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Tennessee Sets New Record with 92.1% Statewide Graduation Rate for 2023-24

Issue #259

02 Nov

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🌤 Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 75

📰 Tennessee Sets New Record with 92.1% Statewide Graduation Rate for 2023-24

📰 Maury County to Install Tornado Sirens in Rural Areas Ahead of Storm Season 

🚘 Today: Duckfest Live Music & Car Show

🎭 Columbia Central Theatre Presents “Charlotte’s Web”

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🎃 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Saturday, November 2nd

Sunday, November 3rd

Monday, November 4th

Tuesday, November 5th

Wednesday, November 6th

Thursday, November 7th

Friday, November 8th

Saturday, November 9th

🍁 Check out The Ultimate Guide to Fall Fun Things in Middle Tennessee Here

Tennessee Sets New Record with 92.1% Statewide Graduation Rate for 2023-24

The Tennessee Department of Education announced that the 2023-24 statewide graduation rate is at 92.1 percent, breaking the previous record achieved in the 2022-23 school year at 90.6 percent. 

"Once again, Tennessee’s unwavering dedication to fostering student success has led us to achieve an extraordinary milestone—setting a new state record for graduation rates for the second consecutive year," said Lizzette Reynolds, Commissioner of Education. "This achievement reflects the tireless efforts of our district and school leaders, educators, and families working together to help all our students achieve their goals and be successful." 

For the 2023-24 school year, the most notable takeaways from graduation data include:   

Clay County Schools, McKenzie Special School District, South Carroll Special School District, and West Carroll Special District each had over a 99% graduation rate.

73 districts graduated 95% or more of their students on time. 

1,756 more students graduated in the 2024 cohort compared to last year, for a total of 67,232 students graduating across the state. 

78 districts improved their graduation rates from 2023 to 2024, with seven districts improving by five percentage points or more. 

The English learners student group demonstrated a 12-percentage point increase in their graduation rate from 67% in 2022-23 to 79% in 2023-24. 

23 districts finished the year with over a 99% graduation rate for at least one of the following student groups: English Learners, Black, Hispanic, Native American, Economically Disadvantaged, and Students with Disabilities. 

In order to advance academic achievement and prepare students for postsecondary success, districts continue to offer summer programming and tutoring supports for additional learning time, innovative college and career exploration, and access to Advanced Placement (AP) courses.   

For more information on graduation rates for individual districts and schools, please visit the department’s Data Downloads webpage at www.tn.gov/education.  

Maury County to Install Tornado Sirens in Rural Areas Ahead of Storm Season

At its October 21 meeting, the Maury County Commission addressed the purchase of tornado sirens to enhance safety in rural areas. Initially, plans were set to install three sirens in Yanahli, Chickasaw Trace, and Maury County Parks, with funding of $135,000. These sirens, part of a larger alert network, would cover a one-mile outdoor radius, designed to alert residents in remote locations to seek shelter during severe weather.

Several commissioners, including Eric Previti, advocated for expanding the plan to add four more sirens in Culleoka, Mount Pleasant, Hampshire, and Santa Fe, bringing the total to seven. This proposal found support from several commissioners, who argued it would maximize taxpayer protection.

However, some, like Commissioners Scott Sumners and Gabe Howard, cautioned against rapid expansion, recommending sticking with the original plan for three sirens and reassessing additional purchases in the next budget. They noted the discount available through the TIPS bidding process would extend through the fiscal year, allowing for future consideration without rushing.

Despite some calls for a more measured approach, the majority agreed on the immediate need for enhanced rural coverage. With an upcoming tornado season in November and December, the commission approved the expanded purchase of seven sirens in a 19-2 vote.

Today: Duckfest Live Music & Car Show

Today, the Duck River Raceway Park is hosting their inaugural DuckFest. A fun day out at the racetrack with live music, a car show, swap meet and tons of food trucks! You can even get a ride around the track in a two seater race car.

8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
1100 Haskins Chapel Road, Lewisburg TN

Columbia Central Theatre Presents “Charlotte’s Web”

Columbia Central Theatre is proud to present “Charlotte’s Web,” based on the book by E.B. White.

Since its publication in the 1950s, E.B. White's beautifully written magnum opus has reined as a favorite for readers of all ages. The story follows a young pig named Wilbur, who is struggling with loneliness, the anxiety of being slaughtered, and desires for compassion and acceptance. His fate changes when he befriends Charlotte, a wise and caring spider who lives in the barn with him. Determined to save Wilbur, Charlotte devises a plan to use her web to write messages praising him, which captures the attention of the humans on the farm. Through this act of selflessness, Charlotte not only helps to save Wilbur but also teaches him and those around them about the value of friendship, loyalty, and compassion. The play is a touching exploration of how genuine connections can make a profound difference in our lives.

Join us in the Auditorium of Columbia Central High School Nov. 2 at 2:00pm and 7:00pm. Digital Tickets are $10/Adults + $5/Students. 

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, November 2nd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 4-7 PM
Jimmy Fortune, Homestead Hall at Hardison Mill, 7 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Willie Vanhook & Cliff Waddell, The Rebel, 7:30 PM
Troy Kemp, Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM

Sunday, November 3rd

TBD, Natchez Hills Vineyard, 1-4 PM
Kenny Durham, Puckett's, 6-7:30 PM

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