Dickson Co. school bus wearing 'mask' among ways transportation staff still helps students

https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/local/dickson/2020/04/03/dickson-co-school-bus-wearing-mask-transportation-staff-helps/5116772002/

A few Dickson County school buses continue to be used -- mostly delivering food to students in need -- but most of the fleet remains parked during theCOVID-19 pandemic

Melissa Garton, county schools transportation coordinator, saw those stationary wheels on the bus as an opportunity. 

Now, parked in front of the transportation is a bus “wearing” a “mask” as a reminder of proper practices to halt the COVID-19 spread. 

“I thought it would be a way to show everyone to be safe and we are thinking about everyone's safety,” Garton said. “Just (the bus) might put a smile on someone’s face during this crazy time.”

Covering the front grill of the bus is a white sheet. Behind the windshield is are cutout “eyes.” 

We’ve had several stop in the road to look at it,” Garton said. 

One school bus is carrying food to the schools that are handing out food daily. Three other buses deliver food to homes with children up to 18 years old Wednesdays and Fridays, which is all part of the Food Bus Program.

Since schools have been out and the program started, Dickson County Schools has delivered or handed out more than 25,000 meals, according to School Nutrition Director Jason Collins. 

22 Tennessee schools receive STEM designation for 2020

https://www.fox13memphis.com/rss-snd/22-tennessee-schools-receive-stem-designation-2020-official-says/26VHCCI72VDADPM7UIOCE3T4MU/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=cb_bureau_tn

Each school awarded the Tennessee STEM School Designation was evaluated through a rigorous application process including a self-evaluation, interviews, and hosting site visits with the Tennessee STEM Designation review team. The designation rubric included five focus areas: infrastructure, curriculum and instruction, professional development, achievement, and community and postsecondary partnerships. 

As a part of the process, schools were also required to submit a plan of action for implementing and sustaining STEM and/or STEAM education for the next five years. 

The 22 schools that received the Tennessee STEM School Designation for 2020 are:

· Ashland City Elementary School, Cheatham County Schools

· Bradley Academy- An Arts Integrated School (K-6), Murfreesboro City Schools

· Cleveland High School, Cleveland City Schools

· Erma Siegel Elementary School, Murfreesboro City Schools

· Harrison Elementary School, Hamilton County Schools

· Hixson Middle School, Hamilton County Schools

· Kenwood High School, Clarksville-Montgomery County School System

· Memphis Academy of Science and Engineering (MASE) (6-12), Shelby County Schools

· Midway Middle School, Roane County School District

· Mount Pleasant Elementary School, Maury County Public Schools

· Mount Pleasant Middle School, Maury County Public Schools

· Mount Pleasant High School, Maury County Public Schools

· Normal Park Museum Magnet (PK-8), Hamilton County Schools

· Peabody High School, Trenton Special School District

· Petros-Joyner Elementary School, Morgan County Schools

· Pope John Paul II High School, Private

· Portland East Middle School, Sumner County Schools

· Randolph Howell Elementary, Maury County Public Schools

· Red Bank Elementary School, Hamilton County Schools

· Red Bank High School, Hamilton County Schools

· Sequoyah High School, Monroe County Schools

· Waterville Elementary School, Bradley County Schools