News

The Tennessee Department of Education has announced 176 schools were selected for the second cohort of trauma-informed schools in Tennessee. This new cohort more than doubles the original 73 schools from the first trauma-informed schools cohort which launched in 2018-19. The list includes Cannon County.

In Tennessee, the model trauma-informed school designation recognizes schools for their emphasis on implementing trauma-informed strategies to provide critical supports for students. Schools implementing trauma-informed approaches have seen improvements in school climate, attendance, and teacher satisfaction, while seeing a reduction in suspensions and expulsions, stress for staff and students, and more.

To view the full list of the new cohort of trauma-informed schools, click here.

In Cannon County Schools, Woodbury Grammar School located at 530 West Adams Street in Woodbury was one of the 176 new schools selected to participate in the second cohort of trauma-informed schools in Tennessee.

“Like each student, each school community is special and unique, and schools that implement trauma-informed strategies are helping to ensure students receive the academic and nonacademic supports they need,” said Commissioner Penny Schwinn. “The department is thrilled to be able to more than double the number of trauma-informed schools in the state to help provide school officials, teachers and staff with training and resources to help all students reach their full potential.”

“Our school has become a true safe-haven for students in our district. With a trauma- informed mindset, teachers can take advantage of the opportunity to demonstrate true kindness and love to students and families,” said Julie Malone, Director of Alternative Learning, Kingsport City Schools. “The culture of a school that embeds trauma-informed education in all aspects of its daily activities can be exhilarating, and lives will be changed and genuine partnerships will be formed between students and school faculty/staff. Our goal is to help students feel safe, loved, and know they can trust us.”  

Through the application process, the schools were selected and committed to a two-year development cycle with the department, including high-quality training, resources, and ongoing support as they implement trauma-informed strategies.

“The trauma-informed school approach has made a huge impact on students and their overall success,” said Adam Clark, Principal of North Coffee Elementary, Coffee County Schools. “It has helped build trust and strengthened relationships between our educators and students by improving our overall school culture.”

“We are very pleased that Woodbury Grammar School has been selected as one of the 176 Schools in Tennessee that was selected in the second cohort of trauma-informed schools,” stated William Freddy Curtis, Cannon County Director of Schools.  “This will aid our students and staff of Woodbury Grammar to better assist all stakeholders and receive the supports needed.”

Governor Bill Lee has announced the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 budget has passed through the General Assembly. The budget totals $42.6 billion and includes investments in literacy, mental health, broadband, and safety.

“I’m proud that this budget delivers on some of our top promises to Tennesseans and invests in external organizations meeting the needs of our local communities,” said Gov. Lee. “Thank you to the General Assembly for their steadfast commitment to our shared goals and establishing Tennessee as a fiscal leader across the nation.”

As a result of fiscal prudence and over $180 million in spending reductions from the state agencies, Tennessee is able to return to pre-pandemic priorities and invest in public-private partnerships.

The budget also includes investments in some of the state’s most pressing issues including:

• $100M to provide high speed broadband to every Tennessean
• $250 investment in Mental Health Trust Fund
• $79 million to eliminate the 11,400 person TCAT waiting list
• $145 million for air and rail transportation infrastructure

“I’d like to thank the General Assembly for their outstanding partnership in passing this historic budget,” Department of Finance and Administration Commissioner Butch Eley said. “I am proud of the way state agencies worked hard to curtail spending, allowing us to make long-term strategic investments in the future of our state. This budget will enable us to maintain Tennessee’s status as one of the best fiscally managed states in the nation.”

The budget includes strategic investments in public-private partnerships, non-profit organizations, and external partners to support Tennesseans’ top priorities without growing government. Those highlights include:

Pro-Life & Pro-Family

• $500K to Agape Child & Family Services
• $250K to Families Free, Inc.
• $3M to Human Coalition
• $50K to Isaiah 117 House
• $183K to Psalm 139 Project

Fighting Human Trafficking & Supporting Victims

• $3.5M to End Slavery Tennessee
• $1.2M to Her Song, a Ministry of the Tim Tebow Foundation
• $600K to Tennessee Anti- Slavery Alliance

Career & Technical Education

• $1M to Associated Builders and Contractors Greater Tennessee Chapter
• $150K to Center for Employment Opportunities
• $40K to Flight Foundation
• $700K to Niswonger Foundation
• $478K to Tennessee Builders Education Foundation

