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. 🇺🇸📚
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. 🇺🇸📚
Camden bus #20 will run 1.5 hrs late on August 5, 2026. We apologize for any inconvienience.
Camden Central High School has yearbooks on sale! You can now order online using the QR code on the flyer. Yearbooks are $60 if you order by 9/18/2026. The price will then go up to $65. Parents, students, faculty, and staff can also share photos from special school events now. You can find that QR code on the flyer, as well!
**📍 Family Adventure Alert!**
Parents, consider this your official permission slip to start daydreaming. 😄
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. 🍦🚗**
Parents, consider this your official permission slip to start daydreaming. 😄
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. 🍦🚗**
**🚨 Community Alert: A Pride gathering has been scheduled. 🚨**
Local experts predict an unusual concentration of black and gold at **Tommy Richardson Stadium** on **Monday, August 10**. 🦁
Expected conditions include:
* 📣 Excessive cheering
* 🏈 Football players trying to look serious
* 😄 Proud parents pretending they *aren't* taking 437 photos
* 🌭 Hot dogs disappearing at an alarming rate
* 🍧 Happy Camper Snowballs helping everyone survive the August heat
* 💛 Future Lions dreaming about the day they'll wear the black and gold
Come meet the **Camden Junior High and Camden Central High School football teams**, **both cheer squads**, and the coaches who are already counting down to kickoff.
Whether you're a lifelong Lion, a future Lion, or just someone who never says no to a hot dog and a snowball, there's a place for you in the Pride.
📅 **Monday, August 10**
🕕 **6:00 PM**
📍 **Tommy Richardson Stadium**
Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your Lion spirit.
Just one friendly warning... if you leave yelling "GO LIONS!" all the way home, that's completely normal. 🦁💛🖤
Local experts predict an unusual concentration of black and gold at **Tommy Richardson Stadium** on **Monday, August 10**. 🦁
Expected conditions include:
* 📣 Excessive cheering
* 🏈 Football players trying to look serious
* 😄 Proud parents pretending they *aren't* taking 437 photos
* 🌭 Hot dogs disappearing at an alarming rate
* 🍧 Happy Camper Snowballs helping everyone survive the August heat
* 💛 Future Lions dreaming about the day they'll wear the black and gold
Come meet the **Camden Junior High and Camden Central High School football teams**, **both cheer squads**, and the coaches who are already counting down to kickoff.
Whether you're a lifelong Lion, a future Lion, or just someone who never says no to a hot dog and a snowball, there's a place for you in the Pride.
📅 **Monday, August 10**
🕕 **6:00 PM**
📍 **Tommy Richardson Stadium**
Bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your Lion spirit.
Just one friendly warning... if you leave yelling "GO LIONS!" all the way home, that's completely normal. 🦁💛🖤
🚸 Public Service Announcement from Benton County Schools 🚸
Just when the alarm clock thought it had won…
📚 School starts TOMORROW!
We’ll hit the books Monday through Wednesday, then take a quick timeout:
🗳️ Thursday, August 6: No school for Election Day.
🎡 Friday, August 7: No school for Fair Day.
It’s almost like the calendar is easing everyone back into the school routine… kind of like dipping your toes into the pool before cannonball season. 😄
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.
Here’s to an outstanding 2026-2027 school year filled with learning, laughter, new friendships, and great memories. We can’t wait to welcome our students back!
Have a safe week, enjoy the long weekend, and let’s make this the best school year yet! 🦁📚🍎
🚨 Public Service Announcement 🚨
Has your vehicle forgotten what color it is? 🤔
Is there enough pollen on your hood to plant a garden? 🌼
Can your neighbors write “Wash Me!” in the dust? ✍️
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions…we have good news!
🫧 The CHS Cheerleaders are ready to rescue your ride! 🦁
Swing by the Pest Stop on Saturday, August 1, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, and let our cheerleaders turn your dusty, dirty, bug-covered vehicle back into something you’re proud to park in the driveway.
