A Legacy of Service. A Lasting Impact.
On Monday, August 3, 2026, the Benton County Board of Education recognized the end of an era as Brent Hedge and Justin Thornton attended their final meeting as members of the Board.
For 26 years, Mr. Hedge faithfully served the students, staff, and families of Benton County. Mr. Thornton concludes 8 years of dedicated service. Together, they have helped guide our schools through years of growth, change, and opportunity.
School board service is rarely in the spotlight. It requires countless hours of preparation, thoughtful discussion, difficult decisions, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is best for students. Their leadership and dedication have left a lasting mark on Benton County Schools, and the impact of their service will continue to benefit generations of students.
On behalf of Benton County Schools, we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Brent Hedge and Mr. Justin Thornton for their leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public education.
As they begin this next chapter, we wish them both every happiness and success.
Thank you, Mr. Hedge and Mr. Thornton, for your years of faithful service. Your legacy will continue to inspire, and your contributions to Benton County Schools will never be forgotten. πΊπΈπ
On Monday, August 3, 2026, the Benton County Board of Education recognized the end of an era as Brent Hedge and Justin Thornton attended their final meeting as members of the Board.
For 26 years, Mr. Hedge faithfully served the students, staff, and families of Benton County. Mr. Thornton concludes 8 years of dedicated service. Together, they have helped guide our schools through years of growth, change, and opportunity.
School board service is rarely in the spotlight. It requires countless hours of preparation, thoughtful discussion, difficult decisions, and a steadfast commitment to doing what is best for students. Their leadership and dedication have left a lasting mark on Benton County Schools, and the impact of their service will continue to benefit generations of students.
On behalf of Benton County Schools, we extend our sincere gratitude to Mr. Brent Hedge and Mr. Justin Thornton for their leadership, integrity, and unwavering commitment to public education.
As they begin this next chapter, we wish them both every happiness and success.
Thank you, Mr. Hedge and Mr. Thornton, for your years of faithful service. Your legacy will continue to inspire, and your contributions to Benton County Schools will never be forgotten. πΊπΈπ

π BIG DREAMS START WITH LITTLE STEPS! π
Pre-K is more than learning letters, numbers, and colors. It's where friendships begin, confidence grows, and curious minds discover that every day can be an adventure. From story time and songs to hands-on learning and plenty of smiles, our classrooms are designed to help children build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.
If your child will be 4 years old by August 15, 2026, now is the time to apply. Simply stop by the Benton County Board of Education Office with the required documents listed in the flyer, and our team will be happy to help guide you through the application process.
π Have questions? Give us a call at (731) 584-6111.
π Every great journey begins with a single step... and this one just might lead to a lifetime of learning. We can't wait to meet our newest Benton County students! ππ
Pre-K is more than learning letters, numbers, and colors. It's where friendships begin, confidence grows, and curious minds discover that every day can be an adventure. From story time and songs to hands-on learning and plenty of smiles, our classrooms are designed to help children build a strong foundation for kindergarten and beyond.
If your child will be 4 years old by August 15, 2026, now is the time to apply. Simply stop by the Benton County Board of Education Office with the required documents listed in the flyer, and our team will be happy to help guide you through the application process.
π Have questions? Give us a call at (731) 584-6111.
π Every great journey begins with a single step... and this one just might lead to a lifetime of learning. We can't wait to meet our newest Benton County students! ππ

**π Family Adventure Alert!**
Parents, consider this your official permission slip to start daydreaming. π
The school calendar isn't just full of dates. It's full of opportunities to unplug, pile into the car, argue over the playlist, stop for snacks you definitely didn't plan to buy, and make memories your family will be laughing about for years.
From long weekends and Fall Break to Winter Break, Spring Break, and the first glorious day of summer, we've turned this year's calendar into your **Family Adventure Planner**. Whether you're headed to the Great Smoky Mountains, Discovery Park of America, Reelfoot Lake, Dollywood, a Tennessee State Park, or just Grandma's house for homemade biscuits, every break is another chance to spend time together.
No passport required. Just a little planning... and maybe an emergency bag of trail mix.
So grab a pen, gather the family, and start filling in those adventure boxes. The best vacations aren't always the farthest away. Sometimes they're just a tank of gas, a scenic back road, and a cooler full of sandwiches.
Here's to discovering new places, trying new things, and making 2026-2027 a school year filled with learning **and** unforgettable family memories.
**Happy planning, safe travels, and remember... the homework can wait until after the ice cream stop. π¦π**
Parents, consider this your official permission slip to start daydreaming. π
The school calendar isn't just full of dates. It's full of opportunities to unplug, pile into the car, argue over the playlist, stop for snacks you definitely didn't plan to buy, and make memories your family will be laughing about for years.
From long weekends and Fall Break to Winter Break, Spring Break, and the first glorious day of summer, we've turned this year's calendar into your **Family Adventure Planner**. Whether you're headed to the Great Smoky Mountains, Discovery Park of America, Reelfoot Lake, Dollywood, a Tennessee State Park, or just Grandma's house for homemade biscuits, every break is another chance to spend time together.
No passport required. Just a little planning... and maybe an emergency bag of trail mix.
So grab a pen, gather the family, and start filling in those adventure boxes. The best vacations aren't always the farthest away. Sometimes they're just a tank of gas, a scenic back road, and a cooler full of sandwiches.
Here's to discovering new places, trying new things, and making 2026-2027 a school year filled with learning **and** unforgettable family memories.
**Happy planning, safe travels, and remember... the homework can wait until after the ice cream stop. π¦π**

