Director of Jefferson County Schools Addresses TNReady Scores
General “(Tuesday) the Tennessee Department of Education released data from the 2018-2019 school year. We have numerous positive things to celebrate from last year’s scores and we will make sure we take the time to recognize the teachers and schools that have demonstrated academic success in student achievement, student growth, or both.” Celebrations from Data […]
TDOE Releases TNReady Results for 2019
TNReady assessment results released today by Education Commissioner Penny Schwinn indicate that students across the state are performing better in almost all math subjects. The TNReady scores also show that more than half the schools in Tennessee – 56 percent – improved their growth scores (TVAAS scores) from the previous year, with 41 percent of […]
Investigation Concluded In Talbott Elementary Teacher Incident
Information was released today regarding an incident that happened recently at Talbott Elementary School. Director of Schools, Dr. Shane Johnston, has transferred a first grade teacher Donnalyn Taylor from Talbott Elementary School to the Jefferson Academy (alternate school) for the remainder of the 2019/2020 school year. The teacher in question self reported sliding a chair […]
Study: Frequent social media use disrupts sleep, physical activity in teen girls
Cyberbullying and lack of sleep and physical activity may be to blame for the ties between social media use and poor mental health and well-being in teen girls, researchers found. They studied nearly 10,000 adolescents in England over three years starting in 2013 when participants were 13 or 14 years old. The teens were asked […]
TDCI Reminds Tennesseans of “100 Deadliest Days” for Teen Drivers
With back to school season under way, the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance (TDCI) is reminding consumers that this time of year is especially dangerous for teen drivers. Research from the AAA Foundation indicates that the number of crash fatalities involving teen drivers rises significantly between Memorial Day (May 27, 2019) and Labor Day […]
Jefferson County, TN Teacher Suspended Pending Investigation
Jefferson County, TN – Dr. Shane Johnston, Director of Schools released the following statement regarding an incident involving Talbott Elementary School. “My office was notified late Friday afternoon (August 9, 2019) about an incident that occurred in a teacher’s classroom at Talbott Elementary School in the Jefferson County School District. The principal began an investigation […]
Spirit of Nations Hosts 12th Annual Pow Wow
Many traditions were displayed on Saturday as the Spirit of Nations held their 12th annual Pow Wow at Patriot Academy. Traditional Dance Competitions, children’s crafts, storytelling and a silent auction were among the many activities throughout the day. The theme for this years event was “Honoring the Elders”. The event, presented by Indian Creek Productions, […]
Nine CDC Health Hacks for Back-to-School Success
To have a great school year, kids need to stay healthy. Healthy students are better learners. CDC has tips and resources for parents and schools to help children and teens get fit and stay healthy whether they’re just starting kindergarten or heading off to high school. “As a parent and grandparent, I know that back-to-school […]
AG Slatery and Secretary Hargett Remind Donors to be Wary of Charitable Scams
Tennessee Attorney General Herbert H. Slatery III and Secretary of State Tre Hargett are warning donors about possible charitable donation scams following mass shootings last weekend in El Paso, Texas, and Dayton, Ohio. “Sadly, it’s common for scam artists to take advantage of those who want to reach out and help,” said General Slatery. “You […]
That Happened in August?
This week has not been the easiest of weeks for Americans, and the “Dog Days of Summer” are bearing down on East Tennessee with all the hazy, hot, and humid glory that they are known for. August is typically known as the hottest month of the year, 2019 has been no exception, and there’s no […]
Tourism in Tennessee Outpaces the Nation With $22 Billion in Travel Spending and 119 Million Visitors in 2018
Tennessee saw 119 million domestic visitors in 2018, up 5.1 percent from 113 million the previous year and hit a record-high $22 billion in domestic and international travel spending. Travelers in Tennessee spend an estimated $60 million per day. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Department of Tourist Development Commissioner Mark Ezell made the announcement at […]
Tennessee Awarded Grant to Expand Apprenticeships Statewide
The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) awarded Tennessee a grant to create and expand apprenticeship programs across the state. The Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD) will receive $1.4 million in funding over the next three years through the USDOL Apprenticeship State Expansion grant. “I am committed to expanding work-based learning across the […]
Millions of Dollars Earmarked for Tennessee’s Rural Communities
To help strengthen and expand workforce development programs in Tennessee’s rural counties, the Tennessee Workforce Development Board recently approved a $3 million investment to support Governor Bill Lee’s rural initiatives. The Rural Initiative Funding Opportunity Announcement (RIFOA) will make monies available to local workforce development boards over the next three years. “Our hope is this […]
THDA Awards Grant To Aid In Jefferson County Flood Recovery
The Tennessee Housing Development Agency has awarded a $500,000 grant to help low-income residents of Jefferson County repair homes that were damaged after severe storms triggered floods there earlier this year. The Rebuild and Recover Disaster Program Grant, which will be administered on behalf of Jefferson County by the Tennessee Community Assistance Corporation, will provide […]
Morristown Police Ask for Public’s Assistance in Locating Missing Teen
UPDATE: Missing Teen Has Been Found Morristown Police Department investigators are asking for the public’s help in locating 16-year-old Pedro Velazquez. He was reported missing on August 4, 2019. Pedro is a white male, 5’ 7” tall, weighs 200 pounds, and has black hair and brown eyes. Anyone with information concerning Pedro Velazquez’s whereabouts is […]
