Two Cheatham County schools were named “Reward Schools” on Friday by the Tennessee Department of Education.
 
Cheatham Middle School and Kingston Springs Elementary School were among the 169 schools statewide to achieve the honor.
 
Reward Schools are those in the top 5 percent of schools for academic achievement and the top 5 percent for student growth.
 
CMS was honored for student growth (Reward Growth), while KSES was recognized for academic achievement (Reward Performance).
 
“This is a wonderful honor for Cheatham Middle and Kingston Springs Elementary,” said Director of Schools Dr. Cathy Beck. “There was a lot of hard work that went into achieving this recognition, and we want to celebrate our educators and students for this great accomplishment. We hope to continue this success as we move the district forward.”
 
Schools earn a Reward Performance status if its one-year success rates for the “All Students” group are in the top five percent of schools in the same pool. Reward Progress designation means a school’s one-year TVAAS school composite score for growth places them in the top five percent of schools in the same pool.

The Cheatham County School District will continue to offer its successful Cheatham Achievers after-school program during the 2017-2018 school year.
 
The district offers the program in the three middle schools through a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant. 
 
In 2014, the district was awarded the three-year, $600,000 grant to implement the program at Cheatham, Harpeth and Sycamore middle schools.
 
The district was recently notified that it has received a grant extension of $202,000 to continue the program in the new school year.
 
Emily Staggs, who supervises the program, said, “We are looking forward to another productive and exciting year with this great program. The district has enjoyed much success since we started the program, and many students have benefitted from the academic, artistic and cultural enrichment activities that are provided.”
 
The program offers opportunities for students to explore, develop and strengthen their academic skills.
 
In addition, students participate in art, music and recreation programs, character education programs and field trips to reinforce and complement the regular academic program. Guest speakers are also invited to speak to the students on a wide range of subjects.
 
Students receive a daily snack and are provided with transportation home each day. 
 
The district is working on the details for the new year and plans to start the program in September.
 
Families who are interested in participating in the program can contact your zoned middle school (CMS at 792-2334; HMS at 952-2293 and SMS at 746-8852). Applications will also be available at each school’s open house.

On Wednesday, March 11 and Thursday, March 12, Cheatham Middle School conducted the "On My Own" simulation through the Cheatham County UT Extension Office. School officials said this event would not have been possible without support from local businesses and the participation of various governmental agencies and non-profit organizations. 

According to program documentation, "On My Own" is a youth financial education program provided by the Family and Consumer Sciences department of the University of Tennessee Extension Service and delivered by University of Tennessee Extension agents and classroom teachers trained to deliver the program.
The On My Own program is an interactive financial simulation designed for youth ages 13-18. During the simulation, students become the major income provider for their household which may include a spouse and/or children. Using a hypothetical occupation and income, students work through a month of expenses including housing, utilities, transportation, insurance, food, child care, clothing, entertainment and other expenses resulting from unexpected events.

Our very own Lady Bearcats are the TMSAA State Sectional Champs after an undefeated 24-0 season. The following video was submitted by Cheatham Middle School to help celebrate this victory.