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LOCALISM FEATURED: How Art and Music Expresses itself in Crossville TN.

Here in Crossville, Music, Art and the Freedom of Speech are held dear to each of it's residents. Tourist's from around the world visit Crossville, TN because of the beauty it holds. High upon the mountain with an elevation of 1863 feet surrounded by rock and beautiful mountains, wherever your Saturday takes you, you can enjoy the serene feeling of the Cumberland Plateau.

Crossville TN expresses itself through Art and Music.

Crossville TN: The Free Speech Zone :

The Free Speech Zone began in 2006 after the American Civil Liberties Union in Nashville sent Cumberland County a letter asking " if the display of a Moses statue meant the county was creating a free speech zone. "

Crossville TN enjoys it's freedom to speak and the art of representing certain beliefs through original artwork. Today, the Spaghetti Monster has been replaced and other great statue's are on the Courthouse Lawn. From the Statue of Liberty to Jesus and Rallies against war, Crossville TN knows how to express itself :

Spaghetti Monster :

"We are lucky enough to live in a country that allows us, its citizens, the freedom of speech. I have chosen to put up a statue of the Flying Spaghetti Monster to represent the discourse between people of all different beliefs. The many faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds of Cumberland County's residents make our community a stronger richer place. I respect and am proud that on the people's lawn, the county courthouse, all of these diverse beliefs can come together in a positive dialogue. Here, we are all able to share the issues close to our hearts whether it is through a memorial to the soldiers killed fighting for our country, the Statue of Liberty honoring our nations welcoming promise to all, a group's fight to stop homelessness, or powerful symbols of faith. I greatly treasure this open forum between everyone in the community." ( direct quote from Members of the Crossville, Tennessee chapter of the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster )

The Art of Marketing Crossville TN :

On Fifth Street ( 5th ) here in Downtown Crossville you can see how Cumberland County came together to express themselves with this hand-crafted wall murial. The murial includes Native American Culture, Agriculture, Pioneers, The Military, Religious life and Local landmarks here in Crossville making up a unique and colorful version of the History here in Cumberland County.

CENTRALLY LOCATED BETWEEN GRACELAND AND THE GRAND OLE OPRY :

As a Resident of the Cumberland Plateau here in Crossville TN the benefits are endless. Being centrally located means no matter what highway or bi-way you choose you are minutes to visiting Elvis, Dolly or Nashville's Greatest Stars !

TENNESSEE TOP ATTRACTIONS Centrally located from Crossville TN :

  • Chattanooga: The Aquarium, Rock City, Ruby Falls, Incline Railway
  • Memphis: Graceland, Sun Studio (Birthplace of Rock and Roll), Libertyland Amusement Park, Beale Street
  • Nashville: Grand Old Opry, Ryman Auditorium, Country Music Hall of Fame
  • Knoxville: Women's Basketball Hall of Fame
  • Pigeon Forge: Dollywood
  • Hurricane Mills: Loretta Lynn's Ranch

When you think of Crossville, Tennessee think of : Wide Open Spaces, Panoramic Mountain Views. Sit back, relax and listen to the many sounds of wildlife that surround. The whistle of the wind on the lake as boaters pass you by. Breathe in the fresh air as you close your eyes and enjoy the peaceful , easy feeling that floods you. The possibilities are endless and so is the art of capturing picture perfect moments.

Crossville, Tennessee is home to urban places and wide-open spaces :

With lots of scenic room to roam. Our lakes, rivers and parks provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities. Boating, fishing and hiking are popular outdoor recreational activities, especially at The Cumberland Mountain State Park. Fine arts thrive alongside regional crafts. Sports share the spotlight with great musical attractions. Major medical centers, colleges and active civic organizations enhance Crossville, TN and offer a sense of community for its citizens.

