Elizabethton School Board Implements New Safety Directive and Honors Student Achievements

Elizabethton School Board Takes Steps to Ensure Safety and Celebrates Student Achievements

Elizabethton, TN – During a recent school board meeting that took place on Thursday night, Director of Schools Richard VanHuss unveiled a crucial new directive aimed at promoting safety within the school community. The phrase “Report, but don’t repost” is set to become the mantra for students and staff alike when it comes to concerns about possible threats of violence.

VanHuss explained that the directive draws inspiration from an approach used by the neighboring Bristol City Schools. He emphasized that while it is vital for anyone to report suspicious behavior or potential threats, it’s equally important to do so responsibly. “We want people to report,” he stated firmly. “That’s critical for us to be able to do our jobs, as well as for law enforcement to do theirs.”

The STOPit app was also highlighted during the discussion. This app allows students to submit anonymous reports directly, which VanHuss insists is a key tool for enhancing school safety. Students are encouraged to reach out to teachers, administrators, or even call 911 if they feel something is off. “What I would discourage people from doing is taking information that they get on social media and then reposting it,” he added, pointing out that such actions can hinder the investigation process.

Honoring Student Excellence

Shifting gears, the school board took a moment to recognize some exceptional student achievements. Four talented students were celebrated for winning a nationwide spring 2024 exhibition for the Story Experiential short-film competition. The winners, Payton King, Holly Holsclaw, Katie Hubbard, and Landon LaVoie, competed against thousands of students and stood out as one of just three winning groups from across the country. What an incredible accomplishment!

Additionally, students in Mrs. Lisa Malone’s Spring 2024 Drawing 2 Class received honors for their creative contribution to a mural design for Northeast State Community College. It’s truly wonderful to see young minds expressing their creativity and making a mark in the community.

Teachers of the Year Announced

In a heartfelt tribute to hard work and dedication, the board announced the Teachers of the Year from various grade levels. Winners include:

• Pre-k to fourth grade: Brittany Johnson (East Side Elementary), Jennifer Rickert (Harold McCormick Elementary), and Rachel Ayers (West Side Elementary).
• Fifth to eighth grade: Walt Harper (Harold McCormick Elementary), Libby Post (West Side Elementary), and Abigail Thacker (T.A. Dugger Junior High).
• Ninth to twelfth grade: Ryan White (Elizabethton High School).

Extra accolades were given to Rickert and White as they were named district-level winners. Congratulations to all!

Personnel Updates

The school board also approved several personnel changes, welcoming new staff members and announcing some resignations. New hires include:

• Samuel Arendale, substitute teacher
• Angi Boone, educational assistant at T.A. Dugger Junior High
• Chris Carr, bus driver, and many others.

The board also announced a few resignations, including those of Cameron Coleman and Zachary Hartley, both assistant football coaches.

Looking Ahead

The next school board meeting is scheduled for October 17, starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Mack Pierce Board Room of the Elizabethton Board of Education. This will be a great opportunity for community members to stay informed and engaged with the important happenings in our schools.

As the Elizabethton school community continues to grow and evolve, safety, recognition, and positive changes remain at the forefront. Let’s continue to support our students, teachers, and staff as they work together to create a bright future.