K-12 Education

• $225K to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Clinch Valley – Oak Ridge
• $200K to Niswonger Foundation

Criminal Justice Reform

• $600K to Carroll Academy
• $121K to Lipscomb University, Lipscomb Life Program
• $250K to Tennessee Higher Education Initiative

Mental Health & Substance Abuse

• $150K to Helen Ross McNabb Center
• $305K to The Jason Foundation
• $100K to Thistle Farms

The budget returns money to hardworking Tennesseans by including $50 million to provide a week-long sales tax holiday on groceries and prepared food. It does not add new debt and contains the highest reserves in history to prepare for uncertainty, bringing the Rainy-Day Fund to $1.55 billion. 

Key FY21-22 budget highlights include:

• $71M to fully fund the state share of the BEP for K-12 education
• Four percent raise for teacher salaries
• $100M to invest in the Rainy-Day Fund
• $931M for capital maintenance and improvements
• $5M for the Health Care Safety Net
• $7M to extend postpartum care for the TennCare population to 12 months
• $24M for Rural Opportunity Site Grants
• $100M for local infrastructure grants
• $30M to eliminate deferred maintenance and improve accessibility at state parks
• $8M to expand marketing and tourism initiatives
• $36 million to fully fund the THEC outcomes-based formula
• $37.9 million to fully fund TennCare growth

The FY21-22 budget takes effect on July 1, 2021.

“When the pandemic began last year we did not realize the impact it was going to have on child abuse cases,” stated Child Advocacy Center director Sharon De Boer.  “Child abuse reporting has increased 24% in Rutherford and Cannon Counties since July of 2020.” 

The Child Advocacy Center of Rutherford County and the Cannon County Child Advocacy Center work as a multidisciplinary team with Department of Children’s Services, law enforcement, and the District Attorney’s Office on the state mandated Child Protective Investigative Teams in Rutherford and Cannon Counties.  They respond as team to child abuse, child sexual abuse, and drug endangered children cases. 

In the last 21 years, the Child Advocacy Center and the CPIT Teams have assisted 10.8% of the population of Rutherford and Cannon Counties.  The Rutherford and Cannon County Child Protective Investigative Teams have investigated and aggressively prosecuted 16,588 child abuse cases, provided valuable crisis intervention services to 25,243 individuals, and trained 12,191 adults how to protect children from child sexual abuse.   

In response to the increase in child abuse reporting, there is currently a budget amendment in the state legislature that will give increased funding to Child Advocacy Centers.  Here’s where you come in.  The Child Advocacy Center is asking for your help.  Please contact your state legislators and ask them to support the Child Advocacy Centers budget amendment.   

MESSAGE: 

Please vote to support the Child Advocacy Centers budget amendment sponsored by White and Jackson in the Senate and the House.  This amendment will provide critically needed funding to Tennessee Child Advocacy Centers. 

CANNON COUNTY LEGISLATORS: 

SEN. MARK PODY 

Sen.Mark.Pody@capitol.tn.gov  

615-741-2421 

REP. CLARK BOYD 

Rep.Clark.Boyd@capitol.tn.gov 

615-741-7086 

National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW) is April 24 – May 1, 2021. Each year, NIIW highlights the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children — and this year, it is vital that families stay on track for routine checkups and vaccinations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommend children continue to attend well-child appointments and receive recommended vaccinations during the pandemic.

“We know there are thousands of children in Tennessee who are behind on vaccinations because of the pandemic,” said Tennessee Department of Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. “It is critical that all children are up-to-date with their childhood vaccinations so they are protected and so that Tennessee avoids additional disease outbreaks.”

As in-person learning and play become more common, on-time vaccination is even more urgent to help keep children protected against potentially life-threatening diseases.

During NIIW, the Tennessee Department of Health reminds parents and pregnant women about the importance of on-time infant and childhood immunization – even during the COVID-19 pandemic. Be sure to reach out to your child’s medical provider or your county health department to schedule missed appointments and make sure your child is up to date on all recommended vaccinations.

Governor Bill Lee has announced “Untold Tennessee” as the theme for a yearlong celebration commemorating 225 years of statehood. Tennesseans are invited to attend events and activities in all 95 counties and submit stories that showcase their area of the state.