Capturing Tinkerbell in Crossville TN :

One of the things I really enjoy and brings back childhood memories for me is catching the fireflies that light up the night throughout Crossville TN. As a child I remember saving mayonnaise jars, poking several holes in the top and capturing "Tinkerbell". To a young child who believed in Cinderella,, Peter Pan and everything... the glow of the fireflies was an amazing site and as they illuminated my bedroom I would fall fast asleep. Today, my children and I sit on our front porch at night and watch the miracle of the fireflies flood us. Taking in the beauty and poking a few more holes ( memories ) in those mayonnaise jars.

The Art of Historic Crossville TN :

The History of Crossville TN has always been fascinating. From the wars once fought on the ground in Crossville to the History of Crab Orchard Stone. This work of art constructed many of our buildings that still stand today. The Art of Crab Orchard Stone can be seen at our very own Courthouse here in Crossville TN.

Did you know that Tennessee became the Volunteer State as a result of the War of 1812 and The Mexican War, when more Tennesseeans volunteered to fight than any other state sent ?

America marches to the beat of Crossville Tennessee's drummer - and guitarist and bassist and vocals. The unique rhythm of Crossville life has spawned musicians and styles that are heard around the world :

The Palace Theatre :

Built in 1937-1938, The Palace Theatre features rotating art exhibits from local and regional artists, as well as musical concerts. As a nationally recognized professional theater it features Broadway productions. When the Palace Theatre opened it's doors in November of 1938 it played an important part in the lives of many people and the community. Originally the Palace was intended to be an entertainment center and it has stayed true to that historic vision, featuring live entertainment in variety of musical styles. It host concerts of Jazz, Blues, Country, Bluegrass and Rock just to name a few.

The Palace provided the public with a distraction from everyday life to the pubic during the difficult war years and still provides a high quality "something to do" for fun seekers of all ages in the Crossville, Cumberland Plateau and the East TN area.

Crossville TN : "Golf Capital of Tennessee" : The Art of 18 Holes :

Special Designers worked with obstacles that existed in our county to create the perfect Golf Course. Along the Cumberland Plateau and it's many Golf Courses you will find natural rock formations, gently rolling hills and panoramic mountain views. Creating the picture perfect "hole in one".

Crossville, Tennessee's array of amenities will please any interest. Whether you enjoy an active lifestyle or prefer a more leisurely pace, Crossville provides natural beauty, a mild climate, urban conveniences and rural peacefulness. With reasonable living costs and quality health care, Crossville is a great place to call home.

Did you know that Crossville Tennessee has :

  • NO PERSONAL INCOME TAXES
  • LOWEST REAL ESTATE TAX STRUCTURE IN THE COUNTRY
  • LOWEST UTILITY RATES
  • LOWEST CONSTRUCTION COSTS

The Art of our Flag :

Did you know ? "Tana-see" is an old Yuchi Indian word meaning "The meeting place"

Tennessee has two official state insects: the firefly and the ladybug. The tulip poplar was adopted as the state tree by the State Legislature in 1947. The iris was designated as the state cultivated flower by the Legislature in 1933. Adopted in 1905, our flag features three stars representing the grand divisions of the state: East, Middle and West. The stars are bound together in unity by an unending white band.

Come experience Crossville Tennessee and we'll show you how the good life just keeps getting better.

Waterfront Property in Crossville TN. Lake Tansi Subdivision, Golf, Boating and Clear Skies !

Are you looking to relocate to the Cumberland Plateau, Crossville TN ?

The Cumberland Plateau has been called by some ( in their opinion ) heaven. With our 180 degree mountain views, historic downtown and average climate/weather and popular rivers and streams it feels like home.

Crossville, Tennessee is centrally located between Knoxville and Nashville. With Low Property Taxes, No State Tax and Panaramic Mountain Views.

Crossville, Tennessee - Cumberland County is dedicated to the well-being of its commercial, industrial, and residential citizens.The success and happiness of every man, woman, and child of Cumberland County is essential. From premier medical facilities to great schools, Crossville is a great place to live, work and play.

