🔔 Reminder: Label Your Child’s Winter Gear
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As the weather gets colder, please take a moment to write your child’s name inside all coats and winter apparel they bring to school. Items such as jackets, pullovers, hoodies, hats, gloves, and scarves are often set down or forgotten throughout the day.
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Labeling these items helps us quickly return them to the correct student. Without a name, they may end up in the lost-and-found or be accidentally taken home by another child.
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Thank you for helping us keep track of everyone’s belongings and making sure our students stay warm this winter!
WE NEED YOU!!!
Now Hiring: FACILITIES / MAINTENANCE POSITION
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Facilities / Maintenance Position.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
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Qualifications:
* High school diploma or GED
* Must be 21 years old
* Must verify 2 years of college or pass the Parapro Assessment
* Must be able to pass a TBI Fingerprint Background Check
* Submit a physical by a Licensed Physician
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The deadline for applying is Friday, December 5, 2025
Now Hiring: SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANT / PARAPROFESSIONAL
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Riverside High School.
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Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith at hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online here: https://forms.gle/DTLJ8Jjqwupmq1te8
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Qualifications:
* High school diploma or GED
* Must be 21 years old
* Must verify 2 years of college or pass the Parapro Assessment
* Must be able to pass a TBI Fingerprint Background Check
* Submit a physical by a Licensed Physician
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The deadline for applying is Friday, December 5, 2025
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Decatur County Schools proudly supported Decatur County Outreach, led by our very own RHS counselor, Cheyenne Fowler.
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Each school contributed by collecting specific items to help meet the needs of families throughout our community — a powerful lesson in compassion, gratitude, and giving back.
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Thanks to the generosity of our students, their families, staff, and everyone within our school system, Decatur County Outreach is providing Thanksgiving meals to over 200 families this holiday season.
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Thank you to every school, every staff member, every student, and every family who contributed. Because of you, we are making a difference — together.
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ACREASY
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We are truly blessed with wonderful students, supportive families, dedicated staff and faculty, and a community that stands behind us every step of the way.
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As we pause to give thanks today, we are grateful for the opportunities to learn, grow, and serve together. May your homes be filled with peace, joy, and the warmth of family and friends this holiday season.
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From our school family to yours — Happy Thanksgiving!
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ACREASY
DR. AMANDA CREASY TAKES PART IN LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Dr. Amanda Creasy, is a member of the UT Martin WestStar Leadership Program’s Class of 2026. Participants in the UT Martin WestStar Leadership Program will take part in learning sessions throughout the school year, starting with an opening retreat Dec. 11-12. Sessions are held at various locations throughout West Tennessee and cover topics such as the humanity of leadership, education, community development, and tourism.
Director of Decatur County Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, states, “Dr. Creasy is the perfect fit for the WestStar Leadership Program. She is community-minded and seeks opportunities to help others. Her commitment to assisting students, teachers, and community members is unmatched. Decatur County School System is blessed to have Dr. Creasy as a part of our team!”
Dr. Creasy holds a bachelor’s degree, two master’s Degrees, and a Doctorate, and she has proudly served Decatur County Schools for more than 24 years. She has taught Math in elementary, middle, and high school. Currently, she holds many positions at the Board of Education, some of them being the Extended Learning Program Director, Public Relations, website, and school media point of contact. She has also written many Grants that the schools and county have been awarded. Dr. Creasy is the TEAM Configurator, along with the District and School Improvement Coordinator. She wears many hats within the Decatur County School System and is more than happy and willing to help in any way she possibly can.
Information about WestStar is available by calling the WestStar Leadership Program at 731-881-7298.
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The DCMS Beta Club is officially on the road to the Tennessee State Beta Convention at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville! This exciting annual event brings together some of the brightest and most creative student leaders from across the state, and our DCMS group is ready to shine.
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Under the leadership of sponsors Mrs. Hayley Box, Mrs. Jill Farlow, Mrs. Chasidee Puckett, and Mrs. Kayla Tharp, our students will be competing in a wide range of categories—from engineering challenges and academic tests to visual arts, talent competitions, and even duo dance. This experience allows students to stretch their creativity, sharpen their academic skills, collaborate with peers, and represent Decatur County with pride.
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Mrs. Hayley Box shared,
"We are so excited to have 31 bright students with us this year. They all either competed in an academic test or are competing in an on-site contest. They are all ‘wired for success!’”
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The Beta Convention provides opportunities for students to demonstrate leadership, celebrate academic achievement, and grow as well-rounded individuals. We are incredibly proud of the dedication, preparation, and enthusiasm these students have shown.
