Panther points 5/11/26
🍎 Decatur County Schools Announces FREE Breakfast & Lunch for All Students in 2026–27 🍎
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Decatur County Schools is excited to announce that all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–27 school year.
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This opportunity is a tremendous blessing for our students, families, and community. Providing nutritious meals each day helps ensure students are prepared to learn, grow, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
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The district would like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs. Sherry Boroughs for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to staying on top of procedures, protocols, and program requirements that helped make this possible. Her attention to detail and persistence played a major role in securing this opportunity for Decatur County students.
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We also want to recognize our incredible cafeteria managers and cafeteria staff across the district. You all are truly superstars! Day after day, you go far beyond what is expected. You serve our students with kindness, care, and compassion, and it does not go unnoticed. The impact you make reaches far beyond the cafeteria line, and we are deeply thankful for each of you.
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Director of Schools Melinda Thompson shared:
“We are extremely excited to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students for the 2026–27 school year. We know proper nutrition plays a vital role in student success, and this will help support families across our county. We are incredibly thankful for Mrs. Sherry Boroughs and our cafeteria teams for the hard work they put in every single day to care for our students. Their dedication truly makes a difference.”
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At Decatur County Schools, we remain committed to supporting students academically, emotionally, and physically — because every student matters, every day.
.
Decatur County Schools is excited to announce that all students will receive breakfast and lunch at no cost during the 2026–27 school year.
.
This opportunity is a tremendous blessing for our students, families, and community. Providing nutritious meals each day helps ensure students are prepared to learn, grow, and succeed both inside and outside the classroom.
.
The district would like to extend a very special thank you to Mrs. Sherry Boroughs for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to staying on top of procedures, protocols, and program requirements that helped make this possible. Her attention to detail and persistence played a major role in securing this opportunity for Decatur County students.
.
We also want to recognize our incredible cafeteria managers and cafeteria staff across the district. You all are truly superstars! Day after day, you go far beyond what is expected. You serve our students with kindness, care, and compassion, and it does not go unnoticed. The impact you make reaches far beyond the cafeteria line, and we are deeply thankful for each of you.
.
Director of Schools Melinda Thompson shared:
“We are extremely excited to offer free breakfast and lunch to all students for the 2026–27 school year. We know proper nutrition plays a vital role in student success, and this will help support families across our county. We are incredibly thankful for Mrs. Sherry Boroughs and our cafeteria teams for the hard work they put in every single day to care for our students. Their dedication truly makes a difference.”
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At Decatur County Schools, we remain committed to supporting students academically, emotionally, and physically — because every student matters, every day.
🎉 BIG NEWS for Decatur County Middle School STEM! 🎉
We are proud to announce that Ms. Jill Farlow, STEM Teacher at Decatur County Middle School, has been awarded a $5,000 TVA Grant for the program, “Journey Through CTE!”
This grant will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–8 while introducing them to Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. Students will gain real-world experiences in health science, culinary arts, construction, electrical wiring, and agriculture & horticulture through exciting new equipment and interactive learning opportunities.
Because of this grant, students now have access to:
✔️ Health science tools and materials
✔️ Cooking and culinary equipment
✔️ Construction and drafting supplies
✔️ Electrical wiring materials
✔️ Indoor greenhouse and plant propagation resources
We also want to shine a special spotlight on Ms. Jill Farlow for writing and administering this grant. Ms. Farlow is an incredible asset and a tremendous resource within the Decatur County School System. Her passion, creativity, and dedication continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students each and every day.
A HUGE thank you to TVA and Lexington Electric System for investing in our students and supporting STEM and Career & Technical Education in Decatur County Schools!
Congratulations to Ms. Jill Farlow and our amazing students! 🐾💙💛
#DecaturCountySchools #STEM #CTE #PantherPride #TVAGrant #FutureReady
We are proud to announce that Ms. Jill Farlow, STEM Teacher at Decatur County Middle School, has been awarded a $5,000 TVA Grant for the program, “Journey Through CTE!”
This grant will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–8 while introducing them to Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. Students will gain real-world experiences in health science, culinary arts, construction, electrical wiring, and agriculture & horticulture through exciting new equipment and interactive learning opportunities.
Because of this grant, students now have access to:
✔️ Health science tools and materials
✔️ Cooking and culinary equipment
✔️ Construction and drafting supplies
✔️ Electrical wiring materials
✔️ Indoor greenhouse and plant propagation resources
We also want to shine a special spotlight on Ms. Jill Farlow for writing and administering this grant. Ms. Farlow is an incredible asset and a tremendous resource within the Decatur County School System. Her passion, creativity, and dedication continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students each and every day.
