On Monday (September 21, 2026), the afternoon route of Camden bus #12 will be 1.5 hours late. In addition, the afternoon routes of Camden bus #15 will be 1.5 hours late this upcoming week. The morning bus routes will run at their normal times.
The afternoon bus routes of Camden buses #12 & #15 will run 1.5 hours late for the rest of this week (September 16-18, 2026). The morning bus schedules will operate at the normal times.
On Tuesday (September 15, 2026) the morning and afternoon routes of Camden bus #15 will run 1.5 hours late. Also, the afternoon route of Camden bus #12 will run 1.5 hours late.
❤️📚 Grandparents, Great Books & Growing Voices at Camden Elementary!
There’s something pretty special about seeing grandparents walk through the doors of Camden Elementary! ❤️
During the week of September 8, CES celebrated our grandparents by inviting them into the school to meet their grandchildren’s teachers, enjoy classroom activities, pose for a few family pictures, and, most importantly, make memories together. Judging by these smiles, we’d say the assignment was completed with flying colors! 😊
And the family connection doesn’t stop there.
📚 Camden Elementary is putting an extra spotlight on reading literacy this year! Beginning this month and continuing during the third week of each month, CES teachers will share special read-aloud stories that students and families can enjoy together at home.
Be sure to visit the Camden Elementary Facebook page and the Benton County Schools website to catch our teachers reading some of their favorite books. Students can listen, enjoy the story, and then put those reading skills to work by taking an AR test on the book!
🎥 And don’t miss the monthly Cub Press Video! Our young reporters will help share what’s happening around CES and give everyone a glimpse of what students have been learning and doing. These Cubs may be young, but they’re already discovering that their voices can inform, inspire, and make a difference.
From grandparents making memories in our classrooms to teachers sharing stories and students stepping in front of the camera, Camden Elementary is bringing generations together through family, literacy, and learning. 🦁📖❤️
Great memories. Great stories. Growing voices. That’s CES!
There’s something pretty special about seeing grandparents walk through the doors of Camden Elementary! ❤️
During the week of September 8, CES celebrated our grandparents by inviting them into the school to meet their grandchildren’s teachers, enjoy classroom activities, pose for a few family pictures, and, most importantly, make memories together. Judging by these smiles, we’d say the assignment was completed with flying colors! 😊
And the family connection doesn’t stop there.
📚 Camden Elementary is putting an extra spotlight on reading literacy this year! Beginning this month and continuing during the third week of each month, CES teachers will share special read-aloud stories that students and families can enjoy together at home.
Be sure to visit the Camden Elementary Facebook page and the Benton County Schools website to catch our teachers reading some of their favorite books. Students can listen, enjoy the story, and then put those reading skills to work by taking an AR test on the book!
🎥 And don’t miss the monthly Cub Press Video! Our young reporters will help share what’s happening around CES and give everyone a glimpse of what students have been learning and doing. These Cubs may be young, but they’re already discovering that their voices can inform, inspire, and make a difference.
From grandparents making memories in our classrooms to teachers sharing stories and students stepping in front of the camera, Camden Elementary is bringing generations together through family, literacy, and learning. 🦁📖❤️
Great memories. Great stories. Growing voices. That’s CES!
The morning and afternoon routes of Camdrn Bus #15 will run 1.5 hrs late today (September 14, 2026).
Camden Bus 29 is running about 30 minutes late this morning.
All Camden schools were placed in a soft lockdown as a precautionary measure due to an ongoing law enforcement situation off campus. This action was taken at the recommendation of local law enforcement and is not the result of any threat originating at any of our schools.
❤️🤍💙 HONORING OUR HEROES ❤️🤍💙
Some moments are bigger than football.
As the Camden Lions take on the Waverly Tigers, we invite our community to join us for a special evening of remembrance, gratitude, and honor as we recognize the first responders of Benton County, Humphreys County, and all communities represented in attendance.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We remember the lives lost that day, the heroes who ran toward danger when others were running away, and the countless first responders who continue that legacy of service every single day.
🚓 Law enforcement officers and sheriff’s departments
🚒 Firefighters
🚑 EMS personnel
⛑️ Rescue Squad members
🎧 911 dispatchers
Different uniforms. Different responsibilities. One shared commitment to answering the call when someone needs help.
At approximately 6:35 PM, before the game, first responders in attendance will be invited onto the field at Tommy Richardson Stadium to be recognized by our community.
To every first responder who has missed a meal, lost sleep, left family behind at a moment’s notice, stepped into uncertainty, comforted someone on their worst day, or simply answered when the call came:
Thank you.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Thank you for your service.
And thank you for protecting and caring for our communities.
We see you. We appreciate you. We honor you. ❤️🤍💙
🇺🇸 We Remember. We Honor. We Thank You. We Stand Together.
