📅 Calendar Update – Decatur County Schools
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Please note a change to the Decatur County School System calendar:
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➡️ There will be NO SCHOOL on Monday, December 22nd.
This day was previously scheduled as an abbreviated day; however, schools will be closed, and buses will not run.
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Students, we wish you a wonderful Christmas Break! We look forward to welcoming everyone back on Monday, January 5, 2026.
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Thank you, and enjoy the holidays! 🎄✨
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-ACREASY
Riverside High School has been celebrating the last week of school with Christmas treats.
Thank you to Subway for the delecious cookies on Monday.
Thank you to Katie Townsend -- Realtor for the Christmas Trash (Wonderful Salts and Sweets)
Thank you to Subway for the delecious cookies on Monday.
Thank you to Katie Townsend -- Realtor for the Christmas Trash (Wonderful Salts and Sweets)
Registration for the Decatur County Virtual Academy for the Spring semester is open. Please fill out the online application. Once completed, DCMS students need to see Ms. Kodi Breeden, and RHS students will need to see Ms. Amanda Keeton. If you are an out-of-district student, please call Dr. Scott King at 731-847-1750 or email scott.king@decaturschools.org to schedule a meeting. You will be asked to write a 250-word essay on why you need to transfer to the virtual Academy. Once the application and essay are complete, someone will contact you to let you know if you were accepted to the Academy. Registration is open until Thursday, December 18th. Students will NOT be allowed to register after this time. If you have any questions or concerns, please get in touch with Dr. King.
https://forms.gle/8fv3q8QUoCLe5yJb7
https://forms.gle/8fv3q8QUoCLe5yJb7
✨ DTU Tennessee State Invitational ✨
in Brentwood, TN
What a day for Decatur County dancers!
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Riverside High School:
🏆 1st Place – Varsity Jazz
🥉 3rd Place – Small Varsity Hip Hop
🎖️ Technical Excellence Award
Decatur County Middle School:
🏆 1st Place – Middle School Jazz
🏅 5th Place – Middle School Hip Hop
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These young ladies showed up, worked hard, and represented Decatur County with pride, grace, and grit.
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Congratulations, dancers and coaches! We are so proud of you! 💙💛
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ACREASY
Important Schedule Update for Thursday, December 4th
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Due to pending inclement weather, the Decatur County Middle School basketball game against Hardin County and the DCMS production of Annie scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, have both been canceled.
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At this time, school is still scheduled to be in session on Friday, December 5th.
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Please continue to check for updates as conditions may change.
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Thank you for your understanding and support.
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ACREASY
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Due to pending inclement weather, the Decatur County Middle School basketball game against Hardin County and the DCMS production of Annie scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, have both been canceled.
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At this time, school is still scheduled to be in session on Friday, December 5th.
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Please continue to check for updates as conditions may change.
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Thank you for your understanding and support.
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ACREASY
Important Schedule Update for Thursday, December 4th
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Due to pending inclement weather, the Decatur County Middle School basketball game against Hardin County and the DCMS production of Annie scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, have both been canceled.
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At this time, school is still scheduled to be in session on Friday, December 5th.
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Please continue to check for updates as conditions may change.
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Thank you for your understanding and support.
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ACREASY
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Due to pending inclement weather, the Decatur County Middle School basketball game against Hardin County and the DCMS production of Annie scheduled for Thursday, December 4th, have both been canceled.
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At this time, school is still scheduled to be in session on Friday, December 5th.
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Please continue to check for updates as conditions may change.
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Thank you for your understanding and support.
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ACREASY
🔔 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: 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
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
GIVING BACK
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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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Decatur County Schools proudly supported Decatur County Outreach, led by our very own RHS counselor, Cheyenne Fowler.
_
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
🦃 RHS Seniors Shine at the 6th Annual Marty White Thanksgiving Dinner!
