Welcome to the Panther Pack, Mrs. Vanessa Stephenson!
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Decatur County Schools is proud to welcome Mrs. Vanessa Stephenson, who will be joining Riverside High School to teach Biology this school year!
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Mrs. Stephenson brings an impressive background in science and education. She holds a B.S. in Agriculture and Environmental Science and a Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science, both from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
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Originally from Long Island, New York, Vanessa moved with her family to a farm in Camden, Tennessee, when she was 13. After graduating from Camden Central High School, she followed her dream of continuing her education and traveling. Most of her 21 years of teaching experience were spent in Colorado, where she lived for 15 years after completing her studies at UTK.
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Her journey in education began at UTK, teaching Soils courses to college students, which sparked her passion for helping others learn. Before becoming a science teacher, she also worked in the field—handling specimens from the Exxon Valdez oil spill and delineating wetlands in Polk County.
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“Thank you so much! I’m excited for this opportunity and so happy to finally be home,” she shared.
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Vanessa has a love for adventure, having traveled across the country backpacking and biking over 2,000 miles through Europe. Her heart has always been set on returning home to Tennessee to be closer to her family.
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Vanessa and her husband, Ethan, have been married for 10 years and share their home with two furbabies—Millie Mae and Rudy—as well as several reptiles and amphibians that will soon join her in the classroom.
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In her free time, she enjoys gardening, growing plants in her greenhouse, and restoring furniture for her side business, Lazy Daisy Design Finds.
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Mrs. Stephenson shared: “I’m looking forward to the new school year, meeting my students and the other staff at Riverside High School. I’m especially grateful to be part of the community and to share my excitement for science with my Biology students. Go Panthers!”
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RHS Principal Lex Suite shared: “We are so excited to have Mrs. Stephenson join our team. Her incredible background and enthusiasm for science will inspire our students to see the subject in new ways. She’s going to be a wonderful addition to Riverside High School.”
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Please help us give Mrs. Vanessa Stephenson a warm Panther Pack welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter! 💙💛💙
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Decatur County Schools is proud to welcome Mrs. Vanessa Stephenson, who will be joining Riverside High School to teach Biology this school year!
.
Mrs. Stephenson brings an impressive background in science and education. She holds a B.S. in Agriculture and Environmental Science and a Master of Science in Plant and Soil Science, both from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. She also earned a Master of Education in Educational Leadership from Colorado State University in Fort Collins.
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Originally from Long Island, New York, Vanessa moved with her family to a farm in Camden, Tennessee, when she was 13. After graduating from Camden Central High School, she followed her dream of continuing her education and traveling. Most of her 21 years of teaching experience were spent in Colorado, where she lived for 15 years after completing her studies at UTK.
.
Her journey in education began at UTK, teaching Soils courses to college students, which sparked her passion for helping others learn. Before becoming a science teacher, she also worked in the field—handling specimens from the Exxon Valdez oil spill and delineating wetlands in Polk County.
.
“Thank you so much! I’m excited for this opportunity and so happy to finally be home,” she shared.
.
Vanessa has a love for adventure, having traveled across the country backpacking and biking over 2,000 miles through Europe. Her heart has always been set on returning home to Tennessee to be closer to her family.
.
Vanessa and her husband, Ethan, have been married for 10 years and share their home with two furbabies—Millie Mae and Rudy—as well as several reptiles and amphibians that will soon join her in the classroom.
.
In her free time, she enjoys gardening, growing plants in her greenhouse, and restoring furniture for her side business, Lazy Daisy Design Finds.
.
Mrs. Stephenson shared: “I’m looking forward to the new school year, meeting my students and the other staff at Riverside High School. I’m especially grateful to be part of the community and to share my excitement for science with my Biology students. Go Panthers!”
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RHS Principal Lex Suite shared: “We are so excited to have Mrs. Stephenson join our team. Her incredible background and enthusiasm for science will inspire our students to see the subject in new ways. She’s going to be a wonderful addition to Riverside High School.”
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Please help us give Mrs. Vanessa Stephenson a warm Panther Pack welcome as she begins this exciting new chapter! 💙💛💙
Congratulations, Dr. Josh Sinclair! 🎓
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Decatur County Schools would like to recognize Josh Sinclair for his recent achievement in completing his Doctorate degree. This accomplishment reflects years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to professional growth and excellence in education.
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Dr. Sinclair is assigned to Riverside High School, where he teaches PE and Health and serves as the Boys Basketball Coach.
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Dr. Sinclair’s pursuit of advanced learning sets a powerful example for students and colleagues alike, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning. We are proud to have educators who continually strive to expand their knowledge and skills to better serve our schools and community.
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Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, shared: “We are so proud of Dr. Sinclair for reaching this milestone. His commitment to his own learning reflects the spirit of Decatur County Schools, where we encourage and support personal growth at every level. Dr. Sinclair's dedication to his students and his leadership in the classroom set a wonderful example for our entire school community.”