With a dozen golf courses, Crossville is "The GOLF Capital of Tennessee!" Home to the first site of Jack Nicklaus' Bear Trace at Cumberland Mountain State Park; home to Tennessee's highest elevation golf course at Renegade Mountain; and home to a total of eleven championship golf courses. In all, there are over 200 holes atop the Cumberland Plateau.

Are you looking to relocate with Water Views, Water Access or just walk out your back door aand see the peaceful, easy living of Lakes surrounding you ? Come to Crossville TN , Call me and let's visit :

Lake Tansi :

Lake Tansi Marina in Crossville, Tennessee offers 550 acres of wide open space and clear waters !Lake Tansi is ideal for swimming, water skiing, boating, sailing and fishing. In addition to the natural beauty Lake Tansi Marina brings to the area, three smaller lakes, Lake Mohawk, Lake Geronimo and Lake Hiawatha help to make Lake Tansi Village a fisherman's dream.

All lakes at Lake Tansi are stocked with bluegill, yellow perch, crappie and large mouth bass.A full service marina is located on the southwest side of Lake Tansi. Here you'll find fishing boat and pontoon rentals, and a bait shop as well.

If you head on over to the northwest side of Lake Tansi you will find a large, sandy beach. The beach area offers picnic facilities, a playground, restrooms and a 300-foot boardwalk with benches and soft lighting for nighttime events.

In addition to it's beautiful waters Lake Tansi offers a breathtaking 18 hole, par 72, championship golf course located on Lake Tansi's east side.Finish up at the 19th Hole Restaurant. For the amateur try Lake Tansi's Thunderbird Activity Center's putt-putt course.

Biking and Hiking trails are also available throughout the wooded areas surrounding the lakes. Enjoy one and half miles of beautiful scenic trails and enjoy an abundance of wildlife.

  • Lake Tansi is one of the most affordable community / resorts in the country

As a property owner, you receive a full range of activities no matter your age or interest. Amenities include:

  • 18 Hole Championship Golf Course
  • Swimming Pools (Includes 1 indoor pool)
  • Beach and Boardwalk
  • Fishing Pier
  • Bike/Walking Trail
  • Recreation Center (Dances, Game Room, Ping Pong, Miniature Golf-Tennis, Basketball, Horseshoes and Shuffleboard)
  • Country Club Restaurant and Lounge
  • 19th Hole Snack Bar-Lounge (located at Pro Shop)
  • Full Service Marina on Lake Tansi
  • Two additional excellent fishing lakes
  • Paddle Boats
  • Arts and Crafts Department

There is full time security, fire department and EMS.

POA Dues (approx): Association Fees: Approx. $170.00 yearly when using all amenities. Approx. $60 when not.
Taxes (approx): $60.00 /yr

Come on over to Lake Tansi in Crossville TN to check out Crossville TN Waterfront Properties and see how you can be living on the water !

Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker

Choice Real Estate

1-866-766-4173 Toll Free

931-484-4173 Local

931-210-8277 Cell / Direct

lissalgrant@yahoo.com

http://www.buywaterfronts.com

www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com

* Copyright 2008 by Melissa Grant, you do NOT have permission to use these photo's without written consent from Melissa Grant *

Why you should list your home with me.

Dear Valued Homeowner,

I would appreciate it if you would take a few minutes to review the contents of my Pre-Listing Information Package. I know it seems like quite a bit of your valuable time but your investment of just a few minutes now might give you just the information you need as you prepare to choose an agent to market and sell your home.

My Comprehensive Listing Presentation will provide you with :

  • My Mission Statement
  • Why Choose Me to Sell Your Home
  • Get To Know Me
  • Marketing Your Home
  • Unique Marketing Strategies and Systems
  • Internet Advertising
  • My Service Warranty
  • The Role Of A Real Estate Agent
  • Pricing Your Home and Is your Price on Target
  • How do I find Buyers for your Home
  • Past Client Testimonials
  • Contact Information
  • How I Market to Other Agents in our Area
  • My Statistics, ( Days on the Market, Over -all performance )
  • Current Market Conditions for our area
  • Words of Wisdom

First, let me say that things have definitely changed in the Real Estate Market. The Internet is a key player in real estate sales. Buyers look to the Internet first when shopping for a home. So getting your home in front of an Internet audience is crucial. Newspaper advertising has taken a back seat to other forms of marketing. In fact, less than 6% of buyers find their home in the newspaper.

