Guess who recently visited Smyrna Elementary School?

Bill Nye “The Science Guy” surprised students with a special presentation as part of the prize package for fourth-grade teacher Ivy Miller, winner of the 2026 America’s Favorite Teacher competition hosted by Colossal.

During the visit, Nye shared his own childhood memories of the start of Space Age and told students what they could expect to see from space exploration as they grow older. Chief ambassador of The Planetary Society, Nye is an internationally known and award-winning science educator, inventor, engineer and TV show host.

Miller’s winnings also came along with a check for $25,000, which she received during the celebration.

Thanks to Nye and the team at Colossal making the day one to remember for our students and staff!
6 days ago, Rutherford County Schools
Person at podium speaking with a large screen showing a message and a planet behind.
Diverse group of students sitting in bleachers, some wearing uniforms, others in casual attire, engaging in conversation.
Many children are cheering and smiling with red pom poms and T-shirts. They are in a gymnasium.
A group of adults and children stand together, smiling, with some giving thumbs up, against a black curtain.
Students at a school event, holding red pom-poms, cheering with hands in the air.
Woman in a white sweater and blue skirt sitting on a red chair holds a tablet.
Man on stage with arms raised in front of large screen. Some students are raising their hands.
Two people, a woman taking a photo and a man in a bow tie, stand together against a wall with two logos.
Save the Date!! Thanksgiving Lunches - November 17 & 18
38 minutes ago, Smyrna Elementary School
Thanksgiving Lunches - Spanish
Thanksgiving Lunch - English
Careers on Wheels brought a world of possibilities to our students!

On Monday, October 19, our students explored vehicles, discovered the tools of different trades, and met the people who keep our communities moving. These hands-on experiences helped students connect what they learn in school to careers they could pursue one day.

A heartfelt THANK YOU to our community partners for sharing your time, equipment, expertise, and enthusiasm. You sparked curiosity, welcomed questions, and helped our students imagine new possibilities for their futures.

Town of Smyrna, TN - Local Government
Dow Smith Company, Inc
Amazon Prime
PAWS of Rutherford County, TN
Rogers Group Inc.
Smyrna, TN Police Department
SRM Concrete
TCAT Murfreesboro Smyrna
Nissan Smyrna
Tennessee Trucking Association & Foundation
Murfreesboro TN Police Department K-9
Rutherford County Sheriff's Office
Farrer Bros Hardware and Rental Service
Redstone Federal Credit Union
Raine Company LLC
Middle Tennessee Electric
Smyrna, TN Fire Department
Zeke's Automotive Group Inc
3 days ago, Smyrna Elementary School
Aerial view of school grounds with vehicles parked in front of a building. Ladders and people are present.
Child in green shirt sits inside cab of black and white excavator with "E48" on side.
Students and adults gather around a large truck with "SDM Concrete" on its side.
Several vehicles parked on grass. People standing near them. Street lights, trees, and a blue sky.
Students and adults stand near a blue sports car and trucks; a pile of plastic bags sits to the left.
People stand around a blue table with items on it outside; some wear hats and sneakers.
Many students gather around a table with boxes and a fire truck in the background.
Police officer stands before group of students, two large armored vehicles in background, clear blue sky.
Students gather around a large semi-truck with open hood, near a traffic cone.
A group of children gathered around a large truck. An adult stands near the truck.
What a FABULOUS STEAM Family Night last week!

“Adventure Awaits: Explore the World Through STEAM” brought our SES families together for an evening of learning, creativity, and discovery!

Thank you to Mobile Ed Productions for bringing their #STEAMMuseum with 12 hands-on exhibits exploring robotics, virtual reality, 3D printing, art, engineering, and more!

Selected student groups from 1st, 4th, and 5th grades presented their solutions to their first-quarter STEM Challenges—our problem-based learning units—with a top project representing each homeroom.

Families across all grade levels explored classroom activities and ELA and math strategies to support learning at home.

Our Kindergarten and 3rd-grade artists shined in the Student Art Showcase!

Families browsed the Book Fair, and those with prior dinner reservations enjoyed dinner at Cafe Nest, as well as received a book.