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Please join us in congratulating Dr. Josh Sinclair on this outstanding accomplishment!
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Decatur County Schools would like to recognize Josh Sinclair for his recent achievement in completing his Doctorate degree. This accomplishment reflects years of dedication, hard work, and commitment to professional growth and excellence in education.
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Dr. Sinclair is assigned to Riverside High School, where he teaches PE and Health and serves as the Boys Basketball Coach.
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Dr. Sinclair’s pursuit of advanced learning sets a powerful example for students and colleagues alike, demonstrating the importance of perseverance and lifelong learning. We are proud to have educators who continually strive to expand their knowledge and skills to better serve our schools and community.
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Director of Schools, Mrs. Melinda Thompson, shared: “We are so proud of Dr. Sinclair for reaching this milestone. His commitment to his own learning reflects the spirit of Decatur County Schools, where we encourage and support personal growth at every level. Dr. Sinclair's dedication to his students and his leadership in the classroom set a wonderful example for our entire school community.”
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Please join us in congratulating Dr. Josh Sinclair on this outstanding accomplishment!
Welcome to the Panther Pack, Mr. Keith Wayne Renfroe!
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Decatur County Schools are excited to introduce Mr. Keith Wayne Renfroe, who will be joining Riverside High School teaching History this school year!
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Mr. Renfroe graduated from UT Martin with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and also holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
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He is no stranger to RHS—he previously taught here ten years ago before serving as the full-time Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Parsons, a role he recently transitioned into part-time while returning to education.
“I am excited to get to know the students and share my love for History,” Mr. Renfroe shared.
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He comes from a family of educators and is passionate about helping students see the relevance of history in today’s world.
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Mr. Renfroe and his wife, Torie, have been married for 13 years. Outside of work, he enjoys working in the garden, reading, and woodworking.
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RHS Principal Lex Suite shared, “We are so glad to have him back. Mr. Renfroe has a genuine passion for connecting with students, and I know he will make a great impact with our students as well as our History program.”
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Mr. Renfroe sends this message to his students, colleagues, and Panther families:
“Go Panthers!”
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Please join us in giving Mr. Renfroe a warm Panther Pack welcome as he steps back into the classroom. We can’t wait to see the positive impact he will make! 💙💛💙
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Decatur County Schools are excited to introduce Mr. Keith Wayne Renfroe, who will be joining Riverside High School teaching History this school year!
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Mr. Renfroe graduated from UT Martin with a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and also holds a Master of Divinity from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
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He is no stranger to RHS—he previously taught here ten years ago before serving as the full-time Youth Pastor at First Baptist Church in Parsons, a role he recently transitioned into part-time while returning to education.
“I am excited to get to know the students and share my love for History,” Mr. Renfroe shared.
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He comes from a family of educators and is passionate about helping students see the relevance of history in today’s world.
.
Mr. Renfroe and his wife, Torie, have been married for 13 years. Outside of work, he enjoys working in the garden, reading, and woodworking.
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RHS Principal Lex Suite shared, “We are so glad to have him back. Mr. Renfroe has a genuine passion for connecting with students, and I know he will make a great impact with our students as well as our History program.”
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Mr. Renfroe sends this message to his students, colleagues, and Panther families:
“Go Panthers!”
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Please join us in giving Mr. Renfroe a warm Panther Pack welcome as he steps back into the classroom. We can’t wait to see the positive impact he will make! 💙💛💙
Welcome to the Panther Pack, Mrs. Ashley McCann!
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Decatur County School System is excited to introduce Mrs. Ashley McCann! Mrs. McCann will be joining Riverside High School as our new Freshman English teacher!
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Mrs. McCann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Religious Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching, both from Christian Brothers University. She is certified in English Language Arts for grades 6–12 and brings over a decade of teaching experience to her new role.
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For the past ten years, Ashley served at The Collegiate School of Memphis, where she taught high school Bible courses, 8th grade Public Speaking, and 8th grade English Language Arts. She is excited to bring her passion for teaching and her love of literature back to Decatur County, where her own educational journey began.
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“I’m thrilled to return and contribute to the very environment that helped shape me,” Ashley shared. “While I’ve always loved reading, it wasn’t until my 11th grade ELA teacher truly ignited my passion for learning. She recognized potential in me that no one else had, and that experience changed the trajectory of my life. I hope to do the same for my students.”
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RHS Principal Lex Suite shared,
“We are so excited to welcome Mrs. McCann to our Riverside family. Her experience, enthusiasm, and genuine heart for students will make her a tremendous asset to our English department and to our freshmen.”
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When she’s not in the classroom, Ashley enjoys golfing with her husband Billy, spending time on the river, tackling home renovation projects, and reading—often with three books going at once. She’s also looking forward to reconnecting with extended family here in Decatur County and becoming part of the community again.
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Please help us give Mrs. McCann a warm welcome! We can’t wait to see all the wonderful ways she will inspire and empower her students. 💙💛💙
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Decatur County School System is excited to introduce Mrs. Ashley McCann! Mrs. McCann will be joining Riverside High School as our new Freshman English teacher!
