JCS District-Wide Science Fair

The annual Jefferson County Schools Science and Engineering Fair was a huge success. Students across the district brought thoughtful and innovative ideas to the table this year. Nash (Hodge, DES) took 1^st Place with Hey, Batta Batta, Swing! Riley (Hodge, DES) came in at 2^nd Place with Dissolving Skittles. Carter (Etherton, MHES) and Kynslee (Ballard, JES) tied for 3^rd Place. Carter's project was Bridges Builder. Kynslee's project was Water Blockers. We are proud of the research and practice of the scientific method that student put into these projects.

Information provided by David Freeman, JCS STEM Coordinator

Maury Hornet Ambassadors

We proudly recognize our Maury Hornet Ambassadors. This is a student leadership opportunity inspired by the Capturing Kids’ Hearts Program.   The Hornet Ambassadors' goal is to continue a culture of excellence by fostering student and community connections. Some examples of their efforts to achieve this goal include conducting morning and lunch time announcements, providing new student and visitor tours, cultivating school spirit through special event attendance, and being a positive role model for all students.  

We had 73 students apply to be a Hornet Ambassador and these present tonight are a few of the 18 selected by the CKH (Capturing Kids Hearts) Teacher Champions, otherwise known as sponsors. These students were selected because they represent the attitude and willingness to engage others as servant leaders.

Article submitted by Emily Gwinn, MMS Assistant Principal

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JCHS Leadership Students Attend Board of School Commissioners Meeting

Students in Brandy Arnold's Leadership Class complete the assignment of attending a Board of School Commissioners' meeting. This assignment provides students the opportunity to experience district leadership 

 

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School-Level Growth and Achievement Progress 

Students in kindergarten through eighth grade take three benchmark assessment each year in iReady. Based on students starting scores, iReady creates an individualized goal for each student. A typical goal should be achieved by every student. This is the expectation of a year's growth. A stretch goal is a highly ambitious goal that will accelerate a students learning. At January's School Board meeting, schools were recognized by each grade and subject for having the highest median growth. Many additional schools were within a few percentage point from earning the top spot. Congratulations to the students, teachers, and schools for their hard work. Maury Middle School was recognized as having the highest median average overall in Language Arts and Mathematics.

During the January School Board meeting, Central Office also recognized overall achievement for math, language arts, science, and the ACT. Maury Middle School showed amazing overall growth for the first semester. In addition to their growth awards, Maury also earned the award for highest success rate for grades 6 - 8. Maury also won three separate awards for highest achievement in science for grades 6, 7, and 8. Mr. Overton remarked "Our success rate is the product of the continuous hard work put forth by our teachers and students. Maury's teachers are committed to serving student needs and preparing them for the future. Our students are incredibly motivated to give us their best and there is no better reward for me than to watch the commitment of our staff as well as the continued growth and achievement of our students."

Dandridge Elementary continued to show positive growth first semester and earned the award for the highest success rate in grades 3 - 5. A success rate is calculated by combining the total number of students currently earning a score of Met or Exceeded expectations in ELA and Math.

A framed certificate was also awarded to Jefferson County High School for their improved ACT composite of 19.3. The Jefferson County Virtual Academy was awarded a framed certificate for their ACT composite of 20.2. This was the first year for JCVA. The ACT composite is based on the combined, best score, for the graduating class of 2022.

Article submitted by JCS District Leadership Team