Sevier County Families,
After the gentle buds of spring have appeared but before the simmering heat of summer comes testing season. That time is upon us once again! The spring testing window for all students begins April 21 and runs through May 6. This includes TCAP testing in ELA, mathematics, science, and social studies for 3-8 students and EOC testing for those 9-12 students who are currently finishing credits in English I or II, Algebra I or II, Geometry, Biology I, or US History. Not all of those dates are testing days, but nearly all of them will be utilized for some variety of primary, makeup, or specialized testing. Everyone has worked very hard to prepare to show what students have learned on these exams, and I am confident that, with support from homes and schools, they will show us what they know! I would ask you to join us in making sure students are extra well-rested and fed for the exam period to maximize their attention spans, alertness, and critical thinking. Likewise, I’d ask you to join us in encouraging them to do their best without allowing their healthy desire to show what they have learned to turn into stress or worry. After all, we are proud of the young women and men they are becoming regardless of their performance on a specific day or a single test.
As we look toward the end of the spring semester, schools will also be completing mandatory firearm safety lessons with students in either their guidance classes or as stand-alone digital sessions at the secondary level. These lessons take the format of simple, one-time discussions regarding basic firearms safety rules that are age-appropriate and tailored to state requirements. Developed based on state guidance as outlined in Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-1016, this information is, in some cases, offered with the assistance of local police agencies. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to us at your child’s school.
Finally, we are also beginning to work toward several technology-related changes in regard to bus tracking and online student registration that we will continue to roll out in phases both this spring and going into the fall. These changes should yield exciting new opportunities for parents in regard to convenience and safety. Parents who wish to participate, however, must have a current, valid email address on file with their child’s school. I would encourage parents to reach out to schools and make sure that all contact information, including telephone numbers and email addresses, is up-to-date so that they are able to take advantage of these new developments.
Stephanie Huskey, Director of Sevier County Schools
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Sevierville Intermediate School- 4-6 CDC
It has been an honor to be a part of the Sevier County School System for the past 16 years. I began my career as a paraprofessional and served in that role for four years while completing my degree. For the past 12 years, I have worked as a comprehensive classroom teacher at Sevierville Intermediate School.
I am married to Blaine McGill. I have a daughter, Mackenzie Allen, who is a junior at Sevier County High School, and two stepchildren, Creed and Lyric.
I have a strong passion for teaching and advocating for my students. My favorite part of teaching is helping students become as independent as possible. Watching their faces light up when they finally master a task is one of the most rewarding parts of my job. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a positive part of each of my students’ journeys, and throughout my career I have learned just as much from them as they have learned from me.
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As the Sevier County Spelling Bee winner, what are you doing to prepare for the Regional Spelling Bee at Titan’s Stadium?
"Using this app called Word Club- which has all the official words for the Scripps Regional Spelling Bee with words, origins, and definitions."
What is one thing that always makes you smile at school?
"My friends and people I know, which are nice and fun to do things with."
If you could swap places with a teacher for a day, what would you teach?
"Math. Math is my favorite subject, which I am good at. I have discovered how to help my friends understand the point as well."
What would you tell a friend who is nervous about a test or TCAP test?
"Relax, don’t stress about it. When I was on stage for the Spelling Bee- I found a way to just focus and then I could spell the word. So, don’t stress, just focus and do your best."
Spring is a time for growth. What is something new you’ve learned this year that you’re proud of?
"If you are under pressure, don’t stress, just do your best. I have also learned that when making new friends, don’t focus on making friends, just let it come naturally. "
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Building on our focus on active conversations, we can help our students become "literary explorers" by turning every book into a new adventure. Using rich vocabulary and asking open-ended questions at home helps students deepen their comprehension and "explain their thinking."
Try these quick tips to keep the conversation going:
Notice "Sparkle Words": While reading, encourage your child to notice new or interesting words that stand out (like enormous instead of big). Challenge each other to use that word at least once later that day!
Map the Setting: Ask, "If we could jump into this book, what would we see, smell, or hear?" This helps children visualize and connect with the story’s world.
