BIG Tornado Pride! Basketball Season Gets Rolling at Holladay

The basketball season is officially underway at Holladay School, and the Tornadoes are bringing plenty of hustle, heart, and TORNADO PRIDE to the hardwood!

The newly refinished floor at T. Hudson Memorial Gym was shining brightly as the Holladay Tornadoes opened their week with two home games. At center court, the painted Tornado mascot looked fierce and ready for action as the Lady Tornadoes and Tornadoes took on a pair of tough opponents.

On Monday, September 28, Holladay welcomed the Big Sandy Red Devils. Both the girls’ and boys’ teams hit the court ready to work. The Tornadoes hustled, played together, and gave it their all, but when the final whistle sounded, both Holladay teams came up short against the Red Devils.

Thursday night brought another opportunity to hit the hardwood as the Tornadoes faced the Frank Hughes Lions. And if there is one thing Holladay School is never short on, it’s school spirit! Students, teachers, and staff showed their support by wearing red and filling the gym with Tornado pride.

The Lady Tornadoes showed plenty of grit during a challenging game against the Lions. They battled hard from start to finish, but Frank Hughes came away with the win.

The Tornadoes also faced a tough battle against the Lions. After making some adjustments at halftime, Holladay came back onto the court ready to make some noise. The Tornadoes came out shooting in the third quarter and knocked down some nice shots, giving the home crowd plenty to cheer about. In the end, however, the Lions claimed the victory.

While the scoreboard may not have gone Holladay’s way this week, the season is just getting started! Every game is another opportunity to learn, improve, work together, and grow stronger as a team.

So grab your red, bring your loudest cheers, and come out to support these tiny but mighty teams! The Holladay Tornadoes may be small in size, but they are BIG in TORNADO PRIDE!

Keep hustling, Tornadoes! The best is yet to come!
7 days ago, Randy Shannon
Holladay Basketball Schedule
Holladay Elementary School's phones are still experiencing issues. Please use the school's emergency number (731.468.0938) to contact the school.
7 days ago, Randy Shannon
All telephone systems at our schools should be fully operational now. However, we are still having issues at the Central Office. Please continue to call 731.468.4963 to reach us at the Central Office. You may also call any school, and they will relay the message. Thank you for your understanding.
8 days ago, Randy Shannon
📅 BREAKING NEWS: We’re already planning 2027–2028.
Yes, we know. Some of us are still trying to remember what day it is this week. 😅

The 2027–2028 Benton County Schools Calendar has officially been approved!

Go ahead and save it, screenshot it, print it, stick it on the refrigerator, send it to Grandma, and begin the time-honored tradition of asking:

🏖️ “When is Fall Break?”
🎄 “When does Christmas Break start?”
🌸 “When is Spring Break?”
😳 “Wait... school starts WHEN?!”

We’ve got you covered.

📌 One calendar. An entire school year. Approximately 847 opportunities to ask, “Do we have school tomorrow?”

Benton County Schools
Together we inspire excellence. ⭐
8 days ago, Randy Shannon
2027-2028 District Calendar
We apologize for the ongoing issues with the telephone repairs. While some schools have returned to service, others, including the Central Office, have not. If you cannot get an answer on the regular line, please call the numbers provided in this post. Thank you for your understanding.
9 days ago, Randy Shannon
Emergency Numbers
🌟 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! 💙💛
11 days ago, Randy Shannon
PreK Flyer

📞 SCHOOL PHONE SYSTEM NOTICE

Benton County Schools is currently experiencing a temporary interruption to our regular school phone systems while system upgrades are being completed.

During this time, each school can still be reached using the emergency contact numbers below:

Big Sandy School: 731-468-0931
Briarwood School: 731-468-0954
Camden Elementary School: 731-468-0940
Camden Junior High School: 731-468-0956
Camden Central High School: 731-468-0957
Holladay School: 731-468-0938

We appreciate your patience and understanding while these upgrades are completed. We will provide an update when normal phone service has been restored.

Benton County Schools

11 days ago, Randy Shannon
School Emergency Numbers
📅 PLEASE NOTE: OCTOBER SCHOOL BOARD MEETING DATE CHANGE

The Benton County Board of Education will meet Thursday, October 1, at 6:00 PM at the Board of Education Support Center.

Our regular monthly meetings are normally held on the first Monday of the month. However, with Fall Break beginning Monday, October 5, the October meeting has been moved up a few days.

📍 Board of Education Support Center
📅 Thursday, October 1
🕕 6:00 PM

Please help us spread the word about the schedule change, and we hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Fall Break!
16 days ago, Randy Shannon
School Board Meeting Change
Grandparents Make Holladay School Shine!
Holladay School was buzzing with excitement on Tuesday, September 15, as students welcomed some very special guests for a “GRANDparent Celebration”!

The hallways and cafeteria were filled with colorful decorations and special creations made by students to celebrate Grandparents’ Day. The festive atmosphere made it clear that grandparents were in for a special day at Holladay School!

Following lunch, grandparents joined their grandchildren for a reception in the school cafeteria. Grade-level groups attended at different times, giving students the opportunity to proudly host their grandparents and enjoy some special time together.

