News

The Tennessee Department of Education announced the launch of a Reading 360 winter family literacy campaign— S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments At Home, Reading with Riley the Raccoon. Throughout the winter months, the department will be sharing on social media ways families can continue learning at home over the winter break and how they can create special sounds-first reading moments with their children. Follow #ReadLikeRiley on social media for regular updates.

The S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments at-home literacy campaign will use a social media strategy to provide quick and easy at-home activities to play with sounds. Through daily messages, “Talk with an Expert” hour, and a wealth of additional resources, the department looks forward to partnering with families to ensure they have what they need to support their child’s reading journey through S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments with Riley the Reading Raccoon. 

“A child’s family is their first teacher, and we want to empower our Tennessee families with resources to support their child’s learning and reading comprehension at an early age,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “We hope the S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments campaign will help families create strong at-home moments that will ensure their child is ready to learn to read, especially with the help of our special friend Riley. Thank you to all the families who have and continue to work with their children each day to set them up for reading success.”

S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments aims to help families create research-based daily sounds-first experiences that will set their child on a path toward successful reading while in the classroom and the future. Using a sounds first approach, S.I.M.P.L.E. Moments encourages families to spend just a few minutes each day focusing on reading with their child with the help of Riley the Reading Raccoon.

S.I.M.P.L.E. stands for:  

S – Focus on hearing and playing with sounds to create pre-reading experiences. 

I – Stay informed on ways to support your child. 

M – Use the shared resources as a model for playing and talking with your child. 

P – Play games at home that involve sounds and words.  

L– Spend time listening and learning with your child.  

E- Engage in opportunities to learn will best prepare your child for school.

Beginning Friday, December 10, families can engage with the department through weekly “Talk with an Expert” hour-long sessions on Fridays from 11-12 p.m. CT. Families can use a computer or mobile app to join the meeting during the 11-12 p.m. CT hour each Friday. 

Families can also tune in and take advantage of the department’s ongoing partnership with the state’s six PBS stations, which are currently airing Starting with Sounds episodes, featuring local and national celebrities reading books and singing songs to promote the importance of reading in an engaging and fun way.

“Jackson County Schools is excited about the new SIMPLE Moments strategy that continues to promote family engagement in Early Literacy,” said Kristy Brown, Director of Schools, Jackson County Schools. “The resources offered by the Tennessee Department of Education will make it easier than ever for our families to find high quality materials and activities to make learning to read fun and interactive.” 

“Tennessee PBS is excited to support this winter reading campaign with the Tennessee Department of Education. We recognize the importance of parents practicing these SIMPLE moments with their children, that will lead to their success in school and in life,” said Becky Magura, President and CEO, Nashville Public Television. “As part of your winter activities, look for the Starting with Sounds videos on your Tennessee PBS station. We are truly grateful to the many artists who are sharing their time and talent for Tennessee’s children!”

“Lebanon Special School District appreciates the literacy support provided by the Department of Education for students and families with the SIMPLE Moments Campaign,” said Scott Benson, Director of Schools, Lebanon Special School District. “The early literacy home resources are family-friendly and simple to use while supporting the sounds-first approach. This partnership with families is important for helping young students achieve reading success.”

“Cumberland County is thrilled about the SIMPLE Moments Campaign focused on Early Literacy,” said Dr. Ina Maxwell, Director of Schools, Cumberland County Schools. “Families play a critical role in fostering a love for reading at an early age. The resources provided by the Tennessee Department of Education will ensure that families have access to strategies to engage their young learners in literacy.”

The At-Home Decodable Book Series is available for free for all Tennessee families of K-2 children. Learn more here and order here. If you need information about your previously ordered decodables, email TN.Decodables@tn.gov.

Additionally, the department has released recordings of the sessions from the Reading 360 Virtual Summit held in September, which can be found here.

In the new year, Riley the Reading Raccoon will be traveling to districts and schools across the state. Riley, the department’s Reading 360 mascot, was introduced back in September during Tennessee Literacy Month.

To learn more about the state’s comprehensive vision for Tennessee literacy, Reading 360, click here.

The 100th annual meeting of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation symbolized not only a milestone for the organization, but also a turn of leadership at the helm of the nation’s largest state Farm Bureau. During the annual business session, grassroots delegates from across the state unanimously elected Humphreys County farmer Eric Mayberry as the ninth president of the Tennessee Farm Bureau Federation.

