Rumor Mill-4740
Published March 3, 2011
The purpose of this section is to answer any questions parents, teachers or community members might have regarding the school district and to set the record straight in regards to any rumors that might be circulating. If you have a question or have heard a rumor that you would like for us to address, simply SEND US your questions and we will respond to them in upcoming issues of IN FOCUS. Below are some of the questions we received since our last newsletter.
In the elementary grades are TCAP scores going to count 20 percent of their grade. If so, why has this not been addressed with parents. If not, thank goodness. TCAPs were not designed for that purpose. There are kids who do well in school and not well on standardized tests.
State law requires school districts to use a percentage of the TCAP score in each third through eighth grade student’s final grade. The Williamson County School Board has not determined the percentage to be used at this time but will be making that policy decision this spring. This new policy will go into effect next school year, and parents with be notified through IN FOCUS and by their child’s school.
As part of the zoning proposals regarding overcrowding, one of the recommendations was to officially fund for the building of a high school somewhere near Nolensville. While I heard of the final zoning lines being approved, I never heard anything about the high school. Has this been tabled or is it still in the works?
The County Commission has approved funding for the purchase of land for the new high school. After land is purchased, the School Board will ask for funds to pay for the construction. The district’s five year construction plan shows the new high school opening with the 2014-2015 school year. The five year plan is updated annually.
I have two children who play lacrosse. I heard that lacrosse will not be recognized for the extra half physical education credit required for graduation. I have heard that the reason it is not considered for the extra half credit is because it a club sport yet because bowling and cheerleading are TSSAA sports that they do fulfill the requirement. Is this true?
Club sports are not eligible under current School Board policy and have no WCS supervision or sponsorship. The School Board has included school sponsored athletic activities that are TSSAA sanctioned sports for purposes of school credit.
With the recent TN legislation finally passing which now allows home schooled students to complete on sports teams for public schools, I have heard a rumor that Williamson County schools is choosing to "not participate". The language of the law states that the superintendent has the right to determine if home schooled students participate for the schools they are zoned for, or for any school in the district for which they live. But the law doesn't make any kind of provision for the superintendent to not follow the law. Can you please confirm that beginning this next school year, Williamson County schools will be legally on board with the new legislation?
The TSSAA, not the Tennessee Legislature, has recently removed its prohibition against home school students participating in public school sports and left that decision up to each public school district. WCS has no plans to permit participation by students who are not enrolled full time in a WCS school.
How will the traffic be directed for the new school so as not to back up on Clovercroft Rd? The traffic at Kenrose and Trinity Elementary overflows during afternoon pick up onto the main roads. Clovercroft is a heavily traveled road and any congestion will cause major delays for people who live in this area.
Bus transportation to and from school will be provided, and the school’s hours of operation will be from approximately 8:35 a.m. until 3:35 p.m. Traffic signalization will also be installed at the intersection of Clovercroft Road and Wilson Pike.