Weakley County Schools 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year 🌟
For the full story, visit: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2578797
Weakley County Schools is proud to recognize the educators selected as our 2026–2027 Teachers of the Year, a group celebrated for their creativity in the classroom, dedication to students, and the steady leadership they model every day. Across all schools, teachers voted to honor outstanding colleagues in three grade bands—Pre-K–4th, 5th–8th, and 9th–12th—continuing a district tradition rooted in pride, connection, and professional respect.
🏫 School-Level Teachers of the Year
Pre-K – 4th Grade
• Carla Hutcherson — Dresden Elementary
• Lauren Mitchell — Gleason
• Jan Mitchell — Greenfield
• Karen Baker — Martin Elementary
• Kendall Wylie — Martin Primary
• Jennifer Lamb — Sharon
5th – 8th Grade
• Becca Steele — Dresden Middle
• Jacob Canaday — Gleason
• Amee Hayes — Greenfield
• Paige Hatchel — Martin Elementary
• Kimberly Ware — Martin Middle
• Kristi Parsley — Sharon
9th – 12th Grade
• Whitney Cates — Dresden High
• Lori Wilson — Gleason
• Tucker Turner — Greenfield
• Jennifer Ognibene — Westview High
🌟 District-Level Teachers of the Year
After reviewing the school-level submissions, the district committee selected one representative from each grade band to advance to the regional level:
• Pre-K – 4th Grade: Jennifer Lamb, Sharon
• 5th – 8th Grade: Paige Hatchel, Martin Elementary
• 9th – 12th Grade: Jennifer Ognibene, Westview High
Novice Teacher of the Year: Annie Beard, Martin Primary
This year, Weakley County Schools introduced the Novice Teacher of the Year Award, created to recognize early-career teachers making an immediate and meaningful impact within their first three years in the profession.
Our teachers are the heart of Weakley County Schools. Whether they are just beginning their careers or have served students for decades, each plays a critical role in supporting families, strengthening communities, and ensuring students grow, thrive, and feel seen. Thank you to all WCS educators for the difference you make every day!
When local leaders walk into a second grade classroom, learning truly comes to life! Martin Primary's second graders recently got to meet the subjects they were learning about in their unit on local government. With visits from Mayor Dale Hutcherson, Judge Jeff Parham, and Lieutenant Josh Pope, students got to ask questions and see how government works in real life.
Read the full story here: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2573742
Read the full story here: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2573742
Math is clicking at Martin Middle! 📚✨
At Martin Middle School, math doesn’t look—or sound—like you may remember. Thanks to the school’s Core + Encore model, students now spend time learning new concepts and strengthening them through small-group instruction, flexible pacing, teamwork, and real-time support.
And it’s paying off in a big way: over the last three years, MMS math proficiency has climbed dramatically across every grade level.🙌
This approach gives students a major advantage: they learn the “why,” practice the “how,” and build the confidence to tackle more challenging problems. Teachers work side by side, share ideas daily, and meet students exactly where they are.
It’s innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning at its best—and it’s happening right here in Weakley County. 💛
👉 Read the full story to see how Core and Encore Math are helping students grow and thrive: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2566142
At Martin Middle School, math doesn’t look—or sound—like you may remember. Thanks to the school’s Core + Encore model, students now spend time learning new concepts and strengthening them through small-group instruction, flexible pacing, teamwork, and real-time support.
And it’s paying off in a big way: over the last three years, MMS math proficiency has climbed dramatically across every grade level.🙌
This approach gives students a major advantage: they learn the “why,” practice the “how,” and build the confidence to tackle more challenging problems. Teachers work side by side, share ideas daily, and meet students exactly where they are.
It’s innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning at its best—and it’s happening right here in Weakley County. 💛
👉 Read the full story to see how Core and Encore Math are helping students grow and thrive: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2566142
Strong leadership and standout sportsmanship continue to shine across Weakley County Schools! ⭐️
This year, several WCS coaches, administrators, and school communities were honored by the TSSAA for their impact on student athletics:
⭐️ Director of Schools Jeff Cupples named School System Administrator of the Year - Grand West Division
⭐️ Greenfield’s Tori Liggett named Female Coach of the Year - Grand West Division
⭐️ Gleason School selected as an A.F. Bridges Divisional Finalist - Grand West Division, one of just 27 schools statewide to earn the distinction for exemplary sportsmanship and a positive athletic culture.
