Teresa Brown now considers herself at home in Jennings County and is excited to begin her first year as the new superintendent of Jennings County School Corp.
Students’ first day of school is Aug. 8.
Brown was selected in December to succeed Terry Sergeant, who retired at the end of the 2016-17 school year.
She, her husband Lee and their son Max moved into the family’s new home in Paris Crossing over the summer.
“Its a different way of life than what we had in Greenwood, and I like it very much. I already know my neighbors here better than the neighbors we lived next to in Greenwood for nine years. I find the people here to be very friendly and very caring, and I hope to keep that culture of caring alive in our schools,” Brown said.
“We are stronger together than we are separately, and I want to build a school system of strength through programs, people and partnerships,” said Brown, who outlined a four-step approach for herself and her staff in all schools, at every level.
The first step will be to bring the staff together to “create a higher culture of caring, trust and communication with students and their parents at every school and every grade level,” Brown said.
The second step is to oversee the curriculum at every level and keep an eye on how it is being taught and whether the curriculum is meeting common expectations.
Brown’s third step is to monitor classroom instructions and assess what teachers need to better support their students.
The final step involves teachers identifying students who are having difficulties in the classroom.
“I want there to be interventions with students who are having problems early in the game. I want to catch them before they fall,” Brown said.
Brown has spent more than 30 years in the field of education. She served as the assistant superintendent of improvement of schools for the Indiana Department of Education before accepting the position of Jennings County School Corp. superintendent.
After graduating from Manual High School in Indianapolis, Brown graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Franklin College, a master’s from Butler University, a degree in administration from Indiana State and is working toward a doctorate at Indiana University.
Based upon her experience as a student, teacher and administrator, Brown shared three bits of advice for students as they begin the new school year.
“No matter what grade you are in or what you are involved in life, do your best. Give your best effort to whatever you are doing. Where ever you are, whatever you are doing and whatever your best is; do your best.”
“Make the most of the opportunities that school gives you. The more learning you take advantage of, the more choices you will have in life. Learn as much as you can in as many places as you can.”
“Take care of each other. It doesn’t matter which grade you are in, help each other. People helping each other makes a culture where everyone can live well.”
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Dates to know as the starts of the 2017-18 school year approaches for Jennings County School Corp.
Monday
— North Vernon Elementary registration, 9 to 11 a.m., 1 to 3 p.m.
— Jennings County Middle School seventh grade registration, noon to 7 p.m.
Tuesday
— Registration for juniors, seniors and SCC at Jennings County High School, noon to 3 p.m., 4 to 7 p.m.
— North Vernon Elementary registration, 1 to 6 p.m.
Wednesday
— Adult education, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Jennings County Middle School orientation, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
— Jennings County High School freshmen, sophmore registration, noon to 3 p.m., 4 to 7 p.m.
Thursday
— Adult education registration, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
— Jennings County High School freshmen orientation, 10 to 11 a.m.
— Brush Creek Elementary kindergarten open house, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
— Graham Creek Elementary kindergarten parent meeting, 6 to 7 p.m.
Friday
— Teacher organization day
— Sand Creek Elementary Meet the Teacher Night, 3 to 6 p.m.
— Hayden Back-to-School Night, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Aug. 7:
— Adult education, first evening Class
— Teacher organization day
— North Vernon Elementary open house, 4 to 6 p.m.
— Brush Creek Elementary Grades 1 to 6 open house, 4:30 to 6 p.m.
— Graham Creek Elementary Back-to-School Night, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
— Scipio Elementary Meet the Teacher Night, 5:30 to 7 p.m.
— Jennings County High School freshmen induction, 6 to 8 p.m.
Aug. 8
— First student day
— Adult education day classes begin
Aug. 9
— Jennings County Middle School open house, 6 to 8 p.m.
For more information call 812-346-4483.
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