Cooper
Page 2
COMMENT, FALL 2015
Mountain View Celebrates
Its 20th Anniversary
It’s hard to believe that Mountain View opened its doors twenty
years ago. On September 10, a large
group of past and present Mountain
View families and teachers gathered
together to celebrate the school’s 20th
anniversary. The crowd was treated
to a wonderful musical performance
presented by our current Mt. View
students.
Dr. Melissa Stukes provided an update on the school’s current status and
shared several of the unique opportunities available for students at Mt.
View. Students can participate in ballet, orchestra, and other afterschool
programs such as Coalition for Kids
and Homework Club. Over the course
of Mt. View’s twenty years, many of
our students have been able to participate in programs involving the arts
that have provided opportunities and
exposure in this field that students
may not have received otherwise.
Mrs. Pasqua created a display
featuring newspaper articles, pictures,
and other memorabilia to commemorate the celebration. Many of the
teachers and parents got to experience
a sense nostalgia as several of our
current parents were actually students
themselves when the school opened in
1995.
Another of the night’s highlights
was the gathering together of the
three principals Mt. View Elementary
has had: Dr. Bentley (1995-2005), Dr.
Walk (2005-2013), and Dr. Stukes
(2014-present). All three of these
educators can be proud of the tradition that they have established and the
work being carried out today.
Indian Trail Paves the Way for
Student Ambassadors Program
Indian Trail faculty members Cindy Osborn, Liz Leinaar, and Amy Duncan saw a need for the students and set out to meet it. Putting their heads
together, they spearheaded the school’s first Student Ambassadors program. The program achieves two goals: allowing opportunities for service
and mentoring for ITIS students and providing their peers with guidance
and direction.
Student Ambassadors are rising sixth graders who are nominated based
on several factors, including positive classroom behavior, the potential for
leadership, and characteristics such as responsibility, empathy, and perseverance. Once they become part of the program, they are given responsibilities such as making morning announcements, giving tours of the school
to incoming students, and monitoring hallways for 5th graders in need of
assistance on those first days.
Indian Trail Intermediate has already begun to feel the effects of this
program in many ways. New fifth graders feel welcomed and the large
school feels less intimidating; morning announcements are done with zeal;
and charitable acts are established, such as “Teddy Tuesday,” a program
that asks students to donate food to kids in need in honor of the head custodian who passed away this summer. If trailblazing students are looking
to find their path in a school with over 1,300 students, the Student Ambassadors program fits the bill.
North Side Has Super Heroes in Training!
Superman has a phone booth. Batman has a cave. Wonder Woman flies
an invisible jet. But one can find super heroes of the future honing their
skills at North Side School of Math, Science and Technology on Monday
through Thursday afternoons.
Students train in the trifecta of 1) Homework Club, 2) Tutoring Service
and 3) Enrichment Club after they have begun their training with a super
hero snack. Once the fundamental skills have been addressed, enrichment
areas emerge worthy of Hogwart jealousy:
Math & Engineering Club, Art Club, Technology Club and the Reading, Writing and
Research Club.
Super attendance will allow these trainees
to leave campus and explore new adventures. So comma splices, improper fractions and villians beware: North Side Super
Heroes are in your midst. Pow!
Page 3
COMMENT, FALL 2015
Book Club at Lake Ridge
Now in its ninth
year, the Lake Ridge
Book Club continues
to be a popular after
school activity for students. Just like adults,
students have the opportunity to take part
in a book club, but one
designed with them
in mind. That design
begins when Maria
LaBarbera, Lake
Ridge Media Specialist, chooses an age
appropriate book for
kindergarten-1st grade, for 2nd-3rd grade and for 4th grade. Students read
their book before the book club afternoon.
Book club activities include a discussion about the book, a snack and a
response activity. This response activity can be an art project planned with
the particular book in mind or a special guest. Past activities have included
Skype sessions with the book author, tea party with etiquette lessons and
painting their own Mona Lisa portraits. Teacher volunteers lead the book
discussion and Ann Ferenbach, Lake Ridge art teacher, assists with the art
projects. Over the course of the three book club meetings between 100 and
150 students will participate and each school year there is a fall and a spring
meeting. Mrs. LaBarbera says, “I continue to be so encouraged with all the
voluntary student participation in book club. That participation is a result of
their being excited about reading.”
