On Thursday, November 7th, Rock Springs Elementary School opened a Poetry Cafe in the style of the 1960's beatniks.  The fourth grade pod was transformed for the evening into three dimly lit cafes and one food court mixed with the sounds of live guitar music and bongo drums.  Students in grades 3-5, parents, teachers, our principal Mr. Davis, and our Director of Schools, Dr. Jubal Yennie, wore black, snapped instead of clapped, and participated in poetry readings and recitations.  Dr. Yennie shared some of his favorite songs on his guitar including his original song, The Master.  This event targeted many of the common core state standards within foundational, speaking and listening, writing, and reading skills across all three grade levels.  The level of enthusiasm and commitment the students exhibited in order to prepare for their performances was impressive.  A special thank you to everyone who participated for making this night a huge success!

Holston Valley Middle School 6th grade celebrate all 6th grade students that had an A-B-C average last nine weeks.  Each students name is displayed in the 6th grade hall.  Additionally, each student received an invitation to participate in a celebration that takes place later this month.  Congratulations PRIDE KIDS, keep up all the hard work!

Braedon Smith, Emma Gray, Lily Wise and Michael Necessary, fourth graders, recently gained knowledge about "cafeteria style" of cooking.

The students were allowed to measure ingredients and prepare baking pans to bake cookies and a popup pastry for their classmates.  They learned to always wash their hand and cover their clothing with an apron.

It was a fun time for all....the ISE cafeteria employees (July Nunley, Mananger), the student bakers and the student tasters!

Congratulations to the faculty and staff of Innovation Academy for being selected as an Apple Distinguished Educator for 2013-2015.  From day one they have embraced a new style of teaching with the creative and flexible tools that our Apple products have provided them.  Whether it is the 1;1 iPad initiative, use of Macbooks, Apple servers, Apple TVs or the creative projects utilizing iMovie, GarageBand, Keynote and other software, the students and staff are continuing to foster a 21st century learning environment that is proving tremendously successful.

Approximately 130 Sullivan County students and chaperones attended the 2013 NETCO Food Festival on Thursday, November 7.  NETCO is a purchasing cooperative made up of 14 Northeast Tennessee School Nutrition programs, including Sullivan County.  This event is held annually to promote the benefits of healthy eating and school meals.  Students have an opportunity to try new products and rate them for taste and acceptability in their school cafeterias.  New this year, product evaluations were done via an IPAD survey!  This year's Festival theme was "Pardner Up for School Meals", and featured a roping game and a photo booth.  Sullivan County students from Blountville Middle School, Emmett Elementary School, Central High School Culinary Arts classes, Holston Middle School, Mary Hughes Middle School, and Miller Perry Elementary School enjoyed sampling foods  from the almost 100 vendor booths at the Festival.

Tyson Mitchell, 3rd grader of Bluff City Elementary, collected 72 pairs of old jeans for the Blue Jeans Go Green Organization.  They recycle old denim to make Ultra Touch denim insulation for homes and community buildings in need.  This is made by returning denim to its natural state of cotton.  He collected denim from friends.  600 tons of denim have been diverted from landfills to date through this organization.  Tyson said, "I really want to help people that need homes and that don't have a warm home."

This was a big week for us; celebrating Veterans Day:

1. The cadets took part of thier Veterans Day program to Colonial Heights Middle School and Central High School. They set the "Table of Honor", did a tribute to the Iwo Jima memorial, and performed a flag folding ceremony.

2. Saturday, 67 cadets marched in the Bristol Veterans Day parade. They carried the 50 state flags as well as formed 2 color guards and a saber team.

3. Monday, they performed their hour long Veterans Day program for the South HS student body as well as local leaders and veterans. It consisted of several patriotic and reflective skits and incorporated the Rebel band and others from the student body. Lt Col Bill Powley was the guest speaker who gave a moving tribute to one of his fallen comrades. My Harvey was especially proud of how the entire student body conducted themselves; very respectful and professional.

The Holston Middle School Sparkle Squad made its debut appearance at the Football Homecoming pep rally. They performed a dance to "Party Rock Anthem/ All I Do Is Win" remix and the school's fight song. They also lead the student body in a cheer. The Sparkle Squad members are students from Mrs. Vineyard's CDC class. They are lead by Kendra Sybert, an 8th grade peer tutor who is also a member of the HMS Cheer Team. She is assisted by several other peer tutors and cheerleaders. The Squad is learning a new routine to perform during the HMS basketball games. The HMS Sparkle Squad is a part of the National Sparkle Effect program. This program works to enhance social, communication, and physical skills of students with disabilities. For more information about the national Sparkle Effect organization, visit www.thesparkleeffect.org.

  

Students at Bluff City Middle School collected over 3,300 canned goods and non-perishable food items for the Edgefield United Methodist Food Pantry for two weeks in November. 

"It's important to give to a food drive so people who don't have enough to eat will have enough. Besides, Thanksgiving is coming up and it's a time to eat with your family," said Eden Wimer, an eighth grader who donated over 200 food items for the food drive.

Grade-level home rooms competed each day to see which class could bring in the most food items. Eden's homeroom won the competition almost every day of the drive with her help.

Walker Morrell, eighth grade, solicits donations from family members and friends to purchase food.  On the last day of the food drive, Walker contributed 1400 canned food items to the food drive pushing his classroom to first place in 8^th grade. 

Art teacher Jamie Hyder said that Bluff City Middle School has held a food drive every November for well over 20 years.  However, this is the first year she has ever seen the food drive bring in this many items.  She is a lead volunteer at the Edgefield United Methodist Food Pantry and arranges for all the food to be transported to the pantry.  Edgefield serves over 100 families in Piney Flats, Bluff City, and Bristol.