Athletics

The KCS Saturday Six – November 14, 2015
  1.  The D-B Band is at it again!  As we speak, the Dobyns-Bennett Band is impressively representing our community at the Bands of America Grand National Championships in Indianapolis, IN.  This is the culminating event of the competitive band season in the United States, and D-B has again reached the semi-finals of this prestigious event.  After performing this morning at 10:15 a.m., they hope to reach the competition finals tonight, which would place them in the top 12 marching bands in America.  For up to the minute updates, follow along on Twitter @DBHS_Band or look for retweets on @KCS_District or @AndyTrueKCS.
  2. This is also a big weekend for a KCS Board of Education member.  Board Vice President Mrs. Susan Lodal will conclude her term as President of the Tennessee School Boards Association at their annual convention.  Over the past year, Mrs. Lodal has represented both KCS and Tennessee school boards in many capacities, working to improve public education in our state.  We are fortunate to have such a passionate advocate for the children of Kingsport!
  3. It was also a huge week for several D-B athletes.  Four D-B athletes signed letters of intent to continue their athletic careers in college next year.  Congratulations to Haverly Harrold, who will play golf at Lee University, William Nottingham, who will play golf at Clemson, Marrisa Honeycutt, who will play softball at North Alabama, and Abby Stratton, who will be playing softball at Roane State.
  4. Were you a guest in a KCS school this week?  If you were, you were certainly not alone, as hundreds of citizens and veterans took part in Veterans Day celebrations across the district.  Words cannot express the gratitude and love we have for those that have served our country, and this week’s celebrations are but a small way that we can show our appreciation for all they have sacrificed.
  5. Speaking of appreciating those that sacrifice for us, a big thank you goes out to the Kingsport Police Department!  If you have spent any time in a KCS school, you have likely seen a KPD officer talking with children and staff, patrolling the building, or just providing a safety presence.  KCS is blessed to have such a positive relationship with our local law enforcement.  Thank you, Kingsport Police Department, for going the extra mile to keep our schools safe!
  6. If you aren’t already listening, this weekend is a great time to re-discover a true gem, WCSK radio.  Found at 90.3 on your FM dial, Kingsport City Schools’ eclectic and educational radio station broadcasts a wide variety of music, programming, D-B sports, and even KCS student performances.  There is truly something for everyone.  Check it out!

Dobyns-Bennett High School Hosts “Tribe Games”

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We are student focused…

“Student Focused … World Class.”  That’s the vision statement of Kingsport City Schools and serves as the context for all that occurs within the district.  However, every now and then, a particular program or activity seems to jump out and perfectly illustrate that vision.  When it comes to “student focus,” The Dobyns-Bennett “Tribe Games” certainly stands out.

During the past school year, students and staff at D-B were troubled with the reality that students with significant disabilities typically don’t get involved with organized athletics.  Seeking to remedy that situation and provide a positive experience for students and the community, D-B Special Education teacher Jimmy Burleson started the Tribe Games, an inclusive competition in bowling, swimming, and track & field.  Students with disabilities from D-B, Sevier and Robinson Middle Schools, Johnson Elementary and Roosevelt Elementary participated, with support from a wide variety of KCS students volunteers, staff, and community members.

It’s also exciting to see is how the greater Kingsport business community has begun to support this incredible program.  Sponsors like the KCS Special Education Department, Food City, O’Charley’s, Jersey Mike’s, Zaxby’s, Chick-fil-a, and the D-B Athletic Department all supported events through contributions and donations.  As Tribe games moves into its second year during 2014-15, it’s expected that even more organizations will take part.  The involvement of the entire Kingsport community was a large part of why the event was so successful.

Year one of the Tribe Games was a smashing success and provided a fun, safe, and supportive competitive environment that was truly student focused.  Any KCS student with a disability is encouraged to participate this next year, as organizers look to build on the success of year one.  It is a terrific example of how the staff and students of KCS work together to provide high quality activities and encouragement to all.

We are student focused… We are KCS!