As the third-generation on his family’s farm, Mayberry, 56, and his wife, Lynn, along with their three children, farm more than 1,000 acres of corn and soybeans as well as raise a herd of 200 beef cattle near Hurricane Mills. Their involvement in Tennessee Farm Bureau has been extensive. They first became involved through the Young Farmers and Ranchers program. Mayberry then began serving on the Humphreys County Farm Bureau Board of Directors in 1988 where he served as vice president and president. He was first elected to the Tennessee Farm Bureau Board of Directors representing District II in 2005 and then was elected vice president in 2015 where he has provided leadership for the past six years.“It’s a tremendous honor to be chosen as the president of such a long-storied organization as the Tennessee Farm Bureau,” said Mayberry. “We’re at a pivotal point in our organization’s history – celebrating 100 years and looking back at where we’ve been, but also looking ahead to how we serve as the voice of agriculture for the next 100 years. I’m eager to get to work alongside so many others to ensure that voice remains strong.”

As president of Tennessee Farm Bureau, Mayberry will serve and represent the more than 680,000 family members of the organization. He also will work with county, district, state and national leadership, partners in the agricultural industry, lawmakers and other decision makers to ensure agriculture and rural Tennessee remain prosperous and successful. 

You can learn more about Mayberry on Wednesday’s edition of Tennessee Home and Farm Radio, airing twice daily at 5:50 on WBRY.

Bond Mortgage has announced their newest Loan Originator, Nathan Sanders, has dedicated his personal and professional life to servanthood. He proudly resides in Cannon County where he has been fortunate to serve as a member of the Woodbury Lions Club, Cannon County School Board, The Arts Center of Cannon County, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon County, and Plainview Baptist Church. He has worked in the Nashville M-S-A and specifically Rutherford County since 1999! During these years, his community involvement has led to a focus on servicing the financial needs of those along his path.

It is with great excitement that Nathan can assist the community with their mortgage needs as a Loan Originator here at Bond Mortgage! Please don’t hesitate to reach out to the locals and give him a call at 615-716-7133 or send a message to nathan.sanders@bondml.com.

He would love to catch up on life, talk about your goals, and work together to put a plan in place to purchase or refinance your home. Nathan finds true happiness when he sees others enjoy their success, achieve their goals, and accomplish a milestone in their life.

“The Child Advocacy Centers in Woodbury and Murfreesboro have made Christmas magical for thousands of needy child abuse victims over the last 21 years,” said director Sharon De Boer.  Every year, 60-75 families have been sponsored,” 

“2021 is the first year that the CAC has struggled to find Secret Santas to sponsor needy families,” continued De Boer.  “Only 39 Cannon County and Rutherford County families have been adopted by Secret Santas this year and 18 truly needy families still need their own special Secret Santa.” 

What is Different This Year? 

One of the things that is different this year is that generous local churches typically sponsor 25+ families in Cannon and Rutherford Counties.  Like many families, some churches have struggled during the pandemic.  Christmas sponsorship by local churches is down this year.  Currently, 7 churches are helping in both counties – 5 churches are sponsoring 8 families and 2 churches have given donations to purchase grocery store gift cards.

Here’s where you come in!   

If your church, business, civic organization, or family is looking for a mission project or a way to help others this holiday season, please consider becoming a Secret Santa to a needy family.  You can sponsor a family by requesting a wish list and purchasing gifts or by donating gift cards.  It will warm your heart and enrich your holidays in ways you cannot imagine. 

Call to get involved! 

To Sponsor a Cannon County Family: (615) 563-9915 

To Sponsor a Rutherford County Family: (615) 867-9000 

The Child Advocacy Center is a 501c3 non-profit agency and your contribution is tax deductible. 

Due to the threat of severe weather, Cannon County Schools will be opening 2 hours late on Monday, December 6th.

By Sarah Farrell, UT Extension Service

Since its beginning in 1948, Tennessee 4-H Congress has given more than 35,000      4-H’ers and volunteer leaders firsthand experience in state government. Tennessee 4-H Congress was truly a rewarding citizenship experience for All-Star 4-H Member, Jesse Tucker Vaughn. In addition to experiencing life in the state capital, Jesse Tucker Vaughn learned about civic engagement, including things such as state government, service to others and the election process.

While in the state capitol, she had the opportunity to sit in the seat of elected officials while serving as a Congress Senator in the state legislature while debating and voting on bills. Abigail Buchanan and Abbye Moore acted as Senators while McKenna Powell and Hunter Owen acted as Representatives. Jesse took the opportunity to voice her opinion on various bills during the “Know Your Government” session of Congress. Jesse Tucker Vaughn also took the unique opportunity to run for Tennessee 4-H Speaker of the Senate.

After speaking and campaigning within the Central Region, she was chosen to represent middle Tennessee. Jesse then campaigned statewide as 1 of 3 candidates chosen. Although she did not win the election, she enjoyed campaigning, meeting people, and giving speeches. One of the many highlights was visiting with 4-H members across the state while discussing 4-H programs across the state and the importance of the 4-H youth development program. Jesse developed a greater understanding of how government functions and appreciate Tennessee history. As a Cannon County 4-H honor club and All-Star member, Jesse has already started sharing experiences with other 4-H members to encourage others to become more active in the 4-H youth development program.

