Emmett Elementary School families and teachers donated enough items to fill 68 shoeboxes to send to children in need through the Operation Christmas Child organization. Marlene Kehrer, fourth grade teacher at Emmett, led the initiative with faculty and staff support. Our DYNAMIC Girls on the Run team filled and wrapped the boxes. Emmett Raiders receive many blessings, but they know how to give blessings as well!

Rock Springs Chorus, made up of 3^rd-5^th grade students,  performed a Christmas Concert for residents of Remington House last week.  Several students also played the piano and guitar for the residents.

Earlier in the week, they performed at the school for students and parents.  They have also performed for Veteran's Day and other special events.

Chorus members rehearse twice a week before school.  Five chorus members auditioned for Tennessee Treble Honor Choir in the fall, and Blakley Dishner and Kara Carter were selected to participate in Memphis this Spring. 

Chorus is directed by Lee Whitson and Beth Geno. Chorus accompanist is Kim Elkins.

Holston Valley 6th Graders Received a visit from none other than Alexander the Great as they studied Ancient Greece.

The students were able to hear a first hand account of life during Ancient Greek times. They discussed the pressures of being a ruler, understand Ancient Greek's polytheistic religion, the cultural differences of ancient times compared to modern times, how Ancient Greek culture impacted our government, and what it was like being a student of Aristotle.

The excitement of the visit has led the 6th grade students to have a better understand of not only Ancient Greece but a profound curiosity of ancient cultures in general.

We focused on map skills, the development of early civilizations around rivers, geographical features, man made features, agriculture, technology, government, religion, communication, rulers/leaders, and social classes/order.  

Cadets from the Sullivan North High School Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corp (NJROTC) unit have adopted Wexford House as one of the numerous volunteer community service projects.  A large number of cadets recently visited Wexford House to deliver cards, sing Christmas Carols and talk with the residents.  This was a very rewarding experience for the cadets and it is hoped that this small act of kindness will help make Christmas brighter for the residents of Wexford House.

Cadet Third Class Petty Officer Kristin Byrd has been selected as the cadet of the month for December 2013.   Kristin is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Steve Byrd of Kingsport.   She is an active member of the unit's color guard and drill team and has made great progress during the short period she has been in the NJROTC program.  In addition to her achievements just mentioned, Kristin has been selected as our assistant academic commander - a position of significant responsibility.    Kristin has several years before she must make a definite decision on her future but is looking at all possibilities before making a firm decision. 

DECA developed an advertising program for the cafeteria at Sullivan South.  The theme revolved around the cafeteria being able to provide larger portion sizes.  Some of the winning posters were:

 
  Savannah Misciangna, Mr. Darden and Haley Skelton

 
   Lindsey McGonigal, Mr. Darden and Allison Jenkins

  Nathaniel Jennings, Mr. Darden, Kathy Weatherly, Linda Davis and Alex Mann 

 
 Adam Runyon, Mr. Darden, Randy Durham, Adam Dunn, Linda Davis, Kathy Weatherly

Mr. Darden, Julia Harpster, Rachel Jeffers, Sarah Moore, Kathy Weatherly