Sevier County Parents,
With the holiday season quickly approaching and the academic year coming up on its midterm, teachers and students are hard at work all across our district tackling challenging curricula and meeting rigorous learning objectives.
We will soon launch the parent app for the BusRight system we are utilizing to enhance transportation for students. As long as the email address you submitted with your child’s enrollment is correct, you should soon receive an invitation to download the BusRight app on your smartphone and verify your account. Then, you’ll be able to login, access your child’s route, and track the progress of his or her bus as it makes its daily rounds. You’ll also be able to set up notifications that will help you keep track of your child’s daily transportation routine. Be on the lookout for additional information from us on ParentSquare and in your email inbox soon! We also ask that you bear with us as we roll this product out as there will doubtlessly be some hiccups that will need to be addressed. Reminding your students to carry their scan cards and to use them for every ride will help in tracking and increase the accuracy of the information you receive.
Since the colder season sometimes brings illness with it, I want to emphasize how important good attendance is helping students receive the instruction they need to meet state learning standards. While parents have five notes per semester that they can utilize to excuse absences, we strongly encourage families to send students to school everyday. Most students can take advantage of the Telemed program in our clinics to diagnose and treat simple ailments without students having to miss school or parents missing work. If students are absent, we ask that parents submit parent or professional notes to their child’s school office within two days of their return to school to prevent unexcused absences. Unexcused absences can not only lead to truancy concerns, but they also result in missed instruction that impacts student learning with a cumulative effect over time. The more days a student is absent, the more instruction they miss, and the more gaps appear in their learning. Attendance is critical for student success, and we want to see your child with us at school as often as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school office for concerns regarding attendance or your school clinic for questions about Telemed.
I wish every family a safe and healthy Thanksgiving!
Warmest regards,
Wendy Patterson
Interim Director of Sevier County Schools
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Cecilia Hall - 4th grader at Jones Cove
What do you like best about Jones Cove?
"I like spending time with my friends."
On a scale from "still in summer mode" to "Olympic-level student", how is your motivation holding up right after Fall Break?
"I liked the vacation to spend time with family, but loved coming back to school to tell my friends about it."
What do you enjoy about learning the most?
"I like math because it helps in the real world, such as counting money. I also like science because it can help discover new things."
What do you want to be when you grow up?
"I want to be a teacher or scientist."
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📚 The Power of Reading and Talking Together! 📚 (Contributed by Dr. Stacy Plemons)
Reading is about more than learning to read the words on a page—it’s also about building knowledge, learning new words, and making sense of new ideas. One of the best ways to support this growth is through everyday conversations and experiences.
As you read and talk together, try these simple strategies:
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Notice new words. When your child comes across an unfamiliar or interesting word, pause and talk about what it might mean. Encourage your child to use the new word in another sentence.
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Build connections. Talk about how what you are reading connects to something your child already knows or has experienced. You might ask, “Does this remind you of anything?” or “What does this make you wonder?”
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Encourage complete thoughts. When your child answers a question, encourage them to respond in a complete sentence and explain their thinking. Try asking, “Can you tell me more?” or “Why do you think that?”
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Read about many different topics. Stories, nonfiction books, magazines, recipes, signs, and even conversations about the world around you can help children learn new information and vocabulary.
Every new word, interesting fact, and conversation helps your child build the knowledge and language they need to become a stronger reader. Keep reading, keep talking, and keep wondering together!
Thank you for partnering with us to support our students as they grow into confident readers, writers, and lifelong learners!
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Our second and fifth-grade students had the wonderful opportunity to participate in engaging district-wide field trips this year, made possible through the support of our community partners.
We extend our sincere gratitude to the American Eagle Foundation for hosting our fifth-grade students. During their visit, students interacted directly with state science standards by studying birds of prey, dissecting owl pellets, exploring food webs, touring the AEF aviary, and enjoying time at the Eagle Playground. As a new district-wide initiative this year, the trip was a resounding success thanks to the dedication of the AEF team.
