Sevier County Parents,
I hope that you and your family are enjoying your summer and had a great Fourth of July holiday. Though I know that many of you work your hardest during the summer months to meet the needs of our community’s guests, I am aware that you are also trying to balance work with family time as we all take vacations and recharge for the upcoming school year. As July wears on and the beginning of school approaches in August, we would like to institute a new means of sharing information with you in the form of this newsletter sent to you via ParentSquare, our partner in improving engagement and communication between schools and homes. We hope that the informative articles and timely news items help you prepare for upcoming school registration, make you aware of the many program offerings and events available for your child, and keep you apprised of the latest initiatives and outcomes from around our district. We thank you for taking a moment to peruse the items we have shared, and we look forward to bringing you periodic updates as the school year progresses. I wish you and your family the best of times this July as we approach the new school year.
Regards,
Stephanie Huskey, Director of Sevier County Schools
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Remember that Early Registration for the 2025-26 school year is scheduled for Thursday, July 10. Schools across our district will be open that day to accept parents who want to enroll students who are new to our district, have moved within our county, or who are seeking to enroll at a new school for the upcoming academic year. Please remember that parents will need to present proof of residency within Sevier County and bring the needed documentation (identifying documents, TN immunization certificate with physical, etc.) to complete this process. As outlined in school board policy, July 10 kicks off our annual open enrollment window, which extends for thirty days. After this window has closed, enrollment within the district is set, and only a verified change of address or special circumstance with approval from school administrators will allow for a change of schools. We encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to prepare for the next school year, and we look forward to working with your family! |
We want to extend a massive thank you to all the incredible educators who generously dedicated their time and expertise to update our pacing guides. Your commitment to ensuring our students receive the best possible instruction is truly commendable and deeply appreciated. These updated guides will be invaluable resources for all!
We would also like to thank our amazing Science teachers for their tireless efforts in selecting a new science curriculum and meticulously crafting the accompanying pacing guides. This significant undertaking will undoubtedly enrich our students' learning experiences and set them up for even greater success in the sciences. Thank you for your passion, your dedication, and your unwavering commitment to excellence!
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Keys to Your Child's School Success!
We know you want the very best for your child, and we do too! Here are a few simple yet powerful ways you can support their learning journey and help them thrive at school:
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Sweet Dreams for Big Achievements! Did you know that 8 or more hours of sleep is absolutely crucial for your child's success? When they're well-rested, their brains are ready to learn, focus, and take on new challenges with enthusiasm. Let's help them get those Zzz's so they can shine bright!
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Fueling Up for Fantastic Days! A nutritious breakfast is like rocket fuel for young minds! Whether it's a quick bite at home or a tasty meal in the school cafeteria, making sure your child eats breakfast sets them up for a day of energetic learning and strong concentration.
Every Day Counts! We truly believe that attendance is key to success. Each day at school is packed with exciting lessons, connections with friends, and opportunities to grow. Regular attendance ensures your child doesn't miss out on any of these vital building blocks for their future!
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Mr. Christopher (Logan) Woods teaches 6th grade math and science at Sevierville Intermediate School. He was selected as one of three master teachers for the Appalachian STEM Academy program this summer. Teachers from the entire Appalachian region interviewed for this position. The Appalachian STEM Academy at Oak Ridge (ORAU) is an all-expenses-paid program for students from all the way from New York down to Mississippi. This program offers a hands-on STEM learning experience for students and teachers. The program promotes teamwork, college opportunities and pride in the cultural richness of the Appalachian Region. During this time Mr. Woods will be able to visit one of the three fastest supercomputers (Frontier) on Planet Earth at Oak Ridge National Laboratories. The session he will be leading will be on City Planning. Sevier County is proud of Mr. Woods and we are excited to see what this experience will bring to the classroom! |
Conley Plemons- Rising Kindergartener
What's something super exciting you're looking forward to at school this year? (Like seeing your friends, playing outside, or learning something new!)
Playing soccer, but soccer season is over. Hopefully we will play at school! (Catlettsburg Elementary)
What's your favorite thing to do in class? (Maybe drawing, building blocks, or listening to stories!)
"I like math and I like to rhyme. I’m really good at rhyming."
If you could eat one snack every day, what would it be?
"Fruit Juice Gummies!"
What's something kind you can do for a friend at school?
"I could give them a present- a toy motorcycle!"
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One of the most powerful ways to support your child’s learning is also one of the simplest: reading and talking with them every day. Just 15–20 minutes of shared reading or conversation strengthens vocabulary, builds background knowledge, and deepens your child’s understanding of the world. Whether you’re exploring a storybook, talking about your day, or asking questions during reading time, these daily interactions help your child grow as a confident thinker, listener, and communicator.
This year, your child will be immersed in high-quality literacy instruction designed to build strong readers and writers:
✨ PreK–2nd Grade students will use Really Great Reading and CKLA Skills to develop foundational reading skills like phonemic awareness, phonics, decoding, and word recognition. Developing strong foundational skills sets the stage for lifelong literacy.
📖 PreK–5th Grade will explore rich content through the Core Knowledge Language Arts (CKLA) program. CKLA combines systematic reading instruction with knowledge-building units in science, history, and literature—helping students grow their skills while learning about the world.
📚 6th Grade students will dive into the Amplify ELA curriculum, which encourages critical thinking, evidence-based writing, and thoughtful discussions around compelling texts. It’s designed to challenge and inspire middle school readers.
With your partnership at home—through reading, talking, and asking questions—your child will be set up for success this school year and beyond. Thank you for all you do to support literacy at home!
