Rutherford County Schools

New York Times bestselling author and speaker Annie F. Downs stopped by to share a special story time with pre-k students at Poplar Hill Elementary School —sharing a couple of books she authored! The class wrapped up their time together with one of Annie’s favorite traditions—popping confetti cannons for a celebration the students won’t forget! 🎉 @anniefdowns @poplarhillelementary

Eighth annual RCS STEM Expo sets record with 440+ students and 225 projects The 8th Annual Rutherford County Schools STEM Expo marked its largest event to date, with more than 440 students showcasing 225 innovative projects. The Expo’s continued growth reflects the dedication of students, teachers, and the community members who supported the event from start to finish. Read more here: trst.in/v5juqv

Siegel alum Dr.Savannah Maddox went back to the school this week to talk with students about medical school, course works, cost, how to be prepared, unusual cases, procedures, and the team approach to delivering babies, along with other health care topics. Maddox is a OBGYN practicing at Advanced Women's Care in Murfreesboro, and she is a 2011 graduate of Siegel High School. Huge thanks for Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford hospital for arranging the event.

Students from Rutherford County Schools demonstrated exceptional skill, leadership, and dedication at the Tennessee HOSA State Leadership Conference, held March 30-April 1 at the Chattanooga Convention Center. The State Leadership Conference is the premier event for HOSA – Future Health Professionals members across Tennessee, bringing together future healthcare leaders for competitive events, leadership development, and career exploration. Students had the opportunity to showcase their knowledge and skills, participate in leadership academy sessions, and connect with colleges, universities and industry partners.  Rutherford County Schools was proudly represented by students from Blackman, Central Magnet, LaVergne, Oakland, Siegel, Smyrna, and Stewarts Creek high school. District students earned top honors across a wide range of competitive events, with many advancing to the international level. See the RCS results at rcschools.net/apps/news/arti…

April is recognized as Financial Literacy Month, with April 6-10 acknowledged as Financial Literacy Week. At Smyrna High School, classes led by Tammy Acton and Dr. Walley Luckeydoo spent the week sharing financial tips with students and teachers. They spread the word via the morning announcements, trivia games, dress-up days and a visit to Poplar Hill Elementary School. They capped the week with a visit from Rahkim Sabree, author of Overcoming Financial Trauma, for a meet and greet and book signing. Earlier this week, Luckeydoo was named 2026 Educator of the Year at the Excellence in Financial Education Awards by the Institute for Financial Literacy. Now in his third year at Smyrna, Luckeydoo said the honor serves as motivation to do all he can for students. "Financial education is something I care deeply about because I’ve seen firsthand the impact it can have on students’ lives. Being recognized for work centered on helping others build confidence with money is truly humbling," Luckeydoo shared on social media. "I’m grateful for the students who engage, the conversations that challenge thinking, and the people who continue to support this work. I’ve been fortunate to do something I genuinely care about every day, and that is never lost on me."

VIDEO: Meet new Stewarts Creek Football Head Coach Steven Reese ‘It’s going to be a community effort’ April 14, 2026 By BARTON HENLEY Rutherford County Schools Stewarts Creek High School principal Dr. Clark Harrell named Steven Reese the school’s new head football coach on January 23, 2026. Reese brings years of experience with different high-level programs to the school. He is engrained in the Stewarts Creek community and has been working hard over the past few months to establish a new culture. Meet Steven Reese - Stewarts Creek head football coach.

Congratulations to the Siegel High boys bowling team on capturing the team title, and to senior Westyn Griffin on winning the individual title! The Stars finished the season with a 25-0 record. More: rcschools.net/apps/news/arti…

🥇🎉 Students from Rutherford County Schools earned top honors at the Tennessee SkillsUSA State Leadership and Skills Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee from March 15-18, 2026, demonstrating exceptional technical ability and leadership among the state’s top Career and Technical Education students. Hosted annually by SkillsUSA Tennessee, the conference brings together students, educators, and industry leaders in a statewide showcase of workforce-ready skills. The event features hands-on competitions, leadership development opportunities, a college and career fair, and recognition ceremonies designed to highlight student achievement and align training with current industry standards.  See the complete list of individual and chapter accomplishments at rcschools.net/apps/news/arti…

Hello parents, This is James Evans with Rutherford County Schools, and we need your help spreading the word about two enrollment topics. First, we are now accepting enrollments for any new students, including kindergarteners, that will begin in August 2026. If you have a new student or kindergartener, please enroll early now at rcschools.net. It is important that we know the number of new students who are coming so we can plan for the number of teachers, sort schedules, and ensure we have resources in place, such as textbooks, materials, and other supplies. Also, we need all parents to know that we are in the process of changing to a new student management database software. We currently use Skyward, which will remain active through May. We will continue using Skyward for online registration through the end of May, but then we will be switching to an improved platform, called Synergy. There will be a transition period, and so during the month of June, we will not be accepting any registrations for new or existing students. Anyone who registers before June will automatically have their data moved to the new system. All parents will be sent more information in July to set up their new accounts and to verify information for their returning students. There’s nothing you need to do now, but we simply want to let you know the timeline for the transition so that everyone is aware, and then we will provide further instructions. All you need to do now is to enroll any new students you may have joining us for the new school year. Otherwise, sit tight and we will send more information at a later date. Thanks for helping us spread the word, and thanks for all that you do.