A HUGE thank you to TVA and Lexington Electric System for investing in our students and supporting STEM and Career & Technical Education in Decatur County Schools!
Congratulations to Ms. Jill Farlow and our amazing students! 🐾💙💛
#DecaturCountySchools #STEM #CTE #PantherPride #TVAGrant #FutureReady
🎉 BIG NEWS for Decatur County Middle School STEM! 🎉
We are proud to announce that Ms. Jill Farlow, STEM Teacher at Decatur County Middle School, has been awarded a $5,000 TVA Grant for the program, “Journey Through CTE!”
This grant will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–8 while introducing them to Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. Students will gain real-world experiences in health science, culinary arts, construction, electrical wiring, and agriculture & horticulture through exciting new equipment and interactive learning opportunities.
Because of this grant, students now have access to:
✔️ Health science tools and materials
✔️ Cooking and culinary equipment
✔️ Construction and drafting supplies
✔️ Electrical wiring materials
✔️ Indoor greenhouse and plant propagation resources
We also want to shine a special spotlight on Ms. Jill Farlow for writing and administering this grant. Ms. Farlow is an incredible asset and a tremendous resource within the Decatur County School System. Her passion, creativity, and dedication continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students each and every day.
A HUGE thank you to TVA and Lexington Electric System for investing in our students and supporting STEM and Career & Technical Education in Decatur County Schools!
Congratulations to Ms. Jill Farlow and our amazing students! 🐾💙💛
#DecaturCountySchools #STEM #CTE #PantherPride #TVAGrant #FutureReady
We are proud to announce that Ms. Jill Farlow, STEM Teacher at Decatur County Middle School, has been awarded a $5,000 TVA Grant for the program, “Journey Through CTE!”
This grant will provide hands-on career exploration opportunities for students in grades 5–8 while introducing them to Career & Technical Education pathways available at the high school level. Students will gain real-world experiences in health science, culinary arts, construction, electrical wiring, and agriculture & horticulture through exciting new equipment and interactive learning opportunities.
Because of this grant, students now have access to:
✔️ Health science tools and materials
✔️ Cooking and culinary equipment
✔️ Construction and drafting supplies
✔️ Electrical wiring materials
✔️ Indoor greenhouse and plant propagation resources
We also want to shine a special spotlight on Ms. Jill Farlow for writing and administering this grant. Ms. Farlow is an incredible asset and a tremendous resource within the Decatur County School System. Her passion, creativity, and dedication continue to provide meaningful opportunities for our students each and every day.
A HUGE thank you to TVA and Lexington Electric System for investing in our students and supporting STEM and Career & Technical Education in Decatur County Schools!
Congratulations to Ms. Jill Farlow and our amazing students! 🐾💙💛
#DecaturCountySchools #STEM #CTE #PantherPride #TVAGrant #FutureReady
PAID sheets for the week of 5/11/26.
Vaping Awareness created by our own DCMS All S.T.A.R., Ava Reeves. Great work, Ms. Ava!
Panther points 5/8/26
Reminder:
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a Science Teacher for the 2026-2027 school year.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Secondary Science Grades 6-12 will be considered for the position.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- Or picked up at the Board of Education Office and sent to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, at Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Secondary Science Grades 6-12 will be considered for the position.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- Or picked up at the Board of Education Office and sent to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, at Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a Mathematics teacher for Grades 6-12 for the 2026-2027 school year.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Mathematics 6-12, 7-12, or 6-10 will be considered for the position.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- Or picked up at the Board of Education Office and sent to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, at Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in Mathematics 6-12, 7-12, or 6-10 will be considered for the position.
Applications may be either:
- Filled out and submitted online here: https://forms.gle/8j4BhWxAVTGNBezDA
- Or picked up at the Board of Education Office and sent to Hugh Smith, Personnel Supervisor, at Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, Decaturville, TN 38329, or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
The deadline for submitting an application is Wednesday, May 20, 2026.
End of year dance!!!
Attention: Anyone attending our National Day of Prayer event at DCMS tomorrow must have a driver’s license or photo ID to gain entry into the building. It will begin at 9:30 AM. Thank you!
Panther points 5/6/26
Panther points 5/5/26
🎉 Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! 🎉
We are so thankful for our teachers every day, but this week we want to give them an extra special shoutout! 👩🏫💐 A huge THANK YOU to all of our community businesses who generously donated door prizes for our amazing teachers! We would also like to thank everyone who sent in appreciation notes to our educators. Your support means the world to us! 💙
Let’s show our teachers some love! 💖 #TeacherAppreciationWeek #DCMS #ThankYouTeachers #CommunitySupport
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!
