Panther points 5/4/26.
NOTICE RHS and DCMS:
Decatur County Schools Safety Update
Decatur County Schools is proud to announce the addition of OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems for the 2026–2027 school year as part of our ongoing commitment to safety.
OpenGate is a nationally recognized leader in school safety technology and is endorsed by both the U.S. Secret Service and the National Security Agency (NSA) for quality and reliability. These systems are already in use at Rutherford County Schools (Murfreesboro, TN), Lewis County Schools (Hohenwald, TN), Coffee County Schools (Manchester, TN), and Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
📅 Launching Friday, May 8
📍 Riverside High School & Decatur County Middle School
(Additional schools will be added at a later date.)
As we begin implementation, students and parents may notice slight delays during morning entry. To help ensure a smooth process, students may be asked to briefly hand items such as laptops, binders, or large tumblers to staff as they pass through the system.
Mr. Hugh Smith, Safety Supervisor, shared:
“We appreciate the leadership and vision of Mrs. Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools, and the Decatur County Board of Education for their investment in school safety. The OpenGate Weapons Detection System will provide an additional layer of protection, strengthening our overall security at each school. Students, parents, and staff can rest assured knowing that our School Leadership Team is committed to making school safety and learning our top priority.”
Our goal remains clear:
A safe and secure learning environment for every student, every day.
We appreciate your cooperation and continued support as we implement this important safety measure.
🔗 Learn more about OpenGate:
https://k12.ceia-usa.com/opengate/
Decatur County Schools Safety Update
Decatur County Schools is proud to announce the addition of OpenGate Weapons Detection Systems for the 2026–2027 school year as part of our ongoing commitment to safety.
OpenGate is a nationally recognized leader in school safety technology and is endorsed by both the U.S. Secret Service and the National Security Agency (NSA) for quality and reliability. These systems are already in use at Rutherford County Schools (Murfreesboro, TN), Lewis County Schools (Hohenwald, TN), Coffee County Schools (Manchester, TN), and Vanderbilt University in Nashville.
📅 Launching Friday, May 8
📍 Riverside High School & Decatur County Middle School
(Additional schools will be added at a later date.)
As we begin implementation, students and parents may notice slight delays during morning entry. To help ensure a smooth process, students may be asked to briefly hand items such as laptops, binders, or large tumblers to staff as they pass through the system.
Mr. Hugh Smith, Safety Supervisor, shared:
“We appreciate the leadership and vision of Mrs. Melinda Thompson, Director of Schools, and the Decatur County Board of Education for their investment in school safety. The OpenGate Weapons Detection System will provide an additional layer of protection, strengthening our overall security at each school. Students, parents, and staff can rest assured knowing that our School Leadership Team is committed to making school safety and learning our top priority.”
Our goal remains clear:
A safe and secure learning environment for every student, every day.
We appreciate your cooperation and continued support as we implement this important safety measure.
🔗 Learn more about OpenGate:
https://k12.ceia-usa.com/opengate/
🏀 DCMS Lady Panthers Basketball Tryouts – 2026–2027 Season 🐾
Any upcoming 5th–8th grade girls interested in playing Lady Panthers Basketball are invited to try out!
📅 When: May 5th & May 7th
⏰ Time: 3:30–4:30 PM
📍 Where: DCMS Gym
📌 Important Information:
• All girls who played last year must still try out.
• Forms can be picked up in the office and must be returned by the start of tryouts on Tuesday.
• Girls should wear gym-appropriate clothing and tennis/basketball shoes and bring a water bottle.
✅ A list of girls who make the team will be posted on the DCMS and DCMS Basketball Facebook pages.
📣 Additional information will be shared at the first parent meeting.
❓ For Questions: Contact Coach Reed Keeton at reed.keeton@decaturschools.com.
We look forward to seeing our future Lady Panthers on the court! 🏀🐾
#PantherPride
⛳ DCMS Golf Advances to Regionals! ⛳
Congratulations to our DCMS Girls Golf Team for finishing 2nd place in the District Tournament and earning a spot in the Regional Tournament in Memphis! We are proud of the hard work and dedication they showed on the course. Team members include: Addison Jones, Pailyn Riffle, and Elley Dru White.
A special congratulations to Gunner McFall, who also played an outstanding round and qualified individually to advance to regional play.
