Oak Ridge Today

Woodland Elementary School chess team receives donation

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Anderson County Commissioner Myron Iwanski presents a check to Melissa Blalock, Woodland Elementary School assistant principal, and Nancy West, principal. (Submitted photo)

Anderson County Commissioner Myron Iwanski presents a check to Melissa Blalock, Woodland Elementary School assistant principal, and Nancy West, principal. (Submitted photo)

 

Woodland Elementary School recently received a $750 donation to the school’s Chess Club from Anderson County Commissioner Myron Iwanski.

The school “would like to offer a special thank you to Commissioner Iwanski,” a press release said.

“Two years ago, Commissioner Iwanski made a generous donation to our Spanish Club,” the press release said. “These extra-curricular activities are excellent opportunities for our students that expand our offerings beyond the school day. The funding generated to support these clubs is largely raised by participating students’ parents.”

Submitted by Melissa Blalock

CNS grant gives Roane State students opportunity to complete valuable training

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Anderson County High student Doug Stooksbury works on equipment at Roane State’s Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility in Clinton. His tuition for his final semester of dual enrollment mechatronics instruction was funded through a grant provided by employees of Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC, the contractor that operates the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Roane State)

Anderson County High School student Doug Stooksbury works on equipment at Roane State’s Higher Education and Workforce Training Facility in Clinton. His tuition for his final semester of dual enrollment mechatronics instruction was funded through a grant provided by employees of Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC, the contractor that operates the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

CLINTON—High school students in the dual enrollment mechatronics program at Roane State Community College received a final-semester financial boost, thanks to a grant from employees of Consolidated Nuclear Security LLC.

Those employees of CNS—the contractor that operates the Y-12 National Security Complex in Oak Ridge—last year awarded a $10,000 grant to underwrite the Spring 2017 tuition for mechatronics students in Oak Ridge, Clinton, and Anderson County high schools. The grant was awarded through the CNS Community Investment Fund.

The Community Investment Fund provides thousands of dollars to local nonprofits. Y-12 employees work with the East Tennessee Foundation to award the grants through a competitive grant process.

In the mechatronics program, high school students take courses in maintaining and improving automated machines and robots used by many of today’s manufacturers, said Gordon Williams, director of Roane State’s mechatronics program. [Read more…]

Mother, daughter graduate from Roane State, will start business together

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Roane State massage therapy student Ciarra Wallace and mother Holly Green graduated in May and plan to start their own business. (Photo by Roane State)

Roane State massage therapy student Ciarra Wallace and mother Holly Green graduated in May and plan to start their own business. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

This mother-daughter team is learning together and soon intend to be earning together.

Holly Green and daughter Ciarra Wallace are finishing the massage therapy program at Roane State’s Oak Ridge campus and plan to go into business as therapists in Jacksboro.

“It’s a great opportunity to be able to share this adventure and milestone with my daughter,” Green said. “This way, the family stays together and we help one another.”

Mom and daughter have made the 45-minute commute from their Campbell County home to take their classes.

Green and Wallace obtained their certificates in May, will take the licensure exams this summer, and intend to rent space in Simplicity Salon in Jacksboro, 111 Rusty Road, for the family business. [Read more…]

Roane State Tennessee Promise student ready to take next step after graduation

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Shelley Edwards (Submitted photo)

Shelley Edwards (Submitted photo)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

For Roane State’s Shelley Edwards, the Tennessee Promise scholarship and mentoring program came along at just the right time.

Edwards was among the first group of students to take advantage of Tennessee Promise, a last-dollar scholarship that allows students to go to community colleges tuition-free.

“With the HOPE Scholarship and Tennessee Promise, I haven’t had to pay anything for my education,” said Edwards, 19, the daughter of Michael and Linda Edwards of Rockwood.

She’s maintained a perfect 4.0 grade point average at Roane State.