💛 Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated, and every dollar helps support our CHS Cheerleaders throughout the year.
So grab your car, truck, SUV, or that vehicle you’ve been pretending isn’t dirty…we promise not to judge. (Well…maybe just a little. 😉)
📍 Pest Stop
📅 Saturday, August 1
🕙 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Come dirty. Leave sparkling. Support our Lions! 🖤💛🦁
🍎 A Moment of Pride for Benton County Schools! 🍎
The Benton County Board of Education is proud to congratulate Sarah Comuzie of Camden Central High School on being named a 2026-2027 Tennessee Teacher of the Year Finalist!
This prestigious recognition is awarded to educators who exemplify excellence in the classroom, demonstrate outstanding leadership, and make a lasting impact on the lives of their students and school communities. Being selected as one of Tennessee’s finalists is an extraordinary accomplishment and a reflection of Sarah’s dedication to her students, her colleagues, and the teaching profession.
Sarah’s passion for education and commitment to helping every student succeed represent the very best of Benton County Schools. Her recognition shines a spotlight not only on her outstanding work, but also on the culture of excellence found throughout our district.
Please join us in congratulating Sarah on this well-deserved honor. We are incredibly proud to have her representing Camden Central High School, Benton County Schools, and our community on the state level.
Congratulations, Sarah! Your Benton County family is cheering you on every step of the way.
**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.
📚 **ParentVUE (NEW)**
ParentVUE is your source for student information. Through ParentVUE, you can:
• View your child's class schedule
• Check grades and report cards
• Monitor attendance
• Access important student information
📱 **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.
📚 **ParentVUE (NEW)**
ParentVUE is your source for student information. Through ParentVUE, you can:
• View your child's class schedule
• Check grades and report cards
• Monitor attendance
• Access important student information
📱 **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.
🦁 WARNING: You may experience unexpected side effects after attending the Camden Central High School All-Class Reunion!
Possible symptoms include:
📚 Saying, "Remember when..."
😂 Laughing until your sides hurt.
🏈 Reliving Friday night football victories.
📸 Digging through old yearbooks looking for embarrassing hairstyles.
🎓 Discovering your "high school rival" is now one of your favorite people.
🤔 Wondering how everyone else still looks 25.
☕ Needing coffee the morning after because you stayed too late catching up.
Whether you graduated in the '50s, '80s, or just a few years ago, this is your chance to come home, reconnect with classmates, and celebrate what it means to be a Camden Lion.
🗓 Friday, September 25
🏈 Homecoming Weekend
🦁 Camden Central High School All-Class Reunion
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait too long. We can't promise your old locker combination will still work, but we can promise plenty of stories, smiles, and memories.
Once a Lion. Always a Lion. 💛🖤
#CamdenCentral #CamdenLions #AllClassReunion #OnceALionAlwaysALion #Homecoming2026
Possible symptoms include:
📚 Saying, "Remember when..."
😂 Laughing until your sides hurt.
🏈 Reliving Friday night football victories.
📸 Digging through old yearbooks looking for embarrassing hairstyles.
🎓 Discovering your "high school rival" is now one of your favorite people.
🤔 Wondering how everyone else still looks 25.
☕ Needing coffee the morning after because you stayed too late catching up.
Whether you graduated in the '50s, '80s, or just a few years ago, this is your chance to come home, reconnect with classmates, and celebrate what it means to be a Camden Lion.
🗓 Friday, September 25
🏈 Homecoming Weekend
🦁 Camden Central High School All-Class Reunion
Seats are available on a first-come, first-served basis, so don't wait too long. We can't promise your old locker combination will still work, but we can promise plenty of stories, smiles, and memories.