Good luck to our Panthers as they compete at regionals! 🐾⛳
Pictured from left to right: Pailyn Riffle, Elley Dru White, Addison Jones, Gunner McFall, Hudson Ward, Gunner Young, Jaxx Romines, Coach Nicky Rochelle, and Gunnar Nance. Not Pictured: Chevy Martin.
Congratulations to our DCMS Girls Golf Team for finishing 2nd place in the District Tournament and earning a spot in the Regional Tournament in Memphis! We are proud of the hard work and dedication they showed on the course. Team members include: Addison Jones, Pailyn Riffle, and Elley Dru White.
A special congratulations to Gunner McFall, who also played an outstanding round and qualified individually to advance to regional play.
Good luck to our Panthers as they compete at regionals! 🐾⛳
Pictured from left to right: Pailyn Riffle, Elley Dru White, Addison Jones, Gunner McFall, Hudson Ward, Gunner Young, Jaxx Romines, Coach Nicky Rochelle, and Gunnar Nance. Not Pictured: Chevy Martin.
Decatur County Middle School Student Council recently hosted a wonderful Family Fun Night! 🎉
Students and their families were encouraged to put away electronics and spend meaningful, quality time together—and they did just that. The evening was filled with fun activities like jewelry making, arts and crafts, cooking, games, LEGO building, and more.
We were also excited to have a representative from Save the Children, who provided books for students to take home and enjoy reading with their families. 📚
It was a night full of laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories. Everyone had a fantastic time! We want to thank all of the families who came out and joined us—we truly appreciate your support. We are already looking forward to making this event even bigger and better next year!
Students and their families were encouraged to put away electronics and spend meaningful, quality time together—and they did just that. The evening was filled with fun activities like jewelry making, arts and crafts, cooking, games, LEGO building, and more.
We were also excited to have a representative from Save the Children, who provided books for students to take home and enjoy reading with their families. 📚
It was a night full of laughter, connection, and unforgettable memories. Everyone had a fantastic time! We want to thank all of the families who came out and joined us—we truly appreciate your support. We are already looking forward to making this event even bigger and better next year!
⚽ Panther Pride! ⚽
Congratulations to Brayden Mays for being voted the DCMS All District Player!
Even more impressive—Brayden didn’t join the team until our 3rd game of the season, yet he finished the year with an incredible 68 saves as goalkeeper! His effort, focus, and leadership in the goal made a huge impact on our team this season.
Brayden will be recognized at the Middle School Championship Game tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM at Jackson Christian School.
We’re proud of you, Brayden! 🧤⚽🐾
#PantherPride
Congratulations to Brayden Mays for being voted the DCMS All District Player!
Even more impressive—Brayden didn’t join the team until our 3rd game of the season, yet he finished the year with an incredible 68 saves as goalkeeper! His effort, focus, and leadership in the goal made a huge impact on our team this season.
Brayden will be recognized at the Middle School Championship Game tomorrow morning at 9:00 AM at Jackson Christian School.
We’re proud of you, Brayden! 🧤⚽🐾
#PantherPride
🐾💙 National Therapy Dog Day Celebration! 💙🐾
Decatur County Middle School had a paws-itively amazing time celebrating Felix, our beloved therapy dog! 🐶✨
Felix received lots of hugs, love, and appreciation from students throughout the day. His calming presence and friendly spirit brought so many smiles and made a big difference in our school community.
Thank you, Felix, for all the comfort and joy you bring—we appreciate you more than words can say! 💙🐾
#TherapyDogDay #SchoolCounseling #FelixTheTherapyDog #StudentSupport #SpreadKindness
Decatur County Middle School had a paws-itively amazing time celebrating Felix, our beloved therapy dog! 🐶✨
Felix received lots of hugs, love, and appreciation from students throughout the day. His calming presence and friendly spirit brought so many smiles and made a big difference in our school community.
Thank you, Felix, for all the comfort and joy you bring—we appreciate you more than words can say! 💙🐾
#TherapyDogDay #SchoolCounseling #FelixTheTherapyDog #StudentSupport #SpreadKindness
PAID sheets for the week of 5/4/26.
Panther points 5/1/26
💙💛 School Lunch Hero Day – May 1, 2026 💛💙
.
Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible cafeteria teams across Decatur County Schools—our true School Lunch Heroes!
Each day, these amazing individuals do so much more than prepare meals. They work hard to make sure our students are served food that is not only nutritious, but yummy—meals that students look forward to and enjoy.
