by Leslie Lytle, Messenger Staff Writer
“Sewanee Elementary School is the most joyous school I’ve ever been in,” said the new SES principal, Kim Tucker, addressing the Sewanee Civic Association at the Nov. 18 dinner meeting. The organization also received updates on the Elliott Park playground and Community Chest fund drive.
Tucker began her teaching career as an elementary school teacher in Cannon County, Tenn., where she was raised. She went on to serve as a high school principal and later as an academic consultant for the Tennessee Department of Education, overseeing a 16-county region. She moved to Franklin County after marrying Scott Tucker. When she learned about the opening for a principal at SES, she eagerly applied.
“I love the small school environment,” she said, “and I’m so excited about returning to the classroom.”
Tucker cited the SES Friday School program and the school’s ties with the University as strong groundwork for her commitment to “building a sense of joy about a place.” Coupled with this philosophy, she stressed the importance of relationship-building with the community and parents.
Under her direction, SES recently hosted two parent workshops, one to help parents understand the new Tennessee math standards and assessment procedures, and the other to educate parents about accessing their child’s academic performance records online.
Tucker praised Franklin County’s new director of schools, Amie Lonas, for giving control back to teachers and administrators, allowing them flexibility in teaching practices. Tucker is a strong advocate of project-oriented learning. With the new computerized assessment procedures beginning in the spring, “we’ll need to teach students how to manipulate the technology,” she said, “But we are not going to practice for the test.”
Tucker also concurs with Lonas’ non-paddling approach to discipline. “I will not paddle while I’m here,” Tucker said. “I’m a hugger and patter. Paddling is not the way. If you build relationships with students, the discipline takes care of itself.”
Tucker praised the Civic Association for its long-standing support of SES and recently sent a letter to parents encouraging them to donate to the Community Chest Fund Drive.
Reporting on the progress of the Community Chest, co-chair Rick Duncan said $42,000 had been raised toward the $100,000 goal, with 18 new donors already on board this year. The Community Chest funds an array of area programs, with the large majority youth-oriented. Send donations to Sewanee Community Chest, P.O. Box 99, Sewanee, TN 37375.
Updating the membership on the Elliott Park playground, Civic Association President Kiki Beavers said the equipment was installed, signage was “in the works,” and the parking lot, sidewalks and ramping were scheduled for construction soon after Thanksgiving. The maintenance plan has been submitted to the insurance company. Plans call for the equipment manufacturer, GameTime, training local individuals to address maintenance. More mulch was required than budgeted for, Beavers said, which added $2,300 to the project’s cost.
Beavers reminded the membership that the slate of officers for next year would be presented at the next meeting on Feb. 17. The organization needs someone to serve in the capacity of secretary, Beavers said. To make a nomination or to volunteer to serve contact Beavers at <sewaneecivic@gmail.com>.
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