Let’s Talk: Schools — Corryton earns $20,000 for reading success

Great things happen when students, teachers and school leaders work toward a common goal. This week, Corryton Elementary School has 20,000 reasons to celebrate its success in reading.

Across East Tennessee, other educational investments are creating opportunities for young scientists, expanding hands-on learning and helping families during the holidays.

Corryton Elementary receives $20,000 for outstanding reading achievement

Corryton Elementary School has received a $20,000 award recognizing outstanding third-grade reading achievement, with students reaching the school’s highest English language arts proficiency rate on record.

The award, funded by former Tennessee legislator and longtime public education advocate David Coffey, was presented Monday, November 9, during a celebration involving students and staff.

Dr. Tanna Nicely, a previous recipient of the award who is now affiliated with Carson-Newman University, presented the recognition to Principal Dr. Leigh Anna McCann.

Corryton’s third-grade English language arts proficiency reached 76%, a significant milestone for a school focused on building strong academic foundations.

“The data is crystal clear,” Nicely said. “If a student is reading proficiently in third grade it impacts them significantly throughout their entire educational journey.”

Nicely emphasized that the achievement reflects the work of educators throughout the elementary grades, not just third-grade teachers.

Schoolwide proficiency across all tested subjects increased from 46.7% to 53.6% during the 2025-26 school year. The school also reported improvements in reading and math proficiency.

McCann credited the school’s success to a renewed emphasis on individualized instruction and consistent support for students.

“We are thrilled to see our students and staff recognized for their hard work and dedication,” McCann said. “As a school, we have refocused on what matters most: making sure every student gets the instruction, attention and support they need to succeed.”

Knox County Schools Superintendent Dr. Jon Rysewyk praised the school’s leadership and commitment to student achievement.

Coffey has previously recognized schools in Anderson County and Emerald Academy in Knoxville. He hopes the initiative will eventually become a statewide program rewarding schools for outstanding third-grade reading achievement.

For Corryton Elementary, the recognition celebrates more than test scores. It acknowledges the daily efforts of teachers, students and families working together to build a foundation for lifelong learning.

Maryville College receives nearly $450,000 in science equipment

Maryville College alumnus Jon Peters, a 1996 graduate, has helped his alma mater receive scientific laboratory equipment valued at approximately $450,000.

Peters, now director of marketing for Shimadzu Scientific Instruments, credits his undergraduate research experience with helping shape his career.

As a student, he combined his interests in chemistry and music for a research project investigating whether music could influence stress-related chemicals in the human body. Working with professor Terry Bunde, Peters learned to assemble and operate scientific instruments.

Through Peters’ efforts, Shimadzu recently donated advanced laboratory equipment that will expand hands-on learning and undergraduate research opportunities.

The instruments will support scientific studies and may eventually complement the college’s proposed Alexander Institute for Conservation Leadership and the Sciences.

It is an example of a former student investing in the next generation of scientists. Maryville College

Muse Knoxville plans expanded opportunities for students

Allison Comer, Muse President and CEO addresses event attendees

Muse Knoxville is preparing for a major expansion that promises to transform educational opportunities for children and families across East Tennessee.

The museum plans to renovate the historic Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park into a 57,100-square-foot science and discovery center, nearly six times the size of its current 10,000-square-foot facility.

The overall project is valued at approximately $83.2 million. That includes a $50 million fundraising campaign and an estimated $33.2 million in value associated with the city of Knoxville’s long-term lease of the Jacob Building for just $1 annually.

Muse has secured approximately $33 million in commitments and pledges toward its fundraising goal, including a transformational $25 million gift from the Clayton Family Foundation.

The expanded museum will feature interactive experiences involving construction, engineering, aviation, space, energy, Tennessee waterways, sound and sensory exploration. A large climbing structure, interactive modular home and collaborative learning spaces are also planned.

The new facility will allow Muse to serve a broader age range, including middle and high school students, while increasing field trip capacity, camps and educational programming.

The need is already evident. During the 2025-26 school year, Muse officials said they had to turn away field trip requests from 10 East Tennessee school districts because of space limitations.

Accessibility will remain a priority through the museum’s Muse for All programs. Families receiving qualifying Tennessee government assistance can purchase an annual family membership for $35, compared with the regular $160 membership. School scholarships will continue helping Title I and other qualifying schools participate in educational programming, and free family nights will remain available on the fourth Friday of each month.

Muse anticipates opening the expanded facility in summer 2028. Muse Knoxville

Hardin Valley and Karns schools invite neighbors to help families

The Hardin Valley/Karns 2026 Angel Tree program is inviting community members to help provide holiday gifts and support for local students and families.

Organizers are accepting monetary donations and plan to release a list of specific gift needs Friday, November 13.

Donations can be made online, while cash or checks may be delivered to participating school offices after coordinating with organizers.

The program offers families, businesses and neighbors an opportunity to make the holiday season brighter for students in their own community. Support the Hardin Valley/Karns Angel Tree

Knox County Schools celebrates student fundraising

Knox County Schools recognized its top 2026 Coupon Book sellers during a November 6 celebration at Main Event in West Knoxville.

The annual fundraiser provides an opportunity for students to support their schools while developing responsibility, communication and goal-setting skills.

The 2026 Coupon Book was presented by Stanley Steemer, with support from First Horizon, Food City, Diverse Concepts and other community partners.

Coupon Books remain available at participating Knoxville-area Elder’s Ace Hardware stores while supplies last. Knox County Schools

Daily Connections

Today’s Motivation: Education opens doors, but encouragement often gives someone the confidence to walk through them.

Today in History: November 11 is Veterans Day in the United States. The observance originated as Armistice Day, marking the end of fighting in World War I on November 11, 1918.

Tennessee Trivia: Maryville College was founded in 1819, making it one of Tennessee’s oldest institutions of higher education.

Today’s Smile: Why did the student bring a ladder to school? Because the student wanted to reach new heights!

School and Community Opportunities

• Veterans Day — November 11: Schools and community organizations recognize the service and sacrifices of military veterans.
• Hardin Valley/Karns Angel Tree — November 13: Organizers plan to release the list of requested holiday gifts. Monetary contributions are already being accepted. Donate or learn more.
• Muse Knoxville Free Family Night — November 27: Muse generally offers free family nights on the fourth Friday of each month. Confirm the November schedule before attending. Muse Knoxville.
• Knox County Junior Commission — Applications through December 17: Eligible high school students can explore an opportunity to learn about local government and civic leadership. Applications close at 5 p.m. Junior Commission information.

Schools are building our future

Corryton Elementary’s achievement reminds us that educational success is not accidental. It grows from strong leadership, dedicated teachers, supportive families and students willing to work hard.

From elementary reading classrooms to college science laboratories, East Tennessee’s educational community continues to demonstrate what can happen when people invest in learning.

Have a school success story, outstanding student, dedicated educator or educational program to share? Send your suggestions to news@knoxtntoday.com.