Once a Lion. Always a Lion. 💛🖤
#CamdenCentral #CamdenLions #AllClassReunion #OnceALionAlwaysALion #Homecoming2026
🦁 **LIONS, ASSEMBLE!** 🦁
Who needs sleep when you can have SNOWBALLS and SHOULDER PADS at midnight?! 🏈✨
That's right, Lion Pride — we're kicking off football season the ONLY way we know how: LOUD, PROUD, and WAY past our bedtime. 🌙
📅 **July 26–27**
⏰ **10:30 PM** (yes, PM — the moon will be our stadium lights)
📍 **On the Football Field**
Come watch our boys hit the field for their FIRST padded practice at 12:00 AM sharp — because apparently our Lions do their best roaring when the rest of the county is snoring. 😴➡️😱
🍧 Happy Camper snowballs on deck
✨ Glow sticks, light-up footballs & tattoos from our cheerleaders
🖤💛 Wear your Black & Gold and bring those chants!
We've got ONE TEAM, ONE PRIDE, and approximately ZERO chill.
**The Lions are ready... are YOU?** (Coffee is optional. Team spirit is NOT.) ☕🦁
#MidnightMadness #LionPride #OneTeamOneRoar #WhoNeedsSleep
***
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:
• Send and receive secure, two-way messages with teachers and staff.
• View classroom announcements, reminders, and shared materials in the app.
• 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 child’s classes and messages.
With Rooms, parents and guardians can:
• Send and receive secure, two-way messages with teachers and staff.
• View classroom announcements, reminders, and shared materials in the app.
• 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 child’s classes and messages.
Students will eat free for both breakfast and lunch for the entire 2026–2027 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 child’s school or visit the Benton County Schools website.
Here are two calendars for the beginning of the school year. School starts August 3.
📣 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:
🔗 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.
✅ ParentVUE allows parents and guardians to:
• Monitor attendance
• View grades and assignments
• Receive important school information
✅ StudentVUE allows students to:
• Check grades
• View class schedules
• Track assignments and attendance
For additional information about Benton County Schools, our schools, and district programs, visit:
🌐 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! 💙⭐💛
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:
🔗 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.
✅ ParentVUE allows parents and guardians to:
• Monitor attendance
• View grades and assignments
• Receive important school information
✅ StudentVUE allows students to:
• Check grades
• View class schedules
• Track assignments and attendance
For additional information about Benton County Schools, our schools, and district programs, visit:
🌐 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! 💙⭐💛
Attention all students who completed the Medical Assisting course at the Career and Technical Center. If you would like to retake the Medical Assisting certification exam, we will offer it again at the high school. The exam will be given on June 23 at 10:00 AM in Mrs. Vance's classroom. You must log in to your AMCA candidate account and click "Registration" in the left-side menu. Under "Eligible for Retake," you can complete the registration and receive the reduced rate. You MUST register before June 9 to be eligible to retake the exam.
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 child’s 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 student’s 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 child’s 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 child’s 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 student’s 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 child’s 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.
***IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS WHO TOOK THE ACT THIS SPRING***
Based on its continual evaluation of scores, ACT has informed us that it needs to reissue scores for students who took the ACT online during the school day this spring. If you are among those students, your current score will be removed from your MyACT account on Wednesday, May 13. When scores are available again (no later than June 2), your Composite score and section scores will remain the same or increase slightly based on your individual performance. Your scores will NOT be lower than what was previously released. There is no action you need to take. ACT will post revised scores on MyACT and resend them to your school. If you previously opted to send scores via ACT to a college, university, or scholarship-awarding organization, they, too, will be sent any updated scores.
Based on its continual evaluation of scores, ACT has informed us that it needs to reissue scores for students who took the ACT online during the school day this spring. If you are among those students, your current score will be removed from your MyACT account on Wednesday, May 13. When scores are available again (no later than June 2), your Composite score and section scores will remain the same or increase slightly based on your individual performance. Your scores will NOT be lower than what was previously released. There is no action you need to take. ACT will post revised scores on MyACT and resend them to your school. If you previously opted to send scores via ACT to a college, university, or scholarship-awarding organization, they, too, will be sent any updated scores.
Enjoy tonight's graduation live streamed.
https://www.nfhsnetwork.com/events/camden-central-high-school-camden-tn/evt595ba3fc41