#WeRemember #WeHonor #WeThankYou #FirstResponders #BentonCounty #HumphreysCounty #CamdenLions #WaverlyTigers #OnceALionAlwaysALion #LionsPride
Some moments are bigger than football.
As the Camden Lions take on the Waverly Tigers, we invite our community to join us for a special evening of remembrance, gratitude, and honor as we recognize the first responders of Benton County, Humphreys County, and all communities represented in attendance.
This year marks the 25th anniversary of September 11, 2001. We remember the lives lost that day, the heroes who ran toward danger when others were running away, and the countless first responders who continue that legacy of service every single day.
🚓 Law enforcement officers and sheriff’s departments
🚒 Firefighters
🚑 EMS personnel
⛑️ Rescue Squad members
🎧 911 dispatchers
Different uniforms. Different responsibilities. One shared commitment to answering the call when someone needs help.
At approximately 6:35 PM, before the game, first responders in attendance will be invited onto the field at Tommy Richardson Stadium to be recognized by our community.
To every first responder who has missed a meal, lost sleep, left family behind at a moment’s notice, stepped into uncertainty, comforted someone on their worst day, or simply answered when the call came:
Thank you.
Thank you for your courage.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Thank you for your service.
And thank you for protecting and caring for our communities.
We see you. We appreciate you. We honor you. ❤️🤍💙
🇺🇸 We Remember. We Honor. We Thank You. We Stand Together.
#WeRemember #WeHonor #WeThankYou #FirstResponders #BentonCounty #HumphreysCounty #CamdenLions #WaverlyTigers #OnceALionAlwaysALion #LionsPride
On September 1, 2026, the afternoon route of bus #1 will run 1.5 hours late.
On August 31, 2026, the afternoon route of bus #20 will run 1.5 hrs late.
On August 26, 2026, the afternoon route of bus #20 will run 1.5 hrs late.
On August 25, 2026, the morning and afternoon routes of Camden bus #15 will run 1.5 hours late.
The morning and afternoon routes of bus #15 will run 1.5 hrs late today (August 24, 2026).
The Lion Huddle Brings Camden Elementary Together
Camden Elementary School is starting the 2026–2027 school year by building connections through The Lion Huddle, a school-wide meet-and-greet designed to help students feel welcomed, connected, and ready to learn.
The Lion Huddle gives students an opportunity to spend time with classmates, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends, and build relationships with the adults who make Camden Elementary special. More than just a beginning-of-the-year activity, The Lion Huddle is about creating a sense of belonging from the very start of the school year.
Throughout the opening weeks of school, first- and second-grade students have had their own Lion Huddle—a chance to connect with classmates, have fun, and build new friendships in a relaxed setting. These positive relationships are an important part of creating a strong and welcoming school environment. When students feel known, valued, and connected to their school community, they are better positioned to engage in learning and grow throughout the year.
The Lion Huddle reflects Camden Elementary’s commitment to making every student feel like an important part of the school family. As the school continues its focus on student engagement and literacy this year, staff are excited to begin by strengthening the relationships and sense of belonging that help students thrive.
The Lion Huddle is just one of the ways Camden Elementary is working to make the school year a positive one—one connection at a time.
Camden Elementary School is starting the 2026–2027 school year by building connections through The Lion Huddle, a school-wide meet-and-greet designed to help students feel welcomed, connected, and ready to learn.
The Lion Huddle gives students an opportunity to spend time with classmates, reconnect with familiar faces, meet new friends, and build relationships with the adults who make Camden Elementary special. More than just a beginning-of-the-year activity, The Lion Huddle is about creating a sense of belonging from the very start of the school year.
Throughout the opening weeks of school, first- and second-grade students have had their own Lion Huddle—a chance to connect with classmates, have fun, and build new friendships in a relaxed setting. These positive relationships are an important part of creating a strong and welcoming school environment. When students feel known, valued, and connected to their school community, they are better positioned to engage in learning and grow throughout the year.
The Lion Huddle reflects Camden Elementary’s commitment to making every student feel like an important part of the school family. As the school continues its focus on student engagement and literacy this year, staff are excited to begin by strengthening the relationships and sense of belonging that help students thrive.
The Lion Huddle is just one of the ways Camden Elementary is working to make the school year a positive one—one connection at a time.
PUBLIC RELEASE
Benton County Schools today announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program. For School Year 2026-2027, Benton County Schools will continue participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No further action is required of you. This USDA provision allows your child(ren) to participate in the school meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
CEP is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to eliminate school meal applications and serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students. CEP gives food service professionals more time to focus on preparing nutritious meals that their students will enjoy and gives students more time to eat those meals by cutting down on time spent in the lunch line. More importantly, by offering all students a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, CEP helps ensure more students come to class well-nourished and ready to learn.