We would also like to express our appreciation to Fire Chief David Puckett, Wildfire Hazard Mitigation Specialist Katy Daniels, our local firefighters, EMS personnel, Sevier County Electric, the Tennessee Department of Forestry, Land Air, EMA, UT Agricultural Extension, the Master Gardeners, and all participating volunteers and organization associates. Together, they provided our second-grade students with an informative, standards-based educational experience at the Wildfire Expo. Across seven interactive stations aligned with Tennessee state science standards, students engaged in hands-on fire safety activities. Thanks to the support and expertise of these outstanding community members, this field trip was also a great success.
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Here is a look at our upcoming math learning! Try a short activity together and invite your child to explain their thinking. Everyday objects, drawings, and conversations are great tools for practicing math.
Kindergarten Addition within 10
We will combine groups and find totals up to 10 using objects, pictures, and number sentences.
Try it at home: Use buttons or blocks to show 4 objects and 3 more. Ask, “How many altogether? How do you know?” Try different combinations with totals of 10 or less.
First Grade Addition and subtraction within 10
We will add and subtract within 10 and explore how the two operations are connected. For example, 6 + 3 = 9 helps us understand 9 − 3 = 6.
Try it at home: Start with 10 small objects. Hide some and leave the rest showing. Ask your child to figure out how many are hidden and explain their strategy.
Second Grade Addition with 2 three digit numbers
We will add 2 three digit numbers by using strategies such as decomposing and finding partial sums.
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Try it at home: Give your child two 3-digit numbers to add. Challenge them to solve the problem two ways: by decomposing each number into hundreds, tens, and ones, and by using partial sums to add each place value. Compare the strategies. Did you get the same answer both ways?
Third Grade Multiplication with the Distributive Property
Multiplying with the distributive property means breaking a multiplication problem into two easier problems, solving them, and adding the answers together.
Example:
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Try it at home: Have your child find the answer to 7 x 8 using the distributive property.
Fourth Grade Multiplication Using an Area Model
Multiplying using an area model means breaking numbers into place-value parts, multiplying those values, and adding the products to find the answer.
Example:
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Try it at home: Ask your child to multiply 29 x 46 using an area model.
Fifth Grade Division with Partial Quotients
Dividing using partial quotients means subtracting easy multiples of the divisor, then adding the number of groups to find the answer.
Example:
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Try it at home: Ask your child to show 625 ÷ 25 using partial quotients.
Sixth Grade Algebraic Expressions
We will write and evaluate algebraic expressions and substitute for unknown values. Vocabulary is a major component of the introduction to this domain of math. Your child will see new words, such as:
● Variable
● Coefficient
● Constant
● Term
● Like Terms
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Try it at home: Ask your child to write an algebraic expression using a variable of their choice, and ask them to highlight and define different parts of the expression using specific colors.
Thank you for supporting your child’s math learning! Encourage effort, allow time to think, and ask, “Can you show me another way?”
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As we close out October, we strongly encourage you to check in on your child’s academic progress. Skyward provides up-to-date information on grades, assignments, and attendance, allowing you to monitor performance and support your student’s success. Regularly reviewing Skyward together is a great way to identify early strengths, address emerging concerns, and celebrate the progress made since August. If you have questions about specific grades or assignments, please reach out directly to your child’s teachers. If you have any issues accessing Skyward, please contact school administration. |
Classroom learning this fall has focused on building strong foundational skills, applying concepts in meaningful ways, and preparing students for the rest of the year. Completing assignments and staying engaged in daily work are essential for students to fully benefit from these opportunities. We encourage you to talk with your child about what they are learning and remind them of the importance of staying on top of their coursework. Your support at home makes a significant difference in keeping students motivated and accountable as the coursework deepens. |
Grades 9 - 12: As we pass the midpoint of the fall semester, students in grades 9 through 12 should begin looking ahead to end-of-term assessments. These exams provide an opportunity to demonstrate the knowledge and skills developed throughout the semester. Encouraging your child to review notes regularly now, complete practice activities, and ask questions will make the preparation process much more manageable later. Establishing consistent study habits in October helps reduce winter stress and sets them up for success at the end of the semester.
