Community Unites in Prayer for Our Schools

July 29, 2018
By: Dwayne Page

Members of the community concerned about our school system answered the call to pray Sunday afternoon during what has become an annual event prior to the start of school.

This year’s prayer time called ” Back 2 School Call 2 Prayer” was held at DeKalb County High School. As in past years it featured several local ministers offering prayers for each school as well as the school transportation staff, athletic activities and band program, law enforcement agencies, and the school board.

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Iain Swisher, Pastor of the First Assembly of God, made welcoming remarks followed by Director of Schools Patrick Cripps, who spoke briefly about plans for the school year. Emily Phillips, Praise & worship leader at the Smithville Church of God sang the National Anthem.

In his remarks, Director Cripps said school system plans for the year include bringing 1 to 1 computer devices (Chrome Books) to every student from 6^th-12^th grade. “Starting this year our 6^th through 12^th grade students will each have a computer in their own hands throughout the schools. We’re also purchasing computers for our 3^rd through 5^th graders. While things like that (technology) have changed (over the years) there are certain things that have not changed. There were three things my parents instilled in me growing up and that is God, family, and education. There was no exception to those in my family. That is what you’re here for today and I hope that is something this community carries on. You’re showing today (by your presence) that you care about and love our kids and that you are here to support them,” said Director Cripps.

He also gave credit to teachers for recent local academic successes recognized by the Tennessee Department of Education.. “The state put out a top ten growth list, districts or individual grade levels that had the most growth in the state of Tennessee and our 6^th through eighth grade ELA students and teachers made the top ten. In our high school, math students made the top ten as well. We are not going to settle for nothing but the best. We are going to keep striving forward no matter what challenges we have before us. Pray for us. Keep us in your prayers every day. Please pray for our schools, our teachers, our employees, bus drivers and everyone involved,” added Director Cripps.

Local ministers participating were:

*Alberto Lucio, pastor of the Iglesia Bethel Church (who prayed for DeKalb County High School)

*Michael Martin, pastor of the Calvary Baptist Church (who prayed for DeKalb Middle School)

*Trent Colwell, pastor of the Smithville Church of the Nazarene (who prayed for Northside Elementary School)

*Graden Kirksey, pastor  of Christpoint Smithville (who prayed for Smithville Elementary School)

*Josh Brown, pastor of Salem Baptist Church (who prayed for DeKalb West School)

* Jonathon Anderson, youth pastor of the Smithville Church of Christ (who prayed for School Transportation Staff)

*Bernard Houk, pastor of the Smithville Free Will Baptist Church (who prayed for the athletic department/band)

*Dwayne Cornelius, pastor of the New Life United Pentecostal Church (who prayed for the local law enforcement departments)

*Chad Ramsey, pastor of the Smithville First Baptist Church (who prayed for the School Board)

Instead of a closing prayer, everyone was encouraged to go to the school where their children or grandchildren attend to offer a prayer.

July 29, 2018
By:

Summer break is almost over for many students in Tennessee, and as plans are being made for another school year, it’s important to make sure students receive their required immunizations before going back to the classroom.

“We want Tennessee children to be in school, learning in a safe and healthy environment, so it’s extremely important students are vaccinated against diseases that can spread easily in the classroom or elsewhere,” said TDH Chief Medical Officer David Reagan. “I encourage parents and caregivers to protect their students, their families and those around them by getting the vaccines they need to stay healthy.”

In Tennessee, children enrolling in school for the first time and all children going into seventh grade must provide schools with a state immunization certificate before classes start as proof they have had all the required immunizations. Additional immunizations are required for students at Tennessee colleges and universities.

“We strongly urge parents to be sure their children receive all recommended vaccines on the immunization schedule. Certain vaccines are also required for school because they help keep children safe in the classroom and on the playground,” said Kelly Moore, MD, MPH, director of the Tennessee Immunization Program. “Take this opportunity to talk with your health care provider to be sure your child is fully immunized, and make appointments now so your child won’t miss school because he or she hasn’t had needed vaccines.”

Requirements for school vaccinations in Tennessee:

• Kindergarteners and other children enrolling in a Tennessee school for the first time must provide schools with a complete, official Tennessee Immunization Certificate before classes begin. The certificate must be signed by a qualified health care provider or verified by the state’s Immunization Information System
• All current students entering seventh grade are required to give the school a limited official Tennessee Immunization Certificate showing they have had a booster shot for tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. The HPV cancer vaccine and first meningococcal meningitis vaccine are recommended at this age and can be given at the same time as the required Tdap booster.
• Immunization requirements for college entry vary by institution, but teens who have had all recommended vaccines including their meningitis booster shot after they turn 16 will be sure to have met any college’s requirements.Immunizations required for school are readily available from most health care providers across the state, including county health departments. Children younger than age 19 may be eligible for free vaccine if they have no insurance, are enrolled in TennCare, have private insurance that does not cover vaccines or are American Indian or Alaska Native. The complete list of Tennessee child care and school immunization requirements can be found at www.tn.gov/health/cedep/immunization-program/ip/immunization-requirements/childcare-12thgrade-immunization-requirements.html. Local schools and school districts can provide information about when and how immunization certificates need to be provided.

By: Dwayne Page

A total of 2,258 people cast ballots during the early voting period from July 13-28 for the August 2 elections.

Election day voting will be from 8 a.m. until 7 p.m. at all 15 precincts in the county.

According to the election commission, 241 voted Saturday July 28 which was the last day of early voting.

Of the 2,258 total, 1,296 voted in the State Republican Primary and 678 in the State Democratic Primary. A total of 301 chose not to vote in either primary just the County General.

The election commission has also released the number of city registered voters who cast ballots early.

Alexandria: 53 plus 3 property rights voters for a total of 56

Dowelltown: 23 voters

Liberty: 48 voters

Smithville: 615 plus 74 property rights voters for a total of 689

The number of early voters by precinct is as follows:

Alexandria: 146

Temperance Hall: 68

Edgar Evins State Park: 3

Liberty: 92

Dowelltown: 70

Snow Hill: 104

Church of God: 462

Rock Castle: 5

Courthouse: 446

Johnson Chapel: 67

County Complex: 275

Belk: 35

Keltonburg: 79

Blue Springs: 88

Church of Christ: 318

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