πΈ Public Service Announcement from Benton County Schools πΈ
Just when the alarm clock thought it had wonβ¦
π School starts TOMORROW!
Weβll hit the books Monday through Wednesday, then take a quick timeout:
π³οΈ Thursday, August 6: No school for Election Day.
π‘ Friday, August 7: No school for Fair Day.
Itβs almost like the calendar is easing everyone back into the school routineβ¦ kind of like dipping your toes into the pool before cannonball season. π
As buses roll, backpacks bounce, and lunchboxes make their triumphant return, please watch for school buses, slow down in school zones, and give yourself a few extra minutes during the morning and afternoon commute. A little patience goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.
Hereβs to an outstanding 2026-2027 school year filled with learning, laughter, new friendships, and great memories. We canβt wait to welcome our students back!
Have a safe week, enjoy the long weekend, and letβs make this the best school year yet! π¦ππ

**Stay Connected with Benton County Schools: Just Two Apps to Keep You Informed**
At Benton County Schools, we want communicating with your child's school to be as simple and convenient as possible. To help eliminate confusion about which app to use, families only need **two apps** to stay connected with everything happening in our schools.
π **ParentVUE (NEW)**
ParentVUE is your source for student information. Through ParentVUE, you can:
β’ View your child's class schedule
β’ Check grades and report cards
β’ Monitor attendance
β’ Access important student information
π± **The Benton County Schools (BCOS) App**
Many of you already use the BCOS App to receive district and school announcements, weather-related closures, and other important updates. Now, the app has been enhanced with **Rooms**, making communication even easier.
With **Rooms**, you can securely communicate with your child's teachers and coaches directly within the BCOS App. Instead of wondering which messaging app a classroom, team, or club is using, you'll have one convenient place for school communication.
Our goal is simple: **less confusion, better communication, and stronger connections between home and school.**
If you already have the BCOS App installed, watch for your invitation to activate **Rooms**. If you're new to either app, we encourage you to download both ParentVUE and the Benton County Schools App so you'll have everything you need to stay informed and engaged throughout the school year.
Thank you for partnering with Benton County Schools. We appreciate the opportunity to work together in supporting the success of every student.
At Benton County Schools, we want communicating with your child's school to be as simple and convenient as possible. To help eliminate confusion about which app to use, families only need **two apps** to stay connected with everything happening in our schools.
π **ParentVUE (NEW)**
ParentVUE is your source for student information. Through ParentVUE, you can:
β’ View your child's class schedule
β’ Check grades and report cards
β’ Monitor attendance
β’ Access important student information
π± **The Benton County Schools (BCOS) App**
Many of you already use the BCOS App to receive district and school announcements, weather-related closures, and other important updates. Now, the app has been enhanced with **Rooms**, making communication even easier.
With **Rooms**, you can securely communicate with your child's teachers and coaches directly within the BCOS App. Instead of wondering which messaging app a classroom, team, or club is using, you'll have one convenient place for school communication.
Our goal is simple: **less confusion, better communication, and stronger connections between home and school.**
If you already have the BCOS App installed, watch for your invitation to activate **Rooms**. If you're new to either app, we encourage you to download both ParentVUE and the Benton County Schools App so you'll have everything you need to stay informed and engaged throughout the school year.
Thank you for partnering with Benton County Schools. We appreciate the opportunity to work together in supporting the success of every student.

Benton County Schools is excited to share that parent-teacher communication is moving to Rooms, a secure tool built into the Apptegy district app. Rooms gives families one convenient place to receive classroom updates and message teachers, eliminating the need to juggle multiple apps.
With Rooms, parents and guardians can:
β’ Send and receive secure, two-way messages with teachers and staff.
β’ View classroom announcements, reminders, and shared materials in the app.
β’ Receive messages by app notification, email, or text, with automatic translation available for preferred languages.
In the coming days, families will receive an email and/or text invitation from Apptegy to join Rooms and connect to their student. Once your account is set up, open the Benton County Schools app and tap Rooms to see your childβs classes and messages.
With Rooms, parents and guardians can:
β’ Send and receive secure, two-way messages with teachers and staff.
β’ View classroom announcements, reminders, and shared materials in the app.
β’ Receive messages by app notification, email, or text, with automatic translation available for preferred languages.
In the coming days, families will receive an email and/or text invitation from Apptegy to join Rooms and connect to their student. Once your account is set up, open the Benton County Schools app and tap Rooms to see your childβs classes and messages.

