In today’s society, it is vital that all stakeholders participate positively in the life of a child. We have the best students in the state of Tennessee and they need positive role models in their lives to assure them. There are some people that I would like to personally thank for the positive deeds they have performed for the students at Swiss Memorial School.
With the recent school shooting, security measures across the country have been revamped and thought out through and through. Even before the shooting, Sheriff Brent Myers and Monteagle Police Chief Virgil McNeese visited a principal’s meeting to talk about safety and ask what ways they could help. Very shortly after the shooting, Sheriff Myers had an SRO Officer in every single school for every single day. We are very appreciative of our SRO Officer, Rocky, and a BIG thanks to Sheriff Myers for his efforts in seeing that through.
Also, Chief McNeese came to tour our school and familiarize himself with the building. Chief McNeese along with other officers took time out of their afternoon to have a Safety Meeting with the Gruetli-Laager community. Great questions were asked by parents and grandparents and answered by Chief McNeese. Thank you to the Grundy County Sheriff’s department for your partnership in being a role model to our students in protecting them.
Also, our School Board has been in communication with me regarding what actions need to be taken to protect our students. A safety grant was approved at the recent meeting that will ensure our students get what they need to be safe. At gatherings, School Board members have been in attendance to show our students who they are. Thank you, School Board.
Next, I would like to thank Mr. Y.B. Ashby for his countless efforts he puts into all of the Grundy County schools. Every board meeting he recognizes a student from each school and presents them with a medallion. He doesn’t just award them then sit down. He talks about what it is like to be a good citizen and sends the students a heartfelt letter. What a great way to be a role model and put a sense of citizenship pride in the student!
Gruetli-Laager is a beautiful place in which our school resides! The city workers of Gruetli-Laager, Earl Grimes and Leon Woodlee, have given our school an up lift. From landscaping, fixing ditches, repairing our playground, painting the lines in the parking lot to mowing. Thank you for keeping Swiss beautiful for our students.
Cash Express is a wonderful community support for our students and staff. Each year they provide the faculty with teacher supplies at the beginning of the year and also give coloring books to the students. They also provide drink holders. Thank you for being a business partnership that cares about the students.
Lastly, I want to thank Mr. David Patton for his countless hours he puts into making the Spelling Bee a success. I was amazed to watch how poised, respectful, and brilliant the students of Grundy County were at the recent Countywide Spelling Bee. Mr. Patton not only recognizes the winners, but he also recognizes courtesy, teamwork, and attendance – things that make the student whole. Thank you, Mr. Patton, for your donations to the students and to help the Spelling Bee be special as it should be.
Grundy County students are the best statewide! They continue to need more positive stakeholders in their lives to help them succeed. Once again, big thank you’s to our positive stakeholders - the Sheriff’s Office of Grundy County, Grundy County School Board, Mr. Y.B. Ashby, Mr. Leon Woodlee, Mr. Earl Grimes, Cash Express and Mr. David Patton. I am always on the lookout for someone positive to impact the lives of the students at Swiss Memorial. If you would like to assist, please call me at the school at 779-3129.
Kasey M. Woodlee, Principal, Swiss Memorial Elementary
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