Gov. Lee will kick off a 95-county tour and year of celebration by visiting Bicentennial Mall in Nashville and the Blount Mansion in Knoxville on June 1, 2021, Tennessee’s 225th birthday. Additional events will be announced as they are scheduled.

For more information and event updates, visit www.Tennessee225.com.

“Since 1796, Tennessee has been the portrait of perseverance, character and hope because of everyday heroes,” said Gov. Lee. “As we reflect on 225 years of statehood, I encourage Tennesseans to join us on the road and share their untold stories of people, places and events that have shaped our state since its beginning.”

Businesses and communities are invited to incorporate the Tennessee 225 brand into their celebrations throughout the year.

By: Sarah Ferrell,

4-H Youth Development Extension Agent III

What are your greatest fears?  For most people, public speaking is at the top of the list.  However, this is a skill that is important no matter what career field you enter.

Many Cannon County 4-H members are learning to overcome their nerves when speaking to a group. Congratulations to all the 4-H members which competed in the Cannon County 4-H Public Speaking Contest either in-person or virtually. After winning their school classroom and county competition, three 4-H members competed in the Sub-Region Speech Contest on April 13, 2021 in Lebanon, TN against 10 other counties.

We are extremely proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the 4-H members. Congratulations to Abigail Cook, Woodland Elementary School 6^th grader for winning 4^th place and being recognized in the top 5 for her grade level.

We are also proud of Brooklyn Conner, homeschool 4^th grader and Camden Pruitt, West Side Elementary School 6^th grader for participating in the contest.

Glossophobia, or the fear of public speaking, is remarkably common. In fact, some experts estimate that as much as 77% of the population has some level of anxiety regarding public speaking. That is why Abigail, Brooklyn, and Camden deserve our praise for doing what many people would not, public speaking! Cannon County 4-H members had some amazing speeches and we are very proud of all 3 of our sub-regional competitors. 4-H is proud of the accomplishments of the many 4-H members that learn the valuable life skill of communications through Public Speaking.

For more information about the 4-H program, contact Sarah Ferrell at sferrell@utk.edu or the UT Extension Office at (615) 563-2554.

From Bruce Steelman, UT Extension Office

We keep sliding back into a ‘below normal’ temperature pattern for April, and close to freezing temperatures with rain in this week’s forecast has created some concern about viability of corn and soybeans planted this week. Based on current weather reports, nighttime temperatures are forecasted to be close to freezing Tuesday and Wednesday night with some rain expected Tuesday in west Tennessee.  Any time soil temperatures drop below 40 degrees, there can be a severe impact on corn and soybean seed planted prior to the cold temperature.  Corn and soybean seed are actually sensitive to soil and soil water temperatures below 50 F during the first 36-48 hours of planting (corn) or 24 hours of planting (soybean).  Seed planted into moist soil will start to imbibe water quickly. ‘Imbibition’ (rapid water uptake) under cold conditions during the critical first hours of germination can lead to nonviable seed and aborted growth of the radicle (root) and shoot/seedling.  Chilling injury while imbibing water is more likely to occur when the field receives rain on top of cold temperatures, or in saturated soils.  By about 48 hours after planting, both corn and soybean seed absorb water through a slower process known as osmosis and are less susceptible to chilling injury when soil temperature drops below 50 F for brief periods of time.  Germination may be delayed but should still occur. Consider hitting the pause button on corn and soybean planting, wait for this system to pass through and soil temperatures to improve.  Nighttime temperatures are projected to be better on Friday and the weekend, but not actually back above 50 F for consecutive days until next Monday (the 26th).

In March, Tennessee employers had the most people on their payrolls since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic one year ago. Despite the increase in job creation during the month, the state did experience a slight increase in overall unemployment.

According to newly released data from the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development (TDLWD), unemployment increased 0.1 of a percentage point to 5% in March.

The new jobless rate continues to sit near pre-pandemic levels. Over the past year, Tennessee’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 4% in March 2020, to 5% this year.

Tennessee employers added 15,400 employees to their payrolls between February and March. The state experienced its most substantial job growth in the trade/transportation/utilities sector. The leisure/hospitality and government sectors followed with the next highest increases in jobs.

In a year-to-year comparison, there were 84,300 fewer jobs across the state in March 2021. The leisure/hospitality sector experienced the biggest loss of jobs over the year. The education/health services and government sectors also had significant job losses during the last 12 months.