Grades 7 - 12: Want to learn more about state testing or check your child’s past scores? You can explore general testing details on the TCAP information site, or log in to view previous score reports directly on the TN Family Portal.
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Beyond the classroom, educators across the Sevier County School System are proving that their dedication to student success knows no bounds. By stepping up as mentors and sponsors for diverse extracurricular programs, our teachers are empowering students to discover their passions and excel on regional and state stages. From guiding future attorneys through complex legal arguments in Mock Trial to cultivating the next generation of agricultural and community leaders in FFA, these dedicated sponsors invest countless after-school hours in their students' growth. Their tireless commitment to leading these dynamic clubs not only brings home competitive accolades and championships, but also equips Sevier County students with the confidence, leadership skills, and real-world experience they need to thrive long after graduation. |
Secondary student-athletes across the Sevier County School System have delivered phenomenal performances this fall season, setting new benchmarks for athletic excellence. Driven by dedication and teamwork, these competitors have shattered local records and etched their names into state history. Whether capturing district crowns or competing on the ultimate state stage, these young athletes continue to elevate the competitive standard and inspire the entire Sevier County community. |
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An important part of student success is developing a growth mindset—the belief that effort, practice, and perseverance directly lead to improvement. This October, encourage your child to view academic challenges as opportunities to learn rather than obstacles. Remind them that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process and help strengthen understanding. Praising their daily effort, persistence, and problem-solving—rather than just their final test scores—helps students stay motivated and resilient when facing difficult tasks. |
Our physical education teachers have started the year strong by working with their classes to improve each student’s core skills. Individual fitness activities such as: stretching, cardio exercises, anaerobic exercises, core strength exercises, and balance activities have been taught during the first two six weeks. All of these individual activities help the student prepare for the Presidential Fitness Test. This new requirement from the state will test all students who have a physical education class. Those core skills will also continue to be reinforced throughout the school year.
As the students improve on those skills, various games are introduced to reinforce those skills. The games also lead to other important learning opportunities such as: following specific rules for the game, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Various games that practice these skills through the winter months are: Indoor Soccer, Volleyball, Basketball, Floor Hockey, Star Wars, Zone Dodge Ball, Gaga Ball, Dance/Rhythm, Badminton, Sideline Soccer, Tchouk Ball, and Various Holiday Themed Games.
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During the next two month of holidays, it can be an exciting time for children, but changes in routines, family gatherings, financial stress, and high expectations can also create feelings of anxiety, sadness, or stress. Parents can help by creating a supportive environment where children feel safe, heard, and understood.
Tips for Supporting Your Child:
- Maintain routines: Keep consistent sleep schedules, healthy meals, and regular physical activity when possible.
- Make time to connect: Spend quality time together and encourage open conversations about feelings.
- Manage expectations: Remind children that the holidays do not have to be perfect, and it is okay to feel a range of emotions.
- Encourage balance: Allow time for rest, play, outdoor activities, and breaks from screens and busy schedules.
- Watch for changes: Pay attention to ongoing changes in mood, behavior, sleep, or social interactions.
- Seek support when needed: If your child seems overwhelmed or struggles emotionally, reach out to their school counselor, pediatrician, or a mental health professional.
Remember: The greatest gift you can give your child is your time, understanding, and reassurance. A little extra patience, connection, and encouragement can make a meaningful difference in helping children enjoy a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.
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Supporting your child starts with knowing their rights, and yours.
- Right to notice: You will always be informed when the school proposes or refuses special education services.
- Right to consent: The school must have your written permission before evaluating your child or providing services.
- Right to participate: You are a key member of your child’s IEP team and decision-making process.
- Right to access records: You can review and request copies of your child’s educational records.
- Right to disagree: If you disagree with the school, you can request mediation, a due process hearing, or file a complaint.
- Right to Independent Evaluation: If you disagree with the school’s evaluation, you can request an independent evaluation.
Your school’s special education teacher can provide a full copy of the procedural safeguards.
“Every child deserves a champion - an adult who will never give up on them.” - Rita Pierson
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