Read the full story: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2560215
This year, several WCS coaches, administrators, and school communities were honored by the TSSAA for their impact on student athletics:
⭐️ Director of Schools Jeff Cupples named School System Administrator of the Year - Grand West Division
⭐️ Greenfield’s Tori Liggett named Female Coach of the Year - Grand West Division
⭐️ Gleason School selected as an A.F. Bridges Divisional Finalist - Grand West Division, one of just 27 schools statewide to earn the distinction for exemplary sportsmanship and a positive athletic culture.
Read the full story: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2560215
We are proud to celebrate Board Chair Josh Moore and Board Member Steve Vantrease for their recent recognitions from the Tennessee School Boards Association! Their continued growth and leadership reflect our district’s commitment to purpose, connection, and growth.
Thank you for serving with heart and leading with vision for the students and families of Weakley County Schools. 💙
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2540714
Thank you for serving with heart and leading with vision for the students and families of Weakley County Schools. 💙
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2540714
Across our county, students are learning what it means to honor, respect, and remember. Each Veterans Day, our schools celebrate the men and women who have served and sacrificed for our freedom.
We invite our community to join us at any of the programs listed below next week! ❤️🤍💙
Monday. November 10:
Martin Middle & Westview High: Program beginning at 9 AM at Westview
Tuesday, November 11:
Martin Elementary: Program to begin at 8 AM
Dresden Elementary and Middle: Drive-thru parade beginning at 8:30 AM, Veterans brunch to follow at Dresden High
Greenfield School: Program to begin at 9 AM
Gleason School: Program to begin at 9 AM
Sharon School: Program to begin at 1 PM
We invite our community to join us at any of the programs listed below next week! ❤️🤍💙
Monday. November 10:
Martin Middle & Westview High: Program beginning at 9 AM at Westview
Tuesday, November 11:
Martin Elementary: Program to begin at 8 AM
Dresden Elementary and Middle: Drive-thru parade beginning at 8:30 AM, Veterans brunch to follow at Dresden High
Greenfield School: Program to begin at 9 AM
Gleason School: Program to begin at 9 AM
Sharon School: Program to begin at 1 PM
Weakley County Schools is hiring a Maintenance Technician (HVAC)—a skilled pro ready to keep our schools running smoothly all year long.
✅ Full-time with benefits | 💵 $21–$22/hr | 📅 12-month position
Apply today at www.weakley.schoolspring.com
✅ Full-time with benefits | 💵 $21–$22/hr | 📅 12-month position
Apply today at www.weakley.schoolspring.com
Mrs. Logan’s class at Martin Middle recently had a special visitor! 📚✨
Author Kayla Mick shared her book, Meg and the Magic of Movement, reminding students that movement can support learning, focus, and confidence. Her gift of jump ropes encouraged students to practice that connection — physically and mentally!
This experience tied beautifully into our Transition and Pre-ETS focus on Workplace Readiness and Self-Advocacy by helping students explore how wellness and self-awareness can play a role in school and future workplaces. Thank you to Ms. Mick for spending her morning with us! 💛
Author Kayla Mick shared her book, Meg and the Magic of Movement, reminding students that movement can support learning, focus, and confidence. Her gift of jump ropes encouraged students to practice that connection — physically and mentally!
This experience tied beautifully into our Transition and Pre-ETS focus on Workplace Readiness and Self-Advocacy by helping students explore how wellness and self-awareness can play a role in school and future workplaces. Thank you to Ms. Mick for spending her morning with us! 💛
Reminder: The Weakley County School Board will meet tonight at 5:00 PM at Martin Primary School.
View the full agenda here ➡️ https://www.weakleyschools.com/page/school-board
View the full agenda here ➡️ https://www.weakleyschools.com/page/school-board
It’s National School Psychology Week! ✨
This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” celebrates how every student’s journey is unique and how, together, we can help them find purpose, success, and connection along the way.
Here in Weakley County Schools, our school psychologists are essential guides on those paths. Their work reaches far beyond evaluations, they:
💡 Use data to guide effective instruction and intervention
🤝 Partner with teachers, families, and administrators
📚 Support academic and behavioral growth
💛 Promote student wellness and resilience
🏫 Help shape positive, supportive school environments
Join us in thanking our dedicated school psychologists for their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping students find their path! 🌟
📸 Pictured L–R:
Rianna Farneti, Ed.S., Jessica Parsley, Ed.S., Becky Childress, M.S., CAGS
This year’s theme, “Finding Your Path,” celebrates how every student’s journey is unique and how, together, we can help them find purpose, success, and connection along the way.
