Riverside High School

Riverside High School Welcomes Monica Ezell as Head Girls’ Basketball Coach

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Monica Ezell brings more than twenty years of experience in girls' basketball coaching as she returns home to lead the Riverside High School Lady Panthers. She began her coaching career at Riverside, serving as an assistant basketball coach from 2006 to 2008. Since that time, she has coached middle school girls' basketball at Pin Oak Elementary and later at Huntingdon Middle School.

 Coach Ezell is a proud 2002 graduate of Riverside High School. During her playing career, the Lady Panthers made school history by advancing to the substate game for the first time in 2002. She credits her time at Riverside for many lasting memories and for helping shape her love for the game.

 She earned her teaching degree from the University of Memphis in 2006 and later received her Master’s Degree in Education from Bethel University.

 Coach Ezell is happily married to her husband, Clint Ezell, who serves as the Huntingdon High School Cross Country Coach, Athletic Director, and pastor at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. Together they have three children: Caleb (18), Brett (16), and Asher (10).

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Ezell shared her excitement about returning to Riverside:

 "I am thankful and honored for this opportunity, and I am excited to come back to my alma mater to coach girls high school basketball. Riverside has always been a special place to me, and I cannot wait to get started. I am thrilled to join this amazing school community and work with such a talented group of student-athletes.

 First and foremost, I am deeply committed to helping our players grow both as basketball players and as individuals. This game is about more than just winning—it’s about developing teamwork, discipline, leadership, and perseverance. Whether you're on the court, in the classroom, or in the community, I believe the lessons we learn through sports shape us into better people. Let’s Go Panthers!"

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Director of Schools Mrs. Melinda Thompson shared her enthusiasm for Ezell’s return:

 "I had the distinct pleasure of working alongside Monica Ezell many years ago when she taught across the hallway from me at Parsons Elementary School. Even then, in her early years as a professional educator, two things were profoundly evident: her unwavering love for her students and her passion for coaching.

 When she recently interviewed for the role of High School Girls’ Basketball Coach, it was clear that she not only still embodies those foundational traits but has also cultivated a wealth of other essential characteristics. Ms. Ezell demonstrated a refined understanding of pedagogy, leadership, and athletic development—all of which will be instrumental to her success.

 What truly sets Ms. Ezell apart is her deep-seated understanding of the impact a coach has—an impact that extends far beyond the final score. She views the coaching role as an opportunity to mentor, build character, and instill lifelong values such as discipline, teamwork, and resilience. I am fully confident that Ms. Ezell will dedicate herself to strengthening the RHS Girls’ Basketball Program in multiple ways—improving on-court performance while also elevating academic achievement, community involvement, and personal growth among her athletes. Her appointment represents a strategic win for our athletic department and, more importantly, for our students."

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Decatur County School Board Member Mrs. Kristen Smith also expressed her support:

 "I am extremely proud to see Mrs. Monica Ezell coming back home to Riverside as our girls’ basketball coach. Monica and I attended Riverside together and had the opportunity to play basketball as Lady Panthers, so I know firsthand the dedication and heart she brings to the game. She truly cares about our community and has always been proud to represent the blue and gold. I believe she will build a strong strategic program by focusing on fundamentals, teamwork, and character. Our students and our community are gaining a tremendous leader, and I am excited to see what the future holds for Riverside Girls’ Basketball."

Decatur County Schools Weather Update:

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Decatur County Schools is aware of concerns regarding the predicted inclement weather expected in our area today, Wednesday, March 11, 2026. After consulting with Decatur County Government and Decatur County EMA Director Andrew Sparks, the decision has been made for students to remain in school and follow the regular dismissal schedule.

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Weather forecasts indicate the strongest portion of the storm system is expected to move through our area around early afternoon and should clear by approximately 3:00 p.m. If schools were to dismiss earlier in the day, school buses would likely be on the road during the time the most severe weather is expected.

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For that reason, Decatur County Schools will continue to monitor conditions closely, but at this time, students will remain in school, dismissal will be at the normal time, and after-school will remain open.

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The safety of our students and staff remains our top priority, and we will continue working closely with local emergency management officials to monitor the situation and keep the public informed.

SURVEY CLOSES FRIDAY, APRIL 3rd

Please take a moment to participate!

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As part of federal accountability requirements for our school system, we are required to gather parent feedback regarding the educational programs and facilities provided by the Decatur County School System.

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Your input is VERY important and helps us better understand the needs and perceptions of our families.

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Please take a few minutes to complete the annual school system survey for each of your children.

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https://forms.gle/kBjwaACkERArp3vK7

RHS & DCMS PARENTS:

Please fill this form out to give permission for your child to take the Tennessee School Climate Survey.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfpAvNMOvCO7_l27g--mmeRnSmRCFSHptn5El8Eoql6G1edTg/viewform?usp=header

Thank you, all!

NOTICE: Feb. 9 - 13 will be a full week for students.

Decatur County Schools will be in session on Monday, February 9, 2026. A regular schedule will be followed; however, bus drivers will use their discretion to determine which roads are safe to travel. Students will be excused if transportation is unavailable or if other weather-related conditions prevent attendance. Parents should communicate any attendance concerns directly with their school’s administration.

Additionally, the Decatur County School Calendar is being amended to designate Thursday, February 12, 2026, and Friday, February 13, 2026, as regular instructional days. It is understandable and greatly appreciated that parents often use the school calendar to schedule vacations, appointments, and other events. Each school principal will work with parents who may have already made prior commitments for February 12th and/or 13th. The goal is to provide our students with effective instruction that prepares them to meet grade-level expectations and transition to the next level of learning. Unexpected events like winter storms make achieving this goal more difficult due to two weeks of lost instructional time. Restructuring our calendar is one option to regain instructional time and better serve our students.

*Parent-Teacher Conference will be rescheduled for a later date.

We appreciate your support, understanding, and flexibility.

Melinda J. Thompson, Director