DeKalb Prevention Coalition to Host Community Yard Sale Fundraiser

July 9, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

Join the effort to fight substance abuse in our community by supporting the annual Community Yard Sale fundraiser for the DeKalb Prevention Coalition Saturday, July 11 in the parking lot of the county complex on South Congress Boulevard.

The event will be held from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. featuring a yard sale and lunch. COVID-19 safety procedures will be observed and all proceeds will be used to support the mission of the coalition to reduce dependence on harmful and potentially lethal substances such as prescription drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.

Lisa Cripps, Coordinator of the DPC, said the community has already generously donated clothes for the yard sale and everything will be reasonably priced. “We have lots of pocket books, tons of shoes in all sizes, kids clothes, teen clothes, men and women clothes and in many of the great name brands. We also have a few pieces of furniture and quite a bit of toys. Its just $1 to $3 dollars on all items. For lunch we will be serving chips, hot dogs, and drinks for $5.00 and we’ll have bake sale goodies too so everybody come out and join us for lunch,” she said.

In addition to the food and shopping opportunities, free white cloth reusable masks will be available for those concerned about the COVID-19 pandemic as well as free Narcan kits and training in the proper use of Naloxone.

“Narcan or Naloxone Nasal Spray is recommended for the emergency treatment of a known or suspected opioid overdose. It has been proven to be an extremely effective medication that stops opioid overdoses and saves lives. It can be sprayed into the nose of a person who has overdosed and it usually takes about two minutes to work. After administering Narcan to someone who has overdosed, the person will regain consciousness. We will have trainers there Saturday under a tent and they will be able to train you in less than 10 minutes. You will also get a free Narcan kit just for participating,” said Cripps.

Although the Coalition receives grant funding to help further its mission, local funding is also vitally important. “We run off of a grant from the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services but that is regimented on how we can spend our money so we need some extra to go along with that and this fundraiser is one way we get those extra dollars. All money raised will go back to our community to help reduce substance abuse here,” added Cripps.

July 9, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

The DeKalb County School District needs more bus drivers.

Director of Schools Patrick Cripps is asking for help from anyone eligible to serve.

“If you or someone you know would like to drive a school bus we are taking applications. We are in dire need of bus drivers and you can call the main office here at 615-597-4084 or go on-line to apply to drive a bus. If you don’t want to drive full time we will accept substitute drivers as well,” said Director Cripps.

To be a school bus driver you must be at least 25 years old and have a CDL license, Class A or Class B. You must have a Passenger and School Bus Endorsement, carry a current medical card, have a clean DMV record, and you must be able to pass a background check and drug screening. After a bus driver is hired, there are random drug tests at the bus garage for all drivers.

DeKalb County Schools reopen Monday, August 3

July 8, 2020
By: Dwayne Page

DeKalb County High School is modifying the number of credits required for graduation.

During Tuesday night’s monthly meeting, the Board of Education granted a request by DCHS Principal Randy Jennings to change the graduation credit requirements.

For the Class of 2021, seniors will be required to earn 33 credits for graduation; 31 credits for the Class of 2022, 29 credits for the Class of 2023, and 27 credits starting with the Class of 2024 and going forward from there.

In a letter to the Board of Education and Director of Schools, Jennings said modifying the number of credits will not reduce the number of courses a student will be required to complete for graduation but it will allow administrators to better track credits and make it easier for students to understand.

“Currently a student receives a full credit for Algebra 1A (first semester) and Algebra 1B (second semester) which then counts as two credits for the Algebra 1 class. Under the new system, a student will receive a half credit each semester for a total of one full credit for Algebra 1. There are several core classes that will be transitioning to the one credit for the entire class versus two credits for the entire class. This will in turn reduce the number of credits a student will need for graduation,” said Jennings.

“Each class over the next four years will have a different number of credits that will be required for graduation. Starting with the graduating class of 2024 and each class after the number of credits will be the same at 27,” added Jennings.

Meanwhile in his monthly report on personnel, Director Patrick Cripps said the following persons have been hired since last month:

Cheslie Bryant, Northside Elementary School Secretary/Receptionist
Rayanna Chapman, teacher at Smithville Elementary School
Laura Daniel, Librarian at DeKalb Middle School
Joseph Green, teacher at DCHS
Ann Griffey, teacher at DCHS
Gabby Robinson, teacher at DCHS
Brooklyn Shirah, teacher at Northside Elementary School
Don Whitt, music teacher at DeKalb Middle School/DeKalb West School

Amy Lattimore was granted a leave of absence as requested

Transfers:
Emily Bartlett, educational assistant at Smithville Elementary School to teacher
Amanda Goodwin, educational assistant to SPED teacher at Northside Elementary School
Rachel Hernandez, SPED teacher at DeKalb Middle School to DeKalb West School
Tamera Judkins, Northside Elementary School Receptionist to Attendance Clerk
Elizabeth Miller, Northside Elementary School teacher to Librarian
Natasha Vaughn, SPED teacher at DeKalb West School to DeKalb Middle School
Christie Young, teacher from Smithville Elementary to DeKalb Middle School

Resignations/Retirements:
Vicky Hawker-retirement
Linda Moser-retirement
Macy Nokes-resignation
Allison Taylor-resignation
Ginger Wenger-retirement

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