Cherokee Elementary wins
$100,000 on Ellen Show
On May 14, 2015, Cherokee Elementary School’s principal, Mary Nell
McIntyre and first grade teacher, Andrea Baker were flown to California to
appear on the Ellen DeGeneres show.
As the show was filming, Cherokee
faculty, staff, and students were at
Cherokee preparing to surprise Mrs.
McIntyre and Ms. Baker with a live
feed from the school. Everyone was
pleasantly surprised when Cherokee
was given $100,000 from Ellen and
Target.
Some of the funds have been used
to purchase shade shelters for student
and staff use on both playgrounds,
African drums set, an indoor climbing
wall, and plans are moving forward to
purchase additional technology to be
used within classrooms.
Cherokee wishes to again thank the
Ellen DeGeneres Show and Target for
the much appreciated donation.
Page 4
COMMENT, FALL 2015
Technology Infusion through
Digital Journals at Fairmont
Students in Rob Martindale’s
fourth grade class have been utilizing digital journals this year.
Using a program called Seesaw
on the classroom’s tablets,
students are able to create an
interactive journal that can be
retrieved from any electronic device at school or home. Students
are able to add to their journals in several ways, such
as note taking, picture taking, and video uploading.
In addition, the classroom teacher can push resources
and materials into student journals that can be used for
learning, saving large amounts of paper and ink along
the way.
The classroom teacher must approve any materials
or comments that go into the journal, which ensures
that only essential and appropriate items get included
for student use. Parents contact the teacher to gain
access to their child’s journal, and with only a few clicks
of the mouse, parents are able to view all of the work
their child has completed in the digital journal.
Separate folders allow students to maintain journals for
each of their major academic subjects.
Mr. Martindale’s students have been very excited
about this new technology. According to Abby, “With a
traditional journal, I always worry about losing things
or having papers fall out, but with the digital journal, I
know all of my things are right where they need to be.
My parents are able to see the things we are doing in
class and it is very helpful.” Michael added, “I like the
way I get to type my notes and summarize what I’ve
done for class. It’s really cool. I also like the way my
parents can see what I’ve been doing and make comments on my work.”
The word TEAM at South Side
The word TEAM has taken
on a different meaning to most
educators these days due to the
new teacher evaluation process. However, here at South
Side School, second grade
has taken the word back to its
original meaning. Ms. Hart,
Mrs. Woosley, Ms. Saunders,
and Ms. Melton have made a
commitment to bring life back into the old definition of
team, which has benefited their students beyond measure.
These teachers meet to review standards to ensure they are
teaching a comprehensive and integrated content, lesson
plan with each other in order to keep teaching styles and
terminology similar, collaborate to find the most comprehensive activities to take advantage of instructional time,
and plan for extra enrichment activities that are offered
during “Fun Friday.”
Can you make Vulcan hands or curl your tongue? Second graders are trying. Second grade teachers have been
offering “Fun Friday” activities that double as extended
learning opportunities. On Fridays students are given the
opportunity to choose an activity based on their personal
interests. From science sessions that explore the difference
between learned behaviors or inherited traits, to sessions
on how to use science equipment, and rock hardness, students have a variety to choose from. “Family Dolls” which
incorporated a craft and creative writing, “Edible Math,”
“Teams R Us” and “Me on the Map”, are several other sessions in which students can choose to participate in. These
activities allow students to express their personal interests
as well as enrich their curricular content.
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COMMENT, FALL 2015
LBMS Beta Club Holds
Induction Ceremony
There has always been a strong emphasis on academics at Liberty Bell Middle School, but this year, this
school has highlighted students who excel academically
by reinstating the National Junior Beta Club. To be
accepted, students must have all A’s and B’s, acquire
teacher recommendations, have some service experience, and be in good moral standing. During the year
they not only have to maintain those standards, but
must also earn six additional service hours by completing projects that benefit the school and the community.