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- July 10- Early Student Registration
- *Be on the lookout for school based Open House and Orientations
- August 8- First day of School
- The Book Bus is coming to an area near you! Check out the schedule here!
- August 29- September 1, 2025- Vacation Days
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As we begin a new academic year, we are excited to welcome our students and families back to school. Our goal is to provide every student in grades 7 through 12 with a high-quality, engaging learning experience that supports both academic success and life readiness. Whether your student is entering junior high or preparing for graduation, we are committed to helping them thrive. |
This year, our instructional teams are working to:
- Strengthen student engagement through meaningful, standards-based instruction
- Increase literacy and critical thinking across all content areas
- Prepare students for success on state assessments and postsecondary opportunities
We will continue to provide resources and professional learning for teachers to support classroom excellence.
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Select secondary math teachers dedicated part of their summer to developing guided notes for secondary math to support student understanding and engagement. These notes are designed to align closely with the state standards and provide students with clear, structured support as they learn key mathematical concepts. Their commitment to making instruction more accessible and organized reflects their passion for helping all students succeed in math. These teachers also collaborate regularly with colleagues to share best practices and strengthen instruction across the department. |
Allison Guillen, a 2025 graduate of Sevier County High School, sought hands-on experience in healthcare through the S.E.V.I.E.R. Ready program to help guide her future career decisions. With the support and encouragement of her teachers, she pursued a job-shadowing opportunity at LeConte Medical Center, where she observed multiple departments. Following her experience, Allison was offered a position at the hospital’s emergency room registration desk. She plans to continue working at LeConte while attending Walters State Community College, with the goal of eventually becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). We are proud of Allison’s initiative and wish her continued success! Curious about the S.E.V.I.E.R. Ready program? Reach out to your high school’s guidance department. |
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The beginning of the school year is the perfect time for students to develop positive habits that will carry them through the year. Here are a few tips for success:
- Attendance is extremely important. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of assignments, due dates, and school events.
- Create goals for yourself by setting aside regular time for homework and studying.
- Stay engaged. Ask questions and seek help early when concepts are unclear.
- Stay organized with class materials and digital tools.
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Check your school’s website for upcoming important dates such as open house, schedule pickup, etc. We are proud of our students and grateful for the support of our families. Let’s work together to make this a fantastic year for all. Wishing everyone a strong start to the school year! |
Before we begin a new school year in Sevier County, Health Services would like to remind you of a great opportunity that is offered by our school’s health clinics. Telemedicine is an excellent tool to help keep your child healthy and reduce their days out of school. Telemedicine utilizes state of the art technology to assist the school system in attending to the physical needs of students. The telemedicine connection is a secure, two-way video link with the child and the school nurse on one end, and a medical provider on the other.
During a telemedicine visit, a child can be screened, examined, diagnosed, treated, and monitored. Special equipment gives the medical provider the ability to examine the child's ears, eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, etc. Assisted by a Sevier County School System registered nurse, a child can be seen through telemedicine for the following concerns: cuts/abrasions, rashes, pink eye, coughs/colds, strep, earaches, and flu-like symptoms.
A Cherokee Health Systems pediatric or family nurse practitioner is available via telemedicine. Once the required paperwork is completed by parents, all students enrolled at the school sites are eligible to be seen at our clinics. For students with TennCare, CoverKids, or other insurance coverage, Cherokee Health Systems will submit claims to the insurance provider. Standard copays will apply. For students without insurance coverage, services will be provided on a sliding scale based on income information.
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Welcome to the 2025-2026 school year! Some helpful tips and information on preparing your student for going back to school or beginning their first year with Sevier County Schools:
- Understand many children (of all ages) will feel anxious about starting back to school. Acknowledge that it is ok to feel these emotions, everyone feels this way when starting something new.
- Get plenty of sleep. Start the process of getting your schedule back on track a week or so ahead of time.
- Plan ahead. Arrange what to wear, school supplies, lunches and snacks the night before.
- Eat a good breakfast or have your child get one when they get to school.
- Be positive about the beginning of the school year. Introduce yourself to teachers during open house and let them know if there are special considerations needed for your child.
- Talk to your child about the upcoming school year. Set goals for academics and for socializing.
- Let your child know who to speak with if they need anything at school like their teacher or school counselor.
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The Sevier County Special Education Department is committed to creating supportive environments where students with disabilities receive individualized, data-informed instruction to achieve success in school, careers, and life. We believe in fostering collaborative partnerships with families, educators, and community stakeholders to promote meaningful access, achievement, and lifelong success for all learners. |
As we begin a new school year, I want to extend a warm welcome to you and your family. We are honored to partner with you in supporting your child’s educational journey, and we look forward to a year filled with growth, learning, and new opportunities. Our Special Education Department is committed to ensuring that every student receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. We strive to provide individualized services tailored to meet each student’s unique strengths and needs while promoting inclusion, independence, and confidence. We value the trust you place in us to care for and educate your child. Our team is dedicated to creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment where every student can learn and achieve. Together, we can help your child reach their full potential. Thank you for your partnership, and best wishes for a wonderful school year ahead! |
Child Find is a legal requirement under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that ensures schools identify, locate, and evaluate children who may need special education services — from birth through age 21. If your child is not meeting developmental milestones, struggling in school, or showing signs of a disability, Child Find is here to help. This includes children who are:
- Not yet in school (ages 0–5),
- Homeschooled or in private school,
- Highly mobile (like those in military or foster care),
- Or not yet identified as needing support.
Questions? Contact the Special Education Office at 865-453-1036.
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