Ask "Why?": Instead of asking what happened, ask why a character made a certain choice. This simple shift builds critical thinking and encourages your child to trust their own perspective.
Thank you for your continued partnership in helping our students grow into confident readers and thoughtful learners!
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Over the next few weeks, our 2nd–6th grade students will begin their district math assessments. These assessments give us a chance to see how much our students have learned this year and help teachers plan the best instruction moving forward.
While testing can sometimes make students feel nervous, our goal is to help them feel confident, prepared, and proud of their hard work. Families play an important role in making math feel positive and fun!
😴 Help Your Child Prepare for Testing
A few simple routines can help students perform their best.
✔ Get a good night’s sleep the night before testing
✔ Eat a healthy breakfast to fuel their brain
✔ Arrive at school on time so they feel calm and ready
✔ Encourage a positive mindset
💬 What to Say to Your Child About Testing
Your words can make a big difference. Try reminding your child:
- “Just do your best. That’s all anyone expects.”
- “You have worked hard all year.”
- “It’s okay if something feels tricky—just keep trying.”
- “Your effort matters more than any score.”
When students feel supported and relaxed, they are able to show what they truly know.
⭐ Our Goal
Our goal is not perfection—it’s growth, confidence, and learning. We are proud of our students and excited for them to show the math skills they have been building all year.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success!
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We would like to thank Soaky Mountain, the Titanic, and the American Eagle Foundation for their generous support of the Sevier County Science Fair, the science fair coordinators, and the science fair participants. These three companies added immense value to this year’s Science Fair. Congratulations to all participants! |
State testing reminders and preparation strategies
As we approach the upcoming state assessment window, we want to ensure our students feel confident and prepared to demonstrate their academic growth. These exams are designed to measure critical thinking and problem-solving skills, moving beyond simple memorization to focus on how students analyze information and apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios.
To support your child's success, we recommend encouraging active study habits at home, such as summarizing key concepts and practicing time-management strategies. On testing days, please help your student arrive ready to do their best by ensuring they get a full night's sleep, eat a nutritious breakfast, and bring his/her fully charged district Chromebook. By working together to foster a positive and focused testing environment, we can help every student perform to their highest potential.
College and career planning for upper grades
Upper-grade students are reaching an exciting milestone, and our priority is ensuring every graduate is ready for a seamless transition into college, trade school, or the workforce. Because planning for the future is a continuous journey rather than a single event, we encourage students to take an active role by exploring our district’s career interest inventories and attending upcoming local college fairs. Early organization, whether it involves refining admissions essays, researching apprenticeships, or preparing for industry certifications, is the best way to reduce stress and meet critical deadlines. Our team remains fully committed to providing the resources and guidance necessary to turn these post-secondary aspirations into reality.
Academic support resources for finishing the year strong
The final stretch of the academic year is officially here, and our primary goal is ensuring every student has the tools necessary to finish on a high note. We encourage families to take full advantage of your school’s comprehensive support systems such as before and after school tutoring. Now is the ideal time for students to review their current progress, identify any "knowledge gaps," and collaborate with their teachers on targeted growth areas before final projects and assessments arrive. By tapping into these resources today, students can reduce end-of-year stress and head into summer with a genuine sense of accomplishment.
Reminders for course registration for the next school year
Planning for the future starts now, and our course registration window for the upcoming school year is officially open. This is a vital time for students to align their academic choices with their long-term goals, whether they are pursuing advanced placement courses, technical certifications, or elective interests. We encourage families to sit down together, review the updated course catalog available on your school’s website, and discuss how next year's schedule can build a balanced yet challenging path forward.
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In Sevier County, we take great pride in preparing our students to be active, informed participants in our democracy. Tennessee has set a high bar for civic education, and our Social Studies teachers are rising to the challenge. By the time our students graduate, they have completed a comprehensive journey through the mechanics of our government and the rights of its citizens.
