Sulphur Springs Elementary School

September 19, 2025

Gamecocks are Empowered to Solve Problems!
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Sulphur Springs Header

We continue working towards creating an environment where EVERY student is successful. Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing our students with the very best learning experiences and opportunities. We recognize that our children must be prepared as they transition to each grade level PreK-12 and beyond. In order to best serve our students, we provide everyone in the building with high expectations for their learning and deep engagement in every classroom.

Vision: Sulphur Springs STEAM Leaders are Empowered to Solve Problems.

Daily Actions: We are Respectful, Confident, Encouraging and Kind.

Alignment: PreK-12 Connections

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Message from Mrs. Krissi McInturff

Dear Sulphur Springs Community,

This has been such a great week! I’ve observed thoughtful discussions on Hammurabi’s Code in Ms. Clark’s class, engaging lifecycle presentations in Mrs. Hagy’s class, students sharing their perspectives on The Declaration on the Rights of the Child in Ms. Bellamy’s class, and students combining physical activity with math while learning the 100 chart in Mrs. Dougherty’s class. These are just a few of the amazing things happening in classrooms this week.

Attendance has been steady this month at around 95%. I would love to see us raise that by at least one percent before the end of September. Remember, the class with the best attendance percentage this month will earn popsicles during recess.

Check the images below for this week’s homeroom attendance standings:

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Teacher Spotlight: Mrs. Natalie Simmons

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  1. Name Natalie Simmons

  2. Grade/Subject Kindergarten

  3. What do you enjoy most about teaching at Sulphur Springs? Sulphur Springs is a family.  I love how we all help and support each other. 

  4. What inspired you to become a teacher? My family is full of teachers and I admired all of my teachers while I was in school. I wanted to be a positive influence and help children develop a love for school and learning. 

  5. What’s a fun fact or hobby you enjoy? I love to travel! I try to visit at least one new destination each year. 

PreK-3rd Grade Highlights

4th-8th Grade Highlights

1 Monarch Life Cycle

Another Monarch Release!

What a memorable experience for our 1st graders! They have been observing the life cycle of a monarch butterfly—starting from the tiny egg on milkweed, to watching the caterpillar grow and eat lots of milkweed, then transforming into a chrysalis.

Students checked on the chrysalis and noticed the it had changed from green to a dark color with a hint of the wings showing. After returning from recess, they were thrilled to find their beautiful female monarch waiting for them! After giving her wings time to dry, they sent her off to continue her journey.

Students are watching more caterpillars in their classroom and hope to release more in the next few weeks!

1 Monarch Life Cycle More
8 Electrical Outlet

Electromagnetism Enhanced!

The 8th-grade students are exploring the fascinating world of electromagnetism and gaining hands-on experience by building electromagnets. They used the skills and knowledge to construct an electric motor using basic materials like batteries, wire coils, and magnets.

Despite initial challenges, their perseverance led to successful circuit tests! This approach not only enhances their understanding of electrical concepts but also boosts their confidence through practical application.

Empowering our 8th-grade students in science and CTE!

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You Matter Week, Sept. 22-26

You Matter Week

Family Math Night! Sept. 29

Math Night 2025
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CTE/STEM Lab/ Computer Science News

Library MindCave News

CTE Construction Hand Tools

Building the Future, One Board at a Time!

Our CTE middle schoolers are mastering the foundations of construction in their Construction Empowerment Block!

This week, students had hands-on experience using hand tools and measurement to properly attach fasteners to boards. They not only learned the names of tools like screwdrivers, hammers, and prybars, but also the critical importance of safety and personal protective equipment (PPE) on the job. These are real-world skills that build confidence and precision.

MindCave

Middle school students in Life Skills 101 class enthusiastically completed a unit on basic kitchen safety and cooking which culminated in preparing and baking some croissants, giving them hands-on experience to practice what they learned. Meanwhile, elementary students read the story "How Do Dinosaurs Stay Friends?" by Jane Yolen and engaged in meaningful discussions about how to maintain friendships and show kindness to one another. To connect this lesson to STEAM, they creatively built bridges using various materials as a powerful symbol of bridging gaps during disagreements with friends. Together, these activities empowered students to develop important life skills and problem-solving abilities in a fun and interactive way!

