Report Card shows local schools making the grade

Sevier County Director of Schools Jack Parton is quick to point out that the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual Report Card “reflect only a snapshot” of student performance on one particular date. And Commissioner of Education Timothy Webb says that because of how the scores were calculated this year, they cannot be compared to those from years past.

Yet is still commendable that the Sevier County School System was declared to be in “Good Standing” in the report issued on Tuesday. It certainly beats the alternatives. The report card is organized into several diverse sections and Sevier County apparently scored relatively well in all of them.

Among the highlights: Sevier County received an exemplary score (A) in both the elementary and high school in writing, and received an above average (B) in grades 3-8 in mathematics, reading/language arts, science and social studies. More info on the Report Card: www.tennessee.gov/education/reportcard/index.

Good to see our schools are making the grade.

Leaders’ legacies live on through John Sevier Awards

Five men whose lived their lives in an exemplary fashion and left their mark on Sevierville, will live on in the city’s memory after they were honored posthumously with John Sevier Awards in a ceremony Wednesday afternoon at the visitor center.

Honored during the second annual ceremony were Harold Atchley, William (Bill) Atchley, Grant Cantwell, R.B. “Pete” Hailey and Dwight Wade Sr. Each had been recognized for their service at the recent Sevierville Chamber of Commerce annual banquet, and they were enshrined by having a tree dedicated in their name at the visitor center.

“These are people who have deep roots in our community and have helped our city grow,” Chamber Chief Executive Officer Brenda McCroskey said. “These trees are living, growing reminders of their contributions to Sevierville and we think it’s a fitting way to help remember their contributions.”

The contributions of these men are too long to list. Suffice to say, the tree dedications are altogether fitting.

Local students deserve salute for their salutes to veterans

Here’s a salute to young people around the county who are giving a salute. In what has become an annual rite, students at Sevier County, Seymour, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg-Pittman high schools are paying tribute to veterans with programs that began Thursday and will run through Tuesday in advance of Veterans Day.

Sevier County High School is in its 17th year of holding such a program, titled this year, “What Are We Fighting For?” Members of the choir, band, cheerleaders, dance team and drama department, as well as teachers and faculty participate. There are three shows, and rarely is there an empty seat.

Seymour has four shows and more than 100 students participating. Its show features singing, dramatic interpretations, speeches and a PowerPoint presentation. At Pigeon Forge High, the band, dance team, chorus and middle school chorus will be involved Tuesday in two shows, that will also feature a “miltary funeral,” and GPHS will have two speakers and patriotic music Tuesday.

Salute!