On October 1st, 113 seventh and eighth graders were
inducted into the LBMS Chapter of the National Junior
Beta Club. Over 400 people attended the ceremony
where students were recognized, received a certificate
and took part in making the Beta Club pledge. Lilly
Minton, 8th grader and new inductee, was excited that
everybody was called individually to walk across the
stage. “First, Mrs. Losh called our names, then Mrs.
Bailey helped us light our candles, Mrs. Rozhkova gave
us our pin, and Mr. Johns handed us our certificate. It
was nice, and it made me feel special!”
The club has already completed their first service
project. They partnered with the American Red Cross to
set up a Patriot’s Day Blood Drive. The goal was to have
the LBMS community donate 30 units of blood, but at
the end of the day they had collected 41 units. Some
future project ideas include outreach for the holidays,
collections for animal shelters, improvements to school
grounds, and purchasing materials for classrooms.
Beta Club officers for 2015-2016 are as follows: Dakota Wagner, President; Ashley Meade, Vice-President;
Kate Southerland, Secretary; Chloe Smith, Recorder;
Kala Perry, Historian; and Kaitlyn Bailey, Treasurer.
The Beta Club sponsors are Mrs. Felicia Losh, Ms. Galina Rozhkova, Ms. Kelsey Bailey, and Mr. Seth Johns.
Science Hill High School Project
9-12 Leadership Education
Science Hill High School Project 9-12 Leadership
Education is more than just academic excellence; it’s applying what you have learned to make a difference. Science
Hill students came together with administration, teachers, and parents to create what we like to call “Project 9-12
Leadership.” What began as a couple of students discussing
ideas about how they could make a change has now blossomed into a program that grows student leaders and mentors freshmen. Students meet weekly during Flex Time to
study a series called Habitudes by Dr. Tim Elmore.
Through this they learn the habits and attitudes of dynamic leaders by looking at memorable pictures, each with
its own leadership lesson. For example, in the Art of Self
Leadership, the first image is an iceberg. It can be puzzling
to try and figure out what an iceberg has to do with being
an efficacious leader, but the story of the Titanic soon sheds
some light on the meaning of the image. When the Captain
spotted the iceberg, he only saw the ten percent that was
above the surface of the water, however, it was the bottom
of the iceberg that sunk the ship. Students learn that, like
an iceberg, leadership is ten percent skill and ninety percent character. It is the stuff below the surface that really
matters.
Juniors and sophomores are taught lessons to grow their
leadership skills and prepare them to serve in student leadership positions throughout the school. After going through
two books with Principal R.B., the senior group has begun
to mentor small groups of freshmen and help ease the
transition from middle school to high school. Although it is
still in its beginning stages, Project 9-12 has already made
an impact on the student body of Science Hill. We cannot
say thank you enough for all of the help we have had along
the way, and we cannot wait to see what changes the future
holds.
Co-founders, Gopiann Shah and Sarah White
Page 6
COMMENT, FALL 2015
Leading by Example at Towne Acres
Student Council at
Woodland
Woodland Elementary would like
to highlight their upcoming Student
Council. The Student Council will
represent students of excellence from
third and fourth grade. The purpose
of the Student Council is to help the
students of Woodland practice creating and participating in worthwhile
activities, projects, and events that will
develop leadership qualities within the
members and their classmates.
When choosing members for the
council, each third-grade class will
elect one individual, boy or girl, for
a total of four third-grade members.
Each fourth-grade class will elect two
representatives, one boy and one girl,
for a total of eight members. All members will serve for the entire 20152016 school year.
The Student Council will meet once
a month with their sponsors, Mrs.
Wilhoit and Mrs. Weikel, along with
Dr. Reach. Representatives will bring
ideas from their classmates, discuss
the ideas, and work to implement
those ideas they believe will be beneficial to the whole school. The Student
Council will meet for the first time this
month and the students, staff, and
parents of Woodand Elementary look
forward to the ideas and projects they
will be involved with this school year.
Towne Acres Elementary’s
Student Council and Safety
Patrol are “leading by example.” They are being responsible leaders, learning how to
be decision makers, respectful
citizens, and promoting the
values that represent good
character in all students.
Student Council’s mission is to
represent our school by helping
children who are in need, care
for others and work together to make a difference for all people. Representatives from 3rd and 4th grade were chosen by their peers through an election
process that involved learning about being a leader and an effective communicator by writing very creative speeches.
