It started with ice and snow and ended with 60 degree sunshine.  Yep… That sounds about right for a crazy February week in East Tennessee!

1.  A tip of the cap to the students and staff at Jefferson Elementary for reaching out to neighbors in need.  Recently, the library at Rock Springs Elementary was damaged due to a water leak, resulting in a loss of many books.  The students at Jefferson stepped forward and collected over 700 books to donate to our friends in Sullivan County and also coordinated with Scholastic to obtain a financial donation.  Way to go Jefferson Jaguars!  You set a great example for us all.
2. The John Sevier Middle School Sequoyah Scribe is at it again!  This week, the Sevier student newspaper learned they were a finalist in six different award categories by the Tennessee High School Press Association.  Pretty impressive stuff, considering they are competing against high school student newspapers from across Tennessee.
3. This past Wednesday, students all across KCS took part in celebrating Digital Learning Day.  This event highlights the many ways that technology is transforming teaching and learning in our schools.  It’s not just using technology because it’s cool and new… It’s using new and engaging tools to connect students to higher levels of learning.  The day featured a variety of events and activities that used cutting edge tools to bring excitement and engagement into classrooms all across the district.  What a great time to be a part of KCS!
4. Do you or someone you know need to apply for zoning or tuition for the 2016-17 school year?  Applications are now being accepted for next year, and may be completed by clicking here.  Remember… Even if you were enrolled through tuition or a special zoning situation this year, you must complete the application again to request accommodation again next year.
5. Did you happen to notice that we missed another day for inclement weather this week?  As a bit of information, with Monday’s dismissal, KCS has now missed five days this year due to weather.  When the calendar was originally approved, our Board authorized four days for such a purpose, using the 30 minutes of extra classroom time our students attend each day beyond State minimums.  At this week’s Work Session, the Board indicated that since the banked time actually provides for additional days beyond the four days originally approved, they do not anticipate adding additional student attendance makeup days to the 2015-16 Calendar at this time.
6. Tonight, the Dobyns-Bennett Girls Basketball Team will have a chance to make history and win their first district championship.  Let’s turn out big to support the Lady Indians in their quest for the title.  See you at Volunteer High School tonight… Game time is at 6 p.m.