She received an associate of science degree in chemistry in May, setting the stage for her transfer next fall to Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. She plans to major in chemical engineering with a concentration in bio-molecular engineering. [Read more…]

ORAU named winner of 2017 EPEAT Purchaser Award

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Ron McCandless, right, ORAU buyer, represented ORAU to receive a 2017 EPEAT Sustainable Purchaser Award presented by Green Electronics Council CEO Nancy Gillis, third from right, during the organization’s recent awards ceremony. The award recognizes ORAU’s excellence in the procurement of green electronics. Also pictured are Josh Silverman, director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Protection; Teresa Krannig, IT specialist for East Tennessee Technology Park; Jeanne Beard, director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Information Systems; Melanie Bower, EPEAT Director; and Chris Shannon, project administrator for the DOE Mission Support Alliance Project. (Submitted photo)

Ron McCandless, right, ORAU buyer, represented ORAU to receive a 2017 EPEAT Sustainable Purchaser Award presented by Green Electronics Council CEO Nancy Gillis, third from right, during the organization’s recent awards ceremony. The award recognizes ORAU’s excellence in the procurement of green electronics. Also pictured are Josh Silverman, director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Environmental Protection; Teresa Krannig, IT specialist for East Tennessee Technology Park; Jeanne Beard, director of the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Information Systems; Melanie Bower, EPEAT Director; and Chris Shannon, project administrator for the DOE Mission Support Alliance Project. (Submitted photo)

 

ORAU was named among the winners of the Green Electronics Council’s 2017 EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) Sustainable Purchaser Award for the third year in a row. The award recognizes excellence in the procurement of green electronics, or those electronics that have been manufactured to conserve energy, eliminate environmentally sensitive materials, and increase recyclability.

ORAU was among 10 organizations to receive a three-star rating, the highest possible, for its commitment to purchasing EPEAT-registered products in three categories: PCs and displays, imaging equipment, and televisions, a press release said. The Green Electronics Council awards one star for each category.

Other three-star award winners were: El Paso Intelligence Center; Loyola University Chicago; Mission Support Alliance, CH2M Hill PRC, Washington River Protection Solutions; National Renewable Energy Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy; Office of Investigative Technology, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; Office of Training, DEA; Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, DOE; U.S. Department of Homeland Security; and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. [Read more…]

UT students, faculty members safe after London attacks

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Officials have accounted for the 43 University of Tennessee students and four faculty members in London, and all are safe, UT said Monday.

Oak Ridge Today has received a report that one of the students is from Oak Ridge, but UT wasn’t able to confirm that. A spokesperson said she didn’t have access to student information.

“I can tell you we have 43 students and four faculty members in London, and all have been accounted for/are safe,” said Katherine Saxon, UT coordinator for student communications and social media team member. [Read more…]

See design concepts for new Oak Ridge Preschool

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Design concepts for the new Oak Ridge Schools Preschool at Scarboro Park, as published in May 2017. (Image courtesy City of Oak Ridge/Studio Four Design)

Design concepts for the new Oak Ridge Schools Preschool at Scarboro Park, as published in May 2017. (Image courtesy City of Oak Ridge/Studio Four Design)

 

The City of Oak Ridge has posted the design concepts for the planned Oak Ridge Schools Preschool at Scarboro Park.

The design concepts are from Studio Four Design, an architectural firm in Knoxville. A general concept for the preschool building’s design is shown above.

Those who attended a public forum-style meeting at the Scarboro Community Center on Thursday, May 25, voted for their favorite of two potential site design concepts, which are shown below, the City of Oak Ridge said. Option one received 18 votes, and option two received 13.

Here are the two potential site design concepts, with option one first and option two second: [Read more…]

Children’s Museum hosts Imagination Station Summer Camps

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Young cooks prepare dessert for tasting later at a Children’s Museum summer camp. (Submitted photo)

Young cooks prepare dessert for tasting later at a Children’s Museum summer camp. (Submitted photo)

 

World cultures, model trains, cooking, and gardening, as well as STEAM (science, technology, art, engineering, and math) activities are being offered during Imagination Station Summer Camp beginning June 5 at the Children’s Museum of Oak Ridge.

