Issue 2 - August 17, 2006

      The buses are running; the bells are ringing; the learning is underway!  Williamson County Schools kicked off its 2006-2007 school year on August 14 and once again enrollment is up!   Enrollment projections have more than 27,070 students attending Williamson County Schools, and that number is expected to increase throughout the year.  As school started this week, the Tennessee Department of Education released the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) results under No Child Left Behind.   ACT scores were also released this week.  A quick rundown of the results can be found HERE.

     This issue of IN FOCUS features lots of interesting and informative articles.  We'll explain a cool program several of our high schools are using to help freshmen with the transition to high school, and we'll also tell you about a mentoring program for students interested in construction and architecture!  Also this week, be sure to check out the story on the poverty simulation some teachers from Fairview and Westwood elementary schools recently experienced.  It's a real eye opener.  Also read about how Walnut Grove Elementary's Book Fair earned the school a big honor and how a group of Franklin High alumni are helping preserve some of the school's past.

     Other highlights this week include important information on the Williamson County School Health Partnership,  information on web-based learning resources that can be accessed from home, plus information on how you can apply to become a substitute teacher. 

     Some regular features of IN FOCUS are now underway this week.  One of these includes the "District Dates" section, which will list important district-wide dates.  Below that, you'll find a link to a list of individual school events including open houses, performances, and other school-related events. 

     Also new this week is the Fundraisers section.  In the future, we will have information on what schools are doing to raise money for their programs, and we'll tell you how you can help.   Also, remember that when you see the video camera icon in front of a title, that means the piece includes video.  This week, we show you some of the pre-back to school fun going on around the district.  We hope to make video pieces a regular part of this newsletter.

     You'll also notice the Past Issues section.  This will allow you to enjoy past issues of  IN FOCUS. 

     We're always working to improve this newsletter to bring you the most informative news coming out of Williamson County Schools.  We hope you'll continue to enjoy IN FOCUS and pass the word along to others on how to SIGN UP.