GraceWorks Backpack Giveaway

10:38 pm | Sunday, Jun 25th
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GraceWorks is asking the public to help 2,400 students in Williamson County schools to make the best start possible for the upcoming school year.

On Aug. 5, GraceWorks, in collaboration with other groups and agencies, will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies at the 2017 Big Backpack Giveaway to help students in need.

Still needed are 1-to-2-inch three-ring binders and composition books. Cash donations are also welcome and will allow organizers to purchase required supplies that have not been donated.

The Big Backpack Giveaway will be from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Liberty Elementary, 600 Liberty Pike, and will include music, food and fun for the entire family. Children are required to be present to receive backpacks.

GraceWorks West will offer a backpack giveaway the same day in Fairview, but the time and location have not been set.

“Receiving a backpack filled with the tools needed to succeed in school can be a life-changing experience,” said Brian Myers, church and community relations manager for GraceWorks.

“Helping provide necessary school supplies to Williamson County students in need equips them to have a successful school year. Please help us put backpacks and supplies in the hands of these students.”

Many of the school supplies are provided by the United Way Patricia Hart Society’s Stuff the Bus Campaign and Publix. The event has been sponsored by area churches, civic groups, businesses and individuals for 14 years.

Purchasing the backpacks themselves has been made possible by a $4300 grant from the Nashville Predators and generous individual donations to The Big Payback, presented by The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

Supplies can be dropped off at GraceWorks by July 30 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Cash donations can be sent to GraceWorks Ministries, 104 Southeast Parkway, Franklin, TN 37064. Please put “backpacks” in the subject line of checks. You may also donate online quickly and securely by clicking the DONATE button at www.graceworksministries.net. Please choose the backpack option for your donation.

Volunteers are also needed to help during this event. Those interested can visit signup.com/go/xMEjSun to sign up.

 

WCS Students Set Record-High ACT Score

4:10 am | Saturday, Dec 31st
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From wcs.edu…

WCS students have raised the bar once again. According to the Tennessee Department of Education’s annual report card, the 2016 graduating class has surpassed the district goal of reaching an average ACT composite score of 24.

Although the TNDOE is reporting that the district average composite is 24.4, numerous errors were discovered in the data, and the Department has pledged to correct those mistakes in the days ahead, which will push the district’s average composite score to a 24.7.

Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney says this year’s record-breaking performance is extra special.

“I am extremely proud of the fact that we have now surpassed the district goal of reaching an average composite score of 24,” said Looney. “We have been working to accomplish this for a decade. It is important to me that the public understand that our 24.7 average composite score is, in part, a result of the state changing how ACT scores are reported. In past years, the TNDOE only reported students’ last score. I am thankful that they now have switched to counting students’ highest scores, which is what colleges across the country consider.”

Looney says he is equally impressed with the high percentage of WCS students who met the ACT benchmark needed to qualify for the Tennessee HOPE Scholarship. According to the latest figures, nearly 80 percent of WCS students earned this free college money.

WCS to host meeting about state testing Jan. 7

4:47 pm | Friday, Jan 8th
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Herald Reports

Williamson County Schools parents and staff are invited to attend an informational meeting regarding statewide testing Thursday, Jan. 7. Three panel discussions will take place during the session with one providing an overview of testing and how it occurs in the state and district.

A panel of teachers will provide their perspectives, and the third panel will include Superintendent Dr. Mike Looney, board chairman Gary Anderson and state legislators representing Williamson County. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

“The School Board wanted to make sure we were hearing from our stakeholders regarding testing,” Looney said. “This informational meeting will not only provide a way to gather input but will also provide a way to educate our families on how we are assessing students.

“We will also be surveying our teachers to gather their perspective.”

The meeting will take place from 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. in the Centennial High School Performing Arts Center.