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Athletics

Football (All home games will be played at Ridgeview)

September 25: At West Greene 5:00 pm

Volleyball

September 22: Home vs Unicoi 5:00 pm (8th Grade Night)

September 23: At Ridgeview 5:00 pm

Girls Soccer (All home games will be played at Ridgeview)

September 22: Home vs Chuckey Doak 6:00 pm (first game of the tournament)

Cross Country

September 27: At Steele Creek Park

Boys Basketball

Tryouts for boys basketball will be held on September 30th from 3:00 - 5:00 pm.

Girls Basketball

Open Gym for Girls' Basketball will be held on September 24th and 30th from 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Tryouts will be held on October 1st from 5:00 - 7:00 pm.

Sulphur Springs School Apparel

Sulphur Springs Friends! Purchase apparel to support the SS Boosters. Click on the link below to purchase.

https://mandrillapp.com/track/click/30837889/bsnteamsports.com?p=eyJzIjoiRVVOdGV1R0hmZURXVGRMNVU0Zi1uX0hocjFrIiwidiI6MiwicCI6IntcInVcIjozMDgzNzg4OSxcInZcIjoyLFwidXJsXCI6XCJodHRwczpcXFwvXFxcL2JzbnRlYW1zcG9ydHMuY29tXFxcL3Nob3BcXFwvd1J2b0x6c0VtblwiLFwiaWRcIjpcIjFkZGEwM2JmMmI5YjQyOGQ4YjNjNDFmYjhkODJkOWJiXCIsXCJ1cmxfaWRzXCI6W1wiMzZlYzUyNGFjNDYwMjBlZTc0MWVjMTcxNDc4OGY3MjQ3MDZlMGUwMlwiXSxcIm1zZ190c1wiOjE3NTY5MTA1Mzd9In0

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Save the Date

PTO Interest Meeting
  • September 22-26 You Matter Week

  • September 22, 2025 PTO Interest Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the Little Theater

  • September 29, 2025 Title I Family Math Night 6-7:30 p.m.

  • October 2, 2025 End of 9 Weeks

  • October 3, 2025 Professional Development Day (NO SCHOOL for students)

  • October 4-12, 2025 Fall Break

  • October 13-15, 2025 Professional Development Days (NO SCHOOL for students)

  • October 17, 2025 Report Cards

Important Sulphur Springs Information

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Nurse Amy's Corner

Just a note from Nurse Amy:

Washington County Health Department will be providing influenza vaccines for students grades K-12 on October 23rd or 24th (date to be determined). You can sign up by using the link

https://redcap.link/2025WashingtonCountyCityFLU or you can request a paper copy of the form from Nurse Amy. These need to be turned in by September 29th. There must be consent on file for your student to receive the vaccine. Thanks so much!

Note about Transportation

We will not be accepting "bus notes" from parents.

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Important Links

School Website

Parents and Students Page

Lunch Menu and Free and Reduced Lunch Form

Find Us

Sulphur Springs Elementary School

Website: https://www.wcde.org/o/sse
Location: 1518 Gray Station-Sulphur Springs Road; Jonesborough, TN 37659
Phone: 423.753.1140

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are school start and end times?

A: The first bell rings at 8:00. The dismissal bell rings at 3:00.

Q: What school supplies will my child need to provide?

A: Supply lists are posted on our website.

Q: Can my child ride a bus to school?

A: Yes! We have bus routes for SSES which can be found on our district website. Please contact our director of transportation, Tony Roberts, for any questions or for more information at 423.753.1172.

Q: What kind of technology will my child have access to?

A: All students at SSES will have access to their own Chromebook. Grades 6-8 are allowed to take their Chromebooks home with them. Students must submit a completed Chromebook permission form to receive a Chromebook.

Q: I didn't see my question here, who do I ask?

A: You are always welcome to call our office at 423.753.1140. You are also always welcome to reach out to our school principal, Mrs. Krissi McInturff via email (mcinturffk@wcde.org) and she will get back to you as soon as possible.