With the museum’s unique and enriching environment as a backdrop, camp leaders will provide a blend of educational and interactive play, helping campers learn and grow while having fun in a safe environment. Each camp is created with age-appropriate activities aligned with the child’s developmental stage.

Summer camps, from June 5-July 28, are for children from age 3 through 7th grade, with one bridge camp open to eighth and ninth graders.
Peppy Pepper, the mascot for the museum’s newest exhibit, Kids in Action! Healthy Living, will encourage healthy activities such as growing vegetables and movement during the summer camps.

Register and pay for camps online, at www.childrensmuseumofoakridge.org, by mail or in person, at 461 West Outer Drive, Oak Ridge 37830. Camp fees are fully refundable up until 14 days before the start date. [Read more…]

Hobby appointed principal of Woodland Elementary

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Donald “D.T.” Hobby has been appointed principal of Woodland Elementary School in Oak Ridge, starting July 1.

Hobby has a bachelor’s degree from Tennessee Technological University in wildlife and fisheries science, a master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, and an educational specialist in educational administration and supervision, both from Lincoln Memorial University.

He has been employed with Oak Ridge Schools since August 2008, serving as both a teacher and administrator at Secret City Academy and most recently as assistant principal at Robertsville Middle School.

Before he started working at Oak Ridge Schools, Hobby was a science teacher in Knox County Schools from 2004-2008.

More information will be added as it becomes available.

This press release was submitted by Holly Cross.

Reminder: Graduation Celebration is tonight

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A photo of the annual balloon drop of prizes at Graduation Celebration in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

A photo of the annual balloon drop of prizes at Graduation Celebration in Oak Ridge. (Submitted photo)

 

Reminder: The 21st annual Graduation Celebration is at the Oak Ridge Civic Center tonight (Thursday, June 1).

Graduation Celebration starts at 10 p.m. June 1. It’s an all-night safe party for high school graduates in Oak Ridge.

Oak Ridge High School seniors can register for the free party, where they can win cash and prizes while making memories with their classmates in a safe environment, a press release said.

For more information, visit www.graduationcelebration.org or contact Matt Reedy at (865) 425-3442 or via email at mreedy@oakridgetn.gov.

Proposed city budget would not raise property tax rate

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Mark Watson

Mark Watson

 

The budget proposed by Oak Ridge City Manager Mark Watson on Tuesday would not increase the property tax rate. Instead, the budget would hold the property tax rate steady at $2.52 per $100 of assessed value.

It could be the 10th year in a row without a tax rate increase. That’s if the Oak Ridge City Council approves the city manager’s proposed budget.

Watson said it’s essentially the same budget as last year, with some capital improvements and funding for an energy savings plan for lighting, heating, and cooling systems in the city and schools.

Fully funding a request from Oak Ridge Schools for 2.5 percent pay raises for teachers and staff would require the equivalent of a four-cent tax rate increase, Watson said during a special City Council meeting on Tuesday. [Read more…]

Roane State EMS faculty use virtual reality to enhance instruction

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Wearing the high-tech HoloLens, Roane State director of EMS programs David Blevins manipulates a hologram as part of a cutting-edge program that's being used as a new way of teaching students studying anatomy and physiology. (Photo by Roane State)

Wearing the high-tech HoloLens, Roane State director of EMS programs David Blevins manipulates a hologram as part of a cutting-edge program that’s being used as a new way of teaching students studying anatomy and physiology. (Photo by Roane State)

 

By Bob Fowler, Roane State staff writer

KNOXVILLE—Picture this: a high-resolution cross-section of a beating human heart floating in space, allowing for an up-close, interactive examination.

Imagine each student in an anatomy and physiology classroom having access to three-dimensional, 360-degree images, or aspiring first-responders being able to view a completely realistic video of an accident scene.

Welcome to the world of virtual, augmented, and mixed reality as they are now being introduced into the Roane State Community College curriculum for emergency medical services. Instructors at the college’s Knox County Center for Health Sciences are participating in a pilot study with the assistance from the college’s Center for Teaching Arts and Technology. [Read more…]