Jefferson County Schools

10/04/2026

Books, butterflies, and big dreams made for a memorable Dolly Day at Rush Strong School!

Students were welcomed with colorful chalk butterflies before first graders received their own copy of Dolly Parton's biography from the Little Golden Book series. From reading at home to celebrating at school in Dolly-inspired outfits, the day was filled with smiles, creativity, and a love of reading.

Moments like these help build strong literacy foundations while encouraging students to dream big, just like the message featured throughout the day's celebration.



[Image Description] Students smile while holding books at home and school during Dolly Day at Rush Strong School. Additional photos show students wearing Dolly-inspired outfits in front of a pink "Dream bigger than you think you can" display, chalk butterfly artwork on a sidewalk, and students creating chalk art outdoors.

10/03/2026

Congratulations to Rush Strong School's Novice Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Ashley Steffen!

As a special education teacher serving students in kindergarten through third grade, Mrs. Steffen provides instruction and support that helps young learners grow in confidence and achievement.

Principal Dr. Byron Booker shared, "Ashley is what you hope to find in every educator, passionate and dedicated. Her can-do attitude is a contagion, a gift that keeps on giving."

Jefferson County Schools is proud to celebrate Mrs. Steffen and the positive impact she is already making for students and families at Rush Strong School.



[Image Description] Rush Strong School's "Plains News" recognition graphic features Mrs. Ashley Steffen holding a bouquet of flowers and a congratulatory balloon. Assistant Principal Susan Martin and Principal Byron Booker stand on either side of her.

Today, we presented the teachers of the year at Rush Strong School for 2026-2027. We have a wonderfully effective and engaging faculty who positively influence the lives of so many students. These three educators exemplify Plainsmen Pride. Congratulations, Ashley Steffen!

10/03/2026

Every great book starts with an idea, and Jefferson Elementary School students got a firsthand look at how that journey begins during a special visit from author Michael Shoulders!

Through stories, demonstrations, and conversations with students, Mr. Shoulders shared how creativity, curiosity, and a love of reading can grow into published books. Students learned about the writing and publishing process while gaining encouragement to explore their own ideas and tell their own stories.

Thank you to Michael Shoulders for inspiring our students to read, write, imagine, and create. Opportunities like this help foster a love of literacy while showing students that their ideas and voices matter.



[Image Description] Images and a video show author Michael Shoulders visiting Jefferson Elementary. A video captures students reacting excitedly as he performs a "Reading is Magic" demonstration. Other images show Mr. Shoulders displaying his books, explaining how books are created and assembled, answering student questions, and posing with a group of Jefferson Elementary students.

10/02/2026

Patriot pride comes in many forms!

As we celebrate Homecoming tonight, we're looking back at the patriotism, civic engagement, leadership, and service on display during the Bells Across America ceremony through the lens of JeffCo Yearbook staff.

We're proud of all students who participated in the ceremony and the student photographers who helped document this meaningful event.

Thanks to our Jefferson Co High School student photographers for helping tell the story.

10/02/2026

Congratulations to Rush Strong School's Grades 5-8 Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Leah Hill!

As she begins her 20th year in education and her 20th year at Rush Strong School, Mrs. Hill continues to make a lasting impact on students through her 5th-grade science and social studies classes.

Principal Dr. Byron Booker shared, "Leah is the perfect example of dedication and flexibility within the profession. She approaches her classroom with integrity and positivity."

Jefferson County Schools is proud to celebrate Mrs. Hill and thank her for two decades of service to students, families, and the Rush Strong community.



[Image Description] Rush Strong School's "Plains News" recognition graphic features Mrs. Leah Hill standing in a classroom holding a bouquet of flowers. Assistant Principal Susan Martin and Principal Byron Booker stand on either side of her. A congratulatory balloon, classroom materials, and student displays are visible in the background.

Today, we presented the teachers of the year at Rush Strong School for 2026-2027. We have a wonderfully effective and engaging faculty who positively influence the lives of so many students. These three educators exemplify Plainsmen Pride. Congratulations, Leah Hill!

