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Maury County Schools Improve in Math and Reading, But Challenges Remain

Issue #189

24 Aug

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In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

☀️ Columbia Weather - Clear with a high of 93

📚 Maury County Schools Improve in Math and Reading, But Challenges Remain

📰 Poll Workers Needed For This Fall

🇺🇸 Tonight: Muletown Mission Possible to Support our American Heroes

🐶 Today: Paw Painting at Maury County Park

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

📣 We Want To Spotlight Your Business! Apply Here

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

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Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Saturday, August 24th

Sunday, August 25th

Monday, August 26th

Tuesday, August 27th

Wednesday, August 28th

Thursday, August 29th

Maury County Schools Improve in Math and Reading, But Challenges Remain

Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) Superintendent Lisa Ventura recently highlighted improvements in the district’s TCAP scores, noting gains in reading, math, and science, though social studies saw a slight decline. Ventura shared these updates at a Maury County Chamber & Economic Alliance education forum in Columbia.

The 2024 State Report Card shows that students in grades 3-5 in MCPS achieved 31% proficiency in English Language Arts and 33.2% in math, reflecting progress from the previous year’s scores of 28.4% in reading and 28.2% in math. These improvements are significant, considering that in 2018, proficiency levels were much lower, with only 24.8% in reading and 21.6% in math, which had placed the district among the bottom 5% in the state. Over time, consistent efforts have elevated the district to a “Satisfactory” designation.

Despite these gains, MCPS still falls below the state averages of 38.9% proficiency in reading and 39.7% in math. The district has focused heavily on reading and reading interventions, using benchmark assessments and providing additional support for students who fall behind. These efforts include visits to reading specialists and intensive summer reading camps.

At the forum, Ventura and other MCPS leaders discussed key challenges and successes within the district. Topics included school funding and the need to balance necessary testing with instructional time. Ventura emphasized that while TCAP scores are important, they represent only a snapshot of a student’s performance on a single day.

Chronic absenteeism was also addressed, with the rate rising to 21% during the 2023-24 school year, up from 13.9% in 2018. Ventura urged parents to prioritize school attendance, noting that frequent absences can hinder student progress.

Ventura also praised the innovative programs within the district, such as the farm equipment simulators at Mt. Pleasant STEM High School and other CTE programs. She emphasized the importance of dedicated staff in driving the district’s progress and expressed a desire to create a centralized facility for all students to access STEM, CTE, and entrepreneurial programs equally.

Poll Workers Needed For This Fall

Ahead of the Nov. 5 State and Federal General Election, Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett is again encouraging Tennesseans to consider becoming poll workers later this fall.

“Our poll workers are critical to a successful election,” said Secretary Hargett. “We anticipate a robust voter turnout, and there is always a need for poll workers, especially during a presidential election cycle.”  

During early voting and on Election Day, poll workers conduct various tasks — including greeting voters, answering questions, explaining how to cast a ballot, and counting votes at their community locations. They are paid for their work and for attending required training sessions. 

Most citizens are eligible to work at polling locations, regardless of political affiliation. The minimum age is 16, and anyone over 18 must be a registered voter in the county where they desire to serve.

Other qualifications include:

1. Be able to read and write in the English language.
2. Cannot be a candidate or close relative of a candidate.
3. Cannot be supervised by a county or municipal elected official on the ballot.

All City, County, and Metropolitan government employees (unless working directly under the supervision of an elected official on the ballot) are eligible, as are state employees. Federal employees should consult with their individual Human Resources Department to determine eligibility. 

“Poll workers are the backbone of elections,” said Coordinator of Elections Mark Goins. “These individuals and their efforts ensure all citizens know that Tennessee’s results are accurate and our elections remain secure.” 

Tennessee has been ranked number one in election integrity for three consecutive years; the Secretary of State’s office is also the trusted source for all election information. For more information about becoming a poll worker, please visit https://sos.tn.gov/pollworkers.

Tonight: Muletown Mission Possible to Support our American Heroes

Muletown Mission Possible is the annual fundraiser for On Mission Motorsports, a 501c3 nonprofit that puts American Heroes in the co-driver seat of an off-road race for an experience that makes them feel included and important. 

This year's event features music from Classic Vinyl 931!

Live and silent auction details will be on our website and social media.

Tickets are $55 per person or $100 per couple.

Ticket price includes dinner, treats, set-ups, beer, and signature mocktail/cocktail!

Cash and Venmo will be accepted during the event for donations and auctions. 

We're excited to announce that TWO Maury County heroes will head to the 12-hour Memorial Race in Texas this December! Come be part of the excitement as we reveal their names!

Dress Code: Casual - Rock your red, white, and blue for a chance to win the "Most Patriotic Outfit" contest. Let's light up the dance floor with patriotic pride!

So, grab your tickets, bring your friends, and let's dance the night away while supporting a fantastic cause!

Location:

The Memorial Building - 308 W. 7th St, Columbia TN

Today: Paw Painting at Maury County Park

Unleash your dog's creativity at our Bark Park! Join us for a fun-filled day where your fur baby can make their mark with a one-of-a-kind paw painting. It's the perfect way to bond with your pup and take home a unique keepsake of their creativity. Come for the wagging tails and leave with a masterpiece!

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, August 24th

422 West, Hampshire Hills Distillery, 2-6 PM
Steven Cade, Keg Springs Winery, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery, 3-7 PM
Ryan Keller, Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Johnny Jameson & the Empty Pints, The Tilted Mule, 7 PM
Music on the Porch, 600 North Main Street (Mount Pleasant) 7-9 PM
Tim Turner Band, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Cole Ritter, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
MFT, The Rebel, 7:30 PM
South Bound Crows, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, August 25th

Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1-5 PM
Jeffrey Joslin, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM
1 & Dun, The Rebel, 4 PM
The Reveal Acoustic, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 5-8 PM
Bridges and Backroads Concert, The Old Mill Barn, 7-9 PM

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