Key Tennessee Civic Milestones
Our students don't just read about government; they must demonstrate mastery through several checkpoints:
The Tennessee Civics Test: To earn a regular high school diploma, every student must pass a United States citizenship and immigration services-based test with a score of 70% or higher.
Fun Fact: Schools where every senior scores 85% or higher are designated as "Civics All-Star Schools" by the state!
Project-Based Assessments: Per state law, students complete high-quality, project-based civics assessments in both middle and high school. These projects require students to research public policy and the structure of our local, state, and federal governments.
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Success in sports is measured in more than just trophies—it’s measured in discipline, resilience, and teamwork. This month, we are honoring the student-athletes who translated those values into hardware at the District, Regional, and State Championships. Their commitment to excellence has set a new standard for our schools. Congratulations to all of our teams! |
Coordinated School Health News
We are excited to share an important health initiative taking place at our schools. In partnership with the Sevier County Health Department, we will be offering our 6th grade students the opportunity to receive their required 7th grade Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, and Pertussis) immunization along with two additional optional vaccines (Meningitis and HPV). The Tdap vaccine is required for students entering 7th grade and helps protect against serious illnesses, including whooping cough. The additional vaccines being offered are optional but strongly recommended to support your child’s overall health and well-being. This partnership helps make it easier for families to keep students up to date on important immunizations while minimizing time away from school or work. If you have any questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact the school nurse or the main office. Thank you for helping us keep our students healthy and safe!
What you need to know:
- Vaccinations will be administered at school by trained health professionals from the Sevier County Health Department.
- Participation is completely voluntary.
- A signed parental consent form is required for your child to receive any vaccines.
- A school immunization schedule and consent forms will be sent home with your 6th grade student soon.
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State TCAP tests will be coming up for grades 3-12 very soon. In order to take added
stress and anxiety away, building healthy habits can help to make it more managable
for students. Here are some practical strategies for student in elementary through high
school:
Before TCAP
- Study in chunks. Shorter time studying then build additional time to increase stamina
- since many of the tests are lengthy.
- Use simple tools like flashcards, summaries, or practice tests.
- Practice like it is a real test.
- Sleep matters. A well rested brain recalls better than an exhausted one.
- Eating light balanced meals helps with concentration. Avoid too much sugar.
- Keep it in perspective. TCAP measures progress, not your worth or intelligence.
Right Before the Test
- Try simple breathing techniques such as inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 4, exhale for 4. This calms the nervous system quickly.
- Do positive self talk. Instead of “I’m going to fail,” say “I’m prepared and I’ll do my best.” It changes the mindset.
- Be prepared with pencils, calculator, etc.
During the Test
- Read directions carefully. Test questions can have tricky wording. Many mistakes come from rushing.
- Use the “pause and reset” method. If stuck: stop, take 2-3 deep breaths, try again.
- Use process of elimination. If unsure, narrow choices down to improve your odds.
- Don’t obsess over one question. Move on and come back later if have time.
After the Test
- Focus on effort, not scores or if passed.
- Learn from mistakes. Make plans to improve for future tests.
- Avoid comparing answers with friends.
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What To Expect With Transitions?
Transitions are an important part of every student’s journey. Whether your child is starting kindergarten or preparing for life after high school, each transition brings new opportunities and sometimes new challenges. With the right support, these changes can be positive and successful experiences for students and families.
What Do We Mean by Transition?
Students experience transitions at several key points, including:
- Early childhood to kindergarten
- Elementary school to middle school
- Middle school to high school
How Do Schools Support Transitions?
Our schools work together to make transitions as smooth as possible by:
Holding transition meetings and planning ahead
Sharing important student information between schools
Offering school visits and orientations
These supports help students become familiar with new settings and feel more confident about what’s ahead.
How Can Families Support Their Child?
Families play a key role in helping students navigate change. You can support your child by:
- Attending transition-focused IEP meetings
- Visiting the new school and reviewing schedules together
- Practicing new routines and talking through upcoming changes
- Communicating questions or concerns with your child’s school team early
When schools and families work together, students are better prepared to adjust, grow, and succeed in their new environments.
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