Here in Weakley County Schools, our school psychologists are essential guides on those paths. Their work reaches far beyond evaluations, they:
💡 Use data to guide effective instruction and intervention
🤝 Partner with teachers, families, and administrators
📚 Support academic and behavioral growth
💛 Promote student wellness and resilience
🏫 Help shape positive, supportive school environments
Join us in thanking our dedicated school psychologists for their compassion, expertise, and unwavering commitment to helping students find their path! 🌟
📸 Pictured L–R:
Rianna Farneti, Ed.S., Jessica Parsley, Ed.S., Becky Childress, M.S., CAGS
Dresden Middle School’s front lawn has transformed into a Field of Heroes—each flag representing a veteran, past or present, and serving as a symbol of pride, patriotism, and gratitude.
Join us for the Field of Heroes Ceremony on Friday, November 8 at 11 AM as we honor the service and sacrifice of our local veterans.
Created by DMS educators, community partners, and the Northwest Tennessee Eagle Riders, this not-for-profit initiative offers students and families a tangible way to reflect on the true meaning of service.
The display will remain open to the public through November 23.
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2526035
Join us for the Field of Heroes Ceremony on Friday, November 8 at 11 AM as we honor the service and sacrifice of our local veterans.
Created by DMS educators, community partners, and the Northwest Tennessee Eagle Riders, this not-for-profit initiative offers students and families a tangible way to reflect on the true meaning of service.
The display will remain open to the public through November 23.
🔗 Read the full story: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2526035
We're thrilled to share that Beth Davidson, Assistant Principal at Sharon School, has been named the West Tennessee Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year!
If you’ve ever walked the halls of Sharon School, you know her calm, steady, and all-in leadership. We couldn't be prouder to see her recognized and celebrated! 💛
Read the full details here ➜ https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2515881
If you’ve ever walked the halls of Sharon School, you know her calm, steady, and all-in leadership. We couldn't be prouder to see her recognized and celebrated! 💛
Read the full details here ➜ https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2515881
Weakley County Schools is thrilled to celebrate our October 2025 Feature Teachers — Kristi Parsley from Sharon School and Natalie McConnell from Westview High School! 🌟
Mrs. Parsley is known for bringing lessons to life with creativity and heart — even planting a tree with her class after reading Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees! 🌳
Mrs. McConnell was recognized for her initiative and leadership, sharing new ACT strategies with English teachers across the district to help students and colleagues succeed. ✏️
These two educators embody what makes Weakley County Schools special: purpose, connection, and growth. 💛
📖 Read the full story and see how they’re inspiring students and staff across the district: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2502440
Mrs. Parsley is known for bringing lessons to life with creativity and heart — even planting a tree with her class after reading Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees! 🌳
Mrs. McConnell was recognized for her initiative and leadership, sharing new ACT strategies with English teachers across the district to help students and colleagues succeed. ✏️
These two educators embody what makes Weakley County Schools special: purpose, connection, and growth. 💛
📖 Read the full story and see how they’re inspiring students and staff across the district: https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2502440
For more than two decades, Farm Day has been one of our county’s favorite traditions — a hands-on, boots-on-the-ground experience that gives students a closer look at the people, animals, and hard work behind our food and fiber.
This year, more than 325 students and teachers spent the day learning about agriculture, meeting local farmers, and discovering how much of their everyday life connects back to the farm. From tractors and crops to bees, goats, pigs, and pumpkins, every station offered something new to explore!
None of this would be possible without the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who show up year after year.
Special thanks to:
🤝 Our hosts Jack and Cathy Ogg, for welcoming us to their working farm (the perfect classroom!)
💧 Farm Credit of Mid-America, Robinson and Belew Grain Co., Coates Farms, Weakley Co. Co-op, and Young Farmers & Ranchers for sponsoring and supporting every detail
🐄 The many local farms, ag educators, and FFA members who brought animals, equipment, and expertise
As Jesi Vallee, event coordinator and YF&R Representative shared, “It may look different than it did in 2000, but the goal is still the same: to help students understand where their food comes from and appreciate the farmers who make it happen.”
Here’s to another successful YF&R Farm Day — celebrating 26 years of learning, laughter, and life on the farm. 🌻
This year, more than 325 students and teachers spent the day learning about agriculture, meeting local farmers, and discovering how much of their everyday life connects back to the farm. From tractors and crops to bees, goats, pigs, and pumpkins, every station offered something new to explore!
None of this would be possible without the incredible volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who show up year after year.
Special thanks to:
🤝 Our hosts Jack and Cathy Ogg, for welcoming us to their working farm (the perfect classroom!)