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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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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. 💛🦃💙
Ever wondered what the high schoolers get up to in the science lab? Sometimes it’s pretty neat! A few weeks ago, Riverside students in the Chemistry 1 and physical science courses had an opportunity to do a lab together! Both classes share a curriculum on light waves and chemical reactions, so Coach Mangrum and Professor Jones had them get together for a cross-curriculum collaboration. Students learned about chemiluminescence and fluorescence, and generally had a blast playing with glowing stuff under black lights.
The professor thought it would be neat to take some videos for the community to see what’s going on, so have a look in the comments section if you want to see those!
The professor thought it would be neat to take some videos for the community to see what’s going on, so have a look in the comments section if you want to see those!
Reserved tickets available now for the Riverside Alumni Show on December 13th at 6:30pm
You don't want to miss this show and reserve your favorite seat at the WDPAC
Tickets are $12.00 each at the door or online.
https://rhst.booktix.com/dept/main/e/RHSAlumn/pal/fZFiRZzutPK5HEBomKMU9SBpS
You don't want to miss this show and reserve your favorite seat at the WDPAC
Tickets are $12.00 each at the door or online.
https://rhst.booktix.com/dept/main/e/RHSAlumn/pal/fZFiRZzutPK5HEBomKMU9SBpS
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
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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
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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.
_
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.
_
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.
_
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
COME AND LEARN ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION
🍂 Join Us for the Decatur County Schools Fall Resource Fair! 🍂
📅 Saturday, November 8th
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Decatur County Middle School
The Decatur County Schools Special Education Department, in collaboration with the Tennessee Technical Assistance Network, invites you to our Fall Resource Fair!
🌟 What to Expect:
✅ Vendors and organizations supporting individuals with disabilities — including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Employment and Community First Choices, Caregiver Programs, and more!
✅ A special overview session of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for parents.
✅ Door prizes and opportunities to connect with local resources!
🕐 Event Schedule:
10:00 – 10:30: Welcome
10:30 – 11:00: IEP Overview Session
11:30 – 12:00: Door Prizes
12:00 – 2:00: Visit with Vendors
📞 Questions?
Contact Michelle McElrath, Special Education Director
📧 michelle.mcelrath@decaturcountyschools.org
📱 731-852-2391
Come learn, connect, and discover the amazing resources available for our students and families!
🍂 Join Us for the Decatur County Schools Fall Resource Fair! 🍂
📅 Saturday, November 8th
🕙 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Decatur County Middle School
The Decatur County Schools Special Education Department, in collaboration with the Tennessee Technical Assistance Network, invites you to our Fall Resource Fair!
🌟 What to Expect:
✅ Vendors and organizations supporting individuals with disabilities — including Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Employment and Community First Choices, Caregiver Programs, and more!
✅ A special overview session of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for parents.
✅ Door prizes and opportunities to connect with local resources!
🕐 Event Schedule:
10:00 – 10:30: Welcome
10:30 – 11:00: IEP Overview Session
11:30 – 12:00: Door Prizes
12:00 – 2:00: Visit with Vendors
📞 Questions?
Contact Michelle McElrath, Special Education Director
📧 michelle.mcelrath@decaturcountyschools.org
📱 731-852-2391
Come learn, connect, and discover the amazing resources available for our students and families!
INVITATION TO BIDDERS
Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12th, 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:
- HVAC gas pack heat/air central unit in RHS Girls’ Softball Facility.
- Install insulation in the batting cage area.
- Duct work, electrical upgrade, gas piping to be run.
Completion date January 15 th , 2025
Interested bidders will need to contact Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor, on November 5 th 2025 at 9:00 am for a pre-bid meeting at the softball field house.
(2740 Hwy 641 South Parsons, Tn.)
Bids shall be presented in sealed envelopes, plainly marked on the outside with the bid to the 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 the same.
The board has committed to award the 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.
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
Sealed bids will be received by the Decatur County Board of Education, Decaturville, Tennessee, until 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, November 12th, 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:
- HVAC gas pack heat/air central unit in RHS Girls’ Softball Facility.
- Install insulation in the batting cage area.
