I want to start by thanking you all, the readers! I have met several individuals, some of whom I know and others that I do not know, told me about reading my articles.
I am grateful. I, by no means, am a writer. I am an educator! I wanted to do this article to inform the public of school community happenings.
As we have completed the 2025-26 school year, it seems to be a blur.
We have received some test scores which have shown positive gains in many areas.
By no means, are we where we want to be; however, we will continue to improve everyday.
I will devote one article to the results once we have them all, which should be around December.
You may review what results are available by visiting the Tennessee Department of Education website: https://www.tn.gov › education search TCAP dashboard.
Our staff and students have worked hard to earn these results.
We are looking forward to the 2026-27 school year! On Tuesday, July 28, for the first time ever, we held a new employee training for all new hires regardless of job. This training has typically been for new teachers only.
In the morning, we worked all together learning the ropes, and in the afternoon we divided out in job specific assignment areas to receive necessary training.
The first official day of school for the 2026-27 school year was Monday, Aug. 3. All staff reported to Stone Memorial High School’s auditorium. Again, the morning session was all together for staff where we will share and celebrate successes as well as learn pertinent information for the new school year. The afternoon session was job specific training/information.
The first day for students was Wednesday, Aug. 5, which is the 10 a.m. day with the first full day being Friday, Aug. 7.
Parents, please do not forget to register your student online in Skyward. We have had some issues with our student information system; however, it is up and running now.
Our school system will be downtown Friday, Aug. 7, at Friday at the Crossroads. Come and see us at the book bus!
Again, thank you for reading. I am blessed to have the privilege of serving our staff, students and community as the director of schools.
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Rebecca Farley is director of schools for the Cumberland County school district.