The members of student council representing third grade are: Chelsea
Cui, Avery Gillert, Corbin Harris, Justin Johnson, Ella Neal and Teebro
Paul. Representatives from fourth grade are: Ella Adams, Mason Danner,
Griffin Erickson, Jacob Fleming, Tucker Lewis and Kayla Prudhomme. Student Council’s goal is to work together with our school PTA, parents, faculty,
staff, and the community locally as well as globally. They help organize community service projects, arrange school-wide activities and assist our school
custodians with weekly recycling. We meet on a monthly basis to plan and
prepare for various activities.
We are excited to implement Towne Acres Safety Patrol program. The
representatives are: Duvall Funk, Samuel Harless, Luke Larzo, and Addison
Phillips. Students were chosen for this committee based on their interest,
leadership skills, commitment, responsibility, self-discipline, and their ability to motivate and model for students the safety rules of our school. Some
of their responsibilities include ensuring the safety of students as they arrive
to school each day, assisting students in safe transitions throughout the
school building, and being helpful and polite to students, parents and staff.
Patrols receive instructions in safety guidelines and procedures during their
training.
Thank you to our current safety patrols for helping keep our Towne Acres
Elementary students safe. Student Council and Safety Patrol Committee
teacher representatives are: Laura Aitken, Jennifer Banner, Rebecca Goad
and Belverly Ollis. We are very proud to have our students take on an active
role of providing service to others.
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Johnson City Schools
A Summary of the 2015 System Report Card
We have received the 2015 State Report Card for our school system and would like to share some of our
achievements with you. This report is issued by the Tennessee State Department of Education, and the
highlights of the report follow. A complete copy of the state report card is available by clicking on the “jcs
reports” tab at our district’s website: www.jcschools.org
•
Our academic achievement on the state’s TCAP test for grades 3-8 significantly exceeded the state
performance in every area. Math, reading/language arts, and science scores all received “A’s” for
exemplary performance.
•
Student growth (value added scores) for grades 4-8 showed gains in all three tested subject areas.
Even with the increased rigor in state curriculum and assessments, the gains in math and in science
were exemplary and received an “A.” Reading/language arts also exceeded the state’s growth standard and earned a status of “B.”
•
Over 99% of core courses were taught by highly qualified instructors; no teacher waivers/permits
were issued. In addition, 68% of all teachers and administrators had advanced degrees.
•
Johnson City Schools continues to work toward narrowing the achievement gap among several
different student populations and met the gap closure targets for Students with Disabilities in grades
3-8 math and in Algebra I and II. This district also met the gap closure targets for Economically
Disadvantaged students in 3-8 math and for African, Hispanic, and Native American students in
Algebra I and II.
•
The system met the majority of its accountability achievement goals set by the state, including the
following: third grade math, seventh grade math, third grade reading, seventh grade reading, 3-8
math, 3-8 reading, Algebra I and II, and English II and III.
•
All EOC (End of Course) state tested subjects at Science Hill outpaced the state’s averages in the
percentages of students who were proficient and advanced, and EOC test results met or exceeded
predicted growth.
•
Johnson City Schools surpassed the average state performance on a majority of non-academic
indicators of success including K-8 attendance, K-8 promotion and high school graduation rate.
•
Two hundred eighty-nine students or 58.8% of Science Hill’s seniors met the ACT HOPE Scholarship
eligibility criteria (compared to 37.4% of the state’s seniors).
•
Science Hill High School’s ACT composite score of 22.88 was significantly higher than the state
average of 19.4; in addition, 34% of Science Hill’s seniors met all four ACT benchmarks (English,
math, reading, and science) compared to 20% in the state.
•
Our system’s graduation rate improved to 91.9% and exceeded the state goal of 90%; in addition, the
event dropout rate remained low at 1.0% (compared to an 87.8% graduation rate and a 2.6% event
dropout rate for the state).
Johnson City Schools prohibits discriminations on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age or disability. Johnson City Schools does
not condone or practice discrimination in admission or access to, treatment of, or employment in, its programs or activities. Any person who feels he
or she has been discriminated against may make an inquiry or file a complaint.
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