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Best of luck to all of our DCMS Beta Club members—you continue to make Decatur County Schools proud! Let’s cheer them on as they compete, learn, and shine on the state stage!
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ACREASY
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The Decatur County School System is proud to highlight the incredible work happening in Ms. Stefanie Steward’s classroom, where students are learning one of life’s most meaningful lessons—the power of giving back.
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With the generous support of parents, families, and friends, students exceeded expectations, preparing over 37 community care bags to share with those in need. These bags will be placed in blessing boxes throughout Decatur County beginning Monday, the 24th.
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Ms. Steward has created an environment where her students, along with her class' Panther Pals, learn to care for others, contribute to their community, and experience the joy of service. Their dedication and teamwork reflect the very best of what education can inspire.
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We are incredibly proud of these students for their hard work and their commitment to giving back to Decatur County. May those who receive these bags feel supported by the kindness of our DCMS family.
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Thank you to Ms. Steward, her students, and all who donated for making a meaningful difference in our community.
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ACREASY
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We are excited to announce that Mrs. Jessica Hollingsworth will be serving as the new DCMS Head Soccer Coach. We look forward to her leadership, energy, and passion as she takes the reins of our growing program.
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A note from Coach Jess:
“I am very excited to be stepping into the role as the DCMS head soccer coach! As a Riverside High School graduate and soccer team alumni, I’m thrilled to bring my love for the game and my coaching experience to our young athletes. I can’t wait to help build this program while also helping our students develop new skills and have an incredible season on the field!”
Please refer to the flyer for complete soccer tryout information. Dress appropriately and bring a size 5 soccer ball, water bottle, cleats, and shin guards.
Thank you,
Coach Jess
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ACREASY
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We are proud to announce that Decaturville Elementary School has been recognized as a REWARD SCHOOL for the 2024–2025 school year!
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Achieving Reward School status reflects exceptional performance in three key areas:
- high academic achievement
- strong student growth
- low chronic absenteeism
This honor celebrates the hard work of our students, the dedication of our teachers and support staff, and the ongoing commitment of our families and community. It demonstrates that students in Decatur County continue to excel and compete with the best across Tennessee.
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We are especially proud of the teamwork that makes this accomplishment possible. While our tested grades earn the official recognition, our lower grades and support staff play a vital role in building the strong foundation that leads to long-term success. This achievement highlights consistency, high expectations, and a shared commitment to excellence throughout our entire school.
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Thank you for your continued support of Decaturville Elementary. Together, we will keep striving for even greater success!
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ACREASY
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A wonderful group of Riverside High School seniors and Mrs. Cheyenne Fowler stepped up in a BIG way by volunteering at the 6th Annual Marty White Thanksgiving Dinner, hosted at the Decatur County Elks Lodge. These students worked tirelessly to help prepare, serve, and deliver meals to our senior citizens, veterans, and emergency personnel—the heart of our community.
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To our RHS seniors who volunteered:
✨ THANK YOU for representing your school with excellence.
✨ THANK YOU for showing leadership beyond the classroom.
✨ THANK YOU for giving your time and your heart to our people.
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We are also incredibly proud of the White family's contribution and all the volunteers for the impact you made.
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This is what community looks like. 💛🦃💙
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We are proud to share an incredible feature story highlighting the success of the Decatur County Virtual Academy (DCVA) and the tremendous impact it continues to have on students, families, and the future of education in our rural community. What began as a response to declining enrollment has evolved into a thriving, innovative program that meets students where they are and opens doors that once seemed out of reach.
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Director Melinda Thompson shared her thoughts on the program’s success:
“Students learn in different ways, and as a school system, it’s our responsibility to adapt. The Virtual Academy is one more way we ensure ALL students in Decatur County receive a solid, high-quality education tailored to their needs. We’re proud to offer a flexible model that keeps students engaged, supported, and on track for success.”
Dr. Amanda Creasy added:
“Dr. King and his team have built this program into something our entire county can be proud of. They don’t just educate students—they build meaningful relationships with each student and their families. That level of commitment is what makes DCVA so special.”
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We celebrate DCVA’s continued growth and the dedication of staff who believe in every student’s potential.
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🔗 Read the full feature story here:
https://www.edmentum.com/impact/success-stories/every-student-counts-how-one-rural-district-stopped-enrollment-decline?queryId=09a695a1376a90f80fecf34d9e0b16c3&index=content
DES, PES, and DCMS December Breakfast and Lunch Menu
DES, PES, and DCMS December Breakfast and lunch menu
Decatur County School System Employee Spotlight: Mrs. Sherry Miller
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Decatur County Schools is honored to spotlight Mrs. Sherry Miller, a dedicated and deeply loved paraprofessional at Parsons Elementary School whose impact has touched generations of students. Mrs. Sherry is known for her gentle spirit, her steady dependability, and the genuine love she shows every child who walks through the doors of PES.