Thank you to our staff, students, volunteers, and families for making this night such a wonderful adventure!
4 days ago, Smyrna Elementary School
Three children play in a sandbox labeled "Prehistoric Playground," with one using a red shovel.
Students and adults using tools to crack eggs into a blue barrel on a wooden floor.
Two children play an arcade game while a woman in glasses and a pink shirt helps them.
Group of children and adults in a gym with a blue banner. Some children play with robots.
Group of adults and children at a school event, watching people play a game with balls on a game board.
People stand in an indoor basketball court. Two young girls and a man wear virtual reality goggles.
Two students standing near a standee and playing a game with a long wire.
People in a room with tables and papers, one person holding a cup, another seated and writing.
Four people at tables. A man sits smiling at a table with a girl. A woman speaks to them.
STEAM Family Night pictures
Book Fair Opens Tomorrow!!! Your next great adventure starts at the Book Fair! Bring the whole family to shop:
*Thursday, Oct. 15 | 5–7 p.m.
*Tuesday, Oct. 20 | 3–6 p.m.
Every purchase supports our school library! Cash, cards, and eWallet accepted—please leave coins at home.
12 days ago, Smyrna Elementary School
Book Fiar

As announced this summer, Rutherford County Schools has launched two new technology tools that will simplify how parents receive information and how they interact with their teachers and coaches to learn about their student’s academics, school announcements, and extra-curricular activities.

The first one is ParentVue by Synergy, and this will be used to see your student’s academic information, including report cards, daily grades, missing assignments, class schedules, etc. It is similar to Skyward that we used last year, but it is much more mobile and user friendly. The companion is called StudentVue and contain similar information for students. 

The second app, and perhaps the most important, is MyRCS. Search for “Rutherford County Schools” in your app store, and download it for free.

The MyRCS app will be used by parents to receive messages and interact with your school, teachers, coaches, or band directors depending on the activities students are involved in. This is the sole communication platform we are using for this type of communication this year. It replaces platforms such as ClassDojo, Remind, Band or any others as parents have asked for a one-stop source for school information. 

Once downloaded, you can select which schools your children attend to receive a live feed of news items from those schools. By adjusting your preferences, written messages families receive are translated automatically into your preferred language. You can also interact directly teachers and coaches using a featured called “Rooms,” which is a secure two-way communication tool. 

Rooms launches Monday and Parents will receive an email or text message inviting them to join their teacher’s or coach’s Room. If you don’t get the email or text, that’s ok. Beginning Monday evening you can visit the Rooms section of the app, or use the login button on your school’s website.

For your login, all you need to enter is the cell phone number you have on file with your school or your email address. You should then receive an access code, and you will be logged in. 

For a quick overview of how the platform works, watch this short video introduction. If you have questions or need assistance, visit our Rooms Resources webpage. Links to download the apps are available here.

Rutherford County Schools is excited to offer these communication tools for parents and students. We want to ensure everyone stays informed about their students and schools. Thanks again for your patience and cooperation as we settle in to a new school year. 

2 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Blue background with text and icons for two apps. Text reads: "Two apps RCS parents need to download this school year."

The 2026-2027 school supply lists are now available.

4 months ago, Smyrna Elementary School
Backpack with supplies
Rutherford County School is committed the well-being of our students and their families. The list of organizations and services below is provided for informational purpose and may offer support to students and families in need.

https://rucoschools.my.canva.site/rcs-community-resources
5 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Multi-colored Rutherford County Schools logo with words Community Resources

With gratitude and admiration, RCS honors our newest retirees. With nearly 730 years of combined service to Rutherford County Schools, they will be missed.

Thank you for your service to our community!

See more photos: https://www.rcschools.net/apps/news/article/2177060?categoryId=6409

8 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
A group of smiling teachers and principals

Our Teachers of the Year represent the best of education. With 582 years of service to Rutherford County Schools (and even more in education), their commitment to student success and love of learning truly set the standard for excellence. Thank you for inspiring greatness in our students and making a difference every single day.

Full photo gallery here: https://www.rcschools.net/apps/news/article/2177060?categoryId=6409

8 months ago, Rutherford County Schools
Smiling teachers holding awards