Patriotism and love of country are taught beginning in elementary school in Knoxville. I just happened by when these two young ladies led Northstar Elementary in the Pledge of Allegiance. They said it was OK if I did a video:
I was lucky enough to participate in the Knoxville High School Career Day before spring break. Tyler Pearson organizes it and has for several years. He does a fantastic job of it, offering students an opportunity to learn about different professions. His work inviting students to consider different careers continues throughout the school year—I don’t think he ever stops. Tyler recognizes that every time a student interacts with someone from the community to learn about a profession, a door is opened for that student when that student might not even know there is a door, or where it is. That interaction may well evolve into an important mentorship or a career.
And employers love it—and with all of this interaction, the Knoxville Schools and the community are more deeply interwoven, for the benefit of not only the students, but the entire community. Nearly 450 students participated, including some from Pleasantville.
One of the highlights of the event for some students and teachers was a visit by animals from the Humane Society. Teacher Rhonda Douglas (seated) is on the board of the Humane Society and she told me about some of the fundraisers coming up:
Rhonda tells me that she thinks it‘s important for teachers and staff who are able to be involved in the community should consider it, as they serve as role models for the students, and it may guide them to become more involved themselves.
Mr. John Keitges, Principal at Northstar Elementary, tells me that the PBIS Panther Store needs some “gently” used toys, for students to be able to purchase at the store:
Mr. Keitges says to feel free to drop off any gently used toys—especially stuffed animals—in a bag at the front office.
Mr. Grimm is introducing students at the Middle School to books he thinks they might like.
Mr. Jason Gramlich, a gym teacher at the middle school, tells me they had an activity where the students were required to invent an original game. It could be built on another game, but something new had to be added. The game that the students voted to be the winning game was called “Running Dodge Ball. It was invented by Preston Estocapio, Sophia DeMello, and Mickey McKay. Preston and Sophia tell me about the game:
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