For more information on Why You should hire a Professional, please click on the graphic above to be taken to an overview of what I WILL do for you !

I am a full time agent. I have 5+ websites operating at all times. I have a 24 hour call system in place for you and a potential buyer. I have experience with tax-deferred exchange. I talk to over 25 people in a week. Over 100 in a month. I am working with 10 + buyers right now. I have had 0 listings expire . My listings sell within the first 6 months.

My Comprehensive Marketing Plan Starts With :

  • I provide you with 60 tips on Home Staging to raise the bar high against the competition.
  • I offer a One Year Paid in Full at closing Home Warranty to the Buyer...at NO Cost to You !
  • A Comparative Market Analysis of your home.

Setting the Price on Your Home :

  • Location - Your homes setting and location influences it's value.
  • Condition - Our goal is to make your home as close to a model home as possible. Like builders would enhance their appeal with their model home. We too can increase your marketing time by being sure that your property is in the best possible condition.
  • Pricing - Your property has to be sold twice. Once to the buyer and once to the appraiser. I will use my experience to fine tune the price of your home by taking into consideration both of these variables.

Pricing Your Home Fairly :

We will take into careful consideration :

  1. Recent Home Sales
  2. Pending Sales
  3. Current listings
  4. Square Footage
  5. Age
  6. Number of Rooms
  7. Number of Bathrooms
  8. Condition
  9. Location
  10. Amenities

Why you should price your home realistically :

  • Time - Chances are that your home will sell at it's fair market value.
  • Pricing your home realistically at the beginning increases the likelihood of a timely sale.
  • Competition - Buyers educate themselves by viewing many homes. If your home is not competitive with what they have seen, your home will not sell.

Internet Advertising :

My unique marketing and advertising system is enhanced to get your home on top of Google and other search engines. My website for example allows me to keep track of all the unique visitors that come to my website looking for their new home.

My extensive marketing and advertising system reaches hundreds of potential buyers and on average 34 potential buyers weekly. Search engines such as Google and Yahoo benefit the sale of your home and capture the most "Hot Prospects". Forms of Internet Advertising I utilize to benefit the sale of your home are :

  • Flyers
  • Blogs
  • Virtual Tours
  • Postcards
  • Specific sites as named above to market and advertise your home
  • Website placement with Featured Enhancements

When a flyer is created for example it is immediately syndicated to several sites. For an example of a Real Estate Flyer please click the link : http://crossvilletnrealestateforsale.vflyer.com/1/index.html A flyer just like this will be created for your home and syndicated to the sites you see above....Just to name a few.

Finding buyers for your home contains several conventional and non- conventional methods. As shown above the non-conventional methods utilized often and consistently are through search engines and specific online marketing sites capturing the buyer audience.

On a more non-conventional method : getting your home out to other potential buyers consists of :

  • Colored post -cards to Realtors within our area
  • Colored Flyers to Realtors within our area
  • Open House
  • Blog Talk - This is a special feature introduce by our Realtor Association that allows Realtors such as myself to email your home directly to all the agents within our area.

For more information, please visit my website at : http://www.crossvilletnrealestateforsale.com

As a benefit to all of my Sellers, I work with hundreds of Licensed Real Estate Professionals throughout the United States including Canada. Having this amount of Professionals within my reach benefits my sellers with any potential clients these professionals may have that are looking to relocate to our area. In this case YOUR listing in full color brochure is immediately sent to them for their clients review and consideration along with my Comprehensive Relocation Package that you can see here :

My Mission Statement : "All I can strive to be is the absolute best possible version of myself."

My Mission :

To be a quality real estate professional with the personal commitment, dedication, and vision toward :

  • Continuously striving to render the best possible service to buyers and sellers.
  • Participating in and improving local government and civic organizations to enhance the community's spirit of unity.
  • Protecting and maintaining the integrity of the real estate industry.

