Sumner County Schools

Merrol Hyde Magnet Named National Blue Ribbon School

Merrol Hyde Magnet School has been recognized as one of the nation’s top-performing schools by being awarded the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School honor by U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. Only 356 schools across the nation earned this title. The National Blue Ribbon Award can only be won once every six years, making this Merrol Hyde's third consecutive win, having previously earned the title in 2012 and 2018.

“This recognition reinforces what we in Sumner County already know—that Merrol Hyde Magnet School provides exceptional instruction and educational opportunities for its students,” Sumner County Schools Director Dr. Scott Langford said. “Being named a National Blue Ribbon School is a powerful acknowledgment of the dedication and hard work of our teachers, students, parents, and staff. Congratulations to Merrol Hyde for continuing to be a model of excellence.”

National Blue Ribbon Schools are led by leaders who set a clear vision of instructional excellence and uphold high standards. They showcase effective teaching methods and provide robust professional development for their staff. Data-driven instruction is a hallmark, and there is a concerted effort to ensure every student succeeds. Collaboration among families, communities, and educators is another key factor in their achievements.

"I am extremely proud of the incredible work our teachers do every day. While this prestigious award is an honor and a testament to our collective efforts, our true focus remains on fostering student growth and success,” Merrol Hyde Magnet School Principal Darren Frank said. “It’s never been about the awards; it’s about ensuring our students are prepared to thrive academically and personally. We are deeply grateful for this recognition, but the real reward is seeing our students succeed both in the classroom and beyond.”

The US Department of Education recognizes all schools based on student performance data including assessment results, student subgroup performance, and graduation rates. Schools are recognized in both or either of two performance categories:

• Exemplary High Performing Schools: These schools are among the top performers in their state as measured by state assessments or nationally normed tests.
• Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing Schools: These schools excel in narrowing achievement gaps between student groups and the overall student body.

“The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools,” U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona said. “The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nation’s students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.”

To be considered for this prestigious award, schools must submit a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.

SCS Students Achieve National Merit Semifinalist Honors

Sumner County Schools (SCS) is excited to announce the names of our National Merit Semifinalists. Less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors qualified for this prestigious honor, and they have an opportunity to continue in the competition for more than 6,800 National Merit Scholarships worth nearly $26 million.

SCS congratulates the following National Merit Semifinalists:

Gallatin High School:

• Jacob Allen

Hendersonville High School:

• Liliana Daniel
• Steven Lamarr
• Anna White

Merrol Hyde Magnet School:

• Nicholas Brown
• Alyssa Maddern
• Josiah Vinson
• Ava Wei

More than 1.3 million juniors in about 21,000 high schools entered the National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT, NMSQT), which serves as an initial screen of program entrants. Nationwide, 16,000 students were selected as semifinalists.

To become a finalist, these students and a high school official must submit a detailed scholarship application, in which they provide information about the semifinalist’s academic record, participation in school and community activities, demonstrated leadership abilities, employment, and honors and awards received.

"We are incredibly proud of these outstanding students for earning National Merit Semifinalist honors," said Dr. Scott Langford, Director of Sumner County Schools. "Their dedication to academic excellence, leadership, and community involvement exemplifies the qualities we strive to foster in all of our students. This recognition reflects their hard work and the support they’ve received from their families, teachers, and peers. We look forward to seeing their continued success as they move forward in the competition."

National Merit finalists will be announced in February 2025.

SNP Meal Price 24-25 (PDF)

Sumner County Schools Continues to Lead the Mid-State in STEM/STEAM Designations

The Tennessee Department of Education, in conjunction with the Tennessee STEM Innovation Network, announced that Liberty Creek Elementary has received Tennessee STEAM School Designation. In addition, Union Elementary, Jack Anderson Elementary, Oakmont Elementary, and Dr. William Burrus Elementary completed all requirements necessary to receive Re-Designation for the next five years.

The STEM / STEAM honor recognizes schools for their commitment to promoting and integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics learning for all students that ultimately prepares them for post-secondary college and career success in the 21st century. Once schools have reached five years of implementing and sustaining STEM/STEAM education through the designation process, schools can complete a re-designation cycle.

"We want students to use real-world lessons, curiosity and creativity to help navigate the ever-evolving landscape of tomorrow's opportunities. We are preparing students for careers that haven't even been invented yet," Sumner County Schools Career and Technical Education and STEM Supervisor, Chase Moore said. "Receiving STEM Designation is the result of hard work and devoted teachers, ensuring that every child is Sumner Ready for whatever the future holds."

Since the designation program launched in 2018, 127 schools have earned the Tennessee STEM / STEAM Designation, which the department developed in partnership with the STEM Leadership Council to provide a “roadmap” for schools to successfully implement a STEM and/or STEAM education plan at the local level. Schools that receive this honor also serve as models to inspire and teach others. All K-12 public and private schools serving students in Tennessee are eligible.

Of the 127 designated schools across the state, 13 are home to Sumner County Schools. They include Jack Anderson Elementary, Beech Elementary, Union Elementary, Station Camp Elementary, Oakmont Elementary, Dr. William Burrus Elementary, Indian Lake Elementary, Portland East Middle, Portland Gateview Elementary, Howard Elementary, Millersville Elementary, White House High School and Liberty Creek Elementary.

Each school that received the Tennessee STEM/STEAM School Designation underwent a rigorous application process, including completing a self-evaluation, participating in interviews, and hosting site visits with the Tennessee STEM/STEAM Designation review team. The designation rubric included five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships. As a part of the process, schools were also required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM and/or STEAM education for the next five years.

“These designations are testaments to the state’s commitment to educational excellence and preparing students for their futures,” said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. “We commend these schools for prioritizing math and science education, ensuring that Tennessee students are prepared for the jobs of today and tomorrow."

STEM/STEAM education is an interdisciplinary curriculum in which activities in one class complement those in other classes. It also offers teaching and learning opportunities focused on inquiry, technology, and project-based learning activities and lessons connected to the real world. #SumnerReady #SumnerAchieves #SumnerCountyStrong #SumnerSTEM #STEM #STEAMEducation