But what makes them truly special is the way they care for our children. From warm smiles and kind words to creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere in the cafeteria, they go above and beyond to make every student feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Across every school in our system, our cafeteria teams work together seamlessly—not just with one another, but alongside teachers, staff, and administrators—to ensure that every child is fed, supported, and ready to learn.
Their teamwork, dedication, and heart do not go unnoticed. They are a vital part of our schools and our community.
Thank you for serving with heart and making a difference every single day!
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #DecaturCountySchools #WhereEverybodyIsSomebody
.
Today, we proudly celebrate the incredible cafeteria teams across Decatur County Schools—our true School Lunch Heroes!
Each day, these amazing individuals do so much more than prepare meals. They work hard to make sure our students are served food that is not only nutritious, but yummy—meals that students look forward to and enjoy.
But what makes them truly special is the way they care for our children. From warm smiles and kind words to creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere in the cafeteria, they go above and beyond to make every student feel seen, valued, and cared for.
Across every school in our system, our cafeteria teams work together seamlessly—not just with one another, but alongside teachers, staff, and administrators—to ensure that every child is fed, supported, and ready to learn.
Their teamwork, dedication, and heart do not go unnoticed. They are a vital part of our schools and our community.
Thank you for serving with heart and making a difference every single day!
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #DecaturCountySchools #WhereEverybodyIsSomebody
Panther points 4/30/26
Mark your calendars!
We're getting EXCITED!!!
Panther points 4/29/26
Teacher Appreciation Week is just around the corner! 💛
🎤 We’re collecting special shout-outs to celebrate the incredible educators who change lives every day. Whether it’s a favorite memory or a simple 'thank you,' we’d love for you to share a kind word for the teachers who have made a lasting impact.
We will deliver these to the teachers during the week of May 4-8.
https://forms.gle/KX4zCr3PKqjr3bPUA
🎤 We’re collecting special shout-outs to celebrate the incredible educators who change lives every day. Whether it’s a favorite memory or a simple 'thank you,' we’d love for you to share a kind word for the teachers who have made a lasting impact.
We will deliver these to the teachers during the week of May 4-8.
https://forms.gle/KX4zCr3PKqjr3bPUA
Panther points 4/28/26
PAID sheets for the week of 4/27/26.
Now Hiring: CUSTODIAN at DECATUR COUNTY MIDDLE SCHOOL
.
The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Custodial Worker at Decatur County Middle School. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED before employment and successfully pass a TBI fingerprint background screening. The applicant will also need a completed Health Screening from a licensed Physician.
.
This is a 12-month position (M-F from 7:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.) with a proposed annual salary of $25,910 for the 2026-2027 school year.
.
Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online: https://forms.gle/sNjGE6PrbvjSGBed7.
.
The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, May 1, 2026.
.
For more information, please contact Ms. Kodi Breeden, DCMS Principal @ (731)847-6510 or kodi.beck@decaturschools.org
.
The Decatur County School System is seeking applications for a Custodial Worker at Decatur County Middle School. Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED before employment and successfully pass a TBI fingerprint background screening. The applicant will also need a completed Health Screening from a licensed Physician.
.
This is a 12-month position (M-F from 7:00 a.m. -3:30 p.m.) with a proposed annual salary of $25,910 for the 2026-2027 school year.
.
Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office and submitted to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org, or accessed and completed online: https://forms.gle/sNjGE6PrbvjSGBed7.
.
The deadline for submitting an application is Friday, May 1, 2026.
.
For more information, please contact Ms. Kodi Breeden, DCMS Principal @ (731)847-6510 or kodi.beck@decaturschools.org
Panther points 4/24/26
🏆 DCMS Baseball Champions! ⚾
Congratulations to the DCMS Baseball Team on an incredible season! The Panthers captured both the Regular Season Conference Title and the Conference Tournament Championship this year.
Finishing the season with an outstanding 22–1 record, these student-athletes showed tremendous dedication, teamwork, and determination on and off the field. Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence made this a season to remember!
We are proud of our players and grateful to the coaches, families, and supporters who helped make this success possible.
Way to go, Panthers!
Congratulations to the DCMS Baseball Team on an incredible season! The Panthers captured both the Regular Season Conference Title and the Conference Tournament Championship this year.
Finishing the season with an outstanding 22–1 record, these student-athletes showed tremendous dedication, teamwork, and determination on and off the field. Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to excellence made this a season to remember!
We are proud of our players and grateful to the coaches, families, and supporters who helped make this success possible.
Way to go, Panthers!
