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 Parsons Elementary.
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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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For more information, please contact Mrs. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services (731)847-5908 or michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org
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The deadline for applying is Friday, June 12, 2026
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The Decatur County Board of Education is accepting applications for a Special Education Assistant for Parsons Elementary.
.
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
.
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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For more information, please contact Mrs. Michelle McElrath, Supervisor of Special Education Services (731)847-5908 or michelle.mcelrath@decaturschools.org
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The deadline for applying is Friday, June 12, 2026
Looking for ways to support early literacy at home this summer? Check out this Institute of Education Sciences resource developed by The Florida Center for Reading Research!
📚 A Resource for Parents and Caring Adults of Children in Grades K–3: Supporting Your Child's Reading at Home
Parents and caregivers play a powerful role in helping children become confident readers. This REL Southeast infographic gives families simple, practical ways to support their child's reading development at home.
It breaks down the four foundational reading skills children develop in grades K–3 and offers easy activities, examples, and tips to use during everyday interactions.
Learn more here: https://tinyurl.com/HomeReadingTips
💙 Introducing Decaturville Elementary’s Lending Library! 💙
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Decaturville Elementary is excited to announce the addition of our new Lending Library, created especially for our students to enjoy reading beyond the classroom walls!
Students are encouraged to borrow books from the library, enjoy reading them at home, and then return them so another student can enjoy them as well. Once students finish reading a book, they may also take an AR test at school before exchanging it for another exciting read!
Decaturville Elementary Principal, Mrs. Christee Clenney, shared:
“We are so excited to provide our students with another opportunity to develop a love for reading. Our Lending Library helps place books directly into the hands of children and encourages learning far beyond the school day. Reading opens doors, and we hope this little library inspires a lifetime love of books.”
A very special THANK YOU goes to Vulcan Materials for building and installing our beautiful Lending Library. They are phenomenal community partners, and we greatly appreciate their continued support of our students and school community!
📖 Special Lending Library Guidelines:
• Please borrow books and return them when finished.
• At this time, we ask that community members do not place any books directly into the library that have not been approved. (Approved books will have an AR number, grade level, and AR point value in the inside cover.)
• School administration will review and approve all donated materials before they are added.
• A designated drop-off location for book donations is coming soon!
Thank you for helping us encourage literacy, imagination, and a love for learning at Decaturville Elementary!
.
Decaturville Elementary is excited to announce the addition of our new Lending Library, created especially for our students to enjoy reading beyond the classroom walls!
Students are encouraged to borrow books from the library, enjoy reading them at home, and then return them so another student can enjoy them as well. Once students finish reading a book, they may also take an AR test at school before exchanging it for another exciting read!
Decaturville Elementary Principal, Mrs. Christee Clenney, shared:
“We are so excited to provide our students with another opportunity to develop a love for reading. Our Lending Library helps place books directly into the hands of children and encourages learning far beyond the school day. Reading opens doors, and we hope this little library inspires a lifetime love of books.”
A very special THANK YOU goes to Vulcan Materials for building and installing our beautiful Lending Library. They are phenomenal community partners, and we greatly appreciate their continued support of our students and school community!
📖 Special Lending Library Guidelines:
• Please borrow books and return them when finished.
• At this time, we ask that community members do not place any books directly into the library that have not been approved. (Approved books will have an AR number, grade level, and AR point value in the inside cover.)
• School administration will review and approve all donated materials before they are added.
• A designated drop-off location for book donations is coming soon!
Thank you for helping us encourage literacy, imagination, and a love for learning at Decaturville Elementary!
DON'T MISS OUT!!! SIGN UP TODAY!!!
Every student in PreK through 8th grade has been given a sign-up sheet to bring home.
Every student in PreK through 8th grade has been given a sign-up sheet to bring home.
Teachers,
If you need an extra copy of the permission note, I left the original in the Busy Bee Room on the table. The green paper is in one of those cabinets.
If you need an extra copy of the permission note, I left the original in the Busy Bee Room on the table. The green paper is in one of those cabinets.
🍎 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.
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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.
.
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.
More pictures of our 4th graders’ field trip!
Pizza kits were delivered! Pickup is from 3:15-4:30 in the lobby. Text Katelyn with any questions.
731-549-7081
May Newsletter
DES Upcoming Events 🗓️
FREE PIZZA FOR READING? Yes, please! 🍕☀️
Enrollment is officially OPEN for the Pizza Hut BOOK IT! Summer of Stories program!
This is a free summer reading challenge designed for families with children in Pre-K through 6th grade. From June 1st through August 31st, your students can turn their favorite books into delicious rewards. When your child meets their monthly reading goal, they’ll earn a FREE Personal Pan Pizza to celebrate their hard work! 📖✨
It’s a fantastic (and tasty) way to keep those reading skills sharp while school is out.
💙💛 School Lunch Hero Day – May 1, 2026 💛💙
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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
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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
Save the date! Kindergarten graduation will be here soon!
Yearbook signing day is coming up soon!
We're getting EXCITED!!!
Hey DES families! Don't forget about our Art Show fundraiser! Go to https://shop.square1art.com/Shop/artwork/Search to order your child's artwork! There are tons of products you can choose from. Mrs. Brittany's dog, Copper, is modeling the pet bandana! Thank you for supporting DES! 💙💛
UTM Parsons Center Kid College will be June 22nd-25th! Click link to register: https://parsonskidcollege.totalcamps.com/shop/EVENT
Check out our art show fundraiser! 👀
A message from PTO:
It's TCAP WEEK! Be sure to get a good night's sleep, eat breakfast, and arrive at school on time. You've got this!! 👏🏻