As I continue to strive towards these goals it is my pleasure to work closely with the Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce and I am honored to be a graduating from Leadership Cumberland where we believe in improving our County. I am pictured second in from the right standing next to State Representative Eric Swafford and Governor Phil Bredeson in a conference at the state Capitol in Nashville, TN.

To get started on selling your home WITH ME and for a full comprehensive digital listing presentation for the sale of your home Call Today. 931-210-8277 Direct

Testimonials from past clients :

Hi Melissa, I want to personally thank you from both Kim and I on the job well done and how thorough you were throughout the entire evolution. I know it was a difficult task to get it done but you pulled through when others could not. It was a hard sell and once you got you ensured that all the paperwork was correct and made the closing easy. I would and I will recommend you to anyone that I know to get the job done. YOU ROCK!! Have a great weekend, Sincerely

Timothy F. Tria US Navy Retired

Melissa,

Thank you for such a quick sale in my home. You assured me one way or the other you would get it done and you did. I walked away with exactly what I needed in the sale of my home. Closing was even quick and easy. I will heading out of state tomorrow but wanted to thank you. When I relocate back to Crossville I will call you to help find my next home ! Thanks again, R. Smiddie

Melissa Grant

Affiliate Broker

931-277-3327 Office

931-210-8277 Cell

lissalgrant@yahoo.com

Graphics courtesy of RealEstateClipart.com

The News in Crossville Tennessee...

Great things happen and are continuing to happen here in Crossville TN. The Motto, "Where all good things come together" clearly depicts this as the young and the retired come together to bring more great and unique things to our growing town here upon the "Cumberland Plateau".

News you can use from Crossville TN :

On Saturday, May 24th from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm Cumberland Occupational and Urgent Care Center will be hosting an Open House for their new facility located :

On the corner of Lantana Road and Brown Avenue Suite 102

Hours of operation are 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.The center offers immediate Urgent Care with same day appointments as well as walk -ins. William Harelson, PA-C is the clinics primary Practitioner and started his career as a US NAvy Hospital Corpsman. Dr. Jon A Simpson, M.D. will be the center's supervising Physician.

A new committee has been formed in Cumberland County by the Commission. The committee is working with The National Heritage Board for Civil War History and Middle TN State University to upgrade our Military Museum located on Main Street here in Crossville. This is all in preparation of the Museums 150th Anniversary of the beginning of the Civil War in 2011.

Did you know : That the State of Tennessee was second to Virginia for the number of battles fought on it's soil in the Civil War. Cumberland County has only one recorded skirmish but was the center of guerilla warfare, foraging and murders throughout the war. Cumberland County was split almost equally between the Union and Confederate loyalties and had several split families as a result.

In Sports :

The Cumberland County elementary golf team gave way to a 352 total to win the Mid State Golf Classic at Lake Tansi.

The Cumberland County High School Jet football team defeated the Livingston team 12-6 at home at the Jet Stadium during their scrimmage game.

The Cumberland County High School baseball and softball teams were also honored last week with banquets at Forte's in Lake Tansi.

Giving Back :

Memorial Day marks the unofficial start to summer. With the Blood Supply reaching low levels during the summer because of School Breaks and travel schedules the Red Cross sets it's blood drives for :

  • May 27 at First United Methodist Church on Braun Avenue from 11am-4pm
  • May 30 at Fairfield Glade United Methodist Church at 231 Westchester Drive from 9am - 3pm

For more information on the Blood Drive you can call 1-800-give-life

I would like to personally congratulate

the graduating Class of 2008 for all

of their hard work. Congratulations Class of 2008,

may your future be bright !

May Art Workshops :

The Cumberland County Art Society will be sponsoring the following workshops :

  • Introduction to Abstracts
  • Woodcarving
  • Oil Painting for Teens
  • Hula Dance
  • Oil Painting for Adults.

