Smithville Elementary Chosen by TVA for STEM Grant

March 8, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Smithville Elementary is one of 343 schools to be awarded a grant from the Tennessee Valley Authority, in partnership with Bicentennial Volunteers, Inc., a TVA retiree organization, to develop science, technology, engineering, and math education programs for students that will inspire interest in STEM-related fields.

Citing specific projects or programs they hope to implement, educators from across TVA’s seven-state region applied for grants of up to $5,000.

“This grant will help us offer hands-on activities and programs for students that develop skills that can help solve real-world problems,” said Beth Cantrell, the computer teacher who wrote the grant application. “We know that opportunities in STEM fields are the jobs of the future and TVA’s commitment to STEM education will allow us to begin preparing our students for those careers.”

Schools who are awarded grants must receive their power from a local power company served by TVA. Smithville Elementary is served by Smithville Electric System.

Smithville Elementary will use the grant to introduce students to a wide variety of STEM careers and provide them with opportunities to learn about these careers. This will be accomplished through the use of picture books and a vast selection of STEM learning materials, including legos, picasso tiles, real world STEM kits, architecture kits, chain reaction kits, roller coaster designer kits, and many other items. Students will interact with these materials to experiment and use critical thinking skills to create new things and develop their own ideas as they explore a variety of careers. Students will take on the roles of various careers as they problem solve and become successful at a variety of challenges. The materials will be available to every student in the school.

“TVA is committed to supporting schools and educators who are inspiring an interest in STEM education in students across the Valley, as we know our young people will design and build the energy systems of the future,” said Jeannette Mills, TVA executive vice president and chief external relations officer. “Providing resources and access to STEM education is key to inspiring innovation and we’re proud to contribute to the next generation’s visionaries.”

Since 2018, TVA and BVI have awarded nearly $6 million in STEM grants to support local education.

A full list of grant recipients, and information on how to apply for a future STEM grant can be found at www.tvastem.com.

(Pictured with Ms. Beth Cantrell are Rachel Crickmar representing TVA and Richie Knowles representing Smithville Electric System.)

March 8, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

All five of the DeKalb County School Resource Officers (SRO) are now equipped with new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be placed in their offices at the respective schools thanks to state funding.

Automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are life-saving devices that can be deployed in situations involving sudden cardiac arrest to quickly administer a therapeutic shock and potentially restart a victim’s heart. Presenting AEDs in school settings can minimize response time during cardiac emergencies, dramatically improving survival rates.

Sheriff Patrick Ray says “Integrating AEDs into all five of the DeKalb County schools highlights a growing commitment by our Department to promoting heart-safe learning environments for students, teachers, and staff. Investing in AEDs demonstrates the importance placed on students’ and staff’s welfare. By following these best practices, School Resource Officers can make significant strides towards protecting their community and fostering a culture of safety and preparedness.

Pictured are Sheriff Ray, DeKalb Middle School SRO Joseph Carroll, DeKalb West School SRO Billy Tiner, DeKalb High School SRO Sgt. Chris McMillen, Northside Elementary School SRO Joe Pack, Smithville Elementary School SRO Roger Whitehead and Chief Deputy Brian Williams.

March 8, 2024
By: Dwayne Page

Its hard to believe that a dog as playful and loveable as “Marshall” doesn’t have a forever home.

You can change that by adopting him today!

“Marshall” is the WJLE/DeKalb Animal Shelter featured “Pet of the Week”

“Marshall is a four-year-old large mixed breed, and he has been here with us for a little while, but he loves to run and play and play with tennis balls,” said Dakota Cool. “He is a very sweet boy with a lot of energy. If you are interested in adopting Marshall, just go to our website https://www.dekalbanimalsheltertn.com/and look for adoptable pets and when you find Marshall scroll down to the bottom of his profile and click apply for adoption. You will then fill out an application on-line and once you’re done with that we will look over that application and give you a call to come in and if you have other dogs we will ask you to bring them with you and we will arrange a dog meet and if that goes well we will complete the paperwork and you can pay his adoption fee and leave with him that day. Marshall is sponsored so his adoption fee is $110,” said Cool.

The shelter is open Monday-Friday from 8 to 4 and Saturday from 8 to 12 at 186 Transfer Station Road. Phone 615-597-3647.

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