Students will eat free for both breakfast and lunch for the entire 2026β2027 school year in Benton County Schools. This applies to all enrolled students, every school day. Families do not need to complete a meal application for their child to receive free meals. For more information, including menus and serving times, please contact your childβs school or visit the Benton County Schools website.

Here are two calendars for the beginning of the school year. School starts August 3.


π£ Important Update for Benton County Schools Families!
ParentVUE and StudentVUE have a new web address!
If you access your student's attendance, grades, schedules, assignments, or other important school information through Synergy, please update your bookmarks and begin using our new URL:
π https://tn-ben-psv.edupoint.com/
Whether you're a parent staying connected or a student keeping up with assignments and grades, this is now the official online portal for Benton County Schools' student information system.
β ParentVUE allows parents and guardians to:
β’ Monitor attendance
β’ View grades and assignments
β’ Receive important school information
β StudentVUE allows students to:
β’ Check grades
β’ View class schedules
β’ Track assignments and attendance
For additional information about Benton County Schools, our schools, and district programs, visit:
π www.bentoncountyschools.org
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with other Benton County Schools families. Thank you for helping us keep everyone connected! πβπ
ParentVUE and StudentVUE have a new web address!
If you access your student's attendance, grades, schedules, assignments, or other important school information through Synergy, please update your bookmarks and begin using our new URL:
π https://tn-ben-psv.edupoint.com/
Whether you're a parent staying connected or a student keeping up with assignments and grades, this is now the official online portal for Benton County Schools' student information system.
β ParentVUE allows parents and guardians to:
β’ Monitor attendance
β’ View grades and assignments
β’ Receive important school information
β StudentVUE allows students to:
β’ Check grades
β’ View class schedules
β’ Track assignments and attendance
For additional information about Benton County Schools, our schools, and district programs, visit:
π www.bentoncountyschools.org
Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with other Benton County Schools families. Thank you for helping us keep everyone connected! πβπ

ππ³ Wait... already?!
Wasn't it just yesterday that we were saying, "This summer is going to last forever!"?
Now the calendar is giving us the look, the school supply aisles have taken over every store, and somehow backpacks are replacing beach bags.
It must be time to start checking off those school supply lists! βοΈππ
The 2026-2027 Benton County Schools Suggested Supply Lists are now available to help your family get a head start before the first bell rings.
So grab the crayons, glue sticks, folders, tissues... and maybe one extra cup of coffee for yourself. βπ
Here's to an amazing school year just around the corner. We can't wait to welcome our students back!
Wasn't it just yesterday that we were saying, "This summer is going to last forever!"?
Now the calendar is giving us the look, the school supply aisles have taken over every store, and somehow backpacks are replacing beach bags.
It must be time to start checking off those school supply lists! βοΈππ
The 2026-2027 Benton County Schools Suggested Supply Lists are now available to help your family get a head start before the first bell rings.
So grab the crayons, glue sticks, folders, tissues... and maybe one extra cup of coffee for yourself. βπ
Here's to an amazing school year just around the corner. We can't wait to welcome our students back!







All children entering 7th grade in Tennessee must show proof of a tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) booster vaccination. This is required prior to starting their 7th-grade year.
Your child will need an up-to-date TN Certificate of Immunization by the first day of the 2026-2027 school year. This certificate must include all past immunizations as well.
Please bring a copy of your child's updated TN immunization record to their school after they receive their TDAP booster. Talk to your childβs doctor, nurse, or clinic about any other recommended vaccines.
Exceptions will be granted to any student whose parent/guardian files a signed, written statement that required vaccinations conflict with religious practices. If the exception is due to medical reasons, a written statement from the studentβs doctor will be required to excuse them from immunizations.
The Benton Co. School Health Clinic is now open, and kindergarten immunizations and TTDAP boosters are available. Feel free to call to make an appointment for your child to receive their vaccine (731-325-5231).
PLEASE NOTE: The Clinic closes Friday, May 22, 2026, and will reopen Monday, July 20, 2026, for the new school year
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school nurse at your childβs school.
Your child will need an up-to-date TN Certificate of Immunization by the first day of the 2026-2027 school year. This certificate must include all past immunizations as well.
Please bring a copy of your child's updated TN immunization record to their school after they receive their TDAP booster. Talk to your childβs doctor, nurse, or clinic about any other recommended vaccines.
Exceptions will be granted to any student whose parent/guardian files a signed, written statement that required vaccinations conflict with religious practices. If the exception is due to medical reasons, a written statement from the studentβs doctor will be required to excuse them from immunizations.
The Benton Co. School Health Clinic is now open, and kindergarten immunizations and TTDAP boosters are available. Feel free to call to make an appointment for your child to receive their vaccine (731-325-5231).
PLEASE NOTE: The Clinic closes Friday, May 22, 2026, and will reopen Monday, July 20, 2026, for the new school year
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call the school nurse at your childβs school.

