Sumner County Schools

Sumner County Skills Competition

Click HERE for pictures from the event.

The Sumner County Schools Career and Technical Education department hosted its third annual Skills Competition today. High School students competed in multiple divisions including AutoCAD, Automotive, Cosmetology, Criminal Justice, Machining, and Welding competitions. More than 20 teachers were involved to make this a successful event for our children.

We are proud to recognize the essential role that Career and Technical Education plays in Sumner County. Thank you to Tennessee College of Applied Technology, Gallatin Police Department and Sumner County Sheriff's Office for today's help.

CTE, formerly known as vocational education, helps students gain work experience through job shadowing, on-the-job training, internships, and industry certifications. Sumner County Schools leads the state in pathways for our students! Thank you to all of our CTE teachers and Supervisor of CTE and STEM, Chase Moore! Lunch was provided by FWE Food Warming Equipment.

Congratulations to today's winners:

AutoCAD

• 1st - James Stubblefield (Portland HS)
• 2nd - Kaden Street (Westmoreland HS)
• 3rd - Charles Laux (Portland HS)

Automotive

• 1st - Luke Pitt (White House HS)
• 2nd - Tony Jeffery (White House HS)
• 3rd - Aidan Richardson (White House HS)

Cosmetology

• 1st - Alexis Grim (Portland HS)
• 2nd - Jordan Curtis (Portland HS)
• 3rd - Emily Finn (White House HS)

Criminal Justice (CSI)

• 1st - Gallatin HS
• 2nd - Beech HS
• 3rd - Hendersonville HS

Felony Stops

• 1st - Gallatin HS
• 2nd - Hendersonville HS
• 3rd - Beech HS

Field Sobriety

• 1st - Gallatin HS
• 2nd - Hendersonville HS
• 3rd - Portland HS

Overall Criminal Justice

• 1st - Gallatin HS
• 2nd - Hendersonville HS
• 3rd - Beech HS

Machining

• 1st - Grace Sutton (Portland HS)
• 2nd - Gordon Russell (Portland HS)
• 3rd - Wyatt Harrison (Westmoreland HS)

Welding (Stick Welding)

• 1st - Dylan Dionne (Portland HS)
• 2nd - Brady Williams (Westmoreland HS)
• 3rd - Logan Arnold (Portland HS)

Welding (TIG Welding)

• 1st - Rachel Nelson (Portland HS)
• 2nd - Garrett Bruce (Gallatin HS)
• 3rd - Jared Courtney (Portland HS)

Governor Bill Lee Visits Dr. William Burrus Elementary

Tennessee Governor Bill Lee stopped by Dr. William Burrus Elementary today to highlight the school's literacy success and literacy programs, specifically Kindergarten through third grade.

"This school and these kids are some of the best readers in the whole state," Lee said.

Governor Lee visited multiple classrooms and watched Burrus teachers and students in action.

"One of the most important things you can do is read. Your school and your educators are particularly doing a really good job at that," Lee told a third-grade classroom. "We are here to say thank you to them for the work that they do."

Tennessee Education Commissioner, Dr. Penny Schwinn, SCS Board Members, political leaders and media were on hand for today's visit.

In addition to spending time in multiple classrooms, Governor Lee also sat down with a panel of teachers and discussed an array of topics.

He was also greeted and treated with snacks from the school's Leadership team.

"Very proud of you all. Keep working hard. The more you can read, the more you can write, the more you can do and the more successful and happier your life will be."

Sumner County Schools fully supports and is implementing Governor Lee’s Reading 360 commitment to K-3 literacy.

"We believe that students should start learning on day one of school, studying the rich history of our nation and world, science, and literature," Sumner County Schools Chief Academic Officer, Dr. Scott Langford said. "To become skilled readers, our students receive daily instruction in foundational literacy (Fundations) and practice decoding words and building fluency using these newly-acquired foundational skills using decodable readers (Geodes) that reinforces their content-knowledge learning."

In 2021, Sumner County Schools was chosen as one of eight mentor districts across the state by the Tennessee Department of Education. We helped six districts in Middle Tennessee implement high quality English / Language Arts (ELA) instructional materials.

