| Press Release Archives |
Please contact Dr. Debra A. Cline at 865.453.4671 if you have any questions or comments about these press releases.
Press Releases 2011-2012
Sissy Ivy, Culinary Arts Teacher at Sevier County High School, Wins 2013 Faces of Diversity Award
April, 2013
Watch the Video
Press Release
The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) honored the winners of its 2013 “Faces of Diversity American Dream Award,” sponsored by PepsiCo Foodservice, at an April 17 gala during the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference in Washington, D.C. Local resident Sissy Ivy, ProStart Educator at Sevier County High School in Sevierville, was recognized as one of three diverse members of the restaurant industry who has, through hard work and perseverance, achieved the American dream.
“We’re proud to honor Sissy Ivy as a recipient of the 2013 ‘Faces of Diversity American Dream Award.’ She exemplifies a level of spirit for entrepreneurship that is so uniquely prevalent in the restaurant industry,” said Rob Gifford, executive vice president of philanthropic initiatives for the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. “Her story is inspiring and showcases the very best of what the industry has to offer. We applaud Sissy Ivy’s commitment and are proud to recognize her achievements.”
Sissy Ivy was the only sibling of seven children to graduate high school. Ivy worked more than 15 years in the food industry to put herself through college to become a ProStart educator, operating a café and catering business with high school restaurant management and culinary arts students. All proceeds benefit the program and local charities.
Sevier County School System Donates to Sevier County Food Ministry
November 8, 2012
Students and employees of the Sevier County School System
recently donated 2,400 boxes of stuffing and $2,100.00 to the
Sevier County Food Ministry.
Dr. Jack Parton, Superintendent of Schools
and a representative
from the Sevier County Food Ministry are pictured
adding items
to the truck.
2012 Report Card Released
November 1, 2012
The Tennessee Department of Education released the 2012 Report Card on Thursday, November 1, 2012. During the 2011-2012 academic year, schools and school systems across Tennessee implemented instructional programs with increased academic rigor in curriculum standards and measured student progress with higher proficiency targets. In other words, Tennessee continues to “raise the bar” on academic achievement. Within the 2012 Report Card, academic performance is presented through the results of TCAP assessments as well as high school End of Course exams. Information about student demographics (attendance, promotion, graduation, dropout rates, achievement scores, writing assessments, and ACT results) and a review of federal requirements under No Child Left Behind are presented in the 2012 Report Card. Data reflect the performance of student subgroups (race and ethnic groups, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students, and students with limited English proficiency) as well as provide information about the student population as a whole. The percentage of highly qualified teachers is also documented in the report.
Within No Child Left Behind, schools must demonstrate improvement in the percent of students who are proficient or advanced in math and reading/language arts as well as close the achievement gap for various subgroups. The Sevier County School System earned Exemplary status in 2012 for achieving growth in student proficiency in math and language arts as well as closing the achievement gap for identified subgroups. In fact, Seymour High School and Gatlinburg-Pittman High School were recognized as Reward Schools by the Tennessee Department of Education.
In the Academic Achievement Grades portion of the 2012 Report Card, the Sevier County School System received average (C) status in grades three through eight in reading/language arts and above average (B) status in mathematics. The district received above average (B) status in social studies and science in grades three through eight. In addition, writing performance at the elementary level in the district received an exemplary (A) score. TVAAS scores for the school system improved around the state growth standard in math and social studies and met the growth standard in language arts. TVAAS scores in science remain an area of challenge. In grades 9-12, student performance on End of Course exams was solid. Writing performance in grades 9-12 received an exemplary (A) score.
Dr. Jack A. Parton, Superintendent of Schools stated, “The 2012 Report Card indicates that our students and schools made academic improvements in 2011-2012. I recognize and salute the hard work and commitment to academic achievement demonstrated by our students, teachers, principals, staff, and community and look forward to continued improvement in achievement this school year.”
Dr. Debra A. Cline, Assistant Superintendent, further clarified, “Data depicted in the 2012 Report Card are currently being utilized to refine test score improvement plans at each school. Test score improvement plans focus on strengths and areas for improvement at each school and grade level as well as designated subject areas. Individual Academic Plans (IAPs) and program adjustments are in place to meet student needs. In the areas of mathematics and language arts, intensive curricular planning and staff development are underway at the system level to support academic success.”