19 RCS JROTC cadets earned Distinguished Leader Graduate award Qualifications include high GPA, ACT score, serving in leadership and excelling in cadet fitness test April 13, 2026 Rutherford County Schools Nineteen cadets have earned the Rutherford County JROTC Distinguished Leader Graduate award.  These young men and women have demonstrated exceptional leadership over the past four years by exceeding the criteria for this award. Some of the criteria are: - Achieved a minimum of 3.5 GPA overall - Achieved a 4.0 GPA in all JROTC instruction - Achieved a minimum of 22 on the ACT - Participated in a minimum of one extracurricular activity over the past three years and served as a captain during their junior or senior year. - Achieved a minimum of 50 points in each event of the Cadet Challenge Fitness Test. Each cadet will receive a Stones River Brigade Distinguished Leader Graduate Stole, Drape with JROTC medallion, and certificate.  These items will be worn at their respective graduation ceremonies to represent their exemplary accomplishments. The award winners are: Cadet Nicholas A. Cunningham- Blackman High School Cadet Sophia R. Commodore- Blackman High School Cadet Joseph A. Hill- Blackman High School Cadet Cailynn J. Rice- Blackman High School Cadet Brodie I. Warren- Blackman High School Cadet Kathryn E. Wolvington- Blackman High School and Stones River Brigade Commander Cadet Mackenzie B. McCoy- Oakland High School and Stones River Brigade Executive Office Cadet Raquel M. Hernandez- Oakland High School Cadet Rowan D. Arvidson- Riverdale High School Cadet Blake W. Boldin- Riverdale High School Cadet Baylor P. Pritchett- Rockvale High School Cadet Lydia M. Knight- Rockvale High School and Stones River Brigade Command Sergeant Major Cadet Abigail M. Hiles- Rockvale High School Cadet Brian R. Wilson- Smyrna High School Cadet Savannah B. Stewart- Siegel High School Cadet Chase M. Brodrick- Siegel High School Cadet Kain H. Kalliny- Stewarts Creek High School Cadet Samantha E. Dix- Stewarts Creek High School Cadet Gracie E. Holt- Stewarts Creek High School

ICYMI: Kindergarten registration opens on Wednesday, April 15! Find all the details at rcschools.net/kindergarten

🏆️🎉   Students from Rutherford County Schools joined nearly 5,000 FFA members from across the state in Gatlinburg for the 98th Tennessee State FFA Convention, held March 22–25, 2026. Students across the district represented well, competing in events, earning recognition for Supervised Agricultural Experience programs and Agriscience Fair projects, and participating in career and leadership development opportunities.  See the complete list of individual and chapter accomplishments at rcschools.net/apps/news/arti…

In this week’s #RCSSundayMessage, RCS Elementary Coordinator Ann Haley shares information about the upcoming opening of kindergarten registration. For more information, head to: rcschools.net/kindergarten

RCS students earn top honors in Desmos Art Contest, TMTA Math Top math and art students honored for statewide competition success Students across Rutherford County Schools are being recognized for outstanding achievement in both creativity and mathematics, earning top placements in the Desmos Art Contest and the Tennessee Mathematics Teachers Association (TMTA) Math Contest held at Middle Tennessee State University. Many of the district’s top-performing students were also recognized during last night’s Board of Education meeting. Click here to view student artwork and the full list of competition results: trst.in/KnaLAg

Join us this April as we celebrate School Library Month by thanking our district's 61 school librarians for the fabulous things they do each day for their students and faculty! Want to see that impact in action? Explore our Library Services page to learn more about our programs, promotions, and the role our libraries play in growing strong readers and thriving school communities: trst.in/4tUwpp

🎉 We saved a seat for you! 🎉 Kindergarten registration opens April 15. Reserve your spot and get all the enrollment info at rcschools.net/kindergarten.

👏 From problem-solving to pep talks, our assistant principals do it all. They provide steady support for students, staff and principals day in and day out. We are grateful for their leadership and compassion and all they do to help our schools thrive. We wish them all a happy National Assistant Principal Week!

Rutherford County Schools has purchased eight schools buses to supplement its existing owner-contractor system, and now the district is seeking qualified drivers. To apply, please complete an application online at rcschools.net/careers

Sixth grade students and teachers at LaVergne Middle School recently transformed a section of their cafeteria into a replica of the Titanic, marking the culmination of their English language arts unit on the historic ship. Throughout the study, students explored the Titanic’s history and significance through engaging, hands-on learning experiences. To celebrate the conclusion of the unit, many students and staff dressed in period attire, recreating what it may have felt like to be aboard the Titanic in 1912. This experience served as both a celebration of learning and an opportunity for students to bring their studies to life in a meaningful way. The project was led by a dedicated team of educators, including Nevein Aziz, Cierra Hill, Jasmine Jackson, Maya Lake and Michael Leslie.

School Board work session livestreaming at 5:30 p.m. here: youtube.com/watch?v=Tmv4WR…