MCS January 2026 Elementary McMinn Monthly Parent and Family Newsletter.
Ms. Denise Roach, Instructional Coach for MCS, is shown here leading a professional development session on “Everybody Is a Writing Teacher” for grades 3–8. Thank you for empowering our educators with strategies that strengthen writing across all content areas!
Today, Mr. Steven Brady, Elementary Supervisor & District Testing Coordinator, led an engaging professional development session for grades 3–8 across all content areas. Thank you to our educators for their dedication to continuous learning and to Mr. Brady for an informative and impactful training!
MCS 2026-2027 School Year Calendar!
We are looking forward to seeing everyone back tomorrow! Please read for MCS weather information.
MCS Christmas Schedule. Early Dismissal today for all schools and Christmas Break from December 22nd to January 5th. Classes resume on January 6th! We hope everyone enjoys the break!
McMinn County Schools will be open and on a regular schedule Tuesday, Dec. 16. Have a great evening.
McMinn County Schools will be closed on Monday, December 15, due to extreme temperatures and concerns for the safety of students waiting at bus stops. This closure will also provide needed time for students and staff who have been affected by a recent increase in illness to rest and recover. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and support as we take this precautionary measure. Scheduled basketball games will be played. Other extra curricular activities may still proceed at the discretion of the individual schools, additional communication will be sent regarding those activities. Please continue to monitor school communication channels for any additional updates.
Mr. Underwood and his department wrote a Safety Grant and were awarded over $15,000 to purchase new safety ladders and personal safety equipment for our staff.
Your dedication to keeping our schools safe is deeply appreciated. Thank you for all you do for our district! #allinformcminncountyschools
Today is the DAY! During the Jimmy Liner Memorial Christmas Parade in Athens swing by McMinn County Schools Board of Education Office, 3. South Hill Street, next to Food City for FREE hot chocolate and fresh, hot popcorn! We can’t wait to see you there!
🎄 Heading to the Athens Parade on Monday December 8th? 🎉
Swing by McMinn County Schools for FREE hot chocolate and fresh, hot popcorn during the parade! ☕🍿
We’ll be serving up warm treats and big smiles, we can’t wait to see you there! ❤️🎅
Understanding Literacy (TDOE: Best for All)
Please see link for resources to Understanding Literacy: A Toolkit for Families. This toolkit brings together a collection of resources designed to help you discover practical ways to encourage and strengthen your child’s literacy development. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/education/learning-acceleration/AC_R360_FCE_Toolkit04_UnderstandingLiteracy%20EDITED.pdf
#allinformcminncountyschools
Sharing Community News
Let's Read 20!
Party With a Princess!
Come join the magic on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM at the McMinn County High School Cafeteria!
Your little princes and princesses can enjoy:
👸 Picture opportunities with seven different princesses (10:00–11:20)
🎨 Face painting
🍪 Cookies & lemonade
💃 Dance Party (11:20–12:00)
All proceeds support Let’s Read 20 of McMinn County and help enhance literacy in our community.
Cost:
$20 per child
$10 for additional siblings and adults
(*One adult per child is included*)
Be sure to make your reservation by January 14 to be part of the magic!
Payment can be made via Venmo (QR code on flyer) or by mailing the bottom portion of the flyer to:
Let’s Read 20 of McMinn County
208 Hicks Street
Athens, TN 37303
For questions, visit our Facebook page at "Let’s Read 20” or email [letsread20colorfulbus@gmail.com](mailto:letsread20colorfulbus@gmail.com). Payments are nonrefundable.
We hope to see you there for a morning of sparkle, smiles, and storybook fun!
![2026 Party announcement[3]](https://core-docs.s3.amazonaws.com/mcminn_county_school_district_ar/live_feed_image/image/21910685/large_2026_Party_announcement_3_.jpg)