Pigeon Forge Primary School Recognized as 2012 SCORE Prize Finalist
October 12, 2012
On Monday, October 8, 2012, Pigeon Forge Primary School was recognized at a large gathering at the historic Ryman Auditorium in Nashville as one of three elementary finalists for the Score Prize Award. The State Collaborative on Reforming Education (SCORE) awards the Prize to the elementary, middle, and high school, along with one school district in Tennessee, that have most dramatically improved student achievement. The SCORE Prize event was held in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual Education LEAD Conference. Principal Nancye Williams, Assistant Principal Connie Cottongim, and several other PFP staff members attended the event as well as Superintendent Jack Parton and Assistant Superintendent Debra Cline and several of the district’s supervisory staff. The event was hosted by SCORE Chairman and former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist. Tennessee Commissioner of Education Kevin Huffman also made remarks during the event.
The 2012 SCORE Prize finalists for elementary grades were:
Boones Creek Elementary, Washington County Schools
John Sevier Elementary, Maryville City Schools
Pigeon Forge Primary, Sevier County Schools
SCORE’s Rising to the Challenge overview of Pigeon Forge Primary stated, “Pigeon Forge Primary has a strong focus on student academic growth and using data to drive instruction. The school is incredibly responsive to the needs of its transient and diverse student population. School leaders empower teachers by having one-on-one conversations regarding their effect scores compared to school-wide data, which helps to foster collaboration between teachers. The achievement gap for economically disadvantaged students narrowed by 5 percentage points in math.” Pigeon Forge Primary serves 599 students in grades pre-kindergarten through fourth grades.
Although John Sevier Elementary was ultimately awarded the Prize for elementary grades, Pigeon Forge Primary has much to celebrate. Finalists are identified through a weighted criteria selection process that took into account TVAAS growth and TCAP improvement. This process also factored in attendance rates and student socioeconomic status. The second stage consisted of a site visit to document the policies and practices that enabled Pigeon Forge Primary to make significant gains in student achievement. Winners and finalists will be highlighted by SCORE throughout the year. In fact, school leaders from Pigeon Forge Primary presented sessions highlighting the school’s effective practices at the statewide LEAD Conference.
Dr. Jack Parton stated, “I am pleased with Pigeon Forge Primary’s accomplishments. The students, parents, faculty, and staff have much to celebrate as they look back on the successes of last school year. Pigeon Forge Primary is a school that nurtures each child to do his or her best academically. Hats off to Pigeon Forge Primary!” Dr. Debra Cline further elaborated, “Pigeon Forge Primary is a place where each child is challenged to reach his or her greatest potential! Within a loving school culture, teachers and staff join hands with parents and the community to support the social, emotional, physical, and academic development of each child. I am pleased that they were recognized as a finalist for the SCORE Prize and I know that their deep commitment to student development and learning continues in the 2012-2013 school year.”
2011-2012 Sevier County Teachers of the Year
February 7, 2012
On February 7, 2012, a committee selected the following teachers as 2011-2012 Teachers of the Year. They will represent Sevier County at the district and state levels, competing for the 2013 Tennessee Teacher of the Year.
Secondary Teacher (9-12) Tabatha Ogle – Sevier County High SchoolThese teachers were chosen from among many applicants by a panel of professional colleagues. The following is a list of the teachers nominated from each school who chose to compete in system competition.
Middle Grades Teacher (5-8) Liz Fowler – Pigeon Forge Middle School
Primary Grades Teacher (Pre-K-4) Colette Mancke – Pigeon Forge Primary School
| Lynde Hutchins | New Center Elementary |
| Alicia Hunter | Jones Cove Elementary |
| LeAnna Webb | Seymour Intermediate |
| Nancy Hess | New Center Elementary |
| Amanda Huskey-Wolfe | Pigeon Forge Middle |
| Jennifer Jeffers | Sevierville Intermediate |
| Brad Justus | Pi Beta Phi Elementary |
| Teresa Gideon | Seymour Intermediate |
| Mark Whisler | Seymour Middle |
| Melanie Luttrell Werner | Seymour Middle |
| Danny Lawson | Northview Middle |
| Jeri Mullins | Seymour High |
| Gary Stinnett | Seymour High |
| Sandra Jessel | Pigeon Forge High |
| Misty Larrance | Sevier County High |
Charles Temple Receives Recognition from the National School Boards Association (NSBA)
February 6, 2012
The Sevier County Board of Education is pleased to announce that the National School Boards Association (NSBA) recently presented a Certificate of Distinguished Service to Charles W. Temple who represents Seymour’s Fourth Educational District. This honor was given in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to America’s children through school board leadership and service.
The National School Board Recognition Program honors school board members for their outstanding commitment to public education. NSBA recognized Mr. Temple’s service and noted that he has made a significant contribution to public education in his district and state. Further, NSBA recognized that Mr. Temple has helped prepare students to become successful and contributing members of a changing, global society.