Looking for help keeping your kids fueled and happy this summer? Our SUN Programs are here for you! SUN Meals offer free, nutritious meals for all kids 18 and under at local meal sites, so they can eat well while having fun with friends. In some rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go let families pick up meals or have them delivered, but please note that there are currently no delivery providers in Benton County. SUN Bucks give eligible school-aged children $120 in grocery benefits to help you buy more of the foods they love, from fresh fruits and veggies to pantry staples for healthy meals at home. For details and updates, call 731-584-6111, email Michele.wright@bentonschools.org, visit fns.usda.gov/summer, or scan the QR code on the flyer to check options in your area.

Big Sandy bus #16 will be about 1 hour late getting home this afternoon (May 15, 2026). The afternoon high school shuttle bus will run on its normal time. If you are needing to make alternative transportation arrangements, you may call 731-584-6111
All official Benton County School fundraisers will be announced through the schoolβs official social media accounts, the school district app, or by flyers sent home with students. If you would like to verify whether a fundraiser is officially sanctioned, please check these sources or contact the school administration directly. These measures help ensure that all fundraising activities are clearly communicated and authorized by the district.

During a test of the panic equipment at Big Sandy School, a broadcast was mistakenly sent out indicating an emergency event was occurring. There was no actual emergency. All students, staff, and personnel are safe and accounted for.

Notice: Early School Closure
Benton County Schools will close at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, out of respect for the recent passing of a staff memberβs child. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.
Benton County Schools will close at 1:00 PM on Friday, April 24, 2026, out of respect for the recent passing of a staff memberβs child. Our thoughts are with the family during this difficult time.

There will be no school on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, due to the election.

Lettuce see what is up with bucket gardening. This is one activity that is sure to grow on you.

π£ Help us spread the word by sharing this post!
Benton County Schools is now hiring support staff for the 2026-2027 school year! If youβre passionate about making a positive impact in our schools and community, weβd love for you to join our team.
We are looking for dedicated individuals to fill a variety of support roles, including:
* Teacher aides
* Cafeteria staff
* Custodians
* Bus drivers
* And more!
Whether youβre experienced or just starting out, Benton County Schools offers competitive pay, a supportive work environment, and the chance to make a real difference in studentsβ lives.
Interested? Apply now or learn more at our website: https://www.bentoncountyschools.org/page/employment
Benton County Schools is now hiring support staff for the 2026-2027 school year! If youβre passionate about making a positive impact in our schools and community, weβd love for you to join our team.
We are looking for dedicated individuals to fill a variety of support roles, including:
* Teacher aides
* Cafeteria staff
* Custodians
* Bus drivers
* And more!
Whether youβre experienced or just starting out, Benton County Schools offers competitive pay, a supportive work environment, and the chance to make a real difference in studentsβ lives.
Interested? Apply now or learn more at our website: https://www.bentoncountyschools.org/page/employment

π Daddy Daughter Dance π
Hosted by CHS BETA Club
Grab your favorite little lady and join us for a fun night of music, dancing, and sweet memories at the Daddy Daughter Dance!
πͺ© April 25th
π Camden Central High School Gymnasium
β° 6:00 β 8:00 PM
This special night is open to girls in Pre-K through 5th grade and a male guest (dad, granddad, uncle, or another special adult).
π² $25 per couple
β $5 for each additional child
Please reserve your spot by April 20th by filling out the form below:
π https://forms.gle/QnrgwMT7KBAHmeMCA
We canβt wait to see everyone dressed up and dancing the night away! ππΊ
Hosted by CHS BETA Club
Grab your favorite little lady and join us for a fun night of music, dancing, and sweet memories at the Daddy Daughter Dance!
πͺ© April 25th
π Camden Central High School Gymnasium
β° 6:00 β 8:00 PM
This special night is open to girls in Pre-K through 5th grade and a male guest (dad, granddad, uncle, or another special adult).
π² $25 per couple
β $5 for each additional child
Please reserve your spot by April 20th by filling out the form below:
π https://forms.gle/QnrgwMT7KBAHmeMCA
We canβt wait to see everyone dressed up and dancing the night away! ππΊ