- Duct work, electrical upgrade, gas piping to be run.
Completion date January 15 th , 2025
Interested bidders will need to contact Keith Dickson, Facilities Supervisor, on November 5 th 2025 at 9:00 am for a pre-bid meeting at the softball field house.
(2740 Hwy 641 South Parsons, Tn.)
Bids shall be presented in sealed envelopes, plainly marked on the outside with the bid to the 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 the same.
The board has committed to award the 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.
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
UPDATE:
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We hope everyone enjoyed a restful and fun-filled fall break! This is a reminder that Decatur County Schools will resume classes tomorrow, Monday, October 13, 2025.
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We also want to address the recent school threat that has been circulating in our county. At this time, the individual responsible is in custody. While there are no new updates to share, please be assured that the safety of our students and staff remains our school system’s top priority.
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We are working closely with our School Resource Officers (SROs), Decatur County Sheriff’s Department, Parsons Police Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol, and Homeland Security to maintain a secure environment across all campuses. We remain committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates should any new information related to school safety arise.
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Thank you for your continued support of the Decatur County School System,
Melinda J. Thompson
Director of Schools
Decatur County School System
To Our Parents, Students, and Community Members,
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The Decatur County School System was recently made aware of a potential threat involving one of our schools. I want to personally assure you that we take all threats seriously and are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and campuses.
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At this time, our knowledge and information regarding the situation is limited. However, we can confirm that the individual responsible for making the threat is currently in custody. We are continuing to work closely with law enforcement to monitor and assess the situation.
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We would like to express our sincere appreciation to local law enforcement agencies for their swift response. Their prompt action was instrumental in addressing the situation quickly.
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We will continue to keep our school community informed. As more details become available, we will share updates through the Decatur County School System’s official website and Facebook page.
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Thank you for your understanding, support, and continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Melinda Thompson
Director of Schools
Decatur County School System
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The Decatur County School System was recently made aware of a potential threat involving one of our schools. I want to personally assure you that we take all threats seriously and are fully committed to ensuring the safety of our students, staff, and campuses.
,
At this time, our knowledge and information regarding the situation is limited. However, we can confirm that the individual responsible for making the threat is currently in custody. We are continuing to work closely with law enforcement to monitor and assess the situation.
.
We would like to express our sincere appreciation to local law enforcement agencies for their swift response. Their prompt action was instrumental in addressing the situation quickly.
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We will continue to keep our school community informed. As more details become available, we will share updates through the Decatur County School System’s official website and Facebook page.
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Thank you for your understanding, support, and continued partnership in keeping our schools safe.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Melinda Thompson
Director of Schools
Decatur County School System
ATTENTION: Please take a moment to read.
A big thank you to Kolpak, a major employer with a large workforce from Decatur County and a true partner to our schools and community, for hosting an industry tour for Riverside High School students today!
Students had the chance to see real-world applications of their classroom learning, explore potential career paths, and gain firsthand insight into the opportunities available right here in our community. Experiences like this inspire the next generation and highlight the strong connection between our schools and local businesses.
We are grateful to Kolpak for their continued support of our students, schools, and community—investing in the future of Decatur County!
Students had the chance to see real-world applications of their classroom learning, explore potential career paths, and gain firsthand insight into the opportunities available right here in our community. Experiences like this inspire the next generation and highlight the strong connection between our schools and local businesses.
We are grateful to Kolpak for their continued support of our students, schools, and community—investing in the future of Decatur County!
“Riverside’s Newspaper Club is very excited to share the “October Pawprint” with the community. In this newspaper there is a school calendar including all school and sport happenings, daily lunches, and even some community events. Mrs. Christina Barber and Mrs. Ashley McCann have been working with the students in the club for the past month to create this. The students who researched and designed each page are given credit on the bottom of the pages. Please check out our school newspaper!
Email christina.barber@decaturschools.org if you have any community events we should add to the November calendar! “
Email christina.barber@decaturschools.org if you have any community events we should add to the November calendar! “