Cost for classes start at $25.00 - $95.00 depending on which workshop you prefer. For more information please call 931-526-2424

Honoring those in Uniform :

Crossville Tennessee honored our Fallen Brethren as May 10-17 was designated Police Week. May 14th served as The Local Peace Officers Memorial Day. A Peace Officer Memorial Service was held at the Gazebo on the Cumberland County Courthouse Lawn where you could hear the taps and watch the Flags posted by the Crossville Police Color Guard Unit. Refreshments were given to Officers, family and friends during and after the ceremony hosted by the Palace Theater.

For more " Crossville TN News and Real Estate " click on the link

Courtesy of Melissa Grant , Affiliate Broker

931-210-8277 Cellular

lissalgrant@yahoo.com

My Interview with Pleasant Hill Elementary School Principal, Leadership Cumberland, Cumberland County Chamber of Commerce

05/06/08

Pleasant Hill Elementary School located at 486 Main Street, Pleasant Hill, Tennessee enrolled some 605 students for the 2007-2008 school year. With a pupil / teacher ratio on average of 20/1 and 14/2 for it's Pre - K classes Principal Maryann Kotus , Teachers, Faculty and Staff believe in "Educating the whole child". Although keeping academics up, meeting State objectives and standards are crucial and important to them they believe in "mastering it all" on both the academic and personal level of the child.

With strict and enforced policies and procedures such as "dressing for success" , "respect of teachers as well as other students" the tight ship Principal MaryAnn conducts does not show with her ability to be loved by students and staff. With a paddle hanging in her office students still love her more than fear her. Throughout the halls of PHS students wave on to their Principal, stop and throw out a hug and think nothing of yelling "Hey, Miss MaryAnn." Which seemingly brings a smile to her face. The level of pride Principal MaryAnn Kotus takes for her School, Staff and Students not only reflects throughout the halls and classrooms of PHS but shows in the "attitudes" of every student and staff member as they flood the halls of this old school.

Although students would probably say as Miss MaryAnn explained to me, "Lunch"and "Gym" are high on the list of "what's important" surprisingly like Staff, Academics ranked high on what's important to the students. Where good old fashion "pep rally's exist for sport teams prior to a match...PHS also believes in the importance of a "pep rally" before the great competition of Standardized Testing such as TCAP's. The "pep rally's" prove to be a hit with a report card such as this :

2007 TCAP Scores :

Pleasant Hill Elementary School vs The State of Tennesse

Math A A

Reading / Language Arts B B

Social Studies C ( average 53 ) B ( average 54 )

Science B B

Writing Assessments 5th grade A A

8th grade A A

Pleasant Hill Elementary School also received straight A's against the State's A's for 2 consecutive years now mastering Academic Growth ....simply put, Pleasant Hill School continues to grow academically every year with an increase in overall test scores and there efforts are simply astounding.

Pleasant Hill School and "Miss MaryAnn" award the students of her school three times a year beginning one week after report cards are distributed with an :

  • A Honor Roll Programs and Awards,
  • A-B Honor Roll Programs and Awards

Principal Kotus also congratulates her students with an award for "perfect attendance". At the end of the year which is quickly approaching there are awards for both academic and perfect attendance for grades K-8. Followed by a grand and tearful farewell and graduation ceremony honoring those 8th grade students who will be moving on to High School the next school year. The Guidance Counselor also believes in honoring those students who have gone above and beyond throughout the year with an award ceremony and "character awards".

As Kindergarten students prepare to be "big boys and girls" throughout the year, Kindergarten teachers also prepare a Kindergarten Celebration/Graduation for the students moving on to the First Grade the following year.

During my interview on May 6, 2008 with Maryann Kotus, Principal of Pleasant Hill School she shared with me the the School's Motto : "Where everybody is somebody". Principal Kotus, Faculty, Staff and Students all take pride in being like a family at Pleasant Hill School.