William Burrus Elementary School is a STEM-accredited school, blending problem solving and the engineering process into what students learn and do daily. Burrus also has a strong commitment to training future leaders with a student leadership program for 4th and 5th graders.

Knox Doss SRO Lifts Student to State Title

Knox Doss Middle School Resource Officer, Darren Rager, not only keeps kids safe, but he helps them achieve their goals.

"When I was younger, weightlifting was a big part of my life. It was something I was passionate about."

Rager brought that passion into the halls of KDDC last school year when he started a weightlifting club for the students.

"I love it here. This is the community that I live in. Everywhere I go, whether that's Walmart or the movie theater, I see our kids. My kids attend these schools, and I thought starting the club was a cool way to give back to the community."

Knox Doss Seventh Grader, Emerson Tice, didn't hesitate to sign up for the weightlifting club after hearing about it from his friends.

"I didn't have anything else to do after football. I tried out for the basketball team and didn't make it, so I thought this would be fun."

That fun paid off when 13-year-old Tice qualified for the United States Powerlifting Association (USPA) state competition and brought home three state medals. He competed in the 13–15-year-old category in the 148 pounds or below weight class. Tice finished first in squat and set a state record for his age and weight, squatting 303.5 pounds. He also tied for first place in the deadlift category and set another state record with a 341.5 pound deadlift. Tice came in second place for his bench press of 187.5 pounds. In total, Emerson lifted 832.5 pounds.

"He started lifting with me in sixth grade, and really gives it his all," Rager said. "I'm proud of what Emerson has accomplished."

Tice says he's enjoyed the experience because he's built more than muscle. He's learned life skills that will stay with him for a lifetime.

"If you want something you have to work for it," Tice said. "He pushes me during the workouts and helps me to achieve my goals."

The club works out after school in the weight room at Knox Doss Middle. Just like safety is an integral part of being a police officer, Rager said it's also a top priority in the classroom and the weightlifting club.

"A lot of kids want to go in there and see how heavy they can lift and that's not what we're doing here. You're going to get hurt doing that, so we keep the club small because we want to be safe."

Rager says he focuses on proper form and technique first and everything else falls into place. Demand for the club is strong, but due to the size of the weight room, the club is limited to a handful of students.

Knox Doss Principal, Dr. Mitch Flood said Deputy Rager goes above and beyond the call of duty at the school. He has revolutionized the weight room at KDDC, assists the football team with weightlifting and conditioning, and is never shy about pitching in when needed. In addition, he takes his job as a school resource officer seriously.

"I couldn't imagine Knox Doss without him. It's great to see the rapport he has with students and the difference he is making here. He does a tremendous job, and we are lucky to have him."

Before joining the Sumner County Sheriff's Office as a School Resource Officer, Rager spent a decade as a patrol officer and worked in specialized units including narcotics, vice and the bike unit with Gallatin Police Department.

"Police officers can make such an impact on kids and it's something I've really enjoyed. My main focus is bridging the gap between law enforcement and athletics," Rager said. "I enjoy my time at KDDC; I love it here. The administration is great, the kids are great, and the staff is great. It's the place to be."

SCS Students Selected for MTVA's Freshman Honors Choir

Fifteen Sumner County students earned a spot on the Middle Tennessee Vocal Association (MTVA) Freshman Honors Choir. The students secured their spot after auditioning against peers from across the mid-state. On January 19th, students came together for a day of rehearsals with guest clinicians and concluded with an evening performance for their parents and directors. Schools represented include Beech High School (Lucy Alegria); Hendersonville High School (Dr. Gary Wilson); Liberty Creek High School (Pam Andrews); Portland High School (Tara Carrick); and White House High School (Bethany Stepleton).

*Dr. Gary Wilson of Hendersonville High School served as chair of the SATB Ensemble

*Lucy Alegria of Beech High School served as chair of the SSA Ensemble

Sumner County Directors that serve on the MTVA Executive board:

• Megan Hester of SCMS Middle School Honors Choir Chair
• Lucy Alegria of BHS Solo and Ensemble Chair
• TJ McLaughlin of GHS President Elect