'We're ready': Maury Co. students return to school with pep in step on Monday
At Riverside Elementary School, not only did children experience first-day-of-school jitters and excitement, new principal Breckon Pennell also beamed as she began her new role leading the school on Monday.
As 415 school children in first through fourth grades settled into their new classrooms, Pennell began the school day with the Pledge of Allegiance, positive words of encouragement and a joke: "What do you call the cleaners of the ocean? — A mermaid."
After some chuckles, Pennell assured students, "I love you. I believe in you."
After serving as the Middle School Coordinator for MCPS, Pennell, also a veteran school administrator, said she's glad to be back in the swing, experiencing the buzz of a school building.
"I love it. I love being a part of a culture of a school," she said. "Sharing in that culture and being a part of that team is a good feeling."
As she waved to parents and welcomed children, she said her number one goal is to make students feel welcomed.
"It's important for us to be welcoming, helpful and to make sure everyone feels comfortable, excited and safe," she said. "It's also a time of establishing routines and expectations."
More: New principal named at Riverside Elementary School in Columbia
Ventura brings excitement to campus
Maury County Public Schools Superintendent Lisa Ventura visited Riverside to help welcome parents and students ahead of the 8 a.m. bell.
Giving out hugs and reassurance, Ventura comforted an apprehensive child as he entered the building.
"Don't worry," she said. "We will take care of you ... and I like your dinosaur T-shirt."
More: Maury Co. schools to retest 50% of 3rd grade students as ELA scores slightly improve
School district in a better position in staffing
Ventura said she is breathing a sigh of relief that all but 21 open teaching positions have been filled and all bus routes are accounted for, equipped with a driver or temporary driver. This time last year, the district had 100 open positions on the first day of school and not enough bus drivers.
Last year, classes were combined to combat a teacher shortage and bus rides were longer for students due to drivers taking on multiple routes.
"It feels great," Ventura said. "I feel much more confident starting this year with the pieces in place compared to last year. We are ready. I am excited about our staff."
Ventura said she is also encouraged after an intense summer tackling third grade retention guidelines, which went into effect per state law, following 2021 legislation by the Tennessee General Assembly.
The district began with 50% of third graders not reaching proficiency on TCAP, which resulted in a mad dash to enroll at-risk third grade students into summer school intervention camp STAR, or Super Thinkers And Readers, to either reach proficiency at the end of the summer, commit to a fourth grade tutor or be retained in some circumstances.
Out of all third graders who endured a rigorous vetting process and summer program, 97.7% of 1,000 third grade students were promoted to fourth grade.
'Push forward' to success in new school year
Ventura said her motto for this year is, "Don't look back, push forward."
"We have looked back at the data, and now it's push forward. I am most excited about our new phonics program and new career exploration teachers in middle schools. Those are the two newest additions to our school day that I am looking forward to. Hopefully it will bring us to the next level."
Kerri Bartlett is the editor of The Daily Herald. Subscribe to The Daily Herald newsletter to receive top stories delivered to your inbox daily at https://profile.columbiadailyherald.com/newsletters/manage/ or see "Newsletters" at www.columbiadailyherald.com.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: Maury County students have pep in step on first day of school Monday
