Sumner County Schools

Oakmont Elementary Nationally Recognized for Success in 2022

For more pictures, click HERE.

The National Association of ESEA State Program Administrators (NAESPA) is pleased to announce that Oakmont Elementary from Cottontown, Tennessee has been named a National ESEA Distinguished School by the state education agency in Tennessee. Oakmont Elementary is one of up to 100 schools throughout the country that is being nationally recognized for exceptional student achievement in 2022. A project of NAESPA, the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program publicly recognizes qualifying federally funded schools for the outstanding academic achievements of their students. It highlights the efforts of schools across the country making significant improvements for their students. The program has been in place since 1996, showcasing the success of hundreds of schools in one of three categories:

CATEGORY 1: Exceptional student performance and academic growth, as determined by each state

CATEGORY 2: Closing the achievement gap between student groups, as determined by each state

CATEGORY 3: Excellence in serving special populations of students (e.g. homeless, migrant, English learners, etc.)

The Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides additional resources for vulnerable students and federal grants to state educational agencies to improve the quality of public elementary and secondary education.

The Association is a membership organization made up of State ESEA Program Administrators, and their staff from each of the states and territories, charged with managing their state federal education program. They ensure compliance with federal regulations, but more importantly work to see that all children — especially those living in economically disadvantaged conditions — have the opportunity to receive a high-quality education. NAESPA implements the National ESEA Distinguished Schools Program to highlight selected schools that have successfully used their ESEA federal funds to improve the education for all students–including economically disadvantaged students. More information about all National ESEA Distinguished Schools is available on the ESEA Network website: www.ESEAnetwork.org.

Dollar General Donates $100,000 to Sumner County Schools to Enhance Reading and Literacy Programs

Dollar General recently surprised two Sumner County Schools with a donation of $50,000 each to Benny Bills Elementary School in Gallatin, and J.W. Wiseman Elementary School in Portland. The donations provide schools with additional funding to purchase books, technology programs, computers and other educational tools to enhance their reading and literacy programs.

Dollar General Executive Vice President of Store Operations, Steve Sunderland, helped surprise Benny Bills Elementary in Gallatin and also read to students before presenting the donation.

“It was an absolute honor to spend time reading to Benny Bills Elementary students and to surprise the school with a Reading Revolution donation,” shared Sunderland. “Dollar General remains committed to being a good neighbor in our hometown communities through our mission of Serving Others, providing increased access to affordable essentials and charitable donations that support literacy and education. We hope these funds will make a positive and lasting impact on the Benny Bills school community.”

Dollar General Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy Manager, Cindy Pryor; J.W. Wiseman Principal, Dr. Sabrina McClard; and Dollar General Corporate Social Responsibility & Philanthropy Specialist Catherine Royka pose with students

The company’s Reading Revolution program began in 2013 and has awarded approximately $4.2 million to 116 schools during the past nine years.

“We are thankful for the support we received from Dollar General. This donation will make a significant impact on our ability to equip our students with the skills and knowledge our children need to be successful,” Sumner County Schools Director Dr. Del Phillips said. “Great teachers, parents and community partners lay the foundation for success. We are grateful for the generosity and vision of Dollar General.”

Dollar General EVP of Store Operations, Steve Sunderland; and Benny Bills Elementary Principal, Dr. Kathryn Vinson

Station Camp High School Alum and JROTC Commander, Jacob Nelson has graduated from Tennessee Tech University with honors and as a distinguished military graduate in the top 10 % of his class. He has commissioned in the U.S Army with a Civil Engineering degree and will attend Engineer Officer basic course in January.

SCHS JROTC Instructors, LTC. Overby and MSG. Harville had the honor and privilege to commission and give the first salute to Jacob.

SCS Students Ace the ACT

Three Sumner County students earned a perfect 36 composite score on the ACT, the highest score possible that is achieved by fewer than half of 1% of students. Two of them achieved this accomplishment as juniors.

Sumner County Schools is proud to congratulate the following:

• Merrol Hyde Magnet Junior, Carson Cox
• Merrol Hyde Magnet Senior, Sophia Bricker
• Station Camp High Senior, Ryan Leacock

Leacock earned his perfect score from the March exam while he was still a junior. He plans to pursue a career in computer science. Bricker earned her perfect score on the June test and plans to pursue a career in environmental engineering. Cox took the test in October and plans to pursue a career in finance and economics.

“Our students have earned a prestigious honor for themselves and their schools,” said Dr. Del Phillips, Director of Sumner County Schools. “This recognition is a culmination of their hard work and dedication. They are excellent ambassadors for Sumner County and we are excited to see what they accomplish in the future.