Nationally, unemployment dropped slightly in March. The new seasonally adjusted rate is 6%, down 0.2 of a percentage point from the previous month.

TDLWD has compiled a complete analysis of the state’s March 2021 unemployment data. That information, including labor force estimates, is available here.

Job seekers in Tennessee can find more than 220,000 open positions employers need to fill on the state’s workforce development website, Jobs4TN.gov.

The Tennessee Virtual American Job Center (VAJC) www.TNVirtualAJC.com allows Tennesseans to research different programs that can help them remove barriers to employment so they can more easily reenter Tennessee’s workforce. The VAJC allows job seekers to do this on their schedule, anytime, anywhere.

Tennessee Department of Health announced today the release of the WICShopper application for smartphones. As a part of the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, the new WICShopper app is another tool to help participants establish and re-enforce healthy eating habits.

The WICShopper app helps WIC participants identify what they can purchase with their prescribed WIC benefits. The app allows WIC participants to scan the UPC barcode of store products determining whether that product is allowable as a WIC food item and on the participants WIC benefits. There are many key features such as location of Health Department clinics and WIC authorized store locations, healthy recipes, cooking and shopping tips.

‘’The WICShopper App makes it one step easier to access healthy food and nutrition education resources available through WIC,’’ said Tennessee Health Commissioner Lisa Piercey, MD, MBA, FAAP. ‘The WICShopper App puts resources at the fingertip and is another example of how the Tennessee Department of Health is implementing innovative solutions to improve services for Tennesseans.’’

Since the statewide rollout of the TNWIC Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in April 2019, the Tennessee WIC program continuously strives to enhance the process for WIC participants to receive benefits and purchase food products for their families. The WICShopper app represents the most recent example of this committment to Tennessee residents.

WIC participants can download the WICShopper app onto their smartphones by going to the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store and search for WICShopper. Additionally, participants can visit the Tennessee Department of Health’s website at www.tn.gov/wicshopper for instructions to download the app to their smartphone. The WICShopper app is available to all and free to download.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Health is to protect, promote and improve the health and prosperity of people in Tennessee. TDH has facilities in all 95 counties and provides direct services for more than one in five Tennesseans annually as well as indirect services for everyone in the state, including emergency response to health threats, licensure of health professionals, regulation of health care facilities and inspection of food service establishments. Learn more about TDH services and programs at www.tn.gov/health.

Tennessee Commissioner of Education Dr. Penny Schwinn will visit Cannon County on Friday, April 16^th, 2021.  She will visit Woodland Elementary School and Cannon County High School. 

While at Woodland Elementary School Commissioner Schwinn will visit students in classrooms and will focus on the implementation of the Governor’s Civics Mini Grant Program of $15,000.00 that the school received last year.  The purpose of these grants is to fund school and district initiatives that provide programs, resources, and professional development that emphasize life-long civic learning and an opportunity for schools and districts to earn the Governor’s Civics Seal in the2020-2021 and 2021-22 school year.

At Cannon County High School, the Commissioner will also visit with students and teachers in CTE (Career and Technical Education) classes with work, programs, related content and classrooms being emphasized. 

Accompanying Commissioner Schwinn will be both a videographer and photographer from Chiefs for Change, a national network state and district leaders who work to support best work for students, schools, and districts. They are building a feature on Tennessee’s efforts, and we are delighted they’ll have a chance to highlight Cannon County Schools. Tennessee State Senator Mark Pody and Tennessee State Representative Clark Boyd will also be accompanying the Commissioner.

Director of Cannon County Schools, Mr. William F. Curtis stated, “We are very excited to have Commissioner Schwinn, some of her team, and our State Senator Mark Pody and State Representative Clark Boyd in two of our seven Cannon County Schools.  Our Cannon County Schools Family welcomes this visit and our proud to showcase the great teaching and learning taking place in regard to Civics Education and our Career-Technical Education Program at Cannon County High School.  An added bonus is having the personnel of the Chiefs for Change organization to showcase our CTE programming at Cannon County High School.  We are very appreciative to have Commissioner Schwinn take her valuable time to come to Cannon County to visit with our outstanding educators and staff that demonstrate that we are living OUR VISION – ‘Engaged in Excellence EVERY Day in EVERY Way!’ through OUR MISSION – ‘To Create a Unified Environment That Will Provide Opportunities for All Students to Reach Their Full Potential.’”