The serving tables were filled with delicious treats, including donuts, cookies, pretzels, and brownies. Holladay BETA students helped make the celebration extra special by serving grandparents and their grandchildren.

With tables filled with smiles, sweet treats, and plenty of conversation, the reception provided a wonderful opportunity for grandparents and grandchildren to enjoy some food, fellowship, and quality time together.

But the celebration didn’t end there! After the reception, grandparents were invited to visit their grandchildren’s classrooms for a tour and a chance to see where their students spend their school days.

After school, grandparents were invited back at 4 pm for "Reading and Donuts" with the Grands.  Students could spend time reading to their grandparents, taking AR tests, and earning AR points.  Snacks were enjoyed by all as well!

At Holladay School, family and school go hand in hand, and this special celebration was a wonderful reminder of the important role grandparents play in the lives of their grandchildren. It was a GRAND day at Holladay School!
21 days ago, Randy Shannon
Holladay Grandparents Day!
❤️ 1 COMMUNITY. 1 HEART. ❤️

Saturday, our Holladay BETA Club showed exactly what those words mean.

These students rolled up their sleeves and spent the day helping clean up a community member’s yard as part of 1 Community 1 Heart. They worked hard, worked together, and put service into action. And they weren’t alone. Our parents jumped right in and worked alongside them!

BETA is about more than achievement. It’s about leadership, character, service, and making your community better because you are part of it.

Saturday, our Tornadoes did just that. 🌪️❤️

We are incredibly proud of these students, thankful for the parents who pitched in, and grateful for a community where people still show up for one another.

One project. One team. One community. One heart. ❤️
25 days ago, Randy Shannon
1 Community 1 Heart Event
❤️🤍💙 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
about 1 month ago, Randy Shannon
First Responders Football graphic
📸 PICTURE DAY IS COMING TO HOLLADAY SCHOOL! Tuesday, August 25 is the day when we discover which children have mastered the perfect school-picture smile… and which ones have chosen “startled deer under fluorescent lighting.” 😂 A few friendly reminders for families: 📅 Tuesday, August 25, 2026 👕 Send them in their chosen picture-day outfit. 💇 Hair negotiations should ideally be completed before arriving at school. 😁 Practice that smile… or at least something reasonably close. 📸 And remember: these pictures have a remarkable tendency to reappear at graduation parties, senior nights, and future weddings. No pressure, kids. Absolutely no pressure. 😬🤣 We can’t wait to see all those Holladay School smiles! ❤️📷
about 2 months ago, Randy Shannon
Holladay Picture Day Flyer
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.
about 2 months ago, Randy Shannon
School Meals Flyer
🏈🦁 **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!** 🦁🏈🇺🇸
about 2 months ago, Randy Shannon
Jamboree Flyer
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. 🇺🇸📚
2 months ago, Randy Shannon
Board Tribute Flyer
Holladay School Kicks Off the Year with a Back-to-School Bash!

The halls of Holladay School were buzzing with excitement as students returned for their first day of school on Monday, August 3. To celebrate a great start to the new school year, students and staff wrapped up the day with a fun-filled Back-to-School Bash packed with laughter, teamwork, and friendly competition.

The celebration featured a variety of exciting games that had everyone cheering. Teachers and kindergarten students competed in energetic Stick Horse Races, while grade levels competed against one another in an Over-Under Beach Ball Relay. Classes also put their teamwork to the test during a hilarious Beach Ball Toss, where teachers attempted to catch students' flying beach balls using oversized "Granny Pants." The festivities concluded with the fast-paced Head, Shoulders, Knees, Pom Pom challenge, where students raced head-to-head to grab the pom pom before their opponent.

After an afternoon of fun, everyone enjoyed popcorn and drinks generously provided by the Holladay PTH, making the celebration even sweeter.

Principal Amy Davis reminded students that the fun won't stop with the first day of school. Throughout the year, students can look forward to random attendance rewards, including surprise treats and special activities designed to celebrate being at school.

"Good things are always happening at Holladay School," Mrs. Amy Davis shared. "You never know when a surprise might be waiting, so be here every day—you won't want to miss out!"

With an exciting first day in the books, Holladay School is already off to a fantastic start and looking forward to a year filled with learning, friendships, and plenty of unforgettable memories.
2 months ago, Randy Shannon
Holladay First Day Bash Flyer
🌟 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! 💙💛
2 months ago, Randy Shannon
PreK Flyer
**📍 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. 🍦🚗**
2 months ago, Randy Shannon
Family Planner
🚸 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! 🦁📚🍎
2 months ago, Randy Shannon
start of school flyer
Holladay School teachers participated in incident command drills and school bus evacuation training as part of our School Safety Professional Development. Homeland Security Agent Jason Lowery presented various safety scenarios for teacher groups to discuss and problem-solve. Bus driver Sherry Sigler brought her bus so teachers could practice the available exits in case of an emergency and brainstorm different safety scenarios that might occur during bus transportation. Teachers are working to prepare for back-to-school next week.
2 months ago, Randy Shannon
Holladay Bus Safety Training