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Mrs. McCann holds a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies with a Minor in Religious Studies and a Master of Arts in Teaching, both from Christian Brothers University. She is certified in English Language Arts for grades 6–12 and brings over a decade of teaching experience to her new role.
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For the past ten years, Ashley served at The Collegiate School of Memphis, where she taught high school Bible courses, 8th grade Public Speaking, and 8th grade English Language Arts. She is excited to bring her passion for teaching and her love of literature back to Decatur County, where her own educational journey began.
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“I’m thrilled to return and contribute to the very environment that helped shape me,” Ashley shared. “While I’ve always loved reading, it wasn’t until my 11th grade ELA teacher truly ignited my passion for learning. She recognized potential in me that no one else had, and that experience changed the trajectory of my life. I hope to do the same for my students.”
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RHS Principal Lex Suite shared,
“We are so excited to welcome Mrs. McCann to our Riverside family. Her experience, enthusiasm, and genuine heart for students will make her a tremendous asset to our English department and to our freshmen.”
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When she’s not in the classroom, Ashley enjoys golfing with her husband Billy, spending time on the river, tackling home renovation projects, and reading—often with three books going at once. She’s also looking forward to reconnecting with extended family here in Decatur County and becoming part of the community again.
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Please help us give Mrs. McCann a warm welcome! We can’t wait to see all the wonderful ways she will inspire and empower her students. 💙💛💙
Please join us for a come-and-go Retirement Celebration honoring Mr. V.
Everyone is welcome!!!
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for High School Guidance Counselor for the 2025-2026 school year.
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://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLSdH12Vhs88SbP.../viewform
Only applicants with a current Tennessee teacher license with an endorsement in School Counseling PreK-12 (Endorsement 487) or willing to acquire through an approved School Counselor licensure program will be considered for the position.
The deadline for applying is Sunday, June 15, 2025.
For questions or inquiries, please contact Ms. Amanda Keeton, RHS Vice Principal, at amanda.keeton@decaturschools.org or (731) 852-3941.
PARENTS:
The Decatur County School System is seeking applicants for a High School Math teaching position for the 2025-2026 school year.
Applicants should submit a detailed resume that includes previous employment experience and all Tennessee teacher license certifications. Applications may be picked up at the Board of Education Office or downloaded from www.decaturcountyschools.com under the Employment tab.
Applications should be sent to Hugh Smith, Human Resources Supervisor, Decatur County Board of Education, 59 West Main Street, P.O. Box 369, Decaturville, TN or emailed to hugh.smith@decaturschools.org.
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.
The deadline for applying is Friday, June 13, 2025.
New Registration for all schools in Decatur County:
R H S LADIES VOLLEYBALL
🌞📚 Summer School is Almost Here! 📚🌞
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Don't forget to complete and return your Summer School application! All forms are due by Thursday, May 15th.
Let’s keep the learning going strong this summer! ☀️✏️
🎉 IT'S TIME!
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Click the link below to register for the 2025–26 school year.
Let’s get ahead and make it a great year!
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👉 https://www.decaturcountyschools.com/.../student...
RHS Newsletter - Last Two Weeks 2025
Happy Teacher Appreciation Week to all of our teachers at RHS! Our teachers have enjoyed ice cream, breakfast, sweet treats, a cookout, and lots of door prizes this week. Thank you to all of our community sponsors and businesses who donated to our teachers this week. We couldn't have done it without you!
Happy School Nurse Day to our amazing staff! 🩺💙
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Without you, our schools wouldn’t be the safe, healthy, and caring places they are. Thank you for your compassion, your calm in every storm, and your dedication to every student and staff member. You go above and beyond every single day, and we are so grateful for you!
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#SchoolNurseDay #ThankYouNurses #DecaturCountySchools
🎉 IT'S TIME!
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Click the link below to register for the 2025–26 school year.
Let’s get ahead and make it a great year!
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👉 https://www.decaturcountyschools.com/.../student...
Decatur County Virtual Academy is a valuable educational option offered by Decatur County Schools! 🌟
If you're seeking an alternative route for your child's learning journey — one that offers flexibility, support, and academic excellence — look no further.
📞 Contact our team today to learn more about how Virtual Academy can meet your family's needs and support your child's success!
Decatur County Schools is proud to announce our...
RHS Newsletter (Week of May 5, 2025)
🎉 Happy School Lunch Hero Day! 🍎🥪
Let’s hear it for our amazing School Lunch Staff!
Day in and day out, these incredible ladies make sure our children are well-fed and cared for with love and dedication. They take true pride in their work — and while they may not hear it enough, today we shout it loud: THANK YOU! 🙌
We count on each of you, and we are so proud and grateful for the heart you put into serving our students every single day. You truly are heroes! 💛
#SchoolLunchHeroDay #ThankYou #SchoolLunch