💧 Farm Credit of Mid-America, Robinson and Belew Grain Co., Coates Farms, Weakley Co. Co-op, and Young Farmers & Ranchers for sponsoring and supporting every detail
🐄 The many local farms, ag educators, and FFA members who brought animals, equipment, and expertise
As Jesi Vallee, event coordinator and YF&R Representative shared, “It may look different than it did in 2000, but the goal is still the same: to help students understand where their food comes from and appreciate the farmers who make it happen.”
Here’s to another successful YF&R Farm Day — celebrating 26 years of learning, laughter, and life on the farm. 🌻
Fall Break Reminder! 🍂🍁
All Weakley County Schools will be closed next week, October 13–17. Wishing all our WCS students and families a safe, fun, and “fall-tastic” week! ✨
All Weakley County Schools will be closed next week, October 13–17. Wishing all our WCS students and families a safe, fun, and “fall-tastic” week! ✨
Classroom Close-up: Mrs. Paige Hatchel, Martin Elementary 📚✨
(September's PreK-5 Feature Teacher)
Step inside Mrs. Hatchel’s classroom and you’ll see why students don’t just learn, they thrive!
For this lesson, making inferences wasn’t just a reading skill, it was an experience. She kept her students engaged by moving around the room, bringing energy and focus to every corner. New vocabulary came alive as students acted out definitions with motions, turning words into something they could see and feel.
From there, students paired off to dive into their stories, some even choosing to read on their bellies, building core strength as they built comprehension. And the learning didn’t stop there. Mrs. Hatchel circled back to each pair, checking for understanding and making sure every student had the tools they needed to succeed.
It’s clear why she was nominated for the core value of connection—her classroom is a place where students feel supported, challenged, and seen. 🌟
(September's PreK-5 Feature Teacher)
Step inside Mrs. Hatchel’s classroom and you’ll see why students don’t just learn, they thrive!
For this lesson, making inferences wasn’t just a reading skill, it was an experience. She kept her students engaged by moving around the room, bringing energy and focus to every corner. New vocabulary came alive as students acted out definitions with motions, turning words into something they could see and feel.
From there, students paired off to dive into their stories, some even choosing to read on their bellies, building core strength as they built comprehension. And the learning didn’t stop there. Mrs. Hatchel circled back to each pair, checking for understanding and making sure every student had the tools they needed to succeed.
It’s clear why she was nominated for the core value of connection—her classroom is a place where students feel supported, challenged, and seen. 🌟
Happy Coaches Day! 🏆✨
Today we celebrate all of the amazing coaches in WCS who make a huge difference in our students' lives - from pep talks to practice drills! Thank you for your dedication and leadership in shaping our athletes on and off the field. 💚
Today we celebrate all of the amazing coaches in WCS who make a huge difference in our students' lives - from pep talks to practice drills! Thank you for your dedication and leadership in shaping our athletes on and off the field. 💚
Named a Tennessee Early Educator of the Year, Martin Primary School's Brandie Roberts brings joy, heart, and dedication to every student—and the whole state is taking notice!
Congratulations, Brandie! We are so proud of you and the magic you to bring to the classroom. 🌟📚
Read the full story here:https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2462526
Congratulations, Brandie! We are so proud of you and the magic you to bring to the classroom. 🌟📚
Read the full story here:https://www.weakleyschools.com/article/2462526
📅 Reminder: The Weakley County School Board will meet Thursday, October 2 at 5:00 PM at Gleason School PreK-12.
View the full agenda here ➡️ https://www.weakleyschools.com/page/school-board
View the full agenda here ➡️ https://www.weakleyschools.com/page/school-board
📅 It’s time for the #WeakleyMonthly!
Here’s what’s happening in October across the district:
📌 Oct. 2: School Board Meeting – 5 PM at Gleason School
🎒 Oct. 7: Backpack Program Packing Day
🍁 Oct. 13–17: Fall Break – NO SCHOOL
🥪🍎 PLUS: October lunch menus are now live! Find them for all schools here: www.weakleyschools.com/page/lunch-menus
Mark your calendars and stay in the loop—there’s a lot to look forward to this month!
Here’s what’s happening in October across the district:
📌 Oct. 2: School Board Meeting – 5 PM at Gleason School
🎒 Oct. 7: Backpack Program Packing Day
🍁 Oct. 13–17: Fall Break – NO SCHOOL
🥪🍎 PLUS: October lunch menus are now live! Find them for all schools here: www.weakleyschools.com/page/lunch-menus
Mark your calendars and stay in the loop—there’s a lot to look forward to this month!