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PES Principal Lisa Renfroe describes her as “dependable, compassionate, and deeply committed to our students,” adding that the school is truly better because she is part of the PES family. Former student John Lawson Pearcy echoed that sentiment by saying, “Mrs. Sherry loved us. She wanted us to learn and taught us, but there was more to it. I can’t explain it. We just knew she loved us. I am in middle school now, and I know she still loves me.” Those who know Mrs. Sherry understand that she is far more than an assistant—she is a mentor, encourager, role model, and source of warmth and stability for students and staff alike.
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Mrs. Sherry’s life is rich with experiences and stories that have shaped who she is today. She graduated in the top 10 of her Riverside High School Class of 1980 and later lived in Aschaffenburg, Germany, Fort Hood, Texas, and Fort Jackson, South Carolina, even welcoming her daughter Holly while overseas. She has been married to her husband Danny Miller for 43 years, and together they have built a beautiful family: children Holly (Landon) Wood and Hunter Miller (with girlfriend Alexis), and grandchildren Sadie and Haley (twins), Levi, and Lucas, who are the light of her world. Mrs. Sherry loves watching her grandchildren participate in sports and activities, is active in her church, enjoys reading, and cherishes traveling with her family. She even had the chance to meet Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, her all-time favorite musician—one of her favorite memories to share.
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Her heart, her work ethic, and her kindness continue to ripple through Parsons Elementary every single day. Decatur County Schools is proud to honor Mrs. Sherry Miller for the remarkable, lasting, and love-filled mark she leaves on our community.
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ACreasy
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Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 3rd, 2025. At this time, bids will be publicly opened and read aloud in the office of the Director of Schools of Decatur County, Decaturville, Tennessee for the following items:
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HVAC unit for RHS Girls’ Softball Facility.
- (3 Ton) – 4 Head Mini-split heat/cool: To service the coach’s office, restroom, locker room, and weight room.
- (5 Ton) AC only: To cool the batting cage area. Use existing gas heat.
- Upgrade electrical service.
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Completion date January 15 th , 2025
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Interested bidders will need to contact Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor, to do an onsite inspection of the project.
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Bids shall be presented in sealed envelopes, plainly marked on the outside with bid to HVAC Softball Project name of person or firm submitting bid, and including contractor license and general liability insurance. Bids will be received only from responsible firms or persons capable of filling same.
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The board has committed to award bid to the low bidder.
The owner reserves the express right to accept any bid or reject any and/or all bids and to waive any informalities therein.
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For additional information, please contact:
Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor
Decatur County Board of Education
P.O. Box 369
Decaturville, Tennessee 38329
Phone: 731-733-1168
Email:keith.dickson@decaturschools.org
The Decatur County School System is proud to shine a System Spotlight on Mr. Damon Mays, Vice President of Operations for West Tennessee Healthcare and a proud 1982 alumnus of Riverside High School.
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Mr. Mays began his career with West Tennessee Healthcare in 1986 as a Registered Nurse in the Medical Intensive Care Unit. Over the years, his dedication, compassion, and leadership have led him to his current role as Vice President of Operations, where he oversees multiple facilities and works to ensure quality care for patients across the region.
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Mr. Mays earned his Diploma in Nursing from the Baptist Memorial Hospital School of Nursing, his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from American Sentinel University, and a Master of Science in Management and Leadership at Western Governors University.
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Throughout his professional journey, Mr. Mays has remained committed to giving back to the community that shaped him. He continues to support local initiatives that promote health, education, and economic growth throughout West Tennessee, as well as our local community. His leadership, integrity, and drive serve as a powerful example for current Riverside students—demonstrating that with hard work and determination, our graduates can make a meaningful impact both professionally and personally.
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Beyond his professional accomplishments, Mr. Mays is devoted to his family and community. He is married to Felecia, and together they share a beautiful family—Jessica Tarar and Dakota Mays, along with Lindsey, Drew, and Jordan Carroll. They are also blessed with nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. In his free time, Mr. Mays enjoys traveling with his wife and spending time on the Tennessee River.
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Mr. Mays continues to exemplify the values of hard work, lifelong learning, and community service that define Decatur County graduates. We proudly celebrate his many accomplishments and his continued connection to the Decatur County School System. His success story stands as a testament to the strong foundation built right here in Decatur County.
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ACreasy