The motto of "Where Everybody is Somebody" proves itself true when we spoke of Clubs and Special Activities that you could clearly see both students and staff take pride in. This year for example :

  • The PHS Explorers Jr High Science Club, open to grades 6th - 8th built and man a green house where some $80.00 was raised on May 3, 2008 after selling their "greenhouse treasures". These proceeds will go back to the Explorers Science Club to assist in other projects and project materials for the class.
  • Another Club to be proud of is The Chess Club. This is really exciting because The Chess Club is open to grades K-8. Mrs. Ruth Nash, Kindergarten Teacher at Pleasant Hill is the Founder and "Couch" while her Husband who is currently employed at the National Chess Federation teaches the Fundamentals of Chess and gives the children a strong pat on the back for all of their efforts, improvements and winnings.
  • The girl's Vollyball Team is two year running State Champions. The Girl's Vollyball team is open to grades 6-8. Whereas, the Girl's Softball team open to grades 3-8 are co-champions in the West Division.
  • This year both the Boys and Girls Basketball Team have excelled and show their pride for Pleasant Hill Elementary. The Basketball teams are made up of two teams , JV, open to grades 3-8 as well as Varsity, also made up of grades 3-8.
  • Principal Mary Ann Kotus, known to students as "Miss Maryann" shared her enthusiasm with me on a new and exciting Book Club founded and hosted by Miss Theresa Thompson and Miss Sandy Helton, 3rd and 5th grade teachers. Inspired by " Oprah's Book Club" these two extraordinary teachers took the fundamentals of teaching to a higher level and have grabbed the importance of reading. The Book Club meets once a month where staff and students share some fresh juice and donuts as well as exchange books and share stories of the books they have read over the past month.
  • The Clover Bowl Team made up of 4th - 8th grade scholars is something to be proud of and Principle MaryAnn Kotus displayed her "awe" for this Club brought to the school by the 4H Club. On 5/3/08 the 4th grade Clover Bowl Team took First Place in the County Championships while the 5th grade class came in an amazing 2nd. The 6th, 7th and 8th grade Clover Bowl Team advanced to the State Championships. The Clover Bowl Team is a Club like no other offered in the school. This club focuses on the State of Tennessee and it's facts. From the History of Tennessee to the State Flag and everything in between. Principle Kotus shared with me how proud she is of this team and stated " I recently went to a "meet" they had and I didn't even know some of the things about Tennessee that they did, I learned alot from this group of students".

With 605 students and a cafeteria of 250 maximum capacity, I asked Principal Kotus "How do you schedule students lunch breaks while not exceeding your capacity for the cafeteria " ? She explained, " Students have 30 minutes for lunch. Pre-K is the first to arrive beginning at 10:20am. Thereafter each classroom from Kindergarten through 8th grade rotates, exiting and arriving every 5 minutes. Lunch stops being served and all students have returned to normal classes by 1:10pm. What appears to you and I as a daunting and stressful task comes to Principal MaryAnn Kotus with ease.

"Returned to normal classes", what does this mean ? "What is the normal day, the normal class schedule I asked " ?Principal Kotus explained that each child receives the same level of education per their grade level in classes such as Language Arts, Science, Math, Social Studies and Writing/Spelling. Each student also receives extra curricular activities such as Music, Gym, Library and Art.

Each classroom as Principal MaryAnn and I discussed is equipped with at least 4 computers to be shared amongst students grades K-8. There is also a mobile lab which host's 28 computers and Teachers are permitted to "check out" more computers on a first come first serve basis to "enrich the learning of their students".

Computer Class is also offered once a week for grades Pre-K through 8th grade. The cutting edge " Computer Lab on wheels" is also a mobile unit that carries 30 computers and arrives each week to it's scheduled class for 30 minutes of hands on "computer training".