We truly appreciate Chandra Vaughn volunteering her time to help make the week a success as the adult volunteer leader. Programs in agriculture and natural resources, 4-H youth development, family and consumer sciences, and resources development. University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Agriculture and county governments cooperating. UT Extension provides equal opportunities in programs and employment.

If you have any questions about the Cannon County 4-H Program, contact the UT Extension Office at 615-563-2554.   

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) is providing extra support to thousands of families who receive monthly cash assistance through the state’s Families First program. Households qualifying as a “child-only” case in October will receive a one-time payment of $950 on their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards December 1, 2021.

The payment will provide extra support to caregivers who do not receive other Families First services like child care assistance, job training, and transportation support. These “child-only” cases are those where no adult receives Families First benefits themselves and the child living in the household is being raised by relatives instead of the child’s parents.

“Families who receive ‘child-only’ benefits are often grandparents, aunts, and uncles stepping in to provide a stable and nurturing home to vulnerable children,” said TDHS Commissioner Clarence H. Carter. “These families don’t receive all the same benefits, goods, and services as our other Families First participants despite playing an impactful role in the development of children. We hope this one-time payment provides support to address challenges they might be facing.”

This Families First Pandemic Payment for Children Living with Relatives is funded through the federal Pandemic Emergency Assistance Fund (PEAF).

Tennessee qualified for more than $12 million in PEAF dollars. This payment is the first investment TDHS is making with those dollars. Additional PEAF support will be announced in 2022.

Families First is Tennessee’s Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. TANF is a federally funded program that emphasizes work, family strengthening, and personal responsibility to empower families for long-term success. The program helps participants reach this goal by providing temporary cash assistance, transportation, child care assistance, educational support, job training, and other support services.

The Tennessee Department of Human Services is dedicated to making our state a place where all Tennesseans can move beyond the barriers they may face, to self-sufficiency, and on to new heights

On Tuesday, November 30, at 5:30 p.m. CT, the Tennessee Department of Education and Jackson County Schools will host the final of eight regional town halls at Jackson County Middle School in Gainesboro to hear public feedback regarding a student-based funding strategy for public education. 

These public town halls will spark localized conversations about student-based funding for public education in Tennessee and how to create a new strategy to best serve our students and ensure they are prepared for future success. Access recordings of all public town halls here. 

All Tennesseans — including parents and families, teachers, students, elected officials, stakeholders and partners, business leaders and members of the general public—are invited and encouraged to participate. During registration at the town hall, attendees will have the opportunity to sign up to share their perspectives and ideas during the meeting.

Media are invited to attend. The commissioner will be available to answer media questions during an official availability with the department that will occur at the conclusion of the town hall. 

Who:                     Commissioner Penny Schwinn 

Co-Hosts:            Jackson County Schools, White County Middle School, TennesseeCAN, United Ways of Tennessee, Excellence in Education in Action, Cannon County Schools, Tennessee PTA 

What:                   Tennessee Funding Review Public Town Hall- Upper Cumberland Region 

When:                  Tuesday, November 30 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. CT. 

Where:                 Jackson County Middle School, 170 Blue Devil Ln, Gainesboro, TN 38562 

The event will also be streamed live: 

·         Access Microsoft Teams Livestream 

·         Facebook Event 

Giving Tuesday is a global initiative that encourages a day of generosity and giving, on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. #RCCGivingTuesday will be on Tuesday, November 30^th, and focuses on over 30 Rutherford and Cannon County non-profit organizations with a 24-hour online fundraising event.

For the second year, United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties works with GiveGab to host Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ Giving Tuesday. This provides non-profit organizations with a platform and resources to share their fundraising efforts, as well as opportunities to win additional prizes for day-of donations based on most money raised, most donors, and highest average gift. This furthers United Way’s commitment to being a community connector, while also providing community members with a clear way to donate to one or more verified non-profit organizations.

“The Child Advocacy Center is grateful to United Way for coordinating the local Giving Tuesday campaign,” said Child Advocacy Center Director Sharon De Boer. “You can give to your favorite cause or help multiple agencies. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a difference in our community.”

Following the Rutherford and Cannon Counties’ Giving Tuesday, the United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties will be hosting a Reception on December 1^st at 4:30 PM at the Chamber of Commerce to celebrate the participating non-profit organizations and present prizes to those that placed in the following: Most Money Raised, Most Donors, and Highest Average Gift.

Visit RCCGivingTuesday.org to view the full listing of participating organizations and to donate on November 30^th. Giving will begin at 12:00 AM and ends at 11:59 PM.