Whiteville Elementary Hosts Back to School Event
WHITEVILLE, Tenn-It’s the first back-to-school bash for Whiteville Elementary students. Officials said it’s a new approach to get kids excited about the upcoming school year, after a past of academic struggles. Last year, the state threatened to take over the school due to low performance scores; but after being awarded a state grant in April and getting a new principal, they’re celebrating what lies ahead with a back-to-school bash. “We played, ate, and talked to new friends” said Tatyana Cole, a student at Whiteville Elementary. “We want to set a tone for the upcoming year,” said the new principal, Cedric Crisp. More than 400 people came out for the event and school officials said they hope the excitement carries over into the new school year. The event, sponsored by local churches, had school supply giveaways, food, and games for the families. “I think the kids will be more enthused and ready to go,” said Ernest Tisdale, a parent. In 2012, the school was put on the state’s priority list as a low performing school; but officials said under the new grant they’re now able to make changes that will hopefully get them off the list. “We’re not going to dwell on the past. We have a really good opportunity to do a lot of things here,” said Principal Crisp. Crisp congratulated all of the faculty and staff before him, saying that student achievement had increased last year under their leadership.