10/02/2026

🌟 Congratulations to Mrs. Linda Ingram, Maury Middle School's Classified Employee of the Year! As Cafeteria Manager, Mrs. Ingram plays an important role in creating a welcoming environment for students and staff each day. We are proud to celebrate this well-deserved recognition and grateful for the care, dedication, and service she brings to the Maury Middle School community.



[Image Description] Mrs. Linda Ingram stands smiling while holding a bouquet of flowers. Maury Middle School Principal Mr. Byrd and Assistant Principal Ms. Jessi Underwood stand beside her as she is recognized as the school's Classified Employee of the Year.

Congratulations to Mrs. Linda Ingram, Cafeteria Manager. She is our Maury Classified Employee of the year.

10/02/2026

Transportation Update: Friday, 10/2/26
Bus 93 serving Jefferson Middle School, Mt. Horeb Elementary School, and both campuses of Jefferson County High School is running approximately 40 minutes behind.
https://www.jc-tn.net/news/community-news/~board/community-news/post/late-bus-93-oct-2-2026

10/01/2026

🎉 Today, Jefferson County Schools is being spotlighted by the Tennessee Department of Education for a video project we've developed in partnership with Carson-Newman University to strengthen early literacy instruction! Our work is being presented in TDOE's Session 1 of the Early Literacy Network - Educator Preparation Partnership.

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We are excited to see Jefferson County Schools’ partnership with Carson-Newman University highlighted as an example of how school districts and Educator Preparation Providers can work together to strengthen educator preparation across Tennessee.

Through this partnership, Jefferson County Schools is helping develop a video library that gives future educators an authentic look inside our classrooms and instructional practices. The videos highlight areas such as early literacy and foundational skills instruction, intervention lessons including SPIRE, collaborative planning, and other practices that support student learning.

What makes this project especially meaningful is that the work happening in our Jefferson County classrooms can now serve as a resource for future educators beyond our district. We are proud that Carson-Newman and Jefferson County Schools are sharing this work with other Educator Preparation Providers across Tennessee and contributing to a larger conversation about connecting teacher preparation with real-world classroom practice.

We are grateful to our teachers and staff who are willing to open their classrooms and share their expertise. This recognition is a reflection of the strong instructional practices happening every day across Jefferson County Schools and the collaborative spirit of our educators.

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The following teachers have been featured in the video library:
• Nicole Beaudreau, Second Grade Teacher at Talbott Elementary School
• Debbie Estep, Special Education Resource Teacher at White Pine School Home of the Cyclones
• Tammy Taylor, Second Grade Teacher at White Pine School
• Kiana Sedlacek, Teacher at Talbott Elementary School
• Chasity Keistler, Kindergarten Teacher at Mt. Horeb Elementary School
• Taylor Wice, First Grade Teacher at Mt. Horeb Elementary School
• Amy Johnson, Fifth Grade Teacher at Piedmont Elementary School
• Brittany Maples, First Grade Teacher at Piedmont Elementary School
• Melissa Barbee, Instructional Coach at Talbott Elementary School

10/01/2026

Congratulations to Rush Strong School's PreK-4 Teacher of the Year, Mr. David Breeden!

Mr. Breeden teaches 2nd grade and brings more than a decade of classroom experience to his students, including the past three years at Rush Strong School.

Principal Dr. Byron Booker praised Mr. Breeden's impact, saying, "David exemplifies hard work, effective preparation, and exemplary instruction. He positively influences the lives of so many kids at Rush Strong."

Jefferson County Schools is proud to recognize Mr. Breeden for his commitment to high-quality instruction and the difference he makes in the lives of students each day.



[Image Description] Rush Strong School's "Plains News" recognition graphic features Mr. David Breeden standing in a classroom holding a bouquet of flowers and an envelope. Assistant Principal Susan Martin and Principal Byron Booker stand on either side of him. A congratulatory balloon and classroom materials are visible in the background.

Today, we presented the teachers of the year at Rush Strong School for 2026-2027. We have a wonderfully effective and engaging faculty who positively influence the lives of so many students. These three educators exemplify Plainsmen Pride. Congratulations, David Breeden!