Children need healthy meals to learn. Benton County Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast and lunch meals will follow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for healthy school meals, so please encourage students to participate. “In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age or disability.”
Parents or guardians who need further information may contact Michele Wright, School Nutrition Program Director, at 731-584-6111.
USDA NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
Benton County Schools today announced its policy for free and reduced-price meals for children served in schools under the National School Lunch Program and/or School Breakfast Program. For School Year 2026-2027, Benton County Schools will continue participation in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP). No further action is required of you. This USDA provision allows your child(ren) to participate in the school meal programs without having to pay a fee or submit a meal application.
CEP is a key provision of the Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act of 2010, which allows schools and school districts in low-income areas to eliminate school meal applications and serve breakfast and lunch at no charge to all enrolled students. CEP gives food service professionals more time to focus on preparing nutritious meals that their students will enjoy and gives students more time to eat those meals by cutting down on time spent in the lunch line. More importantly, by offering all students a nutritious breakfast and lunch at no cost, CEP helps ensure more students come to class well-nourished and ready to learn.
Children need healthy meals to learn. Benton County Schools offers healthy meals every school day. Breakfast and lunch meals will follow the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines for healthy school meals, so please encourage students to participate. “In the operation of child feeding programs, no child will be discriminated against because of race, sex, color, national origin, age or disability.”
Parents or guardians who need further information may contact Michele Wright, School Nutrition Program Director, at 731-584-6111.
USDA NONDISCRIMINATION STATEMENT
In accordance with federal civil rights law and USDA civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its agencies, offices, employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, age, marital status, family/parental status, income derived from a public assistance program, political beliefs, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity, in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA (not all bases apply to all programs). Remedies and complaint filing deadlines vary by program or incident.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.) should contact the state or local agency that administers the program or contact USDA through the Telecommunications Relay Service at 711 (voice and TTY). Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program discrimination complaint, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form,AD-3027, found online at How to File a Program Discrimination Complaint and at any USDA office or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1. Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Mail Stop 9410, Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
2. Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
3. Email: program.intake@usda.gov.
USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.
🏈🦁 **Friday Night Football is back at Wright Field, and we’re kicking off the season with a VERY special guest!** 🎤🇺🇸
The **Camden Lions Football Jamboree** takes over **Tommy Richardson Stadium on historic Wright Field** this **Friday, August 14**, and before the first snap, we’ll have a performance worthy of the occasion.
We are excited to welcome **country music recording artist Andy Griggs**, who will perform our **National Anthem**! 🇺🇸🎶
Country music fans know Andy from hits including **“You Won’t Ever Be Lonely,” “She’s More,”** and the **No. 1 hit “If Heaven.”** Now, that unmistakable voice is coming to Camden to help us open a great night of football under the lights.
📍 **Tommy Richardson Stadium at historic Wright Field**
📅 **Friday, August 14**
🎟️ **Gates Open: 5:15 PM**
🏈 **First Quarter: 7:00 PM**
🎤 **National Anthem performed by Andy Griggs**
Come early, grab your seat, and help us give Andy a **Camden Lions welcome** before we turn our attention to the gridiron!
**Country music. Friday night lights. Camden Lions football.**
That sounds like a pretty good way to spend a Friday night. 🖤💛
**See you at Wright Field! GO LIONS!** 🦁🏈🇺🇸
The **Camden Lions Football Jamboree** takes over **Tommy Richardson Stadium on historic Wright Field** this **Friday, August 14**, and before the first snap, we’ll have a performance worthy of the occasion.
We are excited to welcome **country music recording artist Andy Griggs**, who will perform our **National Anthem**! 🇺🇸🎶
Country music fans know Andy from hits including **“You Won’t Ever Be Lonely,” “She’s More,”** and the **No. 1 hit “If Heaven.”** Now, that unmistakable voice is coming to Camden to help us open a great night of football under the lights.
📍 **Tommy Richardson Stadium at historic Wright Field**
📅 **Friday, August 14**
🎟️ **Gates Open: 5:15 PM**
🏈 **First Quarter: 7:00 PM**
🎤 **National Anthem performed by Andy Griggs**
Come early, grab your seat, and help us give Andy a **Camden Lions welcome** before we turn our attention to the gridiron!
**Country music. Friday night lights. Camden Lions football.**
That sounds like a pretty good way to spend a Friday night. 🖤💛
**See you at Wright Field! GO LIONS!** 🦁🏈🇺🇸
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.
🌟 BIG DREAMS START WITH LITTLE STEPS! 🌟
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.
📞 Have questions? Give us a call at (731) 584-6111.
🍎 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! 💙💛
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.
📞 Have questions? Give us a call at (731) 584-6111.
🍎 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! 💙💛
**📍 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. 🍦🚗**
