Even in the heat of July, the start of a new school year is only a few weeks away. The Sevier County school system is still filling about ten teaching positions around the county. Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Jack Parton expects those positions to be filled by the end of next week. “Once we get final numbers from enrollments this week, we’ll have a fairly good idea where we stand,” said Parton. The number of vacancies is around normal for this time in the summer according to the Central Office.
Several positions will not be filled due to financial considerations the system has experienced with lost state funds. A Physical Education, Art, Music, and Environmental Education position will all remain open. A clerk position and the planned Middle Schools Supervisor position in Central Office will also remain unfilled due to the budget cuts.
The school dress codes policy will once again reflect the need to monitor the students. Book bags are required to be see through or clear for security concerns. Designated areas will be set up for band and equipment bags. Accessories such as spiked leather bracelets or chains are also on the banned list. Administrators recommend that parents review the official Dress and Grooming Code before buying school supplies and new school clothes.
Sevier County will also be maintaining its Zero Tolerance Policy against weapons, drugs and alcohol. Students and their parents should be aware that the policy applies not just to the school buildings, but also school buses and vehicles, as well as school sponsored activities and events. The policy also includes using simple items as a weapon, such as poking a compass used in geometry. These offenses can result in expulsion for one year from the county school system, but Dr. Parton does have necessary discretion on a case-by-case basis.
Each school and in some cases each teacher make their own list of needed supplies. There are general lists posted at area stores but parents can contact the school directly to obtain list prior to the first day of class. The lists are also generally distributed to students on the first day.
The first day of school in Sevier County is August 18. Teachers report for inservice on August 14 and August 15 is an administrative day. Students will have eight days of class before vacation days on Friday, August 29 and Monday, September 1 for the Labor Day holiday.

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