The Haywood County School Board met in regular session on March 8 and among other business, celebrated the Haywood High School girls’ basketball team sub state win over South Gibson and their upcoming game in the state playoffs on March 10. Superintendent Teresa Russell also gave high praise to the Haywood High School directors, cast and crew for their production of “The Sound of Music.”

Superintendent Russell reported that the Executive Committee approved a trip for the GEAR UP TN trip for REACH students to tour Rust College in Holly Springs, Mississippi, on March 4. The board also approved a request by Cindy Smith, School Health Coordinator, to use the track at L. Z. Hurley Stadium to hold the Walk with Drew Community Health walks on most Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning on March 26 through June 11.

The board also approved the 2016-2017 School Calendar. School begins with inservice for teachers on July 29 and running through August 4. Students begin with one-half day on Friday, August 5. Fall break will be held October 17-21, and the Thanksgiving break is November 23-25. Winter break is December 21-January 3. Spring break is March 20-24, and the last day of school for students is one-half day on May 24.

Summer school dates were also set and approved. It will be May 23 through June 17. Mrs. Russell said everyone will be celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week May 2-6.

The board approved a request by Mrs. Russell to allow Haywood High School students to be able to have an excused absence for one-half day on Thursday if they attend the girls’ basketball game in the state playoffs in Murfreesboro. They have to remain at school until 11:30 to finish testing. If the girls win Thursday night, all schools will dismiss at 11:30 on Friday to allow students to attend the game that afternoon at 4 p.m. There will be pep buses transporting students on both days.

Board members approved several budget amendments, and HMS Principal Yvette Blue, Academic Supervisor Michelle Tillman, HMS Instructional Facilitator Mary Jane Williams and Teacher Leader Nicole Johnson from East Side Intermediate School discussed the Teacher Leader Program. A teacher leader is a teacher who has been selected to collaborate with colleagues and administrators and other members of the educational profession to ensure student learning and growth. This group is working on developing a more comprehensive Teacher Leader Program.

Mrs. Russell also showed a promotional video made by the Broadcasting Department, under the direction of Allyson Byrum at Haywood High School, about the importance of reading.

The next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 12, at 6 p.m.