As a parent of two children with disabilities I could not help but to bring up and ask about the Special Education Classes and what these classes, classrooms and teachers offer to students with disabilities both minor and long term ? It was wonderful to hear that the Special Education department has been on the rise for several years now with yearly increases in academics. Principal Kotus is very proud of not only her Special Education Teachers but also her students as they excel on State Standardized Test's such as TCAP's. Pleasant Hill Elementary School offers Special Education to those qualifying in Reading, Language, Math, Spelling and also has a Full - Time Speech Pathologist. We are blessed to have Miss Montgomery, Special Ed teacher for grades K-4, Miss Tanner, Special Ed teacher for grades 5-6 as well as Miss Boswell, Special Ed teacher for grades 7-8. Mr. Boswell, the School Psychologist for Pleasant Hill Elementary conducts all testing in regards to assisting in diagnosing a specific learning, speech or developmental disability that would require a student to obtain special education and/or speech pathology services within the school. "What about children who are gifted. Who perhaps based on age, law requirements etc are in say the 4th grade but their level of education exceeds their maturity. Are their specific programs for a child who is considered "gifted" and what measures do you, does the school take to challenge them or test them "?" Unfortunately, that is a level of education we are currently lacking, however are making strides in improving it, says Principal Kotus." It was explained that if a child was tested and is in fact considered "gifted" a "Key Class" is offered once a week to them and because once a week is not enough and Pleasant Hill has not yet perfected their "gifted program" teachers work very hard on their own within their classroom to challenge these excelling students.

"Principal Kotus, financially, within your budget for the year, how are you doing? I know as an individual myself the rising fuel and food prices are alarming to me. With the economy in as much turmoil as it is and the questions of "where is the relief" still hanging in the balance, do you have concerns " and what are you doing as a school working together to raise any funds needed to provide supplies, extra curricular activities or programs for the students"? On a much more serious note now Principal MaryAnn Kotus shared both the good news and potentially the bad...The good news is that because the school year is quickly coming to an end there IS enough money within the budget to continue the normal activities as they are today. Unsure if monies within the District have had to be moved around or not is very unclear Principle Kotus remains hopeful that whatever will be needed for next school year will be determined and resolution will be made over the summer break. Potentially, if prices of things such as food and fuel continue to either stay the same or rise they could be looking at stopping "field trips" for example until things settle down. Principal Kotus told me, the Field Trips would be the first to go if a decision ultimately had to be made.

In their efforts to keep field trips, clubs and sports alive many fundraisers are held throughout the year. Sport Clubs for example hold several dances throughout the year for grades K-4, then also grades 5-8. For $5.00 a student receives 2 fun filled hours of pizza, soda pop and a live DJ. All proceeds from the dance go to the specific clubs hosting these dances where uniforms, equipment and any other specific materials are needed to keep their games alive.

The PTO also sponsers a "Hornet Hike". This year's "Hornet Hike" sponsored by the PTO and the funds raised went directly into finishing the PHS Softball field. In earlier years as well as any future Hornet Hikes, funds will also be dispursed for any new projects within the school and to also replenish playground materials, sporting goods and wherever this past, present and future raised money can benefit the children of Pleasant Hill Elementary.

Principal Kotus shared with me the fund raiser that carries an extreme importance to her because it benefits the entire school. In the beginning of each school year the Cookie Dough Fundraiser takes off. From Peanut Butter Cookie Dough to Auntie Ann's soft pretzels proceeds go directly back into the school to provide students and teachers with the neccessary supplies to last them throughout the school year.

Each year Lifetouch captures the smiles of our children and the students of Pleasant Hill School and provides us with the milestone of a missing tooth, cap and gown and the memories of that school year. Lifetouch "pays it foward" by remitting back proceeds to Pleasant Hill Elementary School and these proceeds make possible the end of the school year Honor Program for students who have worked hard throughout the year.

As I concluded my interview with Principal Kotus I could not help but to "catch the spirit of teamwork" that permiates throughout this family orientated school. It is no wonder, students, staff and faculty take such pride in their school, their performance and more importantly each other. There motto : "Where Everybody is Somebody" shows no boundries and every student who enters the doors of Pleasant Hill Elementary School will leave both academically and emotionally.... ready for whatever tomorrow has in store for them.........

Melissa Grant, Affiliate Broker 931-210-8277 Cell lissalgrant@yahoo.com

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